FINDING HEART
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: see chapters one and four.
Please R/R, keep my muse fed.
Still toying with the Elven language, translations at end of chapter
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Legolas lifted his head, his mind dazed. "What? Konner? What are you doing in my
room again? I liked it better when you had your own room, let me tell you," he
complained.
"You are in Aalyssa's room," Konner chuckled. "And getting lost in the moment."
Legolas extended his hand to bring Iladori back into a sitting position. He looked
around, his eyes widening in shock. "Oh, damn. I am in Aalyssa's room," he muttered. "I
am sorry sweetness," he told Iladori, seeing her mortified look. "I just lose track of my
thoughts when I am with you it seems."
Konner chuckled, "And besides, it was not my idea to share your room. It is not like you
use it at night anyway, little brother."
"Forgive us, we lost ourselves," Iladori said, blushing a deep red.
"I know it was not your idea, Konner," Legolas said apologetically.
"Do not worry, Dori. Just think of us as built in chaperones for the afternoon," Aalyssa
explained.
"I cannot believe I forgot which room we were in," Legolas mumbled.
Konner grinned, enjoying his brother's discomfiture. "So little brother, where are we
really spending our nights? Donlugan said you have not slept in your room since we
arrived in Rivendell." A knock on the door interrupted Konner who half shouted, "Yes?"
"May I come in?" Laure asked warily, coming through the door.
"Sure. The more the merrier, Mother," he answered, watching as Iladori straightened
her dress and wrapped her cloak around her.
"I told you, Konner, in the gardens," Legolas answered.
"And just what was that supposed to mean, young man?" Laure asked when she was all
the way in.
Konner looked over at Aalyssa sitting quietly on the bed, rubbing her stomach. A
perfect air of innocence surrounded her. "It has just been a little busy here. I do not
think this room has seen this much action in quite a while."
"Hmm," Laure commented, certain something had been going on.
"It has been a popular place, my old bedroom," he continued as Aalyssa giggled lightly.
"I just came to see if Legolas and Iladori had come back yet. It is time to get ready for
dinner, our families shall be dining together this evening. Aalyssa, I will have your tray
up shortly."
A blush covered Iladori to the roots of her hair. Laure eyed her, concerned. "Is
something wrong, Iladori?"
"No, ma'am," she mumbled.
"If you are certain. I do not wish to see you fall ill, and you look a little flushed."
"Mother, Aalyssa was planning on coming down for dinner this evening," Konner
informed her.
"Are you certain dearest?"
"Yes, Mama. I would like to prove to everyone I have nothing to hide."
Konner glanced over at her, "Yes, and I will be at her side."
"If the two of you are certain. You are aware there may be some harsh talk?"
"Yes Mama. I can handle it. I know the truth and that is all that matters."
"I know, Mother," Konner added, "But there will be more if she stays isolated up here. It
is better to nip it in the bud."
"I know darling. I will find you a dress and bring it over in a few minutes then, little one,"
Laure said before bustling back out the door.
Aalyssa got out of bed and walked over to her sister. Taking her hand, Aalyssa led her
to a far corner. When they paused, Iladori stared at her feet, her face red. "I am so
embarrassed. I am sorry if my behavior was shocking."
"There is nothing to be embarrassed about. You were only enjoying the attentions of
the man you love. We just wanted to make sure things did not get out of hand."
"Still, it was not proper behavior for mixed company."
Aalyssa smiled softly, "Konner and I talked quietly over there. We only looked up every
once in a while to make sure things were not. . .inappropriate. Do not worry so."
Iladori blushed again. "I am so sorry. This is your room and we. . .please forgive me."
"Stop worrying. No harm was done."
"Lys is right," Legolas injected, "We really did not do anything each of us have not seen
in public. Well, not until the last. And Konner stopped us," he added, glaring at his
brother.
Konner smiled. "Someone had to be respectable here."
Aalyssa smiled over at Konner as Legolas choked and Iladori blushed to her roots
again.
"Trust me, Dori. It is okay. Besides, you are among family here. If you cannot do this
type of thing around your family, who can you do it around?" Aalyssa said with a
chuckle. She nudged Legolas who was standing quietly next to her.
He looked at her quizzically as Dori nodded at Aalyssa.
"So you see, Dori, no harm was done," Aalyssa continued.
Konner sighed and muttered under his breath, "My brother. So wise and yet so
clueless." He motioned to Legolas with his arms.
Legolas' eyes widened as realization dawned on him. He walked over and wrapped his
arms around Iladori just as soon as she began to say, "I should go and. . ."
When she felt his arms hold her, she turned and buried her face in his chest.
Aalyssa sighed and looked over in Konner's direction. He got off of the bed and walked
over to her and hugged her close to him, his one hand on the side of her head, her
forehead against his shoulder. "He is clueless when it comes to her, I believe."
"You have to talk with him," Aalyssa said quietly, wrapping her arms around Konner's
waist and pulling close to him.
"I will my love, I will. All of that Princess training seems to have reared it's ugly head.
She is mortified."
"It seems so. Dori," Aalyssa called out, "the offer I made earlier still stands by the way."
She looked over to Aalyssa and nodded. "Thank you Lys. I am getting ready to go
upstairs to get ready for dinner. You should come along, Lys, so we can find you a
dress."
"All right. Oh, Konner," she looked up at him with round eyes, "I forgot to mention that
to Mama when she said she was finding me a dress."
"It is not a problem, love. You go along with Iladori and Legolas and I will offer your
apologies when she returns."
"Thank you, melamin," Aalyssa said, kissing him on the cheek before following Iladori
and Legolas out.
"Konner, I will be back after seeing the ladies safely to their destination," Legolas said,
taking an arm from each and tucking them into his arms.
"You take care of my girl, little brother," Konner called out as they left.
Aalyssa kept a furtive eye on the couple, noticing Iladori smiling at him and pressing
closer to Legolas. Iladori slid her hand down so she could hold his.
