Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Be safe and I hope you are able to enjoy the holiday with your families, or someone else you care about.
I just read on Facebook yesterday about a couple whose 3-year-old son died only 3 weeks ago! So, even though I'd been writing this chapter before that, the finished version of this one is written with thoughts for that family, and as Alasse leaves to protect her baby, to remember that children are very precious. They change our lives in so many ways, but they are still wonderful gifts.
Yes, I cried writing this chapter!
"You want me to leave?!" Alasse nearly choked on the words when Thranduil, Legolas, Arwen, Tatsu, and Aragorn told her of Thranduil's intention. Alasse looked absolutely stricken, clutching her pregnant stomach. How could they ask such a thing of her, especially after what happened before? She couldn't leave Aragorn! Not at a time like this! He needed her. She needed to be here for him.
"Alasse..." Legolas began to speak, but Alasse began sobbing as she sat down on one of the benches in the room. Aragorn came to stand at her side, gripping her hand and rubbing her shoulder. She buried her face in his waist and hugged him desperately.
"Oh, Iell nin." Thranduil spoke gently, alarmed and heartbroken seeing his daughter so upset. "Alasse, don't cry." He said, walking over to them. "Rest assured, I am not taking you away forever! Once Aragorn has defeated Merlyn, you shall be brought back with all possible speed!" Alasse stared up at him skeptically, her bluish-green eyes accusing. He'd spoken that way before, perhaps not in those exact words, but he'd lured her away from Aragorn once...and it had resulted in turmoil for everyone. Alasse wasn't about to let that happen again!
Thranduil's heart sank, the suspicion in her eyes felt like a knife slashing across his stomach. She doesn't trust me! She doesn't believe I will keep my word. Oh, great Valar! He thought in anguish. Two and a half years ago, had he known what damage his protective intentions would cause now, he would never have chosen to separate her from her true love, even if he was a human.
"You must think of your child." Arwen said softly. "That is the only reason Thranduil desires you to return with him."
"That's right, Alasse." Legolas nodded. "If you were not with child at this time, we would all remain here in Gondor and fight with Aragorn, including you! But things are very different." Alasse sniffled hard but held her brother's gaze. He was relieved she seemed to be pondering his words.
Legolas was right, they all were. She would be delivering in a few months! If Merlyn was going to scheme as sinister as he had in the past, she would be in no shape to fight him off if he came after her, or to defend her husband. She didn't want to leave. Oh, how she wanted to stay here and fight alongside the man she loved more than life, to fight for her new people of the White City! I cannot abandon Estel to face Merlyn alone again! We should take him down together. What if...no, Estel knows what the game is about this time. This time he will be ready. But...without me!
But Legolas speaks the truth. I cannot endanger our precious child! Aragorn can fight off Merlyn to protect us, but I am the only one who can truly keep our baby safe. And if what they all say is true, I will not be able to do so here. The truth hurt, like a contraction. A painful lump squeezed Alasse's throat and more tears spilled, but she wasn't wailing uncontrollably now.
"You're right." She said to Legolas. He nodded solemnly. "You are all right. I know that. I have to think of the baby." She stared down at her massive stomach and lovingly rubbed it. "I just hate that it has to be like this!"
"I know, child. It's alright." Thranduil smiled fondly.
"Could we have a moment, please?" Aragorn asked. They silently bowed and stepped out, Arwen closing the doors behind them.
She grinned up at Legolas. "What?" He chuckled.
"You are certainly gifted at negotiating." She brushed back his hair and pecked his cheek. Legolas smiled dizzily.
"Why, thank you, my love." He purred, kissing her head.
Aragorn was kneeling in front of Alasse, his hands on her hips, looking up deeply into her teary eyes. "Melleth nin," He whispered, "Thranduil does not want this, any more than I do! He is not doing this out of cruelty or the insatiable need for control. He loves you!"
"I know that, Estel." Alasse swilled hard. "I do.And I agree! But that doesn't mean I have to be glad for it."
"No." Aragorn smiled sweetly. He reached out his hand to stroke her face and she ran her fingers over his beard. "None of us want this, least of all you and I. But think on what a joyful reunion we will have!"
