FINDING HEART
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one and four
A/N: Feed the muse, review.
Some of you may have noticed toward the end of chapter fifteen, I started playing with
Elven phrases. You may (in fact, you will) see more here. Enjoy, R/R
Translations at end of chapter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Aalyssa, mela en' coiamin. Will you do me the greatest honor and become my wife? I
know I have not always been the best of suitors, but know I love you and will always
treasure your love and our life together, as well as our children."
Her eyes welled up with tears and Aalyssa got off of the bed and knelt on the floor with
him. "Yes, Konner, yes. And I will always love and treasure you and our children."
Konner smiled brightly and lifted her left hand. He slid the sapphire ring on, showing
her the other rings. "These belonged to my grandparents, the parents of my mother."
"They are beautiful. They carry so much love and family history," she said, wrapping
her arms around his neck and kissing Konner thoroughly.
Without breaking the kiss, he lifted Aalyssa and lay her on the bed. With a smile, he lay
down next to her again.
"I have always wanted this with you," Aalyssa confessed, snuggling against him, her
face pressed against his chest. "I love you, Konner."
"I love you too, Aalyssa. And our baby."
"The baby loves you too," she said with a grin.
Konner chuckled. "Who would have imagined it? Me. A father."
"I did, in my dreams," Aalyssa smiled, then turned serious. "I hope I am a good mother.
It is not like I had a good example to learn by while I grew up."
"You will be a wonderful mother. And you will have your two mothers and I am sure
Iladori and Elspeth will lend hands as well."
"I just do not want to ever disappoint you."
"You could never disappoint me, melamin. I, on the other hand, seem to do well at
disappointing you."
"The only time I was afraid you had truly disappointed me was when I woke in the
forest, but you came through at the end. It was not your fault and it is best forgotten."
"And I am sorry for it just the same. My only wish. . ."
"Yes, Konner?"
He pulled her into his arms and held Aalyssa tightly. "That I could have found you
before you ever woke in that forest. That in fact, I could have saved you before you
ever left Rivendell."
"I know, a'maelamin," she whispered, reaching up to caress his cheek. "But I survived
and what is most important is our trust and faith in one another led you to me in time
and you did find me." She looked up at him and kissed him gently. Aalyssa deepened
the kiss, only to feel Konner pull back before getting too involved.
"I would say honor be damned, but Mother would kill me if we. . ." his voice trailed off as
he stared into Aalyssa's love filled midnight blue eyes. "Vanimle sila tiri."
"Amin mella lle. If we what?" Aalyssa asked him, eyeing him mischievously, walking her
fingers up his chest.
"If we lose ourselves. Damn, Legolas' honor is wearing off on me. How, I do not know.
Maybe sleeping in his bed or something, although I do not know how, since he was not
there at all last night."
Aalyssa's fingers made their way to behind his ear, where they traced tiny circles. "How
unlike, Legolas," she said in a voice that implied that she was up to nothing.
"Lyssa."
"Yes, Konner?" she returned, blinking innocently at him.
He grabbed her hand and pulled it to his mouth, where he began kissing her fingertips.
"You are tempting me when I am trying to be noble. Not to mention if we were caught,
Mother would ban us from even speaking unless we were downstairs at meals. You
know how she can be."
Aalyssa kissed his shoulder through the fabric of his tunic and sighed. "I know.
Speaking of meals downstairs. . ."
"Do not tell me you are hungry already. You just had cake."
"I am, and Mama says that is normal. But that is not what I was going to say. Besides, I
only had half a slice."
"Hmm. Cake," he said thoughtfully.
"What about cake?"
Konner looked at her. "It was damn good chocolate cake. Mother must get the recipe
for cook before we leave."
"Yes, I shall have to, so I can bake it for you," Aalyssa corrected him. A mysterious
smile covered Konner's face and she looked up at him. "What?"
"Just picturing you, making me a cake and coming from the kitchen covered in flour and
chocolate. I will not know which to eat, you or the cake," he grinned at her, a leer in his
eyes.
She laughed and rolled over to kiss him soundly. "Me, silly."
"Seriously though, you do not have to cook or bake. That is what Cook and her helpers
are for," Konner told her, running his fingers through her hair.
"Konner, I want to cook for you. I like baking," she said with a small pout.
"As long as you know you do not have to. You will not be treated like a servant in our
home, like your parents treated you."
"I know, but I do like the idea of doing wifely things for you. For instance," Aalyssa
began, pulling him down so she could whisper in his ear, "I will be handling your baths."
Konner smiled wickedly. "We could share them, as well. So I would be handling yours
baths too."
"Oh, I cannot wait," she purred seductively as her hand slipped inside his tunic.
He grabbed her hand again and kissed her palm and wrist. "Now, what were you going
to say about meals downstairs?"
She blinked at the change of subject and then smiled. The look in his eyes told her she
was getting to him. "Do you think I can come downstairs for the meal tonight?"
"I do not see why not, if you are feeling up to it. The healer said yesterday you probably
would be able to."
Aalyssa nodded. "I have the sneaking suspicion if I do not begin showing my face, the
court will be talking more about me. Stars knows there is probably enough out there
already with whatever leaked out from the hearing, and if the news about the baby is
out. . ."
