Alasse woke suddenly from her troubled sleep. She'd been dreaming about Aragorn. In her dreams, he was fighting Merlyn alone, Merlyn had intercepted Gondor and captured Aragorn again while she begged him to free her husband; Merlyn then slit Aragorn's throat before her eyes then he approached her. She called on the name of Elbereth but Merlyn forced her into labor. In the horrible sleep she struggled to wake from, she gave birth to her and Aragorn's child whom Merlyn then drowned and took Alasse for himself against her will. It was a dreadful, dark dream.
Alasse glanced around frightfully in her quarters, trying to remember where she was. These were not castle walls. Oh, yes, she remembered. She was in her father's tent. Safe with her father, her brother, Arwen, and the people she'd grown up with. The child inside her tumbled wildly, clearly feeling Alasse's distress. Alasse gently massaged her stomach. "Only a dream, little one. Only a dream," Alasse whispered, trying to convince herself as much as her baby, tears streaming down her face. "It's alright. Your father is strong. This time, we are prepared. It will be alright, my love. We will be alright."
I must be strong, she told herself. It will do no good for me to wallow in fear and great worry. Aragorn needs me to be brave, and even more important, our dear blessing needs it more! I must be strong for our child. I will do my best. Oh, Estel, I could surely keep brave if you were at my side. I miss you so much! But for your sake and the baby's, I will be the stately queen you need. I will be the warrior princess my father and brother raised. Hot tears stung her eyes . She missed Aragorn more than she could express, and did fear that great adversity would hit them again and this time separate them...permanently. But, she was determined to not let her unpredictable emotions rule the rest of her pregnancy.
She was taken by surprise with a sweet voice. "I heard you cry out," Arwen murmured in the doorway. "Are you alright?"
"Bad dreams." Alasse brushed her hair out of her face, and wiped at her eyes.
"I am sorry." Arwen said softly, and sat down on the bed next to her, squeezing her hand.
"It would not be so bad, if I could believe they were only dreams." Alasse admitted, rubbing her belly and grimacing. "How should I know? When Aragorn was in captivity, those visions...they were not dreams born of fear and my deepest worries. They were real!"
"Ai." Arwen said.
"Arwen, do you believe we will be victorious this time, before it's too late?"
"All we can do is hope and pray." Arwen answered fervently. "But I do believe we have the advantage this time, of understanding the enemy's tactics and the danger of his threats. It will greatly aid Estel and my brothers."
"I hope that will be enough." Alasse sighed then winced. Arwen looked down at her middle.
"Is the child having bad dreams too?" She asked quietly.
"I do hope not." Alasse bit her lip, trying to soothe her baby. Another elf peeked inside.
"My lady?" Maerwen, the Woodland female healer spoke. "Are you alright? You sounded distressed."
"I am in no pain, if that is what concerns you." Alasse answered. "I'm afraid I startled the baby with my unpleasant dreams." Maerwen pursed her lips and stepped inside.
"Nevertheless, my princess, I feel I should tend to you. Your father commands it." She said firmly, reminding Alasse of Bellethiel, her good friend and the captain of Thranduil's army. The healers she'd grown with were fierce advocates for the well-being of their patients.
"Do I have a choice?" Alasse quipped.
"No." Maerwen held her head high, like a soldier.
"Do you wish me to leave?" Arwen asked.
"If you wish, mellon." Alasse replied. Tatsu appeared in the entrance, carrying a tray of food.
"Good, you are awake." Tatsu smiled warmly. "Once Maerwen has examined you, you will eat. The king's orders. I wouldn't want to risk his wrath for being incompetent on my part!"
Alasse started to giggle as more unexpected tears ran down her face. "I feel like I am a pampered infant." She sniffed. "I thank you, mellyn nin, for taking care of me and my little one. But I am not completely bedridden...yet." She reminded them.
"Consider yourself leniently treated, penneth." Tatsu said. "When Lord Elrond arrives as we are to meet him on the road, you will not complain of our attentions to you again!"
"My father is worse than the entire lot of you, including Lord Elrond." Alasse shook her head.
"Shall I tell him you said so?" Arwen teased.
"If you like." Alasse cocked her head. She still felt deeply afraid from the nightmares she'd just waken from and the mere thought of them made her chest clench. But her loved ones were showering her with great care, and she felt blessed from each of them for the reminder: this was a dark trial, but she was not alone.
