A Dreaded Arrangement

"Vaeri! Hi!" Celia bounced with excitement while Delia rolled her eyes and gravitated to Zaleria. Delia actually like Zaleria a lot even though she didn't express it much. Both seemed to be well suited for each other in friendship. Delia watched vigilantly for Elayne's arrival but she still was no where to be seen. This worried her but she figured Elayne was going to put on a show. Elayne was a bit theatrical these which made her nervous. Then the doors opened as the guards escorted Lyra in, Callum made strict orders that guards were to watch her every move until the wedding and escort her to any appointment she needed to arrive to.

Meanwhile, Ros was busy packing her things on a horse just outside the brothel. Some of the ladies whined for her leaving but it couldn't be helped, Ros wasn't one to stay in one place for too long. She didn't notify Ailuin of her leaving, in fact she assumed her lying about her past would offend him so she didn't bother. A man walked over to her and put gold into her hand. "Let's go somewhere private..." The man snickered but Ros gave the money back. "I'm not working here anymore. Go look for Rosette, she'll satisfy you...not a s good as me but she's great with her hands I hear." She winks at him as he chuckled. "Shame, This place wont be the same without you Ros." He sighed before walking away. "Yes it will..." Ros said to herself as she continued to prepare for her journey.

"Hello," Vaeri said with a smile, pleased that they were happy to see her. She walked over to her mom and kissed her on the cheek in greeting. "Hello, mother." Ilayana beamed, happy to see her youngest. "Hello, Vaeri. Did you have fun?" Vaeri nodded, her eyes lighting up. "The Riverflorian islands are so beautiful! I got to see all kinds of pretty sights and tasted good food." She then turned as the doors opened and guards came out, leading Lyra who quickly looked around and didn't see Elayne. Lyra frowned, feeling uneasy at the absence of her soon-to-be sister-in-law. "Is Elayne not here yet? Is she even coming?" Honestly, it wouldn't surprise her if Elayne decided not to show up. She then noticed Vaeri and moved over to her quickly. "Vaeri! It's so good to see you again. Oh, you're expecting. Congratulations." The two elves hugged before Lyra let go and turned to greet the others. "Thank you all for coming, by the way. It means a lot to me. I know Elayne isn't too happy with me." She then peeked at Ilayana, fearful of the older woman being mad at her. After all, she had poisoned her son.

Ilayana, quickly getting the hint, merely smiled at Lyra. "Don't fret, my dear. The past is behind us and I know you were not in a good state of mind when that happened. There is nothing to forgive." Lyra then smiled, looking relieved by those words. It was truly a relief to know that no one but Elayne harbored ill feelings towards her. She glanced around again, wondering if Elayne was going to be rude and not show up. She wouldn't blame Elayne if she did not show up. After all, she had tried to poison her and made a mess out of things.

Since Elayne was busy, Ailuin decided to go into town and find a certain woman. He headed to the brothel, making sure that no one followed him. It was easier for him to travel alone and it wasn't like he was helpless. He just didn't want people to know he was going to visit a brothel to see one of their workers. As he arrived, he noticed Ros next to a horse, obviously preparing for travel. He felt a tightness in his chest as he quickly walked over. "Are you going somewhere?" He asked, dreading the answer.

Ros looked up and smirked slightly at Ailuin's eagerness to know what was happening. "Aren't you curious..." She teased before adjusting the horse's saddle. "Its time I leave, yes." She said a little more somber as she looked to him. "I never stay in one place for long and I've grown tired of Avinora. The men bore me with their stories of slaying beasts that end up to be alley street cats and Lords with barely a coin in their pockets." Ros said as she looked at the Brothel. "It was a fair home...but I realized something last night...I don't want to be remembered this way..." Ros said as her gaze remained on the brothel. "I came here to seek refuge when I got into some trouble with bad men. They protected me here...made me feel like I belonged in a strange way..." Ros said before shaking her head with a sigh.

