CONTENT WARNING for Chapter 24: Rated M for Strong language, violence, and descriptions of gore.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. This is for entertainment only.
Song for the Chapter: "Run" by Josh Groban
Chapter 24 - Give Her to Me
The first casualty of war is innocence
Thranduil had to meet with his Council before they could go on their trail ride so he had escorted Aurora back to her chambers so she could relax and change into her riding clothes. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips and told her that he would have guards bring her to the stable when his meeting was finished.
Thranduil now sat at his desk in his study, swirling the wine in his goblet. There was a light knock at the door and Galion entered and offered a bow to the King. "Lord Sankrovyn, my King."
Sankrovyn walked in after his announcement and Galion shut the door behind him as he bowed to the King. "My apologies, Your Majesty, " Sankrovyn glanced around the empty study, "I was informed that the meeting had been moved back to 1 o'clock."
"It has," Thranduil spoke dryly as he gestured to the large chair across from him, "for you."
Sankrovyn hesitated as he sat down. He had expected a chiding from the King but he hadn't anticipated it so soon. He sat in uncomfortable silence as he watched the King who eyed him with indifference. "I don't have to tell you that your behavior recently has been most displeasing. That is why I've asked you here before the rest of the council arrives and you can have permission to speak as freely as you so choose," Thranduil spoke with a soft yet authoritative voice, "I want to talk to you as my friend, Sankrovyn not as my High Advisor, do you understand?"
Sankrovyn nodded, "Of course, Thranduil."
Thranduil's eyes dropped to the tattered page in his hand for a moment before looking back up to his friend. He leaned back in his chair and his voice sounded lighter, "Why don't you like her?"
How could he truly convey his reasons for being untrusting of the elleth who had so quickly captured the King's heart? Sankrovyn sighed, "Thranduil you have been my best friend for three thousand years and within that time we have endured imaginable and unimaginable challenges together. This girl threatens everything you have built. She is from another realm where she was a human. She is not of noble blood and for you to court her will change everything in that regard. And then there are your people to consider. How will they receive someone who has only been in Arda for two months and is already being courted by the Elvenking himself? She puts everyone in danger here the longer she stays. You already made it clear that this Nazgul has pursued her several times; what is to stop the filthy creature from laying siege to the palace itself? All I ask, Thranduil, is that you make sure that you are willing to risk everything for her."
"I am," Thranduil answered much faster than he had expected. His eyes fluttered as he comprehended the implications of what he had just stated. He met Sankrovyn's gaze as his friend furrowed his brow and quickly looked away again.
"What aren't you telling me, Thranduil?" Samkrovyn asked plainly.
"I love her," Thranduil whispered as he met Sankrovyn's stunned expression, "I had thought I might these last few days, but as you spoke against her just now it confirmed what my heart had already told me. I am in love with her, Sankrovyn."
"I wish you happiness, Mellon nin (my friend)," Sankrovyn murmured.
"Do you?" Thranduil leaned forward, "Please Sankrovyn, just get to know her. After the meeting, I am taking her on a ride outside the main gate to show her the forest properly… Come with us."
Aurora had changed into her black tank top, black leggings and riding boots and topped it off with a teal-colored tunic. She had just drifted off to sleep in one of the comfortable armchairs when a sharp knock came at her door. Now she walked behind the guards in an uncomfortable processional on their way to the stable. She waved at Augustus and Legolas as they were setting up some kind of obstacle course and she walked into the stable and took the familiar path to where Egg's stall was. He nickered his usual greeting as she walked towards him.
"Hey handsome," She whispered as she grabbed her saddle and opened his stall door.
"Are you greeting me or your horse?" A voice called from the stall next to Aurora. She startled a little and then looked into the neighboring stall and smiled. Thranduil was finishing putting his saddle onto the Elk. His usual grand attire had been replaced with his simple brown leggings and boots with a dark green tunic. He walked over to Aurora and placed a chaste kiss on her lips and smiled. "I should tell you, I have invited someone else along on our ride today."