"Who cares what they think? The people who are important to us know and accept it."
"I just wish. . ."
"Wish what, a'maelamin?"
"That I had something pretty to wear. Not that Mama's dresses are not pretty, they are.
They are just not me."
"Why not speak to Iladori when she returns? I am sure she or her. . .I mean, your
sisters, would be more than happy to lend you something." He chuckled lightly.
"What?"
"Just thinking of the rumors that every morning Iladori is frantically trying to come up
with a dress to wear for the day and for dinner. It seems she did not bring many of her
own."
"Maybe I should not ask then," Aalyssa sighed. "I need a trip to the dressmaker but. . ."
Konner smiled gently at her. "I am sure they would have some dresses you could wear,
my love. And then maybe you can all go to the dressmakers together."
"I cannot buy anything though." A shy look came over Aalyssa, "And I do not know
Tracimia and Ziellien that well. I cannot just go knock on their door and say, "Hi. Can I
borrow a dress."
"Lys," Konner began softly, putting his finger under her chin to tilt her face up, "Myalora
is your mother now, and she has already said she wants you to have some nice
things. And your sisters, well, have shown their protectiveness and love for you
yesterday at the hearing. Ziellien even took on the court women when you fainted. I am
sure they will be more than happy to find you something to wear. Although, you would
look lovely in a sack to me."
"You are so sweet."
"Dori will be back shortly, she is supposed to meet Legolas here. Mother said he
needed to check something in the library and he would be back. We can ask Dori if
your sisters would be willing to help."
"All right," she said shyly.
"You have turned out to be very lucky. Myalora is very motherly from what I
understand."
"I hope Dori understands how lucky she was to have been taken in by them all of those
years ago. I wish I had wandered off with her that day."
"But then we would not have met, a'maelamin. While I wish you had not had to grow up
the way you did, I would be lost without you. I do wish all mothers were like Myalora
though. Mother was not bad towards me, Legolas was another story however. From
what I can see, Myalora mothers him too."
"Good. But your mother was nothing like my mother. I tried to get Legolas to
understand that for years but finally gave up. He was so certain Mama would not have
believed us."
"Mother had not been kind to Legolas, not even as an infant. He loves her because she
is our mother. But it is not the love you see in Dori's family. Their love is nearly
tangible, like ours."
"I know she did not pay much attention to him when we were growing up."
"Lyssa, she ignored him unless she was berating him. Father tried his best, but he had
a kingdom to run."
"I know and I ached for him."
"That was why Father sent him to Elrond for a time."
"Konner, I will never ignore any of our children," she stated matter-of-factly.
"I know you will not. That is one of the reasons I love you so, because your heart is so
caring and loving. I will strive to give as much time as I can to them and you. I wonder if
Dori's family gives parenting lessons. They make it seem so easy."
"Yes, they do. And they are a King and Queen. Maybe we should observe them for
awhile. And maybe, after we are wed, we can go to Forlindon and visit them from time
to time."
"Of course we will, they are your parents now." He hugged her tightly and pulled back
when she whispered his name. "Lyssa?"
"If anyone dares to abandon or leave a child in or around Mirkwood, I am taking that
child in. I am telling you right now, I will make that child ours. And the same goes if I
should catch anything abusive going on in any of the families, whether they be nobility
or tenants."
Konner smiled at the fire and passion in her. "I agree, and Father does as well.
Careman told me he ranted up a storm last night after you fainted. And Lord Elrond was
visibly upset."
"Lord Elrond was upset and Dad ranted? Why? All I did was faint for a few minutes."
"Father? He was ashamed that Elven parents, especially his friends, could do such
things to a child. Twisting one into believing she would be Queen. Your abuse at their
hands." Konner saw her eyes well up with tears and he kissed her softly. "Lord Elrond
over the actions of his niece and the news that your parents not only had you taken to
the woods to die, they had previously abandoned an infant to the same fate. The
hearing affected us all."
"I cannot believe Marissa intended to. . .to . . .oh, stars," Aalyssa said, tears falling from
her eyes. "She had every intention of killing you."
"Shh, love. None of us expected that. None of us." He pulled her into a warm embrace,
his hands at the back of her head, holding her lovingly. "Our children will be loved no
matter what. While he or she is heir to a kingdom, they are still a living being with
needs and desires of their own."
"And they will be raised knowing love is the most important thing they can have in their
life. I want them to be able to come to us about anything."
"They will, because that is how they will be raised," he smiled at her.
"Konner?"
"Yes love?"
"Had I suspected what Marissa was about and had come to you and asked you to step
down, that it did not matter to me if we were King and Queen, which it does not, would
you have? Even if I did not reveal her plot?"
"Honestly, I am not looking forward to being King. I do not know if I am good enough to
lead the people of Mirkwood. I probably would have stepped down in sheer relief."
"I will help you all I can," she smiled reassuringly at him. "You are a good man, Konner.
But I know what you mean. I would love you if you were a tenant, and I wanted to
assure you again I was not after the title, like Marissa. Because I love you and what is
in your heart."
"I feel the same. I have to be honest about this though. I think Legolas would make a
better King than I."
"It was not my intention to put this thought into your head. But always know I will stand
by you whatever you decide. Though I am not sure Legolas would like to be King
either."
