FINDING HEART
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
BY DRAGONWIND





Disclaimer: I do not own the places nor Aragorn, Legolas, Elrond, Thranduil, Arwen or
anyone else recognized from Lord of the Rings...They all belong to Tolkein. This is
written for fun, not profit. Do not sue, I have nothing. Some scenes/conversations
developed with Kam




As always, please review and keep my muse fed




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"They should not be so narrow minded," Aalyssa began, stopping when her sister's
words sunk in. "But you are a fine warrior."

"Yes, but I would like to learn how to be a lady so that I do not embarrass Legolas at
functions and such."

"I will make you a deal. I will instruct you if you teach me fighting."

"But, not in your condition," Iladori argued.

"No, I will do nothing to endanger my child. Although I do believe I could learn bow with
no physical reactions."

"I would be happy to teach you the bow, but only after you seek counsel from the
healer," Iladori stated, extending her hand to Aalyssa. "Now, can you explain why the
court women enjoy hurting people with their words?"

"No," Aalyssa shook her head sadly. "I used to believe I understood, but I really do not.
I allowed Marissa to drag me into their ways because I longed for friends.

"They are hateful. How does anyone like them?"

"Again, I do not know. I am pleased Mama punished me for the lies by forbidding me
back in the weaving room for the remainder of Court. Just imagine the fun they will be
having now."

"Is it wrong for me to admit I am grateful to be forbidden from the weaving room?"

"No. But I do so hate being stuck in bed."

"That is only for today, so your body can rest," Iladori assured her.

"I know, but after that, what else is there to do? I wish there were a sewing room or
somewhere I could take a book and hide."

"Hiding up here seems to work for you." Iladori smiled, "And I see you have a book."

"I am lonely up here, though. And I long to smell the flowers and trees and feel the
fresh air."

A mischievous smile stole over Iladori's face. "I am sure if Konner were here, you would
not be complaining."

A slow, heated blush crept over Aalyssa. "Yes, well. He is training with Father's Guard.
I do not wish to bother him with my loneliness."

"He is training?" Iladori asked in surprise.

"He decided he needs to be able to protect me and the baby."

"That is good. I have noticed his skills were lacking."

"Konner concentrated on training for the throne. He had never realized the importance
of being able to defend and protect before."

"Yet Legolas is a fine fighter."

"Legolas focused on becoming a warrior. Konner, well, he never really applied himself.
If he was not learning the business of the Crown, he was, well. . ." Aalyssa cast her
eyes down. "Anyway, I believe the events of the past week have made Konner re-
evaluate what is important in his life."

Iladori eyed her with concern. "What did he focus on earlier, when not training?"

"Women," Aalyssa admitted. "Some may have been the lies of Marissa though, but I
remember last year here at court. . ."

"You have won his heart and that is all that matters, Lys," Iladori assured her, earning
herself a bright smile. "What is Konner trying to learn?"

"He wishes to learn long knife and sword right now, then he will work on bow."

"Legolas is good with the bow," Iladori nodded.

"I just hope. . ." Aalyssa glanced toward the window, chewing on her lower lip.

"Hope? Hope he does not whack himself on the head?" Iladori asked.

Aalyssa smiled wryly, "And that he does not get hurt out there before he learns."

"I am sure the Mirkwood Guard will do right by him. I am sure they are using training
blades which are not sharp. It is hard to hurt yourself with a training blade, although he
might be black and blue from bruising."

"Well, if we were wed," Aalyssa began wistfully. "But, since right now he is sleeping
with Legolas. . ."

"He is sleeping in Legolas' room? I hope Konner does not snore. Legolas might lose his
beauty sleep," Iladori said with a laugh.

Aalyssa laughed along with her sister. "No, he is safe. Konner does not snore.
Everything will be fine between you and Legolas, trust me."

"I hope so," Iladori said just as someone knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Aalyssa asked, looking up in surprise.

"It is I, Laure," the voice said outside the door.

"Come in, Mama."

Laure entered, carrying a lunch tray. "Oh, I did not know you had company, dearest. I
brought you some lunch."