Before Aurora could ask who; the stall on the other side of Egg opened and Sankrovyn led out a large dapple grey mare. He made eye contact with Aurora and offered her a slight nod and Aurora noticed the glint of a sword sticking out of the side of a saddlebag. "Lady Aurora, a pleasure to see you again so soon."
Aurora pursed her lips into a tight smile, "Lord Sankrovyn, how... wonderful of you to join us this afternoon."
Be nice, Aurora heard Thranduil's voice in her head.
She looked back at him and opened her mind, That was nice. You'll both know if I choose not to be.
Aurora returned to Egg's stall and began saddling him for the ride. She was trying to focus when she heard Thranduil's voice in her head again as he led his Elk from the stall, Just give him a chance, Ilma nin (my Starlight).
Aurora glanced at the King as he walked by, Him first. Aurora finished with preparing Egg and led him out of the stall and the trio left the stable.
"Aurora," Thranduil turned to her as she climbed into Egg's saddle, "do you have your dagger with you?"
Aurora nodded, "Yeah, it's in my boot."
"Good," Thranduil handed her a bow and quiver of arrows, "carry these as well."
Aurora placed the bow across her back and put the arrows in her saddlebag. She watched as Thranduil place his two swords into his on saddlebag, "Are we expecting problems?"
Thranduil swung his leg into the saddle, "No, but we always have to prepare as if we will encounter them."
Without another word, they rode through the main gate and rode into the vast forest. As they went along, Aurora's breath was taken away by the beauty of the woods. The trees were just as tall, if not taller, than the Redwoods and twice as wide. She saw strange new flowers that were more beautiful than any she had seen before. As she took in all of the new sights, she looked up and saw several shadows in the trees above.
Sankrovyn saw the concern on her face and followed her gaze, sighing in relief, "Do not fear, Lady Aurora. They are members of the guard. Ten of them, if I heard the orders correct. They follow the King should he ever go into the forest in case of an attack."
"That," Aurora breathed, "makes a lot of sense, and is significantly less terrifying than what I first assumed."
Sankrovyn nodded in agreement, "It's good that you are on the lookout for such things, but don't let that ruin the experience of the forest."
Aurora saw him smile for the first time as he looked back around at the surrounding foliage. "So tell me, Lady Aurora," he continued and looked down at Egg, "how did you come across such a magnificent creature?"
Aurora scratched Egg's neck as she replied, "In my other world there was a stable hand whose mare was expecting and he offered me a chance to buy him once he was old enough. Sadly, he was born early and his mom didn't survive the foaling. Egg wasn't expected to make it either. But my parents, brother, and I all pitched in and we bottle-fed him every three hours for the first six months after he was born. He became strong enough to eat on his own and now," Aurora gestured down at the horse, "here he is 12 years later."
Sankrovyn watched her with interest, "A remarkable story, indeed."
Thranduil smiled softly to himself as he listened to the two continue their conversation. Aurora told him of her dressage riding and the flower shop she ran with Augustus. Suddenly Thranduil saw something move out of the corner of his eye; he halted his Elk and looked in that direction. He quickly dismounted and walked over to where Aurora and Sankrovyn had ridden up next to him with a look of concern on their faces. He smiled up at her to assure her that everything was alright and offered his hand to her, "Come, there is something you'll want to see."
Aurora quickly dismounted and took his hand as he led her further into the trees. He stopped and pulled her so she was standing directly in front of him and he leaned down so his head was level to hers. "Look right," he spoke softly in her ear as he turned her body in the direction he wanted and pointed, "there."
Aurora looked to where he had pointed and he gasped softly. About thirty yards in front of them a statuesque silver-white horse was peacefully grazing, his long white mane reflecting the sunshine that streamed through the trees. The horse lifted his head and looked in the direction of the pair and began walking towards them.
Don't move, Aurora heard Thranduil's voice speak softly in her head again, his name is Shadowfax. He is known as the Lord of Horses by the Rohirrim. He is of a bloodline called Mearas, horses bred for the Kings of Rohan themselves. They were unable to tame him, though. It is rumored that he can understand the common and elvish tongues and run as fast as the fellbeast fly.
