FINDING HEART
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one and four for disclaimers. I own nothing of Tolkein's, just
borrowing them for a bit of fun
Constructive Feedback always welcome
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aalyssa stretched under the covers, working out the kinks when she awakened an hour
later. "Maybe if I get some advice," she said out loud as she got out of bed. She slipped
on her discarded gown before going out the door.
Her path took her to Laure's door, where Aalyssa stood, wondering if she was still in
council. Aalyssa knocked softly on the door. After being admitted, she was led by the
maid to Laure's sitting area.
"Hello, dearest. How are you today?" Laure inquired, looking up from her needlework.
Aalyssa curtsied, then stood straight. "Mama, I was wondering if I could speak with you
and perhaps get some advice."
"Of course, dearest. Come sit with me," Laure set her needlework on the table and
patted the empty spot next to her on the settee. "What may I help you with?" she asked
softly, stroking Aalyssa's hair.
"I was wondering. . .that is. . .I am still having trouble trusting," Aalyssa admitted. "I still
fear being sent away or being hurt or used."
"After all you have been through, those are perfectly understandable feelings, dearest."
Laure wrapped her arm around Aalyssa's shoulder. "If you are worried about this
morning, do not be. I was taken aback by surprise, that is all. And any blame I feel rests
on that rascal of mine. We all love you and would never send you away."
"I keep trying to remind myself of that. Have you any thoughts on how I may begin
trusting again?"
"Dearest, the best I can tell you is to take each person individually. Consider how they
have treated you. If they ever hurt you, did they apologize and make it better for you?
Or did they just ignore the harm they caused and leave you in pain? If they apologized
and at least tried to make it right, I believe it would be safe to say you could trust them.
If not, they were not worth knowing. I will not lie and say you will never be hurt again.
We are all subject to it, King, Queen, tenant, whomever. Also remember it is usually
unintentional."
Aalyssa tilted her head to the side, that made sense. "How do I stop feeling I am taking
advantage of Dori's family?"
"First, you need to consider yourself a part of that family also, because you are. If
somehow you found yourself with a niece or nephew to raise, would you treat them
differently from your own children?"
"Of course not, Mama."
"I did not think so, dearest. You are Myalora and Careman's niece, and would have
been their daughter had they known the truth long ago. If you had not been related, it
would have been a fair trade, as I have heard snippets of conversation between the
four of you. You have done a wonderful job of caring for your sister and helping her
when needed. Your family may not be aware of it, but you have been very giving of
yourself. I am grateful they saw to taking you to the dressmakers as I have been remiss
in my duty. Did you select a lot of pretty things?"
"I selected four and went to look at the wedding gowns. While I was trying on the one I
liked, Tracimia selected other gowns for me. I know not what they look like, as when I
returned, Konner and I spoke and then I took a nap."
"Wonderful for Tracimia, I hope her tastes mirror yours. You should have selected more
than four, dearest." She paused when Aalyssa opened her mouth to protest. "If you did
not feel comfortable having them purchase more, you could have had them billed to us.
You are a stunning young lady, and should always dress for that. And you shall be a
princess the day after tomorrow." With a laugh, Laure added, "And my dresses do
nothing for you.
Aalyssa smiled and fidgeted a bit. "How do I get the people of Mirkwood to accept me
as Princess?"
"Oh, dearest," Laure laughed lightly, pulling Aalyssa into her arms, "The Elves of
Mirkwood already love you. For years, they have been asking when Konner would
make you his Princess."
"They have?" Aalyssa asked, shocked.
"Yes, dearest, they have. Over the years, I have observed you out in the lands and
fields, speaking with and helping the people. They adore you and know they will be
able to turn to you when they need assistance."
Aalyssa lay her head on Laure's shoulder. "I love you, Mama."
"I love you too, little one. You just rest on me and let me take care of you," Laure said,
pulling her close.
"I like it here, it is safe like Konner's arms," Aalyssa whispered.
"Yes, little one. Know you are always safe with us," Laure assured her. Finally she
heard Aalyssa's breathing even out as sleep claimed her.
Down in the meeting hall, the details for the archery tournament were finalized and the
meeting broke up so all could spend the eve with their families.
As father and son headed for the door, Thranduil pulled Konner aside. "You look a little
unsettled, Son. What is wrong?"