"It is all right Mama. Thank you," Aalyssa smiled up at her. "Would you like to join us?"

Iladori stood. "I was just leaving, Your Majesty."

"You do not have to leave," Aalyssa protested.

"You certainly do not, love," Laure agreed, settling the tray on Aalyssa's lap. "I ate
downstairs, dearest."

Iladori sat back down, folding her hands in her lap, falling silent in her discomfort.

"Hmm," Aalyssa said, looking at the contents of the tray.

"Is it not to your liking, dearest?" Laure asked with concern. "I am afraid there was not a
large selection. Since the men in Council and the Hobbits have eaten almost everything
in sight."

"I am sure it is fine, Mama. I just felt a little queasy looking at the food."

"Ahh," Laure said, sitting on the other side of the bed. "Little one, that is to be expected.
That is why I chose food that is not too flavorful from what there was."

"Oh, good. Thank you Mama," Aalyssa said, picking up her fork.

"The Hobbits should be having their elevens by now. Forlindon is near the shire, you
know," Iladori commented.

"Have you ever been there, Dori?"

Iladori nodded. "They are always eating and having parties."

"How do they get anything else done if they are always eating?" Aalyssa asked, taking
a bite of the beef on her tray.

"They manage somehow. I guess they work between meals. Let me see, breakfast,
second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, tea and supper," Iladori recounted. They are very
nice people though. And good cooks."

"Yes they are," Aalyssa smiled. "I imagine they would have to be. I could never eat so
much though."

"Just wait, little one, " Laure chuckled softly.

"Mama, are you saying I will be eating a lot?" Aalyssa inquired, continuing to eat, but
making faces with each bite.

"Yes, dearest. Remember, you are eating for two now."

"That is if you are not carrying twins," Iladori teased. "Then you will eating for three."

Laure smiled when Aalyssa coughed slightly.

"Or you may be eating for four, if you are carrying triplets. Although those are rare."

"Oh stars. I do hope you are teasing about triplets, Dori."

"Now, Iladori, do not frighten Aalyssa like that."

"It is all right. I am just not sure I could handle three babes at one time."

"They are rare," Iladori continued, "But one of Mother's ladies in waiting had a set last
year. All boys and they all look exactly alike."

Aalyssa gave up on the tray and pushed it away from her slightly, struggling to keep the
food down.

"If you have triplets, which I seriously doubt," Laure stated, pointedly looking at Iladori,
"Since that type of thing tends to run in the family, you will not have to worry dearest.
You will have plenty of help."

"But Mama," Aalyssa said quietly, "Twins do run in the family. I know I will have help,
but I have already explained I want to be as hands on as possible."

"You should eat more though," Iladori commented, looking at the tray still laden with
food. "Eating nutritious food is very important, especially early in the pregnancy."

Laure looked over at her, "And you know this how?"

"I know, Dori, but it is a struggle just to keep what I ate down."

"Two sisters, six nieces and nephews, lots of maids and ladies in waiting. It is like a
mantra around the palace at times."

Aalyssa glanced toward the window, the longing to feel the sunshine growing stronger.

"What is wrong, Aalyssa? Are you still afraid Konner will whack himself with a training
blade? At least he is not learning bow yet. He could shoot himself in the foot, or worse,
shoot someone in the arse," Iladori teased, trying to get Aalyssa to laugh.

"Iladori!" Laure scolded.

Aalyssa giggled, "It is all right Mama. She is teasing me, trying to get me to laugh."

"It has happened before, I swear. Ziellien's husband, when he was younger and
learning, shot one of the guard right in the arse."

"Oh, I know it happens," Aalyssa blushed and glanced at Laure.

Laure joined in the merriment, "Yes, I remember, Aalyssa. Legolas nearly shot his
father in the behind when he was first learning."

"It is just one of those things that happen during training. . . a learning experience,"
Aalyssa continued with a laugh.

"Really," Iladori replied, arching an eyebrow.

"What I really would like to eat. . ." Aalyssa mumbled absently, looking at the tray.

"What can I get you dearest?"

Aalyssa shot a mischievous look at Iladori then an innocent one at Laure. "A slice of
chocolate cake. And one to save for Konner when he returns from training."