At the main door to the Forlindon rooms, Legolas knocked and waited for someone to
answer.
Ziellien opened the door and smiled, "Hello. About time you got here Dori. It is time to
get ready for dinner. Hello, Legolas," she said, stepping back to let them enter.
Aalyssa followed them quietly into the room, overcome by shyness.
"Hello, Aalyssa," Ziellien said with a smile. "Welcome to our home away from home,
sister."
"Hello, Ziellien," Aalyssa responded, watching the children playing. "Uhm. . ."
"Yes, all six of them are mine, Lys. Come children, and meet your Aunt Aalyssa." The
children all dropped what they were doing and ran to their mother. "Lys, this is
Calandrea, Amria, Mayniara, Zaran, Alakanar, and Piatran. This is your Aunt Aalyssa,
she is Aunt Iladori's twin."
In unison, the six children looked up at her and smiled. "Hello, Aunt Aalyssa."
"Hello little ones," she said, bending down to see them better, her hands on her knees.
"You may call me Aunt Lys if you like."
Calandrea, the youngest one, walked closer to Aalyssa and put her arms out to her.
"You pretty," she said softly.
Aalyssa knelt on the floor and took the little girl into her arms. "So are you, little one."
Ziellien smiled at Mithelier, her husband who returned the smile. He walked over and
grinned. "It is very nice to meet you, Aalyssa. It is always wonderful to have another
sister. I am Mithelier, Ziellien's husband."
"I am pleased to meet you, sir," Aalyssa whispered shyly, still holding Calandrea in her
arms.
"The pleasure is mine. And my name is not sir. Just call me Mithelier or Mith."
Ziellien smiled as Calandrea followed her five siblings back to play. "Welcome to the
madness, Lys."
Tracimia came out and smiled. "Lys!"
"Hello, Tracimia," Aalyssa replied as she was hugged. She smiled, watching the
children play. Myalora got up from the couch and walked over.
Myalora kissed Iladori and Legolas on their cheeks. "You are here early, Legolas. We
usually find you here in the morning," she teased him lovingly.
"The children are just lovely, Ziellien," Aalyssa said, watching them romp and play.
"They are a handful though, the six of them," Ziellien smiled proudly at them.
"But well worth it, I am certain," Aalyssa said.
"Oh yes, Lys. Very much so. All right, children, to your rooms."
"But Mommy. . ."
Legolas turned to Myalora, "I wanted to escort Iladori here to get ready, and Aalyssa
needed to come along. I need to go back and make sure my brother gets ready and get
dressed myself for dinner. I will be back shortly with Konner."
Aalyssa wistfully watched the children as they reluctantly put their toys away. "You are
having your meal here tonight, you know that."
Myalora smiled at Legolas, "You know you are always welcome here, darling. Day or
night."
"I know, thank you," he said softly.
"Go get dressed, Legolas," she told him, kissing his cheek again. "We will see you
before dinner."
"Yes, Ma'am," he said. On his way out he stopped to kiss Iladori. She looked up at him
and smiled, returning the kiss.
The older children squealed, "Oooooh, they are kissing again!" Aalyssa smiled widely
at the children, enjoying them.
When he broke the kiss, he whispered in Iladori's ear, "Make sure Aalyssa gets what
she needs. I have seen her like this before. . .she is too shy to ask."
Iladori bit her lower lip, trying not to laugh and encourage the children. Then she said,
"I will. Until dinner, my love."
"Thank you sweetness. Until dinner." He kissed her again before she walked him to the
door, Legolas putting his arm around her and pulling her close.
Salayis, the nanny, herded the children into their room.
Zaran, the oldest, said loudly, "They are going to kiss again."
Ziellien shook her head and sighed, smiling at Aalyssa who was giggling lightly.
At the door, Iladori kissed Legolas softly.
He returned the kiss, adding, " I will be back before you know it."
"It will still be too long."
"I agree." He lightly squeezed her within his arms.
She watched him walk down the hallway, oblivious to the children calling from their
doorway. "Ooh. Mushy gooey stuff."
"Children are just wonderful," Aalyssa sighed, absently rubbing her stomach.
"Yes, they are," Ziellien agreed, catching the movement and shooting Myalora a
questioning look.
Myalora beckoned Aalyssa over, "Come and sit down," she invited with a smile. She
reached out and took Aalyssa's hand. "How are you faring today, little one? Are you
ready to be up and about?"
"I am fine, Mama. And I need to be up and about and moving."
Iladori pulled off her cloak and draped it over one arm, walking over to her mother and
Aalyssa.
"Mommy, we need some help," she explained.
"What is it, little one?" Myalora asked with concern.
"Aalyssa needs some clothes, as you know hers were destroyed. And she would like to
wear something pretty for dinner."
Myalora smiled as Aalyssa blushed and fidgeted nervously.
Tracimia walked over to Aalyssa. "I am sure we can find something for you to wear,
Lys," she said with a smile.
Aalyssa looked up shyly. "Thank you Tracimia. I have been wearing Mama's dresses,
and while they are lovely, they just are not me."
"Please, call me Traci. And we are sisters, sisters share clothing.
"Yes, I am sure between the three of us we can find something," Ziellien agreed.
Mithelier glanced at Iladori and grinned. "It is not like their closets are not already being
raided anyway."
Aalyssa laughed when Iladori stared innocently at the ceiling. "Thank you, Traci,
Ziellien. After I am wed I will be able to get out to the dressmaker, but I wanted
something to wear to dinner. First night back in public, you know," she added quietly.
Tracimia sat next to her, chuckling. "You should be able to wear any of our clothing."
Ziellien sat down on the other side of her and patted her hand, "It will be fine. And we
totally understand. Mom? Did you hear? Lys wants to visit the dressmakers."
"Good," Myalora said. "We will all go tomorrow morning to the dressmakers. Iladori
could use some dresses that are hers since she has discovered an interest in them."