"Hopefully I have taken care of it. Due to lack of confidence, an overactive imagination
and the malicious words of the court, Aalyssa developed the idea I would send her over
the sea once the babe is born."
Thranduil shook his head. "Son, Aalyssa is getting better and stronger every day, yet
she will have moments. I need to ask though, since finding out about the babe, have
you done anything to make her feel special?"
"I have showered her with attention, Father, assured her I love the babe."
"Konner, let me tell you some thing about pregnant women. When they are carrying
before marriage, there is always a fear she is loved and being wed only for the babe.
Add to that it is not uncommon for the female to be sent over the sea after the babe is
born, if she is not desired. When carrying after married, they still fear the husband only
truly loves the babe. Aalyssa is not blind, she knows these things happen. A lot has
happened to her in the past week, and she may also feel you are wedding her simply to
save her, or that she pushed you into it. You need to do something spectacular, that is
just for her, to make Aalyssa feel she is special to you, babe or no babe."
Konner looked thoughtful for a moment, then smiled. "Thank you Father." He returned
to the council table and spoke quietly to Lord Elrond, gaining permission for his plan.
He left the hall, heading for the suite to find Donlugan when he bumped into him in the
dining hall, preparing the family table. Konner explained what he wished to do, and the
manservant smiled and nodded, before going off to set it up.
Konner then walked outside and down to the marketplace, where he located the shop
he wanted and entered.
"May I assist you, My Lord?" the shopkeeper inquired, recognizing him from earlier.
"Milady saw a plain dark blue gown earlier, which she admired but did not select."
"Ah yes, I know just the one," she stated, approaching a rack and pulling out the dress.
"Milady's sisters were correct, the gown would be lovely on her."
"I agree, and wish to purchase it for her. I will also need matching shoes and a
necklace."
"Of course." The shopkeeper went to the opposite wall and selected matching shoes,
then over to the jewelry. She held out a delicate silver filigreed necklace for Konner to
look at as she pulled out a tray of jeweled hair chains. "And this would complete the
ensemble," she said, showing him a thin silver chain encrusted with dark blue
sapphires. "A perfect match for the dress, made to adorn the hair, My Lord."
"Yes, she will look absolutely stunning. I will take them all," Konner stated. The
shopkeeper smiled at him as she wrapped each piece separately.
Konner excitedly burst into Aalyssa's room, finding it empty, save Elspeth who was
hanging Aalyssa's new gowns. "Where is Lady Aalyssa?"
"Milady is in with your Mother, Master Konner," she explained. 'Might I take those to put
away?" she inquired, indicating the packages he held.
"I wish to watch Lady Aalyssa open them, but thank you, Elspeth." Konner nodded
when the maid curtsied before he turned to leave the room.
He headed down the hall to his mother's chamber and knocked. Mylly opened the door
and stepped aside to admit him. "Mother, I understand Aa. . " he stopped speaking
when he saw Aalyssa on the loveseat, her feet tucked under her and sound asleep in
his mother's arms. Alarm swept through him as he walked swiftly over to them. "Is
something wrong Mother?" he asked with concern.
"No, Son. She just needed some mothering."
Konner sat on the chair opposite of them, "But. . ."
"From a mother she considers her own. What have you got there?" she inquired.
"Some gifts for Lyssie."
Laure smiled at him, "You are going to be a good husband."
"I am certainly going to try my best."
Within Laure's arms, Aalyssa stirred, mumbling his name.
"I am right here, a'maelamin. I will be right here when you wake up."
"Mmm," she murmured, curling tighter against Laure.
"Such a sweet child," Laure commented. "I know you have been worried, Konner, but
Aalyssa and I have had a nice talk. I believe things will start getting better, just give her
some time."
"I do, too, Mother. And I am trying to give her time, but I still need to push her in the
right direction from time to time."
Aalyssa squirmed in Laure's arms, and Laure looked down at her, "Are you ready to get
up, dearest?"
She nodded before sitting up to look at Konner. "Hi, sweetheart."
"Hello, my love. Are you feeling better?"
Aalyssa nodded then sat up to kiss Laure on the cheek before walking over to Konner.
"I should go get ready for dinner."
"Just a minute, a'maelamin. I have some things for you," Konner told her with a smile.
Aalyssa gave him a stunned look and sat down on the footrest in front of the chair. She
took the first and largest package he handed her and unwrapped it, finding the dress.
"You heard me speak of it. You remembered," she whispered, her tone surprised.
