CONTENT WARNING: Rated M for Strong language.

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

A/N: Another fluff chapter but with some important points! The next chapter will be back in the action. :)
- P

Song for the Chapter: "Just Breathe" by Pearl Jam


Chapter 16 - Punishments & Deep Thoughts

Oh dear, never saw you coming

Oh my, look what you have done
You're my favorite song
Always on the tip of my tongue
"Tip of My Tongue" The Civil Wars


"Have you lost your FUCKING mind?!" Aurora shouted not caring if anyone else heard.

"Excuse me if I wasn't in the most logical state!" He shot back.

"Augs..." Aurora spoke low, "The sentiment behind your actions means a lot to me... But you can't punch a King."

Augustus didn't look at his sister as he retorted, "Might I remind you that you stabbed him before even being properly introduced?"

"Need I remind you of the circumstances surrounding that encounter?" She glared hard at her brother.

They sat in uncomfortable silence, both wishing the second bottle of wine would manifest. Augustus silently found extra blankets in the corner of the tent and laid down next to Aurora's bed. He rolled onto his side so he was facing the doorway. "I'm sorry," he whispered, "I doubt I'll be executed, that would've happened already I feel. But I stand by my actions and I'll accept whatever repercussions follow."


Thranduil sat at his table enjoying his bowl of fruit as he looked around the table. Lord Celeborn and Legolas had also been summoned for the meeting and, they too ate their breakfast in tense silence. Thranduil watched as Augustus picked at the fruit but did not eat anything.

"Augustus, you know why you're here." He stated with indifference and watched as Augustus only silently nodded his head. He rose from his chair and began to walk the length of the tent. "Elves consider themselves a peaceful race and we pride ourselves in having control over our emotions. We only turn to violence when we are united against a common enemy. For one elf to strike another is a rare situation. For an elf to strike a King... Is something that cannot be allowed to stand without penalty."

"Understand Augustus," Legolas spoke softer than his father, "If this would've happened with the palace you would've been thrown into the dungeons indefinitely."

"Augustus, what were you thinking?" Celeborn looked at him with hard eyes.

"I wasn't," Augustus murmured, rolling a blueberry around in his fingers, "The only thing I could think of was what those monsters were doing to Auri."

"I know how much you care for your sister," Legolas continued, "I saw as much when you collapsed from the tree last night."

"I will accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate." Augustus made eye contact with Thranduil for the first time.

"Good, because one has already been decided for you." The King looked from Augustus to Legolas, "I have chosen to consult with Legolas regarding what action should be taken and I believe we have reached a suitable arrangement." Thranduil sat down once more. "You see, Legolas helps my Captain's of the Guard in combat training whether it is archery, swordplay or hand-to-hand combat. You will now be his assistant. You will maintain the uniforms; clean them they become bloodied. You'll clean and sharpen all the weapons, set up anything that Legolas may need. You will do this every day for as long as Legolas requires your assistance and it will be done without complaint." Thranduil paused to allow the words to sink in. "And should another situation of such insolency occur, you will be banished from the Woodland Realm until the end of your days. Do you have any concerns with the punishment that has been set before you?"

"No, Your Majesty," Augustus replied.

"Good," He looked to Celeborn and Legolas, "I will speak to the boy alone."

With a nod, the two elves left, leaving Thranduil and Augustus alone. They sat in silence, listening to the camp being broken down around them. Augustus took a deep breath and spoke first, "I am truly sorry, Your Majesty."

"Your apology is accepted and appreciated," Thranduil answered with a hint of disinterest. "I'm curious… Legolas said you collapsed last night, from a tree. What caused this?"

"Aurora," Augustus relaxed into his chair, noting the King's confused expression, "It's a pain, in my chest that I feel whenever something is wrong with her. If she is ever sad or upset I feel it. It's like a twinge of pain in my chest. But on extremely rare situations when Auri has been in extreme danger, it's the worst pain I've ever felt. It feels like my heart is being ripped from my chest and I can do nothing to stop it."

Thranduil listened carefully, "How many times have you felt such a pain?"

Augustus tensed up and his face paled slightly, "Only once before last night. Two years ago."

