Author's Note: I am so sorry to all of you for the long update...I sent this chapter to my beta about three weeks ago, but she of course has her own life to live, and then on top of it, her grandfather died August 1st, so I was giving her time to grieve.

Chapter Fifty-One: Stupid, Aly

When Aly slowly came around, she was aware that there were voices and that she was in a bright room with blankets covering her. The smell of different medicinal teas filled her nose: the infirmary. She had to be in the infirmary.

She slowly looked around. Through a window, she could see that it was dark. Alanna and Thom were both asleep, resting their heads in their arms, which were on the mattress of the bed she was in. Gareth was asleep in a chair, right next to the bed. Aly saw him holding one of her hands. Gary was asleep in a chair next to his father.

She moaned a little as she tried to move. Every part of her was stiff. Alanna was the first to move. She slowly lifted her head and, when she saw Aly was awake, sat up.

"Mother!" Alanna yelled. Gareth, Gary, and Thom woke up. Gareth immediately began kissing her passionately.

"Of all the gods-cursed, stupid stunts you could have pulled, mother!" Alanna said.

"I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I had just sat by and watched Thom die." Aly said once Gareth stopped kissing her so she could talk

"Do you think I'd have been able to live with myself if you died because of me?" Thom growled, his violet eyes burning as he glared at her.

Aly frowned. "I'll not have lectures from the two of you." she said firmly.

"Fine, then, you'll have one from me." Gareth said. "Alanna is right, what you did in Thom's rooms was nothing shy of stupid."

"Alanna told some servants where to find us." Thom said. "I was passed out, but Duke Baird said I was fine and just needed to rest.Youhowever, had collapsed on top of me, and you were-"

"You were glowing." Alanna growled, "Glowing!"

"I heard you the first time, Alanna." Aly said.

"I almost had a second heart-attack when they brought you in on a stretcher." Gareth said. "You were pale as death."

"A second heart-attack?"

"I had a mild one in the Hall of Crowns, during the fight that broke out after you left." Gareth said. "I'm fine, now, but when I saw you and Kahlan-"

"Kahlan!" Aly looked around, panicked. "Where is she?"

"In the Royal Nursery," Gareth said soothingly. "Jon ordered for her to stay there with the best of the nursery workers since I didn't want to be away from you once Baird said I could leave, and neither did Alanna, Thom, and Gareth. Jon ordered she be pampered to the fullest extent of their abilities, and to let him know if they needed anything to pamper her with, and he would see that she got it."

"Although Jon dragged me away a couple of times to do small tasks. I came back as soon as I was done." Gary said.

"How is she?" Aly asked. "How is Kahlan?"

"She was fine. The only injury was a bruise across her stomach, the exact shape of your arm." Gareth said.

"She was trying to help Thom. I couldn't let her. It would have killed her."

"You mean like it almost killed you?" Thom retorted.

"I'll go get Baird." Gareth said. "I have a feeling being lectured by your children will teach you not to do this sort of thing again."

"I'll go wake Jon." Gary said. "He's checked by here every free moment he had, between funerals and then all his royal duties. He kept telling Baird he does not want to have to bury you, that you are one of the few links to his parents left. It's just you and father."

The two Gareths got up and walked out of the room.

"I know it was stupid." Aly told Alanna and Thom.

"Yes, it was." Thom said.

"Extremely stupid." Alanna said.

"But what was I suppose to do? Sit back and watch my son die? No mother should have to bury her son."

"No son should have to bury his mother because of himself!" Thom yelled. "If I hadn't brought Roger back, none of this would have happened. Delia hit my pride enough times to make me bring him back. I almost lost you because of my stupid pride. How did you expect me to live with myself if you died?"

"Now you see, if you had made friends, like I continually told you to, you're friends would have calmed you down, you wouldn't have gotten so prideful, and this never would have happened." Aly said.

"I promise, mother." Thom said. "If it will keep you alive longer, I'll make friends with everyone in the palace."

Aly laughed weakly, she then turned somber and looked at Alanna. "I'm sorry about Faithful."

Alanna nodded sadly. "I am too."

"How is Jonathan?"

"He needed to be bandaged up, but he was fine." Alanna said.