Aalyssa cast her eyes down, chewing on her lower lip. 'I was certain I said once I was
wed.' She was still not certain she would not be putting this family out.
"And we shall get some for our little Aalyssa as well," Myalora finished.
"Ooh, someone is blushing," Ziellien teased, watching Iladori.
Aalyssa swallowed, fighting the threatening tears and then smiled at the women.
"Thank you," she whispered quietly.
Myalora took Aalyssa and Iladori by the hands. "Come along, girls, you both need to
bathe and get ready for dinner," she told them with a smile.
Absently rubbing her stomach, Aalyssa quietly followed.
"Do you have a color preference, Lys?" Ziellien asked, as Tracimia glanced at Myalora.
"I think blues or pinks, thank you, Ziellien," she said softly.
"Enjoy your bath, we will handle the rest," Tracimia said with a smile.
"Thank you, Traci," Aalyssa said.
"I will be in," Iladori said, heading toward her room to try to find a gown.
At the doorway to the bathing room, Myalora stopped and turned to smile at Aalyssa.
"Do not worry, all will be well. Although you must take good care of yourself during this
time."
"I know, thank you. I am not worried," she protested, her voice still soft. "Do Ziellien and
Tracimia know about the baby?"
"They do now," Myalora told her.
Aalyssa looked up at her questioningly.
"You give yourself away, little one. First you faint last night and you keep placing your
hand over your stomach."
She looked down and found her hand there. "I did not realize I was doing that."
"Only those of us who have been there would notice the signs. You cannot help but
want to protect your child, especially after all you have been through," Myalora
continued when Aalyssa looked down and blushed. "Now, no more sad thoughts. It is
bad for the baby."
"I will try."
Myalora lead her into the bathing room, where Iladori was already submerged, washing
her hair.
Aalyssa slipped her dress off and slid into the tub. She began washing her hair,
ignoring the conversation between Iladori and her mother, since it was none of her
business.
As Myalora began to wash Iladori's hair, she smiled over at Aalyssa. "And Father fully
intends to have a talk with a certain someone about his attentions."
Aalyssa looked up in surprise. "But, Konner has already proposed and I have
accepted."
"He will still have a talk with him," she smiled. Myalora pushed Iladori downward to
rinse her hair, then let her back up as she continued. "Everyone needs a champion in
her corner, and now you have one, little one. Father sees it as his duty to make sure
you are well represented when it comes to the marriage agreements."
Aalyssa nodded, quietly beginning to scrub harder as she fought back the tears.
"I do not think Legolas and Konner's father is going to know what hit him. Daddy is
known for being a hard negotiator."
"I am sure their father can hold his own. After all, he is a King also." She looked over to
see a sad smile settled on Aalyssa.
"Welcome to the family, sister."
Iladori climbed out of the water and wrapped a drying cloth around her, seeing her
mother motioning for her to leave.
"Thank you Dori," Aalyssa said in a strained voice.
When they were alone, Myalora said, "What is wrong, little one?"
"Nothing," Aalyssa shook her head.
"You cannot lie to me. Something bothers you, now what is it?"
"I. . .I just do not want to be a duty or charity case, not to anyone," Aalyssa said quietly,
losing the battle with her tears.
"You are not a charity case. You are our daughter now. It might seem like charity, but it
is not. If we were in Forlindon, and you were not part of my family, we would do the
same thing. It is our way to look out for those who have no one. But you are a member
of our family, you are my niece, and now my daughter."
"I guess. . .I just do not know how to handle all that has happened," Aalyssa admitted.
"And I am not used to being treated like I matter."
"My husband loves you, and wants to make certain you have the best possible
arrangement, even though the love you feel for Konner is known by all."
Aalyssa smiled weakly, wiping away a tear.
"I know this has been a trying time for you. A lot has happened quickly, but not all of it
has been bad. But you are not alone, no one is alone." She stood, holding up a drying
cloth. "Come, before you get all wrinkly."
"Konner and his family are doing their best to make me feel not alone," Aalyssa said as
she climbed from the tub. "It is just. . .the day I was in the weaving room . . .after. . ."
"Konner's family loves you dearly. But you need someone to represent your interest
and not those of Konner. You also need to know you have somewhere to go if
something should go wrong."
"When I was wearing one of the Queen's dresses," Aalyssa continued, "I know the
women were talking about my lack of having anything."
"Bah. The women in that weaving room need to find more to do with their idle hands.
There is no shame. Look at Iladori. She has been borrowing dresses left and right from
her sisters to wear during the day."
"In their eyes I went from a Lady to someone with nothing, who was tossed out of her
family."
Myalora sat her down and tilted her chin up. "Now, I want you to listen to me, young
lady. Just because of what your parents did does not mean you are no longer a lady. A
title does not make the person. The person makes the title. Act like a true lady and
people will treat you as such whether you hold a title or not."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"What you have experienced is a test of character. Learn from it and learn well. What
you once thought was important, you learned was not that important at all. An important
lesson all can learn from. And call me Mom or Mommy, please."
"Yes, Ma. . .Mom."
"And tomorrow we will have some dresses made up just for you as well as have work
begun on your wedding gown. In the meantime, we will select some garments that are
already made."
"But, Mom, I have no money," Aalyssa protested.
Myalora sighed, "No, you have parents. Let me worry about paying for the dresses. I
would be most pleased, Aalyssa."
Aalyssa looked up into Myalora's eyes and saw the warm love reflected there. "All right.
And my first attempt at being a true lady is going downstairs to dinner tonight, instead
of hiding in K. . .I mean, my room for the rest of the time here in Rivendell. If I continue
to hide in my room, their talk will hold validity for them."
"If you do not feel like staying in Konner's room, you may come live with us. We have
more than enough room. You may use Iladori's bed since she is not using it much these
days."
"It is not that I do not like staying there, it is just that it is lonely there, now that he has
been ordered to Legolas' room. You know, Konner said the same this morning of
Legolas. They cannot be spending the entire night in the gardens every night."