"Besides...your children and wife deserve better. Wanting to spend time with me will be a mistake..." Ros said a little more shamefully. "I don't regret it...gods know how you made me feel...and you made me feel very good." She smirked as she put a hand on his chest as it traveled down to rest on the hem of his pants. "If I recall, I made you feel good too." She spoke with an impish grin before pulling back and her eyes getting more serious. "But it was just that... a moment and nothing more. I know you have ill feelings towards your wife. I know you wish for me to stay so you can forget what she had done to you but avoiding your problems wont make them go away." Ros frowned sadly, she didn't want to leave Ailuin, she enjoyed time with him. "This is the way it has to be...you deserve a queen not an insignificant whore..." Ros frowned before turning her back to him. "Your children deserve their father and mother coexisting and trying to save their marriage. Me in the way in cruel and unfair to them." Ros sighed.

As she confirmed that she was leaving, he felt a sadness well up inside of him. Would he ever see her again? He had grown rather fond of her in the short time he had known her. There was something special about her. He felt like he had known her forever with how easily they got along and the thought of her leaving and him never seeing her again made him most upset. He stepped towards her, frowning slightly. He also didn't like the way she was speaking about herself as if she were just some lowly whore. She was so much more than that and not just because of the fact that she was from a noble house, but because she was special. He needed her to see her true worth and not talk down about herself. "Wanting to spend time with you is not a mistake, Ros. You are not some lowly whore to be ashamed of for wanting to spend time with. You are more than just a whore, you are a person. A very special person. Yes, my children deserve a mother that can care for them and be there for them and although Elayne is a great mother, she is not the woman for me. We have grown far too much apart and things just are not the same."

He paused for a moment, sighing as he brushed some blond hair from his face. "How can I ever forgive that she slept with a traitor who turned out to be my half brother? How do I move on from that? I do not know if I can. The only reason I will allow her to stay is for the sake of the children. Otherwise I would send her away." He then looked at Ros, reaching out and pulling her to him as he turned her around to face him. "I know that you are right that I cannot run from my problems and I do not plan on doing so, but Ros...I don't want to say goodbye. I do not want to be apart from you. I know that you must go because you are not happy here and it would be selfish of me to even try to make you stay but will you give me one last moment with you?" He asked, cupping her cheek and pulling her in for a kiss.

Ros pulled in close for a kiss and lingered on the kiss for a moment before pulling away with a smile. "I suppose I could have one more night of lust. Come back at sunset...I have things to finish here before I go..." Ros winked and pulled him into another long kiss. "You should leave before someone sees you with me..." She sighed before letting go and guiding her horse to the stables.

"Perhaps you should put yourself in Elayne's shoes for once? I'm a woman who had no choice in my marriage, I had a father who was a complete psychopath, I endured abuse from years from my half-brother, and I was thrown into a culture I was not familiar with. Yes my husband was kind to me, gave me what I needed as well as what I wanted. His family was ever so lovely and supportive too. I thought I had everything and more when I had children." Ros said as she looked at Ailuin as she tried to make him see what Ros could see.

"Then my husband and three brothers went off to war. Yes I still had help but I was terrified. Then came the day my husband promised would never happen, I was kidnapped and almost killed by my own sister. I was betrayed and hurt inside. Then this man, elf, came into my life. He protected me fiercely from my attackers, helped me escape, and made me feel free for once. I was terrified going into Labor all alone without my husband there to support me. The other elf made me feel safe and protected as he helped aiding me in giving birth." Ros continued with a frown knowing Ailuin didn't want to hear it but if it helped him see Elayne's perspective she would continue.

"After killing my father, things weren't the same. I learn to find out my brother was injured beyond repair, my sister was a traitor, and I'm struggling to care for my children. my husband is ignoring my needs while I'm harboring my own anger towards him. That's when I got to the dark elf for support and he makes me feel more free than I have ever been. He doesn't demand I rule at his side nor expect anything from me. In fact, he's been hurt and betrayed like me. He's lost people like me. He understands my feelings and helps me move past them." Ros sighed as she stopped and figured it was enough.

