I'm sorry. I really am. I've been ridiculously busy recently with a lot of stuff and... well, you don't need to hear my sob story. Additionally, I've been traveling so... But I had intended to update sooner. Life got in the way though.

Anyways, not withstanding my stupid excuses, I really am sorry guys. But,mheres the next update. It got really heavy at the end... Looks like this story has taken a slight turn. But anyways, happy reading! Lir, I'm sorry. Thanks for kicking *coughthreateningcough* me back into gear. ;) You da best!

Chapter 20

"You - you're -" Ben choked, and Lir stepped forwards to steady him gently. He flinched slightly from her touch, eyes shocked and bewildered.

"Be at peace, Ben," Lir soothed, letting go of him. "My sister has told me of your dream," she said gently, low and smooth like she was talking to a skittish animal.

*You and your love for drama.* she berated me through ósanwë, and I sent her an impish smile.

*Sorry not sorry... Unfortunately in this case I cannot regret it.* was my gleeful reply.

"I don't... I don't understand," he croaked finally in an apt description of his thoughts, and Lir touched his arm.

"Then why don't we explain after dinner. I think you need something in you - your entire demeanor is strained, and that's not good for your health mentally and physically. Come on, we should go get something in your stomach and see what we can do for your mind before it breaks, hmm?" she steered him towards the door, and I hightailed it to the kitchen before I got caught dropping eaves. Though of course, Lir knew.

Almost everyone had gathered at the table, and by the time Lir and Ben arrived, they were sitting down. Most of them gave Ben curious looks, but otherwise merely nodded at him and exchanged soft greetings, sensing his fragile state, before being seated.

Uncle Jonathan said a blessing before we began eating, and a low buzz of conversation started up. Mairon sat next to me and chattered away through his mouthfuls of food all about his day, to which I listened with a faintly amused smile. Glorfindel sat next to me and listened to Beleg talking about his morning classes, nodding seriously as they exchanged thoughts on technique. Ben, however, ate slowly and with a slightly troubled air, and it was obvious from his frequent glances at the other occupants of the table that he was having a difficult time adapting to the atmosphere, however welcoming.

I finished first, and immediately began clearing away my dirty dishes and restocking some of the near-empty dishes on the table with more food to pass around. Elíl finished next and did the same, while I handed around more napkins and helped Mairon refill his plate. Elíl took care of Pityo and Telvo, to Nerdanel's gratitude, and I leaned over Maeglin's chair.

"Need anything, hanno?" I asked, and he turned to smile.

"No th-thanks, muinthel," he replied, and I nodded before clearing away other empty plates as their respective owners faded away to do their own things. Mairon was soon finished, and I helped him down from his chair, sending him off with Maeglin to brush their teeth and play with Pityo and Telvo in the living room.

By the time all the dishes had been stacked and two people had taken their places at the sinks, Lir had led Ben to the smaller, more private living room on the second floor balcony, while Elíl and I slipped away and joined her. We found Ben sitting on a chair, his hands shaking as he held a glass of water and tried to make his trembling lips not spill any. Lir gave me a sad look and I merely inclined my head, moving about the room and drawing curtains, sending a pleasantly warm and cozy feeling throughout the room.

Elíl soon came back in with a bowl of steaming hot water, setting it next to Ben on a side table and humming, crumbling some leaves into the water. Soon the air was filled with a clean, pure smell, and Ben began to visibly relax and calm down, breathing in the air with a stupefied sort of look. Then he turned to us.

"Sorry, I think it may have caught up with me," he said sheepishly, and Lir laughed lightly.

"And we are glad that it is now out of the way," she replied graciously, and he smiled thinly.

*I'll leave this in your capable hands. If you need anything, I'll be a call away.* I told Lir, and she gave me a discreet nod as I calmly went out the door and headed downstairs. Elíl stayed behind as a physician.

