CONTENT WARNING for Chapter 23: Rated M for Strong language.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. This is for entertainment only.
A/N: Hello! So this chapter has set the new record for the longest chapter. I am really happy with how this one turned out, a lot of fun moments. Enjoy, my darlings and please review!
XOXO - P
Song for the Chapter: "The Promise" by Sturgill Simpson
Chapter 23 - Promises, Promises
I will not let you go into the unknown alone.
-Bram Stoker
One of the benefits of being a Captain of the Guard is that no one questions your actions because surely you are acting in the name of the King. Right? Never mind the fact that Priamos no longer saw Thranduil as his true King; he had almost drawn his sword against him when he had thrown him against the wall in the healing halls. But he had refrained because he needed to stay in the good grace of the Elvenking; it would help him further his Master's plan.
He moved into the secret passage that his Master had shown him and he walked along the path until he came to the large door and knocked twice.
"Enter," A voice called from the other side.
Priamos pushed the door open and closed it behind him. The lone figure sat at the table; his dark eyes watching the single flame of the candle that was placed on the table in front of him. He picked up the rolled-up parchment that had been sitting in front of him. He gave it one last long look before handing it over to the Captain. "See that our Dark Queen receives this...subtly."
Priamos whispered, "It will be done Duath Aran nin (my Shadow King)."
Thranduil felt the warm sun streaming in as it touched his face, causing him to stir. He moved to stretch but felt a pressure against his chest. Confused he looked down and his heart skipped a beat as he saw Aurora nestled close against his chest; her arm draped around his waist. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer, smiling at the feel of her warm skin against his chest. As she slept peacefully he thought back on their conversation the previous night.
"No no no no," Aurora stammered, "I didn't say that. I— I thought it."
Thranduil looked at her in confusion. Could it be? He thought. He stared into her eyes and opened his mind, Do you hear me?
Aurora's wide eyes were the answer to his question. He watched as she stood up and began walking the length of the room; he had difficulty focusing as his eyes kept drifting to watch the sway of her hips.
"How is this possible?" Aurora looked to Thranduil as he stood up, placing his hands behind his back as he began to walk around the room.
"It is not an unheard-of gift," Thranduil began, keeping his voice calm to alleviate Aurora's stress, "You saw a demonstration of it and the solstice celebration when Lady Galadriel alerted us to the Nazgul.
"I remember," Aurora recalled, "She showed it to me again before they left for Lothlorien, and I was able to respond to her. But I didn't think that it was something that I could just do…
Do not be afraid of this gift, Ilma nin. She heard him speak in her head.
Her eyes shot over to him as he smiled back in her direction, "I have had enough excitement for one day. I am going to bed."
She moved towards the door and as she reached for the handle his fingers laced around hers and he pulled her close, his piercing eyes taking her breath away as he leaned his head down to her; "Stay," he whispered as his lips grazed across hers, "Stay with me."
Aurora smiled against his lips and met his eyes, "I am not sure if that would be wise."
Thranduil straightened back up and smiled down at her, "What if I promise to behave?"
Thranduil was pulled from his reflections as he felt Aurora stir against his chest. He looked back down and smile when he saw her looking up at him.
"Good morning." Aurora smiled at him.
"Good morning, Ilma nin (my Starlight)." Thranduil leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did," Aurora sat up and crossed her legs under her, "Of course having you actually be here when I wake up is a nice bonus."
Thranduil cupped her cheek in his hand and ran his thumb along her cheek, "I'll always be here, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."
They got out of bed and Aurora put her tunic back on over her tank top and watched as Thranduil put on his tunic and boots. He reached his hand out to her and she laced her fingers between his and he opened his bedroom door. Aurora looked around and took in the grand parlor with its beautiful tapestries and hand-carved wood furniture. She looked over and saw food had been laid out on the dining, they sat down and enjoyed a comfortably silent breakfast.
A soft knock came to the door and Thranduil looked over and he called "Enter." The door opened and Legolas and Augustus walked in, both bowing there head to the King and joined them at the table. "Is Lady Aurora's room secure?"
"Yes Ada," Legolas nodded, "Tauriel and Priamos aided me late into the night setting new security measures in place before they left on patrols this morning."
Thranduil nodded, "How long will they be on patrol this time?"
"A month. Both Tauriel and Priamos will be away so I will take up the training until they return."
"Very good, " Thranduil turned to look at Augustus, "Master Augustus if you are feeling well enough and Kasterren agrees you shall begin helping Legolas."
