FINDING HEART
CHAPTER TWENTY
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one and four for disclaimers
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"No, Lys. I need to talk to her and straighten this out. I can fix this. She needs me,"
Legolas argued.
"Legolas, she needed you to say no and mean it. I need to stop her way of thinking
before you can see her. She will pull away from you if I do not," Aalyssa said, pacing
slightly.
He shook his head and walked over to Aalyssa and squeezed her shoulder. "She will
not talk to anyone but me, Lys. I know Iladori."
"Let me speak with her for awhile. If I feel she is up to handling you, you may see her."
"She will build a wall around herself and not let anyone in, Lys."
Aalyssa turned to walk away, "I believe I will have Konner take her to my room instead
of her own."
"Konner is no match for her, Aalyssa. Push too hard, and he will get injured," Legolas
stated.
"Fine," she said, turning to face him again. "Meet us at my room. But if she does not
want you there, or if she is hurt by your presence, you are to leave. Konner and I will
care for her." As she turned away again, she approached Konner and Iladori. "Konner,
sweetheart?"
"Yes melamin?"
"I think it might be best if we take Dori to my room. I am not sure we are ready to
explain things to her parents and they are going to wonder. How are you doing, Dori?"
she asked, brushing the hair from her sister's face.
"I wish to go to my rooms," Dori argued.
"We will go up there in a bit, hon. We need to get you calmed down and cleaned up a
bit. Otherwise, there will be a lot of explaining to do. Let us take care of you, sweetie."
"No," she half shouted adamantly. I want to go to my room."
Aalyssa shot Konner a worried look. "What do you think?"
"I think we better do what she wants, melamin."
Aalyssa nodded and took Iladori from him to lead her upstairs.
"I will be up as soon as I speak with Legolas, love. And take care of the parents," he
sighed.
"All right, a'maelamin."
Konner returned to where he had left his brother. "Legolas."
Legolas had fallen quiet and looked up in surprise. "Yes Konner?"
"Are you all right?" he asked his younger brother with concern.
"No. I will not be all right until I know Iladori is. And Aalyssa is coming between us," he
added, rubbing the side of his head.
"She will be all right, Lyssie will take good care of her," Konner smiled. He nodded, "I
think she wishes to champion her sister. Especially after all that has happened."
"It will not be me she champions," Legolas half heartedly chuckled. "Aalyssa mentioned
Iladori is rather upset," Legolas said, staring at the ground.
"She is," Konner agreed.
"I cannot believe it."
"She thinks she caused you some dishonor."
"She did not," Legolas protested. "I must have lost my mind."
"I understand Legolas," Konner said with a smile, "Iladori is a beautiful Elf maiden. It
would be hard not to lose your mind around her."
"The most beautiful Elf I have ever seen," Legolas sighed, staring at one of the flowers.
"You should have said no a tad stronger. The problem is that Iladori knows you wanted
to wait, but feels she forced you."
"How did I get so stupid all of a sudden?" Legolas eyed his brother with disdain. "How
did I turn into you?"
Konner chuckled, "Beautiful wenedheli will do it every time."
"Not to me they do not," Legolas argued. "Let us get to Iladori's room then. I need to
convince her she did not force me," he said, beginning to walk away from his brother.
Konner held his hand up and place it against his brother's chest to halt him. "I have
been thinking about something."
"What is that, brother?" Legolas asked, raising his eyes to meet his brother's eyes.
"This fastening ritual. It just takes two people to say you fastened with her and made
love, am I correct?"
Legolas nodded, wondering where his brother was going with his thoughts. "But it is too
late now, where would I find two witnesses?"
"Arwen and Aragorn," Konner replied simply.
He shook his head, "They would not lie for me."
"I think they would if we explained what happened and why. Arwen thinks of you as a
brother and you have always said you and Aragorn were close."
"But can you see me asking her to lie to her father, and Aragorn looks at Elrond as a
father. I cannot put them in such a position."
"We can only ask if they would be willing. If they say no, we simply ask that they say
nothing."
Legolas nodded as Konner continued, "I would say Aalyssa could be a witness, but she
is practically a sister to you. People will assume she is trying to help you. No one would
question Arwen and Aragorn."
"No they could not. I will ask them after I speak with Iladori."
"This would have been easier had you kept your wits about you, " Konner scolded with
a scowl.
Legolas lowered his eyes, "I know."
Konner squeezed his brother's shoulder. "Tell her you love her and will make it right
some how. You go on up to her rooms."
Worry creased Legolas' brow. "What are you going to do?"
"I shall return to the dining hall and assure the parents we are fine, except Iladori is
feeling under the weather and Aalyssa went with her to tend to her. I will send Arwen
and Aragorn up to you."
"Please keep her family downstairs," Legolas asked.
Konner smiled gently, "I will do my best."
"Thank you Konner. Brother."
"You are very welcome, little brother. Just make it right for her, some how," Konner said
before turning to return to the dining hall.
Aalyssa guided Iladori to her room then softly said, "A bath will help calm you. Let me
help you, Dori." She began untying the laces of Iladori's gown. "It will be all right, I
promise."
"He is going to hate me," she sniffled through her tears. Her hands shook too badly to
even attempt to help Aalyssa disrobe her.
"Legolas? He can never hate you. He wants you as much as you desire him."
Iladori cast her eyes downward, her face paling when she saw the blood on her inner
thighs.
Aalyssa hugged her and whispered, "It is all right, sweetie. Remember our discussion
this morning? I explained there would be blood the first time. That is another reason
you need a bath. Just ease into the pool and soak for awhile. It will also help with the
sore muscles."
Iladori grabbed one of the bathing sheets and wiped at her inner thighs, tears of
embarrassment and shame stinging her cheeks.
"Would you like something warm to drink?"
"No," Iladori whispered. She looked up at Aalyssa then finished wiping herself. She laid
the bathing sheet on the stool at one of the dressing tables, then slipped into the
bathing pool.
Aalyssa walked over to one of the tables to get some bathing scents and a clean sheet.
"It will be all right. Somehow, we will get this worked out."
Iladori nodded, sitting in the water, lost in thought.
She walked over with the supplies and sat down at the edge of the pool. As Iladori
began to scrub herself, Aalyssa said, "Now, what you have to understand is that no
matter what happened out there tonight, you are not a slut."
"It was wrong of me to force Legolas," Iladori said quietly.
"Dori, do you think I am a slut?"
"No, Lys. You love Konner with all of your heart and being."
"As you love Legolas."
"Lys, Konner wanted you as much as you wanted him," Iladori pointed out.
"Legolas wanted you, Dori," Aalyssa repeated. "Or he would not have made love to you
out there. Now, Konner, he slept around. In fact, you could have called him a male
slut." Aalyssa paused to giggle lightly. "But I somehow always had faith and knew that
deep down inside, he was mine."
Iladori released a soft sigh of despair, "But Legolas did not really want to make love. He
wanted to wait."
"Sweetie, if he truly did not wish to make love, he would not have. There is a difference
between wanting to wait and not wanting to share the intimacy." Aalyssa slipped the
shoes off and dangled her feet in the water. "For example, Konner and I want to right
now, but we will wait a little while because we do not want to endanger the babe, with
everything that has happened. Legolas just lost sight of why he should wait."
