CONTENT WARNING: Rated M for: sexual harassment, strong language and violence.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. I do not own the song "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" by The Secret Sisters. This is for entertainment only.
A/N: Wwhhaatt? Two chapters in one day?! This one is the longest chapter so far but I didn't want to break it up into 2 and leave you guys in more suspense.
I've been feeling super motivated so thank you so much for the views! They mean a lot to me. I would love some reviews so I have a better idea of what you are enjoying and what you don't like.
Happy reading, lovelies!
Chapter 7 - Prophecies and Trail Rides
"Like how a single word can make a heart open.
I might only have one match, but I can make an explosion."
Fight Song by Rachel Platten
~~TWO WEEKS LATER~~
"Drop your heels... Roll your hips… Lift your toes inside your boots."
"Lift my toes inside my…. What?" Haldir brought Egg to a stop and looked at Aurora annoyed. "How do you possibly know the position of my toes?"
Aurora walked over and stood by Egg, gently stroking his neck. "Do me a favor; drop your heel." Aurora paused, placing her hand around Haldir's ankle. "Now, lift your toes. Feel how your foot immediately dropped more comfortably against the stirrup. Which in turn has slightly caused your leg to stretch which led to your hips rotating properly."
Haldir looked down at where Aurora stood; a look of fascination in his eyes. "And that, Marchwarden, is your first lesson in dressage." Aurora laughed and returned to Egg's face; gently scratching his forehead.
The Marchwarden slid for the horses back gracefully and walked next to Aurora as they made their way back to the stable. "I never imagined that simply walking a horse around an arena could require so much focus and attention to detail."
"Well, that is the beauty of dressage. Instead of simply instructing a horse to do what you want; what Egg and I do is to work as a team. Mastering different maneuvers in a way that is unique to the two of you as a pair… It's beautiful."
Aurora smiled to herself as she walked Egg back into his stall; the fresh hay and oats a welcome sight as he nickered happily. "So where exactly are you dragging my brother off to tonight?"
Haldir chuckled, "I am not dragging him anywhere. He has been working with Elladan and Elrohir these last few weeks and has become adept with a sword and this mission is necessary." Aurora linked her arm through the crook of Haldir's elbow as they walked back, "The reports of orcs have been becoming more frequent and with the delegation from the Woodland Realm arriving tomorrow morning, we need to eliminate any orcs that could be lurking in the area. The last thing we need is the King getting ambushed upon his arrival."
Aurora stopped by a bench at the edge of the garden that they were passing. "Oh… Right." Aurora suddenly had a realization, "I forgot that I'm going to be meeting an actual King tomorrow… What are the etiquette protocols for that? Is he going to kill me if I piss him off or something like that? What if I accidentally -"
"Calm yourself, Lady Aurora." Haldir placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "The etiquette rules are similar. A reverent curtsy or bow will suffice at initial greetings with his majesty, as well as the Prince. Don't insult him, of course, and you'll be alright. The Elvenking is a… complicated man; but he is not so heartless as to outright kill you should he be offended. Most likley…"
"Most lik-" Aurora cut her panicked outburst short when she looked to see Haldir barely suppressing his laughter. "Oh… You fucker!" She punched his shoulder as he stood up, continuing to laugh.
"I assure you," Haldir's face went more serious, "King Thranduil may be cold and indifferent; but he is not unreasonable. But it might be best if you try and steer clear of him. At least until you learn more of the Elven customs as to not unintentionally cause embarrassment."
Aurora watched the Marchwarden as he walked away. Did he just insult me? Aurora shrugged and wandered into the garden.
Over the past few weeks; she had often found herself wandering through the garden, back to the far corner where the waterfall gracefully fell into a pond that was surrounded by stones. The serene clearing had become a favorite place of hers. She often found herself dipping her toes into the cool water and allow her thoughts to take her over. As the water cooled her feet, Aurora quietly removed her athletic jacket, feeling the warm breeze touch her skin. She ran her fingers up her arms; her left hand trailing over the spot where are arm connects to her shoulder. As she looked across the pond, she noticed a small tree that was showing signs of wilting.
"That's not right…" Aurora slowly rose from the water and walked to where the little tree stood, she knelt down and placed a soft hand against the bark of the tree. She felt a small pang in her head and gave a slight wince.
