CONTENT WARNING: Rated M for Strong language and sexual themes.

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

A/N: Hey friends! I have a tough time writing this chapter because it is my first time writing certain types of romantic scenes.
Anyways, please please keep reviewing so I know that you guys are still enjoying the story.
XOXO - P

Song for the Chapter: "Say Something" by A Great Big World


Chapter 22 - Ghosts
Everyone is a moon and has a dark side, which he never shows to anybody.
- Mark Twain


Thranduil glared at Gandalf as the old wizard sat in his chair. He whispered dangerously low, "If you were not of the Istari— "

"You would what, King Thranduil?" Gandalf cut off the Elvenking's idle threat, "I have always made my opinion known that the girl should have known the truth from the beginning. Especially after the Nazgul attack in Rivendell. I stand by my actions."

Augustus paced back and forth as Legolas returned the letter to his father's desk. The four of them had stood in silence for a long while after Aurora had left, not knowing if they should pursue her or allow her to gather her thoughts. Legolas spoke softly, "What is to be done now?"

"I will speak to her," Thranduil stated plainly, his eyes still fixed on Gandalf.

"With all due respect Your Majesty," Augustus spoke up, "I think I should speak to her first, I guarantee that I am the one she is most upset with right now."

"Why would you assume that, Augustus?" Legolas asked.

Augustus sighed heavily and sat down, "A few years ago Auri was involved in an— An incident."

"The scars on her arms..." Gandalf mused. Thranduil's eyes dropped to the floor as he recalled the pink scars that he had caressed softly the night before in the garden.

"Yeah," Augustus nodded, "After she recovered she finally told me about a lot of things that she had been going through with a guy that she was dating. She told me about the things that he had put her through that I had no idea about because she... She didn't want to burden me with her problems." Augustus paused for a moment, his eyes growing haunted as a tear slipped down his cheek. "We made a promise to each other back then that we would never keep anything from each other again."

Gandalf sighed and looked at Augustus with sad eyes, "And now you have done just that."

Augustus nodded silently as Thranduil walked over to where Augustus was and sat down in his chair, "Why did you not tell me of this promise to your sister when I asked for you to not reveal the full prophecy to her?"

Augustus met Thranduil's eyes, "Because you're the King."

Thranduil felt a pang of guilt in his chest, "Augustus," Thranduil softened his voice, "when it comes to Aurora; you have my permission to speak freely at all times. You know her better than anyone and I will rely on your counsel where she is concerned."

"If she ever talks to either of us again," Augustus sighed.


He watched for several minutes as she argued with the guard at the palace entrance who was refusing to allow her to leave. Although he had a disdain for her, he had to admit that she was attractive to look at, particularly when she was frustrated. He decided to take pity on her and stepped out from the shadowed corridor, his soldier snapping to attention at the sight of him.

"What seems to be the problem here?"

Aurora turned around at the question, her jade eyes meeting the deep brown of the Ellon in front of her, "I forgot your name and I apologize about that," she started as he arched an eyebrow at her, "But my day has become extremely shitty and I would love to go ride my horse for a while."

"I'm Captain Priamos," he officially introduced himself and gave the guard a slight nod with his head and the soldier stepped aside, "I will escort you to the stable."

The palace doors opened to reveal a beautiful afternoon. The sun sent streams of light through the high canopy of the trees and a soft breeze brushed across Aurora's face, cooling her flushed skin. Priamos watched her carefully as the sun radiated off her pale skin, her jade eyes shining brighter as she walked through the streams of light and her dirty blonde hair looked elegant in the braid it was pulled back in. He had to admit that she was quite beautiful.

They walked silently to the stable and he followed her to the second building where he saw an exquisite black horse stick his head over his stall door and nicker softly when he saw his owner.

"Hey handsome," Aurora whispered as she walked into his stall and wrapped her arms around his strong neck, "want to get a workout in?"

"He's beautiful," Priamos spoke as he watched Aurora tack up the horse.