Iladori scrubbed herself, whispering, "I made him lose sight. Konner does not want to
hurt the babe, that is honorable."
"Now, if we want to talk about 'does not want to'. . .Reasoning is not the issue, Dori.
And obviously Legolas wanted to lose sight. That elf's got more self control then I have
seen in any one else. He would have fought you tooth and nail if he did not want the
same."
"Even if. . ." Iladori's voice trailed off as a blush covered her entire body. She reached
up to pull some leaves from her hair.
"Even if what, Dori?" Aalyssa asked, leaning forward to remove more leaves and twigs.
She smiled gently at her sister. "I believe you are going to have to wash your hair again
as well."
"I forced his hand," Iladori admitted quietly.
"How is that? You may have instigated, you may have fanned his flames, but you did
not force him.""
"I touched him, his. . .you know," Iladori said, reddening further.
"I know exactly what you mean. That is all part of making love. But trust me, you did not
force him."
Iladori dipped her head under the water and came back up, reaching for some of the
soap Aalyssa had brought over to lather her hair.
"Wait," Aalyssa said, getting to her feet and going to look for a brush. She returned and
sat back down, and began to brush Iladori's hair out. "If Tracimia returns to find you
with wild hair again, she will yank all of your beautiful hair out." Aalyssa was
concentrating on brushing her sister's hair when there was a knock on the door. "Be
right there!" she called out as she finished her task.
"My hair was easier to manage when it was long," Iladori sighed. It has a mind of it's
own now that it is short."
"Because of the weight, but I think it is beautiful short," Aalyssa said as she set the
brush down. "You should be all right now to wash your hair. That is probably Legolas, I
will go admit him."
Iladori nodded, "Yes," she replied, quickly bathing and washing her hair as Aalyssa left.
She walked swiftly through the common room to the door. "Yes?" she called out.
"It is me, Lys," Legolas announced.
She opened the door to admit him, "Have a seat. Iladori is just finishing her bath and
will be out in a few minutes. I will go check on her."
Iladori was rinsing off and climbing from the pool to dry off when Aalyssa re-entered the
room. Dori took another drying cloth to wrap around her hair and pulled out a light
green night shift and a white heavy robe.
"Would you like for me to brush your hair out, Dori?" Aalyssa asked as she crossed the
room and bent to pick the brush back up.
Iladori sat down at the dressing table so Aalyssa could reach her hair.
"You know," Aalyssa commented, "Tracimia is right. It does help to brush your hair out
before washing it. I shall have to try that. Are you feeling better, sweetie?"
"Yes I do," Dori said softly, turning to smile at her twin. "Thank you, Lys."
"You are very welcome, any time you need me," Aalyssa said, leaning down to hug her.
A smile lit her face when Dori returned the hug.
"Is Legolas all right?"
"Once he speaks with you he will be," Aalyssa admitted. "I am afraid I was rather hard
on him. Let him apologize, or he shall never shut up about it."
"Oh," Dori said, looking upset.
"Do not fret. I was no harsher with him then you would have been with your own
brother."
She nodded, "I must apologize to him as well though."
"Just remember, you did not force him. Are you ready to speak with him?" Iladori
nodded and started to leave the room. "I will join the two of you shortly."
Iladori walked out into the common room and looked at Legolas, her heart breaking to
know she was the cause of the pain in his eyes."
"Dori, I am so sorry, sweetness," he said softly.
She slowly made her way to him, "Legolas, I love you," she said.
"I love you too, sweetness," he whispered, wrapping her in his arms.
"I will forgive you if you forgive me. I am sorry too."
A smile settled on Legolas' face. "Fair enough. I forgive you, sweetness. I will make this
right. Some how."
Iladori wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in the crook of his neck,
savoring the warmth and smell of him.
Legolas sighed, holding her close.
"Yes?" Iladori called out when she heard a knock on the door.
Aragorn and Arwen entered, hand in hand. "Legolas? Konner said you needed to see
us?"
Iladori pulled back, looking uncomfortable.
"What is wrong, Legolas? Iladori?" Arwen asked, concerned. "You left rather quickly
from dinner this eve. Are you all right?"
"I have this huge favor I need to ask of the two of you," Legolas began. "And if you say
no, I understand." He glanced toward Iladori, not wanting her to be hurt if Arwen and
Aragorn said no. "Sweetness, can you leave us for a few minutes?"
"I will be in my room," Iladori replied with a nod. "Aalyssa is back there also." She
nodded when Legolas smiled and went back to her room.
When she had disappeared into the room and closed the door, Arwen asked again,
"What can we do to help you, Legolas?"
"As you may or may not know, I love Iladori desperately."
"It is very noticeable, Legolas," Arwen smiled.
"Any more noticeable and we would be telling you to get a room, my friend," Aragorn
chuckled.
"I asked for her hand in marriage, and Father was to speak to Lord Elrond this evening
about a special dispensation to be wed alongside Konner and Aalyssa."
"Yes, Elrond mentioned he was to speak with your Father later," Aragorn agreed,
growing confused.
"If you say no, I understand. All I ask is that you do not tell anyone what I am going to
ask of you or anything about it, is it understood?"
The couple looked at each other and nodded before Arwen reached over to gently take
his hand, "What is it, Legolas?"
"Iladori is very nervous with the ring business and not knowing what is going to happen,
not knowing if we have a future, and she did not wish to wait to wed. And I was going to
do a fastening if Lord Elrond did not give us the dispensation. But something happened
tonight." He rubbed his eyes with his hand and muttered, "Stars."
Aragorn grinned.
Legolas sighed and lowered his voice, "One thing led to another, and, well, we made
love tonight. Now, my question is, would the two of you be willing to stand up and say
you witnessed our fastening?"
Arwen looked over at Aragorn who nodded slightly. "You love her," Arwen smiled.
"Very much so. I want her to be my wife and spend my eternity with her."
"And she loves you?" Arwen saw him nod then she smiled brightly. "I do not see why
we could not."
Legolas' glance traveled to Aragorn.
"Though we will need physical proof that she was indeed a maiden to satisfy the others.
And..." Aragorn let his voice trail off.
"And?" Legolas asked, a panicked tone to his voice.
The Ranger smiled, "You will have to say the words that you wish to fasten with her as
husband and wife."
"Not a problem," Legolas declared with a relieved smile.
"We will stand by you in the fastening, Legolas. Though..."
"What is that, Aragorn?"
Aragorn strode over to Legolas and made eye contact. "Leave it to you, old friend, to
get the steps backwards." He stared at the elf, "You claim her first then take, not the
other way around."
Arwen laughed and hugged Legolas, "We are honored and glad to help you and Iladori,
Legolas."
"I know." Legolas blushed, "So, we have to do it again then?"
"I think I speak for the two of us when we say we will pass," Aragorn laughed.
"Dori? Can you come out here for a minute?" Legolas called. "Thank you. We would
prefer that also," he added to Aragorn.
"One second, Legolas," she answered, frantically searching her room. "It has to be here
somewhere." When she saw the quizzical look on Aalyssa, she added, "How can I have
one shoe and not the other?"
