Chapter 5

A/N-

Hello again- Sorry for the wait, but this is a long chapter- it should make up for the wait ^_^

I hope everyone is enjoying this sequel... I am having fun writing it :)

Thanks for all the reviews and such, I enjoy them all. I'm kind of supprised with the number- there was such a great

responce from the first story... but oh well. I'll keep writing for those few loyal readers.

Anyway on with the story! You know the disclaimers too, so I don't feel like writing it in here.

It's early and I didn;t get much sleep last night- animeathon! Several friend and I watched a LOT ot anime- my favorite from last night was a show called "Read or Die" A James Bond meets Xmen kind of show... highly enjoyable...

well anyway- I'll let you get on with the story!

-

Soon the warring party had returned to the castle. Parn had ridden on the dragon's back the whole way. Making sure the dragon's broken wing was looked after and after ordering no one to hurt the dragon he made his way to his and Deedlit's room. Sheris had told him she was extremely tired and that Deedlit just sleeping now. But he had to see her.

Entering as quietly as possible Parn made his way to the bed. She was sleeping all curled up into almost a ball, her knees drawn up to her chest. Her face looked exactly how it always had, but for some reason she looked even more beautiful to Parn. There was almost a glow to her, and Parn couldn't help but smile as he touched her face lovingly.

Shedding his armor, and retiring to his usual night cloths; Parn joined his wife for a bit of well deserved rest. However it was interrupted not too long after he had just laid down when he was awoken with the painful groans of his partner at his side.

"Deed?" He whispered hugging her to him.

"It hurts Parn…" She whimpered.

"What hurts… what can I do? Please, Deedlit, I can't stand to see you in so much pain." Parn asked looking into her eyes that told of pain.

"Please make it stop…" She pleaded as she doubled over and cried out. Parn couldn't take much more of this. Grabbing his shirt, he pulled it on and wrapped Deedlit up in the sheet.

"I'm taking you to the healers, they should know what to do." He told her as he picked her up gently in his arms.

The darkness of the night didn't stop Parn from navigating his way through the darkened hallways with only minimal light provided. Finally coming to the healers wing of the castle, Parn pushed the doors open and he entered. He yelled for someone to come and help them.

"She's in pain, do something." He demanded the clerics and healers that came running to see what the problem was. Parn felt helpless again as he could only hold her hand as the doctors looked her over and checked for any cause of the pain.

Finding no visual wound, or injury that could cause the pain, they opted to give her some tea that would help her sleep and dull the pain.

Parn was told to return to his room, and that they would keep Deedlit there for observation. But Parn wasn't about to leave her side. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair Parn tried to sleep resting his head near Deedlit.

A gentle hand on his shoulder woke him from his light sleep. The sun was out by now and the morning birds sung.

"Parn, I was told I could find you here." Came a friendly voice behind him. Parn looked and saw his dear friend Slayn pulling up a chair next to him.

"They can't find anything wrong with her… do you think I should take her back to the forest? Her kind would know what to do." Parn suggested.

"No Parn, there isn't anything wrong with Deedlit. And I don't think anyone can do anything to fix the 'problem.'" Slayn smiled.

"What are you talking about? She's in pain, there has to be something wrong."

"Parn, humans are naturally larger than elves in stature."

"Yes, but what does that have to do with Deed."

"What if I would tell you that you were probably going to be a father in about eight or so months?" Slayn said patting Parn on the back.

"You mean she's… and that's what is causing the pain?" Parn looked at Deedlit and grabbed her hand. "But why does it have to be so painful to her?"

"She'll get use to the pain once she knows what is happening inside of her. And there are teas and herbs that can decrease the pain. But the fact is that a human child will be a bit larger than elves were meant to have. We will have to be extra careful with her from now on."

"You really think that's what is wrong with her? That we're having a… a child?"

"I can't be for sure, but that would be my opinion judging from the timing and symptoms. Don't worry too much Parn, I'll make up some herbs for her and she'll be just fine."

"Thanks Slayn…" Parn said watching as his friend got up.

"Oh and Parn, congratulations, Fatherhood is a joyous step in one's life… I only hope someday I will be able to share in your joy." And with that he left the two alone.

-

The reconstruction effort began almost immediately. King Kashue started organizing the warriors into construction parties that went around the countryside helping those afflicted by the evil wizard.