Iladori chuckled softly, not daring to look at Laure.

"If that is what you truly desire, I will get it for you, dearest," Laure assured her.

"Hmm, Ziellien always wanted something sour and sweet. Like pickles with icing on.
And something with salt," Iladori commented, making a face.

"A plain pickle sounds good, as does something salty.

Laure smiled knowingly as she stood. "All right, dearest."

"Thank you," Aalyssa smiled back.

Aalyssa looked over at Iladori as Laure left the room, closing the door behind her. "Er,
you suspect what I want the cake for, do you not?"

"You are going to take pity on me and give it to me?" Iladori asked hopefully. "No, I did
not think so," she sighed. "Hopefully you are not going to smear it in Konner's face."

"Bad idea? It looked like so much fun. And it would be practice for the wedding day,
anyway."

"You need to take it easy, sister. No rough housing," Iladori scolded her.

"I know, but. . ."

"The first several months of pregnancy are a fragile time in the life of the fetus. Extra
care and precautions must be taken to ensure it's continued growth and health."

Aalyssa stared at her, her eyebrow lifted.

"Mother's ladies in waiting are always quoting things like that to Ziellien. It kind of stays
with you after you have heard it fifty million times."

"I suppose it does. You are right, of course. All right, we split the chocolate cake.
Konner would be extremely upset with me anyway, even if I did that privately. And I
certainly should not have tried to attack Marissa at the hearing yesterday. "

"But I bet you felt better for it, Lys. I should have whacked her harder on the head."

"I do. The very idea. . .going to kill Konner. Yes, you should have whacked her harder,"
Aalyssa grinned.

"Is Konner very proper?" Iladori asked.

"When we are in public, yes. He has to be, being heir to the throne."

"And in private? Besides the fact that he got you pregnant."

Aalyssa smiled. "He's very passionate and giving. And so very loving. He's been so
understanding with the nightmares."

"We all have nightmares, Lys. Even the strongest of people have them."

She nodded quietly. "I am sure he is much relieved to be sleeping in Legolas' room
now."

"I bet he wishes he was here to hold and comfort you, Lys. And I also would guess he
feels like a child again, having to share a room with his brother."

Aalyssa giggled. "I can just imagine his response when Mama told him he had to sleep
there."

"Imagine Legolas'," Iladori laughed.

"Hmm, I wonder what Legolas thought when he found Konner in his bed."

"Most likely, what the heck is he doing in my bed and why do I have to be stuck with
him."

The door opened and Laure came back in, carrying two large slices of cake. "Here you
go, dearest."

"Thank you, Mama." Aalyssa slid the one slice over to Iladori.

"You were saving that for Konner," Iladori protested, sliding it back to Aalyssa.

"Well, I know, but I just realized it will be dried out before he gets back up here,"
Aalyssa countered, pushing it back to her sister.

Iladori slid it back to Aalyssa. "Do you wish to get me into trouble with Mother?"

"A compromise. Why do we not split this one?"

"Lys, we are not allowed to eat sweets this early," Iladori protested.

"I am sorry, I did not realize that. I thought it was just that night you were not allowed
any."

Laure smiled softly, "Iladori, I am sure your mother will not know if you have a smidgen
of cake."

"You do not know Mother," Iladori frowned as Aalyssa cut her slice in half. When Laure
chuckled, she continued, "Trust me, she will know. It is like magic, whenever we did
something naughty as children, she knew." She shook her head at Aalyssa when she
tried to give her a piece. "I do not want to be grounded, Lys. "

"Are you sure, Dori?"

"She will know, she always does. I do not want to be restricted to my room. It would
mean. . ."

"I understand," Aalyssa smiled, handing the cake to Laure. "Here you go, Mama."

Laure took a bite of the cake, smiling at Aalyssa. "You would not like it anyway, Iladori.
It is rather dry."

Aalyssa forked a bit of the cake and popped it into her mouth. "You are right. Konner's
piece should be in fine condition when he gets here," she mumbled under her breath.
She swallowed quickly and called out, "Who is it?" when there was another knock on
the door.

