Eclipse of Hearts ✔

Chapter 70. [Alyssae]

Alyssae stared into his cobalt blue eyes. His warm hands enclosed her cheeks and his forehead touched hers. Slowly her anger shrunk to proportions she could control. Alyssae couldn't remember she had ever lost control of herself, but only now she realized Thorin had been irrepressible during a sudden anger outburst.
Voices penetrated her mind, but Thorin's lips weren't moving. With repulsion she turned her head away to see what was going on. A group of elves stood in front of the entrance, whispering. Splinters were scattered around, as were the bouquets that were laid there for her father. 
Alyssae was happy the guards hadn't taken action, for she didn't want to know how much of them she would have hit. 
"I have to see my sister and mother."
Thorin nodded. "You want me to go with you?"
"Yes," she answered shortly. "I don't want you to be alone for a single moment."
Chyndall wasn't safe anymore. There was a traitor who carried out Thranduil's orders and she was sure Thorin was on top of his list. Like a feather already floated above his name, ready to cross it out.
Two elves slipped in to clear things up. Alyssae stopped one of the other guards and ordered him to bring the other dwarfs to her house and to keep a watch on them. 
Alyssae opened the door to the living rooms of their parents. She found her mother on the couch. Melline sat next to her and their hands were folded. 
"Alys!" Melline stood up as soon as Alyssae caught her eye. Mother however didn't move and stared blankly at the hearth-fire.
Alyssae took her little sister in her arms and held her close.Her chest seemed to shrunk when she started to cry loudly. Somewhat uneasy she rubbed between her shoulder-blades.
"Come, let's take a seat."
Melline nodded and stepped back. However, her eyes grew when she saw the dwarf, who stared uneasy at his shoes."
"Did you find him?"
Despite the tears on her face a watery smile broke through. 
"Yes," Alyssae said softly. "Although this isn't the best moment for an introduction."
"He can't help that." Melline stepped to Thorin and offered her hand. The dwarf stared a little uncomfortable at her fingers, not being familiar with their customs. 
Despite everything Alyssae chuckled. "You have to kiss her hand and say your name."
"Oh," he mumbled. His cheeks turned red when his lips touched her hand. "Thorin - Thorin Oakenshield."
"Melline Haelynde."
He looked at Alyssae, who shrugged. They never had talked about surnames. 
Alyssae supposed Thorin could help himself and she walked to her mother. She knelt before her and held her hands. "Mom?"
It felt as if she sat before a cocoon. An empty shell out of which all life had slipped away. Alyssae knew she wouldn't be the first elf who would die of grief, not able to cope with the loss of a loved one. 
Since elves barely needed to deal with dead, it caused much deeper wounds compared to other creatures. Nwalmalirva, it was also called. The grief sickness. 
Alyssae touched her mother's cheek and returned to her sister. "Has she said anything?"
Melline shook her head. "No."
Alyssae took a deep breath and feared she hadn't only lost her father. She had become an orphan in a blink of an eye. 
"I'm glad you're here," Melline whispered. "It feels like everyone just disappears."
Her eyes were numb, but she wasn't blown away by sadness. There was something else she wanted to put her energy in, and Alyssae feared for her. Melline had to let it go. She must not be involved in this. 
"Why don't they let go of Raphael?" Alyssae wanted to now. "You need his protection."
And she needed more. A shoulder to lean to. A watchful eye that made sure she wouldn't lose her mind.

"He is the main suspect."
Alyssae was shocked by these words - especially by the grudge that filtered through. As if Melline believed it herself. "Why?"
"He was there when father died and he has the best motif. The kingship of this land would fall in his hands."
Alyssae closed her eyes. She didn't want to know how it felt when your own lover was convinced that you were a traitor. "Raphael never longed for power," Alyssae answered. "He has nothing to do with the murderer on our father."

"How do you now?" The words came hostile out of Melline's mouth. "You have no idea how he changed."
Alyssae stared in her eyes. "Because I know that it was Thranduil who killed him."
Melline burst out in a laughter that almost sounded mental. "Thranduil?  How could he ever have poisoned father?" She raised her eyebrows. "Oh well, would he have used that charming husband of mine?"
"Don't be stupid," Alyssae snarled. "Thranduil doesn't care who sits on our throne. The only thing he wants, is me." She clenched her fists. "Even on his deathbed, he'll still wish me."