As Aurora re positioned herself to sit cross-legged in front of the tree, she unknowingly had gained an audience. Tucked silently behind the trees near the edge of the clearing; the two figures watched on with intrigue.
"You're sick little one… Let me help you." Aurora placed her hands on both sides of the tree. She closed her eyes and softly began to sing.
"Black clouds are behind me, I now can see ahead.
Often I wonder why I try hoping for an end.
Sorrow weighs my shoulders down and trouble haunts my mind.
But I know the present will not last and tomorrow will be kinder.
Tomorrow will be kinder.
It's true, I've seen it before
A brighter day is coming my way
Yes, tomorrow will be kinder.
As she sang, Aurora could feel the warm tingling in her palm that lead up to her fingertips. A sensation that once terrified her but now brought a sense of comfort as she knew it brought healing to others.
Today I've cried a many tear and pain is in my heart.
Around me lies a somber scene, I don't know where to start.
But I feel warmth on my skin, the stars have all aligned.
The wind has blown, but now I know that tomorrow will be kinder.
As the two figures watched from the shadows of the clearing; looks of amazement crossed both of their faces. The small tree, once wilting and sickly had begun to straighten it's branches and the green leaves growing darker as the light emanated softly from Aurora's hands.
Tomorrow will be kinder
I know, I've seen it before.
A brighter day is coming my way,
Yes, tomorrow will be kinder."
Aurora let the final notes of her song hang in the air. After several moments passes she opened her eyes and smile wide. The young tree had been restored to health and all sign of the sickness was gone. "There you go, young one. You should grow big and strong now."
Aurora quietly stood up and turned from the tree. She almost let out a scream at the sight of the two figures standing before her on the other side of the clearing.
"Av-'osto, Aurora." Lady Galadriel stepped closer as she spoke.
"Lady Galadriel!" Aurora stammered, "Forgive me. The tree… It was sick and I… I just wanted to-"
"You have nothing to explain, dear child." Gandalf stepped next to where Galadriel stood. "If it eases your mind, allow me to tell you that Lady Galadriel and I are well aware of the tremendous gift that you possess."
Aurora looked between the two with questioning eyes, "But… But how?"
"A prophecy, dear child." Lady Galadriel crossed over to where the waterfall dropped into the pond. "A prophecy from long ago. It spoke of a gift of light that would heal the forests of our land and keep the darkness that would destroy the elves at bay."
Aurora stood silently as she, once again, processed Lady Galadriel's words. First she's thrown into a new world she didn't know existed. Second she is an elf. Now she is part of a prophecy. She really needed to stop asking questions…
"My Lady," Aurora was pulled from her musings by Gandalf's soft voice. "If I may inquire; what has happened to your shoulder."
Aurora didn't need to look to see what the wizard was asking about. She uncomfortable raised her arm to cover her left shoulder and upper arm as she walked back towards the side of the pond. As she smoothly put her jacket back on she looked to the others with a solemn stare.
"A tale for another time."
Aurora hadn't slept well the night before. With learning of the prophecy and her brother leaving with Haldir and the Elven twins to hunt orcs; her mind had been far from calm. As always she knew that she would find peace with Egg, so she threw her covers back and began dressing. She pulled on her black leggings and riding boots and slipped a tank top. She then put on a deep purple tunic on that Lady Arwen, Lord Elrond's other child, had given her. She quickly pulled her hair back into a french braid and made her way to the stables. As she entered, she heard Egg's soft nickering from his stall. His beautiful black coat shone in the morning light. Last night after dinner, she had decided to give him a long overdue bath and brush out his mane and tail. His tail was left flowing; but she had split his mane down the center of his neck and braided them into what could only be described as an equine version of french braids.
"Hey handsome," Aurora produced half an apple from her jacket pocket and the horses ears perked up in delight. "What do you say we get out of here for a while this morning?"
Lord Elrond had given her a map of the surrounding areas that will be safe for her to travel; along with the map Lord Elrond had gifted Aurora a dagger. Briefly instructing her on how to stab an opponent with the most effectiveness. His final word of advice to her was simple. If she came upon trouble; scream. Loudly. Aurora had quickly learned about the heightened senses of Elves.
