FINDING HEART
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one and four for disclaimers.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews, keep them coming and keep my muse fed.
To Unicorn Lady: Leggy's surprise will actually be in Legolas and Iladori's story, which
will be written when this one is complete. It will run concurrently with this one :)
Oh, and by the way, loved the fic you recommended in your review.
To Aranel: How true, they do need someone to hop into a time machine, lol.
To Isabelle: No, there is more to come to this story.
To Pherlaith: I am glad you're enjoying the story and hope you're still reading!
To Kate: Thanks for the words of encouragement when I'm feeling stuck or unsure.
Oh, and at the end of this chapter, I am going to try out some Elven phrases.
Translations are at the end. And now, on with the tale!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aalyssa eyed the two brothers and spoke in a controlled voice. "That was the most
atrocious display of manners for two Princes I have ever witnessed. When you enter a
room and some are enjoying cake while others are not, you do not rub their faces in it."
"What?" Konner sputtered. "I am sorry, but I did not know, love. How was I to know she
was not eating cake or had not eaten all of hers?"
She rolled her eyes at him. "You have eyes. Did you see an empty plate near her? Or
cake crumbs on her hands or face?"
Laure chuckled again, taking another bite of her slice of cake.
Konner sat next to Aalyssa and took her hand. "I was tired from training, love. And she
could have been a tidy eater or sharing yours."
"And I suppose she ate the plate," Aalyssa retorted, a teasing look in her eyes.
"I am sorry, Melamin, Konner whispered, kissing her neck below the ear. "I missed your
signal, although at least I caught it before her boyfriend."
Aalyssa grinned and kissed him, "True, and I am going to have to teach you my signals
so I do not have to pull you over and threaten you with cake. But you, Legolas," she
turned her attention to his younger brother. "You cannot use tired from training as an
excuse."
"I am sorry, Lys," Legolas mumbled.
"Next time, pay attention. Men!" Aalyssa added, with a shake of her head.
"This cake is really good though," Konner commented as she settled back against the
pillow. He smiled when he heard his mother laughing. "You have to admit it is good,
Aalyssa. Right Legolas?"
"I know it is good. But I did not want Dori to feel left out," she said softly, closing her
eyes for a second.
Konner instantly moved closer to her and took her hand again. "Are you all right, love?"
"Just fine," she smiled up at him. "A little tired, though."
"If Iladori was tiring you out, you should have asked her to leave," Konner stated.
"Iladori did not tire me out, Konner," she responded, her eyes narrowed.
"So, what were you and Iladori talking about, dearest? Maire said she has been here
for several hours."
A deep blush stained Aalyssa to the tips of her ears. "Oh, this and that. Getting to know
one another and such."
"Girl talk then," Laure said, pleased Aalyssa was becoming friends with her sister. The
blush did not go unnoticed.
"Yes, Mama," Aalyssa answered, sitting up to rummage on the food tray.
"I am sorry, love, I just do not understand. If Iladori did not tire you out. . ."
Laure grinned, watching them and enjoying seeing them grow closer.
"I got tired out scolding you and Legolas," she said. Aalyssa frowned and mumbled, "I
guess the Hobbits ate all of the pickles."
"Pickles?" Konner asked in confusion.
"I want a pickle. And something salty. And a kiss," she pouted.
Legolas moaned, "Maybe I should go to my own room."
"You are not going anywhere. You promised Dori you would be here waiting and here
you will stay."
Konner wrapped his arms around her and gave her a quick kiss. "That will have to do
for now."
"That is fine," she returned his kiss and grinned at him. "Thank you."
Laure watched her children, smiling broadly at them.
"Our room, brother. Well, my room, since you did not sleep in it last night."
"Sorry," Legolas grumbled then looked up. "Uhm. . ."
Aalyssa lifted an eyebrow at him, this being the second reference to last night she had
heard from two different people.
"Legolas?" Laure queried, using her do not lie to me tone.
"Yes, Mother?"
"Your side of the bed was not slept in last night, little brother," Konner added. He pulled
Aalyssa into his arms and leaned his back against the headboard. A laugh escaped
him when Legolas glared at him.
"I made it really well before you arose this morning," Legolas said.