"Thank you," Aurora gave Egg an affectionate scratch on his forehead. "Do you want to saddle up a horse and ride with me?"

"Not today," He replied shortly.

Aurora shrugged and led Egg out of the stable and to the training field she had ridden him previously. She got on his back and began walking him around the field to warm him up. As she brought him up to a trot his tail began hitting her every other stride and Aurora could feel him tensing as his ears pricked forward while they seemed to twitch slightly. Aurora placed a reassuring hand on his neck and slowed down to a walk again as she whispered, "Hey bud, what's wrong?"

Priamos could see the concern on her face as she stroked Egg's strong neck, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah," Aurora called back, "He's just anxious about someth-" Egg suddenly reared up and Aurora had to cling to his mane to stay on his back, when his hooves hit the ground again and she was thrown forward, still clinging to his neck and she saw what had spooked him and she felt the terror well inside of her again.

He was standing along the tree line. He stood out in his jeans and leather jacket, his baseball cap shadowing his dark green eyes. He smirked as Aurora began to cry, he waved his arm in her direction and Egg spooked again rearing high in the air. But this time Aurora didn't hold on as she fell to the ground and felt her head smack hard against a rock and she blacked out.


"Now what is this business regarding your parents, Master Augustus?" Gandalf asked.

Augustus shifted in his seat, "If it's alright, I would like to wait for that conversation until my sis— "

A sharp knocking at the door interrupted him as Galion came in, his face flushed as he looked at the King, "Your Majesty, apologies for the intrusion." He was breathless, "there's been an accident on the training fields."

Legolas snapped his head, "Which of the soldiers was injured."

"Not a soldier," Galion paled slightly, "it seems there was an unfortunate incident with Lady Aurora— "

The four men were running out the door before Galion could finish. The sight of the King and Prince running sent any elf in their path scurrying out of the way. They rounded the corner of the healing halls just as Priamos came around the corner at the other end of the hall.

Thranduil almost stopped in his tracks at the sight of Aurora. Priamos held her unconscious body close to his chest as he ran through the door into the healing hall, as her head tilted backward, Thranduil caught sight of blood across her face.

They entered as Priamos was setting her down, Kasterren already leaning over her, muttering in Elvish. Augustus rushed to her side and took her hand as he kneeled next to her bed, Gandalf hovering behind him watching the healer work. Legolas turned to speak to Priamos when a hand grabbed the Captain's shoulder and he was pulled backward. Legolas watched as his father threw the captain against the far wall, quickly striding forward and seizing him by his throat.

"WHAT HAPPENED?!" Thranduil's voice echoed around the room.

Priamos eyes were wide, "My— My King… The Lady was riding her horse on the training field and the horse was startled by something. The horse reared back and she was tossed to the ground." Thranduil released the Captain and turned to Aurora.

"That's not right," Augustus whispered.

"What do you mean, Augustus?" Thranduil asked with a stern edge to his voice.

Augustus looked up to the King, "Aurora has had that horse for 12 years and I've only ever seen him rear up once."

Before more inquiries could be made, Aurora woke up with a loud gasp that startled everyone in the room. Augustus was instantly sitting on the bed by her side trying to calm Aurora as she hysterically cried.

"Hey, hey, you're alright," Augustus soothed, "It was just an accident."

"No…" Aurora was trembling, Thranduil could see her eyes were wide with terror, "No… We have to go. We have to leave— "

Augustus brow furrowed, "Auri, you hit your head. It's okay—"

"NO!" Aurora shouted and jumped out of her bed to loud objections, she tried to walk for the door, "I can't stay here… I need to leave I— "

"Auri, stop it." Augustus had a firm grip on her shoulders as he turned her around, "You aren't making any sense. What has you so scared?"

"He's here." Aurora cried the words and everyone in the room stood silently and watched the terrified girl.

