CONTENT WARNING: Rated M for Strong language and violence.

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

A/N: Sorry for the delay on this chapter! I hope you guys enjoy it! I'm going to aim for two more chapters this weekend!

Song for the Chapter: "Heal" by Tom Odell


Chapter 15 - Attentions & Intentions
"You never know how strong you are,
Until being strong is the only choice you have."
-Bob Marley


The doors of the emergency room slammed open as paramedics rushed in, pulling the stretcher into the closest room available, the trauma team already standing by.

"BP is 85/60 and falling."

"Large puncture wound to the lower abdomen."

"Have the OR on standby, we're going to need to move her quickly."

"Multiple third-degree burns the chest, shoulder, back, and arm."

"AURORA!" He ran through the ER with the detectives following close behind.

He rounded a corner and caught a glimpse of her as the nurses worked quickly and he was about to step into the room when a nurse pushed him back out.

"I'm sorry, sir. You can't come in here." She spoke gently.

"You don't understand, that's my baby sister." Augustus could feel the tears stinging the back of his eyes and he tried to step around the nurse but she pushed back against him harder.

"Sir, I'm sorry. You need to stay out here." She spoke with more authority as she pushed him from the room. "You need to let us save her."

Let us save her. The words almost caused him to blackout. He stumbled backward and was caught by Detective Statend. The Detective led him to an isolated waiting room and sat down with Augustus.

"Where?" Augustus stammered, his eyes unfocused and staring at the ground, "Where did they find her?"

Detective Statend sighed, "In an abandoned warehouse. Someone was jogging passed. They saw the smoke and heard screaming..." He paused as Augustus propped his head in his hands and closed his eyes tight. He could see tears starting to fall down his cheeks. "We've updated the BOLO on Sam's car and issued an ATL."

"ATL?" Augustus lifted his head slightly.

"Attempt To Locate," Statend explained and then added. "We'll get him, Augustus."

The conversation was interrupted as a doctor walked into the waiting room and Augustus jumped up to meet him. "How is she?"

"She's going into surgery now." The doctor explained. "We are treating the burns but our main concern is the stab wound. We don't know if anything has been punctured but she is losing a lot of blood. Do you know if you two are the same blood type? we may need a fast transfusion and her blood type is extremely rare."

"Yeah, we're twins. Please, doctor... " Augustus whispered and made eye contact with the doctor for the first time, "She's all I have left."


Augustus was sitting on the ground with his head leaning back against a tree as Thranduil paced back and forth. They were waiting outside of the healer's tent, both trying to block out the sound of Aurora screaming. Augustus silently prayed that the elves wouldn't ask him to explain some of the vulgarities that Aurora was spewing.

Thranduil glanced down at him to see tears hiding in the corners of his eyes. "Can I have anything brought for you, Augustus?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty. But I am alright." He didn't stop staring at the doorway to the tent as he spoke, "If I may ask, will you wait for the healers? I have something back in Odin's travel bag I would like to give Aurora when she is done with the healers."

Thranduil gave a nod of agreement and Augustus walked into the darkness of the camp. Thranduil could see in his eyes that he could not bear to hear his sister's screams and he couldn't blame him. Not only were the screams horrible to any that heard, each outburst felt like another stab in Thranduil's heart.

"If you are attempting to sneak up on me, it would seem you have failed once more." He glanced upward into a nearby tree, seeing a silhouette he knew as well as his own.

"You know I haven't been able to sneak up on you since my first diplomatic trip to Lorien with you, Ada." Legolas jumped from the branch and landed gracefully in front of his father.

"Ah yes, what was it again that chased you up that tree?"

Legolas clenched his teeth slightly, "It was a cow."

"A baby cow, if memory serves me right." Thranduil gave his son a sideways glance, "What treasured memories indeed." The two stood in silence as Aurora let out another pained cry.

"Are the healers optimistic for her?" Legolas asked.

"They are," Thranduil began pacing once more. "It is kind of you to come and check on the Lady."

"I did come to inquire about her, but I also came to check on you." Legolas saw a slight falter in his father's step. "You were attacked as well, Ada. The gash on your head—"

Thranduil dismissively waved his hand, "Nothing but a scratch and a bloodied nose. I have already cleaned the wound and they shall be healed by tomorrow evening. Your concern is appreciated, ionneg."

Legolas watched his father curiously as the King paced back and forth. His eyes often darting to the entrance of the tent. "Ada... If I may be so bold, why were you in the cave with Lady Aurora?" Thranduil stopped mid-stride and looked to his son, unsure how to answer his question. He couldn't say he was following her for her protection considering what had happened. Legolas saw the conflict cross Thranduil's face and chose to speak further, "I've noticed the way you look at her when you think no one is watching."

"And what way is that, Legolas?" Thranduil asked attempting to keep his voice as indifferent as possible.

"To be honest... It reminds me of the way you used to look at Naneth." Thranduil's heart skipped a beat. Legolas had rarely spoken of his mother since she had sailed. It had always been a difficult subject for them to discuss. "Do you intend to court her?"

Thranduil's head snapped up to meet his son's eyes. "I intend nothing!" He coldly hissed but quickly recomposed himself. He looked to the tent and began pacing once more. "At least I ... I hadn't planned on any such thing."

Legolas stared at this father for a long moment, comprehending what he had just confessed to him. Had his father's heart truly found happiness again? He found it difficult to formulate a reply so he continued to simply stare. The silence was broken by the healers leaving the tent and approaching the King both bowing respectfully.

"How is she?" Thranduil had regained his neutral face.