The four sat in silence as they finished eating. After he finished eating, Thranduil looked between the twins and spoke up, "I have arranged a meeting with Mithrandir at noon in my private library. We can discuss the matter we have called him hear for as well as a few others that have come to light."
"Ada, remember that we have a meeting with the Council at 1 o'clock." Legolas reminded.
"I will need you to reschedule that for later in the day Legolas." Thranduil met Aurora's eyes as he spoke, "I have another meeting to attend."
Augustus watched as Aurora smiled slightly.
Thranduil looked between both of the twins again, "I am going to ask that the two of you stay within the royal residence today."
Aurora looked up at him, " I was hoping to get out and ride Egg."
Thranduil considered her for a long moment, "Only after our meeting and you will have an armed escort at all times."
"Is that— "
"It is non-negotiable."
Thranduil's eyes were hard and Aurora knew that she wouldn't be able to convince him otherwise. She silently finished her breakfast and looked around at the others, her eyes settling on Thranduil, "May I spend some time in your garden this morning?"
Thranduil smiled softly, "Of course, Lady Aurora."
Without another word Aurora quietly stood up and left the room. She made her way into the courtyard and walked into the garden. Her hands traced the flowers as she made her way to the waterfall at the back of the garden. She sat down on the ledge of the pond and traced the top of the water with her fingers, she heard a rustling behind her and turned to see Augustus standing next to a large rose bush.
"Come here." Aurora said.
"Why?" Augustus questioned.
"Just come over here," Aurora said again.
"No, you're gonna hit me."
"Augs," Aurora said, "get over here."
Augustus walked over and sat next to Aurora and they watched the waterfall in silence for a long time. Aurora took a deep breath and sighed, "You kept a secret from me…"
"I know," Augustus sighed, "and I'm sorry Auri… When King Thranduil asked that I keep the full prophecy I thought I agreed just out of fear of upsetting a King. But the truth is… Would you have even come to the Woodland Realm if you had known the truth? Before you had a chance to get to know him?"
"Him?" Aurora asked, "By him, you mean the King? The King of the Woodland Realm wherein the prophecy references me as the Qu— " Aurora stood up and began to walk around the roses, "I don't know how to feel, Augs. These things that I've been feeling for him are stronger than anything I've felt for anyone and I don't understand why... " Aurora stopped and took a rose in her hand, feeling the velvet petals between her fingers. She looked over and saw that Augustus had joined her side.
"I don't know, Auri," Augustus spoke gently, "But I'm not the one who can help you answer those questions… Talk to him, Auri."
"How do I know he actually cares?" Aurora whispered, "I mean… Does he only like me because of this prophecy or because— Did he kiss me because he wanted to or did he— "
"Hey, stop. Look at me," Augustus spoke with a bit more of an edge to his voice. He waited until Aurora looked at him, "It's not because of the prophecy. That night in the clearing, at the solstice… He was holding you behind him but I saw the look in his eyes when he was protecting you. And then, when the Orcs took you in the mountains on our journey… He wasn't going to let anyone rest until we had you back. The cave that they had taken you from… He must have killed a dozen orcs. He does care."
Aurora smiled lightly, "Thank you."
"Do you forgive me?" Augustus asked.
"You know that I do." Aurora smiled, "But don't keep secrets again."
"Speaking of secrets…" Augustus mused and Aurora knew what he was about to ask, "He kissed you?"
"Yes…" Aurora gave a sly smile, "But romantic secrets were never part of our deal."
"I know," Augustus smiled, "it just makes me happy. To see you happy again."
"Thank you, Augs, for everything."
Aurora looked into her brother's eyes and they both smiled wide. Suddenly Aurora swung out and punched Augustus square in the shoulder.
"Ouch!" He shouted, "You said you weren't going to hit me!"
"Nope," Aurora smirked, "never said that."
Thranduil walked along the bookshelves of his private library, he lightly touched the books as he passed. He had decided to spend time in the library before the meeting at noon. He was pulled from his thoughts when a light knock came to the door.
"Enter." He called indifferently and continued walking the bookshelves.
He heard the soft click of the door and he looked up to see Aurora standing in the doorway. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. She wore a black tunic, green leggings, and brown boots. Her hair was pulled up into a bun that sat at the base of her neck, a few curls shaped around her face.
"Aurora…" He breathed.