"It is me and Legolas, can we come in?" Konner asked, poking his head around the
door.

"Certainly, sweetheart. Come on in," Aalyssa smiled up at them.

A small look of surprise filled Legolas' eyes when he found Iladori and his Mother with
Aalyssa.

Konner entered, "I see you have company," he smiled.


"Yes, sweetheart. But you are welcome too," Aalyssa smiled, holding her arms out for
him.

Legolas pushed past Konner and stood next to Iladori. He leaned down to kiss her, "Hi
sweetness. Everything all right here?"

She returned the kiss and smiled shyly at him. "Yes, we were just talking."

"Good. I am happy my two girls are getting to know one another," Legolas said,
grinning when Iladori nodded.

Konner sat on the edge of the bed next to Aalyssa, pulling her into his arms and kissing
her gently. "And how are we doing?"

"We are doing just fine. Although. . ." her voice trailed off.

"Although what?" he asked, nuzzling her below the ear.

"Konner, your mother," she whispered. Aalyssa pulled back and looked at him, an
apologetic look in her eyes. "I could not really eat my lunch."

"I am sure that is to be expected, my heart."

"Yes, I know," she said quietly. "The cake however is just what I needed, even if it is
dry."

Laure smiled over at them. "Aalyssa saved you a slice of cake, darling. Be a dear and
share it with Legolas."

Aalyssa handed Konner the plate, giving him a look to not say anything good about the
cake.

He took the plate from her and cut the slice in half with the fork. He handed half to his
brother. "Here, Legolas."

"Thank you, Konner."

Konner took a bite of the cake and exclaimed, "It must be your piece, my heart. This is
some of the best cake I have had for quite a while."

"Then it must have been some length of time, sweetheart, since you have had cake,"
Aalyssa stated, narrowing her eyes at him.

"You are right, Konner. It is. . ." Legolas began.

"Mama, how long has it been since they have had cake?" Aalyssa asked, shaking her
head. "Obviously neither of you have had cake for awhile. It is dry."

"Lys," Konner began patiently, "It is very moist. Not dry at all. Legolas, is your piece
dry?"

Laure struggled not to laugh as Aalyssa rolled her eyes in exasperation.

"Not a bit, Konner," Legolas replied.

"Konner?" Aalyssa said, a deceptively innocent tone to her voice. "Come over to the
other side of the bed for a minute, please."

Konner stood, still holding his plate. "Some of the best chocolate cake I have ever had.
No offense, Mother."

"None taken, darling," Laure replied.

"I have to agree with Konner, Lys," Legolas said, ignoring how silent Iladori had
become.

"What is it, love?" Konner asked, sitting on the other side of the bed. "Would you like
some of my cake since yours is dry?" He held a forkful of cake out to her.

Aalyssa reached up to grab the placket of his tunic and pulled his face down close to
hers. "Dori could not have any and we did not want her to know how good the cake
was, sweetheart," Aalyssa whispered. She lifted her other hand, which held a hunk of
cake and asked, "Want to try some of mine?" Aalyssa saw Laure cover her mouth with
her hand to hide her laughter.

At first, Konner continued, "The frosting is just the way I like it, sweet and chocolatey
and. . ." He stopped as her words sunk in and he stared at Aalyssa. "Oh, damn." He sat
up and stated, 'It is dry, very dry. It is like eating sawdust."

Shocked, Legolas stared at him. "But Konner. . ."

Laure continued to watch her sons, struggling not to laugh.

"I lied. I did not want to offend the ladies with my true opinion of how bad this cake is. It
is truly horrible. Stars, I could drink a lake," Konner gasped, making hand motions to
Legolas toward Iladori, trying not to be obvious.

"Konner, I do not get it. This cake is just. . ." Legolas paused, trying to decipher the
motions his brother was making.

"Dry?" Laure supplied.

Iladori sat in the chair, quietly laughing at the brothers' shenanigans.

"Er, you know, you are right after all. It tasted moist at first, but I could really use a drink
to get it down," Legolas admitted.

"There is some water on the stand next to Iladori, darling," Laure told him.

"Thank you, Mother," Legolas said. He kissed Iladori as he leaned behind her to get a
goblet of water."