"Shoes have a tendency of going into the land of no return," Aalyssa said, getting on
the floor with her sister to look. "I cannot believe he invited guests. I am certainly glad
we brushed your hair out."
"Boots. I will just have to wear the boots. It is not like you can see them with this dress
on." Iladori grabbed the boots and sat on the edge of the bed to pull them on. She
stood and fixed the skirt of the dress. "How do I look, Lys?" she asked nervously. "Do I
look presentable?"
"You look just fine." Aalyssa smiled and reached out to fix Iladori's sleeve..
Iladori smoothed out the front of the silver dress, trimmed with embroidery, She took a
deep breath and glanced at the door. "I guess I am ready."
"Would you like me to come along for moral support?" Aalyssa offered. She took
Iladori's hand when she nodded and the two made their way to the common room.
"Dori, sit down. You also, Aalyssa," Legolas said, waving his hand to them.
Iladori nodded and sat down on one of the sofas, Aalyssa sitting next to her. "Yes,
love?" Iladori asked.
"Dori, sweetness. We have found a solution."
She reached out and took Aalyssa's hand for support again, Aalyssa giving her hand a
gentle squeeze. "A solution?" she asked.
"Yes, sweetness. A revision to plan B, as it were."
Iladori looked hopefully from Legolas to Arwen to Aragorn.
"Aragorn and Arwen have kindly consented to agree that they witnessed our fastening,"
he explained, kneeling in front of Dori and his soon to be sister.
"But I am no longer a maiden," she stated, confused.
He reached out to take her other hand, "This is the revision. We are working
backwards." Legolas stood, bringing Iladori to her feet. "Iladori of Forlindon, I take you
as my wife."
"Legolas. We must show proof she was a maiden," Aragorn interrupted.
Aalyssa's face brightened and she stood up, "Wait. I can provide that." She rushed
back into the bedroom, unaware of everyone watching her in confusion. She came back
minutes later carrying the bathing sheet. Aalyssa handed it to Aragorn with a smile and
stepped back. "Your proof."
Aragorn took it and looked at it, his eyebrow arching in Legolas' direction. "Bath
sheet?"
"It works, my love," Arwen said.
"If it helps," Aalyssa said, a blush covering her face, "I watched Dori wipe herself off
with it." She looked over at Iladori who was red from the tips of her toes to the tips of
her Elven ears.
"She wanted to wipe off before her bath. Thankfully," Aalyssa said.
Iladori turned even redder when Aragorn stifled a laugh. Aalyssa reached out to
squeeze her hand again.
"So, are we wed?" Legolas asked Aragorn. As he spoke, he looked over and smiled
gently at Iladori who was watching him.
"Fastening." Aragorn said, looking sternly at Legolas. "You need to say the words and
she needs to accept. And Legolas. Make it romantic for Elbereth's sake."
Legolas blushed before he walked over to kneel in front of Iladori, oblivious to Arwen
and Aragorn smiling at the couple. "Iladori of Forlindon, I take you as my wife. I love
you with all of my heart. Please do me the honor of accepting my fastening. You are my
heart and soul, my reason for being."
Aalyssa waited with baited breath, waiting for Iladori to answer.
After a few seconds, Iladori smiled, her face awash with love, "I accept your fastening,
Legolas. I take you as my husband. You are my very being. Without you I have no
reason to live. I am yours for all eternity, as I hope you will be mine."
Legolas smiled, "My sweetness," he whispered as he pulled her down to the floor to
kiss her gently.
"My love, my life," Iladori whispered against his lips, her body melting against his.
Aalyssa wiped tears from her eyes as Arwen did the same.
"Do not get too carried away here, my friend," Aragorn said in a warning tone.
Legolas tensed and looked up. "Why?"
"You are in her family's common room and there are children somewhere in this suite,
my friend."
As the two spoke, Aalyssa heard a knock on the door and went to answer it, allowing
Konner to slip into the room.
"What is wrong, sweetheart?" Aalyssa asked, noting the look in Konner's eyes.
"A commotion is breaking out downstairs. Lady Imeranian is saying that Iladori was
seducing Legolas in the gardens."
"How does she know anything? I steered her away."
"I think she has every right to seduce her husband, do you not agree, Aragorn?" Arwen
asked.
"Perfectly normal if you ask me."
Konner looked at everyone, confusion obvious in his face. "She did not say what she
saw, just that Iladori and Legolas were in a clinch. And what did I miss?" he asked
when Aalyssa smiled and said Arwen had a good point.
"Arwen and Aragorn witnessed our fastening," Legolas informed his older brother.
"Iladori and I are husband and wife."
"And I missed it," Konner grumbled. He smiled and crossed the room to Iladori and
hugged her. "Welcome to the family, honey."
Legolas looked at Konner oddly.
"Thank you for everything, Konner," Iladori said before kissing his cheek.
"Anytime, honey," he assured his now-sister.
Aalyssa, whom had sat back down, smiled through her flowing tears, quietly patting her
stomach.
Iladori turned back to Legolas and wrapped her arms around his neck, "I love you, my
husband," She smiled widely at the sound of that.
"And I love you, my wife." Legolas smiled broadly also, his arms tightly wrapped around
her.
Konner sat on the sofa, easing himself behind Aalyssa. He wrapped his arms around
her, his hands over hers. His heart skipped a beat when she looked up and smiled at
him through her tears.
"Settle down, Legolas," Aragorn said, clearing his throat. "Do strive to control yourself
for a little longer. We need to go downstairs. You both need to be seen and some
parents need explanations.
Aalyssa smiled at Legolas, having finally stopped crying. "Before I smack you again,
Legolas. He is right."
Iladori kissed him, "The sooner it is over, the sooner we can be together, love."
"Yes, that is very true, sweetness," Legolas agreed with a kiss.
"You smacked Legolas?" Konner inquired of Aalyssa.
She blushed slightly, "Uhm, yes, I did, a'maelamin.
Konner and Aragorn chuckled in unison, then Konner smiled at her. "You surprise me
yet again, my love."
"What can I say, he asked for it. As well it seems I have been a little short tempered
lately and it was a small disagreement."
"Hormones," Konner chuckled, as did Arwen.
"I deserved it," Legolas admitted with half a laugh.
"If you say so," Iladori said lightly. After he kissed her again, she whispered in his ear,
"Be very happy it was not me who hit you."
"I am, sweetness. Very happy. I have to admit, Aalyssa packs a surprising amount of
power."
"Of course, if I did," Iladori began to tease him, "I would have to kiss it and make it all
better."
"Would you like to kiss this and make it better? It still stings," Legolas pouted, pointing
at a spot on the back of his head.
Iladori walked behind him and kissed the back of his head, then the nape of his neck.
"Much better, thank you," he said before groaning slightly.
"Settle down you two," Aragorn scolded.
"They keep getting out of hand. I guess Legolas forgot which room they are in again,"
Aalyssa teased.
"At least they are not on the couch this time," Konner joked, gently rubbing Aalyssa's
stomach.
Arwen opened the door and gestured for everyone to follow.
Konner stood and pulled Aalyssa to her feet, who in turn sighed and snuggled against
him.
"Oddly enough, Konner," she said softly as they brought up the rear of the group
leaving the room.
