CONTENT WARNING for Chapter 27: Rated M for Strong language, violence, and brief descriptions of gore.

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

A/N: Well that last chapter was pretty intense! What are your feelings on Sam just being another proxy? I am a big fan of misdirection and cliffhangers, so I hope that you guys are all okay with that. I hope you guys enjoy this new chapter; it's a bit fluffier because the last couple of chapters have been pretty heavy; but it still has some good content, I think.
Please remember to review so I know that you guys are still enjoying the story!
XOXO - P

Song for the Chapter: "If We Were Vampires" by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit


Chapter 27 - Find Your Light
If I had a flower for every time I thought of you,
I could walk in my garden forever
- Alfred Lord Tennyson


~~One Month Later~~

Aurora felt the back of her head hit the ground as his hand came around her throat and he was leaning over her. He quickly released his grip and stood back up. As he offered a hand to help her stand up he asked, "What was your mistake?"

"Agreeing to have you train me in hand-to-hand combat..." Aurora retorted as she took his hand.

"There is that," Allistair gave a soft chuckle, "you were also too focused on what my hands were doing that you didn't pay attention to my feet. That's why I was able to kick your legs out from under you."

"This is ridiculous," Aurora breathed and placed her hands on her hips, "I'm never going to learn this shit... Can't we just go back to you trying to stab me all the time?"

Allistair rolled his eyes, "Swords will only get you so far, Aurora."

"Yeah," Aurora replied, "far enough that I don't have to use hand-to-hand combat."

Allistair let out an exasperated laugh and raised his hands, "You have a valid argument. But our Great Elvenking has ordered me to train you in both combat disciplines, so that is what I shall do."

Aurora paused for a moment at the mention of Thranduil. The last month had been a roller coaster of emotions between the pair. Between tender glances and sweet words when they were around others and heated exchanges when they were alone; Aurora was beginning to learn what true love was supposed to feel like. Their courtship had become an open secret within the palace. Although an official announcement had yet to be made, if anyone watched the pair together for more than five minutes they could see the love written in their eyes.

Her and Augustus had been given new chambers within the royal residence so there was more protection and several of the elleth's within the palace had helped Aurora with obtaining a new wardrobe of tunics, tank tops, leggings, and dresses after word got out that hers had been destroyed. Even though she had her own chambers, Aurora spent most of her nights with Thranduil in his bedchamber, content to just hold each other until they were both ready for more.

Aurora groaned and tried to stabilize herself again as she saw Allistair positioning himself for another attack; but before he could strike again they heard a call from the edge of the training field, "How does our great warrior fare?" Allistair and Aurora turned around to see them standing at the edge of the training field. Aurora unconsciously smiled as the King and Sankrovyn watched in entertainment at her lesson.

Aurora was always in awe at how Thranduil always appeared so regal even dressed as casually as he was now. He wore a simple dark green tunic with brown leggings and boots. His silver circlet rested above his brow perfectly as always.

She and Allistair moved to where they were standing and Aurora said to Sankrovyn, "Are you here to save me from Lord Allistair with another boring history lesson?"

"If my Lady commands, I'm sure I could come up with something," Sankrovyn smiled and then looked to Thranduil, "However I believe His Majesty had other ideas for this afternoon."

As he finished speaking Aurora heard a familiar nicker and turned to see Augustus leading Egg and Odin from the stable; close behind him was Legolas leading his large chestnut horse and the Elk. They still wore their training clothes, the cream-colored tunic with black leggings and boots; both held wide smiles on their faces as they approached. "What is going on?" She asked with a suspicious tone and turned back around and looked at Thranduil.

He stepped forward and softly stroked the Elk's face. He looked down at Aurora and gave her a mischievous grin, "You'll see."


They had been riding for an hour in the forest and Aurora was in awe, once again at the beauty offered. It was the beginning of September and the leaves had started to change to soft hues of red and yellow. Aurora smiled as a cool breeze blew through the trees and she felt the wind toss her braided hair around. When she realized where they were, Aurora's face dropped and she felt anxiety begin to crawl across her skin.

She halted Egg and looked around the clearing. Her mind was filled with the smell of blood and she could feel the heat from the fire that Sam was dragging her towards. She closed her eyes and saw Vynladae's parents having their throats cut by orcs. She began to feel light-headed as her hands trembled. A prickling fear crept across her chest and caused her breathing to shallow. She felt a hand on her arm and she jerked away, whipping her head around to see Augustus watching her. She reached out again and took his sister's hand, "It's alright, Auri..."

Aurora saw Legolas stop behind her and she could feel the Elk to her other side. She looked up at Augustus with desperation and whispered, "Why are we back here?"

"It was Thranduil's idea," Augustus squeezed his sister's hand again.