"Does anyone? But the people of Mirkwood respect him.. Thankfully I have time before
Father heads to the West to earn their respect and concentrate on learning how to be a
better king."
"I will help you all I can, I promise. Although. . ."
"Although?" Konner prodded after Aalyssa remained silent for a few minutes.
She sighed. "I have to wonder how much respect they are going to have for me once
the people learn what happened here." Aalyssa snuggled against him.
"They will come to love you as much as I do. Mother is well loved by our people
although she was not much of a mother to Legolas. And you know, I would guess some
of our tenants had noticed how you were being treated and were afraid to come
forward. I am sure Mother can help you though, and you are so caring about people,
they will adore you."
"Yes," she nodded. "I will spend time getting to know the people and helping them with
things."
"We will learn together," Konner smiled. "Mother and Father will help us both."
"Yes, we will. Like we will always do everything. Together." Aalyssa wrapped both of
her arms around Konner's arm.
"Always," he agreed. He was leaning over to kiss her and paused to release a sigh
when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Aalyssa called out, sitting up without letting go of Konner's arm.
Iladori came in, her cloak wrapped tightly around her, her cheeks red from the wind
outside. She glanced around the room. "Sorry, I was looking for Legolas," she said
disappointedly. "He said he was going to wait here for me. It is bitterly cold outside for
some reason."
"It is all right, Dori," Aalyssa said.
Iladori walked over to the fire. "I guess I took longer than I thought I would. Silly of me,
thinking Legolas might still be here waiting for me."
"He said he would be back after checking something in the library, Iladori," Konner
explained.
"I should go then. Sorry to have bothered you both."
"Have a seat, Dori. He should be back soon. And you are not a bother to us."
"No, you certainly are not," Konner assured her.
"And I need to ask you a favor anyway," Aalyssa added.
"I do not wish to be a bother," Iladori argued.
"You are never a bother, sister."
Iladori smiled at her and sat down. "What can I do for you, Lys?"
"I was. . . that is. . .do you think one of your sisters might have a dress I may borrow for
dinner? I would like to come downstairs and while Mama's dresses are lovely, they
really are not me."
"I am sure between our sisters we can both find something to wear this evening."
"Thank you."
"I do not have much in the way of dresses in my closet, but Tracimia and Ziellien
brought plenty and have been to the dressmakers several times already."
"I would appreciate it very much," Aalyssa said shyly.
"I have been raiding their closets, so I do not see it being a problem."
"Come in," Konner called out when he heard another knock on the door.
"Ah, good. She is here. Hi sweetness," Legolas said as he entered and walked over to
embrace her.
Iladori visibly brightened at his entrance. "Legolas."
"I am sorry I was not here when you arrived."
"It is not a problem, I came here hoping you were still here."
"I would have been back sooner, but I bumped into your father in the library,
sweetness."
"And?"
Konner smiled at Aalyssa. "Love has bitten him hard on the arse."
She giggled, "Konner!" From the circle of Konner's arms, she smiled happily at her
sister and Legolas talking quietly.
He heard Legolas tell Iladori he had to wait to talk to Thranduil. Konner whispered to
Aalyssa, "Like Father is going to say no to him."
"Lord Elrond is going to be the hurdle."
"True, especially with the rumors and things coupled with no sense of urgency."
"Why must everything be so difficult," Aalyssa sighed. "I would like to have a double
wedding for us."
"I agree. Nothing would make me happier than marrying alongside our brother and
sister. I wonder what they are talking about?"
"I do not know, but it does not look very romantic," Aalyssa commented.
"No, it does not."
"I hope everything is all right there," Aalyssa said, thinking about some things she
would need to speak of with Iladori.
"I am sure Legolas will set it right, love."
"I suppose. But he may need a little directing from time to time."
"I do not think I am the best to do that though."
"Both of us. Together. We will steer them both correctly," Aalyssa smiled, taking
Konner's hand. "Because you do know how to treat a lady once you have realized you
have fallen in love."
He smiled and leaned over to kiss her nose. "It helps when your lady is a patient and
determined one, like you."
"Yes, it does."
"It will work out somehow. They are meant to be, just like us."
"I just want them happy."
"I have to admit, they make a stunning pair," Konner commented, looking at them sitting
by the fire."
"They are lovely together, are they not."
"Legolas," Konner called out, "Keep Iladori near the fire. She said it is bitter cold
outside."
"Thank you, brother," Legolas returned.
"Very nice advice. There is nothing more romantic then cuddling by the fire. Maybe
tonight after dinner. . ."
"That sounds very inviting," Konner agreed, watching Konner and Iladori with interest.
"This is better than a show. My honorable brother wooing his girl."
"We probably should not be watching, you know."
"Then they should not be doing it here," Konner whispered. "But we can pretend to be
otherwise occupied. You have to admit you want to watch as much as I do."
Aalyssa pressed her face against his shoulder to stifle her giggle. "I did not say I did
not want to, only that we should not."
He reached down to tilt her face up and smiled. "We are both bad."
"Yes, we are," she smiled naughtily. "Is it not fun?"
A few minutes had passed and Konner said, "I have to say, Legolas could use some
instructions in wooing."