"Right," Konner grumbled. "He made a perfect bed while someone is still sleeping in the
other half."
"Where were you last night if you were not in your bed?" Laure asked.
Legolas lowered his gaze. "I was out walking in the gardens, Mother."
"Alone?"
He glared again at Konner and picked up a throw off of a chair and tossed it at his
brother. "Uhm, well, that is. . .I. . .no."
Konner caught the throw and covered Aalyssa, tucking it around her legs. She smiled
up at him and lay her head on his shoulder as he tightened his arms around her.
"Legolas. . ." Laure began.
"Yes, Mother?"
"Please tell me you did not. . ."
"Mother, please. This is Legolas you are talking about. He is all proper and honorable."
Legolas glared again at his brother. "No, Mother, we only walked and talked.
Konner looked at Aalyssa questioningly, raising an eyebrow, when she coughed very
quietly behind her hand.
"Well, that is, we may have also kissed while we were in the gardens," Legolas hastily
added.
"Legolas, please do not misbehave while we are here."
"Me? I will not misbehave. We just walked, talked and kissed. That is all. I was thinking,
however of speaking to Iladori's father, as well as Father and Lord Elrond."
"Good, good," Laure said.
"About time," Konner mumbled.
"The thing is, we do not want to wait the three months."
"It would be nice to have a double wedding," Aalyssa mentioned.
"Do you think Lord Elrond would go for it, Mother?"
"I do not know, dear. I wish I could say yes he would, but there is a protocol to be
followed. "
Legolas sat down, a crestfallen look in his eyes as he nodded. "I know, it was just a
thought."
"Mama, there must be something we can do," Aalyssa said.
"Your father may speak with him. I am sure Careman will also."
"Mother, surely there is another way," Konner added.
"They belong together," Aalyssa muttered
"Yes, Mother, they do," Konner agreed.
"I know they do, as does everyone else," Laure told them.
"Maybe if someone were to catch. . .hmm," Aalyssa's voice trailed off as she began to
think.
Legolas looked up, his eyes wide, "Oh stars. She is plotting."
"Please, Aalyssa. Not that," Laure implored her.
"What?" Aalyssa looked up.
"None of your plotting. Elrond would have a fit as well as your fathers," Laure told her
gently.
"I have to agree with Mother on this one," Konner told her softly. "Everyone knows
Legolas would never dishonor her like that.
A sigh escaped Aalyssa. "All right, but I was only trying to help. " A pout crossed her
face and Konner leaned over to kiss her nose.
"What were you going to say, Lys?"
"Just if someone were to find them in a lover's embrace. . .but that could get out of
hand if it were badly misinterpreted."
"I will figure out something," Legolas stated.
"Maybe something could be found in the library, dear," Laure offered.
"Brother, you look like you have an idea. What are you thinking of?"
"Something I heard about yesterday," Legolas answered.
"What did you hear?" Konner asked, curious.
"May I speak with you in the hallway, brother?"
"Sure. I will be right back Lys."
The two brothers went out the door, closing it behind them, and Laure sat next to
Aalyssa on the bed.
"I have never understood why a couple needed to wait three months anyway," Aalyssa
said.
Laure smiled and pushed Aalyssa's hair back. "They are both from royal houses. Blood
lines and doweries must be settled, as well as banns being read."
"It seems so unfair to keep love apart that long."
"I know, little one. But it is the way things are done. It is what you and Konner would
have needed to do had he not dishonored you."
"It is wrong, I know, but I do not feel he dishonored me," Aalyssa admitted.
"Oh, little one," Laure pulled her into her arms. "That is because you knew you held
Konner's heart before finding out about the babe. And due to your faith in his love."
"Others are saying he dishonored me?" she asked, tears in her eyes.
"I do not know, little one. I have not been paying too much attention to their silliness
lately. I have a little girl to take care of, a wedding to plan and a grandchild to prepare
for."
"But. . ."
"Do not worry about it, little one. If they are, they will soon find a new bit of gossip to
take the place of it."
Konner opened the door and entered, seeing Aalyssa on the verge of tears. "Mother?"
"I am afraid I said the wrong thing, darling."
"Lys? Melamin?" he sat down on the bed and pulled her back into his arms.
"Mother? May I speak with you in the hallway for a minute?"
