FINDING HEART
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one, four and fourteen
A/N: Thanks for the reviews, keep em coming.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Konner kept a straight face as Aalyssa watched him, her eyes growing more curious
with every second. He smiled softly and kissed her neck, "Since the first time you woke
up in my arms, a'maelamin."
Aalyssa's eyes lit up with her love for him, and she smiled brightly. "You are so sweet,"
she whispered, pulling his face down to kiss his cheek.
"Only for you, melamin," he replied, blushing slightly. "Did you have fun with your
family?" he asked, unable to stop himself from returning her bright smile. They went out
the door, followed by Legolas and Iladori and then the rest of the family.
"Very much so. They are so nice and sweet."
"Good," he grinned, kissing her temple. "Your father talked to Father and then came
and talked to me." With a shiver, he added, "More like put the fear of the gods in me."
"Mom mentioned he would, but I was not aware it was happening tonight." Aalyssa
looked up at him with concern. "He was not too harsh with you, was he?"
"I would hate to have heard what he told Legolas when he asked for Iladori's hand,
since he raised her."
Aalyssa stiffened and looked at him, "Just what did he say to you, Konner?"
"He basically said I had better treat you well and be faithful to my vows to you."
"Yes, you better had," Aalyssa added, her voice only half-teasing.
"He also let me know I would have to answer to him should I make you unhappy," he
explained as they started down the stairs. His hold tightened on her hand.
A smile quirked at the corners of Aalyssa's mouth. "I seem to have been accepted.
Mya- Mom has offered to purchase me gowns as well as my wedding gown. If that is
all right, Konner," she added shyly.
"Of course it is, melamin. Your family loves you, and I am glad you have found them,"
Konner said, kissing her temple.
Legolas glanced over his shoulder to make certain everyone was keeping up. Briefly he
wondered what Konner and Aalyssa were discussing so intently.
Iladori turned to see what he was looking at. "Mommy talked to her. I think she is
starting to feel like a member of the family."
"Good," Legolas smiled. "She needs that."
"Amin mela lle, Lys. I will remain true to our vows, you are the only Elf Maid I desire."
"I know you will, Konner," she stated. "Amin mela lle, and I will never break my vows to
you. You are the only one I have ever wanted."
Legolas pushed the doors open and the family entered the dining hall.
Konner tightened his arm around Aalyssa, as people watched them, some with scathing
looks. He bent to kiss her softy when she took a deep breath. When some of the
women's voices reached her, bearing their nasty words, Aalyssa whispered,
"Konner...my room, please."
"No, melamin. We both agreed this was the best. I am right here for you."
"I. . ."
"We agreed we could face this and handle it. It will only get worse if you hide," he
explained, leading her toward the family's table.
All waited on their feet until Careman seated Myalora, then took his own seat.
Aalyssa forced herself to calmly wait as Konner slid her chair under and then sat next
to her. With a forced smile, she reached under the table for his hand. Her nervousness
abated somewhat when he lifted her hand to kiss it, then returned it to under the table.
"Relax, melamin. Enjoy tonight with our families."
She nodded and smiled up at him, laying her head on his shoulder.
He glanced down the table to where Iladori was sitting as Legolas walked away. "And
things get serious with those two again," Konner mumbled.
Aalyssa glanced at Iladori, wondering if they should intervene. She had started to
speak when Konner used his free hand to lift her face and turn it to face him. "We
cannot keep fixing their problems."
"I know," she sighed, wishing she could help them though.
Legolas returned to the table with a smile, his parents behind him. He seated them near
Careman and Myalora, then took his place next to Iladori.
Aalyssa sat quietly, rubbing her stomach, as the servants began bringing food to the
tables.
Konner leaned down toward her. "Sweetheart? Are you all right?" he asked the same
time Ziellien asked if she was feeling nauseous.
Aalyssa looked up in surprise and blinked. "I am fine. Why?" She looked at the two,
wondering why they were suddenly concerned.
"You are rubbing your stomach," Konner whispered.
"Oh, no, it is fine, thank you Ziellien." She looked back up at Konner. "I am rubbing it
again? No, really, I am fine, melamin. Apparently I have been doing that all day."
'I have noticed." He beamed proudly at her. "It is hard to believe our child is nestled
there."
Aalyssa returned the smile, explaining she wanted the baby to feel loved.
"The baby knows, a'maelamin," he assured her with a smile and kissing her temple
softly again.
"The more contact I have with it, the better."