"Water would be just the thing to get this dry cake down," Konner said, faking a cough.

"I will get you some, brother."

Konner pressed his face against Aalyssa's neck. "I am sorry, love. I did not know."

She smiled and turned to face him. "I know," she said softly before kissing him.

"Is something wrong, sweetness?" Legolas asked Iladori.

She shook her head, trying to refrain from laughing. "Nothing is wrong, Legolas. I
should go check on Storm Dancer, however."

'I will go with you. I just wanted to see how Aalyssa was this afternoon."

"No, Legolas. Please stay with your family and enjoy your cake. I will only be a few
minutes. He was in a mood earlier and I just want to check on him."

Legolas stared at her.

Aalyssa mumbled, "Excuse me, Konner." She slid from the bed. "Dori, come here for a
minute, please."

"Legolas, I will be fine. I am sure you would like to spend some time with your family,"
she said before standing and walking across the room. 'Yes, Lys?"

Aalyssa took her arm and pulled her to a far corner of the room. "There is something
you have to understand about male elves, all male elves, and I include Konner in this.
They are idiots. They never can tell what we are feeling or what we want. You have to
let Legolas know what he has done wrong, like I just did with Konner. Otherwise they
do not learn any different."




Legolas glanced nervously at Laure. "Mother, what is Aalyssa telling her over there?"

"Girl talk, dear," Laure smiled at Konner, who was still eating cake and washing each
bite down with water.




"Now, Dori, let him accompany you and watch him beg for forgiveness," Aalyssa
informed her sister. "The best part of fighting or having hurt feelings is making up."

"Lys, he did nothing wrong. He enjoyed his cake. What was wrong with that?"

"He hurt your feelings though, did he not? Be honest, Dori. . .do not try to tell me he did
not if he did."

"Why would my feelings be hurt if he enjoyed the cake?" Iladori asked, confusion
evident on her face. "It is not his fault we are not allowed sweets until later."

Aalyssa eyed her sister, disconcerted. "Then why are you pushing him away? He wants
to accompany you to the stables."

"I was not pushing him away, Lys. He was enjoying his cake and I really do need to
check on Storm Dancer. And to tell you the truth, Lys, Storm Dancer will be jealous of
Legolas."

"What? Why?" Aalyssa asked in confusion.

"Storm Dancer will sense something between Legolas and me, and Storm Dancer does
not take well to others at times. He is an elven stallion and has been the only male in
my life since he was a foal."

"I see," Aalyssa nodded. "You need to explain to Legolas why you do not wish for him
to escort you. Otherwise, he will think he hurt you and that you are pushing him away.
You have to train a man, much like a horse, to understand what you mean and need.
And I have to admit, Dori, I thought you were pushing him away."

Iladori tilted her head to the side and looked at her sister. "I did not think of that," she
finally admitted.

"Communication is everything in a relationship. Go explain your reason and he will
back off, since he will not feel pushed away anymore."

Aalyssa walked behind Iladori. As she neared the bed, she and Laure exchanged
smiles before Aalyssa crawled back into the bed.

Iladori smiled nervously at Legolas. "Legolas, I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt you."

"I. . .Did I do something wrong?" he asked quietly.

"No," Iladori shook her head. "Really, you did nothing wrong."

"Then why do you not want me to accompany you to the stables?"

"Storm Dancer will not take kindly to someone other than himself being the center of my
attention," she explained quietly, taking Legolas' hand.

Realization settled on Legolas. "I see. I shall wait for you here then," he stated, kissing
her lightly on the forehead.

She smiled up at him and gently kissed him on the lips. "I just need to make certain he
is not destroying his stall."

"I understand, sweetness. I know how Thunder is when he is in one of his moods. I will
be waiting," he said, watching her leave.

"I will not be long, I promise," Iladori said, turning to face him as she opened the door.

"All right."

When the door closed, Konner smiled. "Damn, this is good cake."

Aalyssa reached up and smacked him in the chest, grinning when he yelped. "Now, I
have words for the two of you."

Laure chuckled, picking her plate back up. "Yes, it is darling."