Alasse had dressed and waddled out of the tent. She saw her father speaking with Legolas and Bellethiel. They appeared to be in serious discussion, so she chose not to interrupt. She walked toward the stream they'd camped by. She gazed into the sweet, clear water. The sun's light was dancing in ripples of reflection. The water was as constant as the rising and setting of the sun, and it was free, free to travel where it cared to and giving of itself to any and every creature who had need of it. She slowly stooped down until she had to sit completely on the ground, then reached her hand into the water and brushed the refreshing liquid up her arms and across her face.
"Muinthel!" Legolas yelped, instantly at her side. "Are you hurt?! I will help you up, just lean on me!"
"Legolas," Alasse gave him a pensive look. "I am fine. I only wished to feel the water,"
"You shouldn't have, not in your...not like this."
"I am alright and the water feels wonderful." Alasse tried to reassure him.
"You should've let me help you." Legolas persisted.
"Perhaps next time I will. I hate to admit it, but rising on my own feet has become rather difficult since my legs are holding up two people." Alasse shrugged sheepishly. "You ellyn do not realize how easily you have it."
"Alasse, I did not mean to upset you yesterday." Legolas said sadly. "I was trying to cheer you up. But I am afraid I spoke out of turn. I am very sorry."
"Oh, Muindor. No. You didn't say anything wrong." Alasse smiled. "I'm sorry I acted so rashly. Seems sharing not only my body, but also my emotions with this little one has proved quite challenging." Legolas stared at her rounded stomach.
"How is the baby?" He asked.
"Fine. Maerwen says the child is doing very well." Alasse said.
"That is good news." Legolas smiled approvingly.
"Alasse! What are you doing out here?!" Thranduil thundered, standing imposingly over them. "You should be resting! No unnecessary strain. And you shouldn't be on the ground like that. You should've requested assistance. And you will from now on! That is a command."
"Like father, like son." Alasse shook her head, grinning.
"Do not look at me that way, young elleth. I am your father. I know what is best for you." Thranduil said stiffly. Alasse blushed and Legolas had to look away to stifle a chuckle. Here they were, the two of them, warriors and married, and Thranduil still had the impenetrable power to make them both feel like elflings.
"Do not worry, Ada." Alasse said sweetly. "This time I have more pressing priorities at my fingertips, so I realize I shall have to take more care and discretion in any emotional choices." She massaged her stomach.
"Well," Thranduil puffed, "that is good. I am relieved to know my daughter, with child or not, is heeding her faculties."
"I had excellent teachers." Alasse said.
"Legolas, help her to her feet." Thranduil commanded. Legolas obeyed, taking Alasse's hands and slowly pulling Alasse to stand.
"Hannon le, Muindor." Alasse nodded.
"I must speak with the guard." Legolas bowed and walked away.
"Is everything alright, Ada?" Alasse asked worriedly.
"Yes, penneth. The road looks safe enough for our journey today." Thranduil answered calmly. "However, we are keeping a sharp eye out for any potential danger. If the weather is fair, and we do not run into any trouble, we should reach Ithilien by tomorrow morning, and from there, we shall make our way toward Edoras. How is my grandchild this morning?" He asked proudly.
"Hungry again." Alasse sighed.
"We shall remedy that." Thranduil grinned broadly, wrapping his long arm around her shoulders. Alasse leaned her head on his. Oh, it felt so good to be in his comforting, strong presence again!
"I do hope Estel is finding the answers he will need." Alasse whispered.
"No fretting, my love." Thranduil kissed her head. "I have every confidence that Estel already has all that he needs, even though he may not see all of it clearly."
"I hope so." Alasse nodded.
"When have I ever spoken errant?" Thranduil asked cockily, trying to make her laugh. Alasse struggled not to give him the satisfaction, but it was impossible.
"You have always been wise, Ada," She managed to say, "but everyone knows that you are far from the easiest soul in Arda to negotiate with." She giggled.
Thranduil pulled his infamous dull, cold face. "How about some blueberry tarts?" He changed the subject.
He remembers, Alasse thought fondly, they have always been my favorite!
Legolas led another scouting party while Bellethiel and her warriors guarded the camp being packed up. "You are looking forward to passing through Rohan again, yes?" Alasse asked Bellethiel.