She glanced uncertainly at Konner and Aalyssa, then nodded. She followed Legolas
through the door and closed it.
"What is it, Melamin?"
"Are people saying you dishonored me?" Aalyssa asked shakily.
"You know I do not listen to the gossips. Why? What does it matter what they think?"
"It. . .would it not hurt your standing?"
"Aalyssa, you are the only person I care about. You and I both know I never meant
dishonor, if there was any. The only way I can see them saying I dishonored you would
be if I turned my back on you and the babe. If they cannot understand what comes of
love, then I pity them their small-mindedness. Now, calm down. Everyone who matters
in our lives know the truth." Konner watched her lift her hand to wipe her tears. His
thumb came up to wipe away some of them and he kissed her at the corner of each
eye. "Smile for me, a'maelamin."
She raised her eyes and smiled at him. Then she noticed the nervous look in his eyes.
"What is going on? What is Legolas speaking with Mama about?"
Konner smiled his most charming smile at her and stroked the back of her hair.
"Legolas just needs to speak with Mother, that is all."
Aalyssa nodded, cuddling close against him, savoring his warmth and love.
After a few minutes, Konner chuckled. Aalyssa lifted her head from his shoulder and
looked at him.
"I never thought I would see it," he commented.
"See what, sweetheart?" Aalyssa asked, unsure of what he was laughing about.
"Legolas has it bad. I think he is beginning to have trouble keeping it in his pants."
"Where did that expression come from, anyway, Konner?"
"What expression, love?"
"Keep it in the pants," she whispered softly.
"It is an old expression, but a fitting one."
"He will manage, I am sure, Konner."
Konner shook his head and said forcefully, "Honor be damned if it stands between me
and the woman I love."
"That is very sweet, melamin," Aalyssa said, kissing his cheek. "But remember, his
honor is what carried him through life."
"Yes, but now his honor is making him miserable. I cannot tell if Iladori is miserable or
not."
"I know. If Dori had anything to say about it. . ." Aalyssa slapped her hand over mouth
when she realized what she was saying.
Konner looked at her quizzically. "What is that about Iladori?"
Aalyssa affected an innocent smile. "Uhm, nothing, love."
"Lys, we promised. No more secrets. I will not tell Legolas if you ask me not to, but if it
means getting them together sooner, well, would that not be a good thing?"
"I know Konner, but I promised Dori," Aalyssa told him.
"Lyssa," he said seductively, gently nibbling on the tender column of her neck.
"Oh Konner," she purred, tilting her head back slightly, exposing more of her neck to
him.
"Do you surrender the information, milady?" Konner said wickedly, his voice tinged with
a laugh.
"That is some interrogation technique, Your Highness," Aalyssa stated before clearing
her throat. "Anyway, Iladori does not wish to wait. She does not understand the
importance of being a virgin."
"I have to agree. Virginity is over-rated when it comes to people who are going to wed
anyway," Konner said, trailing his finger down her shoulder.
"Yes. What does it matter if he already has your heart?" Aalyssa nuzzled his neck as
Konner gently pushed her down on the bed. "It is a shame though," she said absently.
"A shame? How?" Konner asked, stretching out next to her and placing his hand gently
on her stomach.
Aalyssa smiled at him, placing her small hand on top of his. "That they could not get
locked in somewhere, all alone, for, oh, I do not know, an hour or so. Of course, Mama
would faint, another son doing something like that," she explained, laying her head on
his chest.
He chuckled. "Legolas' honor would command his restraint, even if she were standing
in front of him naked. Although, he might be tempted."
"I am afraid you are right," she sighed. "But Konner, even if he did nothing, whoever
found them would spread their own version of the event. A little room off of the kitchen
would do nicely," she said, lost in thought.
"Lys, sweetheart, do not."
"Lock them in about an hour before they need begin preparing dinner."
"Lys," Konner tried again in a warning tone. "Please do not. It would put Legolas in a
bad position and his honor in tatters."
She looked up. "Oh, I am sorry. I was just thinking out loud. No, I would not do that to
him." Aalyssa smiled. "I am glad the two of you are finally becoming friends."
"Yes, I am too. And do not fret, Legolas is working on another plan just in case things
conspire against them."