"The arrow was removed and the wound cleaned." The dark-haired elleth answered. "The large cut to her head should heal within the next few days, the leg injury may take closer to two weeks until she no longer experiences any discomfort."

The healers bowed once more and were dismissed by Thranduil with a simple nod of his head. Legolas followed close behind as Thranduil entered the tent. Aurora was laying on a makeshift bed, her head was resting on a rolled-up cloak and her leg elevated. The cut on her head began at her forehead and ran down to her temple. She wore a clean white tunic and brown leggings. At the sound of someone entering she lifted her head, opening her tired eyes. "Your Majesty," she breathed, glancing between Thranduil and Legolas and she move to try and stand up, "Your Grace. I didn't expect any— "

"Please, there is no need to stand." Legolas had moved across the tent and was gently pushing Aurora back to a relaxed position. "We simply wanted to see you were well with our own eyes. I also believe I have already asked you once to call me Legolas."

"My apologies, Legolas." Aurora gave a weak smile, her eyes glancing over to Thranduil once more. "Is Augustus near?"

"He went to retrieve something only a few minutes ago," Thranduil stated flatly but held Aurora's gaze, "Before then he was stationed outside the tent while the healers were tending to you."

Legolas glanced between the two and cleared his throat, "I will go and find him for you, Aurora." With one more look at his father, he strode from the tent.

Thranduil lingered by the entrance watching as Aurora repositioned herself wincing slightly as she moved her leg. He moved towards her and once he reached the end of her bed, he slowly lowered himself to where he was sitting at the edge. He looked at the ground, simply content to be by her side once more until he felt a soft hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes as her thumb caressed under the cut he had received from an orcs fist in the cave. His hand found hers and he held it closer to his cheek, enjoying the warmth her touch brought.

As Aurora looked at him she felt a tightness in her chest at the sight of the large gash on his cheek and she felt a lump grow in her throat as she softly whispered, "I'm so sorry, Thranduil."

"Aurora," Thranduil opened his eyes and stared her intently, "those foul creatures would have attacked regardless. None of this was your fault."

The lines of her mouth hardened as she looked away and held her hands in her lap, "Considering they were here hunting me… This is the exact definition of my fault."

Thranduil rested his hand on top of hers as he leaned closer and placed his forehead against hers. The light aroma of roses filled his senses, "Gi meriathon, Ilma nin."

"You know I don't speak Elvish that well, yet." Aurora chuckled softly.

Thranduil leaned closer so his lips were almost touching her ear, "All the more motivation for you to learn."

Aurora involuntarily shivered at the feel of his breath on her ear, the delicious smell of cedar and smoky vanilla emanating from him. She had a sudden desire to run her fingers through his long hair. To feel the silky strands move around her fingers and softly caress her skin. They kept their cheeks pressed together for a long moment and enjoyed the tender contact of their skin.

"Thank you," she spoke softly. Bringing her hand up to rest against his glamoured cheek, "for saving me."

Thranduil pulled back from her slightly, taking her hand in his once again and placed a chaste kiss on her palm. "Vora, Ilma nin."

The sound of someone approaching outside quickly separated them and Thranduil stood back up and regained his indifferent mask as Augustus walked into the tent carrying something behind his back.

"Augs," Aurora smiled as her brother walked over to her and kneeled by her side.

"Hey, loser. I brought you a get well present" Augustus pulled the bottle of wine out and set it down next to her bed.

Aurora chuckled and smiled wide, "I knew I loved you for a reason."

Augustus arched an eyebrow, "Because I'm your best friend and older brother."

Aurora shook her head, "No, those reasons are inescapable. I truly love you, because you bring me alcohol."

Thranduil smiled briefly at the sarcastic banter between the twins and moved towards the doorway, turning to look at the pair. "I trust you are in safe hands now, my Lady so I will take my leave." He gave a brief nod to both of them, his eyes lingering when they met Aurora's before he turned his attention to the other twin, "Master Augustus if you would join me at my tent for breakfast in the morning, I believe we have several matters to discuss."

Augustus swallowed hard and nodded his head, "Of course, Your Majesty."

Without another word, the Elvenking left and made his way back to his tent; relishing at the slight tingle he felt on lips from kissing Aurora's palm.


Augustus was pouring his baby sister a glass of wine when he finally spoke again. "Honestly, Auri… How are you feeling?"

Aurora took a long drink of the wine after he handed it to her and answered flatly, "As if I got shot with an arrow."

"Auri."

"What do you expect me to say, Augs? I was kidnapped by horrible creatures, shot with an arrow and then had to have said arrow removed without any sort of pain killers… I've had better nights."

The twins sighed and drained their glasses as Augustus reached for the bottle again.

Auri took her brother's hand and gave it a light squeeze, "I know what this situation is reminiscent of... For both of us."

"I could've lost you…" Augustus trailed off as he started to cry again.

"I know," Aurora took another long drink from her glass, "so let's break our rule for one night. Neither of us is the rock for the other. Let's get drunk… Let's cry… Let's wallow in sadness and fear and then tomorrow we can worry about moving on."

"Deal." Augustus finished his second glass of wine and filled it once more, "and now I am expected to have breakfast with the King…"

"Yeah," Aurora mused, "What's that about? What matters do you have to discuss with him?"

"I am going to say this with the pun absolutely intended." Augustus drank the entire third glass, groaned loudly and put his head in his hands, "I royally fucked up."


TRANSLATIONS:

*Elvish*

ionneg - my son

Gi meriathon, Ilma nin - I will protect you, my starlight

Vora, Ilma nin - Always, my starlight