Konner reached back to close the door. "Hmm? What is that, a'maelamin?"
"They got into all of this trouble with no help from me. And we should be free of some
attention for awhile." She turned within his arms and kissed him gently on the lips.
"Point taken, but I do not wish to hurt the babe, Lys," he told her as her arms went up
around his neck.
"I know, I do not want to hurt our babe either. But that does not mean we cannot play a
little."
"Hmm...play," he said thoughtfully. "At least my brother did one thing right in this mess
of his."
"Yes, play. When he screws up, he screws up royally."
"And with a royal at that," Konner chuckled. "His screw up will draw all attention to
them, leaving us free of prying eyes and lying tongues for a bit."
"Yes, although," she said, turning serious.
"What love?"
"I had to resist the temptation of smacking Lady Imeranian in the nose. She was rude
to me. I was very polite with her, you know."
"She is rude and snotty with everyone, a'maelamin, even Mother and Father. She is not
very much of a Lady if you ask me."
"No, she is not. But she very snidely said she was using the term lady loosely when she
called me Lady Aalyssa."
"If anyone is loose, it is she."
"It is not very lady like or proper of her to be rude to a King and Queen," Aalyssa
commented.
Iladori and Legolas were lost in their own world of each other, touching and laughing
quietly.
Aalyssa hid a little yawn behind her hand.
"Are you tired, love?"
"A little, and I never really got to eat dinner either. It has been a busy evening,
sweetheart."
"Why do we not eat then we can retire. I would like for you to eat first," Konner said,
kissing her on the forehead.
"No problem, sweetheart."
"Besides, if we wait until the opening salvos have started, no one will notice when we
disappear for the night. Plus Legolas should have us stand up for him along with Arwen
and Aragorn."
"True. And I do so hate to miss a good floor show, Konner," Aalyssa said teasingly.
"And it should be a grand floor show for those two," Konner agreed.
"Just getting off of my feet will be plenty for rest. And just think...for once I can say I am
perfectly innocent in something."
"You and me both, love," Konner agreed, receiving a bright smile from Aalyssa.
Legolas paused at the door to the dining hall, Iladori pressing closer to him. "Can we
not just go back to my room?"
"No, sweetness. We need to get this over with," Legolas sighed and looked back at
Aragorn. "Or do we?"
"Put it behind you now and you will be able to spend time together unbothered,"
Aragorn advised.
"We have to, sweetness," Legolas said, easing the door open for Iladori and himself to
slip inside. He felt her hand tighten around his as they headed for the table
where their families were still sitting. Both families were tight-lipped and angry, joined
by Lord Elrond.
Legolas went around to the side where his parents were sitting, "Mother, Father?"
Thranduil looked up, anger burning in his eyes, "Son."
"Mommy, Daddy," Iladori said softly to her parents.
"There is something we need to discuss with the four of you," Legolas began.
"You mean about getting caught in the garden in a rather heated embrace?" Thranduil
asked, his voice angry.
"I can explain about that, Father."
"Please do," Careman stated. "Though I think I speak for everyone when I say we are
highly disappointed in your behavior this eve."
"Before dinner, Iladori and I were wed by fastening. So what was supposedly witnessed
in the garden, was between a husband and wife."
Laure released a breath of relief, having known he was considering that option.
"And I am sorry if anyone was hurt by what happened this eve," Legolas added.
Careman looked toward Iladori, "Is this true, Dori?"
"Yes Daddy, it is," she agreed.
"Who witnessed the fastening?" Elrond asked coolly.
Legolas bowed his head, "Arwen and Aragorn, sir."
He looked over to his daughter and her love, "Is this true?"
"Yes, Father, it is."
"We were witness, she was a maiden," Aragorn stated.
"Why did you not mention this sooner?" Careman asked.
"We were going to announce it after dinner, when we went back upstairs," Legolas told
them, feeling Iladori press closer to him. He wrapped his arm around her tighter.
"And once again things turn tense," Konner commented.
"It certainly does," Aalyssa agreed, munching on a piece of bread.
"At least we are not on the receiving end this time."
"For once," Aalyssa smiled.
"I have to admit I am disappointed you chose to do a fastening, my son."
"I know Father. I am sorry I disappointed you, but I was afraid we would not receive the
dispensation, and I did not care to wait the three months," Legolas explained.
"We love each other very much, sir, ma'am," Iladori added.
"All we wanted was to be together."
Careman nodded and looked to the other three parents. "Young love."
Legolas kissed her lightly.
"I am happy for you, son," Laure said, "Even if I am disappointed I did not get to see
you wed. Maybe you could still exchange vows alongside Konner and Aalyssa."
"Very true, love," Thranduil agreed.
"That can be arranged," Elrond offered.
"Welcome to the family son," Careman said as he stood and took Legolas' hand.
"Thank you, sir." He turned to Myalora, "I am sorry, Ma'am."
"While I am disappointed, I understand young love and I forgive you, Legolas. It is not
like she is the first of our daughters to wed this way, just once I would like to have one
walk down the aisle. Welcome to the family, Legolas." She stood and hugged him
warmly.
"Just treat my peacock well, that is all we ask of you, Legolas," Careman added as he
hugged his new son and his wife.
"I shall sir, I promise that to you," Legolas said.
Thranduil got up, helping Laure to her feet, both of them smiling at Iladori. "Welcome to
the family, Iladori," Thranduil said as he hugged her then stepped back to let Laure in.
"Welcome, my newest daughter."
Konner grinned at Aalyssa, "Shall we sneak out?"
"Just let me grab something," she said, taking a pickle and some bread to take along.
Aalyssa enjoyed being close to him, savoring his scent and strength as he led her to
her room.
Konner swung her into his arms after he opened the door. Once inside, he kicked the
door shut and lowered the bar. Konner crossed the room and lay her gently on the bed
then lay down next to her.
Aalyssa rested her head on his chest, "Amin mela lle," she whispered, her fingers idly
walking up his chest.
"I love you too," he whispered, his hand rubbing her stomach. "And I love this child of
ours already."
She snuggled against him, "You are going to be such a wonderful father. You were
great with Iladori, by the way. Thank you for helping with her."
"It was the least I could do, after watching my brother royally mess that up."
"And interestingly enough. . .never mind."
"What?"
"Nothing. I do not wish to sound egotistical or something."
Konner lightly kissed her, "Speak your mind, love."
"When I was arguing with Legolas, he said he would be the only one who could get
through to Iladori. But I managed to help her and get through. And I must admit I feel
pretty happy about that." Aalyssa smiled against his chest.
"Legolas may be the only one who can get through to her if she does not wish to listen.
But I bet she was receptive to have someone help her who understood what she was
going through."
"She was. I was a little worried I would not be able to, but I managed." She stifled a
yawn and mumbled, "I did something good tonight. And I like the feeling of it."
"Yes, you did, a'maelamin. " Konner shifted his position so they were both on their
sides, front to front. When Aalyssa was snuggled against him, he began to rub her
back.
"That feels so good, Konner," she sighed. Aalyssa wrapped her arm around his waist
and lifted her head just high enough to kiss his chest.
He smiled contentedly and kissed the top of her head, causing her to purr against him
just before she drifted into the dream realm. Shortly, he drifted off as well.