"What sort of plan?"
"I do not know the details. But it does not entail being caught in a compromising
position."
"As long as it works," Aalyssa agreed, placing her other hand on top of his.
Konner flinched when he heard a knock on the door. "Yes?"
Laure opened the door and stepped inside. "Konner? May I see you for a moment?"
"Yes, Mother," he responded as he got out of the bed and headed for the door."Is
something wrong, Mother?"
"No, darling. I would like to give you something. I will have him back in a minute or two,
dearest."
"Yes, Mama," Aalyssa responded, worried. She chewed on her lower lip when the door
closed.
Laure followed Konner out into the hall. "I realized something while I was speaking with
Legolas."
"Yes Mother?" Konner asked leerily.
"You do not have a ring for Aalyssa nor the wedding rings. So I wanted to give you
these." Laure took his hand and turned it palm side up. She placed three rings in it.
"These belonged to your grandparents. I have been keeping them for just such an
occasion."
Konner looked up at her, his eyes filled with emotion. "Mother, they are beautiful," he
whispered.
"Yes, they are. Your grandparents lived a happy life filled with love, and I wish the
same for you and Aalyssa. I know they are not the same as new, but there is sentiment
there. When we get home, if you wish to commission something special just for
Aalyssa, that is fine and I will understand."
"No, Mother. These are perfect. Absolutely perfect."
Laure looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. "Good, I am glad."
He bent to kiss her cheek. "Aalyssa will love them. Thank you, Mother."
Laure returned his kiss and patted his cheek. "You are very welcome. Now go propose
properly."
"Yes Mother, right away, Mother," he said excitedly. He practically tripped over his feet
to return to Aalyssa.
She looked up to find him entering the room, a silly grin plastered on his face. "I take it
that was a good conversation."
He smiled broadly as he approached the bed and knelt on the floor, reaching up for her
left hand. "Yes, she remind me of something very important, a'maelamin."
"What is that, sweetheart? And why are you on the floor?" she asked, sitting up and
swinging her legs off the side of the bed so she could face him.
Tbc
translations
melamin=my love
a'maelamin= my beloved
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one and four for disclaimers.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews, keep them coming and keep my muse fed.
To Unicorn Lady: Leggy's surprise will actually be in Legolas and Iladori's story, which
will be written when this one is complete. It will run concurrently with this one :)
Oh, and by the way, loved the fic you recommended in your review.
To Aranel: How true, they do need someone to hop into a time machine, lol.
To Isabelle: No, there is more to come to this story.
To Pherlaith: I am glad you're enjoying the story and hope you're still reading!
To Kate: Thanks for the words of encouragement when I'm feeling stuck or unsure.
Oh, and at the end of this chapter, I am going to try out some Elven phrases.
Translations are at the end. And now, on with the tale!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aalyssa eyed the two brothers and spoke in a controlled voice. "That was the most
atrocious display of manners for two Princes I have ever witnessed. When you enter a
room and some are enjoying cake while others are not, you do not rub their faces in it."
"What?" Konner sputtered. "I am sorry, but I did not know, love. How was I to know she
was not eating cake or had not eaten all of hers?"
She rolled her eyes at him. "You have eyes. Did you see an empty plate near her? Or
cake crumbs on her hands or face?"
Laure chuckled again, taking another bite of her slice of cake.
Konner sat next to Aalyssa and took her hand. "I was tired from training, love. And she
could have been a tidy eater or sharing yours."
"And I suppose she ate the plate," Aalyssa retorted, a teasing look in her eyes.
"I am sorry, Melamin, Konner whispered, kissing her neck below the ear. "I missed your
signal, although at least I caught it before her boyfriend."
Aalyssa grinned and kissed him, "True, and I am going to have to teach you my signals
so I do not have to pull you over and threaten you with cake. But you, Legolas," she
turned her attention to his younger brother. "You cannot use tired from training as an
excuse."
"I am sorry, Lys," Legolas mumbled.
"Next time, pay attention. Men!" Aalyssa added, with a shake of her head.
"This cake is really good though," Konner commented as she settled back against the
pillow. He smiled when he heard his mother laughing. "You have to admit it is good,
Aalyssa. Right Legolas?"