"I admit, I am." Bellethiel murmured. Three years ago when Aragorn had been kidnapped by Merlyn, as Aragorn's closest friends urgently rode to aid him, Bellethiel had saved a little Rohanian girl from being killed by a mountain lion. Little Ruby. The girl had idolized the captain after that, and to show her their gratitude, her parents had named their next daughter Belle, a variation from Bellethiel. Every chance that Bellethiel found where her king sent her through Edoras, she rejoiced to look in again on her mortal friends she'd grown fond and very protective of. They had been a blessing to Bellethiel in a very painful time, giving her someone else to love and look after not long after the tragic death of her sister of heart.
"It is good to see your glow returned, my friend." Alasse said softly.
"Hannon le, my lady." Bellethiel said meekly.
"You know you do not need to call me that." Alasse reminded her. "You've been under my father's influence for too long. Perhaps it is a good thing I am returning for a little while. Perhaps I can help the both of you lighten up again."
"You already have, penneth." Bellethiel squeezed her hand. "With the sweet bundle you carry inside you. We are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of your newborn prince or princess."
"Ai, we do have reason to hope." Alasse looked down lovingly at her stomach, gently stroking it.
"Have you and your shaggy king chosen any possible names?" Bellethiel asked cheekily.
Alasse's jaw dropped."He is not-I happen to adore his stubbled chin!" Alasse quipped with a huff. "As to your question, yes, we have decided." She said with finality.
"What? No revelation?" Bellethiel pressed. Several of the other elves in armor were listening closely, looking and gazing at their princess with puppy dog eyes.
"I am sorry, mellyn nin, but no." Alasse chuckled. "None shall know the name until the birth, not even my own father, your king!" The warriors all smiled devilishly with greed. To know that the princess was keeping this great secret from even King Thranduil filled them with delight, for they had all supposed that surely he would already know!
"Well, begging your pardon, princess," one of the male elves cleared his throat, "but please allow us the pleasure of the wager we have all began."
"The what?" Alasse gaped. "Wager? What wager?" She narrowed her eyes.
"Nothing to bring you dishonor, my lady," another male elf said, "I assure you. We have all put in whether we believe the child will be a prince or a princess."
"Oh, is that all?" Alasse laughed heartily, with sudden tears springing to her eyes. She was quite relieved. She'd been expecting them to bet on whether the baby would be an elf or a human, and she really did not want that. Of course, Thranduil insisted that the child would be born an elf. But whether that happened or not, Alasse wanted her babe to be loved and cherished by her friends, and not stereotyped. Aragorn was a mortal human yes, but that was not something to be ashamed of. And she didn't want it to be treated so. "Well, enjoy your guessing games, mellyn nin. We will all know soon enough. But, do not let my father get wind of this, or it shall bide thunderous for all of you!"
"Ai, my lady!" The elves promised.
Bellethiel threw her arm around Alasse's shoulder. "You see, Tithen mellon nin? Your child's presence has already made things brighter and more joyful."
The next day's travel were favorable, and they arrived at Ithilien at an approved time. Legolas and Arwen were glad to be back, and immediately headed for their Love Home, a foster house for orphans and lost children of the woods and kingdoms nearby whose parents had perished, were missing, had deserted them, or else were terribly unable to care for them.
Faramir and Eowyn welcomed them all with joy. A dozen more children had been added to the home in Legolas and Arwen's absence, and the children who had been there for quite some time were excited to see their elf foster parents again.
Thranduil, Alasse, and their people stayed for three days. In that time, Legolas informed Faramir and their armies of Aragorn's predicament. Faramir agreed to travel to Gondor, to support his king, along with a fourth of both the Ithilien soldiers and Legolas's Mirkwood elves. The rest of their armies would remain to watch over Ithilien. Alasse spent much time in sweet fellowship with Arwen and Eowyn, and meeting the children they were foster mothering, and admiring all the beautiful work that Legolas and his wife were accomplishing in this lovely city.
It was the fourth day, and time for Thranduil and Alasse to head back to Eryn Lasgalen. "I do not wish to be away from you, Arwen, stars of my eyes." Legolas murmured sweetly to his wife privately in the hall of the palace. He tenderly stroked her porcelain cheek. "I want to be here with you."