Aurora listened closely as the angelic horse stopped in front of them. She found herself reaching her hand out and taking a hesitant step forward as Thranduil's hands slid from her waist. Shadowfax pressed his nose to her palm and nickered softly, his whiskers tickling her hand. She smiled wide as she ran her hand along his nose and scratched softly between his eyes. Thranduil looked down at her and smiled at the sight of the awe in her eyes as she looked over the horse.
Shadowfax perked his ears forward and listened for a moment, then he turned and looked Aurora in the eye. With a soft bow of his head, he turned and trotted away.
Aurora watched after him until he was out of sight and then she looked up at Thranduil to see he was still looking down at her. "Thank you," She said and stood on her tiptoes and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Of course, Ilma nin (my Starlight)." He whispered and cupped her face in his hand and ran his thumb over her soft lips, "We should return."
Sankrovyn watched the pair as they walked back to the path. Thranduil was bent down whispering in her ear as she smiled wide, light seeming to emanate from her as she laughed. Sankrovyn glanced up at the guards in the trees and saw several of them smiling softly at the sight of their King. He guessed that it is been too long since they would have seen him smile so genuinely. Perhaps the people will accept her, Sankrovyn thought as the pair reached the path. They both mounted their rides and began walking next to each other.
The trio rode for another hour as Thranduil and Sankrovyn pointed at sights for Aurora to see. The Woodland Realm was more gorgeous than she could have ever imagined. Thranduil had to stop Sankrovyn several times from revealing embarrassing things about him from when they were younger. Aurora promised Sankrovyn that they would talk later and Thranduil threatened to stop her from taking lessons with him.
Thranduil and Sankrovyn looked in the same direction as the smell hit Aurora. She recognized it and memories flooded back to the mountain, stuck on the back of a Warg while the foul monster sat in front of her.
"Yrch! (Orc!)" A shout came from above just as the orcs came around the trees, surrounding the trio.
Thranduil and Sankrovyn pulled blades from their saddlebags and Aurora nocked an arrow and pointed it at the nearest orc.
Thranduil's eyes held disgust as he called out, "You are trespassing within the Woodland Realm and you will die by elven blades."
"We aren't here for you Elvenking," The orc that Aurora was aiming at looked at her and gave a malicious smile, "The bitch will come with us."
"You will not touch her as long as I draw breath," Sankrovyn hissed through clenched teeth.
The orc laughed loudly, "Is that so?"
A moment later several soldiers dropped from the trees and the battle began. Swords crossed as orcs began to fall; Thranduil and Sankrovyn had ridden forward and were engaging several orcs. Aurora felt helpless as she just watched.
"NATHO! (HELP!)"
Aurora's head spun around and she saw two elves engaging with more orcs as one of the orcs retreated with a small elfling in his arms. The two elves, clearly the elfling's parents were fighting as hard as they could and Aurora watched in horror as both of them quickly had their throats sliced and they crumpled to the ground. They weren't soldiers, Aurora realized. They were just an innocent family. Aurora looked to Thranduil and saw that he and Saknrovyn were looking in the direction of the fallen family and then Thranduil's eyes shot to Aurora.
Don't—
Before Thranduil could finish is thought Aurora gave a sharp whistle and Egg took off at a gallop towards the direction of the retreating orcs.
"AURORA, STOP!" Thranduil screamed.
"Aran nin! (My King!)," Sankrovyn called, "Natho den! (I will help her!)"
"Estel alye, Berio din! (I trust you, protect her!)," Thranduil shouted and turned back to the combat before him and called over his shoulder, "VANYA! (GO!)"
Sankrovyn ordered his horse forward and he set off after Aurora who had already broken through to the clearing. He watched as she loosed two more arrows and killed the orcs who stood over the dead elves and turned her eyes to the distant treeline. He urged his horse faster so he didn't lose sight of her.
Aurora weaved Egg through the trees gracefully as she got closer to the two orcs who were attempting to flee. They looked back to see Aurora galloping towards them and they slowed their pace. Aurora brought Egg to a halt and jumped off his back aiming an arrow towards the orc.