Aurora looked unsure of herself as she walked towards him, "I— Umm— Legolas said that I would find you in here."
"Yes," He walked towards her and met her in the middle of the room, "I wanted to spend some time in here before meeting with Mithrandir. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Yeah… I was wondering if we could reschedule our 1 o'clock meeting." Aurora looked to the ground.
"Oh?" He arched an eyebrow, "When would be better for you?"
"Now," She stated bluntly, "Before the other meeting."
Thranduil nodded silently and gestured for her to continue.
Aurora took a deep breath and began pacing the rows of books. "Why didn't you tell me about the whole prophecy? Why not just tell me the truth from the beginning?"
Thranduil began walking around in a way that mirrored her movements. It seemed that whenever they were to have a serious discussion, this would be their walking pattern.
"It's complicated," Thranduil explained, "but I guess the simplest explanation is that I wasn't sure how receptive you would be to the full truth where— where I was concerned."
"The Queen of the Woodland will determine all," Aurora recited the final line of the prophecy.
"Yes. I was afraid that you would not be open to the idea of— " Thranduil's voice caught in his throat and it lost its tone of confident indifference until he could only speak in a whisper, "To the idea of me…"
Thranduil sat down on a large couch by the fireplace; a hesitant look crossed his face as he continued, "You must understand Aurora… I was— I was married once before… An arranged marriage. I was afraid that once you knew of the prophecy, that is how it would feel to you and I didn't want that. I wanted to get to know you without having to focus on destinies and prophecies… Just— Just you and me, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."
Aurora had stopped walking and was watching Thranduil as he spoke. He was staring at the floor. He looked so vulnerable and soon Aurora found herself walking over and sitting down next to him.
Aurora hesitated for a moment and then reached out and took Thranduil's hand, lacing her fingers into his. She felt him tense up for a moment and then instantly relax as he squeezed her hand lightly. "I would be lying if I said I didn't have doubts."
Thranduil's eyes shot to Aurora's and she saw a hint of hurt flash across them, "What doubts?"
Aurora felt extremely uncomfortable but she knew that this talk had to happen, "About— if you really care about me or if you're just playing the part because of the prophecy."
Thranduil looked into her jade eyes and he could see that her words were genuine. How can I show her that I've meant it all, Thranduil thought to himself. "Do you trust me?"
"Yes."
Thranduil squeezed her hand tighter, "You know that I possess the magic to glean memories, but now I would like to attempt to share some of my memories with you."
Aurora furrowed her brow, "Can you do that?"
Thranduil shook his head, "I don't know… I've never tried."
Aurora hesitated for a long moment but then she whispered, "Okay."
Thranduil turned towards her and took both of her hands and placed them on his face, moving her thumbs so they touched his temples and the palm of her hands pressed against his cheeks. "You will need to focus, your eyes cannot leave mine, do you understand?" Aurora nodded. Thranduil closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, then he opened his eyes and his mind to her.
He felt a pull at the back of his mind and his eyes became unfocused and the memory he wanted to the forefront.
Thranduil was standing on top of the dais in the great hall in Rivendell. The pairs were already positioned on the dance floor as the guitar started to strum. He looked over to see the twins standing at the edge of the dais. Her teal dress looked beautiful against her porcelain skin and then she started to sing. It was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard and it caused his heart to soar. He wanted her to sing to him until the end of time. Then she looked up at him and something happened that he hadn't felt in almost a thousand years. His heart skipped a beat and she took his breath away. At that moment he knew that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe.
Thranduil refocused his mind onto another memory.
Thranduil was riding his Elk quickly through the woods, his soldiers in the trees above as they followed him. He felt a deep sense of dread and panic in his heart. I can't lose her, he thought as tears stung the back of his eyes. He had to focus very hard to ensure they did not fall from his eyes. His soldiers did not need to see their King cry as they rode into battle, I can't, he thought again, not after I just found her.
Thranduil refocused his mind once more to show her one final memory from earlier today.
Thranduil looked down at the sleeping elleth in his arms as he traced circles on her shoulder. Once more his heart skipped a beat as she nestled into his chest further. He wanted to wake up like this every morning for the rest of his life. To see the sunshine and moonlight dance across her skin and hold her close. This was the moment that he knew it for sure, she was the only one who would hold his heart.
Thranduil broke away from Aurora as they both took several deep breaths. Aurora held his hands close as their eyes met again. "Did you— Do you see now?" Thranduil looked hopefully into her eyes, "Everything I feel for you is true, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."