Parn helped out where ever he could, but never strayed outside of the castle walls too far. It had been several days now since Slayn had diagnosed Deedlit's condition. She was overjoyed when Parn told her what the cause of her pain was. He had tried to apologize for having to put her through this, but she seemed more than ready to accept the pain that was associated with bearing her love's children.

Slayn's herbal potions and Deedlit's own knowledge of herbs, helped ease the pain and she was soon up and walking around like normal.

News of the defeat of the evil wizard caused great celebrations to rise up among the people of the kingdom. King Kashue had organized a party for the palace as well, inviting all the surrounding people to come and join in the celebration. Soon Lelyia, Etoh and even Princess Fiana came escorted with guards, and aid for the cities.

"It's going to be a lovely place once the rebuilding finishes." Lelyia smiled after greeting Slayn with a kiss. "I was worried, but I know I should not have been." She added.

"Everything went as well as to be expected." Slayn assured her.

"Where's Parn and Deed?" Etoh asked as he noticed the two were not anywhere to be seen.

"They are more than likely behind the castle walls playing with Deedlit's new friend." Sheris told them with a wink.

"Friend?" Etoh and Fiana asked puzzled. The group all began to short walk out the back entrance of the castle to find Parn and Deedlit snuggled together on a hillside. But what was resting right next to them startled the three newcomers.

"Dragon!" Fiana gasped as she hid behind Etoh.

"There's nothing to worry about." Sheris laughed. "It's completely harmless… just think of it as a large and fire breathing cat."

"You mean this isn't the dragon who did all this damage?" Lelyia questioned.

"No, sadly the dragon was forced to do that by the wizard controlling it. Once it befriended Deedlit, it became completely harmless." Slayn assured them.

The commotion cause all three sleepers to awake. The dragon affectionately nuzzled up to Deedlit after she told the dragon the strangers were friends.

"I guess it is harmless." Etoh laughed seeing it act like a large pet towards Deed.

"Etoh!" Parn called. "It's good to see you all again." He said as he helped Deedlit to her feet.

"I can do things myself you know." She smiled at him.

"I know, but I just want to help make everything easier on you…"

"You can be so sweet at times Parn." Deedlit giggled as she placed a quick kiss on his lips. The old friends were once again together. And over the grand feast hosted that night the tale of the evil wizard was told.

"And that's not all the surprises we have to tell." Parn smiled as he looked at Slayn and then to Deedlit.

"What else could there be?" Fiana asked in a happy voice to see everyone having such a good time.

"Well, do you want to tell them Deed?" He asked her and she nodded.

"We're having a baby!" She smiled.

"That's wonderful Deed!" Etoh smiled. "I'm sure you'll both be great parents."

"Will it look more like an Elf or a human?" Fiana questioned in with a puzzled look.

"We don't know… all we know for sure is that it's about a month along. And that's what was causing Deedlit so much pain." Parn said taking her hand.

"Are you alright now Deed?" Lelyia asked.

"Yes, I'm perfectly fine. I'm use to it and the teas and herbs are helping a great deal."

"This in deed calls for a celebration!" Etoh said patting Parn on the back.

"Yes, I'm sure we can gather enough things for a feast and a small ball." The princess added.

"It's really not necessary…" Both Deed and Parn tried to convince them, but no one would hear of it.

And so several hours later, before dusk had settled in, the main hall of the castle was full of dancers and merriment. Musicians played a soft waltz in the background as people danced, talked and ate. On the dance floor there was no other couple that was so tenderly entwined as Parn and Deedlit. Parn's arms were wrapped around Deedlit's waist, while hers were wrapped around his neck. Her forehead rested on his neck with his head pillowed by her golden locks.

Neither said a word, nor did they care if they were dancing properly or not. They just were together in a comforting silence.

Parn was once again dressed in the fine robes he had been given by Deedlit's parents on their wedding day, while Deedlit wore a simple, yet elegant dress made of silk.

Their announcement had brought a large cheer from the crowd of almost strangers until a day ago. Now the couple was known by all as the cause for their being saved from the dragon and wizard.

"They truly look happy. Don't they?" Etoh smiled as he and the others sat enjoying the fine meal prepared for them.

"Yes, they are. And I am happy for them." Slayn said and Lelyia agreed as they all looked out onto the dance floor and spotted the two.

"Slayn, just how different are elves from humans?" Sheris asked thinking of the pain Deedlit had been experiencing and would until the birth.