"Of course, my love. Everything about you is important to me."
She held the dress up so Laure could see it.
"It is lovely," she commented. "And the waistline is perfect for an expectant mama."
"These go with it," Konner told her, handing her the three smaller packages.
The first package she unwrapped was the matching shoes, then she unwrapped the
necklace. When she saw the chain nestled within the wrapping, she said his name,
tears welling in her eyes.
"Please do not cry, Lyssie. I know these are tears of joy, but I really do hate to see you
cry, love."
"You did not have to, but thank you sweetheart," she said softly. She gasped when she
unwrapped the fourth and final package.
"I know I did not have to, I wanted to. I want to see you smile, my Aalyssa."
"I love them," she said with a smile. "I love you more, but these mean so much coming
from you."
Laure walked over and placed her hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "Would you
like to get ready for dinner with me this evening?"
"I would like that very much, Mama."
Konner smiled at the two women in his life. "I shall be back in an hour to pick you up,
Aalyssa. Mother, Father will be with Careman this eve, negotiating, I will have Legolas
pick you up."
Laure sighed, "Again he misses dinner with the family. He had best not be in council
the morning after next. "
"I will see you in an hour," Konner said, kissing Aalyssa lightly.
"I shall be waiting," she said. She watched Konner leave, then picked up the dress. "I
cannot believe he did this."
"I can. He loves you desperately and wants to see you happy."
"His love makes me happy," Aalyssa stated.
"Of course, but let him show it as well. Come, let us make you look like a princess.
Mylly? We shall need you."
Aalyssa went into the bathing room first and removed her clothing. She slipped into the
bathing pool and soaked for awhile, enjoying the feel of the water relaxing her body.
After a bit, she dunked down to wash her hair then scrubbed herself clean. Laure
slipped into the other end while she scrubbed.
Cleaned to her satisfaction, Aalyssa got out and dried off with the bathing sheet,
wrapping another around her hair. She slipped the dress Konner had brought her on,
struggling with the laces in back.
Mylly walked over to tie the laces, "There we go, milady. Shall I do your hair now?"
"Thank you, Mylly, yes."
The maid quietly worked with Aalyssa's hair until it was atop her head, wavy tendrils
hanging down to frame her face. She then draped the chain over her hair. Aalyssa
picked up the necklace and Mylly took it from her and fastened it around Aalyssa's
neck. "You look beautiful, Lady Aalyssa."
"Thank you, Mylly." Aalyssa slipped on the shoes and stood, walking out to the sitting
room to wait for Konner.
Laure came out a short time later, stopping when she saw Aalyssa. "You look just
beautiful, dearest."
"Thank you Mama."
She walked across the room to reach Aalyssa and kissed her cheek. "My little girl."
Mylly went to answer the knock on the door and admitted Konner.
"Hello, my ladies," he greeted. He went to his mother first and kissed her cheek, then
turned to go to Aalyssa. His breath caught in his chest and his heart skipped a beat
when she turned to face him. "You are a vision, Lyssie."
She smiled at him, her midnight blue eyes bright with all of the love she felt for him.
"Thank you, Konner."
Konner took her hand, and turned to Laure. "Legolas and Iladori will be up shortly to
escort you to dinner."
"All right, love. I will see you later."
Konner tucked Aalyssa's hand into his arm as they walked through the corridors. She
looked up at him in confusion when he turned in the direction opposite of the dining
hall. "Konner? Where are we going?"
"I have a surprise for you."
"More? Konner, I. . ."
"Hush," he teased, leading her toward the gardens.
"Where. . ." she lost her thought when they arrived at their destination. Candles
illuminated the gazebo, not a spot left bare. "Oh, Konner," she whispered as they
walked up the steps. He led her to one of the two chairs at the small table, which also
had a candle in the center of it. Konner pulled out her chair for her and then sat down
on the chair across the table from her. He took her hand and kissed it softly.
Donlugan appeared, dressed in his formal serving outfit and poured the two glasses of
wine for the couple and set them in front of them. "Master Konner, Lady Aalyssa," he
said with a bow.
They lifted their glasses and Konner said, "To my beautiful Princess who makes my
heart sing and skip a beat," as he reached forward to clink her glass with his.
Aalyssa blushed and smiled at him. "To my Prince who makes my life and heart
complete," she said, moving so her glass could clink with his.