"I agree," Aalyssa nodded. "Of course, we do not know what they are speaking of,
either. Why does he not give her flowers?" she asked, the conversation between
Legolas and Iladori too serious for her liking.
"About damn time he kissed her," Konner commented. "I do not believe flowers interest
her, my love."
"Nonsense. She is a woman and spends most of her free time in the gardens. Hmm."
"Hmm?" Konner asked absently, watching his brother.
"Iladori needs to learn how to train him as well."
"I kind of expect uncertainty from her. It seems to me she spent her whole life training
to be a warrior."
"Yes, that is why I pulled her to the side before she went to the stable. Legolas is
unsure of what she wants from him, since she does not send any clear signals. At least
none that I can see," Aalyssa said.
"I do not think she knows how to send signals, melamin. She does not play the games
the others who have tried to win him have played. She does not bat her eyelashes or
give come hither looks."
Aalyssa nodded. "I know. You saw her this afternoon about the stables. I could telll he
felt pushed away, like he had done something wrong."
"I noticed it as well. But Legolas also needs to realize sometimes the ones we love
need some personal space. I am sure she is not used to the attentions of a suitor."
"She has to let him know she needs the space and explain why. Not just push him
away. But you are right, he needs to learn that. I also know he needs to feel needed."
"The conversation looks very serious over there."
"Yes, it does. And why are my ears burning suddenly?" she asked as she briskly
rubbed the appendages.
"I do not know, love," Konner chuckled. "Maybe someone is talking about you."
"That is what I am afraid of."
Konner glanced over to the loveseat, catching the sight of Iladori blushing. He smiled at
Aalyssa. "Ooh, something good is happening."
"Yes, I suddenly see a pair of reddened faces," Aalyssa agreed.
"I did not know Legolas could blush so," Konner noted, just as Legolas peered over the
loveseat, sending a look to Aalyssa.
"I wonder what that look he just gave me was for?" Aalyssa wondered nervously.
Konner turned to stare at the ceiling, having noticed. "Pretend not to look, love."
Aalyssa snuggled against him. "Not a problem," she whispered, wrapping her arm
around him and pulling him close.
He peeked over Aalyssa's head, "All right, she is going redder now."
Aalyssa snuck a surreptitious look, "I did not know someone could turn so red."
"Oh, even Legolas' ears turned red."
Her eyes widened, "I do not believe I have ever seen him blush so."
"What ever they are talking about is related to sex. Only something like that would
make my brother blush so."
Aalyssa's eyes filled with shock. "They are not wed. I do not believe it proper for them
to be having such a discussion."
Konner chuckled, "Melamin, I do not think we are in a position to tell either of them that.
We are not wed either, remember."
"Stars, Konner. I cannot believe I said that."
He gently pushed her back against the pillow and placed his hand behind her ear. "Do
you remember our first time?" he whispered into the same ear.
"How could I forget? It was the best night of my life. I was just thinking about it earlier
as a matter of fact. By the way, did you ever see that stableboy again, Konner?" she
asked playfully.
"He was traumatized and asked for a transfer to the gardens."
"Oh dear. Well, that is what happens when you sneak around in the night."
"Agreed."
Aalyssa laughed. "I still remember the look on his face."
"I thought his eyes were going to fall out," Konner chuckled.
"I was certain he had stopped breathing."
"I think he did for a bit there. We were quite a sight, as I recall," Konner continued to
chuckle.
"I always wondered and forgot to ask you. How did you get my undergarments on your
head like that?"
"Well, truthfully, I am still wondering that myself," Konner laughed, kissing her softly on
the neck.
Aalyssa giggled as he tickled her neck. "Tease."
Konner playfully nipped her neck, then said, "I guess I should see what the kids are up
to." He lifted his head and looked toward the fireplace. He sighed, "It looks like they are
getting all serious again."
Aalyssa sat up and looked over, "Yes it does."
Konner shook his head. "He needs lessons in the love department. The conversation
turns too serious for my liking."
"A'maelamin, I know. Why do you not pull him to the side tomorrow?"
Konner straightened, watching as Legolas began to run his lips up and down Iladori's
neck. "Well, he is improving in one area. It is about time he distracted her."
Aalyssa chewed on her lower lip. "Do you think we should remind them we are here?
Because Dori is going to be awfully embarrassed."
He watched them thoughtfully, "We might have to if they get too carried away."
Aalyssa sighed as they became serious again. "Well, that distraction did not last long."
"I agree. They are both too serious. They need to learn to let loose and have some fun.
I do wish I knew what they were talking about over there."
"No way to know short of asking them."
"I am tempted," Konner said slyly.
"You would not," Aalyssa gasped, mock shock in her eyes.
"No," he assured her, "But are you not the least bit tempted?"
"Just a little bit," she said wistfully.
Konner smiled and kissed her nose again. "I thought as much."
Aalyssa glanced happily at him and kissed his nose in return.
Konner turned just in time to see Legolas begin kissing Iladori's neck in earnest,
pushing her down on the loveseat. Iladori's arms went around his neck, her body
arching up to his.
"Time to play the bad guy," Konner mumbled. He sat up straight and cleared his throat
loudly.
TBC
Translations:
a'maelamin=my beloved
melamin= my love
mela en coiamin= love of my life
vanimle sila tiri= your beauty shines bright
amin mella lle= I love you
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one and four
A/N: Feed the muse, review.