Aurora slowly looked over to where he sat atop his elk. His brow was furrowed and his eyes were soft and reassuring as he spoke, "This clearing holds nothing but pain for you... I thought that we could make better memories here." As he spoke, Aurora watched as Legolas and Augustus moved further into the clearing. They dismounted and began pulling things from their saddlebags. She felt the thick fur of the elk brush against her leg as he moved closer to Egg. Aurora felt a hand take hers from the reins that she had been gripping with white knuckles. He laced his fingers with hers again as she looked to see Thranduil looking down at her, "Trust me, Ilma nin (my Starlight). "

Aurora squeezed his hand and took several deep breaths and urged Egg forward into the clearing. The sun warmed her skin as they rode to the center of the clearing together and they stopped when they reached the others who had set up a blanket and started placing food out. Thranduil dismounted and allowed his elk to walk freely around the clearing. He walked over to where Aurora stood and wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing his chest against her back. She leaned her head back and rested it against his chest as Egg joined Odin.

Her eyes darted around the treeline for any sign of movement and she felt Thranduil slowly turn her around. She looked up into his eyes and saw him staring at her with a mixture of concern and caring, He leaned down and gently kissed her, his soft lips comforting her as she leaned into him further. He broke away and looked deep into her eyes, "I will be here the whole time, gweston (I promise)."

They walked over to where Legolas sat on the blanket and joined them. Aurora looked at Augustus and smiled weakly. While they ate, Thranduil regaled them with tales stories of Legolas when he was a child and Aurora learned that elves could blush if embarrassed enough by his father. They settled into a peaceful silence as they enjoyed the warm sun until Aurora asked, "How far are we from the Equinox?"

Legolas looked to his father and smiled before answering, "About two weeks away. We will be having a big celebration."

Augustus brightened, "Do you always celebrate it?"

"Not as big as is being planned," Thranduil explained, "However with the arrival of the two of you, it was decided to have a larger celebration this year. I actually believe we should be expecting delegations from Lothlorien and Rivendell anytime now." Aurora smiled at the prospect of seeing her friends from the other Elven realms.

"That's not the only reason for the celebration, Ada," Legolas arched an eyebrow.

"Legolas," Thranduil spoke with a warning tone. Aurora watched the exchange, she wanted to ask more questions, but Thranduil quickly changed the subject, "Why do you ask about the Equinox, Aurora?"

"We just... Have a family tradition," She looked at her brother and smiled. She saw Thranduil and Legolas look at her curiously so she continued, "it makes a lot more sense now, but in our other world our parents would always make a big deal about celebrating the Equinox and Solstice so we had little traditions for each one."

"Yeah," Augustus chimed in, "they would always close down the shop and we'd all go up into mountains regardless of the weather."

"What traditions?" Legolas asked curiously.

"It was different for each season," Aurora spoke and smiled wide, "For Winter Solstice, mom would make this homemade spiced apple cider and we would eat apples, oranges, and bananas. Spring dad always made this disgusting lavender juice., but we always drank it because it was his favorite. Then we'd eat cherries, boysenberries, and apricots. Summer was homemade lemonade with peaches, mangoes, and strawberries. And fall was mulberry wine with cheese, bread, apples, pomegranates, and cranberries."

They watched as Aurora spoke and they looked at each other when they began to notice a subtle light beginning to emanate from her. Augustus chimed in, "Then on the first night of the new season, we would eat and drink everything we prepared and we would all watch the sunset together. We'd go around and each of us would make a wish or a goal for something we wanted to accomplish that season."

"Beautiful," Thranduil whispered and Aurora looked over to meet his eyes. She smiled wide again, wanting to just get lost in his eyes. She felt that she could stare at them for hours and still find small details to marvel at.

Aurora looked back to her brother, "So now what are we going to do?"

"Well," Augustus looked to Legolas, "I did promise Legolas to show him more mounted archery if you're feeling brave."

"Not today," Aurora shook her head with a laugh. Her eyes scanned the clearing and she saw a small break in the landscape at the far end, "What's on the other side of that ravine?"

"That's not a ravine, it's a riverbank." Thranduil followed her gaze, "Would you like to go see it?" Aurora's smile was the only reply he needed and he stood, helping her stand. Legolas and Augustus began discussing mounted archery as Thranduil whistled once and his elk came prancing over to where they stood.

Thranduil helped Aurora up onto the animals back and he quickly moved up behind her. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close as his elk began walking towards the riverbank. He tried not to focus on the sway of her hips against him as the elk walked. He rested his head against her hair and smelled the soft fragrance of roses that he had grown accustomed to. When they reached the edge, Thranduil helped Aurora down and then laced his fingers in hers as they walked.

The river was smaller but the water rushed by quickly, there were trees lined along the riverbank. Where they stood there was a small drop onto the soft grass below. Thranduil went down first and offered his hand up to Aurora. She smiled down at him, leaned over and wrapped her arms around his neck. He smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist as the other looped around one of her thighs and pulled her towards him.

He didn't let her go as he walked over to the riverbank. She smiled as he carried her and she trailed soft kisses along his neck and jawline, eliciting a smile from him as he walked. His hand drifted underneath her tunic and gripped her waist tighter. Aurora's breath hitched momentarily at the touch of his hand on her bare skin and she slowly ran her tongue along his ear. Thranduil inhaled sharply as he kneeled down to the ground to set them down. Aurora decided to test a theory and took the tip of Thranduil's ear into her mouth, rolling her tongue around the pointed edge.