They held each other's gaze for a long moment their eyes searching for something within each other. Aurora leaned forward and Thranduil inhaled sharply as their lips meant. It was a chaste, sweet kiss; and within it held all the unspoken words and feelings that Aurora couldn't express any other way.
Aurora pressed her forehead against his, "I'll never doubt you again."
Thranduil smiled, looked into her jade eyes and kissed her once more. "Can you forgive me, Ilma nin (my Starlight)?"
Aurora's eyes hardened slightly, "On one condition."
Thranduil leaned back and met her gaze, "Name it and it will be so."
Aurora met his eyes in a determined stare, "Never keep secrets from me again."
Thranduil took her hands and kissed the back of each of them and then he looked into her eyes solemnly, "Before all of the Valar and on my own life I swear to you, Aurora Merek, Ilma nin a meleth nin (my Starlight and my love) that I will never keep secrets or lie to you for as long as I draw breath."
Aurora smiled, "As far as apologies go… It's not the worst."
Thranduil laughed and kissed her again. When they broke apart, Aurora asked, "Meleth nin? What does it mean?"
"Another name that suits you," Thranduil held her hand to his chest and smirked, "Make sure to let me know when you learn what it means."
Aurora gave a harsh laugh and smacked Thranduil's shoulder causing him to laugh loudly.
"You know," a voice spoke from behind, "if memory serves me well; it is a crime to strike the Great Elvenking of the Woodland Realm."
Thranduil and Aurora turned to see Gandalf walking into the library and Aurora spoke up, "I will serve my punishment with pride because the King has somehow developed a hobby of teasing me."
Gandalf smiled as he stopped where the pair were sitting, noting their hands still laced together in a sweet embrace, "Well, if that is the case, the strike would seem justified."
Thranduil met the wizard with his mask of indifference back in place, "Is that so, Mithrandir? Just exactly whose side are you on?"
"Hers." Gandalf stated plainly, winking at Aurora as he took a seat in the large armchair across from them, "Obviously."
Aurora laughed again and Gandalf watched how Thranduil's face softened at the sight of her smile. The pair both noticed the room brighten slightly as the young elleth continued to smile. They locked eyes for a brief moment and nodded at each other in a silent understanding.
Legolas and Augustus walked into the library to the sound of Aurora's laughter and they walked over to where the trio was already seated, "And what has the Lady in such a state?"
At the sound of his son's voice, Thranduil gave Aurora's hand a final squeeze and released it, "Apparently, we are learning of Mithrandir's true loyalties and I daresay they seem to not be in my favor."
"A tragedy indeed," Legolas smirked and shot his father a quick glance.
Legolas and Augustus sat down in the two empty armchairs that had been set around the couch. Augustus looked to his sister and smiled at the look of happiness on her face. It had been too long since he saw her like this.
Thranduil ignored his son's remark and spoke to the group as a whole, "Since all invited to this meeting are now present, shall we begin?"
Everyone silently nodded as the King looked to Gandalf and continued, "Mithrandir as my message to you stated, we request your counsel on a disturbing revelation that has come to light. As you are now aware, our company was attacked on our way back to the palace by the same Nazgul that was involved in the attack in Rivendell. It would seem that he is still pursuing Aurora."
Thranduil paused as he felt Aurora shift uncomfortably on the couch. He wanted to reach out and take her hand, to comfort her as she remembered that creature. Unfortunately now was not the time for affectionate gestures, even if they were for comfort.
Thranduil paused and continued, "During the course of this attack, Augustus was stabbed with a Morgul blade. By the grace of the Valar, we had enough healing supplies with us that we were able to slow the poison long enough for Legolas to ride to the palace and our healers were able to stop the poison's spread. However, there were marks left behind; you are familiar with the markings left behind from a Morgul-laced weapon?"
Gandalf nodded, "I am. Silver spiraling, is it not?"
"It is indeed," Thranduil stood up and began walking around the circle of chairs and the couch.
Gandalf spoke pensively, "Although I rejoice with you at the healing of Augustus, what does this have to do with the unfortunate deaths of Kinarus and Elara?"
Thranduil stopped next to Gandalf's chair and looked down at the wizard, "I have \recently opened up a new vein of my power of memories. If you will allow me, Mithrandir I can show you why their parents connect into this story."