CHAPTER TWENTY
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one and four for disclaimers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"No, Lys. I need to talk to her and straighten this out. I can fix this. She needs me,"
Legolas argued.
"Legolas, she needed you to say no and mean it. I need to stop her way of thinking
before you can see her. She will pull away from you if I do not," Aalyssa said, pacing
slightly.
He shook his head and walked over to Aalyssa and squeezed her shoulder. "She will
not talk to anyone but me, Lys. I know Iladori."
"Let me speak with her for awhile. If I feel she is up to handling you, you may see her."
"She will build a wall around herself and not let anyone in, Lys."
Aalyssa turned to walk away, "I believe I will have Konner take her to my room instead
of her own."
"Konner is no match for her, Aalyssa. Push too hard, and he will get injured," Legolas
stated.
"Fine," she said, turning to face him again. "Meet us at my room. But if she does not
want you there, or if she is hurt by your presence, you are to leave. Konner and I will
care for her." As she turned away again, she approached Konner and Iladori. "Konner,
sweetheart?"
"Yes melamin?"
"I think it might be best if we take Dori to my room. I am not sure we are ready to
explain things to her parents and they are going to wonder. How are you doing, Dori?"
she asked, brushing the hair from her sister's face.
"I wish to go to my rooms," Dori argued.
"We will go up there in a bit, hon. We need to get you calmed down and cleaned up a
bit. Otherwise, there will be a lot of explaining to do. Let us take care of you, sweetie."
"No," she half shouted adamantly. I want to go to my room."
Aalyssa shot Konner a worried look. "What do you think?"
"I think we better do what she wants, melamin."
Aalyssa nodded and took Iladori from him to lead her upstairs.
"I will be up as soon as I speak with Legolas, love. And take care of the parents," he
sighed.
"All right, a'maelamin."
Konner returned to where he had left his brother. "Legolas."
Legolas had fallen quiet and looked up in surprise. "Yes Konner?"
"Are you all right?" he asked his younger brother with concern.
"No. I will not be all right until I know Iladori is. And Aalyssa is coming between us," he
added, rubbing the side of his head.
"She will be all right, Lyssie will take good care of her," Konner smiled. He nodded, "I
think she wishes to champion her sister. Especially after all that has happened."
"It will not be me she champions," Legolas half heartedly chuckled. "Aalyssa mentioned
Iladori is rather upset," Legolas said, staring at the ground.
"She is," Konner agreed.
"I cannot believe it."
"She thinks she caused you some dishonor."
"She did not," Legolas protested. "I must have lost my mind."
"I understand Legolas," Konner said with a smile, "Iladori is a beautiful Elf maiden. It
would be hard not to lose your mind around her."
"The most beautiful Elf I have ever seen," Legolas sighed, staring at one of the flowers.
"You should have said no a tad stronger. The problem is that Iladori knows you wanted
to wait, but feels she forced you."
"How did I get so stupid all of a sudden?" Legolas eyed his brother with disdain. "How
did I turn into you?"
Konner chuckled, "Beautiful wenedheli will do it every time."
"Not to me they do not," Legolas argued. "Let us get to Iladori's room then. I need to
convince her she did not force me," he said, beginning to walk away from his brother.
Konner held his hand up and place it against his brother's chest to halt him. "I have
been thinking about something."
"What is that, brother?" Legolas asked, raising his eyes to meet his brother's eyes.
"This fastening ritual. It just takes two people to say you fastened with her and made
love, am I correct?"
Legolas nodded, wondering where his brother was going with his thoughts. "But it is too
late now, where would I find two witnesses?"
"Arwen and Aragorn," Konner replied simply.
He shook his head, "They would not lie for me."
"I think they would if we explained what happened and why. Arwen thinks of you as a
brother and you have always said you and Aragorn were close."
"But can you see me asking her to lie to her father, and Aragorn looks at Elrond as a
father. I cannot put them in such a position."
"We can only ask if they would be willing. If they say no, we simply ask that they say
nothing."
Legolas nodded as Konner continued, "I would say Aalyssa could be a witness, but she
is practically a sister to you. People will assume she is trying to help you. No one would
question Arwen and Aragorn."
"No they could not. I will ask them after I speak with Iladori."
"This would have been easier had you kept your wits about you, " Konner scolded with
a scowl.
Legolas lowered his eyes, "I know."
Konner squeezed his brother's shoulder. "Tell her you love her and will make it right
some how. You go on up to her rooms."
Worry creased Legolas' brow. "What are you going to do?"
"I shall return to the dining hall and assure the parents we are fine, except Iladori is
feeling under the weather and Aalyssa went with her to tend to her. I will send Arwen
and Aragorn up to you."
"Please keep her family downstairs," Legolas asked.
Konner smiled gently, "I will do my best."
"Thank you Konner. Brother."
"You are very welcome, little brother. Just make it right for her, some how," Konner said
before turning to return to the dining hall.
Aalyssa guided Iladori to her room then softly said, "A bath will help calm you. Let me
help you, Dori." She began untying the laces of Iladori's gown. "It will be all right, I
promise."
"He is going to hate me," she sniffled through her tears. Her hands shook too badly to
even attempt to help Aalyssa disrobe her.
"Legolas? He can never hate you. He wants you as much as you desire him."
Iladori cast her eyes downward, her face paling when she saw the blood on her inner
thighs.
Aalyssa hugged her and whispered, "It is all right, sweetie. Remember our discussion
this morning? I explained there would be blood the first time. That is another reason
you need a bath. Just ease into the pool and soak for awhile. It will also help with the
sore muscles."
Iladori grabbed one of the bathing sheets and wiped at her inner thighs, tears of
embarrassment and shame stinging her cheeks.
"Would you like something warm to drink?"
"No," Iladori whispered. She looked up at Aalyssa then finished wiping herself. She laid
the bathing sheet on the stool at one of the dressing tables, then slipped into the
bathing pool.
Aalyssa walked over to one of the tables to get some bathing scents and a clean sheet.
"It will be all right. Somehow, we will get this worked out."
Iladori nodded, sitting in the water, lost in thought.
She walked over with the supplies and sat down at the edge of the pool. As Iladori
began to scrub herself, Aalyssa said, "Now, what you have to understand is that no
matter what happened out there tonight, you are not a slut."
"It was wrong of me to force Legolas," Iladori said quietly.
"Dori, do you think I am a slut?"
"No, Lys. You love Konner with all of your heart and being."
"As you love Legolas."
"Lys, Konner wanted you as much as you wanted him," Iladori pointed out.
"Legolas wanted you, Dori," Aalyssa repeated. "Or he would not have made love to you
out there. Now, Konner, he slept around. In fact, you could have called him a male
slut." Aalyssa paused to giggle lightly. "But I somehow always had faith and knew that
deep down inside, he was mine."
Iladori released a soft sigh of despair, "But Legolas did not really want to make love. He
wanted to wait."
"Sweetie, if he truly did not wish to make love, he would not have. There is a difference
between wanting to wait and not wanting to share the intimacy." Aalyssa slipped the
shoes off and dangled her feet in the water. "For example, Konner and I want to right
now, but we will wait a little while because we do not want to endanger the babe, with
everything that has happened. Legolas just lost sight of why he should wait."
