CONTENT WARNING: Rated M for: Strong language and violence.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. I do not own the song "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard. This is for entertainment only.
A/N: Hey friends! Still a fluffy-esque chapter with some fun along the way! Enjoy. Please continue to Read & Review!
- P
Chapter 13 - Let's Make A Deal
"I let you see the parts of me that weren't all that pretty,
And with every touch you fixed them."
Just Give Me a Reason by P!nk
Traveling through the Misty Mountains wasn't as treacherous as Aurora had expected. They had come across a few packs of crazy-looking wolves, which she later learned were called Wargs, but the Elves had made quick work of them. They made it a point to stop and make camp every night. After several days of travel they approached the summit of the High Pass the horse became uneasy, even Egg began sidestepping more than normal, they carried on and decided to make camp at the summit. They dismounted and began setting things up and Aurora decided to do her customary exploration of the surrounding area.
As she walked through the trees, at least a mile or two from the Elven encampment, she turned a corner and froze. There was a cave. Aurora knew she shouldn't wander off alone; but her curiosity got the better of her and she moved towards the entrance; but before she could cross the threshold she felt a hand clap onto her shoulder and spin her around quickly.
"Don't even think about it, loser." Augustus glared at his sister. "Nothing bad has happened to you in the last three days and I would love if it stayed that way."
Aurora looked at him annoyed, "You know you just jinxed this entire group with saying that, right?"
"Seriously, Auri… What are you doing?"
Aurora vaguely gestured to the cave behind her, "I thought I would try my hand at spelunking again… It went so well last time."
"No." Augustus stated firmly.
"No?" Aurora arched an eyebrow. "You realize it is now mandatory that I explore this cave because you tried to order me not to."
"Auri, please.?"
"Oh come on! You have your bow and arrow and sword, I have my dagger, we both have a good set of lungs should we need to scream for backup… Please." Aurora batted her long eyelashes at her brother.
"Should the Lady wish to explore the cave I can accompany the two of you should something arise."
The twins turned to see Legolas perched in one of the trees above them, looking entertained. However; he was silently rejoicing that he did not have any siblings.
"Your Grace," Aurora smiled, "I'm sure you have much more important things to do than-"
"Nonsense." Legolas interrupted with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I'm always doing perimeter checks or sitting in on meetings with the King. Rarely do I get to just explore with friends." Augustus and Aurora unknowingly smiled wider as the Woodland Prince referred to them as friends. "But if I do explore with you, I must insist that you call me Legolas."
The trio explored the cave, it was mostly one large room with several trails leading from it. As Aurora walked through one of the passages she was instantly hit with an immense heat that almost took her breath away. As she walked into the large room they could see the droplets of water falling from the ceiling. Augustus was amazed at the sight. Not only were they standing in the middle of a natural hot spring; but it was complete with an underground waterfall.
"Well fuck..." Aurora breathed. She turned and looked back at Augustus, "I'm totally coming back and enjoying this later tonight."
"Get in line." Augustus joked back.
The trio laughed and joked as they made their way back out of the cave and rejoined the rest of the elves.
The group ate in high-spirits. Laughing and joking, passing wine around and sharing stories. Aurora enjoyed sitting back and just observing the group. So much had changed in the last month of her life; but things were starting to feel like a new version of normal. Things were starting to feel right. As her eyes scanned over the joyous group, her eyes fell on the lone figure in the background. His blue eyes danced with firelight as he returned her gaze. Had he already been watching her? Aurora felt her pulse quicken as their eyes remained locked; she noticed a slight smile at the edge of his perfect lips. She offered a sweet smile and subtly raised her wine goblet in his direction and took a sip of her wine. He returned the gesture and turned away.
Aurora grabbed a fresh travel towel. She was already looking forward to the long soak ahead of her in the cave hot spring. She had decided to go back alone, Augustus, Haldir and Legolas had been sent out with a hunting party after a report of another pack of Wargs in the area had come in.
She practically skipped along the dark passageway into the hot spring cavern; not noticing the shadow following her.
After arriving at the spring she sat at the edge of the pool. She slowly removed her boots and tunic; setting them to the side. She now sat in only her leggings and tank top and carefully slipped her legs into the warm water. She exhaled a relaxed sigh as the water soothed her aching muscles. She pulled at the hair tie and let her curly locks fall down around her shoulders.
Thranduil watched silently from the entryway. He had seen her going off alone and wanted to ensure she was safe. Now he found her relaxing at the edge of a beautiful hot spring; he hair let loose from it's confines. Only wearing her leggings and sleeveless-tunic, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the soothing warmth from the hot spring. His eyes drifted from her hair to the shoulder under the curls.
The pink scars swirled around her shoulder and down her arm; ending just before her elbow. The scars extended down the back of her shoulder and disappeared underneath her sleeveless tunic. Seeing the scars to this extent caused an all-too-familiar pang in his chest. A pang that he had become to recognize whenever he sought to comfort the elleth now in front of him.
He softly cleared his throat, not wanting to startle her too much. Her head snapped around and met his piercing blue eyes. Her breath caught in her chest.