"Legolas sleeps many a night in our common room on one of the couches," Myalora
chuckled. "With Iladori on another."
"He has found himself a home," Aalyssa smiled.
"I am sure if the court found out, there would be all kinds of ill truths flying about those
two. But we know the truth and that is all that matters."
"I can not believe some of the lies that are told and believed in court," Aalyssa
observed, continuing to dry herself off.
"Legolas has found a lasting love as did she. As did you and Konner," Myalora smiled.
"My girls both fell in love at the same time. We understand and respect young love.
And we would rather have him here asleep rather than them sneaking around. It is the
very reason we do not come here too often. There are more important things to life than
gossip."
"I can only imagine what is being said about me, after fainting yesterday in front of the
women."
"Actually, little one, there is not much being said. There are much juicier pieces of
gossip than you passing out. Besides, I told them you were overheated from standing
too close to the fireplace."
"Thank you, Mom. I am so glad I have been forbidden from the weaving room for the
duration however. I only went to be with Marissa and I really do not like weaving."
"There is more to life than weaving, little one, though you are very good at it."
"It could have been the company, Mom. But I prefer to sew."
Myalora smiled at her, "I am sure you are very handy with a needle," she said, leading
her to Iladori's chamber. "Ziellien enjoys sewing and does fine tapestry work."
"I enjoy embroidery work also. I cannot wait to be home at Mirkwood, I have lots of
fabrics. . ." her voice trailed off, remembering her parents had sent someone back to
destroy her things. She frowned sadly, "I guess I do not."
"You will build a new life, little one. A better life with your Konner," Myalora assured
her.
"Yes, with the man I love and my children. This one and the ones to come." Aalyssa
smiled as she entered the room, where Ziellien was struggling with Iladori's hair.
"Come," Tracimia beckoned, indicating a chair in front of her.
When Aalyssa sat down in front of her, she began to towel dry Aalyssa's hair. Not
being used to being surrounded by sisters, Aalyssa smiled, enjoying their bantering.
Tracimia combed her hair back as Ziellien came in carrying a blue gown and shoes.
"I hope these will fit you, Lys."
"Oh, they are lovely. I am certain they will."
Myalora smiled approvingly. "They are lovely, Ziellien."
"I bought it before I became pregnant with Calandrea and of course, she changed my
body just enough that it is too snug in the hips."
"Are you trying to say the babe gave you a fat arse?" Iladori teased from across the
room. "I would have thought it was all the sweets you ate while saying the baby wanted
them."
Ziellien glared at her younger sister then laughed. "Just wait. Your time is coming."
Tracimia pulled back the front sections of Aalyssa's hair, securing it with combs as
Ziellien gathered up the dress.
"Stand up, Aalyssa," Ziellien told her.
Tracimia handed her some under clothing which Aalyssa slipped on.
Ziellien slid the gown over Aalyssa's head, helping to get her arms in the right place.
Once it was on, she started securing the laces. "Tell me if they are too tight."
"That is good, Ziellien," Aalyssa told her quietly, when the dress was just snug enough
to look right.
Ziellien smiled and tucked the ends of the ties into the dress. "A perfect fit."
"It is beautiful," Aalyssa gasped.
"No, you are beautiful," Myalora told her.
Tracimia returned to finish fixing Aalyssa's hair, putting a circlet of silver with
moonstones set in it on her. "All done. You are ready for dinner."
"Thank you, Traci," Aalyssa said, feeling like a princess from a fairy tale. She looked up
to find Ziellien handing her a pair of blue shoes. She sat down and carefully bent over
to slip them on.
When she sat back up, she watched Iladori donning a dark green velvet gown over her
mithril maile. "Uhm, Dori," she began as Iladori adjusted the maile.
"Yes, Lys?" she asked as Myalora tied her laces.
"You might either wish to lose the maile or adjust it, since it is showing through the
openings on your sleeves."
"It is supposed to," Zaran said from the door. "She likes to remind people that while she
may look pretty, she can pound them into a splat on the ground."
"Zaran!" Ziellien scolded him.
"Mother, it is the truth, you know."
"I am sure that is not what Iladori intends," Aalyssa protested as Tracimia and Myalora
chuckled.
"It does set off the velvet though," Tracimia noted.
Myalora put a circlet of mithril and jade stones in Iladori's hair and gently pushed her
daughter's hair back off of her shoulders. Then she adjusted the sleeves and top of the
dress.
"You look lovely, Dori," Aalyssa told her.
"Thank you, I hope Legolas thinks so. You do as well, Lys."
"I am sure he will, Dori. And thank you," Aalyssa said with a smile.
"He does not see anything but you, Dor," Ziellien teased.
Myalora inspected the girls and smiled. "I believe we are ready for dinner. Come girls,"
she called out, leading the four younger women behind her.
As they entered the sitting room, there was a knock on the door. Mithelier went to open
it. "Yes?" he said with a smile to the two men he found standing there.
Careman stood and watched his girls walking behind his wife. "You all look lovely," he
said softly as Konner and Legolas walked in.
"Dori, Aalyssa, your escorts are here," Mithelier announced, stepping back to let them
enter.
"You look like a queen, my dear," Careman told Aalyssa. He smiled and kissed her on
the cheek.
"Thank you sir," she blushed.
Still smiling, Careman caressed her cheek and then turned to give his other girls sweet
and honest compliments, as he always did.
Konner walked across the room and took Aalyssa into his arms. "You are a vision,
melamin," he whispered before kissing her gently.
"Thank you, Konner," she said, looking at him from under her eyelashes. "I feel like a
fairy tale princess tonight," she admitted, looking down at the fancy dress with the small
bows adorning it.
"You look like a fairy tale princess," Konner commented, taking her hand and putting it
through his arm, resting his other hand on top of hers. 'In fact, I have not seen you look
this lovely since. . ."
"Since when sweetheart?" she asked, tucking her other hand around his arm.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: see chapters one and four.