Some of you may have noticed toward the end of chapter fifteen, I started playing with
Elven phrases. You may (in fact, you will) see more here. Enjoy, R/R
Translations at end of chapter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Aalyssa, mela en' coiamin. Will you do me the greatest honor and become my wife? I
know I have not always been the best of suitors, but know I love you and will always
treasure your love and our life together, as well as our children."
Her eyes welled up with tears and Aalyssa got off of the bed and knelt on the floor with
him. "Yes, Konner, yes. And I will always love and treasure you and our children."
Konner smiled brightly and lifted her left hand. He slid the sapphire ring on, showing
her the other rings. "These belonged to my grandparents, the parents of my mother."
"They are beautiful. They carry so much love and family history," she said, wrapping
her arms around his neck and kissing Konner thoroughly.
Without breaking the kiss, he lifted Aalyssa and lay her on the bed. With a smile, he lay
down next to her again.
"I have always wanted this with you," Aalyssa confessed, snuggling against him, her
face pressed against his chest. "I love you, Konner."
"I love you too, Aalyssa. And our baby."
"The baby loves you too," she said with a grin.
Konner chuckled. "Who would have imagined it? Me. A father."
"I did, in my dreams," Aalyssa smiled, then turned serious. "I hope I am a good mother.
It is not like I had a good example to learn by while I grew up."
"You will be a wonderful mother. And you will have your two mothers and I am sure
Iladori and Elspeth will lend hands as well."
"I just do not want to ever disappoint you."
"You could never disappoint me, melamin. I, on the other hand, seem to do well at
disappointing you."
"The only time I was afraid you had truly disappointed me was when I woke in the
forest, but you came through at the end. It was not your fault and it is best forgotten."
"And I am sorry for it just the same. My only wish. . ."
"Yes, Konner?"
He pulled her into his arms and held Aalyssa tightly. "That I could have found you
before you ever woke in that forest. That in fact, I could have saved you before you
ever left Rivendell."
"I know, a'maelamin," she whispered, reaching up to caress his cheek. "But I survived
and what is most important is our trust and faith in one another led you to me in time
and you did find me." She looked up at him and kissed him gently. Aalyssa deepened
the kiss, only to feel Konner pull back before getting too involved.
"I would say honor be damned, but Mother would kill me if we. . ." his voice trailed off as
he stared into Aalyssa's love filled midnight blue eyes. "Vanimle sila tiri."
"Amin mella lle. If we what?" Aalyssa asked him, eyeing him mischievously, walking her
fingers up his chest.
"If we lose ourselves. Damn, Legolas' honor is wearing off on me. How, I do not know.
Maybe sleeping in his bed or something, although I do not know how, since he was not
there at all last night."
Aalyssa's fingers made their way to behind his ear, where they traced tiny circles. "How
unlike, Legolas," she said in a voice that implied that she was up to nothing.
"Lyssa."
"Yes, Konner?" she returned, blinking innocently at him.
He grabbed her hand and pulled it to his mouth, where he began kissing her fingertips.
"You are tempting me when I am trying to be noble. Not to mention if we were caught,
Mother would ban us from even speaking unless we were downstairs at meals. You
know how she can be."
Aalyssa kissed his shoulder through the fabric of his tunic and sighed. "I know.
Speaking of meals downstairs. . ."
"Do not tell me you are hungry already. You just had cake."
"I am, and Mama says that is normal. But that is not what I was going to say. Besides, I
only had half a slice."
"Hmm. Cake," he said thoughtfully.
"What about cake?"
Konner looked at her. "It was damn good chocolate cake. Mother must get the recipe
for cook before we leave."
"Yes, I shall have to, so I can bake it for you," Aalyssa corrected him. A mysterious
smile covered Konner's face and she looked up at him. "What?"
"Just picturing you, making me a cake and coming from the kitchen covered in flour and
chocolate. I will not know which to eat, you or the cake," he grinned at her, a leer in his
eyes.
She laughed and rolled over to kiss him soundly. "Me, silly."
"Seriously though, you do not have to cook or bake. That is what Cook and her helpers
are for," Konner told her, running his fingers through her hair.
"Konner, I want to cook for you. I like baking," she said with a small pout.
"As long as you know you do not have to. You will not be treated like a servant in our
home, like your parents treated you."
"I know, but I do like the idea of doing wifely things for you. For instance," Aalyssa
began, pulling him down so she could whisper in his ear, "I will be handling your baths."
Konner smiled wickedly. "We could share them, as well. So I would be handling yours
baths too."
"Oh, I cannot wait," she purred seductively as her hand slipped inside his tunic.
He grabbed her hand again and kissed her palm and wrist. "Now, what were you going
to say about meals downstairs?"
She blinked at the change of subject and then smiled. The look in his eyes told her she
was getting to him. "Do you think I can come downstairs for the meal tonight?"
"I do not see why not, if you are feeling up to it. The healer said yesterday you probably
would be able to."
Aalyssa nodded. "I have the sneaking suspicion if I do not begin showing my face, the
court will be talking more about me. Stars knows there is probably enough out there
already with whatever leaked out from the hearing, and if the news about the baby is
out. . ."