"I know, Legolas." Arwen nodded, reaching out and running her silky hands through his silvery blonde tresses. "But you promised Estel. I only wish that I could go with you." Legolas looked crestfallen and kissed her knuckles. "But, I have been away from our home long enough." Arwen said firmly. "I have missed the children, and they need me."
"I will return to you as soon as is possible." Legolas promised.
"Ai." Arwen smiled beautifully, her blue eyes shining like the heavens. "I will be waiting." She pressed her hand to his breast. "I will be with you." Legolas cupped her face and kissed her rose petal lips.
Alasse wept softly as she bid goodbye to Arwen and Eowyn, promising to see them when it was safe to return. Legolas hated leaving Arwen, but she blew him a sweet kiss as he rode away and placed her hand over her bosom, as a reminder. Legolas did the same.
The next two days found them delayed by rain. They'd tried to ride through it, but by the late afternoon of the second say, the downpour was much too heavy to continue. So, they'd made camp and chose to wait until it let up. Alasse missed Arwen's company, but was grateful for Tatsu's presence. Alasse rubbed her enlarged belly as Tatsu brushed her shiny hair. She was trying very hard to not cry about Aragorn, nor speak negatively about their situation. She wanted to be strong. She spoke of her child's approaching birth with enthusiasm, even though it pained her harshly in the chest to realize Aragorn may not be there to witness it. She tried to stay light of spirit, threatening Thranduil with all the changes she was going to drop on his halls from the influence she'd gained in he city of Gondor, the city of men. Not that she entirely intended to do so, but it was always worth it to see the mortified look on Thranduil's face!
When Legolas was not scouting with his men, or leaving Alasse to solitude, she would ask him about the future plans of Ithilien, and speak of what Aragorn and she wanted for their child as far as education and training went. Alasse still cried and became sensitive at the most unexpected times. When that happened, Legolas either quietly listened to her outbursts or bid Tatsu to comfort his sister. Thranduil always found it amusing to see the dismayed look on his son's face when Alasse had her episodes. Oh, you just wait, my little greenleaf, he thought to himself, your turn will come, no mistaking that! And with the daughter of the inflexible Lord Elrond, you shall have an unforgettable time!
They ran into Elladan and Elrohir when they were four days away from reaching Edoras. "How far along are you again, Alasse?" Elrohir asked.
"Very soon I expect, perhaps another month." Alasse answered, blushing deeply.
"You look as if you could go into labor today!" Elladan blurted out. Thranduil rolled his eyes in exasperation. Legolas glared at his brothers-in-law, looking ready to kill them!
Please don't let her cry again! He prayed desperately. Not again!
"I know, 'Dan." Alasse grumbled. "You need not rub it in, if you want to come out of this unscathed. Poke fun at me again, too far, and you could very well lose your status as favorite uncle to this child." She smirked. Thranduil was equally smug.
"I, I didn't mean to…" Elladan sputtered. "I was only stating the facts, is all. No malice intended, I…" Then he saw the hostile faces of the Thranduilion family.
"My thanks, Alasse." Elrohir grinned. "Sorry, dear brother. Looks as if you have been set aside from first place. I now have the favorite uncle rank."
"Ahem." Legolas huffed loudly.
"Well, next to you, Legolas, of course." Elrohir corrected himself.
"Of course." Legolas hissed.
"Ada sent us to aid Aragorn. We left right away." Elladan explained. "How were affairs for him when you departed?" They discussed all that they suspected and what they knew, including Alasse's incident.
"Do you believe it wise, my lord Thranduil, to ship her all the way to the Wood in her condition?" Elrohir asked innocently. He immediately regretted it. Thranduil fixed him with a menacing death glare, and he silently rode forward, his cold blue eyes boring into the young Elrondion.
"Do not tell me what is best for my daughter, young one." He said slowly, and very belligerently. "I have decided that this is best. Once more, your own father and Aragorn have agreed with me. What say you to that, young Noldor?" Elrohir gulped, looking up guiltily at the great Elven king.
"Ada, it's alright." Alasse spoke up. "No need to become so agitated. 'Ro, I have agreed to this. The farther I am from the White City, the better chance Aragorn has of defeating the enemy. I did not want to go, but that doesn't matter." Her hand hovered on her stomach. "We had to put our child first, and that's what we've done."
"I beg your pardon, my lord." Elrohir bowed his head to Thranduil who looked down on him with narrowed eyes.