He tried to maintain a cool and collected facade as he walked towards her, "It seems I have already advised you not to wander off in these mountains alone; yet I see you skipping off into a cave to locate a hidden hot spring." He stopped next to where she sat and looked down at her with a sly smile; "I'm sure you can understand why I find this concerning."
"I apologize, Your Majesty." Aurora could feel her cheeks flush. She looked away from him and reached for her tunic; trying to keep her shoulder from his view.
Thranduil saw her shift and tried to ease her concern; placing a hand on her shoulder and kneeling so their faces were even, "Lady Aurora…" He felt her tense at his touch; but he felt something else. It was the first time he had touched her without a gloved hand. Her skin was smooth as glass and warm under his fingers. Her eyes looked at the spot his hand met her arm, feeling a subtle tingling under his fingers. She slowly raised her eyes met his once more and her breath quickened realizing how close he was, "Please, my Lady. Do not hide yourself from me."
He spoke with a kind directness that surprised Aurora. His eyes were soft and warm. "I do not want pity, Majesty. It is less of a distraction if I simply cover-"
"Let's make a deal then." He cut her off. He settled completely on his knees in front of her, slowly taking her hand into his. He had thought of an idea that might help set her mind at ease. But if it failed…
"The deal… To be honored only when the two of us are alone, will be as such…" Thranduil took a deep breath before continuing. He knew that if he spoke the words on the tip of his tongue there would be no going back. "We will not hide our scars from each other."
The words hung in the air for several minutes. During which only the sound of the small waterfall filled the silence. Aurora's brow furrowed at the King's proposition so he elaborated, attempting to keep his voice even, not wanting to show the fear he felt by what he was offering to her.
"I, too, bear the scars of tragedy. Although mine are not so easily covered by clothing, I have learned a type of magic that can conceal the marks I bear. I offer this to make you see that I stand by what I said that first day in the clearing. Scars as nothing to be ashamed of; even I do not live by those words. My vanity as King prevents me from being willing to reveal mine more openly. But for you…" His voice trailed off as he saw Aurora's face softened at his further explanation, "Should you agree, you and I shall never hide our scars from one another. What say you?"
Aurora couldn't believe what she was hearing. This Elven man, this Elvenking was willing to share something so personal simply to make her feel better. She took a deep breath in and unconsciously squeezed his hand tighter.
"Yes."
Thranduil felt his chest tighten as he felt the pressure of her fingers against his, "All I ask is that you do not scream." He looked away from her and dropped his gaze to the floor. Taking several deep breaths he allowed the glamour over his face to slowly drop.
Aurora watched as the King closed his eyes tight, a brief grimace of pain as his face began to shift and change. Aurora watched as deep scars sunk into his once perfect skin. They stretched upward until they curled around his brow and extended down his cheekbone and jawline. As the scars touched the tops of his cheek the piercing blue of his left eye faded into pure white.
Thranduil was breathing heavily; his good eye trained on the ground, waiting for any movement from the elleth he had just trusted with one of his darkest secrets. He flinched slightly when he felt a warm sensation on his face and his head was lifted until his eyes connected with pools of soft jade.
"It would appear, Majesty," Aurora whispered softly as her hand cupped the Elvenking's face. Her thumb softly caressing his scarred cheekbone, "That we have both been kissed by fire."
"Aurora," He smiled at using her given name, softly chuckled and pressed his hand to cover the top of hers, closing his eyes briefly at the sensation. He opened his eyes and met hers once more, "Another part of this arrangement will be that you do not address me so formally in these situations. Understood?"
"Yes," Aurora paused, "Thranduil."
He smiled once more as his name fell from her lips; sounding as sweet as honey. Aurora removed her hand from his face and turned her attention back to the pool in front of them. She absently pulled her hair into a knot that rested elegantly at the top of her head and slipped into the water; sighing once more as the warm water enveloped her and soothed her racing heart. She turned back and met the King's confused expression, "Will you join me?"
Giving a slight nod Thranduil removed his boots, robe and tunic. Aurora tried not to stare but it was hard. She knew he was a soldier, therefore in good shape, but what she was seeing had exceeded every expectation she had imagined. He slowly lowered himself into the water enjoying the feeling of the water covering him.
They sat in silence, enjoying the water for several minutes until Thranduil could not hold his curiosity back any longer, "Will you not ask me about them?"
"No, not tonight."Aurora met his eyes and smiled shyly, "I'm sure there will come a time when both stories will be revealed; but not tonight. Tonight let's just enjoy being ourselves."
Thranduil stared at her, his heart began to quicken again. How could she be so relaxed at the sight of him? His eyes drifted to the pink swirls on her shoulder and arm again, Because she has seen terror. She needs someone who understands the pain of having to hide such things; just as he needed that someone. He slowly stood up and walked over to where she sat on an underwater ledge, not breaking their eye contact. He sat next to her and rested his head on the edge of the pool. Absently-mindedly he reached and found her hand, his fingers lacing in-between hers.
Aurora glanced under the water to where the King now held her hand in his. Their fingers laced together as if created that way. A perfect fit. A small smile crossing her face. He tried to steal a glance at him but found he was already looking at her.