"Who cares what they think? The people who are important to us know and accept it."
"I just wish. . ."
"Wish what, a'maelamin?"
"That I had something pretty to wear. Not that Mama's dresses are not pretty, they are.
They are just not me."
"Why not speak to Iladori when she returns? I am sure she or her. . .I mean, your
sisters, would be more than happy to lend you something." He chuckled lightly.
"What?"
"Just thinking of the rumors that every morning Iladori is frantically trying to come up
with a dress to wear for the day and for dinner. It seems she did not bring many of her
own."
"Maybe I should not ask then," Aalyssa sighed. "I need a trip to the dressmaker but. . ."
Konner smiled gently at her. "I am sure they would have some dresses you could wear,
my love. And then maybe you can all go to the dressmakers together."
"I cannot buy anything though." A shy look came over Aalyssa, "And I do not know
Tracimia and Ziellien that well. I cannot just go knock on their door and say, "Hi. Can I
borrow a dress."
"Lys," Konner began softly, putting his finger under her chin to tilt her face up, "Myalora
is your mother now, and she has already said she wants you to have some nice
things. And your sisters, well, have shown their protectiveness and love for you
yesterday at the hearing. Ziellien even took on the court women when you fainted. I am
sure they will be more than happy to find you something to wear. Although, you would
look lovely in a sack to me."
"You are so sweet."
"Dori will be back shortly, she is supposed to meet Legolas here. Mother said he
needed to check something in the library and he would be back. We can ask Dori if
your sisters would be willing to help."
"All right," she said shyly.
"You have turned out to be very lucky. Myalora is very motherly from what I
understand."
"I hope Dori understands how lucky she was to have been taken in by them all of those
years ago. I wish I had wandered off with her that day."
"But then we would not have met, a'maelamin. While I wish you had not had to grow up
the way you did, I would be lost without you. I do wish all mothers were like Myalora
though. Mother was not bad towards me, Legolas was another story however. From
what I can see, Myalora mothers him too."
"Good. But your mother was nothing like my mother. I tried to get Legolas to
understand that for years but finally gave up. He was so certain Mama would not have
believed us."
"Mother had not been kind to Legolas, not even as an infant. He loves her because she
is our mother. But it is not the love you see in Dori's family. Their love is nearly
tangible, like ours."
"I know she did not pay much attention to him when we were growing up."
"Lyssa, she ignored him unless she was berating him. Father tried his best, but he had
a kingdom to run."
"I know and I ached for him."
"That was why Father sent him to Elrond for a time."
"Konner, I will never ignore any of our children," she stated matter-of-factly.
"I know you will not. That is one of the reasons I love you so, because your heart is so
caring and loving. I will strive to give as much time as I can to them and you. I wonder if
Dori's family gives parenting lessons. They make it seem so easy."
"Yes, they do. And they are a King and Queen. Maybe we should observe them for
awhile. And maybe, after we are wed, we can go to Forlindon and visit them from time
to time."
"Of course we will, they are your parents now." He hugged her tightly and pulled back
when she whispered his name. "Lyssa?"
"If anyone dares to abandon or leave a child in or around Mirkwood, I am taking that
child in. I am telling you right now, I will make that child ours. And the same goes if I
should catch anything abusive going on in any of the families, whether they be nobility
or tenants."
Konner smiled at the fire and passion in her. "I agree, and Father does as well.
Careman told me he ranted up a storm last night after you fainted. And Lord Elrond was
visibly upset."
"Lord Elrond was upset and Dad ranted? Why? All I did was faint for a few minutes."
"Father? He was ashamed that Elven parents, especially his friends, could do such
things to a child. Twisting one into believing she would be Queen. Your abuse at their
hands." Konner saw her eyes well up with tears and he kissed her softly. "Lord Elrond
over the actions of his niece and the news that your parents not only had you taken to
the woods to die, they had previously abandoned an infant to the same fate. The
hearing affected us all."
"I cannot believe Marissa intended to. . .to . . .oh, stars," Aalyssa said, tears falling from
her eyes. "She had every intention of killing you."
"Shh, love. None of us expected that. None of us." He pulled her into a warm embrace,
his hands at the back of her head, holding her lovingly. "Our children will be loved no
matter what. While he or she is heir to a kingdom, they are still a living being with
needs and desires of their own."
"And they will be raised knowing love is the most important thing they can have in their
life. I want them to be able to come to us about anything."
"They will, because that is how they will be raised," he smiled at her.
"Konner?"
"Yes love?"
"Had I suspected what Marissa was about and had come to you and asked you to step
down, that it did not matter to me if we were King and Queen, which it does not, would
you have? Even if I did not reveal her plot?"
"Honestly, I am not looking forward to being King. I do not know if I am good enough to
lead the people of Mirkwood. I probably would have stepped down in sheer relief."
"I will help you all I can," she smiled reassuringly at him. "You are a good man, Konner.
But I know what you mean. I would love you if you were a tenant, and I wanted to
assure you again I was not after the title, like Marissa. Because I love you and what is
in your heart."
"I feel the same. I have to be honest about this though. I think Legolas would make a
better King than I."
"It was not my intention to put this thought into your head. But always know I will stand
by you whatever you decide. Though I am not sure Legolas would like to be King
either."