"Do I think what Elayne did was wrong? Absolutely, but I understand why. This role as queen, it was never for her. She should be free of any duties. They've been shoved down her throat and made her miserable all her life. I know..." Ros sighed and looked away as she pulled out a coin purse and walked away from her horse. "Sunset." She smiled at Ailuin before hurrying off to where seemed to be was the Market.

Meanwhile Elayne was swaying in the hall a bit buzzed but still in most of her right mind. She opened the doors to the lovely hall and balcony where the private bridal breakfast was taking place. Celia froze and turned to look at her sister with slight disappointment. "So sorry I'm late...I was checking on my dear brother." She slurred and hiccuped and went to take a seat in a sofa nearby. Delia looked to her sister with a slightly worried expression and continued to talk to Ilayana about her new role as Captain of the Kingsguard. Elayne frowned when she wasn't even being talked to but shifted her fiery gaze at Lyra. Something wasn't right...

Ailuin threaded his hands in her hair, pulling her close as they kissed. He didn't want to ever let her go. He knew what he felt for her was wrong. He barely knew her and had betrayed his wife's trust. But Elayne had betrayed his trust first. Yes, he knew that what he was doing was wrong and it wasn't right to do the same thing to her but he couldn't help it. There was something about Ros that drew him in and he couldn't quite explain it. He allowed her to pull away, a smile tugging at his lips as he gazed at her with soft green eyes. "You are probably right," He said, reluctantly letting her go but was pleased she would spend one last night with him before departing. He turned to go but paused as she brought up Elayne, his eyes widening in surprise as he looked at her in shock.

He opened his mouth to protest but soon closed it, instead respecting her enough to listen to what she had to say about Elayne. He felt shame and anger towards himself course through him, reminding him of how he had felt when he learned that Elayne had been captured. He had failed her as a husband while he was at war, but he had thought, or hoped, that she would be safe until he returned. He knew how scared Elayne had been and how wrong it had been of him to neglect her after everything was said and done. He didn't need to be reminded of that. Still, her words spoke to him and he sighed, running a hand through his hair in mild frustration.

"I understand how she feels, but it does not make it any easier. I know I let her down and neglected her and I have tried to make amends for that. I have tried so hard to make things right with her and to learn that she was still seeing him, behind my back, I just....I do not how to cope with that. How is a man supposed to feel knowing he has let down his wife and caused her to turn to another man? I know I should not be angry at her, that it is my fault, but I am not perfect." He then paused and shook his head. "I really do not wish to speak of this. I should go. I will see you at sunset." He then turned on his heel and left.

Lyra looked up as the doors opened, a frown tugging at her lips at the sight of Elayne. Was she drunk? She stared right back at Elayne, a look of disapproval showing on her features. "Well, I suppose late is better than not showing up at all," Lyra said before she turned back to Vaeri. "I never would have imagined that I would one day be queen, especially after all I've done in my life, Vaeri," She said quietly, speaking in hushed whispers with Vaeri. "What if I mess up? I wasn't born a noble. I was born a poor girl who only landed a job in the palace thanks to my husband." Vaeri was oblivious to the fact that something seemed off with Lyra. "Oh, I'm sure you'll do just fine. Besides, I'm sure Callum will help you. I hear that he's quite smitten with you, Lyra."

Zaleria looked over at Elayne and leaned towards her, cocking her head to the side. "Are you drunk?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at her sister-in-law. Rosaria shot Zaleria a look before turning to Elayne. "How is your brother, Leon? I assume that was who you went to check on, correct?"

"Leon seemed more fine than anyone. All curled up and cozy with Anja Shadesong...its strange he's never cuddly...not like that. Perhaps Anja was the missing piece..."Elayne said as she looked to Lyra with a glare. Something was not right at all. Lyra was normally a lot more kind to her despite Elayne's inability to show kindness back to her. "I'm not drunk just buzzed." Elayne glared but softened her gaze to Ilayana with a frown. She still wouldn't talk to her after Ailuin finding out about Taeral and Zelious. Elayne couldn't handle more guilt and poured more wine for herself. She didn't want to feel anything and wanted peace from her mind.