"Roger?"

"I finished him." Alanna said coldly. "Him, Josaine, and Alex."

"Alex?" Aly asked, "Alexander of Tirragen?

"He was in on the conspiracy." Alanna said. "He was the last defense before Roger, and he would have killed me if I hadn't killed him."

Aly placed her hand on her daughter's arm. "Then it ended perfectly, if you want my opinion. Better him than you, although I am sorry you had to kill someone you had considered a friend."

"My thoughts exactly." Thom said.

"What about Liam?" Aly asked.

"He took seven arrows for Jonathan before the two archers firing were taken down. One was hit by an enemy archer whose aim was just slightly off, and the other was taken down by a member of the King's Own."

"Sevenarrows?"

"He didn't even falter, I have to admit, Alanna, your Dragon is impressive."

"Your dragon?" Aly asked, raising her eyebrows. "I thought you said there was nothing between you two."

"He's notmydragon." Alanna said, shoving her twin.

"He calls you kitten." Thom said.

"He's scared of magic." Alanna retorted, "We are just friends."

"Alright, Alanna, if you say so." Aly said, "Tell me more about what happened at the coronation."

"George finished off Ralon, or Claw if we go by his newer name." Thom said.

"Poor Jane." Aly asked, "I may not like her, but I wouldn't wish the death of a child on any woman. Speaking of children…how are both of you?"

"We're both alright." Alanna said. "Thom came around about three days ago, and was officially released the following day."

"Three days?" Aly asked. "How long have I been out?"

"Ten days." Alanna said.

"Tendays?" Aly asked in amazement.

Alanna and Thom nodded.

"Well?" Aly asked, "Fill me in. What has happened while I've been asleep?"

"Heralds went out to explain to the people what had happened on Coronation Day. Jonathan has decreed that there would be no weeks of celebration this year." Thom said.

"Instead, he'll have a festival to mark the first year of his reign, on the anniversary of Coronation Day." Alanna said, "Then he will travel the country."

"The Courts of Law have been busier than anyone can remember." Thom said, looking down at his hands. "Those found guilty of taking part in the rebellion lost their lands and wealth; they and their families were sent into exile. Delia of Eldorne was the only living ringleader, and she was sentenced to life imprisonment."

"The laws of treason say it's death for all of them." Aly said, surprised as Baird, Jonathan, Gareth, and Gary returned. Aly was surprised to see Liam Ironarm was with them as well. He held a steaming cup in his hands.

"I refused to start my reign off with executions." Jonathan said, squeezing Aly's hand gently. "I pardoned more people during my first week than my father did in his whole reign….how are you feeling?"

"Weak and tired."

"Well at least you are alive to feel that way." Jon said. He glared at her and crossed his arms over his chest. "Would you care to explain to me what you were thinking when you nearly sucked yourself dry?"

"I was thinking I had to save my son."

"And what if I had tried to do something like that?"

"I would have done what I did with Kahlan." Aly said. "I would have held you back."

"Why did you hold her back?"

"Because it was dangerous."

"Too dangerous for her, but not for you?" Jon asked.

Aly fought the urge to look down at the sheets on her bed. How was it that three people all twenty-some years younger than her could make her feel like a child? "It's complicated."

"How are you feeling, Alianne?" Baird asked, saving her from further interrogation.

"Like a small child who got caught with her hand in a jar of sweets." Aly grumbled. "First, my kids lecture me, then my husband, then my kids again, and finally my nephew."

"You deserve all those lectures and more." Jon said, "We could have lost you, and all of us care about you too much to be willing to risk that."

"I love all of you, too." Aly said, "That's why I saved Thom; I loved him too much to let him die."

"Swear that you'll never do this again, and we'll leave you alone." Jon said.

"As long as all of you promise to never put yourselves in the situation where I'd feel like I had to do it." Aly said. "Promise?"

"Promise." Thom said quickly.

"I promise." Alanna, Gareth, and Gary said.

"I promise," Jonathan said, "But I want you to swear it."

"I can't exactly kneel." Aly said.

"I think we can pass on the kneeling." Jonathan said. He held out his hand. Aly took it and bowed her head, so that it touched his fingers.