"How lucky," One of the orcs drawled, "Just the cunt we were hunting."
"Give her to me," Aurora spoke with a venom that she didn't know that she possessed.
"Oh, we'll let her go... Just as soon as you put down that bow and arrow and come along like a good girl," The other orc said.
"Where?" Aurora asked before she could stop herself.
"Dol Guldur," The orc answered, "the Master has been most anxious for your arrival."
Aurora felt the air sing as a silver glint flew past her and a blade embedded itself into the orcs forehead. She glanced around just long enough to see Sankrovyn leap down from his horse and begin sprinting towards her. Aurora looked at the scared elfling and took several deep breaths, "Somma! (Duck!)"
The elfling threw herself to the forest floor and Aurora loosed her arrow into the orcs eye and he dropped to the ground. She quickly threw the bow to the ground and she ran forward and scooped the elfling into her arms as the child sobbed loudly and clung to Aurora's arm. Aurora collapsed to the ground as she held the child close and rocked her back and forth, whispering words of comfort. Sankrovyn felt a pull at his heart as he watched the display. Orcs had just come to kidnap and take her to an unknown fate, yet Aurora was more concerned for the scared elfling. Truly special, Sankrovyn thought to himself.
He turned as he heard the Elk approach, flanked by guards. Thranduil leaped from the grand animal and ran towards them, his eyes grew wide when he saw Aurora on the ground but calmed when Sankrovyn turned to him and spoke, "She's fine. She only kneels to comfort the child." As if on cue Aurora looked up at the to men standing over her and her eyes locked onto Thranduil.
Are you okay? Thranduil heard her concerned voice in his head.
Do not worry for me Ilma nin(my Starlight), I am fine. Thranduil replied.
The elfling slightly pulled away from Aurora to look up at her and Aurora smiled weakly asking, "What's your name, sweetie?"
"Vynladae," came the soft reply.
"Vynladae? What a pretty name. I'm Aurora. We're going to take you back to the palace now, okay?"
Vynladae's eyes drifted to the men standing behind them and she jumped up and offered a clumsy curtsey, "Aran nin! (my King!)"
"Hidh (peace) Vynladae," Thranduil spoke softly as he kneeled next to Aurora, "Aurora is right, we're going to take you home."
The child's eyes welled with tears, "Ada? Naneth?"
Thranduil placed a hand on her head, "They wait for you in the Halls of Mandos, pining (little one)."
She started to cry again as she dove back against Aurora and she wrapped her arms around the child. Aurora stood up and cradled the child against her and Aurora heard her whisper, "I wish I was brave like you."
"Hey," Aurora set the little girl down on her feet and crouched in front of her meeting her eyes. Thranduil and Sankrovyn stopped to look at them just as Aurora spoke, "Do you want to know my secret for being brave?" Vynladae nodded her head and Aurora continued as she started pulling at the silver chain around her neck, "My friend gave me a very special gift, and whenever I'm feeling scared or alone I hold it in my hand and it makes me feel better."
Aurora pulled the stone the rest of the way from under her tunic and heard several of the surrounding elves gasp.
"Ondo Ilma," Thranduil whispered as Sankrovyn stood wide-eyed.
"Why don't you hang onto this for me until we get back to the palace," Aurora placed the pendant around Vynladae's neck as she nodded her head, "I need you to do something else for me, okay?" As she spoke she took off her tunic revealing her scarred arm to Sankrovyn, Thranduil and the soldiers who had joined, but she didn't care right now. She was terrified that everyone was seeing the scars, but she needed to focus on Vynladae. Aurora place the tunic on top of Vynladae's head so it created a hood on the child, "We're going to pass some scary things, so I need you to keep your eyes closed and this hood will help shield you if you accidentally open your eyes, okay?"