Ilayana was obviously ignoring Elayne and had not even looked up when she entered the room. She seemed heavily engrossed in the conversation with Delia. Rosaria glanced at her mother, noticing the tension between Elayne and Ilayana. She sighed softly before looking over to Elayne. Zaleria watched as Elayne poured herself some more wine. She crossed her arms over her chest, looking annoyed. "I'm actually surprised you even showed up. You took a long time to get here." Rosaria glanced at Zaleria and frowned, disapproving of her sister's bluntness. "What? I'm only speaking the truth. We all know that Elayne has no love for the elf girl." Rosaria shook her head and looked at Elayne. "Elayne, I think you should give Lyra a chance. She seems like she's changed and for the better. Do you really think Callum would give his trust to someone who didn't earn it?"

"Have you two forgotten she nearly killed my husband, your brother? How she was conspiring to murder me? Why would I ever trust her?" Elayne hissed before drinking while she stared at Lyra more closely. She couldn't make out what was different but something wasn't right about Lyra. "You elves are so quick to let your guard down, no wonder my father nearly killed me." Elayne blurted irritably. "You can't even protect yourselves half the time because you want to"make friends" and "forgive" everyone. Yet your brother won't forgive the one person who deserves to be forgiven!" Elayne growls irritably before rising from her seat and storming off to the balcony to rid herself from Zaleria and Rosaria's attacks. Elayne felt a tears drip down her face and off the balcony as she thought about Zelious. She was so tired of being the only one who saw good in him.

Rosaria frowned, glancing over at Lyra who was still in a conversation with Vaeri. "She's tried to make amends for what she's done. She seems sincere in her apology and wanting to make things right. I can tell that she truly loves your brother in just the way she acts and talks about him." She glanced at Elayne, frowning at her words. She opened her mouth to protest, but closed it when she received a look from her mother who had overheard the conversation. Rosaria sighed because she was definitely not in the mood for all of this family drama. Lyra noticed that Elayne had gone to the balcony and stood up, excusing herself from Vaeri in order to approach Elayne. "Elayne, I think we should talk," She said, standing beside her on the balcony. "I love your brother and I know you distrust me, but I am sorry for what I have done. What can I do to make you see that I'm genuine?" She asked, looking at Elayne.

Elayne was too broken down to protest against Lyra but it didn't stop her from inching away from her. "Know this, if anything happens to my brother, I will kill you. Slowy and painfully until you beg for me to end it. Do you understand me? I cannot stop him for being a fool but it doesn't mean I have to accept his mistake like everyone else here has!" She threatened with flaming eyes and her hair shifting red briefly. "Why even bother with my approval? You don't need it, you have everyone else here kissing your ass and forgiving you. All I can remember was the day I almost lost Ailuin because of you! Not that it even matters anymore! Leave me!" Elayne hissed irritably as Delia was with Lyra but closed the balcony doors so no one could hear Elayne's outbursts. Delia glared at her sister and crossed her arms. How dare Elayne speak to Lyra like that? But she frowned and knew her sister was hurting deep inside. Elayne's marriage was failing and maybe Elayne surrounded by couples was making her hysterical. "Lyra can I speak to you?" Delia said as she waited for Lyra to answer her. Elayne laid her head on the balcony fencing to cry.

There was a slight shift in Lyra's expression before it settled and she looked apologetic. "I am sorry for what I've done. I thought you were a threat. I thought you were going to doublecross King Ailuin and harm him. It was because of the humans that I lost my husband. What was I supposed to think when our kind king was forced to marry you? It was a mistake. I was misguided." Lyra sighed and shook her head. "I want your approval because you are his sister. He loves you and hates the idea of us being at odds. I don't want to be your enemy, Elayne. I just want to coexist peacefully and perhaps make amends." Tears gathered in her eyes and she turned away, looking at Delia. She nodded and wiped at her eyes with her sleeve, moving over to Delia. "What is it?" She asked, sniffling.