Please R/R, keep my muse fed.
Still toying with the Elven language, translations at end of chapter
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Legolas lifted his head, his mind dazed. "What? Konner? What are you doing in my
room again? I liked it better when you had your own room, let me tell you," he
complained.
"You are in Aalyssa's room," Konner chuckled. "And getting lost in the moment."
Legolas extended his hand to bring Iladori back into a sitting position. He looked
around, his eyes widening in shock. "Oh, damn. I am in Aalyssa's room," he muttered. "I
am sorry sweetness," he told Iladori, seeing her mortified look. "I just lose track of my
thoughts when I am with you it seems."
Konner chuckled, "And besides, it was not my idea to share your room. It is not like you
use it at night anyway, little brother."
"Forgive us, we lost ourselves," Iladori said, blushing a deep red.
"I know it was not your idea, Konner," Legolas said apologetically.
"Do not worry, Dori. Just think of us as built in chaperones for the afternoon," Aalyssa
explained.
"I cannot believe I forgot which room we were in," Legolas mumbled.
Konner grinned, enjoying his brother's discomfiture. "So little brother, where are we
really spending our nights? Donlugan said you have not slept in your room since we
arrived in Rivendell." A knock on the door interrupted Konner who half shouted, "Yes?"
"May I come in?" Laure asked warily, coming through the door.
"Sure. The more the merrier, Mother," he answered, watching as Iladori straightened
her dress and wrapped her cloak around her.
"I told you, Konner, in the gardens," Legolas answered.
"And just what was that supposed to mean, young man?" Laure asked when she was all
the way in.
Konner looked over at Aalyssa sitting quietly on the bed, rubbing her stomach. A
perfect air of innocence surrounded her. "It has just been a little busy here. I do not
think this room has seen this much action in quite a while."
"Hmm," Laure commented, certain something had been going on.
"It has been a popular place, my old bedroom," he continued as Aalyssa giggled lightly.
"I just came to see if Legolas and Iladori had come back yet. It is time to get ready for
dinner, our families shall be dining together this evening. Aalyssa, I will have your tray
up shortly."
A blush covered Iladori to the roots of her hair. Laure eyed her, concerned. "Is
something wrong, Iladori?"
"No, ma'am," she mumbled.
"If you are certain. I do not wish to see you fall ill, and you look a little flushed."
"Mother, Aalyssa was planning on coming down for dinner this evening," Konner
informed her.
"Are you certain dearest?"
"Yes, Mama. I would like to prove to everyone I have nothing to hide."
Konner glanced over at her, "Yes, and I will be at her side."
"If the two of you are certain. You are aware there may be some harsh talk?"
"Yes Mama. I can handle it. I know the truth and that is all that matters."
"I know, Mother," Konner added, "But there will be more if she stays isolated up here. It
is better to nip it in the bud."
"I know darling. I will find you a dress and bring it over in a few minutes then, little one,"
Laure said before bustling back out the door.
Aalyssa got out of bed and walked over to her sister. Taking her hand, Aalyssa led her
to a far corner. When they paused, Iladori stared at her feet, her face red. "I am so
embarrassed. I am sorry if my behavior was shocking."
"There is nothing to be embarrassed about. You were only enjoying the attentions of
the man you love. We just wanted to make sure things did not get out of hand."
"Still, it was not proper behavior for mixed company."
Aalyssa smiled softly, "Konner and I talked quietly over there. We only looked up every
once in a while to make sure things were not. . .inappropriate. Do not worry so."
Iladori blushed again. "I am so sorry. This is your room and we. . .please forgive me."
"Stop worrying. No harm was done."
"Lys is right," Legolas injected, "We really did not do anything each of us have not seen
in public. Well, not until the last. And Konner stopped us," he added, glaring at his
brother.
Konner smiled. "Someone had to be respectable here."
Aalyssa smiled over at Konner as Legolas choked and Iladori blushed to her roots
again.
"Trust me, Dori. It is okay. Besides, you are among family here. If you cannot do this
type of thing around your family, who can you do it around?" Aalyssa said with a
chuckle. She nudged Legolas who was standing quietly next to her.
He looked at her quizzically as Dori nodded at Aalyssa.
"So you see, Dori, no harm was done," Aalyssa continued.
Konner sighed and muttered under his breath, "My brother. So wise and yet so
clueless." He motioned to Legolas with his arms.
Legolas' eyes widened as realization dawned on him. He walked over and wrapped his
arms around Iladori just as soon as she began to say, "I should go and. . ."
When she felt his arms hold her, she turned and buried her face in his chest.
Aalyssa sighed and looked over in Konner's direction. He got off of the bed and walked
over to her and hugged her close to him, his one hand on the side of her head, her
forehead against his shoulder. "He is clueless when it comes to her, I believe."
"You have to talk with him," Aalyssa said quietly, wrapping her arms around Konner's
waist and pulling close to him.
"I will my love, I will. All of that Princess training seems to have reared it's ugly head.
She is mortified."
"It seems so. Dori," Aalyssa called out, "the offer I made earlier still stands by the way."
She looked over to Aalyssa and nodded. "Thank you Lys. I am getting ready to go
upstairs to get ready for dinner. You should come along, Lys, so we can find you a
dress."
"All right. Oh, Konner," she looked up at him with round eyes, "I forgot to mention that
to Mama when she said she was finding me a dress."
"It is not a problem, love. You go along with Iladori and Legolas and I will offer your
apologies when she returns."
"Thank you, melamin," Aalyssa said, kissing him on the cheek before following Iladori
and Legolas out.
"Konner, I will be back after seeing the ladies safely to their destination," Legolas said,
taking an arm from each and tucking them into his arms.
"You take care of my girl, little brother," Konner called out as they left.
Aalyssa kept a furtive eye on the couple, noticing Iladori smiling at him and pressing
closer to Legolas. Iladori slid her hand down so she could hold his.