"Does anyone? But the people of Mirkwood respect him.. Thankfully I have time before
Father heads to the West to earn their respect and concentrate on learning how to be a
better king."
"I will help you all I can, I promise. Although. . ."
"Although?" Konner prodded after Aalyssa remained silent for a few minutes.
She sighed. "I have to wonder how much respect they are going to have for me once
the people learn what happened here." Aalyssa snuggled against him.
"They will come to love you as much as I do. Mother is well loved by our people
although she was not much of a mother to Legolas. And you know, I would guess some
of our tenants had noticed how you were being treated and were afraid to come
forward. I am sure Mother can help you though, and you are so caring about people,
they will adore you."
"Yes," she nodded. "I will spend time getting to know the people and helping them with
things."
"We will learn together," Konner smiled. "Mother and Father will help us both."
"Yes, we will. Like we will always do everything. Together." Aalyssa wrapped both of
her arms around Konner's arm.
"Always," he agreed. He was leaning over to kiss her and paused to release a sigh
when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Aalyssa called out, sitting up without letting go of Konner's arm.
Iladori came in, her cloak wrapped tightly around her, her cheeks red from the wind
outside. She glanced around the room. "Sorry, I was looking for Legolas," she said
disappointedly. "He said he was going to wait here for me. It is bitterly cold outside for
some reason."
"It is all right, Dori," Aalyssa said.
Iladori walked over to the fire. "I guess I took longer than I thought I would. Silly of me,
thinking Legolas might still be here waiting for me."
"He said he would be back after checking something in the library, Iladori," Konner
explained.
"I should go then. Sorry to have bothered you both."
"Have a seat, Dori. He should be back soon. And you are not a bother to us."
"No, you certainly are not," Konner assured her.
"And I need to ask you a favor anyway," Aalyssa added.
"I do not wish to be a bother," Iladori argued.
"You are never a bother, sister."
Iladori smiled at her and sat down. "What can I do for you, Lys?"
"I was. . . that is. . .do you think one of your sisters might have a dress I may borrow for
dinner? I would like to come downstairs and while Mama's dresses are lovely, they
really are not me."
"I am sure between our sisters we can both find something to wear this evening."
"Thank you."
"I do not have much in the way of dresses in my closet, but Tracimia and Ziellien
brought plenty and have been to the dressmakers several times already."
"I would appreciate it very much," Aalyssa said shyly.
"I have been raiding their closets, so I do not see it being a problem."
"Come in," Konner called out when he heard another knock on the door.
"Ah, good. She is here. Hi sweetness," Legolas said as he entered and walked over to
embrace her.
Iladori visibly brightened at his entrance. "Legolas."
"I am sorry I was not here when you arrived."
"It is not a problem, I came here hoping you were still here."
"I would have been back sooner, but I bumped into your father in the library,
sweetness."
"And?"
Konner smiled at Aalyssa. "Love has bitten him hard on the arse."
She giggled, "Konner!" From the circle of Konner's arms, she smiled happily at her
sister and Legolas talking quietly.
He heard Legolas tell Iladori he had to wait to talk to Thranduil. Konner whispered to
Aalyssa, "Like Father is going to say no to him."
"Lord Elrond is going to be the hurdle."
"True, especially with the rumors and things coupled with no sense of urgency."
"Why must everything be so difficult," Aalyssa sighed. "I would like to have a double
wedding for us."
"I agree. Nothing would make me happier than marrying alongside our brother and
sister. I wonder what they are talking about?"
"I do not know, but it does not look very romantic," Aalyssa commented.
"No, it does not."
"I hope everything is all right there," Aalyssa said, thinking about some things she
would need to speak of with Iladori.
"I am sure Legolas will set it right, love."
"I suppose. But he may need a little directing from time to time."
"I do not think I am the best to do that though."
"Both of us. Together. We will steer them both correctly," Aalyssa smiled, taking
Konner's hand. "Because you do know how to treat a lady once you have realized you
have fallen in love."
He smiled and leaned over to kiss her nose. "It helps when your lady is a patient and
determined one, like you."
"Yes, it does."
"It will work out somehow. They are meant to be, just like us."
"I just want them happy."
"I have to admit, they make a stunning pair," Konner commented, looking at them sitting
by the fire."
"They are lovely together, are they not."
"Legolas," Konner called out, "Keep Iladori near the fire. She said it is bitter cold
outside."
"Thank you, brother," Legolas returned.
"Very nice advice. There is nothing more romantic then cuddling by the fire. Maybe
tonight after dinner. . ."
"That sounds very inviting," Konner agreed, watching Konner and Iladori with interest.
"This is better than a show. My honorable brother wooing his girl."
"We probably should not be watching, you know."
"Then they should not be doing it here," Konner whispered. "But we can pretend to be
otherwise occupied. You have to admit you want to watch as much as I do."
Aalyssa pressed her face against his shoulder to stifle her giggle. "I did not say I did
not want to, only that we should not."
He reached down to tilt her face up and smiled. "We are both bad."
"Yes, we are," she smiled naughtily. "Is it not fun?"
A few minutes had passed and Konner said, "I have to say, Legolas could use some
instructions in wooing."
"I agree," Aalyssa nodded. "Of course, we do not know what they are speaking of,
either. Why does he not give her flowers?" she asked, the conversation between
Legolas and Iladori too serious for her liking.