Walking into the lower living room, I saw that only a few people besides the children were about, while I stretched and padded over to where the dogs laid, bending to give both Drago and Saphira a fond scratch. Then I plopped myself down next to Maeglin, who gave me a shy smile and then promptly dropped a happily squirming Esgal in my lap. I gave him a lopsided grin and picked up the whining bundle of furry joy, kissing the pup and rubbing his chin and belly as he panted in delight.

I noticed that Elladan, Elrohir, and Glorfindel were not there and guessed that they were talking somewhere in one of the large libraries upstairs, then noticed keenly that Dad and Uncle Jonathan were talking animatedly about something. Ivrinel was busy writing something down, apparently for the city library, while Nimrodel talked with her about something as well.

"Nana?" Beleg asked uncertainly next to me, and I turned to him immediately.

"Yes yonya?" I replied warmly, while he looked down slightly.

"Did I..." he shifted slightly. "Did I do well today?" he finally blurted anxiously.

I laughed lightly at his concern, though I was also touched that he seemed to seek my approval. "Of course yonya. I was very proud to call you my adopted son today," I replied gently, drawing him into a one-armed hug and kissing his temple. He gave me a relieved smile and went back to entertaining the twins, while I ruffled Mairon's hair as I walked over to Dad and Jonathan, Esgal still curled contentedly in my arm.

They looked up as I approached, and I gave them a small smile. "Would I be interrupting?" I asked, and they shook their heads as I took a seat. "How is business, Uncle Jonathan?" I asked, and he gave me a faint smile.

"Doing well, actually," he replied. "I was just talking to David about how I might have to hire someone to help me with business. Quite a few tourists who pass through have come in and bought a few pieces, and I've struck up a friendship with the owners of the small Aurora Borealis Bookstore and bakery on either side of me," he replied, pushing up his glasses with one finger. "Their business has been doing better too since I came, so we all get a benefit out of each other."

"That's great!" I replied. "And if you want to have someone to help you, I could try to find someone for you if you'd like," I offered, and he nodded.

"That would be nice, thanks," he replied gratefully, and I nodded back.

"I'm planning on trying to install an intercom system in the house," Dad told me, his face screwing up slightly. "It won't be exactly easy, but it can be done, and I think it would come in handy," he said, and I hummed.

"It would," I answered, and bit my lip before nodding slowly. "That would work. You could ask Ben to help you - he's experienced with working with the walls and floors," I added, and they gave me curious looks.

"Who exactly is he?" Dad asked. "He looked a little green around the gills at dinner," he remarked, and I chuckled slightly at the expression.

"He's a... erm... direct descendant of the line of Aragorn, who Lir is supposed to watch over," I replied simply, and their eyebrows raised.

"Well that's interesting," Jonathan mused, as I grinned.

"That's a mild way to put it."

They laughed in agreement, just as Elíl came down. She gave me quick look. *They're fine. Ben is asking questions. But you and I need to have a chat.*

I frowned but nodded back slightly, excusing myself to stand up and walk towards her as she went into the kitchen. I found her leaning against the counter, holding two spoons in one hand and a jar of peanut butter in the other.

"Want some?" she offered, and I wordlessly took the spoon and helped myself to a liberal amount of the creamy crunchiness.

"We need to buy some Nutella next time," I mumbled, and she nodded absently before turning to me.

"I'm worried about Lir," she said bluntly, and I immediately snapped to.

"What's wrong?" I asked tersely, and she shook her head.

"Whenever I monitor her, I keep getting the results that the children are draining her more than is normal of an expecting woman, even elleth," she said uncomfortably. "I'm not sure if that's normal for a Maia or not - in fact, I should probably ask Melian about it. But still, Ben's dream really worried me. As much as I hate to admit it, Lir has always been fragile even as a human. I know as a Maia she can't die, but still, it really worries me. It would cause her pain later, and complications, if her body can't keep up with the demands of carrying the children. Míleth, she could lose them," she wrung her hands as I went white.

"I mean, it could be nothing, just a warning to be careful, but it still bothers me and I'm probably exaggerating it but I still think she shouldn't work in the café when she gets to five months," she rambled, and I grabbed her arm to get her to stop.