"Maybe Elayne could just be left alone for a moment? She's going through a lot." Delia frowned but Elayne's head perked up when Lyra used the word "forced" on Ailuin's behalf of marrying her. He wasn't forced at all to marry her, he made the choice to. "Elayne' turned her head and glared at Lyra as she realized she no longer looked sad, was it just a ruse to let Elayne off her guard to pity her? Perhaps Lyra was being the master manipulator after all. Elayne stood up and wiped her tears. "No I'm fine." Elayne said void of emotion before slipping past the both of them and back to the breakfast.

Elayne kept her eye on Lyra all during breakfast and noticed very uncharacteristic traits Lyra didn't display before. Elayne sipped her tea as her buzz went down and she was more clear headed. She then had the devious notion in her mind and got up to talk to Lyra. "Lyra, darling, how about you allow me to make your dress? I made Vaeri's dress for her wedding and it was simply divine. You should have the best for your wedding day. I'm thinking white roses, satin, and pearls..." Elayne grinned while looking to Vaeri in hopes she would happily agree. Elayne had no intention to ruin her dress but to always watch her.

"Of course, you're right. I simply wanted to try to make peace with her. I know Callum would feel a lot better if I got through to her. I would as well feel much better knowing she didn't despise me as much. But I will give her space." Lyra said before returning to the breakfast. Everything seemed to go along fine, though she was definitely acting off. The only one who seemed to notice was Elayne, though. Lyra looked up as Elayne addressed her out of the blue. "A dress?" She echoed, unsure if she had heard right. She then glanced at Vaeri who seemed to perk up at the mention of her wedding dress. "Oh, yes! Elayne makes wonderful dresses. I loved my wedding dress. It was so pretty and comfortable to wear as well." Lyra hesitated before giving a nod. "I would like that, Elayne."

Elayne giggled and clapped like a perky little girl as shethen summoned her measuring tape. "Now stay still, we don't have very long for the wedding and I must get your measurements right." Elayne said as the measurement tape attacked Lyra and wrapped around her many times aggressively. If Elayne could bring out Lyra's strange behavior, surely people would notice too. "Now don't move darling!" Elayne grinned as she stared at Lyra with malice that only looked like sheer joy. After she was done with the measurements Elayne's measuring tape poofed into nothing. Elayne knew something wasn't right but she knew no one was going to believe her but maybe Ilayana might see reason. "Well I must mingle, excuse me." Elayne waved before bouncing away to Ilayana. "Mother, may I speak to you in private. I need some advice..." She tried to maintain a friendly front in front of everyone. "The balcony please, its woman stuff..." She winked before yanking Ilayana along without her answer.

Lyra was confused by Elayne's sudden change of heart, but tried not to let it show on her features. She did, however, look a little nervous when the tape attacked her and wrapped around her aggressively. She had a feeling that Elayne was up to something but wasn't quite sure what it was. Rosaria peered suspiciously at Elayne, knowing that something was amiss. She really, truly, hoped that Elayne wasn't going to cause a scene. Once the measurements were done, Lyra looked more relaxed and sat back down and struck up conversation with Vaeri. Ilayana looked up as Elayne approached, a frown tugging at her lips. She had a cold, steely look about her which meant that she was still displeased with Elayne. She opened her mouth to protest, but closed it and allowed Elayne to drag her off to the balcony. Once they were alone, Ilayana rounded on her daughter-in-law and glared at her. "What do you really want, Elayne? We both know you don't want advice from me."