"Aurora, what are you saying?" Augustus asked slowly, he knew only one thing that caused this reaction in her, "What spooked Egg in the clearing."

Fresh tears spilled over onto her cheeks as she met her brother's eyes for the first time and she whispered, "Sam."

Thranduil's stomach dropped at the name as he remembered the last memory he had accidentally seen. Augustus's eyes closed tight as he pulled Aurora into a hug, "Auri… He can't get to you here. I know that it's been stressful today but— "

"No, no! I did not imagine this! Do not make me feel crazy!" She shouted. She scanned the room until Thranduil met her gaze and she walked over to him, "Do it."

Thranduil arched an eyebrow at her.

She took his hands and placed them on her face so his index fingers were touching her temples, "You can see that I'm not crazy… Please."

Thranduil wanted to object to her request but the desperation in her eyes silenced any argument he could make. With a silent nod, he shifted slightly and held Aurora in a deep gaze, "Open your mind to me." Aurora felt the pull at the back of her mind as her eyes unfocused.

He was on the training field, he could sense Aurora's emotions regarding Egg's agitated state; the horse reared once and came back down and then Thranduil saw him. The stranger in the treeline; his foreign clothes standing out but Thranduil focused in on his eyes. The eyes that had held such malice as they watched Aurora suffer at his hands.

He had seen these eyes before.

Thranduil severed the connection with a step back, he was breathing heavily as he looked at everyone else around the room. His eyes fell on the Captain who was still by the doorway, Thranduil gathered himself together and set his jaw, "Captain Priamos… There is an intruder within the main gates, rally your men and you do not rest until he is captured." With a short nod, Priamos left.

Thranduil turned his attention back to Aurora to see that she had sunk to the ground, hugging her knees close to her chest. Augustus was already at her side holding her close. Thranduil could here Aurora whispering, "He's going to kill me… He's not going to stop, Augs." Thranduil felt a rage building in him towards the intruder in his forest, towards the man who had caused such pain and fear in Aurora's life. He turned at the sound of footsteps entering the hall to see his three Councilors in the doorway with looks of concern.

"We heard the Lady had been in an accident," Lord Gawain stated.

"The Lady has received a head injury due to a fall from her horse. But the more urgent matter is that there is an intruder who was seen in the tree line along the back training field. I want him found."

"It will be done." Lord Allistair nodded and left.

"The Lady needs rest." Kasterren finally spoke up.

"Tell me Kasterren," Thranduil turned to the healer, "Is the Lady's injury severe?"

"No," the healer shook her head, "Just a scrape it should heal by the end of tomorrow. But the emotional stress— "

Thranduil turned from the healer again and looked to his son, "Legolas, bring Augustus and Aurora to the royal residence. They will stay there until this culprit is caught."

Thranduil watched as Legolas helped Augustus pull Aurora to her feet. She was still crying and Legolas ended up lifting her into his arms. Thranduil felt a stab in his chest at the sound of her sobs and it took every ounce of self-control he had to not to take her into his arms and hold her until her fears were chased away. But he had a monster to catch.

As Legolas passed, Thranduil caught him by the arm, "Berio den (protect her)."

"Di nin cuil, Ada (With my life, Father)." Legolas reverently bowed his head to his father and strode from the room with Augustus close behind him.

Thranduil watched the empty doorway for several moments, This wouldn't have happened if she hadn't been angry, Thranduil thought to himself. If I had told her about the prophecy…

"My King?'

Thranduil looked over to see Lord Sankrovyn and Lord Gaiwan looking at him. His eyes hardened as he set clenched his jaw and finally allowed his rage to take hold of him. "Ready my armor."


Augustus followed Legolas closely as they turned down an elegant corridor with large wooden doors closed at the far end, "Why are we going to the royal residence?"

Legolas did not stop as he approached the large doors, "Edro i annon! (Open the doors!)" The two guards followed the Prince's orders without question. As Legolas walked passed with the twins he called over his shoulder, "Edaid lin gwanod... Aen pen ach i Aran Thranduil can-ando, dago din. (Double your numbers… Should anyone but the King demand entrance, kill them.)"