From his end of the table, Careman watched the two young couples. "Young love."
"I remember it well," Myalora added.
"Konner, has Dad given any indication of when the wedding will be? I will need a date
to give the dressmaker," Aalyssa asked."
"Not yet, he is still in discussion with Elrond."
A crestfallen look settled on Aalyssa as she began to pick at her food. "All right."
Myalora watched Careman observe one of the young couples. "Something troubles
you, my love."
"It is not exactly troubling me. It is more like I am keeping my eye on that one there," he
explained, indicating Konner.
"He loves her, dear heart. It just took awhile for him to come to his senses. I am sure
your talk helped. But remember, he almost lost her. That knocked sense into him."
With a sigh, Konner watched the serious discussions surrounding them.
"Iladori is acting oddly," Aalyssa commented. Her sister was not eating and doing her
best to dodge Legolas' attentions. She took Konner's hand and placed it on her
stomach, smiling when Konner began to rub it. Aalyssa sighed and leaned her head on
his shoulder, "That feels good, Konner."
"Good," he said with a smile, continuing to rub her gently. "Now eat something." He
watched her eat and after a while, he noted things becoming serious in discussion with
the parents as well.
"What are we doing that is wrong this time?" she asked.
"Judging from the looks they are giving Legolas and Iladori, I think the concern is
there."
She nodded and relaxed. "So it seems." Aalyssa stiffened and sat up in alarm when
Iladori jumped to her feet and ran from the room. "What happened?" she asked at the
same time Konner asked what just happened.
He looked down toward the parents and said in frustration, "Did you ever get the feeling
everyone knows what is going on except us?"
"I certainly do."
They sat quietly for a bit, Aalyssa pushing the plate away from her, waiting for Legolas
to bring Iladori back. After twenty minutes had passed, Konner looked at Aalyssa. "Do
you think I should go find them before. . ."
"It probably would not be a bad idea. Would you like for me to come with you?"
"To tell you the truth, I am afraid of what I might find."
Her mind envisioning the stableboy incident, Aalyssa repeated, "Do you want me to
come along?"
"It might be for the best. Iladori might not like it or be mortified if I. . ."
Aalyssa got to her feet, "All right, let us see if we can find them," she said, putting her
hand on Konner's arm.
He stood and said, "Mother, Father, Aalyssa would like some fresh air. We will be back
shortly." He almost choked on the innocent smile Aalyssa bestowed on both sets of
parents. "And hopefully neither will kill us for this," he whispered under his breath.
As they left, Laure watched them warily. "Why did that just worry me?"
"I do not know, love," Thranduil responded.
"If his honor was on par with Legolas'. . ." Careman observed.
"What more trouble can he cause, though? She is already carrying his child," Laure
commented.
Thranduil chuckled as Careman said, "I think he would find new levels of trouble to get
into."
Laure sighed. "More than likely. But Aalyssa will keep him straight."
"Or go along with him," Thranduil said, still chuckling. "Depending on his idea."
"Hopefully he can keep it in his pants until the wedding," Careman said.
"I know he does not want to take any chances hurting the babe, after what she has
been through," Laure explained.
"No, he would not. He loves that babe," Thranduil added.
"I am confident he will be good," Laure concluded.
"Where do you think they are, melamin? This garden is huge," Konner asked.
"Hard to say. I wonder if they left a trail of some sort."
"This is Legolas we are speaking of, my love."
"You have a point."
"Do you think I should call out for him?" Konner asked. "Give them some kind of
warning we are looking for them?"
"No, we do not want all of Rivendell to know we are looking for them. It could be
perfectly innocent. It is Legolas after all."
"True."
"And she did look genuinely upset about something."
"I would just hate to, you know. . ." he said nervously, having no desire to find his
brother in a compromising position. "To walk in on something and have both of them
die of mortification," he added.
"I know. And not to mention the two of us."
"You know, Lys, the old me would have enjoyed embarrassing the heck out of him,
proving he is no better than I. Now I am terrified of finding him losing control."
"I know, sweetheart. I do believe you have grown up," she smiled teasingly. Aalyssa
looked around as they walked. "You know, the gardens are lovely at night. I mean, just
look at the flowers."
"Yes they are," Konner said, turning to face her with a smile. "Are you trying to distract
me so we are too late in finding them?"
"Me? Would I do such a thing?" she asked innocently.
"Yes, you, my little plotter. It would be better if we found them then if. . ."