"I, Alianne of Naxen, will never again risk my life to save another so long as none of my family place themselves in a life-jeopardizing situation while they are where I can save them."

"And I, Jonathan of Conté, do so swear on behalf of myself, Sir Alanna of Trebond, Olau, and Naxen, Sir Gareth of Naxen, Duke Gareth of Naxen, Master Thom of Trebond and Naxen, and Kahlan of Naxen, not to place ourselves in a position where you would feel the need to break your vow."

Jon withdrew his hand and nodded, satisfied. "Keep your vow, and I will keep mine."

"Of course, your Majesty." Aly said. She turned to look at Liam. "And how are you, Ironarm? My children tell me you took arrows meant for my nephew."

"I've recovered." Liam said, "I got back to my morning drills about five days ago." he smiled at Alanna. "I made kitten do drills with me just so she could have an hour or so when her mind was on other things than if you were still recovering or if you had made a turn for the worse."

"Alanna said you don't like magic." Aly said, "Is healing magic an exception?"

"She's right, I don't like magic, that included healing magic, but I'll let healers work on me for as little time as possible. I prefer herb-lore to magical healings. Which reminds me, this is for you." he said, holding out the steaming cup.

Aly sniffed it and made a slight face.

"It smells better than it tastes, but it works." Liam said, "Alanna and Coram have both had some before. It'll help you regain your strength sooner."

"And I have a tea for you to help restore your Gift." Baird said, "You'll have that after you've had this."

Aly forced herself to drink the tea Liam gave her and, after admitting that it did help, Liam left. Then Baird gave Aly his tea and used his Gift to check how well she was recovering. He told her that she could be released within the week if she rested and followed his instructions.

"My first instruction for you is peace and quiet. So, if everyone would please leave so Duchess Alianne can rest."

"I have done nothing, but rest for ten days. Can't they stay a little longer, Barid?"

Baird smiled. "Rest now. When you wake up, they can all come back and visit for as long as they would like."

"Alright…" Aly said grumpily.

Jon, Gareth, Gary, Alanna, and Thom all got up to leave.

"Thom, just a moment." Aly said. She looked at Baird. "Two minutes, then he will be on his way."

"I'll be back in two minutes, and if he is not gone, I am kicking him out." Baird warned, and went to check on another patient.

"Yes, mother?" Thom asked, sitting down in a vacated seat. This Thom was not the one she had spoken to the past few years, who believed his skill in magic made him superior. This was her son Thom, the same son whom would come running to her when Alanna would get a little too aggressive and hurt him by accident. Aly smiled. At least one good thing had come of everything…her son was back.

"When you were talking about those involved in the rebellion, you looked down. Why? I know that look, and you were keeping something from me."

"It was nothing."

"Then you won't mind telling me." Aly said firmly in a tone that left no room for an argument. She didn't have much time before Thom would have to leave.

Thom sighed, "Like Alanna and I told you, the Courts of the Law have never been so busy with all the trails that were held."

Aly nodded.

"One of those trails was mine."

"Yours?" Aly gasped, "But….what for?"

"Treason." Thom said, "The Provost felt that the rebellion was my fault because I brought Roger back from the grave. He insisted on a trail, and Jonathan reluctantly agreed, after many nobles pressuring him into it...I was assured I would not be killed, no matter the outcome…but a life sentence in prison didn't sound too appealing to me either."

"And?" Aly asked urgently after a moment of silence.

"I was cleared." Thom said. Aly sighed with relief.

"Alanna and Duke Gareth both spoke in my defense, and Jon gave his ruling that while my resurrecting Roger was stupid, it was not traitorous, as he did not believe I brought Roger back to put him on the throne."

"Well, thank the Gods for that." Aly said with a smile just as Duke Baird came in. He opened his mouth.

"I know." Thom said with a grin. "I'm leaving." he turned to look at Aly and kissed her on the forehead. "Sleep well, mother. I'll be back when you wake up."

Aly nodded, and then settled down on her bed in the infirmary and drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note: To those of you who remember me saying I would explain Liam's survival in this chapter, and don't think I did it, I would like you to remember that in the books, he took eight arrows meant for Jonathan, and he didn't falter until the eighth one...so by making it where the eight arrow never hit him, Liam never died!