The large doors swung closed behind them as Legolas led them into a large sitting area. He gently set Aurora settee that was in front of a large fireplace. "My father sent you here because this is the safest spot in the palace, for every guard you see there are two more that you do not see. You and Aurora will be safe here."

Augustus watched Aurora as she turned to face the back of the settee and curled into a ball, clutching her knees to her chest. He sighed heavily and looked away, "We aren't safe if Sam is really here..."

Legolas watched as Augustus sat down at the large dining table, resting his elbows on the table and set his head in his hands. Legolas slowly walked over and sat down next to Augustus, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Augustus, look at me," Legolas spoke softly but with determination. Augustus slowly looked up and met the Prince's gaze, his eyes were distant and weary. "On my life, this man will not touch your sister."

Augustus let a silent tear slip from his eye, "I don't want to sound ungrateful or insensitive... But this question will come off sounding like that."

"In regards to your sister, I give you the same freedom Ada has and you may speak as blunt and free as you desire where she is concerned," Legolas replied.

"Why are you so protective of her?"

Legolas took a long moment and looked over at the now sleeping Aurora on the settee. " Augustus... In the month since our meeting, I have seen Ada smile more than he has in the past thousand years. Aurora has truly brought a light back to him that I thought extinguished forever. For that, I am forever in her debt and as long as she holds his heart; I will protect her with my life."

Augustus followed his gaze and watched his sister, "That means more to me than you'll ever know, Your Grace."

"Legolas," the Prince replied and met Augustus's eyes, "only when we are in meetings or public situations will you need to address me so formally, even then only once upon our initial greeting. When it is as informal as this, 'Legolas' will do just fine." Legolas watched as Augustus silently nodded, "If I may... I know that I have no right to ask this question but given the circumstance, I feel that I must... Who is he?"

Augustus looked away from his sister and sighed heavily, "His name's Sam. He was her boyfriend for 6 years in our other realm. A boyfriend would probably be called a lover or whatever in this realm... Anyways, he was great at the beginning. He treated Aurora great and completely doted on her. After our parents died there was a shift. He started controlling her."

Legolas furrowed his brow, "Controlled?"

"Yeah," Augustus dropped his eyes to the floor, "small things at first... Asking that she not wear certain types of things, wearing her hair certain ways that he 'liked'. She told me that he had hit her a few times, berated and talked down to her and I was ready to kill him then. We thought that things would be okay after she broke things off with him."

Legolas realized that his fist had clenched at his side and he relaxed his hand as he asked, "What happened?"

Augustus sat silent for several minutes. Legolas was about to ask if he was okay when he spoke again, "He kidnapped her... Held her hostage for ten days in an abandoned building until someone was jogging by and heard her screaming when he— " Augustus cut himself off and took several deep breaths, feeling the familiar pain in his chest as he remembered that dark time, "He almost killed her and the police never caught him... and now he's back."


Thranduil rode to meet his soldiers who had been searching the surrounding tree line for the intruder.

"Captains, Report!" He shouted as he came upon Priamos and Tauriel.

Both Captain's turned and bowed at the sight of their King then Tauriel stepped forward and addressed him, "My King, there is no sign of the intruder. We've searched the forest within the main gates multiple times to avail."

Thranduil clenched his jaw, "Search again. I will take a small party outside of the walls to search in those areas."

Thranduil nudged his elk forward as he made his way to the front gate, determination blazing in his eyes.


He watched from the shadows as the soldiers scurried around seeking the intruder. Seeking him. He smiled maliciously as his faithful servant strode towards him, taking care to ensure he wasn't seen.

He nodded his head in acknowledgment, "Mae garnen, Priamos (Well done, Priamos). You have performed admirably."

Priamos knelt before the shadowed figure and bowed his head, "La fael, Herdir. (Thank you, Master.)"

