Thranduil remained by Alasse's side through the night, keeping keen watch over her and the baby inside her. She needed all the rest she could get. He wished he didn't have to put her through this, taking her so far away from her beloved, after they'd nearly been eternally separated before their marriage. If only things were different. If only their old enemy had perished like he deserved and wasn't back on the warpath again. Thranduil would've given anything to take away his daughter's fear and heartache, anything. But for now, this was all he could manage.
He'd been truly proud of Aragorn willingly letting Alasse go, knowing full well the implications that it could lead to: him being absent for their firstborn's entering the world, his possible demise in battle...Yet, he had put her and their child's safety first, like a good husband, like a wise king. How the poor man must be anguished at this moment, second guessing himself over and over, praying he did the right thing, hoping for a positive turnout. "Estel will prevail." Thranduil murmured. "He is wiser than any man I have ever seen walk this earth."
Thranduil stayed with Alasse until Tatsu came in to take over. Thranduil kissed Alasse's head then exited the tent to speak with Legolas and his army about their travels. Alasse awoke just at sunrise, and Tatsu was there to greet her. "Good morning, penneth." She smiled.
"Good morning, Tatsu." Alasse replied. Her stomach rumbled and she giggled, rubbing her middle.
"Someone is hungry this morning!" Tatsu beamed.
"Ai!" Alasse agreed. "I could really go for some blueberry tarts!"
"I will see what can be done."
"Oh, and some roasted conies! And-" Alasse rambled.
"Wha-slow down, child!" Tatsu laughed. "Since when have you developed a taste for conies? Small Folk food?"
"The passed couple weeks, actually." Alasse grinned sheepishly. "Or at least the baby has." She patted her hungry tummy. "I can't explain why. I mean, I only remember tasting them once or twice, when Legolas, Gimli, and I would travel with Aragorn. And when we were with the Fellowship. For some reason, I have been craving them."
"Alas. You have been residing in Gondor too long, young one." Tatsu shook her head with her fists on her hips. "Those humans are influencing your palette. At least, that is what your father is going to say when he hears."
Alasse snorted. "Only he will not describe it with such generous words."
"No conies, my lady." Said Legolas with a chuckle, bringing a tray of food into the tent. "My apologies, but they were not acquirable. I hope you can settle for some Lembas and fruit?"
"I suppose I shall have to." Alasse sighed. "The baby might not agree with me though."
"Well, we shall have to choose our battles accordingly." Legolas handed her a tray of Lembas bread, cheese, and fruit.
"How does the road ahead appear, Muindor?"
"Clear so far. Ada says we should pull out before noon." Legolas replied. "By the way, you look much better. You had a good rest last night, no?"
"I suppose."
"Courage, Tithen Muinthel." Legolas said encouragingly, grasping her hand. "It will come out right in the end." Alasse glanced at him, and before she could catch them, tears spilled out of her eyes.
I must cease crying! I have to be strong, for our baby. And for Aragorn. This is for our child, I must see it through without them constantly being reminded of how much I miss my beloved. A queen carries through no matter the personal cost. Ada did it for so long. It's time for me to do the same. I must not cry, at least not in front of any of them.
She quickly swiped at her eyes. "I am sorry." She cleared her throat.
"Oh, stop." Legolas sighed, brushing tears away with his thumb.
"I'm trying to." Alasse confessed.
"Well, eat up." Legolas encouraged her. "Conies." He shook his head. "Are you sure the baby is not a Peredhl?"
Alasse nearly choked on her food from laughing. "I...I cannot say, Muindor." She snickered. "I suppose we shall find out when Lord Elrond arrives. Wouldn't that be a shock for Ada?" She asked with a wicked humor.
"Oh, great Valar, yes!" Legolas agreed. "He will never forgive you! And he will never forgive himself for allowing you to marry that hairy human!" The two snorted over that daydream in their heads.
"And just what is so amusing, pennyth?" Thranduil asked curiously, venturing silently inside the tent.
"Nothing." Legolas and Alasse said together.
"So I see." Thranduil grunted. "Legolas, you are needed elsewhere. Alasse, eat as much as you can and then rest up. We shall be departing soon!"
"Yes, Adar." Alasse said meekly. "Muindor?" She asked in a deceptively sweet tone.
"Eh?" Legolas raised his eyebrows.