"Will you sing for me?" He asked softly.
Aurora smile wider and nodded in agreement; folding her legs up so she was sitting cross-legged on the underwater bench. She took several deep breaths, trying to think of a song that would best fit this moment.
I don't know you, but I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me and always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You'll make it now
Thranduil closed his eyes once more as her melodic voice filled the cavern. He would never get used to how beautiful and pure her voice sounded. He could listen to her sing for hours and never tire of it.
Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
And moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
Well, you have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won
Aurora didn't realize she had moved but when she found herself leaning against Thranduil; his strong arm wrapped around her scarred shoulder, holding her closely as her head nuzzled under his chin.
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly, sing your melody
I'll sing along
The sat in silence, gently cuddled together as the echo of Aurora's song faded from the cavern. Thranduil drew light circle patterns along her arm as their breathing synchronized in a peaceful harmony.
Aurora heard Thranduil whisper something into her hair and she looked up to meet his eyes, "What?"
Thranduil met her eyes, "Nothing."
Aurora laughed, "You're lying." She got up and started moving towards the edge of the pool where her dry clothes waited.
Thranduil feigned shock in his voice, "How dare you accuse a King of speaking falsehoods."
"Have you forgotten already?" Aurora smirked as she pulled herself up to sit on the edge of the pool, only her feet remaining in the water. "You're not a King right now. Right now you're just Thranduil."
Thranduil gave a sly smile as he stood and walked over to where she sat, "Pray tell Aurora, how is that you always seem to know when I am lying?"
Aurora shrugged simply, "You have a tell." Thranduil furrowed his brow and she furthered her explanation, "A tell. Something that you subconsciously do whenever you tell a lie."
"And what is it that gives me away in such a manner?" Thranduil rested his hand on the side of the pool edge next to Aurora.
"Nope." She smiled and laughed, "Not going to tell you. Because then you'll stop doing it and I won't be able to tell when you're lying anymore."
"And if I were to command you tell me?"
"You're commands hold no weight here, remember? Just Thranduil."
The pair laughed at the absurdity of their conversation; but at the same time relishing in how comfortably they could banter with each other. There was a pause in their laughter when they realized that, during the course of their conversation, Thranduil and somehow become positioned between her legs, his hands softly resting by the outside of her thighs.
Aurora blushed instantly and Thranduil took several steps backward. The two looked at each other again and let out an uncomfortable laugh.
"We should return to camp," Aurora pulled herself the rest of the way out of the pool and turned from Thranduil. Reaching for the towel she had brought she began to dry off; even though her leggings and tank top were soaked, "Before your son and my brother strike out with a search party."
"We wouldn't want that."
Aurora spun on her heel to find Thranduil standing inches from her. The water running down his broad chest as it moved with his breath. She looked up and saw his blue eyes staring deep into her eyes. He raised his hand to cup her face next to his palm, Aurora could feel a slight tremble in his fingers as they caressed her cheek. Slowly Thranduil lowered himself until their foreheads gently touched together. Their breathing became heavy as he saw her beautiful jade eyes close. With his eyes closed he leaned his head even closer, his lips lightly brushing against hers as he spoke, "Aurora…"
Then they were separated.
Thranduil opened his eyes to see that Aurora had taken several large steps back from him. She looked at his with a glimmer of fear in her eyes as a single tears spilled down her cheek.
"I'm sorry…" She breathed, "I'm sorry I… I can't…"
Thranduil could see her growing more upset and he realized what he had done. No one will want you now. The words echoed in his head again. He had moved to quickly and had scared her.
"Aurora, do not apologize." Thranduil moved away from her; pulling his tunic and robe back on, "I am at fault and it is I who should apologize to you." He moved back toward her as she finished pulling on her own boots and tunic, "I would never cause you distress. Gweston."
"Gweston?" Aurora repeated, confused.
Thranduil stopped in front of her. "I promise."
They stood in silence again for another long moment before turning to leave the cavern. They walked through the passageways until Aurora could feel the cool night air against her skin as she stepped into the cavern's main room.
All at once the pair had hands wrap around their mouths and were shoved to their knees on the cave floor. Aurora looked around in panic as two large Orcs held Thranduil's arms and a third directly behind him; one disgusting hand covering his mouth while the other held a sword firmly to his throat. The Elvenking's eyes instantly filled with rage as he saw two more Orcs wordlessly pick up Aurora from the ground and carry her out of his sight from the cave.
He began to thrash wildly against the orcs until a swift kick to his face sent him tumbling to the ground. The next several moments were filled with the sounds of bones breaking and blood beginning to flow. Thranduil had a moment of clarity and opened his mind, sending out a desperate plea before blacking out.
Lady Galadriel, hear me...
A/N: What a sweet evening together! Until it wasn't... In my defense, Augustus did jinx it for Aurora.
I should've warned you guys that, I am a big fan of cliffhangers in my writing. But luckily I am updating regularly so it shouldn't be too torturous on you.
Until we meet again!
TRANSLATIONS:
*Elvish*
Gweston - I promise