"You will miss the birth of our first-born." Alasse pointed out in a strangled voice. Aragorn's eyes welled up and he pushed himself up on his knees, his chest brushing up against her belly, and they nuzzled foreheads.
"Maybe." He whispered. They stayed silent for several minutes, hearing nothing but each other's breathing. They just let their tears fall and held onto each other. "It's for the best, darling." He said, barely audible.
"It is not the fear of travel that distresses me." Alasse said, her voice heavy with aching. She leaned forward as far as she could, and held onto his shoulders. "Estel, if I lost you, I don't think I could go on!" She trembled. Aragorn looked into her face and took it in his hands.
"I love you." He breathed. "You will never lose me!"
"I don't want you to be alone again. I want to be with you, at your side when you face down this wicked man who tormented you!" Alasse declared passionately.
"You will be. Hey," He gripped her chin, "you are never going to get away from me!" He pulled her hand til it rested over his strong heart, the beats sending waves of a deep ambiance and joy into her soul. "You are always me, Alasse Thranduiliel." He murmured in that low, masculine but gentile voice that she worshiped.
Alasse could not help sobbing. Drat those pregnancy hormones! She wasn't trying to keep crying, it just poured through her without any warning. Oh, how she loved Aragorn! She loved him so much. She loved that man with a devoted fire to rival even her father! She knew that someday he would pass into eternity and she would be broken from that grief. But that couldn't happen yet! They still had so much to do, children to raise, and a world still in mending.
"Aragorn, promise me you will keep your wits, and not do anything rash if he provokes you! I believe in you, but please keep your head when you face him. I want to have a husband to return to!"
"I promise." Aragorn smiled sweetly. He kissed her hand. Alasse exhaled deeply, feeling his strength wash over her. She slid her fingers through his hair.
"I know you do not make idle oaths." She smiled with red eyes. He brushed a lock of auburn hair from her face and tenderly kissed her lips. Then he bent down and let his head rest on her tummy, giving soothing caresses and kisses to their baby inside. This child would be a blessing, a lifelong reminder of their eternal love for one another, and a living being who was part of both of them, being knit together from unconditional communion.
It was decided that Tatsu would ride back to the Greenwood with Alasse, since she'd tended her whole life in the absence of her mother. Maerwen, one of the Wood's best female healers and Alasse's old friend, had come with Thranduil and would be monitoring Alasse and the baby the whole way. She immediately began discussing her case history with Erana, who explained her findings so far and Alasse's progress, especially after the accident. Arwen would also accompany them as far as Ithilien, then she would stay at home to look in on her 'family' at the Love Home and how things were faring there.
"I shall fight here with Estel." Legolas told his father. Thranduil was disappointed, though he understood.
"No, Legolas." Aragorn interjected. "Please go with your father and Alasse."
"But, Estel, I thought for sure you would want me here, fighting at your side." Legolas said, stunned and, even hurt. Aragorn tilted his head to the doorway and Legolas followed him into the hall.
"I am always glad for your comradely, Legolas. And I have no command over your life." Aragorn began in Elvish. "I am only asking you, please, to be with Alasse at this time in my place. I fear for her and the baby's well being, if things do not end as I hope. She needs as much of her family as possible while we are parted."
"Ai." Legolas nodded. "But you must allow me to offer what aid I can before we head out."
"I'm grateful for whatever help you can give me."
"As Alasse and Ada prepares for our journey, I shall travel to Ithilien, assemble what troops I can spare, and send them to stand with you."
"I thank you." Aragorn bowed his head. "Just take care of Alasse and our child for me, until I can be with them again."
"You know I will." Legolas said softly.
"Hannon le, Muindor nin." Aragorn smiled.
It was two days before Thranduil and his party were to leave Gondor. Letters from Imladris came to Aragorn. Although he was apprehensive of traveling so in her condition, Elrond did support Thranduil in bringing Alasse to safety until Merlyn was done with.