At the main door to the Forlindon rooms, Legolas knocked and waited for someone to
answer.
Ziellien opened the door and smiled, "Hello. About time you got here Dori. It is time to
get ready for dinner. Hello, Legolas," she said, stepping back to let them enter.
Aalyssa followed them quietly into the room, overcome by shyness.
"Hello, Aalyssa," Ziellien said with a smile. "Welcome to our home away from home,
sister."
"Hello, Ziellien," Aalyssa responded, watching the children playing. "Uhm. . ."
"Yes, all six of them are mine, Lys. Come children, and meet your Aunt Aalyssa." The
children all dropped what they were doing and ran to their mother. "Lys, this is
Calandrea, Amria, Mayniara, Zaran, Alakanar, and Piatran. This is your Aunt Aalyssa,
she is Aunt Iladori's twin."
In unison, the six children looked up at her and smiled. "Hello, Aunt Aalyssa."
"Hello little ones," she said, bending down to see them better, her hands on her knees.
"You may call me Aunt Lys if you like."
Calandrea, the youngest one, walked closer to Aalyssa and put her arms out to her.
"You pretty," she said softly.
Aalyssa knelt on the floor and took the little girl into her arms. "So are you, little one."
Ziellien smiled at Mithelier, her husband who returned the smile. He walked over and
grinned. "It is very nice to meet you, Aalyssa. It is always wonderful to have another
sister. I am Mithelier, Ziellien's husband."
"I am pleased to meet you, sir," Aalyssa whispered shyly, still holding Calandrea in her
arms.
"The pleasure is mine. And my name is not sir. Just call me Mithelier or Mith."
Ziellien smiled as Calandrea followed her five siblings back to play. "Welcome to the
madness, Lys."
Tracimia came out and smiled. "Lys!"
"Hello, Tracimia," Aalyssa replied as she was hugged. She smiled, watching the
children play. Myalora got up from the couch and walked over.
Myalora kissed Iladori and Legolas on their cheeks. "You are here early, Legolas. We
usually find you here in the morning," she teased him lovingly.
"The children are just lovely, Ziellien," Aalyssa said, watching them romp and play.
"They are a handful though, the six of them," Ziellien smiled proudly at them.
"But well worth it, I am certain," Aalyssa said.
"Oh yes, Lys. Very much so. All right, children, to your rooms."
"But Mommy. . ."
Legolas turned to Myalora, "I wanted to escort Iladori here to get ready, and Aalyssa
needed to come along. I need to go back and make sure my brother gets ready and get
dressed myself for dinner. I will be back shortly with Konner."
Aalyssa wistfully watched the children as they reluctantly put their toys away. "You are
having your meal here tonight, you know that."
Myalora smiled at Legolas, "You know you are always welcome here, darling. Day or
night."
"I know, thank you," he said softly.
"Go get dressed, Legolas," she told him, kissing his cheek again. "We will see you
before dinner."
"Yes, Ma'am," he said. On his way out he stopped to kiss Iladori. She looked up at him
and smiled, returning the kiss.
The older children squealed, "Oooooh, they are kissing again!" Aalyssa smiled widely
at the children, enjoying them.
When he broke the kiss, he whispered in Iladori's ear, "Make sure Aalyssa gets what
she needs. I have seen her like this before. . .she is too shy to ask."
Iladori bit her lower lip, trying not to laugh and encourage the children. Then she said,
"I will. Until dinner, my love."
"Thank you sweetness. Until dinner." He kissed her again before she walked him to the
door, Legolas putting his arm around her and pulling her close.
Salayis, the nanny, herded the children into their room.
Zaran, the oldest, said loudly, "They are going to kiss again."
Ziellien shook her head and sighed, smiling at Aalyssa who was giggling lightly.
At the door, Iladori kissed Legolas softly.
He returned the kiss, adding, " I will be back before you know it."
"It will still be too long."
"I agree." He lightly squeezed her within his arms.
She watched him walk down the hallway, oblivious to the children calling from their
doorway. "Ooh. Mushy gooey stuff."
"Children are just wonderful," Aalyssa sighed, absently rubbing her stomach.
"Yes, they are," Ziellien agreed, catching the movement and shooting Myalora a
questioning look.
Myalora beckoned Aalyssa over, "Come and sit down," she invited with a smile. She
reached out and took Aalyssa's hand. "How are you faring today, little one? Are you
ready to be up and about?"
"I am fine, Mama. And I need to be up and about and moving."
Iladori pulled off her cloak and draped it over one arm, walking over to her mother and
Aalyssa.
"Mommy, we need some help," she explained.
"What is it, little one?" Myalora asked with concern.
"Aalyssa needs some clothes, as you know hers were destroyed. And she would like to
wear something pretty for dinner."
Myalora smiled as Aalyssa blushed and fidgeted nervously.
Tracimia walked over to Aalyssa. "I am sure we can find something for you to wear,
Lys," she said with a smile.
Aalyssa looked up shyly. "Thank you Tracimia. I have been wearing Mama's dresses,
and while they are lovely, they just are not me."
"Please, call me Traci. And we are sisters, sisters share clothing.
"Yes, I am sure between the three of us we can find something," Ziellien agreed.
Mithelier glanced at Iladori and grinned. "It is not like their closets are not already being
raided anyway."
Aalyssa laughed when Iladori stared innocently at the ceiling. "Thank you, Traci,
Ziellien. After I am wed I will be able to get out to the dressmaker, but I wanted
something to wear to dinner. First night back in public, you know," she added quietly.
Tracimia sat next to her, chuckling. "You should be able to wear any of our clothing."
Ziellien sat down on the other side of her and patted her hand, "It will be fine. And we
totally understand. Mom? Did you hear? Lys wants to visit the dressmakers."
"Good," Myalora said. "We will all go tomorrow morning to the dressmakers. Iladori
could use some dresses that are hers since she has discovered an interest in them."