"Stop rambling," I said sternly, and she snapped to, swallowing. I took a deep breath. "She'll be fine. We just need to make sure she's healthy and lend her our own strength if we need to," I said quietly, and she nodded, looking a bit better. "She can handle it. We'll just help her as much as we can, and warn the others to watch out for her. Don't make it look unnatural though, just natural concern," I said calmly, and color came back into our faces.

"Yeah," she agreed, and we gave each other determined looks. She'd be fine. Lir was strong.

"Anyway," she said after a moment. "What about your ward? You've been awfully sketchy about that," she remarked, though not accusingly.

I leaned back against the counter, dragging a hand through my hair. "I know, and I'm sorry Elíl," I replied with a groan. "I've been so busy that I almost forgot to tell you, and I've also been racking by brains about quite a few things now."

She looked at me sympathetically. "It's alright, Míleth. I think we all forget sometimes how much you actually have to balance on your plate. You're doing a lot to keep this family together," she said gently, and rubbed my arm as I gave her a tired grin.

"Thanks, sis," I answered. "My ward is named Alex Jasper, throwback of Faramir," I said, and she sucked in a breath, nodding. I told her how I'd met him and what he was, and she placed a hand over her mouth.

"Oh! I can see why you're worried," she frowned. "Not that we would have any problems," and here she gave me a wry look, to which I snorted, "but that makes it a bit more complicated... you always seem to get the weirdest and hardest situations," she remarked, and I groaned loudly.

"It's because of my Atto," I grumbled, making her laugh.

*Hmm, should I do something about the insolence of that statement, dear one?*

*Eh heh, try what you like Atto, I'm pretty sure I can handle almost anything now.*

*Shall we test that?* teasingly.

*...Please don't.*

Low laughter made me roll my eyes as Elíl continued laughing at my expense. "Oh hush, Elíl, it's not that funny," I said dryly, and she snickered. "At any rate... I suppose I'm trying to say that I need a lot of time to think and a lot of wisdom," I sighed, smiling faintly at her.

She nodded. "True," she replied gravely. "I think we all do... Is there anything I can do? I feel like we've been a bit insensitive, leaving you with almost everything to do. Plus, you're always taking care of Beleg and Maeglin and Mairon and all the rest," she frowned, and it was my turn to pat her arm, but with gratefulness.

"Thanks Elíl. I'll take you up on that, actually," I pursed my lips slightly. "For one thing, I need you to keep a careful eye on Zach. I know you will and have, but I meant as far as his skills go. I have a feeling that despite the fact that he signed up for fencing classes, that's not his area of expertise," and I noticed that she immediately nodded.

"I know, as soon as you told me I felt the same. I think we need to think about what he will be best at. For another thing, moving on, if you don't mind I'd also appreciate if you'd be willing to handle some more of the house stuff. I'm usually the one who goes out to get groceries, but now it's becoming a bit difficult because of everything else," I grimaced, and she nodded.

"Sure, I'll do that," she answered readily.

"Thanks," I said genuinely, and she hugged me.

"I think I feel Lir calling. Let's go see what we're needed for, eh?" she asked, and we headed back up as I reassessed in my mind what needed to be done, now that a few things were out of the way.

There was finding the new recruit for Uncle Jonathan's shop, which I already had a plan for, there was the issue about Alex, and what I'd do about him, there was the meeting with Christopher Lakes at the cafe at four tomorrow, and not to mention handling business with the Elf Café and being a student. Oh, and the everyday duties of doing household work and all sundry things.

"... of course, that would help," Lir was saying softly, and I followed Elíl in with a smile as Ben looked up to see us.

"Help what?" Elíl asked cheerily, and Lir smiled.

"We were just talking about Ben coming to do the renovations for the nursery," Lir replied with the same cheeriness, and both Elíl and I exchanged satisfied feelings on the stabilized condition of Ben's fëa. It was a lot calmer and more settled, to our relief.