Gandalf nodded in agreement. As he stood up, Thranduil turned to Augustus and his voice softened as he asked, "Augustus, with your permission, I would like to show Mithrandir the memory that you shared with me."
Augustus nodded, "Of course, Your Majesty."
Thranduil turned back to the wizard who was now standing before him. He instructed the wizard to place his hand on his face and they stared hard into each other's eyes. Legolas, Augustus, and Aurora watched as both men became rigid and their eyes glossed over. Both began to breathe heavily as the memory passed between them. After several minutes they broke apart, Gandalf stepping back and leaning on the back of his chair as Thranduil stood rooted to the spot as he took several deep breaths.
Gandalf sat back in his chair, his saddened eyes locking with Augustus, "My dear boy… My heart breaks for not only the loss of your parents; but now for what you have had to witness."
Augustus bowed his head in a silent thanks, "Are we correct in our assumption? The marks around my parent's wounds… Were they made from a Morgul blade?"
"Yes," Gandalf sighed heavily and glanced between the twins as he spoke, "I am truly sorry that this has happened to you."
"But how?" Thranduil pressed. "Lady Galadriel created those runes herself and they were protected through blood magic. You know as well as I Mithrandir that the list of people who knew of the Runes is an extremely short one. Are we to be suspicious of our own now?"
Gandalf shook his head, "I wouldn't jump to that conclusion. I will need to contact Lady Galadriel regarding this and research into how such a thing could have happened. I will need a day or two."
"Very well," Thranduil spoke with annoyance, "Everything within this library is at your disposal for the research."
"Thank you; that is extremely gracious of you, Your Majesty." Gandalf bowed his head in appreciation, "Was there another matter you wanted to discuss?"
"Yes, but it is a matter of a more… personal nature," Thranduil looked to Aurora and then to his son, "Legolas, Master Augustus I would like to speak privately with Mithrandir and Lady Aurora."
Augustus looked to Aurora and furrowed his brow. She reached out at squeezed his hand reassuringly, "It's okay, I promise. I'll tell you everything later."
Thranduil looked between the twins sensing the unease, "If the two of you could wait in the garden, I should like to speak with you when we are done here."
Augustus nodded and he and Legolas stood up and left. There was a silence between the three who remained in the room as Thranduil walked back over to the couch and sat next to Aurora, "Mithrandir, what do you know about the telepathic power that Lady Galadriel possesses?"
"Well," Gandalf reclined further back in his chair, "although not overly common there have been several powerful Elves and other races who possess the ability. Not only do I possess this ability, but so does Lord Elrond of Rivendell and Lord Celeborn of Lorien. If I recall, you and your son also benefit from this gift, Your Majesty."
So do I, Gandalf and Thranduil heard Aurora's voice in their head. Gandalf's eyes widened as he made eye contact with Aurora and she pursed her lips and shrugged.
Gandalf offered her a wide smile, "You continue to surprise and amaze me, my dear."
Thranduil watched Aurora relax out of the corner of his eyes as he looked back to the wizard, "Mithrandir, there is another matter that I wish to discuss with you in regards to the memory power I possess."
"Oh?" Gandalf arched an eyebrow.
"It would seem that it is more… More difficult for me to control this ability where Aurora is concerned ."
"What do you mean?" Gandalf sat forward in his chair.
"Normally, the person I am connecting with would need to focus on a specific memory and actively open their mind up to me. There have now been two instances with Aurora where I have gleaned memories from her without any intention of doing so. This has never happened before, so why is it happening now?"
"The answer is more simple than you might imagine," Gandalf leaned back in his armchair again, "I believe this confirms what the prophecy was stating."
Aurora furrowed her brow, "What is that?"
Gandalf looked between the two and smiled, "The only thing that would cause such an anomaly with your power, King Thranduil, is the fact that you share a much deeper connection to Lady Aurora then you do with anyone else living in Arda. A connection that causes your power to be overly sensitive towards her. She is, truly, your fea-match." Gandalf watched as Thranduil's breathing increased and Aurora looked confused, he knew there was nothing more he could aid in for this particular situation. "If there is nothing else, I should begin contacting Lady Galadriel."
Thranduil nodded silently and watched the wizard stand, give them both a reverent nod and turned to leave. Thranduil sat motionless until he heard the door of the library click shut; after a long moment, he took Aurora's hand in his and placed a soft kiss on her palm.
"What's a fea-match?" Aurora asked and looked over to him.