"Once they come to the Northern forests, I will ride out to meet them. Maerwen will need assistance tending Alasse so close to the due time of delivery, and I wish to be there to help however I can," one of the letters said. "Take courage, Estel. Alasse shall be in very safe hands, my son. Thranduil will not let any harm come to her.
'I am sending Elladan and Elrohir to Minas Tirith to stand with you as you prepare to take down this enemy. I pray the Valar will give you the wisdom and insight you will need to defeat him with so many uncertain answers at this time. I wish I could do more for you, Aragorn. My heart is with you, Ion nin. Take courage!'"
The dark, early morning of her intended departure before dawn, found the king and queen of Gondor, still in bed, making serious love to one another, savoring these moments while they were still in their grasp. They freely, endlessly poured into each other unquenchable desire that at other times had to be restrained during their royal duties. But it did not stop there. Aragorn tenderly, beautifully caressed, kissed, embraced, and rested his head on her baby bump. He soothingly sang an Elvish lullaby that Elrond had sung to him when still a child, his low, flowing, pure voice carrying through the upper halls of the palace like a peaceful river of water as he sang to his beloved child. Alasse held onto these moments with all her soul, wanting to relive them in her memory every hour that she was to be parted from Aragorn.
The servants and guests all heard the king's crooning, and many of their eyes filled with tears yet Aragorn's tranquil serenading filled their hearts with warmth and hope. Some of them did not know for sure why their queen had to leave temporarily, but they had been informed that it was safer for Alasse, what with the threats of war from Harad. They would dearly miss her though and were already praying for her swift return.
It was a solemn party that walked out to the courtyard of the palace. Thranduil's soldiers all stood keenly at attention, lining the streets. Alasse's horse was patiently waiting for her. The Elvish caravan also had three wagons, one with a canvas awning over it, which was for Alasse to rest in when riding her steed or walking became too much. Maerwen was equipped with a full kit of any potentially necessary medical supplies, including tools and extra cloths to help with birthing in case Alasse went into labor before they reached Eryn Lasgalen. Thranduil had not overlooked a thing. He had come fully prepared when he'd arrived.
Thranduil, Gimli, Legolas, and Arwen stood by the horses waiting as Aragorn and Tatsu walked Alasse out of the palace. Tears were already in her eyes.
Thranduil's heart ached for her. This was wrong, they shouldn't be separated! Why couldn't fate give them all a break from another egomaniac who cared only about himself and made sure that everyone else did too? Thranduil hated seeing Alasse and Aragorn look so crestfallen, but he felt he was doing the right thing. Valar forbid that Aragorn should fall, but if he did not survive this confrontation, he must have someone to carry on his work. I swear on pain of death, Melui Iell nin, I will bring you back to him! He vowed in his heart. And when I do, I pray that nothing shall ever part you so painfully again.
Alasse and Aragorn embraced each other. Tatsu patted her shoulder then stood beside her horse. Alasse refused to let go of Aragorn, as if a wistful breeze through the air could just whisk him away! "We've weathered worse ugly omens than this." Aragorn reminded her.
"I know." Alasse nodded, her chin practically digging into his shoulder.
"I swear I will see you again!" He whispered.
"I pray so."
"Have courage, my love. This time, we have the advantage. Let us pray that we use it to the best of our ability."
"Ai. I love you, Estel." Alasse breathed. "Send word the moment it is over, so that I may come back to you, and we can live in peace!" She cried. Aragorn nodded, kissing her forehead and stroking her pointy ears.
"Be safe, my love. Take care of our baby." He swallowed, putting his palm on her extended middle. "I love you." He carefully rubbed her stomach, kissing her face, and stroking the back of her head. He bent over and sweetly kissed her bump. "You will be back soon, little one. And I will be waiting. Be strong for your momma. Your father loves you so much! Don't you ever doubt that."
Alasse's shoulders shook with weeping as he hugged her to himself again. This could be it! What if he fell in battle against Merlyn? What if this time Merlyn was the victor? What if this was the very last kiss and embrace they would ever, ever have? Uncomfortable memories were roiling through her head. This felt too much like when she'd left to be in the Greenwood with Thranduil, except he hadn't told her that he planned on her not returning at all to Gondor.