"I know it is good. But I did not want Dori to feel left out," she said softly, closing her
eyes for a second.
Konner instantly moved closer to her and took her hand again. "Are you all right, love?"
"Just fine," she smiled up at him. "A little tired, though."
"If Iladori was tiring you out, you should have asked her to leave," Konner stated.
"Iladori did not tire me out, Konner," she responded, her eyes narrowed.
"So, what were you and Iladori talking about, dearest? Maire said she has been here
for several hours."
A deep blush stained Aalyssa to the tips of her ears. "Oh, this and that. Getting to know
one another and such."
"Girl talk then," Laure said, pleased Aalyssa was becoming friends with her sister. The
blush did not go unnoticed.
"Yes, Mama," Aalyssa answered, sitting up to rummage on the food tray.
"I am sorry, love, I just do not understand. If Iladori did not tire you out. . ."
Laure grinned, watching them and enjoying seeing them grow closer.
"I got tired out scolding you and Legolas," she said. Aalyssa frowned and mumbled, "I
guess the Hobbits ate all of the pickles."
"Pickles?" Konner asked in confusion.
"I want a pickle. And something salty. And a kiss," she pouted.
Legolas moaned, "Maybe I should go to my own room."
"You are not going anywhere. You promised Dori you would be here waiting and here
you will stay."
Konner wrapped his arms around her and gave her a quick kiss. "That will have to do
for now."
"That is fine," she returned his kiss and grinned at him. "Thank you."
Laure watched her children, smiling broadly at them.
"Our room, brother. Well, my room, since you did not sleep in it last night."
"Sorry," Legolas grumbled then looked up. "Uhm. . ."
Aalyssa lifted an eyebrow at him, this being the second reference to last night she had
heard from two different people.
"Legolas?" Laure queried, using her do not lie to me tone.
"Yes, Mother?"
"Your side of the bed was not slept in last night, little brother," Konner added. He pulled
Aalyssa into his arms and leaned his back against the headboard. A laugh escaped
him when Legolas glared at him.
"I made it really well before you arose this morning," Legolas said.
"Right," Konner grumbled. "He made a perfect bed while someone is still sleeping in the
other half."
"Where were you last night if you were not in your bed?" Laure asked.
Legolas lowered his gaze. "I was out walking in the gardens, Mother."
"Alone?"
He glared again at Konner and picked up a throw off of a chair and tossed it at his
brother. "Uhm, well, that is. . .I. . .no."
Konner caught the throw and covered Aalyssa, tucking it around her legs. She smiled
up at him and lay her head on his shoulder as he tightened his arms around her.
"Legolas. . ." Laure began.
"Yes, Mother?"
"Please tell me you did not. . ."
"Mother, please. This is Legolas you are talking about. He is all proper and honorable."
Legolas glared again at his brother. "No, Mother, we only walked and talked.
Konner looked at Aalyssa questioningly, raising an eyebrow, when she coughed very
quietly behind her hand.
"Well, that is, we may have also kissed while we were in the gardens," Legolas hastily
added.
"Legolas, please do not misbehave while we are here."
"Me? I will not misbehave. We just walked, talked and kissed. That is all. I was thinking,
however of speaking to Iladori's father, as well as Father and Lord Elrond."
"Good, good," Laure said.
"About time," Konner mumbled.
"The thing is, we do not want to wait the three months."
"It would be nice to have a double wedding," Aalyssa mentioned.
"Do you think Lord Elrond would go for it, Mother?"
"I do not know, dear. I wish I could say yes he would, but there is a protocol to be
followed. "
Legolas sat down, a crestfallen look in his eyes as he nodded. "I know, it was just a
thought."
"Mama, there must be something we can do," Aalyssa said.
"Your father may speak with him. I am sure Careman will also."
"Mother, surely there is another way," Konner added.
"They belong together," Aalyssa muttered
"Yes, Mother, they do," Konner agreed.
"I know they do, as does everyone else," Laure told them.
"Maybe if someone were to catch. . .hmm," Aalyssa's voice trailed off as she began to
think.
Legolas looked up, his eyes wide, "Oh stars. She is plotting."
"Please, Aalyssa. Not that," Laure implored her.
"What?" Aalyssa looked up.