Iladori scrubbed herself, whispering, "I made him lose sight. Konner does not want to
hurt the babe, that is honorable."
"Now, if we want to talk about 'does not want to'. . .Reasoning is not the issue, Dori.
And obviously Legolas wanted to lose sight. That elf's got more self control then I have
seen in any one else. He would have fought you tooth and nail if he did not want the
same."
"Even if. . ." Iladori's voice trailed off as a blush covered her entire body. She reached
up to pull some leaves from her hair.
"Even if what, Dori?" Aalyssa asked, leaning forward to remove more leaves and twigs.
She smiled gently at her sister. "I believe you are going to have to wash your hair again
as well."
"I forced his hand," Iladori admitted quietly.
"How is that? You may have instigated, you may have fanned his flames, but you did
not force him.""
"I touched him, his. . .you know," Iladori said, reddening further.
"I know exactly what you mean. That is all part of making love. But trust me, you did not
force him."
Iladori dipped her head under the water and came back up, reaching for some of the
soap Aalyssa had brought over to lather her hair.
"Wait," Aalyssa said, getting to her feet and going to look for a brush. She returned and
sat back down, and began to brush Iladori's hair out. "If Tracimia returns to find you
with wild hair again, she will yank all of your beautiful hair out." Aalyssa was
concentrating on brushing her sister's hair when there was a knock on the door. "Be
right there!" she called out as she finished her task.
"My hair was easier to manage when it was long," Iladori sighed. It has a mind of it's
own now that it is short."
"Because of the weight, but I think it is beautiful short," Aalyssa said as she set the
brush down. "You should be all right now to wash your hair. That is probably Legolas, I
will go admit him."
Iladori nodded, "Yes," she replied, quickly bathing and washing her hair as Aalyssa left.
She walked swiftly through the common room to the door. "Yes?" she called out.
"It is me, Lys," Legolas announced.
She opened the door to admit him, "Have a seat. Iladori is just finishing her bath and
will be out in a few minutes. I will go check on her."
Iladori was rinsing off and climbing from the pool to dry off when Aalyssa re-entered the
room. Dori took another drying cloth to wrap around her hair and pulled out a light
green night shift and a white heavy robe.
"Would you like for me to brush your hair out, Dori?" Aalyssa asked as she crossed the
room and bent to pick the brush back up.
Iladori sat down at the dressing table so Aalyssa could reach her hair.
"You know," Aalyssa commented, "Tracimia is right. It does help to brush your hair out
before washing it. I shall have to try that. Are you feeling better, sweetie?"
"Yes I do," Dori said softly, turning to smile at her twin. "Thank you, Lys."
"You are very welcome, any time you need me," Aalyssa said, leaning down to hug her.
A smile lit her face when Dori returned the hug.
"Is Legolas all right?"
"Once he speaks with you he will be," Aalyssa admitted. "I am afraid I was rather hard
on him. Let him apologize, or he shall never shut up about it."
"Oh," Dori said, looking upset.
"Do not fret. I was no harsher with him then you would have been with your own
brother."
She nodded, "I must apologize to him as well though."
"Just remember, you did not force him. Are you ready to speak with him?" Iladori
nodded and started to leave the room. "I will join the two of you shortly."
Iladori walked out into the common room and looked at Legolas, her heart breaking to
know she was the cause of the pain in his eyes."
"Dori, I am so sorry, sweetness," he said softly.
She slowly made her way to him, "Legolas, I love you," she said.
"I love you too, sweetness," he whispered, wrapping her in his arms.
"I will forgive you if you forgive me. I am sorry too."
A smile settled on Legolas' face. "Fair enough. I forgive you, sweetness. I will make this
right. Some how."
Iladori wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in the crook of his neck,
savoring the warmth and smell of him.
Legolas sighed, holding her close.
"Yes?" Iladori called out when she heard a knock on the door.
Aragorn and Arwen entered, hand in hand. "Legolas? Konner said you needed to see
us?"
Iladori pulled back, looking uncomfortable.
"What is wrong, Legolas? Iladori?" Arwen asked, concerned. "You left rather quickly
from dinner this eve. Are you all right?"
"I have this huge favor I need to ask of the two of you," Legolas began. "And if you say
no, I understand." He glanced toward Iladori, not wanting her to be hurt if Arwen and
Aragorn said no. "Sweetness, can you leave us for a few minutes?"
"I will be in my room," Iladori replied with a nod. "Aalyssa is back there also." She
nodded when Legolas smiled and went back to her room.
When she had disappeared into the room and closed the door, Arwen asked again,
"What can we do to help you, Legolas?"
"As you may or may not know, I love Iladori desperately."
"It is very noticeable, Legolas," Arwen smiled.
"Any more noticeable and we would be telling you to get a room, my friend," Aragorn
chuckled.
"I asked for her hand in marriage, and Father was to speak to Lord Elrond this evening
about a special dispensation to be wed alongside Konner and Aalyssa."
"Yes, Elrond mentioned he was to speak with your Father later," Aragorn agreed,
growing confused.
"If you say no, I understand. All I ask is that you do not tell anyone what I am going to
ask of you or anything about it, is it understood?"
The couple looked at each other and nodded before Arwen reached over to gently take
his hand, "What is it, Legolas?"
"Iladori is very nervous with the ring business and not knowing what is going to happen,
not knowing if we have a future, and she did not wish to wait to wed. And I was going to
do a fastening if Lord Elrond did not give us the dispensation. But something happened
tonight." He rubbed his eyes with his hand and muttered, "Stars."
Aragorn grinned.
Legolas sighed and lowered his voice, "One thing led to another, and, well, we made
love tonight. Now, my question is, would the two of you be willing to stand up and say
you witnessed our fastening?"
Arwen looked over at Aragorn who nodded slightly. "You love her," Arwen smiled.
"Very much so. I want her to be my wife and spend my eternity with her."
"And she loves you?" Arwen saw him nod then she smiled brightly. "I do not see why
we could not."
Legolas' glance traveled to Aragorn.
"Though we will need physical proof that she was indeed a maiden to satisfy the others.
And..." Aragorn let his voice trail off.
"And?" Legolas asked, a panicked tone to his voice.
The Ranger smiled, "You will have to say the words that you wish to fasten with her as
husband and wife."
"Not a problem," Legolas declared with a relieved smile.
"We will stand by you in the fastening, Legolas. Though..."
"What is that, Aragorn?"
Aragorn strode over to Legolas and made eye contact. "Leave it to you, old friend, to
get the steps backwards." He stared at the elf, "You claim her first then take, not the
other way around."
Arwen laughed and hugged Legolas, "We are honored and glad to help you and Iladori,
Legolas."
"I know." Legolas blushed, "So, we have to do it again then?"
"I think I speak for the two of us when we say we will pass," Aragorn laughed.
"Dori? Can you come out here for a minute?" Legolas called. "Thank you. We would
prefer that also," he added to Aragorn.
"One second, Legolas," she answered, frantically searching her room. "It has to be here
somewhere." When she saw the quizzical look on Aalyssa, she added, "How can I have
one shoe and not the other?"