Vynladae nodded again and held the sides of the tunic against her face as Aurora picked the child up and held her close. She turned to see everyone looking at her but she found comfort in Thranduil's eyes. The normally piercing blue of his eyes had been softened with concern as she walked passed him. Thranduil could see in Aurora's eyes that she desperately wanted to fall apart, but she was being strong for the child. He watched as Aurora walked over to Egg and Vynladae reached out and touched the horse's nose. He looked at Sankrovyn and spoke, "We should return to the palace immediately. Ensure that the child's parents are brought back with the utmost reverence. I will ride back with Aurora."
"It will be done," Sankrovyn said with a slight bow, "I've already dispatched a messenger to alert the guard watch to be on the lookout for Orcs along the palace border and to have Kasterren and the other healer's standing by to receive the wounded."
Thranduil placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "Thank you, Sankrovyn."
Thranduil turned and walked to where Aurora was with Vynladae. She held the child on her hip as they stroked Egg's neck; the horse enjoying the attention. He placed a gentle hand on Aurora's back and she turned to look at him over the top of the child's head. She smiled softly as she opened her mind again and he heard her voice in his head, She can't see her parents.
I know, he replied softly, She'll be safe with us.
"Vynladae," Aurora spoke softly, "can I set you down for just a minute so I can get on Egg's back? Then you can join me up there?"
Thranduil watched as the child pressed closer to Aurora, clearly afraid to let go of the one who had saved her. He moved in front of the pair so the child could see him again, "How about I hold onto you while Aurora gets on her horse. Then I'll set you up there with her, would that be okay?"
Vynladae nodded slightly and Thranduil took the child into his arms. Aurora quickly swung her leg over Egg and looked back down at them. It was a beautiful sight to see as Thranduil comforting the child and she could hear him whispering something in elvish that made the both of them smile. Aurora smiled at the thought of him consoling a young Legolas in such a manner. Thranduil looked up at her and a silent moment passed between them before he set Vynladae in front of Aurora. The child nestled close to Aurora again as she urged Egg forward with Thranduil and several guards following close behind.
The messenger had arrived several hours ago with word of the attack and the death of two elves. All the messenger had conveyed was that the King was unharmed but he did not know who the elleth was that had fallen. It had taken Legolas a long time to convince Augustus to not leave after Aurora and now the pair paced in front of the main gate.
The sun had begun to set when the large wooden gates opened and Thranduil rode through on his Elk and Egg followed close behind. Augustus heaved a sigh of relief at the sight of his sister unharmed but furrowed his brow as he saw her tunic removed and wrapped around a sleeping elfing's shoulders. He followed close behind as they rode into the stable. Thranduil dismounted quickly and the Stable Master led the Elk to its stall as the King turned towards Aurora and reached out, "Give her to me."
Aurora gently handed Vyndalae down to Thranduil and he held her close. His voice was soft but still spoke with absolute authority as he turned to his son, "Legolas, take Augustus and Aurora to the royal residence now." He didn't wait for a reply as he walked away with the child to where Kasterren was standing at the entrance of the stable. Aurora dismounted Egg and began walking him towards his stall when the Stable Master reappeared and offered to take him for her.
"Thank you, Halagon," Aurora muttered.
As Egg was led away all of the adrenaline Aurora had been feeling for the last several hours drained from her and she turned around to face her brother. Aurora looked up into his eyes and without any words spoken between them he turned and they started walking; as they passed where Thranduil stood with Kasterren. They walked passed them and made their way to the palace.
Aurora heard Thranduil's voice in her head as she reached the main corridor, I will return to you as soon as I am able, Meleth nin (my love).
They walked in silence until they reached the grand parlor of the residence. Aurora quietly made her way over to the settee and sat down and watched as Augustus quietly sat down next to her and Legolas took a seat in one of the large armchairs. Aurora began telling the pair about all that had happened during the battle. As she finished Augustus wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close and she collapsed into his shoulder and finally allowed herself to cry. They stayed with Aurora for several hours as she cried herself to sleep.
"We'll hold the remembrance feast for the pair once the patrols have returned. Has the messenger to retrieve the Ellon's sister been dispatched?"
"Yes, my King," Lord Gawain, "our fastest rider left within an hour of your return. The patrols left only this morning and should not have gotten too far. I expect their return tomorrow."
