CONTENT WARNING: Rated M for: strong language

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. This is for entertainment only.


Chapter 5 - Unexpected Reunions

Lady Galadriel strolled between the shelves of books; her hand sliding across the volumes as she walked passed. Although she had lived thousands of years; the last 29 had seemed to drag on longer than anticipated. She thought that finding them in the other realm would have alleviated her fears; but it had simply left her with more questions. Where were Kinarus and Elara? What darkness had she felt around the children? Being in a world that was not her own; he powers had been diminished, it had exhausted her greatly to find the flower shop. It had been a joy to see Aurora excitedly talk about her favorite flowers. Her jade-colored eyes shining as she talked of care and nourishment the plants would require. Galadriel could see her passion and it gave her hope.

The prophecy had been correct.

She was lost in her thoughts until the sound of footsteps behind her caused her to turn around to meet concerned eyes.

"I am arranging a search party, we leave within the hour." He spoke directly, panic edging his voice.

"Do not fear, Lord Elrond." Galadriel placed a hand on his shoulder. "I have seen their journey through to the end and they will be safe. There was a small delay yesterday; but the five of them will arrive before sunset.

Lord Elrond's grey eyes shot up to meet Galadriel's, "Five? It should only be my sons and your Marchwarden. Who has-"

Lady Galadriel gave a soft chuckle as she raised her hand to silence Elrond, "The delay I spoke of has taken them off their original path. Up the mountains… To a cave that was long forgotten."

Lord Elrond's eyes slowly widened with realization. "Cal antulien."


Aurora knew that this was a horrible idea. She knew that Augustus was not coordinated enough to chew bubblegum and walk about the same time and now these Elves wanted to give him a sword. This could only end badly.

They had spent the morning in the clearing. Augustus and Aurora finally laid down to rest not long before dawn. The Elves had been patient with them and indulged their countless questions.
Logically, Aurora knew that she should be beside herself in terror. But there was a feeling starting to grow inside her that she couldn't quite name. It felt similar to the peace you feel as you drift off to sleep. A feeling of safety … A feeling of belonging.

After they had woken up; Haldir had spoken with them about what to expect when arriving in Rivendell. Specifically on how to the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien and Lord Elrong. He gave them an introduction on how to properly bow and curtsy and how to converse with them.

Once the etiquette lessons were complete for the morning; Elladan and Elrohir offered to teach Augustus a few basics with a sword to which he eagerly accepted.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Augs." She had tried to reason with him.

"Oh come one Auri," He sighed, "What's the worst that could happen?"

Aurora stared at him incredulously, "... You get stabbed."

"I give you my word, Lady Aurora," Elrohir had spoken up at this point, "No harm will befall your brother."

With a heavy sigh Aurora rolled her eyes, chuckled, and walked over to where Egg had been grazing.

"Hey handsome." She whispered as she gently stroked his mane. He lifted his head and nickered happily and nuzzled his head into her chest and she softly scratched his forehead. "I know that it's unlikely they have dressage shows here; but what do you say? Wanna do a little workout?"

A few minutes later; Aurora was cantering Egg around the far side of the clearing; the distant sound of clanging metal and laughter reaching her sensitive ears. She maneuvered Egg gracefully from an extended trot into a piaffe. After several minutes she let Egg stretch out into a full extended canter.

She slowed him down to a walk as she saw Haldir walking towards her; a look of amazement on his face. She directed Egg towards him and met him halfway across the clearing.

"How do you make your horse move in such an elegant manner?" He asked as they met.

"It's training from my... Other world." Other world. That was the first time Aurora had said that out loud. "It's called dressage. It's a very precise type of discipline that, when done properly; is essentially like dancing with your horse. I've been training with Egg for 12 years."

Haldir looked up to her in amazement; her jade eyes brightening as she spoke, "It's exquisite. I've never seen such a thing."

Aurora blushed at the compliment as she swung her leg off Egg and dropped to the ground. "That is very kind of you to say. It is… definitely a workout. For both of us." She reached up and scratched Egg behind his ear and he leaned into her hand.

"You seem to share a special bond with each other." Haldir noted; turning to walk with Aurora as she led Egg back across the clearing. "Such a thing is wonderful with an animal of this caliber."

"Yeah, he's alright." Aurora bumped into Egg's shoulder as they walked. They walked in silence the rest of the way back to where Aurora could see her brother blocking swings from Elladan's blade. She left Egg in the shade and walked back over to where she had been sleeping; grabbing one of the waterskins that the Elves had given her. "I don't know how I'm going to handle the heat of summer if it's this warm already here."

Haldir smiled and arched an eyebrow, "Well, I might point out that you are wearing one of your… zipping cloaks. I'm sure you would be much more comfortable with it's removal."

"Haldir!" Aurora feigned shock. "Are you trying to get me to take my clothes off?!"

There was a loud clattering behind them. They both turned quickly to see Augustus staring in their direction; his mouth open with a look of shock. "I'm sorry…" His voice instantly sounding hoarse, "Haldir... is what?"