"I know, I was only teasing, Konner."
"Legolas? Are you out here?" he called out softly, just loud enough for Legolas to hear
him. "Legolas? Are you out here? The family is worried about Iladori and sent us to
make certain the two of you are all right."
They continued to walk, Konner's frustration level growing. "You know he can hear me.
Where the hell are they?"
"I do not know, Konner," Aalyssa answered, also becoming aggravated.
"I hope he has enough sense. . ."
"Legolas! Iladori!" Aalyssa whispered loudly.
As they approach the wall of rose trellis', they heard Iladori moan Legolas' name.
"Oh hell," Konner grumbled. "Could not keep it in your pants a little longer," he said
under his breath.
"Over this way, I think," Aalyssa commented.
Konner looked up and spied movement heading in the same direction. "Damn it."
"I will try to head them off," Aalyssa offered.
"Try. If it gets out, Legolas will be mortified," he stated before moving quickly toward his
brother. "Legolas, for Elbereth's sake, answer me, you fool.
She headed straight and approached the figure. "Good evening, Lady Imeranian," she
greeted. "I am pleased I ran into you."
Imeranian looked down her long, hawk like nose. "Yes?" she said haughtily.
"I was wondering. . .I know you know flowers. And I was wondering if you could tell me
what the name of the flower at the beginning of the garden is, as I would like to find
some for Mirkwood."
"Kind of dark for flower hunting, young lady. And I use the term lady very loosely."
"I was just out for a stroll and happened to see it," Aalyssa explained, being the better
person and ignoring the older Elf's comment. "I just needed a little fresh air."
"It is the Flower of Rivendell," Imeranian explained in a nasty tone. "It is called
Evermore, the Lord's wife's favorite. She brought it with her from Lorien."
"I can see why, it is a beautiful flower. Thank you very much, Lady Imeranian."
"Now, if we are done?" she sniffed snobbishly. "I would like very much to finish my
walk."
"Thank you very much for your time, My Lady." Aalyssa curtsied and added, "Have a
lovely evening my lady," as she headed in Konner's direction.
"You too," Imeranian replied smugly, smirking as she continued her walk.
Aalyssa had turned back in time to catch her smirk and she wondered about it, but went
on trying to find Konner and Legolas.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one, four and fourteen
A/N: Thanks for the reviews, keep em coming.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Konner kept a straight face as Aalyssa watched him, her eyes growing more curious
with every second. He smiled softly and kissed her neck, "Since the first time you woke
up in my arms, a'maelamin."
Aalyssa's eyes lit up with her love for him, and she smiled brightly. "You are so sweet,"
she whispered, pulling his face down to kiss his cheek.
"Only for you, melamin," he replied, blushing slightly. "Did you have fun with your
family?" he asked, unable to stop himself from returning her bright smile. They went out
the door, followed by Legolas and Iladori and then the rest of the family.
"Very much so. They are so nice and sweet."
"Good," he grinned, kissing her temple. "Your father talked to Father and then came
and talked to me." With a shiver, he added, "More like put the fear of the gods in me."
"Mom mentioned he would, but I was not aware it was happening tonight." Aalyssa
looked up at him with concern. "He was not too harsh with you, was he?"
"I would hate to have heard what he told Legolas when he asked for Iladori's hand,
since he raised her."
Aalyssa stiffened and looked at him, "Just what did he say to you, Konner?"
"He basically said I had better treat you well and be faithful to my vows to you."
"Yes, you better had," Aalyssa added, her voice only half-teasing.
"He also let me know I would have to answer to him should I make you unhappy," he
explained as they started down the stairs. His hold tightened on her hand.
A smile quirked at the corners of Aalyssa's mouth. "I seem to have been accepted.
Mya- Mom has offered to purchase me gowns as well as my wedding gown. If that is
all right, Konner," she added shyly.
"Of course it is, melamin. Your family loves you, and I am glad you have found them,"
Konner said, kissing her temple.
Legolas glanced over his shoulder to make certain everyone was keeping up. Briefly he
wondered what Konner and Aalyssa were discussing so intently.
Iladori turned to see what he was looking at. "Mommy talked to her. I think she is
starting to feel like a member of the family."
"Good," Legolas smiled. "She needs that."
"Amin mela lle, Lys. I will remain true to our vows, you are the only Elf Maid I desire."
"I know you will, Konner," she stated. "Amin mela lle, and I will never break my vows to
you. You are the only one I have ever wanted."