"Very good," Thranduil sighed, "In our meeting earlier this afternoon it was decided that Sankrovyn would educate Lady Aurora on culture and custom and Gawain word work with her on learning the Elvish language. After the events of today; I would like to add to her education. Lord Allistair, you will personally train her in hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship beginning tomorrow afternoon."
Lord Allistair nodded, "A wise decision, Your Majesty."
"Sankrovyn stays. The rest of you can leave," Thranduil stated dryly. Thranduil stood silently for several minutes after they left.
"Walk with me," Thranduil stated and didn't even make sure that Sankrovyn was following him as he left the study and began walking towards the royal residence.
Thranduil spoke in a hushed tone, "I could've lost her today."
"You could have," Sankrovyn replied. He knew that his friend didn't want to be coddled right now, "But you didn't and now we're putting steps in place to ensure that it doesn't happen."
Thranduil shook his head, "But this enemy this... Master as his minions call him is relentless."
"So are we," Sankrovyn replied, "I meant what I said in the forest today, Thranduil. I've now seen what she truly means to you and I'm sorry I didn't trust you before. As long as I am alive no orc will harm her."
The pair walked into the grand parlor and found Legolas standing in front of the fireplace as it popped and crackled. Augustus was reading a book and Aurora was curled up asleep next to him. Sankrovyn walked to the fireplace where Legolas stood and watched the fire with him. Thranduil walked over to where Aurora slept and knelt next to her, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. He looked up to Augustus who met his eyes, "How is she?"
Augustus set his book down and sighed, "Scared."
Before he could say anything else Aurora shifted and opened her eyes. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw Thranduil looking back at her and she immediately reached her hand out and placed it on his cheek and she whispered, "Hey, you."
"Hello, meleth nin (my Love)," Thranduil whispered as Legolas and Sankrovyn turned at the sound of her voice. They gave each other a look of surprise when they heard the King use the term of endearment. Thranduil continued as he stroked the side of her face, "It's late in the evening. I would like to speak with Augustus but you should probably get some sleep."
Aurora nodded as she sat up, "I could also go for a hot bath."
"Yes, you could..." Augustus agreed and cried out as Aurora punched him in the arm causing brief laughter from the others.
Thranduil helped Aurora stand up, "Would you like one of us to walk you to your room?"
"No," Aurora shook her head, "I could use the alone time."
With another nod to everyone in the room Aurora opened the parlor door and closed it behind her. She walked down the darkened corridor and through the open double doors. She was immediately greeted by two guards who asked where they could escort her. She pointed at the door several yards away from where they stood and asked, "Can you just watch me walk to my room or do you physically have to follow me?"
One of the guards smiled and relaxed at the sarcastic question, "We can watch you from here, my Lady. Sleep well."
With a grateful wave to both of them, Aurora walked into her chambers and shut the door behind her. She leaned against the closed door for a long minute and took several deep breaths. If she weren't as exhausted she would've noticed the copper smell in the air as she pushed her bedroom door open.
The four men sat around the table drinking wine.
"Augustus," Sankrovyn began, "Aurora made a decision today that put her at great risk."
Augustus nodded, "Going after the elfling?"
"Yes," Thranduil spoke up, "she cannot do something like that again."
"No," Augustus disagreed, "not even I can talk her out of that. If she sees a child in trouble she's going to help; it's how she's always been."
Sankrovyn moved to speak again but he was cut off by a blood-curdling scream.
By the time they were running down the corridor, they could see Gandalf running from the opposite end and a dozen guards surrounded the entrance to Aurora's room and they heard several shouts.
"MA DEN?! (WHO IS IT?!)"
"AMARTH FAEG! (EVIL FATE!)"
"GORGOR! (HORROR!)"
"USU-DIN SI! (GET HER OUT OF HERE!)"
As the four reached the grand doors in the middle of the hallway, they saw one of the guards bolt out of chambers carrying Aurora to the other side of the corridor.
"IS SHE HARMED?!" Legolas shouted and the guards turned around and saw their King and Prince, followed closely behind by Lord Sankrovyn. Augustus and Gandalf went to Aurora's side and took her from the guard. Augustus collapsed to the ground and held her close.