Elayne sighed and knew Ilayana was still angry but now wasn't the time. "Okay yes, I get it. I really messed up but Ilayana you don't even know the whole story. I didn't tell Ailuin anything. All I ever did as tell him Zelious never deserved the treatment he was given and you of all people know that's true. Ailuin just happened to figure it out on his own because I accidentally said too much for him to lead to the conclusion. I never told him outright. I tried to twist the story and leave out facts so you still had your chance. I did care about you having that right to tell him the truth! So can we please put aside our anger with each other because we have much bigger problems!" Elayne sighed as she tried to make amends with her mother-in-law. "Not having you by my side has been painful. You've been there for me since I came to live with all of you. Nothing made me feel more guilty when Ailuin figured out what happened. I still have to set things right with him so can you please find some forgiveness into your heart for me and I'll do the same for Lyra?" Elayne begged as she held onto Ilayana's hands. "Please, Mother. I'm so sorry..." Elayne looked at her sincerely.

"I was waiting until the right moment. I planned to tell him as soon as we got back from the coronation. I didn't want to add stress to him but it seems that was in vain because he found out anyways." Ilayana scowled, looking rather cross but she made no move to strike Elayne or anything of the sort. She then paused, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. "Bigger problems? What bigger problems are there?" She asked, clearly demanding to know what had Elayne all in a tizzy. She wasn't blind. She had seen the way Elayne was acting around Lyra. Something was up. Her gaze did soften, though, a sigh escaping her lips. She did still love Elayne and inwardly, she hated being mad at her but it was hard when her only son was hurt and Elayne was the cause. It was natural for her to lash out at the source, even though she didn't want to. "Fine. I will put it behind me but you need to make things right with him. He's rather torn up about it."

"I'm trying to tell you something is off about Lyra. She was rude to me when I walked in, yes i was rude first but Lyra was not like that last night. If anything she accepted that I was angry. I've also seen her be rude to Vaeri but of course Vaeri is too nice and gentle to say anything." Elayne finally sighed as she tried to get Ilayana to see her side. "Before you say it, no it has nothing to do with Callum marrying her. He's a grown man and even if I don't like his decisions I do in the end respect them. But I'm serious something is off. What if something happened in the night that we all were distracted from everything that happened?" Elayne tried to reason with her. As for Ailuin, I am trying but he wont even speak to me unless it's about the children. He won't even let me try so I have no clue how I'm supposed to get him to speak to me." Elayne pouted as it was true, she was trying but he was also to preoccupied with whatever whore he was sleeping with to listen to her.

Ilayana looked at Elayne as if she had grown a second head, staring at her in surprise. "What? You think because she was rude that something is off? Perhaps she is just stressed from all that is going on. Her upcoming wedding, tension with you, and whatever other problems dare to rise up. After all, Leon was kidnapped and then returned by those people. She has a lot on her plate. I do think you're being paranoid, Elayne." It was clear that Ilayana would not take pity on Elayne and side with her. "I will speak to my son about the matter. Now let us return."

Elayne looked at Ilayana with shock and dismay, she never dismissed Elayne's worries before which made her feel hurt. "Ilayana, I'm not being paranoid! I know she's close to Vaeri, besides that Vaeri is with child, why would she treat her friend that way?" Elayne insisted but it seemed she wasn't going to get through to her. "You go. I'm goig. Clearly no one is going to believe me." Elayne hissed before walking away but looking to Lyra. "I must go, my children need me I'm afraid. I'll meet you bright and early to create your dress." Elayne smiled as she hurried out of the room. Elayne walked down the halls with a pout on her face as she was feeling rather alone. No one was respecting her thoughts at all, perhaps she deserved it for what happened between her and Ailuin. Speaking of she noticed him coming back from what seemed like the Market. She didn't want to think about him cheating but she hoped she could speak to him. She walked to him and stood in front of him "Are we ever going to talk?" She asked him, pleading with her eyes.

"I already told you, Elayne. She is probably just stressed and doesn't mean it. Vaeri isn't upset with it so I'm sure it's fine. Don't be silly, darling. You're just being paranoid and everything is fine." She patted Elayne on the arm before walking back inside of the room to sit back down. Lyra looked up as Elayne mentioned that she needed to leave. "Of course. I will see you then," She said, before returning to her conversation with Vaeri. Meanwhile, Ailuin was on his way back to the cottage to check on his children. He paused at the sight of Elayne, tensing up, but didn't try to avoid her. He came to a halt as she stood in front of him, clearly wanting to talk. He eyed her for a moment, his mind still preoccupied by thoughts of Ros, but knew he couldn't ignore Elayne forever. "It would be wise to stop avoiding the problem, yes. I was just on my way back to check on the children." He offered his arm to her, though it was obvious he was a little uncomfortable. He also felt a little bit of guilt for thinking about another woman instead of focusing fully on her.