Legolas filled them in on what help he had provided before sending the twins on their way. "Do you not wish one of us to remain on hand?" Elladan offered. "In case Alasse goes into labor?"
"You doubt Maerwen's efficiency, do you?" Thranduil huffed.
"Never! Only that…"
"Thank you, 'Dan. It's sweet of the both of you to worry so much. But you are needed more in Gondor! I have lots of assistance should I need it." Alasse explained. "Your fighting skills will help Aragorn. Besides, I believe the both of you owe your dear sister, Arwen a visit."
"Ahh, yes." The twins and the Woodland party all gave their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
Around the night campfire, Alasse and Tatsu were mingling with the soldiers who were not on immediate duty. The elves laughed merrily, each giving their own preference or suggestion on what the baby should be named. Some Alasse cringed at, others she merely rolled her eyes, and or she laughed so hard she thought her water was going to break, forcing her to deliver. Tatsu often scolded the Elven rascals, putting down their names of choice, and threatening to blow the whistle on them to Thranduil if this foolish merriment did cause Alasse to have contractions. When Alasse grew tired, Tatsu brought her to her quarters and settled her for bed.
King Eomer greeted them warmly when they'd entered Edoras. Many of the town's children had run through the streets shouting excitedly, "The elves are coming! The elves are coming!" Eomer was not surprised to learn of Aragorn's dilemma, having received word about it from Faramir and Aragorn himself. He was relieved to say that his people had not been threatened or stolen for slavery, nor had he heard any such reports from anywhere.
"Well, that is one piece of good news." Legolas said encouragingly.
"Lady Alasse, you should stay here until your time comes." Eomer insisted. "You are always welcome, and shall be well looked after."
"We thank you, mellon, but we are on our way to my halls of the Woodland Realm." Thranduil answered.
"At this late stage?" Eomer gaped at him.
"The...my father's kingdom will be the last place Merlyn would think to search for me or my child." Alasse said bravely. "Aragorn wants us to be safe."
"I am not comfortable with your choices." Eomer shook his head. "But I cannot force you. At least allow me to provide any and all supplies and accommodations you will need. Shall King Elessar need my aid?"
"Only if you feel the greatest need to." Legolas said. "Lord Faramir and myself have sent some of our men. And the two sons of Elrond, Aragorn's kinsmen, are on their way right now. What you can do is keep your eyes and ears open, continuing to see if you find reports of any unusual trouble again."
"That I can do." Eomer agreed.
The fifth day from their arrival in Rohan, they ventured out again. Maerwen ordered that Alasse either walk, as much as she felt up to, or ride in the wagon that she'd originally left Gondor in. Maerwen told Thranduil she shouldn't ride a mount at this stage unless of the absolute necessity. Alasse had to admit, lounging in the wagon, although bumpy, was much more relaxing on her hips and back then sitting side-saddle on her horse.
Thranduil was sitting in his tent, sipping some wine. Alasse waddled inside, her bare feet silently stepping onto the soft, fluffy rugs on the floor. She was gripping her stomach. "Why are you not in bed, Iel nin?" Thranduil asked, suddenly concerned. He rose to his feet and approached her, gripping her arms. "Are you in pain? Do you feel to be contracting?"
"N-no." Alasse said in a small voice. "The baby is so restless right now." Tears filled her eyes. "Misses Estel very much. I can feel it. And...forgive me, Ada...but, so do I!"
Thranduil kissed her head and placed his large hand on her belly. "Easy, young one." He spoke soothingly in Elvish. "You need to sleep, and have sweet dreams of your father and mother together. Your mother is sad, as are you. But this parting will not last forever. You shall enjoy the Wood, and one day your heroic father will come for you, and take you and your beautiful mother back to the White City. But of course, he can never be as heroic as me!" Thranduil teased. Alasse shook her head fondly. Thranduil was going to be the most notorious ly doting grandfather of the fourth age!
Soon enough, the baby stopped flopping around and kicking inside of Alasse's tummy, and finally settled. Thranduil observed his daughter. She looked tired. Quite tired, and dejected. She'd started crying again. "Ada?" She whispered. "Do you think, will we make it to Eryn Lasgalen before my time comes?"
Thranduil smiled warmly, embracing her gently, careful not to cram the baby. "Yes, my love. We will be in good time, and you shall deliver in safety. Have hope, Melui Tithen Iel nin." Thranduil murmured in his deep voice.