"Shoes have a tendency of going into the land of no return," Aalyssa said, getting on
the floor with her sister to look. "I cannot believe he invited guests. I am certainly glad
we brushed your hair out."
"Boots. I will just have to wear the boots. It is not like you can see them with this dress
on." Iladori grabbed the boots and sat on the edge of the bed to pull them on. She
stood and fixed the skirt of the dress. "How do I look, Lys?" she asked nervously. "Do I
look presentable?"
"You look just fine." Aalyssa smiled and reached out to fix Iladori's sleeve..
Iladori smoothed out the front of the silver dress, trimmed with embroidery, She took a
deep breath and glanced at the door. "I guess I am ready."
"Would you like me to come along for moral support?" Aalyssa offered. She took
Iladori's hand when she nodded and the two made their way to the common room.
"Dori, sit down. You also, Aalyssa," Legolas said, waving his hand to them.
Iladori nodded and sat down on one of the sofas, Aalyssa sitting next to her. "Yes,
love?" Iladori asked.
"Dori, sweetness. We have found a solution."
She reached out and took Aalyssa's hand for support again, Aalyssa giving her hand a
gentle squeeze. "A solution?" she asked.
"Yes, sweetness. A revision to plan B, as it were."
Iladori looked hopefully from Legolas to Arwen to Aragorn.
"Aragorn and Arwen have kindly consented to agree that they witnessed our fastening,"
he explained, kneeling in front of Dori and his soon to be sister.
"But I am no longer a maiden," she stated, confused.
He reached out to take her other hand, "This is the revision. We are working
backwards." Legolas stood, bringing Iladori to her feet. "Iladori of Forlindon, I take you
as my wife."
"Legolas. We must show proof she was a maiden," Aragorn interrupted.
Aalyssa's face brightened and she stood up, "Wait. I can provide that." She rushed
back into the bedroom, unaware of everyone watching her in confusion. She came back
minutes later carrying the bathing sheet. Aalyssa handed it to Aragorn with a smile and
stepped back. "Your proof."
Aragorn took it and looked at it, his eyebrow arching in Legolas' direction. "Bath
sheet?"
"It works, my love," Arwen said.
"If it helps," Aalyssa said, a blush covering her face, "I watched Dori wipe herself off
with it." She looked over at Iladori who was red from the tips of her toes to the tips of
her Elven ears.
"She wanted to wipe off before her bath. Thankfully," Aalyssa said.
Iladori turned even redder when Aragorn stifled a laugh. Aalyssa reached out to
squeeze her hand again.
"So, are we wed?" Legolas asked Aragorn. As he spoke, he looked over and smiled
gently at Iladori who was watching him.
"Fastening." Aragorn said, looking sternly at Legolas. "You need to say the words and
she needs to accept. And Legolas. Make it romantic for Elbereth's sake."
Legolas blushed before he walked over to kneel in front of Iladori, oblivious to Arwen
and Aragorn smiling at the couple. "Iladori of Forlindon, I take you as my wife. I love
you with all of my heart. Please do me the honor of accepting my fastening. You are my
heart and soul, my reason for being."
Aalyssa waited with baited breath, waiting for Iladori to answer.
After a few seconds, Iladori smiled, her face awash with love, "I accept your fastening,
Legolas. I take you as my husband. You are my very being. Without you I have no
reason to live. I am yours for all eternity, as I hope you will be mine."
Legolas smiled, "My sweetness," he whispered as he pulled her down to the floor to
kiss her gently.
"My love, my life," Iladori whispered against his lips, her body melting against his.
Aalyssa wiped tears from her eyes as Arwen did the same.
"Do not get too carried away here, my friend," Aragorn said in a warning tone.
Legolas tensed and looked up. "Why?"
"You are in her family's common room and there are children somewhere in this suite,
my friend."
As the two spoke, Aalyssa heard a knock on the door and went to answer it, allowing
Konner to slip into the room.
"What is wrong, sweetheart?" Aalyssa asked, noting the look in Konner's eyes.
"A commotion is breaking out downstairs. Lady Imeranian is saying that Iladori was
seducing Legolas in the gardens."
"How does she know anything? I steered her away."
"I think she has every right to seduce her husband, do you not agree, Aragorn?" Arwen
asked.
"Perfectly normal if you ask me."
Konner looked at everyone, confusion obvious in his face. "She did not say what she
saw, just that Iladori and Legolas were in a clinch. And what did I miss?" he asked
when Aalyssa smiled and said Arwen had a good point.
"Arwen and Aragorn witnessed our fastening," Legolas informed his older brother.
"Iladori and I are husband and wife."
"And I missed it," Konner grumbled. He smiled and crossed the room to Iladori and
hugged her. "Welcome to the family, honey."
Legolas looked at Konner oddly.
"Thank you for everything, Konner," Iladori said before kissing his cheek.
"Anytime, honey," he assured his now-sister.
Aalyssa, whom had sat back down, smiled through her flowing tears, quietly patting her
stomach.
Iladori turned back to Legolas and wrapped her arms around his neck, "I love you, my
husband," She smiled widely at the sound of that.
"And I love you, my wife." Legolas smiled broadly also, his arms tightly wrapped around
her.
Konner sat on the sofa, easing himself behind Aalyssa. He wrapped his arms around
her, his hands over hers. His heart skipped a beat when she looked up and smiled at
him through her tears.
"Settle down, Legolas," Aragorn said, clearing his throat. "Do strive to control yourself
for a little longer. We need to go downstairs. You both need to be seen and some
parents need explanations.
Aalyssa smiled at Legolas, having finally stopped crying. "Before I smack you again,
Legolas. He is right."
Iladori kissed him, "The sooner it is over, the sooner we can be together, love."
"Yes, that is very true, sweetness," Legolas agreed with a kiss.
"You smacked Legolas?" Konner inquired of Aalyssa.
She blushed slightly, "Uhm, yes, I did, a'maelamin.
Konner and Aragorn chuckled in unison, then Konner smiled at her. "You surprise me
yet again, my love."
"What can I say, he asked for it. As well it seems I have been a little short tempered
lately and it was a small disagreement."
"Hormones," Konner chuckled, as did Arwen.
"I deserved it," Legolas admitted with half a laugh.
"If you say so," Iladori said lightly. After he kissed her again, she whispered in his ear,
"Be very happy it was not me who hit you."
"I am, sweetness. Very happy. I have to admit, Aalyssa packs a surprising amount of
power."
"Of course, if I did," Iladori began to tease him, "I would have to kiss it and make it all
better."
"Would you like to kiss this and make it better? It still stings," Legolas pouted, pointing
at a spot on the back of his head.
Iladori walked behind him and kissed the back of his head, then the nape of his neck.
"Much better, thank you," he said before groaning slightly.
"Settle down you two," Aragorn scolded.
"They keep getting out of hand. I guess Legolas forgot which room they are in again,"
Aalyssa teased.
"At least they are not on the couch this time," Konner joked, gently rubbing Aalyssa's
stomach.
Arwen opened the door and gestured for everyone to follow.
Konner stood and pulled Aalyssa to her feet, who in turn sighed and snuggled against
him.
"Oddly enough, Konner," she said softly as they brought up the rear of the group
leaving the room.