Review Replies

syed: That is one possible path for Kahlan to take...I haven't fully decided what her future holds.

AddiCullen: 1) Thank you for the epic yay, I cried when they both died too...and I was also mad that they died, because they didn't have to in order to make Alanna succeed! (sadly, Faithful did need to die, or else Delia would have killed her) 2) Kahlan gets her gift from the Naxen line, which we find out in one of the Alanna books, has magic, because Duke Gareth uses his Gift. 3) I am glad you liked Neal's appearance.

LittleMissGiggles'94': Yup, I mentioned Neal, and I kept Aly alive...hope you aren't too upset for the happy ending that is to come...I can't resist a happy ending...and I am sorry about the long wait for this chapter.

Blind Padawan: Yep, I included Neal/Kahlan bonding...and George will be mentioned in the next (and final) chapter.

sonotalady: I didn't let her die :)

Soraya the All Speaker: Now only one more chappie...don't worry, if I ever slow down enough to write the darn sequel, that will give you a new source of entertainment...but I am starting school in a week, so I am not sure how much slowing down I will be able to do. I am glad you liked the interaction of Thom and Alanna...and yes, you can now borrow Thom, and I hope Liam's survival will be interesting!

Trisana Sarrasari: Yup, Liam is alive...I loved the kitten moment too.

Anjalit2624: Well believe that there were only two chapters, because now there is only one more to go to the end. Thanks for your review!

a happy camper: You are probably happy about Neal for the same reason everyone else is...simply because he is Neal, and he is awesome.

Cry of the Wolf Child: I hadn't known about Rispah and Coram's ten children until your review! I might have to remember to try and add them in the sequel if I ever sit down and write it! I am glad you loved my addition of Neal.

SeekDreamsAndFindHope: Yup, Kahlan is Neal's toddler girlfriend :) You will have to wait and see the relationship between Kel and Kahlan.

ILOVEREDSHOES: I kept Aly alive...but even if Aly had died, Alanna and George would not have raised Kahlan...Gareth was still around, even in the books.

elfsquire90: I am sur eyou do love having insider info...

MystayaRose: Thank you!

StarVamp: Yes, Thom survived...and Thom is probably feeling horrible enough, because I have a line of reviewers who wanted to scold him after Alanna was done with him.

AlinaLK: Thank you!

Aria657: Yes, that was a bit of a clffhanger, wasn't it? Sorry about the long wait!

Dom-Loves-Kel: The last chapter was meant to be a filler...next chapter will be the last, and yes, if I ever sit down and write it, there will be a sequel.

luneylovegoodlover: Ok, you can't kill me...I didn't kill Aly...and Neal is about a month older than Kahlan, so at this point he is about 11 months old.

xXthenextbookwormXx: Geesh...you are the third person to threaten to do me bodily harm or kill me if I let Aly die...I am glad I had been planning all along to have her live...and I have thought about Kahlan and Neal being childhood crushes, but I haven't decided if I will actually do it.

sokkr-rox: I am glad you loved the last chapter. Yes, Thom has snapped out of his "I am more powerful than everyone" spiel, so I am glad you like that.

Greenscarfgirl: Thank you so much for your review!

ALK: I am so sorry about the long wait...I try to update as soon as possible, but I hate posting without my beta returning a chapter to me...I broke that rule for this chapter, because you guys had almost gone a month with nothing.

Faye: Wow, thank you for the compliments...reading a 50 chapter fanfiction in one sitting takes a lot of time, effort, and desire to keep reading (I have only managed to do it twice.) I decided to make Roald and Lianne closer to those who knew them, because I felt they might be like that in private, but in public they would be slightly more distant because when they are in public they have to watch their steps because everyone is watching them. I have gotten mixed results with Thom being alive, but I hope you will come to think of him as not being so boring in the possible sequel. I am still trying to figure out what to do with Kahlan's future. I didn't know that about the cultures and the informal betrothal...Tortall is not like that, at least not in my story. Sorry about the long wait for this chapter.

silver cat 777: No, George has not proposed yet.

Mistyrious One: Thanks for your wonderful review.

chickenchick: I am so sorry about the long wait! Thanks for the review.