It didn't take long for Aurora to saddle Egg up and she gracefully climbed onto his back, softly clicking her tongue as a request for him to move forward.
The surrounding area was truly beautiful. The green hills and trees seeming to compliment the various rivers and small ponds that she came across on her way. She didn't know how long she had been riding; at least a few hours. Aurora had a common habit of losing track of time when she went on her trail rides. It was a time that she could truly escape. Aurora finally decided to stop by the side of a pond so Egg could get a drink and graze on the surrounding grass. Again she sat by the waterside, causing ripples on the liquid glass as her fingers danced on top of the water.
He head snapped up. Something had caught her attention. A branch snapping in the distance. Egg seemingly hear it as well because he was now looking in the same direction that she was; his ears alert. Aurora stood and walked quickly over to where Egg was; but stopped when she heard a deep laugh behind her.
"Where are you going, sweetheart?"
Aurora turned quickly to see a group standing on the edge of the trees. Not elves, but men. Each holding the reigns of a horse there were three broad shoulder men; their appearance was disheveled and they stumbled towards her as if they had already consumed large quantities of alcohol. And Aurora thought that she had a drinking problem…
"I apologize, sirs." Aurora called, feigning sincerity. "I was not aware that the area was spoken for."
Aurora turned back to Egg and gathered his reigns, as she moved to place her foot in the stirrup she felt a strong chest press into her back.
"That's a fine beast you have there." Aurora froze, her foot still resting on the edge of her stirrup. She could smell his rancid breath without even turning around. "A creature like that must give those legs of yours quite a workout." Aurora felt the ghost of a hand on her thigh and she dropped her leg back to the ground and turned sharply. All three men were now surrounding her, blocking any escape that she had.
"I do not want any trouble." Aurora felt her heartbeat quicken. This wasn't good. "Please, just allow me to leave."
The man that was directly in front of her, clearly the leader of the three, stepped forward and looked down on her with a dark glint in his eyes. "Oh," he whispered leaning in close to her ear, "I think we could come to an arrangement to allow you to leave… Once you spend some quality time with me and my boys." The man traced a dirty finger up the side of Aurora's waist. She trembled and took in a sharp breath.
"Please…." She started to beg but the man had grabbed her by the throat and tried to pull her up closer to his face.
That is when Aurora seized her chance,. Once more she found her kneecap connecting with a strange man's most intimate area. As he crumpled to the ground, she threw a right hook to the man on her left and bolted up into Egg's saddle. She quickly kicked his side and gave a sharp whistle. Immediately Egg took off into a gallop. Aurora tried to maneuver him through the trees and back on to the main trail when she heard the footfalls of more hooves behind her. She spared a glance back just as the three men emerged from the trees on their horses; swords drawn and looks of absolute rage on their faces.
"GET BACK HERE YOU BITCH!" One of them shouted as the chase continued down the dirt patch.
Aurora thought that she had gained the upper hand in the chase when she felt a force strike her from behind and she fell from Egg and crashed into the ground. The man she had punched in the face crashed to the ground next to her, both of their horses continuing to run down the path.
"You're going to regret that, you cunt." He was suddenly grabbing at her as she tried to gather herself enough to run.
She shakily got to her feet and turned to see the man just as his blade slashed across her arm slicing her tunic open. She screamed in pain and grasped her right arm as she turned and ran back into the woods the lined the side of the trail. After several minutes of dodging between trees; she found herself hiding behind a cluster of bushes. Breathing heavy and clinging to her bloodied tunic she heard the men walking through the brush, closer to where she was.
"We now you're around here…" One of the voices drawled over the sound of crunching leaves. "Come out now and show us a proper apology."
Aurora knew she couldn't stay where she was, she saw a break in the trees that lead back onto the main trail, she assumed. She quietly pulled Lord Elrond's dagger from her boot and clutched it tightly in her hand and she began to sprint. She heard the men yell behind her; shouting curses and foul names at her as they pursued her through the trees. As she broke through onto the main trail she looked ahead and saw Egg standing in the middle of a crossing she had passed by earlier. With a sharp whistle; Egg turned his head sharply and began galloping once again towards his owner.
Aurora hadn't seen what was following Egg.