The shadowed figure gestured for the Captain to stand, "You know what to do next?"

Priamos nodded, "Yes, Master."


Aurora's senses slowly began to wake up one at a time. First, she could feel the plush and soft feel of a pillow conforming perfectly to her head. The gentle pressure of a cloak surrounded her, filling her senses with the now-familiar scent of cedar and smoky vanilla. She slowly opened her eyes and only saw the fabric of the settee. She vaguely recalled Legolas setting her down somewhere.. Where am I? She thought to herself. She slowly sat up holding her head as it pounded; the cloak falling off and hitting the floor with a soft thud. She heard movement behind her and turned quickly to meet a gaze of piercing blue.

He was standing by the lit fireplace, his arm resting on the mantle and a goblet in his hand. He wore robes of soft grey that seemed to brighten his eyes; the glow of the fire made him seem even more radiant than he already was. He walked over to the settee as Aurora turned around the rest of the way and let her feet touch the floor. He sat down next to her, unsure if she was still upset with him.

"What time is it?" She asked.

"Close to two in the morning," Thranduil answered dryly.

"Where are Legolas and Augs?" Aurora asked after a long moment.

"By the time I came back here, it was close to 11 in the evening and Augustus was attempting to sleep sitting upright at the dining table so I insisted he returned to his room and gets some rest, he is still recovering after all. As for Legolas, he is with Tauriel and Priamos seeing to the security of your room. "

Aurora's eyes grew wide, "Is he in the palace?"

Thranduil squeezed her shoulder, "No, Ilma nin (my Starlight). But I will leave nothing to chance."

Her eyes were locked on the floor, "Did— Did you find him?"

"No," Thranduil sighed heavily and reached for her hand. To his relief, she laced her fingers into his, "I am sorry, Aurora. We searched everywhere for hours, but he's a ghost."

He felt her hand begin to tremble and he looked at her fearful expression, "What can I do?"

"Hold me," Aurora whispered. She slowly leaned towards him until her head rested on his chest, her right arm wrapping across his waist, "Just- Just be here."

Thranduil wrapped one arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him as his other arm wrapped around her waist, "I will always be here, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."

Aurora felt him place a soft kiss on the top of her head and she began to silent cry, "He's going to kill me."

Thranduil's grip tightened around her shoulder and Aurora could here the suppressed rage in his voice and the honesty in his words, "I will die first."

"Well, let's not make that the first option," Aurora said trying to lighten the dismal mood and she felt a small chuckle in Thranduil's chest.

"If my Lady commands." He spoke into her hair.

"I do," Aurora snuggled closer to him and whispered, "I'm still mad at you."

Thranduil nodded even though she couldn't see him, "I know; you have every right to be."

"I don't want to be mad tonight..." Aurora turned her head to look up at him, "Can we agree that I'll be mad tomorrow instead?"

"Yes, Ilma nin (my Starlight)," Thranduil smiled softly and met her gaze, "Tomorrow is much more agreeable with my schedule. Is 1 o'clock in the afternoon a sufficient time for you?"

Aurora chuckled, "I'll put it in my calendar."

She didn't break eye contact and relished at the feel of his breath catching in his throat as she ran her hand up to his broad chest and then lightly traced his collarbone with her fingertip. Her hand finally came to rest at the base of his skull and her fingers ran against his scalp as she pulled his head down closer to her, their lips meeting in a soft kiss.

Thranduil ran his hand from her waist and up her back as she sat up straighter pressing her closer to him, their mouths continued to dance as Aurora licked his lower lip. He inhaled sharply as he opened his mouth and their kiss deepened. He couldn't remember wanting anyone more that he wanted Aurora at this moment, he would kiss her until Arda itself ended.

One of his hands traced up the side of her neck, leaving a trail of heat as Aurora began to breathe heavier.