Aragorn held her hand directly on his chest over his heart, letting her feel and listen to his heartbeat. She inhaled deeply and Aragorn smiled sadly. "You are always with me." He told her.
"Forever." Alasse agreed.
They hugged and kissed for another three minutes, and then he took her hand and with Legolas's help, assisted his pregnant wife into the wagon that was assigned just for her. Tatsu was crouching inside and helped Alasse get comfortable. "Wait! Your Majesty! Wait, please!" A young voice pleaded. They turned to see young Fynn running up to them with a bouquet of Alasse's favorite blossoms in his hands. "My lady," Fynn panted, "I know I should've asked first, and I know I should be duly punished for picking from the king's own garden! But...you are going away, and I know this flower is your favorite. I only thought it may remind you of home, my lady! I beg your forgiveness for stealing, but I did not know how else to say that you will be missed!"
Alasse looked on at the boy sympathetically, hot tears glistening down his chocolate colored cheeks, making his face shine in the sunlight. Alasse took the flowers and kissed his soft black hair. "Ohh, Fynn, Tithen mellon nin, Hannon le." She murmured. "This will indeed remind me of home. I accept your thoughtful gift."
"Really?" Fynn hicupped.
"Ai."
"It is alright, Fynn." Aragorn smiled, patting the lad's shoulders. "This puts me in a rather awkward situation, as you considered a chivalrous gesture that did not even enter my mind, and with several witnesses present!" The elves and Gimli laughed.
"Goodbye, Fynn. I shall miss you. But I will be back."
"Do be careful, my lady. I hope you will have a safe delivery." Fynn sniffled.
"Thank you."
"It is time to go." Thranduil spoke up.
"Thranduil, thank you for doing this." Aragorn said solemnly.
"I would do anything for my children, and future grandchild. I will keep them safe, Estel. You hold to that! And may the Valar be with you." Thranduil said lowly. Aragorn bowed his head gratefully.
"Keep your head, Estel, and be safe." Arwen said, hugging him.
"You too."
"I shall return soon, Estel before I rejoin my family and you shall have bow and blade worthy warriors who will fight beside you in my name." Legolas promised. Aragorn gripped his shoulder.
"Take care of her!" He repeated.
"With all my strength." Legolas bowed.
"Cheer up, lass! You'll be back before you know it. And next time, I shall be eagerly waiting to meet that we bairn of yours!" Gimli announced.
"Me too, Gimli. Take care of yourself, my friend." Alasse nodded.
Thranduil mounted his horse. Aragorn gripped her hands and she pulled his face for one last kiss. "I pray this will be swift." She bit her lip.
"Ai. My heart is with you, Alasse. Have peace." Aragorn murmured to her. Alasse nodded then he gently pried her hands off. The driver of the wagon commanded the horses and they began to pull the wagon forward. Aragorn held onto Alasse's hand until they walked through the palace gates and he reluctantly let go. Alasse waved and blew heartbroken kisses to him until she disappeared from sight. Aragorn hurried into the citadel to the tower so he could watch from a distance. Tears were streaming down his face and he felt a sharp ache in his heart that he had not felt for ages. This time it was double the heartbreak because he missed his baby too, and in his heart he knew he would most likely miss the birth!
He felt incredibly lonely as he watched the escort safely whisk away his wife and child. He missed them so, already! Would he see them again?
Alasse wept silently as they passed through the streets, out of the city and began their journey. She gazed longingly up at the citadel, wondering if Aragorn was there watching. IN her heart she could feel that he was. Was this the end? Would he survive? Would he ever get to meet the child inside her face to face? He would, she had to believe he would!
Aragorn waited in the citadel for half an hour 'til he could no longer see them. Fynn found him again. "My lord?" He bowed.
"What is it, Fynn?" Aragorn asked wearily.
"My lord, the ambassadors you sent to Harad have returned." Fynn explained.
Aragorn cocked his head in surprise. Taking a deep breath, he faced the East. He prayed they had information he would desperately need!