"None of your plotting. Elrond would have a fit as well as your fathers," Laure told her
gently.
"I have to agree with Mother on this one," Konner told her softly. "Everyone knows
Legolas would never dishonor her like that.
A sigh escaped Aalyssa. "All right, but I was only trying to help. " A pout crossed her
face and Konner leaned over to kiss her nose.
"What were you going to say, Lys?"
"Just if someone were to find them in a lover's embrace. . .but that could get out of
hand if it were badly misinterpreted."
"I will figure out something," Legolas stated.
"Maybe something could be found in the library, dear," Laure offered.
"Brother, you look like you have an idea. What are you thinking of?"
"Something I heard about yesterday," Legolas answered.
"What did you hear?" Konner asked, curious.
"May I speak with you in the hallway, brother?"
"Sure. I will be right back Lys."
The two brothers went out the door, closing it behind them, and Laure sat next to
Aalyssa on the bed.
"I have never understood why a couple needed to wait three months anyway," Aalyssa
said.
Laure smiled and pushed Aalyssa's hair back. "They are both from royal houses. Blood
lines and doweries must be settled, as well as banns being read."
"It seems so unfair to keep love apart that long."
"I know, little one. But it is the way things are done. It is what you and Konner would
have needed to do had he not dishonored you."
"It is wrong, I know, but I do not feel he dishonored me," Aalyssa admitted.
"Oh, little one," Laure pulled her into her arms. "That is because you knew you held
Konner's heart before finding out about the babe. And due to your faith in his love."
"Others are saying he dishonored me?" she asked, tears in her eyes.
"I do not know, little one. I have not been paying too much attention to their silliness
lately. I have a little girl to take care of, a wedding to plan and a grandchild to prepare
for."
"But. . ."
"Do not worry about it, little one. If they are, they will soon find a new bit of gossip to
take the place of it."
Konner opened the door and entered, seeing Aalyssa on the verge of tears. "Mother?"
"I am afraid I said the wrong thing, darling."
"Lys? Melamin?" he sat down on the bed and pulled her back into his arms.
"Mother? May I speak with you in the hallway for a minute?"
She glanced uncertainly at Konner and Aalyssa, then nodded. She followed Legolas
through the door and closed it.
"What is it, Melamin?"
"Are people saying you dishonored me?" Aalyssa asked shakily.
"You know I do not listen to the gossips. Why? What does it matter what they think?"
"It. . .would it not hurt your standing?"
"Aalyssa, you are the only person I care about. You and I both know I never meant
dishonor, if there was any. The only way I can see them saying I dishonored you would
be if I turned my back on you and the babe. If they cannot understand what comes of
love, then I pity them their small-mindedness. Now, calm down. Everyone who matters
in our lives know the truth." Konner watched her lift her hand to wipe her tears. His
thumb came up to wipe away some of them and he kissed her at the corner of each
eye. "Smile for me, a'maelamin."
She raised her eyes and smiled at him. Then she noticed the nervous look in his eyes.
"What is going on? What is Legolas speaking with Mama about?"
Konner smiled his most charming smile at her and stroked the back of her hair.
"Legolas just needs to speak with Mother, that is all."
Aalyssa nodded, cuddling close against him, savoring his warmth and love.
After a few minutes, Konner chuckled. Aalyssa lifted her head from his shoulder and
looked at him.
"I never thought I would see it," he commented.
"See what, sweetheart?" Aalyssa asked, unsure of what he was laughing about.
"Legolas has it bad. I think he is beginning to have trouble keeping it in his pants."
"Where did that expression come from, anyway, Konner?"
"What expression, love?"
"Keep it in the pants," she whispered softly.
"It is an old expression, but a fitting one."
"He will manage, I am sure, Konner."
Konner shook his head and said forcefully, "Honor be damned if it stands between me
and the woman I love."
"That is very sweet, melamin," Aalyssa said, kissing his cheek. "But remember, his
honor is what carried him through life."
"Yes, but now his honor is making him miserable. I cannot tell if Iladori is miserable or
not."
"I know. If Dori had anything to say about it. . ." Aalyssa slapped her hand over mouth
when she realized what she was saying.
Konner looked at her quizzically. "What is that about Iladori?"