As the horse got closer to his owner; Aurora felt a type grip around her waist and picked her up into the air; reminiscent of her first interaction with Haldir. But this time one of the other men was in front of her trying to get a firm hold of her thrashing legs. All the while, Aurora was shouting and screaming for help. Aurora got one of her legs free and kicked at the man's face, connecting with his nose. As soon as she felt her legs back on the ground she pulled at her dagger and plunged it deep into the other man's leg. He released her with a howl of anger and she fell to the ground once again, her dagger still clutched in her hand. It didn't take long for Aurora to learn the location of the third and final man because within moments he was straddling her waist and restraining her arms above her head. The man greedily groped her chest and tore the part of her tunic open that had been previously sliced through with the dagger. When his hand got close enough, Aurora bit into it hard, tasting blood fill her mouth that she quickly spat into the face of her attacker. After that Aurora felt a sudden sharp pain across her left cheek as the back of a hand connected with it. She began to cry with frustration and anger. There was nothing she could do. These men were going to rape her and then most likely kill her.
Then he was off of her. Collapsing in a heap next to him with… Was that an arrow sticking out of his chest. Aurora had little time to react when she felt another strong hand grabbed her shoulder. Without thinking she drove her dagger into the arm that grasped her and hear a loud shout of pain and the hand retreated. She scrambled to her feet quickly and was met with a gaze of piercing blue eyes.
"Av-'osto! Le nathathon." The man stated, his brows furrowed together.
The elf before her held a bow in his hand but was otherwise dressed in a very natural green shade that consisted of his hood, tunic, pants and boots. His long silver-blonde hair falling over his shoulders.
"If you're speaking Elvish, I do not understand." Aurora explained breathlessly.
"What kind of elf does not speak their own tongue?" A sharp voice retorted from behind her.
Aurora turned her head to see another blonde elf standing before her. He was older than the other elf. However he was impossibly tall; making her 5'4" self feel even smaller. His staggering blue eyes narrowed in her direction. He wore black leggings and boots that met with a white tunic. Over the tunic he wore deep blue robes; now partially stained with red as he clung to the dagger protruding from his arm. On top of his head sat a simple circlet of silver.
Aurora couldn't think of a smart response to his inquiry. "It's a long story."
"Are you alright Lady…" The younger elf paused realizing he did not know the strange elleth's name.
"Aurora". She stated, answering his unspoken question. "I… Ummm… I don't know." Aurora touched her now exposed arm that was still bleeding. "Who are … I mean… Thank you."
The older Elf approached Aurora and visually examined her injury, his eyes lingering on the other scars that covered her arm. "It appears to be a minor wound and should heal quickly." He stated sounding somewhat annoyed. "However, I on the other hand will require Lord Elrond's attention when we arrive to Rivendell." He quickly glanced down to the dagger still protruding from his arm.
"Fuck!" Aurora's eyes widened with horror. "I thought you were another asshole trying to attack me! I am so sorry! I wouldn't have-" Aurora cut off when she glanced at the two large animals standing next to Egg. One was an elegant brown horse, the other… "Why is there a saddle on that Elk?"
The elves did not answer Aurora. The younger one retrieved his arrow from the dead man while the other two lay unconscious on the ground. The other Elf gracefully strode towards his Elk and mounted him and began to slowly walk to animal back up the path.
"You are safe, Lady Aurora. We will accompany you back to Rivendell and ensure your wounds are tended." The younger elf helped Aurora mount Egg and he quickly jumped up onto his own horse.
"Thank you, again, for saving me." Aurora looked at the young elf, "I'm terrified to think what would've happened had you not shown up." Aurora paused for a moment and hastily added, "May I know your name?"
The elf looked over to her and smiled slightly, "I am Prince Legolas Greenleaf of the Woodland Realm. There is no cause for thanks, my Lady. My father and I heard your screams and sought to aid however we were able. I am happy that we got her in time." At this Legolas turned his horse and began walking down the path.
Wow, Aurora thought, She had just been saved by a prince. She nudged Egg forward when a shock of realization that almost made her nauseous. A prince had saved her? Along with his father. Aurora's eyes shot up to see the retreating Elk.
This was the Elvenking.
He had just helped rescue her.
She had accused him of being an asshole.
After stabbing him.
Fuck...
TRANSLATIONS:
*Elvish*
Av-'osto - Don't be afraid
Le nathathon - We will help you