Legolas pushed the doors open and the family entered the dining hall.
Konner tightened his arm around Aalyssa, as people watched them, some with scathing
looks. He bent to kiss her softy when she took a deep breath. When some of the
women's voices reached her, bearing their nasty words, Aalyssa whispered,
"Konner...my room, please."
"No, melamin. We both agreed this was the best. I am right here for you."
"I. . ."
"We agreed we could face this and handle it. It will only get worse if you hide," he
explained, leading her toward the family's table.
All waited on their feet until Careman seated Myalora, then took his own seat.
Aalyssa forced herself to calmly wait as Konner slid her chair under and then sat next
to her. With a forced smile, she reached under the table for his hand. Her nervousness
abated somewhat when he lifted her hand to kiss it, then returned it to under the table.
"Relax, melamin. Enjoy tonight with our families."
She nodded and smiled up at him, laying her head on his shoulder.
He glanced down the table to where Iladori was sitting as Legolas walked away. "And
things get serious with those two again," Konner mumbled.
Aalyssa glanced at Iladori, wondering if they should intervene. She had started to
speak when Konner used his free hand to lift her face and turn it to face him. "We
cannot keep fixing their problems."
"I know," she sighed, wishing she could help them though.
Legolas returned to the table with a smile, his parents behind him. He seated them near
Careman and Myalora, then took his place next to Iladori.
Aalyssa sat quietly, rubbing her stomach, as the servants began bringing food to the
tables.
Konner leaned down toward her. "Sweetheart? Are you all right?" he asked the same
time Ziellien asked if she was feeling nauseous.
Aalyssa looked up in surprise and blinked. "I am fine. Why?" She looked at the two,
wondering why they were suddenly concerned.
"You are rubbing your stomach," Konner whispered.
"Oh, no, it is fine, thank you Ziellien." She looked back up at Konner. "I am rubbing it
again? No, really, I am fine, melamin. Apparently I have been doing that all day."
'I have noticed." He beamed proudly at her. "It is hard to believe our child is nestled
there."
Aalyssa returned the smile, explaining she wanted the baby to feel loved.
"The baby knows, a'maelamin," he assured her with a smile and kissing her temple
softly again.
"The more contact I have with it, the better."
From his end of the table, Careman watched the two young couples. "Young love."
"I remember it well," Myalora added.
"Konner, has Dad given any indication of when the wedding will be? I will need a date
to give the dressmaker," Aalyssa asked."
"Not yet, he is still in discussion with Elrond."
A crestfallen look settled on Aalyssa as she began to pick at her food. "All right."
Myalora watched Careman observe one of the young couples. "Something troubles
you, my love."
"It is not exactly troubling me. It is more like I am keeping my eye on that one there," he
explained, indicating Konner.
"He loves her, dear heart. It just took awhile for him to come to his senses. I am sure
your talk helped. But remember, he almost lost her. That knocked sense into him."
With a sigh, Konner watched the serious discussions surrounding them.
"Iladori is acting oddly," Aalyssa commented. Her sister was not eating and doing her
best to dodge Legolas' attentions. She took Konner's hand and placed it on her
stomach, smiling when Konner began to rub it. Aalyssa sighed and leaned her head on
his shoulder, "That feels good, Konner."
"Good," he said with a smile, continuing to rub her gently. "Now eat something." He
watched her eat and after a while, he noted things becoming serious in discussion with
the parents as well.
"What are we doing that is wrong this time?" she asked.
"Judging from the looks they are giving Legolas and Iladori, I think the concern is
there."
She nodded and relaxed. "So it seems." Aalyssa stiffened and sat up in alarm when
Iladori jumped to her feet and ran from the room. "What happened?" she asked at the
same time Konner asked what just happened.
He looked down toward the parents and said in frustration, "Did you ever get the feeling
everyone knows what is going on except us?"
"I certainly do."
They sat quietly for a bit, Aalyssa pushing the plate away from her, waiting for Legolas
to bring Iladori back. After twenty minutes had passed, Konner looked at Aalyssa. "Do
you think I should go find them before. . ."
"It probably would not be a bad idea. Would you like for me to come with you?"
"To tell you the truth, I am afraid of what I might find."
Her mind envisioning the stableboy incident, Aalyssa repeated, "Do you want me to
come along?"
"It might be for the best. Iladori might not like it or be mortified if I. . ."
Aalyssa got to her feet, "All right, let us see if we can find them," she said, putting her
hand on Konner's arm.