"Oh right!" I interjected. "Ben, if you wouldn't mind my Dad was also looking to hire someone to help him with installing an intercom system in the house," I remarked.

Ben nodded. "Sure, I can do that," he replied readily, and we nodded in satisfaction.

"Thanks then," I replied contentedly, and then turned to Lir and Elíl. "You know, I think maybe next Saturday we should set aside some time to test out the basement. It would be a good break for the family, and we could invite Ben and Zach to join us," I said, and they perked up.

"To be honest, I'd almost forgotten about it," Lir admitted sheepishly as Elíl and I grinned.

"As is typical of you, dear sister," Elíl teased, and she huffed.

"Well you try being pregnant and see how you feel," she sniffed, and Elíl laughed even harder. Ben looked amused, and I could sense a tinge of wistfulness from him.

"So Ben? Will you accept the invitation?" I asked, and he turned to me.

"Hmmm," he pretended to think, though a small twitch the lips gave him away. "I don't know... Who knows what's in your basement... It might be a torture room," his eyes widened comically as Lir and Elíl laughed even harder and I grinned.

"Just kidding," he grinned. "I'd be glad to, thanks for the invite," he replied, and we nodded.

"I'll show you out, Ben," Lir said, placing one hand on her stomach as Elíl gently helped her up. "I think someone would be willing to give you a ride to the campus if you'd like; the weather out there isn't fit for walking in," she said, and Ben thanked her as they headed out after saying our farewells.

Elíl went to find Amroth and Nimrodel to drive Ben home, while I wandered absently towards the second floor balcony where a lot of the family had been gathered. In this house, we found that you could go all day without running into someone, it was just that filled with different people and so large. A moment later a hand wrapped around my waist, and I turned to see Glorfindel walking alongside me, a glass of water in his hand.

"You've been busy, melda," he noted conversationally, sipping from the cup as we sauntered through the halls together. I smiled up at him, grateful for the small time of company.

"I'm sorry Glorfindel," I sighed in reply. "I'm afraid my plate's been full. I'm sure it'll calm down as we settle more but..." and I shrugged helplessly as he drew me closer, rubbing circles into my waist comfortingly.

"There is no need to be sorry, Míleth," he murmured back, kissing my cheek. "You've been doing much to help the family," he replied simply. "You should take a break though," he frowned.

"Well, that's actually what Elíl and Lir and I were planning on doing," I answered with a light laugh, and began to discuss with him plans for the day of family fun and rest from work.

By the time we headed to bed, I was feeling more hopeful for the coming days and much more refreshed than I had before.

...

I walked into school with an absent air, clutching a bag in one hand and fumbling with my phone in the other, muttering under my breath. Someone fell in beside me, and I started and looked up, taking a half-step back.

"Oh, I d-didn't mean to scare y-you," a familiar voice said timidly, and I looked into the face of Zach. For a moment, I blinked, then with a shock realized that today was the day when he'd find out.

"Zach! Oh sheesh, I'm so sorry! I was really preoccupied and I didn't see you and -" then I laughed at myself. "I've really lost it, haven't I?"

He gave me an awkward grin. "It's fine," he replied.

"So, you excited for today?" I asked eagerly, and he looked down with a shy smile.

"Yeah, I really am," he replied softly. "I did a bit of fencing in my last year of College, but haven't done any since then," he shrugged.

"I'll be looking forwards to it!" I replied cheerfully. "Oh, I gotta stop by the office before classes. See you at class?" I asked, and he frowned slightly.

"I think Dr. Roy said we'd be switching seats today," he said, and I pouted.

"Well then, I'm just gonna ask President Dan if we can still sit together," I replied, and he blinked.

"O-okay," he stumbled, then with a wave, pushed up his glasses and headed off.

I walked into the office to see Dan get off the phone. "Oh Míleth. You need something?" he asked, and I nodded.

"Mind if I request two things?"

"Go ahead."

"Firstly, I heard we're changing seats in class, and I was wondering if I could still sit next to Zach," I asked, and he nodded.