Aalyssa cast her eyes down, chewing on her lower lip. 'I was certain I said once I was
wed.' She was still not certain she would not be putting this family out.
"And we shall get some for our little Aalyssa as well," Myalora finished.
"Ooh, someone is blushing," Ziellien teased, watching Iladori.
Aalyssa swallowed, fighting the threatening tears and then smiled at the women.
"Thank you," she whispered quietly.
Myalora took Aalyssa and Iladori by the hands. "Come along, girls, you both need to
bathe and get ready for dinner," she told them with a smile.
Absently rubbing her stomach, Aalyssa quietly followed.
"Do you have a color preference, Lys?" Ziellien asked, as Tracimia glanced at Myalora.
"I think blues or pinks, thank you, Ziellien," she said softly.
"Enjoy your bath, we will handle the rest," Tracimia said with a smile.
"Thank you, Traci," Aalyssa said.
"I will be in," Iladori said, heading toward her room to try to find a gown.
At the doorway to the bathing room, Myalora stopped and turned to smile at Aalyssa.
"Do not worry, all will be well. Although you must take good care of yourself during this
time."
"I know, thank you. I am not worried," she protested, her voice still soft. "Do Ziellien and
Tracimia know about the baby?"
"They do now," Myalora told her.
Aalyssa looked up at her questioningly.
"You give yourself away, little one. First you faint last night and you keep placing your
hand over your stomach."
She looked down and found her hand there. "I did not realize I was doing that."
"Only those of us who have been there would notice the signs. You cannot help but
want to protect your child, especially after all you have been through," Myalora
continued when Aalyssa looked down and blushed. "Now, no more sad thoughts. It is
bad for the baby."
"I will try."
Myalora lead her into the bathing room, where Iladori was already submerged, washing
her hair.
Aalyssa slipped her dress off and slid into the tub. She began washing her hair,
ignoring the conversation between Iladori and her mother, since it was none of her
business.
As Myalora began to wash Iladori's hair, she smiled over at Aalyssa. "And Father fully
intends to have a talk with a certain someone about his attentions."
Aalyssa looked up in surprise. "But, Konner has already proposed and I have
accepted."
"He will still have a talk with him," she smiled. Myalora pushed Iladori downward to
rinse her hair, then let her back up as she continued. "Everyone needs a champion in
her corner, and now you have one, little one. Father sees it as his duty to make sure
you are well represented when it comes to the marriage agreements."
Aalyssa nodded, quietly beginning to scrub harder as she fought back the tears.
"I do not think Legolas and Konner's father is going to know what hit him. Daddy is
known for being a hard negotiator."
"I am sure their father can hold his own. After all, he is a King also." She looked over to
see a sad smile settled on Aalyssa.
"Welcome to the family, sister."
Iladori climbed out of the water and wrapped a drying cloth around her, seeing her
mother motioning for her to leave.
"Thank you Dori," Aalyssa said in a strained voice.
When they were alone, Myalora said, "What is wrong, little one?"
"Nothing," Aalyssa shook her head.
"You cannot lie to me. Something bothers you, now what is it?"
"I. . .I just do not want to be a duty or charity case, not to anyone," Aalyssa said quietly,
losing the battle with her tears.
"You are not a charity case. You are our daughter now. It might seem like charity, but it
is not. If we were in Forlindon, and you were not part of my family, we would do the
same thing. It is our way to look out for those who have no one. But you are a member
of our family, you are my niece, and now my daughter."
"I guess. . .I just do not know how to handle all that has happened," Aalyssa admitted.
"And I am not used to being treated like I matter."
"My husband loves you, and wants to make certain you have the best possible
arrangement, even though the love you feel for Konner is known by all."
Aalyssa smiled weakly, wiping away a tear.
"I know this has been a trying time for you. A lot has happened quickly, but not all of it
has been bad. But you are not alone, no one is alone." She stood, holding up a drying
cloth. "Come, before you get all wrinkly."
"Konner and his family are doing their best to make me feel not alone," Aalyssa said as
she climbed from the tub. "It is just. . .the day I was in the weaving room . . .after. . ."
"Konner's family loves you dearly. But you need someone to represent your interest
and not those of Konner. You also need to know you have somewhere to go if
something should go wrong."
"When I was wearing one of the Queen's dresses," Aalyssa continued, "I know the
women were talking about my lack of having anything."
"Bah. The women in that weaving room need to find more to do with their idle hands.
There is no shame. Look at Iladori. She has been borrowing dresses left and right from
her sisters to wear during the day."
"In their eyes I went from a Lady to someone with nothing, who was tossed out of her
family."
Myalora sat her down and tilted her chin up. "Now, I want you to listen to me, young
lady. Just because of what your parents did does not mean you are no longer a lady. A
title does not make the person. The person makes the title. Act like a true lady and
people will treat you as such whether you hold a title or not."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"What you have experienced is a test of character. Learn from it and learn well. What
you once thought was important, you learned was not that important at all. An important
lesson all can learn from. And call me Mom or Mommy, please."
"Yes, Ma. . .Mom."
"And tomorrow we will have some dresses made up just for you as well as have work
begun on your wedding gown. In the meantime, we will select some garments that are
already made."
"But, Mom, I have no money," Aalyssa protested.
Myalora sighed, "No, you have parents. Let me worry about paying for the dresses. I
would be most pleased, Aalyssa."
Aalyssa looked up into Myalora's eyes and saw the warm love reflected there. "All right.
And my first attempt at being a true lady is going downstairs to dinner tonight, instead
of hiding in K. . .I mean, my room for the rest of the time here in Rivendell. If I continue
to hide in my room, their talk will hold validity for them."
"If you do not feel like staying in Konner's room, you may come live with us. We have
more than enough room. You may use Iladori's bed since she is not using it much these
days."
"It is not that I do not like staying there, it is just that it is lonely there, now that he has
been ordered to Legolas' room. You know, Konner said the same this morning of
Legolas. They cannot be spending the entire night in the gardens every night."