"Will you keep an eye out for conies on the road?" She asked sheepishly in Elvish. Legolas rolled his eyes.
"Valar, Tithen Muinthel." He laughed. "Surely you are jesting."
"No, I'm not." Alasse said more seriously. "I really want them." She patted her stomach to further press her point.
"Alasse, those are for hobbits' palettes! What, are you trying to torment me during this venture, by tormenting Adar into accepting the influence those White City humans are holding over you?"
"I cannot help what my baby yearns for." Alasse said coyly.
"Tell that to Adar."
"You may."
She was in bed. Strong, familiar hands of a timeless healer placed a warm little body into her arms which she cradled to her bosom. She gazed lovingly into the face of her precious child, weaved together from her and Aragorn's undying love. The baby had dark auburn hair, darker than Alasse's, and Aragorn's gentle gray eyes. Alasse's heart swelled with fiery happiness. Her child was beautiful, beautiful and magical.
Gondor was under siege. The White City's soldiers fought valiantly. Pushing back their foes into retreating to the river, hoping to reach Osgiliath before they were vanquished. But Aragorn was not down there in the heat of battle with his men. He was running! Away from them! The king of Gondor was fleeing the front battle lines, leaving his army to fend for themselves!
He raced up the stone paths, through narrow passageways, up to the parapets of the Citadel. From there, he appeared confused and finally darted into the palace. There, calmly standing in wait inside Aragorn and Alasse's own bed chamber was Merlyn!
Next was a blurry whirl of two men parrying off one another to the death. Aragorn panted but forced himself to keep at it. Merlyn sliced his forearm. Aragorn howled in pain and anger, vigorously attacking harder. He kicked at Merlyn's knee, sending the man doubling over in pain. Aragorn lunged at him with his sword. Merlyn arched his sword upward, catching Aragorn straight in the abdomen. Then...nothing.
"Estel!" Alasse quaked. It was a vision. But whether it had been of forthcoming events, or her imagination, her deepest fear, she could not discern. If Lord Elrond was here, surely he would be able to explain it. Her baby jolted inside. "I am sorry, sweetling." Alasse whispered, caressing her middle. Her child sensed her fear. "Hush now." Alasse murmured. "It's alright. Aragorn is still alive. He will not fail." She felt sharp kicks of protest against her pelvis. She winced and struggled to rise from her bed. She waddled out of the tent into the night air.
The stars glistened above with their eternal beauty of vigilance and wisdom. Alasse looked up to them with yearning, starving for solid answers. The same stars were glowing over Gondor at this very moment, so far away, shining right over her people of the White City she'd grown to love. And most certainly of all, the stars were shining right above Aragorn! Their flawless light and endless perseverance were keeping steady watch over the once exiled king.
Alasse longed for him so much! Just to be able to caress his stubbled face and feel the warm rhythm of his heartbeat, and she would be able to set her mind at rest. But that was not possible now. They were leagues apart, but he was still here with her, she could feel it. His spirit was still in her heart, lending her strength to do what she must tread on to do. If he was physically standing with her now, what would he say?
"We must be strong, meleth nin. Our child is depending on us to protect it, to insure the future of his or her home." There would be tears in his eyes, but his quiet voice would soothe her even though she didn't want to hear what was coming out of his mouth. "This will not be forever. For even the largest shadow must pass on into morning light. We must do this. When it is over, we will know it was for the best." She could hear his voice speaking the words to her. He was right. They could not be physically together for now, not if the seed of their boundless bond was to live in this sad but beautiful world.
Gandalf's words came to her, "When I am greatly troubled over insurmountable problems, I look to the stars. They have been there for timeless ages, always lending us glimmers of hope and lessons long past that we would do well to retain."
Alasse looked to the stars once more. The baby had stopped kicking so much. Tears slid down her fair face, making her bluish-green eyes to glisten, tenderly rubbing her hands around on her belly. "Your father is strong, my darling." She crooned. "He is wise, and brave, and has a beautiful spirit. Never forget that. He is a man among men, dearly beloved and as wise as any elf."
A lump rose in her throat, threatening to choke her. "Our child will be safe in Ada's home, until you return to me, my scruffy ranger.
'Ohh! Aragorn. Aragorn! Be safe, meleth nin. Be safe!'"