"If you wish."

"And secondly, mind if I request that Elíl break the news to him?"

He raised his eyebrows, but didn't question and merely nodded. "As you wish," he answered calmly.

"Thank you. I'll go to class now," and with a perfunctory bow, headed back out.

When I entered class, people were just shifting. I managed to squeeze my way between people and just barely snitch the seat next to Zach, who looked nervous but immediately relaxed in relief when he saw I was next to him.

"I hope you've chose your seats, class, because this will be your permanent seat from now on," Roy announced, and a few groans were heard. I grinned smugly at Zach, and he ducked his head to hide his own grin.

As soon as class was over, I grabbed Zach's hand and dragged him over to the lunch tables in the cafeteria, choosing a seat out of the way as I whipped out my phone. "Okay Zach, so just let me say something. In order to be ready for the new classes, you'll have to learn some information. Lark has been chosen to do so, so... if you don't mind, you'll have to meet her in another room."

He nodded with a blink. "S-sure, I guess," he replied with surprise, and I called Elíl up.

"Hello?"

"Got a job for ya, sis," I answered promptly.

"Be right there!" she replied cheerfully, and I hung up.

"She'll come here to meet you. If you don't mind, I've got another class to attend," I said, and he nodded.

"O-okay, thanks," he answered, and I headed off towards the next classes.

I just hoped that Elíl would have good success.

...

The café was extremely busy as usual, and as I served, something kept bothering me. There was a thought niggling in the back of my mind, and when a slightly familiar figure came in and sat down, it hit me like a lightening bolt. Christopher Lakes! I was supposed to meet him today, and the feeling came back full force.

"Cover for me please," I murmured to Caranthir, and he nodded calmly before I set my tray down and went over to Christopher with two drinks in hand.

"Why, hello, Mrs. DelaFiore!" he said cheerily, and I returned the greeting with alacrity.

"And hello back, Mr. Lakes! A pleasure to finally get to sit down and talk," I replied, sitting down and nodding at him.

"It sure is," he answered, and the feeling just continued growing. A feeling of faint danger, and yet of caution.

*Atto, is this... you?*

*Dance, yeldë.*

I would get no more than that. With a gasp of effort from connecting to him, I suddenly grimaced and placed a hand on my forehead. "Are you alright?" Christopher looked concerned, and I nodded faintly.

"I'm sorry, just... headache. Must be sinuses," I managed, and he winced.

"I know what that's like."

Dance? Does that mean... "So, what brings you to Wiseman? Relatives? Family? Job?" I asked curiously, waving his concern off.

"Oh well, partially my job as a inspector for affiliate business, and partially as a vacation," he replied with a faint grin. "In fact, I finished my official business and technically I'm not here at all..." he smirked faintly, and I nodded.

"I love traveling," I said with a grin. "Absolutely love it."

"Well, my job requires lots of trips and lots of paperwork," he replied. I just nodded calmly with a smile.

"I can tell. I'm sure big businesses require that sort of thing." I replied almost naïvely, and he smothered a smile.

"They do. At least, my position does. And you?" he leaned forwards lazily, taking a drink. "What brought you here?" he asked, and I looked into his eyes. There was nothing there, only a slight curiosity. I stared back into the brown pools, then sighed.

"Well, it was my father's wish we come here to live. He loved it here, so I... I couldn't say no," I replied quietly. "He was close to death a few years ago so... I suppose I'm indulgent," I smiled in a self-derogatory way and shrugged. "The thing is, though, the whole family wanted a new start, so we came up here and actually found a few friends already here so... We pooled resources and made - well, this," and I gestured around.

Dance, yeldë. "I met Loren a few years back in my hometown... apparently I caught his eye and when I moved, he actually followed me. I couldn't resist such fidelity; I had to keep him for myself," I grinned, and he leaned back and chuckled.

"Well, he's a keeper. I'd keep his safe if I were you," he smirked. I shook my head and laughed quietly.