"Donlugan and Elspeth are acquiring your favorite dishes from the kitchen."
"This is so lovely," Aalyssa said, loving what he had done. "I cannot believe you did
this."
He looked at her with his soft eyes, "This I would only do for the most special, most
important person in my life. I wanted to be alone with you. Just you and me."
Donlugan and Elspeth appeared with a serving cart, and placed bowls of steaming
tomato soup in front of them, along with a salad. They ate quietly, Aalyssa savoring her
time alone with Konner and the flavors of the delicious food.
When they were done with those, they were presented plates filled with roast beef and
ham, glazed carrots, peas and some rice. As she ate, Aalyssa looked around the
candle-lit gazebo, realizing how much thought Konner had put into this evening for her.
"You look ethereal, with the candle's reflection flickering in your eyes," Konner
commented, setting his fork down and taking her free hand. "And the glow of
candlelight behind you. Again, I have to say, the only time you have looked more
beautiful is the first time you woke in my arms."
"Oh Konner," Aalyssa's eyes began to mist over, but she shook it off. "I love you more
and more everyday. Mela en' coiamin."
"Lle naa vanima, vanimle sila tiri."
They finished their meal in a companionable silence, and after they had finished their
chocolate cake, Aalyssa sat back in her chair. "I cannot think of a more enchanting way
to spend an evening than with you." The faint strains of a tune being played on a violin
reached her ears, getting louder with each passing seconds. "Konner, what. . .?"
"May I have this dance, milady?" he asked, standing and extending his hand to her.
When she nodded, he pulled her close and they danced to the music. Konner danced
them down the steps so they were under the starlight.
He pulled her even closer and Aalyssa lay her head on his shoulder, feeling his hands
splayed against her back. She heard him softly speak Elvish words of love into her ear,
and she sighed with happiness.
"How about a walk through the garden before we go back?" Konner inquired.
Aalyssa nodded, as he took her right hand in his left and slipped his right arm around
her. She looked back to see Donlugan cleaning up the gazebo, this night would live
forever in her mind and heart.
Translations:
a'maelamin- my beloved
Lle naa vanima- You are beautiful
Vanimle sila tiri- your beauty shines bright
Mela en' coiamin- love of my life
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: See chapters one and four for disclaimers. I own nothing of Tolkein's, just
borrowing them for a bit of fun
Constructive Feedback always welcome
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aalyssa stretched under the covers, working out the kinks when she awakened an hour
later. "Maybe if I get some advice," she said out loud as she got out of bed. She slipped
on her discarded gown before going out the door.
Her path took her to Laure's door, where Aalyssa stood, wondering if she was still in
council. Aalyssa knocked softly on the door. After being admitted, she was led by the
maid to Laure's sitting area.
"Hello, dearest. How are you today?" Laure inquired, looking up from her needlework.
Aalyssa curtsied, then stood straight. "Mama, I was wondering if I could speak with you
and perhaps get some advice."
"Of course, dearest. Come sit with me," Laure set her needlework on the table and
patted the empty spot next to her on the settee. "What may I help you with?" she asked
softly, stroking Aalyssa's hair.
"I was wondering. . .that is. . .I am still having trouble trusting," Aalyssa admitted. "I still
fear being sent away or being hurt or used."
"After all you have been through, those are perfectly understandable feelings, dearest."
Laure wrapped her arm around Aalyssa's shoulder. "If you are worried about this
morning, do not be. I was taken aback by surprise, that is all. And any blame I feel rests
on that rascal of mine. We all love you and would never send you away."
"I keep trying to remind myself of that. Have you any thoughts on how I may begin
trusting again?"
"Dearest, the best I can tell you is to take each person individually. Consider how they
have treated you. If they ever hurt you, did they apologize and make it better for you?
Or did they just ignore the harm they caused and leave you in pain? If they apologized
and at least tried to make it right, I believe it would be safe to say you could trust them.
If not, they were not worth knowing. I will not lie and say you will never be hurt again.
We are all subject to it, King, Queen, tenant, whomever. Also remember it is usually
unintentional."
Aalyssa tilted her head to the side, that made sense. "How do I stop feeling I am taking
advantage of Dori's family?"
"First, you need to consider yourself a part of that family also, because you are. If
somehow you found yourself with a niece or nephew to raise, would you treat them
differently from your own children?"
"Of course not, Mama."