Konner reached back to close the door. "Hmm? What is that, a'maelamin?"
"They got into all of this trouble with no help from me. And we should be free of some
attention for awhile." She turned within his arms and kissed him gently on the lips.
"Point taken, but I do not wish to hurt the babe, Lys," he told her as her arms went up
around his neck.
"I know, I do not want to hurt our babe either. But that does not mean we cannot play a
little."
"Hmm...play," he said thoughtfully. "At least my brother did one thing right in this mess
of his."
"Yes, play. When he screws up, he screws up royally."
"And with a royal at that," Konner chuckled. "His screw up will draw all attention to
them, leaving us free of prying eyes and lying tongues for a bit."
"Yes, although," she said, turning serious.
"What love?"
"I had to resist the temptation of smacking Lady Imeranian in the nose. She was rude
to me. I was very polite with her, you know."
"She is rude and snotty with everyone, a'maelamin, even Mother and Father. She is not
very much of a Lady if you ask me."
"No, she is not. But she very snidely said she was using the term lady loosely when she
called me Lady Aalyssa."
"If anyone is loose, it is she."
"It is not very lady like or proper of her to be rude to a King and Queen," Aalyssa
commented.
Iladori and Legolas were lost in their own world of each other, touching and laughing
quietly.
Aalyssa hid a little yawn behind her hand.
"Are you tired, love?"
"A little, and I never really got to eat dinner either. It has been a busy evening,
sweetheart."
"Why do we not eat then we can retire. I would like for you to eat first," Konner said,
kissing her on the forehead.
"No problem, sweetheart."
"Besides, if we wait until the opening salvos have started, no one will notice when we
disappear for the night. Plus Legolas should have us stand up for him along with Arwen
and Aragorn."
"True. And I do so hate to miss a good floor show, Konner," Aalyssa said teasingly.
"And it should be a grand floor show for those two," Konner agreed.
"Just getting off of my feet will be plenty for rest. And just think...for once I can say I am
perfectly innocent in something."
"You and me both, love," Konner agreed, receiving a bright smile from Aalyssa.
Legolas paused at the door to the dining hall, Iladori pressing closer to him. "Can we
not just go back to my room?"
"No, sweetness. We need to get this over with," Legolas sighed and looked back at
Aragorn. "Or do we?"
"Put it behind you now and you will be able to spend time together unbothered,"
Aragorn advised.
"We have to, sweetness," Legolas said, easing the door open for Iladori and himself to
slip inside. He felt her hand tighten around his as they headed for the table
where their families were still sitting. Both families were tight-lipped and angry, joined
by Lord Elrond.
Legolas went around to the side where his parents were sitting, "Mother, Father?"
Thranduil looked up, anger burning in his eyes, "Son."
"Mommy, Daddy," Iladori said softly to her parents.
"There is something we need to discuss with the four of you," Legolas began.
"You mean about getting caught in the garden in a rather heated embrace?" Thranduil
asked, his voice angry.
"I can explain about that, Father."
"Please do," Careman stated. "Though I think I speak for everyone when I say we are
highly disappointed in your behavior this eve."
"Before dinner, Iladori and I were wed by fastening. So what was supposedly witnessed
in the garden, was between a husband and wife."
Laure released a breath of relief, having known he was considering that option.
"And I am sorry if anyone was hurt by what happened this eve," Legolas added.
Careman looked toward Iladori, "Is this true, Dori?"
"Yes Daddy, it is," she agreed.
"Who witnessed the fastening?" Elrond asked coolly.
Legolas bowed his head, "Arwen and Aragorn, sir."
He looked over to his daughter and her love, "Is this true?"
"Yes, Father, it is."
"We were witness, she was a maiden," Aragorn stated.
"Why did you not mention this sooner?" Careman asked.
"We were going to announce it after dinner, when we went back upstairs," Legolas told
them, feeling Iladori press closer to him. He wrapped his arm around her tighter.
"And once again things turn tense," Konner commented.
"It certainly does," Aalyssa agreed, munching on a piece of bread.
"At least we are not on the receiving end this time."
"For once," Aalyssa smiled.
"I have to admit I am disappointed you chose to do a fastening, my son."
"I know Father. I am sorry I disappointed you, but I was afraid we would not receive the
dispensation, and I did not care to wait the three months," Legolas explained.
"We love each other very much, sir, ma'am," Iladori added.
"All we wanted was to be together."
Careman nodded and looked to the other three parents. "Young love."
Legolas kissed her lightly.
"I am happy for you, son," Laure said, "Even if I am disappointed I did not get to see
you wed. Maybe you could still exchange vows alongside Konner and Aalyssa."
"Very true, love," Thranduil agreed.
"That can be arranged," Elrond offered.
"Welcome to the family son," Careman said as he stood and took Legolas' hand.
"Thank you, sir." He turned to Myalora, "I am sorry, Ma'am."
"While I am disappointed, I understand young love and I forgive you, Legolas. It is not
like she is the first of our daughters to wed this way, just once I would like to have one
walk down the aisle. Welcome to the family, Legolas." She stood and hugged him
warmly.
"Just treat my peacock well, that is all we ask of you, Legolas," Careman added as he
hugged his new son and his wife.
"I shall sir, I promise that to you," Legolas said.
Thranduil got up, helping Laure to her feet, both of them smiling at Iladori. "Welcome to
the family, Iladori," Thranduil said as he hugged her then stepped back to let Laure in.
"Welcome, my newest daughter."
Konner grinned at Aalyssa, "Shall we sneak out?"
"Just let me grab something," she said, taking a pickle and some bread to take along.
Aalyssa enjoyed being close to him, savoring his scent and strength as he led her to
her room.
Konner swung her into his arms after he opened the door. Once inside, he kicked the
door shut and lowered the bar. Konner crossed the room and lay her gently on the bed
then lay down next to her.
Aalyssa rested her head on his chest, "Amin mela lle," she whispered, her fingers idly
walking up his chest.
"I love you too," he whispered, his hand rubbing her stomach. "And I love this child of
ours already."
She snuggled against him, "You are going to be such a wonderful father. You were
great with Iladori, by the way. Thank you for helping with her."
"It was the least I could do, after watching my brother royally mess that up."
"And interestingly enough. . .never mind."
"What?"
"Nothing. I do not wish to sound egotistical or something."
Konner lightly kissed her, "Speak your mind, love."
"When I was arguing with Legolas, he said he would be the only one who could get
through to Iladori. But I managed to help her and get through. And I must admit I feel
pretty happy about that." Aalyssa smiled against his chest.
"Legolas may be the only one who can get through to her if she does not wish to listen.
But I bet she was receptive to have someone help her who understood what she was
going through."
"She was. I was a little worried I would not be able to, but I managed." She stifled a
yawn and mumbled, "I did something good tonight. And I like the feeling of it."
"Yes, you did, a'maelamin. " Konner shifted his position so they were both on their
sides, front to front. When Aalyssa was snuggled against him, he began to rub her
back.
"That feels so good, Konner," she sighed. Aalyssa wrapped her arm around his waist
and lifted her head just high enough to kiss his chest.
He smiled contentedly and kissed the top of her head, causing her to purr against him
just before she drifted into the dream realm. Shortly, he drifted off as well.