Eclipse of Hearts ✔

11. Wedding Talk [Alyssae]

Alyssae couldn't help she felt hollow when the two were blessed. She hated herself because she couldn't set aside her own grief, not being able to enjoy the fact that Melline and Raphael were expressing their love.

She felt ice cold and stared at the sky, while she had the inexplicable feeling that the firmament could collapse any moment.

She wanted to withdraw from her people, but she knew that would be rude so she kept receiving congratulations with a smile on her face that didn't reach her eyes. For a moment her heart relived when she saw the beaming faces of the bride and groom, but in a flash she saw herself, hand in hand with Thorin. She wished them all the luck in the world, but her own grief seemed heavier than ever.

Alyssae tried to participate in conversations, but her attention faded away easily and it became hard to stand, so that she had to sit on a chair. From the side she glanced at Eldinòr, but he spoke elated with her father.

She startled when he suddenly looked at her and winked. Quickly she looked the other way, but it was too late.

"I haven't seen you dancing, princess."

He offered his hand and Alyssae sighed. Still she let him pull her on her feet. He took her hand in his and his fingers triggered a memory immediately, in which she stood this way with Thranduin, under the suspicious eye of his uncle. A shiver crept down her spine, which didn't escape Eldinòr's attention.

"You feel cold?"

He touched her cheek and she gasped. It had only been Thorin who had touched her that way.

"Don't do that," she answered curtly.

If he felt offended, he didn't show it. "As you wish. Forgive me my insolence, but I'm not often near elves who are as beautiful as you."

"Save the flattering." She let go of him. "I don't need it."

A smile played around his lips. "I know, but the nature of a man doesn't change that easily, eh." His eyes wandered to her belly and she wondered what he was thinking. "Was it impossible to wait with the wedding until Oakenshield had less orcs around?"

Alyssae stared bewildered at him. "W-what?"

Eldinòr shook his head. "My apologies. This is no subject for a wedding."

Alyssae looked fiercely at him. "You should have thought about that before."

He put an arm around her waist when a bell sounded, letting the guests know that dinner was ready.

"How do you know about Thorin and me?" she hissed suspiciously while they sat around the table.

"Once again, princess, we can't have this conversation now. I'm sorry, but I don't want to ruin this beautiful evening."

He gave her a penetrating look and Alyssae bowed her head ashamed, for he was right. Still she could eat no longer. How could she eat here peacefully and enjoy a party while Thorin was in danger? She was torn by so much contradictory feelings that the tears jumped in her eyes.

"Is he in danger?" she still asked clumsy.

Eldinòr cut his food in pieces and watched her. "I didn't want to make you afraid, Alyssae. I just didn't know you had no contact. I was already wondering why they hadn't postponed the wedding, but now I see Thorin is not invited."

Alyssae stared at her plate. The food that was served made her feel sick.  "We have no contact indeed." She blinked her tears away. She could not cry. Not now.

Eldinòr squeezed her knee softly. "Calm down. He'll manage."

"Are they at war?"

The first tear already run down her cheek.

"I don't know whether the first arrows are already shot, but it won't take long."

"But why?" she muttered. "Why can't they leave him alone?"

Eldinòr did not look at her when he answered. "That's just how orcs are."