"I did not think so, dearest. You are Myalora and Careman's niece, and would have
been their daughter had they known the truth long ago. If you had not been related, it
would have been a fair trade, as I have heard snippets of conversation between the
four of you. You have done a wonderful job of caring for your sister and helping her
when needed. Your family may not be aware of it, but you have been very giving of
yourself. I am grateful they saw to taking you to the dressmakers as I have been remiss
in my duty. Did you select a lot of pretty things?"
"I selected four and went to look at the wedding gowns. While I was trying on the one I
liked, Tracimia selected other gowns for me. I know not what they look like, as when I
returned, Konner and I spoke and then I took a nap."
"Wonderful for Tracimia, I hope her tastes mirror yours. You should have selected more
than four, dearest." She paused when Aalyssa opened her mouth to protest. "If you did
not feel comfortable having them purchase more, you could have had them billed to us.
You are a stunning young lady, and should always dress for that. And you shall be a
princess the day after tomorrow." With a laugh, Laure added, "And my dresses do
nothing for you.
Aalyssa smiled and fidgeted a bit. "How do I get the people of Mirkwood to accept me
as Princess?"
"Oh, dearest," Laure laughed lightly, pulling Aalyssa into her arms, "The Elves of
Mirkwood already love you. For years, they have been asking when Konner would
make you his Princess."
"They have?" Aalyssa asked, shocked.
"Yes, dearest, they have. Over the years, I have observed you out in the lands and
fields, speaking with and helping the people. They adore you and know they will be
able to turn to you when they need assistance."
Aalyssa lay her head on Laure's shoulder. "I love you, Mama."
"I love you too, little one. You just rest on me and let me take care of you," Laure said,
pulling her close.
"I like it here, it is safe like Konner's arms," Aalyssa whispered.
"Yes, little one. Know you are always safe with us," Laure assured her. Finally she
heard Aalyssa's breathing even out as sleep claimed her.
Down in the meeting hall, the details for the archery tournament were finalized and the
meeting broke up so all could spend the eve with their families.
As father and son headed for the door, Thranduil pulled Konner aside. "You look a little
unsettled, Son. What is wrong?"
"Hopefully I have taken care of it. Due to lack of confidence, an overactive imagination
and the malicious words of the court, Aalyssa developed the idea I would send her over
the sea once the babe is born."
Thranduil shook his head. "Son, Aalyssa is getting better and stronger every day, yet
she will have moments. I need to ask though, since finding out about the babe, have
you done anything to make her feel special?"
"I have showered her with attention, Father, assured her I love the babe."
"Konner, let me tell you some thing about pregnant women. When they are carrying
before marriage, there is always a fear she is loved and being wed only for the babe.
Add to that it is not uncommon for the female to be sent over the sea after the babe is
born, if she is not desired. When carrying after married, they still fear the husband only
truly loves the babe. Aalyssa is not blind, she knows these things happen. A lot has
happened to her in the past week, and she may also feel you are wedding her simply to
save her, or that she pushed you into it. You need to do something spectacular, that is
just for her, to make Aalyssa feel she is special to you, babe or no babe."
Konner looked thoughtful for a moment, then smiled. "Thank you Father." He returned
to the council table and spoke quietly to Lord Elrond, gaining permission for his plan.
He left the hall, heading for the suite to find Donlugan when he bumped into him in the
dining hall, preparing the family table. Konner explained what he wished to do, and the
manservant smiled and nodded, before going off to set it up.
Konner then walked outside and down to the marketplace, where he located the shop
he wanted and entered.
"May I assist you, My Lord?" the shopkeeper inquired, recognizing him from earlier.
"Milady saw a plain dark blue gown earlier, which she admired but did not select."
"Ah yes, I know just the one," she stated, approaching a rack and pulling out the dress.
"Milady's sisters were correct, the gown would be lovely on her."
"I agree, and wish to purchase it for her. I will also need matching shoes and a
necklace."
"Of course." The shopkeeper went to the opposite wall and selected matching shoes,
then over to the jewelry. She held out a delicate silver filigreed necklace for Konner to
look at as she pulled out a tray of jeweled hair chains. "And this would complete the
ensemble," she said, showing him a thin silver chain encrusted with dark blue
sapphires. "A perfect match for the dress, made to adorn the hair, My Lord."
"Yes, she will look absolutely stunning. I will take them all," Konner stated. The
shopkeeper smiled at him as she wrapped each piece separately.