Elayne was suddenly moved by Ailuin's effort to talk and allow her closeness even if it was just an offer of his arm. She nodded and took it fondly. "Let's go somewhere...more familiar." Elayne sort of lead as she hugged his arm and leaned her head against it. She didn't want to bring him to the beach as it could remind him of the moment she had told him of the affair. She lead him to a rather huge hedge maze outside that led to a beautiful garden with a seaside view. "I know its not the garden at home but I figured this place was the best place to...come clean. Ailuin, I am sorry. I know I went astray from our love...to another man. I felt guilt then just as much as I do now." Elayne sighed painfully as she let him go to give him space. "I just felt so alone...and there was just something about Zelious at the time where I couldn't pull myself away from him. I was stuck with screaming, crying, and magical children when I wasn't experienced at all with it. I was trying hard to stay strong and then Zelious picked up i was unhappy. At first, he kissed me and I did push him away but he got it into my head that I'd never be happy with you. I started to believe it and I...let him you know. Its my fault though. I should have said no. I know I should have. I'm sorry. I know you'll never forgive me...it was wrong and I don't expect you to. But maybe.... we can try and make this work?" She looked at him with pleading eyes.

Ailuin forced himself to relax, knowing that she would feel the tension in his body if he didn't let go and settle down. Once she had taken his arm, he allowed her to lead them away from their current location. He looked around when they arrived, vaguely reminded of the garden back home. He then looked at her, focusing his full attention on her. He knew that it was important for the two of them to talk about this even if he wasn't sure he was ready for it. He waited until she finsihed talking, weighing her words carefully and then sighed softly. "Elayne, I know that I have done you wrong. After the war, I was trying to adjust to being back home, dealing with getting you back from the clutches of your father, and being suddenly faced with our three children. I thought I was ready to become a father, but I realized that I was not and just could not help but shut down. I should not have shut you out. I am sorry for that. Because of my weakness, you felt neglected and fell into the arms of another man. It is wrong of me to blame you for my own actions."

He ran a hand through his hair, resisting the urge to give in to pacing. It was something he did when he was nervous. "I do not like that you went to him. I do not like how the truth about him came out. I had no idea that we were related. How could I have ever expected that? And to learn, that not only had you slept with a traitor, but he turned out to be my half brother. I exploded and I am not proud of it." He turned to look at her, looking weary. "I do not want to be at odds with you but I do not want us to be unhappy. I want what is best for our children but what is also best for you and I admit, I have slept with someone else. I took comfort in another woman's arms and for that, I am sorry. I just do not know how we are going to move past this."

"I know, I could smell her on you...even now. It's fair, I cheated first..I wasn't mad. I just felt sad we had finally come to this... Cheating on each other. I don't blame you went seeking comfort from someone, i did the same." Elayne sighed as she walked to him and embraced him. "Ailuin, you know Zelious was no the traitor your father made him out to be right? If anything, Taeral was the one who betrayed him. Here, I had requested a priest and his people go to where Zelious said they were buried. They found the body of a woman and an half-elfling. He wasn't lying. I also spoke to Aire and he confirms of Taeral's treachery to Zelious. I'm not saying this out of love for Zelious but I can't help but want to give him the peace he deserves." She handed Ailuin a letter notifying of Zelious's wife and child's bodies. "I'm sorry you had to find out this way, I know this ruins any respect you have for your father. I tried to not tell you but I wanted Zelious to get the justice he deserved." Elayne sighed and sat down on a stone bench. "I doubt you understand though. You only see him as an evil person." Elayne said as she leaned her face on her hand tiredly from the excitement all day.