"No, Your Grace! She is merely unconscious." The guard called as the remaining three ran into her chambers.
"Make way for the King!" Another guard called and they quickly moved out of the trio's way until they were the only three remaining in the chambers. Thranduil stopped at the doorway into Aurora's bedroom and he took in a sharp breath as he took in the scene before him and both Legolas and Sankrovyn gasped in disgust.
The furniture in the room has been destroyed and the floor was littered with her shredded clothes. Blood had been smeared all over the walls and two elven soldiers had been impaled on the top of Aurora's canopy bed. Their lifeless eyes held terror as blood dripped from their mouths. Thranduil noticed that they each had something clutched in their hands. One held a small parcel and the other held a rolled-up parchment. Legolas noticed them at the same time as his father and he stepped forward removing the items and tucked them away in his robes.
As Thranduil moved back into the corridor his soldiers straightened up as he looked at all of them. His eyes narrowed as he spoke low and dangerous, "Four of you will stay behind and get our fallen soldiers out of the despicable position they are currently in. The rest of you will rouse all other guards you can find and search this palace room-by-room until you are certain there are no other… displays such as this one. You will take your orders from Legolas and him alone. VANYA! (GO!)"
The hall emptied quickly and Legolas handed the parcel and scroll over to his father before turning and sprinting out of sight with the other soldiers. Thranduil looked over to where Augustus held his sister close to his chest. She had awoken and was quietly sobbing. He looked up at Thranduil, "What happened in there?"
Thranduil shook his head, "Agustus… Some things are better left unseen and could I take the memory of what is in that room from your sister, I would... For it is truly abhorrent. But I can say— I would say that it is safe to assume that Sam is within the palace walls."
Thranduil watched Augustus closely as he considered the King's words and when he met his gaze once more, Thranduil saw something in Augustus's eyes that he had never seen before. Pure rage.
Augustus held his sister tighter to him as he spoke through gritted teeth, "The last time this monster tried to ruin her life I couldn't stop him. Do I have permission, Your Majesty, to search the palace with Legolas?"
Thranduil stepped forward and silently nodded, "Give her to me."
Augustus stood up with Aurora in his arms, kissed her cheek and whispered, "I'll be back soon Loser."
Thranduil took Aurora and she looped her arms around his neck and he pressed her as close as he could to his chest and he looked to Gandalf, "Is there anything you can do?"
Gandalf nodded grimly, "I can put protections around the main gate and barrier walls, but they will only work if this monster is not truly within the palace."
"See it done." Thranduil turned and began walking towards his chambers again and called over his shoulder, "Sankrovyn, with me."
They walked into the grand parlor again and Sankrovyn sat down in the large armchair as Thranduil walked into his bedroom and closed the door. He carried her through another large door that descended into a small cavern. Aurora looked around and could see a large hot spring at the far end. Thranduil set Aurora down on a padded bench and dropped to his knees in front of her, taking her hands in his as he softly spoke, "Ilma nin (my Starlight) I need to discuss a few things with Lord Sankrovyn and then I will retu— "
"Don't leave me," Aurora interrupted in a panicked voice.
Thranduil placed a hand on her cheek and she leaned into it, "I will be back as fast as I can, gweston meleth nin (I promise, my love)."
Thranduil kissed her softly on the lips and then he walked back up the stairs.
He came back into the parlor and found Sankrovyn finishing a goblet of wine. He walked over to the long dining table and produced the parcel and scroll. He opened the scroll first and read the words on the page several times as his rage continued to build.
They will continue to die because of you. It's time to come home, Rory.
He handed the page to Sankrovyn and the High Advisor's eyes darkened at the sight of the words as well. Then he watched as Thranduil opened the parcel and inhaled sharply. Thranduil turned the contents of the parcel out onto the table. Sankrovyn almost cried out as two index fingers tumbled out of the parcel both with silver rings around them that he instantly recognized.