"I'm not for sure in that matter. The Elven tribes seem to be very reclusive and very few mate with mortals. It will be very hard on Deedlit, I'm sure. But she is strong and, I'm quite sure she won't give up without a fight." The wise sorcerer said. Everyone sitting nodded at the comment and continued with their meals.

-

"Parn."

"What is it Deed?" Parn said kissing the tips of her ears.

"I was just thinking… I'm so happy, can we always stay like this… just us two? No more evil wizards, or swords?"

"I hope so Deedlit. No matter what, I will always strive to make you happy. If that is what you want, I will try and give it to you." Parn smiled.

"I love you." Deedlit sighed.

They stayed like that, just dancing until Parn felt a tap on the shoulder, several songs later. Looking up to find the face of King Kashue standing before him, he straightened.

"Good evening, your majesty." Parn smiled lightening his hold on Deedlit's waist.

"It is a joyous evening Parn. I might add my congratulations to the both of you. I know you will be great parents."

"Thank you." Deedlit smiled seeing Parn didn't know what to say.

"But that is not the only reason I came over and interrupted you two. I was also wondering if I could steal away your beautiful wife for a short dance. No reason keeping her to yourself the entire time." Kashue smiled as he bowed and offered Deedlit his hand.

"I would be honored." Deedlit said. "Parn why don't you go and get us something to eat. I'll be over there in a minute." She said and after a quick kiss she accepted Kashue's hand.

"Don't worry Parn, I will return her to your side after a dance."

Parn smiled and walked over to the food table and began to gather two servings of food.

-

"Deedlit, thank you for accepting my offer. But there is something I wished to discuss with you away from Parn for a moment." Kashue said as he began to lead Deedlit into a waltz.

"Oh? And what would that be?" Deedlit asked.

"What would you say to staying here in the palace for a while longer than expected?"

"What do you mean good king? Surely you don't mean…"

"I want someone whom I can trust looking after these people once I leave. And I feel you and Parn would be the most natural people to…"

"Rule these people?" Deedlit interrupted the king. She had seen this coming the moment Kashue had asked for a moment to talk with her. The prophecy had found a way for Parn to become a king in the mortal's world just like Karla had seen. But Deedlit was now troubled even more. With the child on the way, she would be often left alone because Parn would have an entire kingdom to look after. She had hoped for them to settle away from the daily troubles of mortals and find the little peace that life would offer them. "I don't know what to say… other than why ask me?"

"Because I wanted to let you know what I was going to ask Parn later tonight. You are married now. Both of you are affected by his decision… and I thought you would be happy that he would be given such a chance to finally assume the role of a King." Kashue said a bit surprised.

"I had hoped with all we have done for Lodoss, that we could relax and enjoy a peaceful life together." Deed said plainly. "But I will do what ever Parn chooses, because I love him and I will never leave his side."

"I see." Kashue said as the song ended. "Deedlit, it was a pleasure dancing with you this evening. And I hope nothing but the best for both you and Parn." he said as he bowed and walked away. Deedlit didn't know what to think at that moment. She stared at the slowly disappearing figure of Kashue, until gentle arms wrapped around her and a kiss was placed on her exposed shoulder.

"Come, you both should eat something." Parn's voice said as he touched the area where his child was growing.

Deed allowed Parn to lead her over to the table and sat down. A large plates full of food were placed in front of her. She looked at them and couldn't help but laugh.

"Parn, I'm not having ten children, what am I suppose to do with all this food?" She asked picking at the large amounts of meat and vegetables on one plate, fruits and other such treats were piled on another.

"So I might have gotten too much, I can't help but try and take care of you." Parn gave her his crooked smile. After Deedlit had eaten her full, and then some by her over bearing husband, the two decided to call it a night. After saying their goodbyes to their old and new friends, they made their way up to the bedroom they had been in for their time there. Waiting outside the balcony window was the head of the dragon that now decided it wanted to remain with Deedlit. Kissing the dragon goodnight on the nose, Deedlit retired to the bed where her husband waited.

"Deed?" Parn said after a silence had come between the two. "Is there something wrong Deed?" He asked worriedly.

"What?" Deed asked rolling closer to him.

"Deed, I can tell something is wrong. What did Kashue need to talk to you about? I know it was something important… you've been quiet the rest of the night afterwards…"

"Parn, what is it you want in life?" Deedlit quickly asked interrupting him.

"What do I want?" Parn repeated the question. "Well, nothing now that I have you… well maybe a child or two, and a nice place for us together. Why? Deedlit, what is it that's bothering you?"