"Legolas sleeps many a night in our common room on one of the couches," Myalora
chuckled. "With Iladori on another."
"He has found himself a home," Aalyssa smiled.
"I am sure if the court found out, there would be all kinds of ill truths flying about those
two. But we know the truth and that is all that matters."
"I can not believe some of the lies that are told and believed in court," Aalyssa
observed, continuing to dry herself off.
"Legolas has found a lasting love as did she. As did you and Konner," Myalora smiled.
"My girls both fell in love at the same time. We understand and respect young love.
And we would rather have him here asleep rather than them sneaking around. It is the
very reason we do not come here too often. There are more important things to life than
gossip."
"I can only imagine what is being said about me, after fainting yesterday in front of the
women."
"Actually, little one, there is not much being said. There are much juicier pieces of
gossip than you passing out. Besides, I told them you were overheated from standing
too close to the fireplace."
"Thank you, Mom. I am so glad I have been forbidden from the weaving room for the
duration however. I only went to be with Marissa and I really do not like weaving."
"There is more to life than weaving, little one, though you are very good at it."
"It could have been the company, Mom. But I prefer to sew."
Myalora smiled at her, "I am sure you are very handy with a needle," she said, leading
her to Iladori's chamber. "Ziellien enjoys sewing and does fine tapestry work."
"I enjoy embroidery work also. I cannot wait to be home at Mirkwood, I have lots of
fabrics. . ." her voice trailed off, remembering her parents had sent someone back to
destroy her things. She frowned sadly, "I guess I do not."
"You will build a new life, little one. A better life with your Konner," Myalora assured
her.
"Yes, with the man I love and my children. This one and the ones to come." Aalyssa
smiled as she entered the room, where Ziellien was struggling with Iladori's hair.
"Come," Tracimia beckoned, indicating a chair in front of her.
When Aalyssa sat down in front of her, she began to towel dry Aalyssa's hair. Not
being used to being surrounded by sisters, Aalyssa smiled, enjoying their bantering.
Tracimia combed her hair back as Ziellien came in carrying a blue gown and shoes.
"I hope these will fit you, Lys."
"Oh, they are lovely. I am certain they will."
Myalora smiled approvingly. "They are lovely, Ziellien."
"I bought it before I became pregnant with Calandrea and of course, she changed my
body just enough that it is too snug in the hips."
"Are you trying to say the babe gave you a fat arse?" Iladori teased from across the
room. "I would have thought it was all the sweets you ate while saying the baby wanted
them."
Ziellien glared at her younger sister then laughed. "Just wait. Your time is coming."
Tracimia pulled back the front sections of Aalyssa's hair, securing it with combs as
Ziellien gathered up the dress.
"Stand up, Aalyssa," Ziellien told her.
Tracimia handed her some under clothing which Aalyssa slipped on.
Ziellien slid the gown over Aalyssa's head, helping to get her arms in the right place.
Once it was on, she started securing the laces. "Tell me if they are too tight."
"That is good, Ziellien," Aalyssa told her quietly, when the dress was just snug enough
to look right.
Ziellien smiled and tucked the ends of the ties into the dress. "A perfect fit."
"It is beautiful," Aalyssa gasped.
"No, you are beautiful," Myalora told her.
Tracimia returned to finish fixing Aalyssa's hair, putting a circlet of silver with
moonstones set in it on her. "All done. You are ready for dinner."
"Thank you, Traci," Aalyssa said, feeling like a princess from a fairy tale. She looked up
to find Ziellien handing her a pair of blue shoes. She sat down and carefully bent over
to slip them on.
When she sat back up, she watched Iladori donning a dark green velvet gown over her
mithril maile. "Uhm, Dori," she began as Iladori adjusted the maile.
"Yes, Lys?" she asked as Myalora tied her laces.
"You might either wish to lose the maile or adjust it, since it is showing through the
openings on your sleeves."
"It is supposed to," Zaran said from the door. "She likes to remind people that while she
may look pretty, she can pound them into a splat on the ground."
"Zaran!" Ziellien scolded him.
"Mother, it is the truth, you know."
"I am sure that is not what Iladori intends," Aalyssa protested as Tracimia and Myalora
chuckled.
"It does set off the velvet though," Tracimia noted.
Myalora put a circlet of mithril and jade stones in Iladori's hair and gently pushed her
daughter's hair back off of her shoulders. Then she adjusted the sleeves and top of the
dress.
"You look lovely, Dori," Aalyssa told her.
"Thank you, I hope Legolas thinks so. You do as well, Lys."
"I am sure he will, Dori. And thank you," Aalyssa said with a smile.
"He does not see anything but you, Dor," Ziellien teased.
Myalora inspected the girls and smiled. "I believe we are ready for dinner. Come girls,"
she called out, leading the four younger women behind her.
As they entered the sitting room, there was a knock on the door. Mithelier went to open
it. "Yes?" he said with a smile to the two men he found standing there.
Careman stood and watched his girls walking behind his wife. "You all look lovely," he
said softly as Konner and Legolas walked in.
"Dori, Aalyssa, your escorts are here," Mithelier announced, stepping back to let them
enter.
"You look like a queen, my dear," Careman told Aalyssa. He smiled and kissed her on
the cheek.
"Thank you sir," she blushed.
Still smiling, Careman caressed her cheek and then turned to give his other girls sweet
and honest compliments, as he always did.
Konner walked across the room and took Aalyssa into his arms. "You are a vision,
melamin," he whispered before kissing her gently.
"Thank you, Konner," she said, looking at him from under her eyelashes. "I feel like a
fairy tale princess tonight," she admitted, looking down at the fancy dress with the small
bows adorning it.
"You look like a fairy tale princess," Konner commented, taking her hand and putting it
through his arm, resting his other hand on top of hers. 'In fact, I have not seen you look
this lovely since. . ."
"Since when sweetheart?" she asked, tucking her other hand around his arm.