"A fea is an Elven version of a soul," Thranduil began and turned to face Aurora, "but it goes beyond just a simple soul. A fea is everything that an elf has been, is now, and will ever be. When a fea senses its match, it will call to it; causing the two who possess that fea to be drawn to one another. A fea-match is a term used to describe that pair. A pair who are destined to be together."
"Like soul mates?" Aurora asked.
"Very similar, yes. But an infinitely more powerful connection that can never be severed."
"So we really are destined for each other." Aurora mused, partly to herself. She looked up at Thranduil and his piercing eyes met hers. "So it's okay that I— That I feel so strongly towards you so soon after meeting?"
Thranduil smiled and ran a finger across her cheek, "A fea-match is said to be an instantaneous connection. So yes, Ilma nin (my Starlight), it is okay to have strong emotions this quickly for I have them as well."
Without another word, Thranduil leaned forward and captured her lips in a passionate kiss, his tongue entreating entrance which it was readily granted. Aurora leaned into Thranduil until her chest became flush against his as she wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands traveled up and down her back.
After several minutes of their heated exchange, Aurora broke away from him, "Augustus and Legolas will be waiting for us."
"You're right," Thranduil breathed as he tried to steady his racing heart, "we should go."
They stood to leave and laced their fingers with one another, Aurora quickly pulled Thranduil's head down to hers and she kissed him passionately one more time and then whispered against his lips, "To be continued."
Thranduil smiled against her mouth and spoke with a husky tone, "You little temptress…"
Augustus had paced the garden several times as Legolas sat on one of the nearby tree branches. They heard someone clear their throat behind them and they turned to meet the stern face of Lord Sankrovyn. Augustus bowed his head, "I didn't know you would be part of this meeting."
"What meeting would that be?" Sankrovyn asked sounding annoyed.
"We're not sure," Legolas jumped from the tree and Sankrovyn immediately bowed, "King Thranduil asked that we meet him here because he had something to discuss with Master Augustus and Lady Aurora."
Sankrovyn subtly rolled his eyes and sighed heavily, "In that case, I know what this meeting is probably about." Why would the King do this so soon? Sankrovyn thought to himself.
"Can I ask you a question, Lord Sankrovyn?" Augustus asked. Sankrovyn gestured for him to continue, "Why do you seem to dislike my sister so much?"
Sankrovyn sighed heavily and walked between the flowers, "It's not that I dislike your sister personally… But I do struggle with the threat that she poses to the traditions we hold dear in Greenwood."
Augustus sat down next to the waterfall and arched an eyebrow at the Lord, "Traditions? Is it because we aren't of noble blood? That we're from a different world?"
"All of the above," Sankrovyn replied flatly, "Elves are very strict in our traditions and now the King wishes to uproot all of them simply because he thinks that he— "
"Lord Sankrovyn, how wonderful of you to join us."
Sankrovyn turned on his heel to see King Thranduil glaring at him from the entrance of the garden. Lady Aurora stood next to him with her arm looped through the crook of his arm. Sankrovyn held the King's gaze for a long moment, he knew that Thranduil had heard what he had said and had guessed what he was about to say. He moved in front of the King as he walked to the waterfall and offered a deep bow, "Thank you, for the invitation, Aran Vuin (Beloved King)."
Thranduil walked passed him with a sharp glare and continued to the waterfall. He smiled as Aurora broke away from him and offered her brother a close hug and sat next to him by the waterfall. He offered his son a reverent nod as he joined him at his side, "Master Augustus, Legolas thank you for waiting so patiently. Lady Aurora and I had some matters to discuss with MIthrandir, which I'm sure she will provide all the details for later. But before that; there is something I would like to discuss with the two of you."
"Is everything alright, Your Majesty?" Augustus asked.
"Quite," Thranduil lightened the tone of his voice. He looked back to his High Advisor who had come to stand at the side of his King, "I have asked Lord Sankrovyn here so that he may bear witness to this conversation. Aurora, before your unfortunate accident yesterday, I had requested a private conversation with your brother, Legolas, and Lord Sankrovyn. It is Elven custom that an Ellon asks permission before he begins," Thranduil paused suddenly finding himself suddenly nervous, "Before he begins courting an elleth."
Aurora's heart skipped a beat. Courting? She thought, Like… becoming an official couple? She took a deep breath to steady her breathing, "The Elvenking needs to ask permission?"