Konner excitedly burst into Aalyssa's room, finding it empty, save Elspeth who was
hanging Aalyssa's new gowns. "Where is Lady Aalyssa?"
"Milady is in with your Mother, Master Konner," she explained. 'Might I take those to put
away?" she inquired, indicating the packages he held.
"I wish to watch Lady Aalyssa open them, but thank you, Elspeth." Konner nodded
when the maid curtsied before he turned to leave the room.
He headed down the hall to his mother's chamber and knocked. Mylly opened the door
and stepped aside to admit him. "Mother, I understand Aa. . " he stopped speaking
when he saw Aalyssa on the loveseat, her feet tucked under her and sound asleep in
his mother's arms. Alarm swept through him as he walked swiftly over to them. "Is
something wrong Mother?" he asked with concern.
"No, Son. She just needed some mothering."
Konner sat on the chair opposite of them, "But. . ."
"From a mother she considers her own. What have you got there?" she inquired.
"Some gifts for Lyssie."
Laure smiled at him, "You are going to be a good husband."
"I am certainly going to try my best."
Within Laure's arms, Aalyssa stirred, mumbling his name.
"I am right here, a'maelamin. I will be right here when you wake up."
"Mmm," she murmured, curling tighter against Laure.
"Such a sweet child," Laure commented. "I know you have been worried, Konner, but
Aalyssa and I have had a nice talk. I believe things will start getting better, just give her
some time."
"I do, too, Mother. And I am trying to give her time, but I still need to push her in the
right direction from time to time."
Aalyssa squirmed in Laure's arms, and Laure looked down at her, "Are you ready to get
up, dearest?"
She nodded before sitting up to look at Konner. "Hi, sweetheart."
"Hello, my love. Are you feeling better?"
Aalyssa nodded then sat up to kiss Laure on the cheek before walking over to Konner.
"I should go get ready for dinner."
"Just a minute, a'maelamin. I have some things for you," Konner told her with a smile.
Aalyssa gave him a stunned look and sat down on the footrest in front of the chair. She
took the first and largest package he handed her and unwrapped it, finding the dress.
"You heard me speak of it. You remembered," she whispered, her tone surprised.
"Of course, my love. Everything about you is important to me."
She held the dress up so Laure could see it.
"It is lovely," she commented. "And the waistline is perfect for an expectant mama."
"These go with it," Konner told her, handing her the three smaller packages.
The first package she unwrapped was the matching shoes, then she unwrapped the
necklace. When she saw the chain nestled within the wrapping, she said his name,
tears welling in her eyes.
"Please do not cry, Lyssie. I know these are tears of joy, but I really do hate to see you
cry, love."
"You did not have to, but thank you sweetheart," she said softly. She gasped when she
unwrapped the fourth and final package.
"I know I did not have to, I wanted to. I want to see you smile, my Aalyssa."
"I love them," she said with a smile. "I love you more, but these mean so much coming
from you."
Laure walked over and placed her hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "Would you
like to get ready for dinner with me this evening?"
"I would like that very much, Mama."
Konner smiled at the two women in his life. "I shall be back in an hour to pick you up,
Aalyssa. Mother, Father will be with Careman this eve, negotiating, I will have Legolas
pick you up."
Laure sighed, "Again he misses dinner with the family. He had best not be in council
the morning after next. "
"I will see you in an hour," Konner said, kissing Aalyssa lightly.
"I shall be waiting," she said. She watched Konner leave, then picked up the dress. "I
cannot believe he did this."
"I can. He loves you desperately and wants to see you happy."
"His love makes me happy," Aalyssa stated.
"Of course, but let him show it as well. Come, let us make you look like a princess.
Mylly? We shall need you."
Aalyssa went into the bathing room first and removed her clothing. She slipped into the
bathing pool and soaked for awhile, enjoying the feel of the water relaxing her body.
After a bit, she dunked down to wash her hair then scrubbed herself clean. Laure
slipped into the other end while she scrubbed.
Cleaned to her satisfaction, Aalyssa got out and dried off with the bathing sheet,
wrapping another around her hair. She slipped the dress Konner had brought her on,
struggling with the laces in back.
Mylly walked over to tie the laces, "There we go, milady. Shall I do your hair now?"
"Thank you, Mylly, yes."