He suddenly removed his hand entirely from, but before Aurora could complain she felt a jolt of lightning in her core as she felt Thranduil's fingertip trace along the tip of her ear and she moaned loudly into his mouth and pushed back from him and rested her forehead against his.

"What the fuck…" Aurora whispered, panting heavily.

Thranduil could see the lust building in her eyes. "I told you," He slowly began kissing along her jawline and Aurora tilted her head back slightly. He stopped kissing as he rested his cheek against hers and he whispered in a husky tone, "we have very sensitive ears."

He leaned back from her and they simply stared at each other, everything outside of this room forgotten. Aurora leaned forward and kissed him again, this time with more urgency. Her tongue immediately pushed into his mouth, no longer asking for permission. Thranduil returned the passionate kiss fervently. He pulled Aurora even closer to him so that she was almost kneeling next to him. He placed a hand on her hip and pushed her over slightly; Aurora picking up on what he was asking, smiled against his mouth, and hesitantly moved over.

His hands ran up and down her back as he held her close and she ran her fingers through his hair. He kissed along her jawline once more and traveled down to her neck, Aurora turned her head to the side so he could have better access as he ran his hand up into her hair. His warm breath on her skin sent chills up her spine causing her to shiver which only seemed to encourage him. He trailed his kisses back up her neck to the sensitive spot just below her ear.

Thranduil took a moment to take in the view of the beautiful elleth straddling his lap; her chest heaving as he continued to move his hands up and down her back and waist. Never had he imagined that he would know this feeling; this burning heat that only a fea-match can offer.

He ran one hand from her thigh to the hem of her tunic. He hesitated for a moment and then slid his hand up her stomach and his hand rested on the lower part of her ribcage, his thumb lightly caressing the bottom of her chest. She moaned again and arched her back slightly, which caused her hips to roll into him further and he involuntarily pushed his hips up to meet hers. The two locked eyes as Aurora rolled her hips a few more times and then Thranduil was pulling her towards him again, his lips overtaking hers once more as he began to move with her hips, his length growing hard. He broke away from her mouth once more and licked up her jawline and continued until her earlobe was firmly in his mouth.

"Fuck," She panted as she ground her hips closer into him, feeling him pressed against her thigh. She could feel herself getting wet as his tongue played with her earlobe. She had never felt such a sensation as her bundle of nerves began to twitch against the feel of him, "Thranduil…"

Thranduil almost lost control at the sound of his name falling from her lips. He never wanted her to stop saying it; he wanted to hear her whisper it like a prayer and then shout it at the top of her lungs. He shuddered and gave a low groan as she began to kiss his neck, nipping him with her teeth. He moved his hips slightly faster to meet hers as his tongue traced up her ear the rest of the way until he reached the tip.

He brought his lips back to hers in a heated exchange as they were moving purposefully against each other now, Aurora rolling her hips with such expertise that it threatened to drive him insane.

Suddenly he broke away and stopped moving his hips against hers. For a long moment, they pressed their foreheads together in silence; both panting for breath.

"We need to stop before I am unable to," Thranduil hated himself for speaking the words, but he knew that this could not go further. She had been through an emotional experience earlier in the day and he didn't want her to regret this later. When it happens, he thought, I want it to be perfect for her.

Aurora nodded her head, "You're right. I'm sor— "

Thranduil pressed a finger to her lips before she could finish the apology, "Do not apologize for anything. It pains me to stop this, for I desire it with all my heart. But I want to ensure that we are truly ready for that moment."

Aurora nodded and climbed off his lap and pressing her back into his chest. She smiled as his arm snaked around her waist and pulled her closer.

How did I get so lucky? She thought.

"No matter of luck, Ilma nin(my Starlight). Simply the will of the Valar."

Aurora snapped her head around so fast that Thranduil flinched back, "What?"

Thranduil furrowed his brow in confusion, "You asked how you got so lucky and I said— "

"No no no no, "Aurora stammered, "I didn't say that… I— I thought it."