Before anyone had a chance to react further Aurora began laughing with such force that she had to bend over and set a hand on her knee. "Holy fuck…" She gasped between laughs, "All of your faces are so hilarious right now." Aurora straightened once more, wiping tears from her eyes.

"Not. Funny. Auri" Augustus spoke through clenched teeth.

"On the contrary, dear brother…"Aurora sighed, finally catching her breath. "This is the exact thing I needed after the last 24 hours we've been through." With that, Aurora walked away towards where Egg and Odin seemed to be laying in the grass.

Haldir stood frozen as the other men joined him. "Master Augustus I…. I assure you that I was not attempting to-"

"You can stop right there," Augustus ran a hand threw his dirty blonde hair, "I should've warned all of you that when Auri is outnumbered by men, she tends to try and gain the upper hand by making them uncomfortable."

Haldir didn't speak by silently nodded to acknowledge what Augustus had said.


Just before the sun was setting; Lord Celeborn heard a commotion near the gate leading into Rivendell. He briskly made his way to the entrance to see what had attracted such a response. As he emerged he saw horses trotting into the reception area. He immediately recognized his Marchwarden and his twin grandsons. However, following behind them were two others he had not seen before. Or rather, two he had not seen since they were babes in the parent's arms.

Their dirty blonde hair was unmistakable. His neatly cut short; hers flowing around her shoulders. Their identical jade eyes bringing reminding him instantly of their parent's. His brow furrowed slightly … Where were Kinarus and Elara?

The small group dismounted their horses and other elves came over to gather the horses and take them to the stable. Celeborn watched with interest as the elleth seemed to protest against someone taking her horse. Elrohir walked to her side and place a reassuring arm on her shoulder and leaned in to speak closely. After several moments; the elleth nodded with a slight smile to the stablehand and her horse was taken away.

The small group climbed the steps; the elleth glancing back at the direction of her horse once more. Her brother putting a reassuring arm around her shoulders.

"Mae g'ovannen, hir nin Celeborn." Haldir crossed his arm over his chest and bowed his head reverently. The elven twins followed Haldir's motion and bowed their heads as well. Unsure what to do, Augustus and Aurora glanced at each other and both slightly nodded their heads in his direction.

He seemed to sense their discomfort, and he moved towards the siblings and offered a warm smile. "Le suilanthon. Ni veren an le novaded."

"Mae g'ovannen." Aurora mumbled softly.

"Very well spoken, gil-calad." He looked down on the elleth with warmth in his eyes. "I am Lord Celeborn of the Golden Wood. I must state that; although dinner is being prepared as we meet; there are other introductions that need to be made and conversations that require immediate attention." He looked from Aurora up to Augustus who almost stood eye level with him. "If you will please accompany me. The others are waiting."

They walked quietly through the halls, looking around in awe at every new thing as they turned a corner. Every so often Lord Celeborn would offer a small fact about a certain area they were walking through. It was only the three of them now, Haldir and the elven twins had offered to take Augustus and Aurora's belonging to their waiting chambers and ensure that their horses had settled into the stable comfortably.

They soon came upon a large pair of wooden doors with intricate carvings all across them. Lord Celeborn paused momentarily and gave two sharp knocks on the door. Quickly after he pushed the doors open and escorted them inside.

The room was round with large bookshelves lining the walls. With the exception of one wall which seemed to be one solid window that overlooked a garden, a tall waterfall off in the far corner. There was a large desk in the middle of the room with a high-backed chair positioned behind it; around the front of the desk 5 large armchairs were positioned in a circle. As the large doors closed behind them; the three figures standing in the middle of the circle of chairs turned to greet the new arrivals.

Two of the figures were male. One with long brown hair; his dark grey eyes familiar to Aurora. She had a feeling that she was about to meet Elladan and Elrohir's father. The second man was older; his long grey hair falling down his back; his kind face warming as his eyes glanced between Augustus and Aurora.

Aurora audibly gasped as her eyes fell on the one standing closest to them. The last time they had met, her long blonde hair had been pulled back in an elegant braid and she did not have the silver circlet resting on her brow.

"Please," She gracefully motioned her hands to the waiting chairs, "sit with us. We have much to discuss."


A/N: Sssoooo... Are we liking the story still? :)

TRANSLATIONS:

*Elvish*

Cal antulien - Light has returned

Mae g'ovannen, hir nin - Well met, beloved Lord

Le suilanthon. Ni veren an le novaded - I give greetings to you. I rejoice in meeting you.

Gil-calad - Starlight

DRESSAGE TERMS

A/N: I realized that not everyone is familiar with dressage horseback riding terms; so I'll include a small summary of dressage terms I use so you can better visualize what the horse is doing. :)

Extended Trot / Extended Canter - The horse opens out their frame and increases the length of each stride to the greatest amount possible whilst maintaining balance, cadence and rhythm.

Piaffe
- This is a highly collected and elevated trot which the horse appears to be remain on the spot.