"Technically speaking… No," Thranduil continued, "A member of the King's Council is required to be present at the formal requesting of permission and also present at the courtship request. However, I wanted to do things as proper Ellon should. Although it is with great sadness that I was not able to ask your father… Augustus was kind enough to be a surrogate as he remains your closest kin."
Thranduil paused again, trying to calm his racing heart. What if she rejects me? He thought to himself.
I won't. He heard her sweet voice in her head and met her eyes and she gave him a knowing smile. He didn't even realize that he had projected his thought out to her.
The corner's of Thranduil's mouth curled upward as he continued, "I am happy to say that Master Augustus did grant his permission and offered his blessing upon the courtship should you desire such a relationship, Lady Aurora."
Thranduil walked forward and took Aurora's hands in his causing her to stand up and look into his eyes. At that moment only the two of them existed. They ignored Augustus sitting right next to where they stood. They ignored Lord Sankrovyn shifting uncomfortably as he openly glared at Aurora. And they ignored Legolas smiling so wide that his face threatened to split in half.
Thranduil took another deep breath and continued, "Lady Aurora, before these witnesses and the Valar, will you accept me and allow me to court you?"
Aurora could hardly contain her excitement and she smiled wide up at Thranduil, "Yes."
Thranduil smiled just as wide and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. When they broke apart Thranduil turned to the others present and spoke again, "I thank you for being witness to this moment. Legolas I believe you have training with the soldiers now that the Captain's are away on patrol."
Legolas silently nodded. He placed a hand on his father's shoulder and the other over his heart and offered him a reverent bow; then he moved to Aurora and swooped her into a large hug that almost caused her to yelp.
"Do not break her ionneg (my son)," Thranduil chastised as Legolas set Aurora back down, "I quite like her how she is." Thranduil watched as he left the garden, happy that his son had taken to the Aurora so well.
"Augustus, I would like you to go and speak with Kasterren in the healing halls. She is expecting you for an evaluation of how you are healing. should she approve, I would like you to begin your work in helping Legolas as we have previously discussed. You will have guards with you at all times as soon as you leave the royal residence."
Augustus offered a hug to Aurora and bowed to Thranduil and Sankrovyn as he left.
Thranduil clenched his teeth and his expression turned sour, "Lord Sankrovyn."
"Yes, Your Majesty?" The High Advisor asked.
"You will prepare a lesson plan for Lady Aurora's education on Elven custom and culture and present it to me at the Council meeting. Considering you so graciously offered to ensure that she felt welcomed into the Kingdom. I would also like you to arrange a time for her to meet with Lord Gawain daily in my private library for lessons in the elvish language."
Lord Sankrovyn's eyes darkened as he looked to Aurora, "I will see it done, Your Majesty." With a sharp bow of his head, he turned on his heel and left.
"Alone at last," Thranduil whispered as he wrapped his arms around Aurora and placed a light kiss on her lips, "Tell me Aurora, are you happy with this arrangement?"
Aurora looked into piercing blue eyes and whispered, "Athon (Yes)."
Thranduil's eyes widened and he smiled, "Very well spoken, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."
Aurora stepped back from Thranduil and took his hand in hers as the walked around the large garden, "So, I didn't know that I would be getting lessons on Elven culture."
"Yes," Thranduil nodded, "Lord Sankrovyn was concerned that the citizens of Greenwood would not look well upon an elleth who doesn't understand the ways of the Elven people. So I have tasked him with educating you."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Aurora asked. Thranduil arched an eyebrow at her and she explained further, "He hasn't exactly been subtle about not liking me."
Thranduil sighed, "Sankrovyn is… Complicated. He is a stickler for tradition and you are a threat to that for him. But I do trust him, he has been a dear friend to me for almost three thousand years. I promise you, he will grow to like you. He just needs more time."
"If you say so, I will trust you," Aurora stated and then suddenly stopped in her tracks, "Three thous— What?! How long do elves live?!"
Thranduil laughed, "You have much to learn, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."
Aurora asked almost immediately, "How old are you?"
"It is very rude to ask an Elvenking his age," Thranduil smirked, "By the end of the year I will celebrate 6,000 years since my birth."
Aurora's mouth dropped open, "Are you fucking kidding me?"
Thranduil pulled her arm and they continued to walk, "I would never fucking kid you. As I said, you have much to learn. But until then; how about you and I go on a trail ride outside the main gate? I am longing to show you the true beauty of Greenwood."
Aurora nodded and smiled, "As long as you don't fall off your elk and break a hip, Gramps."