Aalyssa affected an innocent smile. "Uhm, nothing, love."
"Lys, we promised. No more secrets. I will not tell Legolas if you ask me not to, but if it
means getting them together sooner, well, would that not be a good thing?"
"I know Konner, but I promised Dori," Aalyssa told him.
"Lyssa," he said seductively, gently nibbling on the tender column of her neck.
"Oh Konner," she purred, tilting her head back slightly, exposing more of her neck to
him.
"Do you surrender the information, milady?" Konner said wickedly, his voice tinged with
a laugh.
"That is some interrogation technique, Your Highness," Aalyssa stated before clearing
her throat. "Anyway, Iladori does not wish to wait. She does not understand the
importance of being a virgin."
"I have to agree. Virginity is over-rated when it comes to people who are going to wed
anyway," Konner said, trailing his finger down her shoulder.
"Yes. What does it matter if he already has your heart?" Aalyssa nuzzled his neck as
Konner gently pushed her down on the bed. "It is a shame though," she said absently.
"A shame? How?" Konner asked, stretching out next to her and placing his hand gently
on her stomach.
Aalyssa smiled at him, placing her small hand on top of his. "That they could not get
locked in somewhere, all alone, for, oh, I do not know, an hour or so. Of course, Mama
would faint, another son doing something like that," she explained, laying her head on
his chest.
He chuckled. "Legolas' honor would command his restraint, even if she were standing
in front of him naked. Although, he might be tempted."
"I am afraid you are right," she sighed. "But Konner, even if he did nothing, whoever
found them would spread their own version of the event. A little room off of the kitchen
would do nicely," she said, lost in thought.
"Lys, sweetheart, do not."
"Lock them in about an hour before they need begin preparing dinner."
"Lys," Konner tried again in a warning tone. "Please do not. It would put Legolas in a
bad position and his honor in tatters."
She looked up. "Oh, I am sorry. I was just thinking out loud. No, I would not do that to
him." Aalyssa smiled. "I am glad the two of you are finally becoming friends."
"Yes, I am too. And do not fret, Legolas is working on another plan just in case things
conspire against them."
"What sort of plan?"
"I do not know the details. But it does not entail being caught in a compromising
position."
"As long as it works," Aalyssa agreed, placing her other hand on top of his.
Konner flinched when he heard a knock on the door. "Yes?"
Laure opened the door and stepped inside. "Konner? May I see you for a moment?"
"Yes, Mother," he responded as he got out of the bed and headed for the door."Is
something wrong, Mother?"
"No, darling. I would like to give you something. I will have him back in a minute or two,
dearest."
"Yes, Mama," Aalyssa responded, worried. She chewed on her lower lip when the door
closed.
Laure followed Konner out into the hall. "I realized something while I was speaking with
Legolas."
"Yes Mother?" Konner asked leerily.
"You do not have a ring for Aalyssa nor the wedding rings. So I wanted to give you
these." Laure took his hand and turned it palm side up. She placed three rings in it.
"These belonged to your grandparents. I have been keeping them for just such an
occasion."
Konner looked up at her, his eyes filled with emotion. "Mother, they are beautiful," he
whispered.
"Yes, they are. Your grandparents lived a happy life filled with love, and I wish the
same for you and Aalyssa. I know they are not the same as new, but there is sentiment
there. When we get home, if you wish to commission something special just for
Aalyssa, that is fine and I will understand."
"No, Mother. These are perfect. Absolutely perfect."
Laure looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. "Good, I am glad."
He bent to kiss her cheek. "Aalyssa will love them. Thank you, Mother."
Laure returned his kiss and patted his cheek. "You are very welcome. Now go propose
properly."
"Yes Mother, right away, Mother," he said excitedly. He practically tripped over his feet
to return to Aalyssa.
She looked up to find him entering the room, a silly grin plastered on his face. "I take it
that was a good conversation."
He smiled broadly as he approached the bed and knelt on the floor, reaching up for her
left hand. "Yes, she remind me of something very important, a'maelamin."
"What is that, sweetheart? And why are you on the floor?" she asked, sitting up and
swinging her legs off the side of the bed so she could face him.
Tbc
translations
melamin=my love
a'maelamin= my beloved