He stood and said, "Mother, Father, Aalyssa would like some fresh air. We will be back
shortly." He almost choked on the innocent smile Aalyssa bestowed on both sets of
parents. "And hopefully neither will kill us for this," he whispered under his breath.
As they left, Laure watched them warily. "Why did that just worry me?"
"I do not know, love," Thranduil responded.
"If his honor was on par with Legolas'. . ." Careman observed.
"What more trouble can he cause, though? She is already carrying his child," Laure
commented.
Thranduil chuckled as Careman said, "I think he would find new levels of trouble to get
into."
Laure sighed. "More than likely. But Aalyssa will keep him straight."
"Or go along with him," Thranduil said, still chuckling. "Depending on his idea."
"Hopefully he can keep it in his pants until the wedding," Careman said.
"I know he does not want to take any chances hurting the babe, after what she has
been through," Laure explained.
"No, he would not. He loves that babe," Thranduil added.
"I am confident he will be good," Laure concluded.
"Where do you think they are, melamin? This garden is huge," Konner asked.
"Hard to say. I wonder if they left a trail of some sort."
"This is Legolas we are speaking of, my love."
"You have a point."
"Do you think I should call out for him?" Konner asked. "Give them some kind of
warning we are looking for them?"
"No, we do not want all of Rivendell to know we are looking for them. It could be
perfectly innocent. It is Legolas after all."
"True."
"And she did look genuinely upset about something."
"I would just hate to, you know. . ." he said nervously, having no desire to find his
brother in a compromising position. "To walk in on something and have both of them
die of mortification," he added.
"I know. And not to mention the two of us."
"You know, Lys, the old me would have enjoyed embarrassing the heck out of him,
proving he is no better than I. Now I am terrified of finding him losing control."
"I know, sweetheart. I do believe you have grown up," she smiled teasingly. Aalyssa
looked around as they walked. "You know, the gardens are lovely at night. I mean, just
look at the flowers."
"Yes they are," Konner said, turning to face her with a smile. "Are you trying to distract
me so we are too late in finding them?"
"Me? Would I do such a thing?" she asked innocently.
"Yes, you, my little plotter. It would be better if we found them then if. . ."
"I know, I was only teasing, Konner."
"Legolas? Are you out here?" he called out softly, just loud enough for Legolas to hear
him. "Legolas? Are you out here? The family is worried about Iladori and sent us to
make certain the two of you are all right."
They continued to walk, Konner's frustration level growing. "You know he can hear me.
Where the hell are they?"
"I do not know, Konner," Aalyssa answered, also becoming aggravated.
"I hope he has enough sense. . ."
"Legolas! Iladori!" Aalyssa whispered loudly.
As they approach the wall of rose trellis', they heard Iladori moan Legolas' name.
"Oh hell," Konner grumbled. "Could not keep it in your pants a little longer," he said
under his breath.
"Over this way, I think," Aalyssa commented.
Konner looked up and spied movement heading in the same direction. "Damn it."
"I will try to head them off," Aalyssa offered.
"Try. If it gets out, Legolas will be mortified," he stated before moving quickly toward his
brother. "Legolas, for Elbereth's sake, answer me, you fool.
She headed straight and approached the figure. "Good evening, Lady Imeranian," she
greeted. "I am pleased I ran into you."
Imeranian looked down her long, hawk like nose. "Yes?" she said haughtily.
"I was wondering. . .I know you know flowers. And I was wondering if you could tell me
what the name of the flower at the beginning of the garden is, as I would like to find
some for Mirkwood."
"Kind of dark for flower hunting, young lady. And I use the term lady very loosely."
"I was just out for a stroll and happened to see it," Aalyssa explained, being the better
person and ignoring the older Elf's comment. "I just needed a little fresh air."
"It is the Flower of Rivendell," Imeranian explained in a nasty tone. "It is called
Evermore, the Lord's wife's favorite. She brought it with her from Lorien."
"I can see why, it is a beautiful flower. Thank you very much, Lady Imeranian."
"Now, if we are done?" she sniffed snobbishly. "I would like very much to finish my
walk."
"Thank you very much for your time, My Lady." Aalyssa curtsied and added, "Have a
lovely evening my lady," as she headed in Konner's direction.
"You too," Imeranian replied smugly, smirking as she continued her walk.
Aalyssa had turned back in time to catch her smirk and she wondered about it, but went
on trying to find Konner and Legolas.