"About damn time he kissed her," Konner commented. "I do not believe flowers interest
her, my love."
"Nonsense. She is a woman and spends most of her free time in the gardens. Hmm."
"Hmm?" Konner asked absently, watching his brother.
"Iladori needs to learn how to train him as well."
"I kind of expect uncertainty from her. It seems to me she spent her whole life training
to be a warrior."
"Yes, that is why I pulled her to the side before she went to the stable. Legolas is
unsure of what she wants from him, since she does not send any clear signals. At least
none that I can see," Aalyssa said.
"I do not think she knows how to send signals, melamin. She does not play the games
the others who have tried to win him have played. She does not bat her eyelashes or
give come hither looks."
Aalyssa nodded. "I know. You saw her this afternoon about the stables. I could telll he
felt pushed away, like he had done something wrong."
"I noticed it as well. But Legolas also needs to realize sometimes the ones we love
need some personal space. I am sure she is not used to the attentions of a suitor."
"She has to let him know she needs the space and explain why. Not just push him
away. But you are right, he needs to learn that. I also know he needs to feel needed."
"The conversation looks very serious over there."
"Yes, it does. And why are my ears burning suddenly?" she asked as she briskly
rubbed the appendages.
"I do not know, love," Konner chuckled. "Maybe someone is talking about you."
"That is what I am afraid of."
Konner glanced over to the loveseat, catching the sight of Iladori blushing. He smiled at
Aalyssa. "Ooh, something good is happening."
"Yes, I suddenly see a pair of reddened faces," Aalyssa agreed.
"I did not know Legolas could blush so," Konner noted, just as Legolas peered over the
loveseat, sending a look to Aalyssa.
"I wonder what that look he just gave me was for?" Aalyssa wondered nervously.
Konner turned to stare at the ceiling, having noticed. "Pretend not to look, love."
Aalyssa snuggled against him. "Not a problem," she whispered, wrapping her arm
around him and pulling him close.
He peeked over Aalyssa's head, "All right, she is going redder now."
Aalyssa snuck a surreptitious look, "I did not know someone could turn so red."
"Oh, even Legolas' ears turned red."
Her eyes widened, "I do not believe I have ever seen him blush so."
"What ever they are talking about is related to sex. Only something like that would
make my brother blush so."
Aalyssa's eyes filled with shock. "They are not wed. I do not believe it proper for them
to be having such a discussion."
Konner chuckled, "Melamin, I do not think we are in a position to tell either of them that.
We are not wed either, remember."
"Stars, Konner. I cannot believe I said that."
He gently pushed her back against the pillow and placed his hand behind her ear. "Do
you remember our first time?" he whispered into the same ear.
"How could I forget? It was the best night of my life. I was just thinking about it earlier
as a matter of fact. By the way, did you ever see that stableboy again, Konner?" she
asked playfully.
"He was traumatized and asked for a transfer to the gardens."
"Oh dear. Well, that is what happens when you sneak around in the night."
"Agreed."
Aalyssa laughed. "I still remember the look on his face."
"I thought his eyes were going to fall out," Konner chuckled.
"I was certain he had stopped breathing."
"I think he did for a bit there. We were quite a sight, as I recall," Konner continued to
chuckle.
"I always wondered and forgot to ask you. How did you get my undergarments on your
head like that?"
"Well, truthfully, I am still wondering that myself," Konner laughed, kissing her softly on
the neck.
Aalyssa giggled as he tickled her neck. "Tease."
Konner playfully nipped her neck, then said, "I guess I should see what the kids are up
to." He lifted his head and looked toward the fireplace. He sighed, "It looks like they are
getting all serious again."
Aalyssa sat up and looked over, "Yes it does."
Konner shook his head. "He needs lessons in the love department. The conversation
turns too serious for my liking."
"A'maelamin, I know. Why do you not pull him to the side tomorrow?"
Konner straightened, watching as Legolas began to run his lips up and down Iladori's
neck. "Well, he is improving in one area. It is about time he distracted her."
Aalyssa chewed on her lower lip. "Do you think we should remind them we are here?
Because Dori is going to be awfully embarrassed."
He watched them thoughtfully, "We might have to if they get too carried away."
Aalyssa sighed as they became serious again. "Well, that distraction did not last long."
"I agree. They are both too serious. They need to learn to let loose and have some fun.
I do wish I knew what they were talking about over there."
"No way to know short of asking them."
"I am tempted," Konner said slyly.
"You would not," Aalyssa gasped, mock shock in her eyes.
"No," he assured her, "But are you not the least bit tempted?"
"Just a little bit," she said wistfully.
Konner smiled and kissed her nose again. "I thought as much."
Aalyssa glanced happily at him and kissed his nose in return.
Konner turned just in time to see Legolas begin kissing Iladori's neck in earnest,
pushing her down on the loveseat. Iladori's arms went around his neck, her body
arching up to his.
"Time to play the bad guy," Konner mumbled. He sat up straight and cleared his throat
loudly.
TBC
Translations:
a'maelamin=my beloved
melamin= my love
mela en coiamin= love of my life
vanimle sila tiri= your beauty shines bright
amin mella lle= I love you