"No…" Sankrovyn breathed as Thranduil quickly put the two fingers back into the parcel and handed it to the Lord.
"Alert Lord Allistair that Priamos and Tauriel are in peril," Thranduil ordered dryly, "As soon as the palace is searched tell Legolas that he is to report to Allistair to arrange the guard to go and retrieve all elves currently out on patrol within the Woodland Realm. Bring our people home." Without another word, Sankrovyn left the parlor and shut the doors behind him.
Thranduil walked back into his bedroom and removed his tunic and boots before descending back into the cavern. When he reached the bottom step he saw Aurora sitting along the back wall of the spring, her legs pulled close to her chest under the water. She had let her hair down and her curls danced around her face and down her back. She finally looked up at him when he reached the edge of the spring, noting that he had dropped the glamour from his face.
"Hold me…" She whispered and watched as Thranduil walked into the spring and over to where she sat. He joined her on the ledge and pulled her onto his lap and cradled her against him, speaking comforting words and singing a soft elvish song for several minutes.
"I am sorry, Ilma nin (my Starlight)," Thranduil whispered after his song ended, "If I could take your pain away I would... We should get you upstairs so you can get some sleep."
He carried her through the water and set her at the edge of the spring and she unconsciously wrapped her legs around his hips, "This seems familiar." She offered him a weak smile.
Thranduil smiled and stepped closer to her, "Indeed it does, meleth nin (my Love)."
"Tell me what it means," Aurora asked.
Thranduil cupped her cheek in his and captured her lips in a heated exchange. Her tongue quickly slid into his mouth as their kiss deepened and she pulled him closer with her legs until she could feel all of him pressed against her. His hands trailed down her waist until he was gripping her hip tighter and he rolled his hips into her. She moaned loudly and pressed her hips into him as she moved against him. He began kissing down her neck and trailed his tongue along her collarbone one hand drifted up as he cupped her breast and he moaned at the feel of her.
"Thranduil..." She whimpered as she ran her fingers threw his hair as he kissed back up her neck and captured her lips once again. His tongue moving quickly against her in perfect rhythm as their hips rolled together.
They broke apart and were panting heavily for several minutes until they both regained control of themselves.
"That's a hell of a way to dodge a question."
The pair laughed as Thranduil pulled her the rest of the way out of the spring and dried them both off with a towel. He laced his fingers between hers and led her back upstairs. He poured them both a glass of wine and he sat at the edge of the bed while she drank all of her wine almost instantly. She stood next to the bed watching him for a long moment as he finished his goblet of wine.
She took a deep breath and finally said the words that had been plaguing her darkest thoughts since their journey from Rivendell, "Maybe I should just go to him."
Thranduil's eyes widened and he was standing in front of her before she even realized he had moved. He spoke in a very low tone, "Never think such a thing again."
"How can I not!?" Aurora stepped back from Thranduil and tossed her arms in the air out of frustration, "He impaled your guards on my fucking bed just to taunt me! I can't let any more people die because of me! I won't— "
Thranduil grabbed her and pulled her into him before she could finish her sentence. His lips crashed into hers in a desperate kiss. He held the back of her head and poured all of his fear, desperation, and longing into one kiss. When he finally broke away he pressed his forehead to hers, "I am only complete with you by my side, Aurora. Don't you see that? I cannot lose you... I would not survive."
"I"m sorry..." Aurora felt the tears prickling the back of her eyes again, "I'm just so scared and I— "
"I know," Thranduil soothed. "But we will fight this and win... Together."
Aurora kissed him again and spoke against his lips, "Let's go to bed."
Thranduil took her hand and led her to the bed. He laid down and pulled her closer to him as he ran his fingers through her soft curls. He held her face in his hand as he met her eyes once more, "Meleth nin means 'my Love'. For that is what you are."
He lightly kissed her once more and felt her smile against his lips. Then he held her close and they drifted to sleep.
A/N: D'Aww! Someone dropped the "L" word! Hopefully, he'll say it to Aurora next time!
Are you guys still enjoying the story? Because I am truly having a great time writing it for you.
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Until next friends!
XOXO!
-P