Thranduil assumed that he was alluding to the incident leading to Aurora's scars but chose not to pry further. "I believe I may know what magic connects you and your sister, but it would require some research to confirm. When you are not tending to your responsibilities with Legolas, you may have use of my private library should you desire it."

"Thank you," Augustus breathed, "Thay would be wonderful."

"Then it's settled." Thranduil looked away, his face indifferent once more. The two sat in silence for a long moment as Augustus finally began to eat some of the fruit in his bowl. "Before you leave, there is one more thing I wish to discuss with you, Augustus."

"What is that, Your Majesty?" Augustus spoke with a more relaxed tone.

"Your sister," Thranduil took a long breath as he broached the dreaded subject, "There is more to the prophecy than she is aware. She will need to know, in time; but I don't feel she is ready yet."

"What does the prophecy say?"

Augustus listened in disbelief as Thranduil fully explained everything. Their conversation on the subject lasted for several hours until they agreed to keep the information from Aurora until the time was right.


The next several days were blissfully uneventful. Aurora had a difficult time adjusting to riding Egg with one leg and eventually agreed to be roped together with Odin so she wouldn't fall off. The cut on her head had already healed and the wound in her leg was almost gone. However, the muscle damage was far from healed and she still found it difficult to ride with her foot in the stirrup or even simply walk for too long.

They had reached the other side of the mountain and within another day of travel, the great Anduin river could be seen not far from camp. The two groups would separate in the morning. It was decided to set camp early and Aurora decided to explore the area and try to regain strength into her leg.

She wandered through the trees until she came across a little shrub being blocked by the larger trees Aurora limped over to the shrub and gently lowered herself to the ground she slid the Ondo Ilma out from under her tunic and held the stone in her hand as she began to sing. The familiar glow emanated from her hand and into the nearest branch of the small shrub. As she continued singing the leaves turned a darker green and the branches began to turn and move towards the sun. As the song ended, Aurora felt a strange pull as the light coming from her fingers danced in the air for a moment and went into the stone around her neck. She gasped softly as she felt the stone grow warm momentarily before fading.

"Your power grows."

Lady Galadriel smiled as Aurora's head spun around to meet her gaze. "It did something," Aurora breathed, "the stone it— "

"It stored a bit of your magic," Galadriel explained, "the stone is beginning to change and attune to you."

Aurora looked back down at the stone resting in her hands, "Why?"

"I told you," Galadriel sat on the ground next to Aurora. "This stone will aid in harnessing and controlling your magic. As you grow stronger, so too will the stone."

Galadriel watched quietly as Aurora rolled the stone between her fingers. The girl had changed so much in the short amount of time she'd arrived, Galadriel knew that darkness would come after her and she needed to be properly prepared. She looked around where the pair sat; the setting sun turned the sky a beautiful orange. Her eyes drifted upward to confirm the suspicion she had since arriving at where Aurora sat on the ground. She met the piercing blue gaze high up in the tree and a small smile graced her lips. The Elvenking held Galadriel's gaze for several moments and then turned his attention back to Aurora; his face softening.

"Aurora," Galadriel spoke softly, "I would take my leave. Although I would like to speak with you alone once more before we part company. Will you join me for breakfast tomorrow?"

"I would be honored." Aurora smiled sweetly as she watched Galadriel gracefully rise and walk away.

Aurora turned her attention back to the shrub, running her fingers along a branch and smiled again, "Grow strong little one." She laid back in the grass and closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face.

Thranduil watched her silently, enchanted as she effortlessly relaxed in the grass. He wanted to climb from his tree and lay beside her, the feeling of his arms wrapped around her waist as he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Hello handsome, I was wondering when you would find me."

Her words brought Thranduil back to reality as his heart jumped from his chest. Had she seen him? His eyes shot open and he saw that Egg had joined her. He sighed, relieved that he hadn't been seen; that would have been awkward to explain indeed.


Aurora walked into Lady Galadriel's tent the next morning to find to bowls of fruit already waiting for them. She saw that Galadriel was already seated, eating from the bowl. When Aurora entered she looked up and made direct eye contact with her.

Thank you for joining me, Aurora.

The words echoed in Aurora's head and her eyes widened. "How do you do that?" She breathed and took the seat next to Galadriel.

"That is what I want to discuss with you," Galadriel explained, "Not all elves have the ability to communicate through our thoughts, but often when other magical abilities are present, it can be learned. I would like to see if you have the ability to open your mind enough to allow your thoughts to flow into me."

