Alasse woke up to a light, fluttery feeling on her body, not in. She laughed lightly, and leaned her head over as much she could to see what had awakened her. Aragorn was laying in the bed, hugging her waist, murmuring sweetly to the baby as he nuzzled her belly. Alasse snickered as his rough whiskers tickled her skin.
The sight warmed her heart and soothed her spirit though. Aragorn had seemed so stressed lately: something was pressing on his mind but he wouldn't tell her...not yet. It was heartwarming seeing him so peaceful and already giving their unborn child so much love. He and the baby were deeply bonded, Alasse could feel it inside her and she could sense it in her spirit. If only he could relax and be calm like this more!
Alasse didn't want to break up the sweet moment, but it was impossible not to make a sound when her husband's attractive facial hair was making feathery sensations across her large stomach. She couldn't even sit up quickly and smack him to make him stop! Rising out of bed and chairs too so much effort now!
"A-Aragorn," She moaned mirthfully.
"Ahh, you're awake." Aragorn smiled and crawled up to her.
"You woke me up, you rude man." Alasse scolded. "Your irresistible stubble tickles," she ran her fingers through his mustache and scruffy beard, "and that is no fair to a lady in my predicament." She wrapped her arm around his bare shoulders.
"Forgive me, my lady." Aragorn said playfully, scooting closer on his stomach. "I was not aware that I was troubling you."
"Yes, you were." Alasse rolled her eyes. Aragorn shrugged innocently.
"It's true then? You find my face irresistible?" He purred, nuzzling his head under her chin.
"Mmm...sometimes." Alasse teased.
"You're cruel." Aragorn sighed with a grin.
"I guess I take after Ada more than I realize." Alasse stated.
"Please! Don't drag your scary father into this!" Aragorn begged dramatically. "I woke up to think about you and the baby, not him!"
"He scare you that much, my love?" Alasse cupped his chin.
"Terrifying..." Aragorn hummed as their lips met.
"Your Majesty?" One of the pages entered Aragorn's study with a bow.
"What is it?" Aragorn asked, turning from his desk to face the messenger.
"My lord, Prince Legolas and King Eomer were spotted down by the river, with an accompanying party alongside them. They should be heading for the gates right about now."
Aragorn rose to his feet. He was half relieved. He didn't know yet who or what was behind these troubling reports, at the root of their origin, but at least now he would have companions he knew he could trust to bear the burden with him and help him figure it out!
"Tell the gatekeepers to send them immediately to me!" Aragorn commanded.
"As you wish, my lord."
"Well, we traveled all this way. The least you could do is offer us a proper smoke, or chug of ale!" Gimli greeted Aragorn when they arrived in the foyer of the palace. Aragorn grinned.
"My friends, welcome!" Aragorn exclaimed. "It's so good to have you here."
"It's good to be back." Legolas smiled, with Arwen at his side. He kept his hand around her waist.
"Faramir and Eowyn are still in Ithilien, keeping an eye on the Love Home." Eomer explained.
"Ahh, well. I am glad you are all here. It does my heart much good!" Aragorn assured them.
"You look tired, Aragorn." Arwen stated.
"Pressing matters, being king, you know." Aragorn sighed. "Arwen, you look as beautiful as ever!"
"Oh, thank you." Arwen smiled sweetly. At that moment, Alasse slowly stepped into the large room. "Alasse!" Arwen cheered and ran to her sister, hugging her gently. Legolas followed pursuit.
"Legolas, Arwen...I've missed you both!" Alasse cried.
"Sister, why are you crying?" Legolas asked innocently. Arwen rolled her eyes.
"Ellyn. They just don't comprehend it!" She snickered.
"Don't cry, Alasse. I thought you'd be happy to see us." Legolas said.
"But I am, Legolas! That's why I'm crying." Alasse answered. "Gimli, Eomer, welcome!"
"You are looking well, your majesty." Eomer bowed, smiling.
"We're friends. Just call me Alasse."
"Of course."
"You're lookin' sweet and healthy, lassie!" Gimli told Alasse. "Motherhood indeed agrees with ye!" Alasse blushed and giggled.
"Well, easy for you to say when you're not carrying another person inside you." She smiled, her arms resting on her stomach.
"How is the baby?" Arwen asked, and with a nod of approval from Alasse, she tenderly placed her hand on Alasse's sizable baby bump.
"Very well, as far as I know." Alasse answered happily. "Ohh!" She jolted.
"What's wrong, sister?" Legolas asked worriedly, eyes wide.
"Nothing, just...the baby's kicking. I suppose our child wants to greet everyone too."
"Ahh," Legolas hummed, resting his large palm on his sister's belly, feeling the baby move around. "He, or she missed their Uncle Legolas." He smirked. "No wonder the baby is jumping around. Must be incredibly boring in there 'til I showed up."
"Oh, please." Alasse grimaced. "I hate to say it but I think you're right!"
"Oh no." Arwen shook her head. "He just woke the baby up with his too lively greeting."
"Careful, my dear." Legolas warned her, withdrawing his hand. "But you look wonderful, Tithen Muinthel. You're shining radiantly."
"I've missed you too, gwuindor." Alasse smiled.
While Arwen toured the palace with Alasse, and she showed her the nursery, Aragorn took his good friends to his study and closed the door. He informed them on what had transpired, shouting red flags all over his mind. Gimli, Legolas, and Eomer stood there grim-faced.
"I don't like the sound of that, Aragorn!" Eomer exclaimed. "From what you've said...something is definitely going on."
"Ordinarily, I wouldn't be so alarmed about the rumors of the squabbles down at the coast. But with the horses...I can't sit on this. I feel ill at ease, and must know the truth. Will you help me try to sort out this riddle, my friends?"
"You needn't ask, Aragorn." Eomer said.
"We're here for you, mellon." Legolas agreed.
"You can count on us, laddie." Gimli promised.
Aragorn smiled.
Later when he caught Legolas alone, he told him of his true suspicions about who was behind the troubles. Legolas gaped at him. "Are you sure you're not still on edge from being in captivity?" Legolas asked lowly.
"Of course I am! I wish I was merely paranoid." Aragorn sputtered. "You don't know how much! But, I trust my instincts, Legolas. They have served me well and kept me alive for a very long time. My gut won't rest until I know the truth! It's nagging at me." Aragorn insisted.
Legolas sighed. He prayed his friend was wrong! "We'll help you figure this out. The answers will reveal themselves soon enough." He clapped Aragorn's shoulder. "I pray you are wrong, brother!"
"I pray it with every breath I take. But my spirit restless, Legolas. I have a really bad feeling about this!"