The maid quietly worked with Aalyssa's hair until it was atop her head, wavy tendrils
hanging down to frame her face. She then draped the chain over her hair. Aalyssa
picked up the necklace and Mylly took it from her and fastened it around Aalyssa's
neck. "You look beautiful, Lady Aalyssa."
"Thank you, Mylly." Aalyssa slipped on the shoes and stood, walking out to the sitting
room to wait for Konner.
Laure came out a short time later, stopping when she saw Aalyssa. "You look just
beautiful, dearest."
"Thank you Mama."
She walked across the room to reach Aalyssa and kissed her cheek. "My little girl."
Mylly went to answer the knock on the door and admitted Konner.
"Hello, my ladies," he greeted. He went to his mother first and kissed her cheek, then
turned to go to Aalyssa. His breath caught in his chest and his heart skipped a beat
when she turned to face him. "You are a vision, Lyssie."
She smiled at him, her midnight blue eyes bright with all of the love she felt for him.
"Thank you, Konner."
Konner took her hand, and turned to Laure. "Legolas and Iladori will be up shortly to
escort you to dinner."
"All right, love. I will see you later."
Konner tucked Aalyssa's hand into his arm as they walked through the corridors. She
looked up at him in confusion when he turned in the direction opposite of the dining
hall. "Konner? Where are we going?"
"I have a surprise for you."
"More? Konner, I. . ."
"Hush," he teased, leading her toward the gardens.
"Where. . ." she lost her thought when they arrived at their destination. Candles
illuminated the gazebo, not a spot left bare. "Oh, Konner," she whispered as they
walked up the steps. He led her to one of the two chairs at the small table, which also
had a candle in the center of it. Konner pulled out her chair for her and then sat down
on the chair across the table from her. He took her hand and kissed it softly.
Donlugan appeared, dressed in his formal serving outfit and poured the two glasses of
wine for the couple and set them in front of them. "Master Konner, Lady Aalyssa," he
said with a bow.
They lifted their glasses and Konner said, "To my beautiful Princess who makes my
heart sing and skip a beat," as he reached forward to clink her glass with his.
Aalyssa blushed and smiled at him. "To my Prince who makes my life and heart
complete," she said, moving so her glass could clink with his.
"Donlugan and Elspeth are acquiring your favorite dishes from the kitchen."
"This is so lovely," Aalyssa said, loving what he had done. "I cannot believe you did
this."
He looked at her with his soft eyes, "This I would only do for the most special, most
important person in my life. I wanted to be alone with you. Just you and me."
Donlugan and Elspeth appeared with a serving cart, and placed bowls of steaming
tomato soup in front of them, along with a salad. They ate quietly, Aalyssa savoring her
time alone with Konner and the flavors of the delicious food.
When they were done with those, they were presented plates filled with roast beef and
ham, glazed carrots, peas and some rice. As she ate, Aalyssa looked around the
candle-lit gazebo, realizing how much thought Konner had put into this evening for her.
"You look ethereal, with the candle's reflection flickering in your eyes," Konner
commented, setting his fork down and taking her free hand. "And the glow of
candlelight behind you. Again, I have to say, the only time you have looked more
beautiful is the first time you woke in my arms."
"Oh Konner," Aalyssa's eyes began to mist over, but she shook it off. "I love you more
and more everyday. Mela en' coiamin."
"Lle naa vanima, vanimle sila tiri."
They finished their meal in a companionable silence, and after they had finished their
chocolate cake, Aalyssa sat back in her chair. "I cannot think of a more enchanting way
to spend an evening than with you." The faint strains of a tune being played on a violin
reached her ears, getting louder with each passing seconds. "Konner, what. . .?"
"May I have this dance, milady?" he asked, standing and extending his hand to her.
When she nodded, he pulled her close and they danced to the music. Konner danced
them down the steps so they were under the starlight.
He pulled her even closer and Aalyssa lay her head on his shoulder, feeling his hands
splayed against her back. She heard him softly speak Elvish words of love into her ear,
and she sighed with happiness.
"How about a walk through the garden before we go back?" Konner inquired.
Aalyssa nodded, as he took her right hand in his left and slipped his right arm around
her. She looked back to see Donlugan cleaning up the gazebo, this night would live
forever in her mind and heart.
Translations:
a'maelamin- my beloved
Lle naa vanima- You are beautiful
Vanimle sila tiri- your beauty shines bright
Mela en' coiamin- love of my life