Aurora shifted in her seat as Galadriel stood and began walking in a circle around the table.

Close your eyes, Aurora heard her voice in her head again and complied with the request, Good. Now clear your mind of all thoughts. Don't allow it to linger on anything, focus solely on the sound of my voice. Now… Take a long deep breath and attempt to reply.

Aurora's eyes darted back and forth under her eyelids as she tried to absorb all the information that Galadriel was giving her.

This is fucking insane, Aurora thought to herself. How could she communicate with someone through her mind?

"I wouldn't say insane, but it is a peculiar ability."

Aurora's eyes shot open and she met Galadriel's entertained smile. "You heard that?!"

"Indeed, I did." Galadriel chuckled and returned to her seat at the table. "After we have departed, I will periodically contact you through this method so please do not be alarmed. It is an important tool to master if; Eru forbid, you are ever taken from us again."

Aurora listened quietly. That made sense, to be able to send out a silent cry for help would be useful, but hopefully not ever needed. "I want to thank you, for your kindness since my brother and I arrived."

"Of course child," Galadriel smiled, "Before I forget… I have a gift for you."

"Galadriel, I don't think I could accept another gift from— "

Aurora paused and stared at what Galadriel had set on the table between them. The simple green bag was lined with yellow vines that looped into the logo reading Merek Flowers.

"So it was you that day?" Aurora breathed.

"Yes," Galadriel nodded, "Although I am not of your bloodline, the runes put on the cave for the realm shift were of my creation, therefore I was able to pass through to the other realm. I had felt a dark building and had to see for myself that you and your brother were well. Several of those flowers are not native to Arda. I thought you would like to bring a little bit of your old world back home."

Aurora opened the bag and saw packets of seeds to some of her favorite flowers. "This is amazing." Aurora looked up to meet Galadriel's eyes, "Thank you so much."

The two women embraced as Celeborn entered to inform Galadriel that they would be leaving within the hour.


As the delegation from Lorien finished packing camp they moved to set out.

Aurora walked over to where Haldir had mounted his horse and he looked down at her with a smile, "Galo Anor erin rad lin, Aurora."

Aurora rolled her eyes, "I'm not even going to pretend that I know what you just said."

Haldir laughed, "It means 'may the sun shine upon your path'. We will meet again, my Lady. There is already talk of a celebration in the Woodland Realm for the Autumn Equinox."

Well, until we meet again." Aurora smile wide, "Don't forget to lift your toes inside your boot when you ride."

With a final laugh, Haldir rode off to meet the rest of the group as they departed.


After crossing the Anduin River the following day, Legolas, Augustus, and several other King's guards rode ahead to alert the sentry's at the edge of the Greenwood that the delegation would be arriving soon.

Aurora winced as she rode Egg along with the remaining group. Suddenly she felt a presence next to her and she looked over into the face of an elk.

"Hand me the rope on your saddle." Thranduil coolly ordered.

Aurora arched an eyebrow, "What? No, I'm fine. I just— "

"You've almost fallen from Egg twice in the last several minutes. Give me the rope and I shall lead Egg so you may rest."

Aurora gave the rope to Thranduil, his fingers lightly grazing hers as he took the rope. A soft tingle lingered on Aurora's hand where he had touched her and she couldn't help but smile. Thranduil pulled Egg closer to his elk and the pair rode in silence, just enjoying each other's company. Aurora saw the vast forest growing in the distance and before long the rest of the delegation stood at the boundary, greeted by those who had ridden ahead and a large number of soldiers. Before they stopped in front of the large group Thranduil leaned down to Aurora and whispered, "Welcome to the Woodland Realm, Ilma nin.'


He stood at the entrance of the cave his eyes closed as he pressed Burzum Gund against his chest. His dark eyes scanned the tops of the trees below, a wicked smile graced his lips.

Da atar gusn lat na gurib pugh, Dab burz Gothlob.


TRANSLATIONS:
**Elvish**
Galo Anor erin rad lin - May the sun shine upon your path
Ilma nin - My starlight

**Black Speech**
Da atar gusn lat na gurib pugh, Dab burz Gothlob - I can feel you in our forest, my Dark Queen