"Too true." He's made a mistake. Dance. Wild. Free. "My two sisters and I had parted ways a while ago but then got back together when we made a life for ourselves so... This was a chance to help ourselves to a free future. America is such a free country," I smiled widely. "The opportunities are amazing."

"They certainly are, and we have such good laws to hold up those freedoms. American history is incredible," he shook his head.

Blatant wording. Dance faster. "Well, I hope you'll stay here longer so we can invite you over!" I said with delight, and he shook his head.

"Unfortunately, I leave soon. I'll be sending someone else though to take my place. I think we'll be setting up a branch here, but that's not my area of expertise, so my time is up. But if you don't mind, I'm sure whoever I send would be happy to be recommended to some friendly company," he suggested, and it was my turn to feel triumphant.

"We'd be delighted to welcome him," I said with a firm nod. "My dad will be sad to see you leave," I said, shaking my head, and he frowned.

"I took a liking to him," he sighed. "Such a genial man, and he was at death's door before you said? He looks amazingly hearty for such a thing," he said admiringly, and I grinned.

"It was actually an internal disease that we hadn't caught until almost too late. Fortunately, my sisters and I could afford the highest possible medical care, so... Plus my sister Lark is a doctor." I shrugged. "Thankfully."

"Well, perhaps I can visit within a year or so," he shrugged. "Maybe we'll meet before then," he said, and prepared to stand. I nodded and stood as well.

"Perhaps so!" and I showed none of the irony that was going through my mind at the moment.

"Ah, well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. DelaFiore," he nodded and shook my hand. "I'll tell the next person who comes about you," he said warmly, and I bit my lip with a happy smile.

"Thank you!" and I had tears in my eyes with thanks. Oh, this would make things so much easier. "It would make Da so happy."

"And thank you," he answered, and took his leave.

I walked over to the front bar slowly, leaning against it heavily. I didn't expect this to happen... I don't know why. It only makes sense, considering... But I should tell the family... But how-? When? How do I even make this work? So much to do... I have to perfect my dance fast...

"Celine? Are you alright?" Moryo's voice asked, and I slipped behind the bar to lean against him for a moment. He placed a hand on my forehead as I sighed.

"I have a lot of work to do, Moryo," I replied quietly. "And I can't waste any time."

For a moment he said nothing. "Are you alright?" he reiterated quietly.

I smiled up at him faintly. "I will be. Right now, I need time to think," I replied.

"Good," and he gave me a long, searching look,mother bent down to my ear. "Be careful, little sister. Whatever you are doing." then he let go and went back to his work.

I merely nodded curtly at him before resuming my own duties. When I clocked out for my duties for the day, it was to immediately head for a place where I could think in peace. I went into the nursery and sank down onto the floor, allowing my face to go blank as I placed myself into a thoughtful sort of trance.

*Sister?*

My eyes cleared a while later to see Lir sitting in front of me, face concerned. "You missed dinner," she said softly.

"I won't be eating," I replied faintly. "Thanks anyway."

"You look terrible. Are you sure? What's happening?" she asked, clasping her hands.

"Lir, I'm fine. I need to think. A complication has come up with my ward that I need to sort," I said, and she lowered her head.

"Alright," she whispered. "Just... tell me if you need help."

I reached out to press her hand gratefully. "I'll be fine," I mumbled back. "Thanks."

This is a dance I don't know how to do. Of all I have learned, I don't know how to do this. I was trained for physical war. Do the Valar really trust me to do this? My whole family is at stake here, but it's a dance only I can perform... Do I tell them? They deserve to know... but where's the line? What can I tell them and what can I not? My personal duties have clashed with my family! I didn't ask for this!

Eru, help me! I don't know how to do this... I need Your help! I can't do this alone. Of all the souls I've dealt with, this is different. This situation, if it gets out of hand, could lead to irreparable damage to not only our cause but our lives. You were right, Atto. This is a dance. But, it is also a battle. This is my battle. This is my part in the beginning of this war. I never expected Morgoth to act this quickly.

I need help... Where do I go?