Thranduil gasped, his knees buckled and they crashed the rest of the way to the ground with him landing on top of her. He was able to catch himself so he didn't press all of his weight onto her. When he looked at Aurora again she saw a look of such lust that she thought that he would take her right there on the riverbank if she had asked him to.

"If you do that again," Thranduil spoke in a low and husky tone and began trailing kisses up her neck, "I will lose all self-control that I have…"

He caught her lips in a passionate kiss, his tongue demanding entrance and Aurora quickly obliged. His hands ran up and down the leg that she still had looped around his waist. He pulled her closer as he pressed his hips into her and smiled as she groaned into his mouth. She ran her fingers through his hair and pulled softly and was rewarded with a low growl from his chest. She took this as approval and she began kissing down his neck, rolling her hips into his again.

"I'll make you a deal," Aurora said when she broke away, "the next time I do that to your ear," she continued to toll her hips as she spoke. Taking pleasure in the wanton expression on his face as he stared at her, "you have my permission to lose control."

Thranduil was finding it difficult to focus as he continued to grind against Aurora, watching her chest rise and fall, "If you continue to move your hips as you are, I will do anything you ask…"

Aurora laughed and lifted herself up to rest on her elbows, "I'll keep that in mind."

Thranduil lifted himself off of her and helped her sit up. She snuggled against him as they sat on the riverbank, just watching the river. Thranduil watched Aurora as the sun caused her jade eyes to shine even brighter. He reached out and tucked a loose curl behind her ear.

"Why don't you wear your hair down more often?" He asked and was alarmed as Aurora momentarily tensed around him. "What is it, Ilma nin (my Starlight)?"

Aurora looked to the ground and Thranduil saw a familiar fear spread into her eyes. Aurora took several deep breaths before answering, "Sam… Ummm… He would always make me wear my hair down. He said that it would make me less attractive to other men. Also, in his warped mind, it was less of a temptation to throw me around by my hair if it wasn't pulled back. Harder to grab…"

Aurora trailed off as she felt Thranduil's arm tighten around her. "Ni dem achin. (I am sad for you)." He whispered.

"Av-naer. (Don't be sad.)" Aurora replied and looked up at Thranduil. "I'm making progress. I used to wear it in a tight bun all the time, I felt comfortable with braids about a year ago. I'll wear it down more often someday."

He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, "You will look beautiful no matter what."

"Even if I shaved my head?"

Aurora couldn't hold back her laughter at the horrified look that crossed Thranduil's face before he realized that she was joking. They sat in comfortable silence for a long while and simply enjoyed the sound of the river as it rushed passed them. Aurora looked down at her side when something caught her eye.

"Oh," she said as she leaned down and picked up the silver circlet from the ground. It was much lighter than she expected and cool to the touch. She turned and extended it out to Thranduil with a smile, "I believe I caused you to drop this, Your Majesty."

"Indeed you did, my Lady," Thranduil smiled and took the circlet and met Aurora's eyes again.

"What are you doing?" Aurora asked as she saw Thranduil moving the circlet around and lifted it above her head. "Thran—"

She stopped speaking as she felt the light pressure of the circlet resting on her head. She took in several deep breaths trying to comprehend that a King had just put one of his crowns on her head. Thranduil just smiled wider as he took in the sight. He noticed the light reflecting off of the circlet brightened as she returned his smile.

"It suits you," Thranduil mused as he leaned forward and kissed her again, "Queen of my heart."


His boots crushed the leaves as his feet fell against the forest floor. He had watched for a long time before leaving them. Leaving her. He didn't want to leave but he knew that he couldn't linger or he would have slain the King where he sat and took Aurora for his own. Her smile had radiated in the clearing and he could see the light making its way back into her, he had to move again before things got more complicated.

"Queen of his heart," the Shadow King scoffed as he opened the secret passage that led into the palace, 'she will only be my Queen."


The group of four had just returned to the stable when Sankrovyn and Allistair arrived.

"My King," Allistair stepped forward, "the Rivendell delegation has arrived within the last hour and Lord Elrond requests an audience. Apparently there were some orc attacks on their journey and he would like to discuss this with you."

Aurora watched as Thranduil clenched his jaw, "Were there any injuries?"

Allistair nodded grimly, "No lives were lost. But three of their guard were wounded. Kasterren is seeing to them now."

"Very good," Thranduil spoke in his normally indifferent tone, "Allistair, Legolas you will join me. Sankrovyn, if you can see Augustus and Aurora back to the royal residence."

Without another word, Thranduil left the stable with the others trailing behind him. They walked in silence and when Thranduil turned down the corridor that led to his private study without so much as a word of farewell to the others. As Aurora began following Sankrovyn to the royal residence, she suddenly heard Thranduil's voice in her head.

I am sorry to be pulled away, Meleth nin (my Love). I will find you when I am done.

Aurora smiled softly, I certainly hope so… Until then, I guess I'll just take a long hot bath alone.

There was a long delay and then she heard a reply in her head, I will make you pay for that teasing, my little temptress.

I like forward to it, was her only reply.

"What are you smiling at?" Augustus asked interrupting Aurora's daydreaming of what Thranduil had in store for her.

"Nothing," she smirked again, "just... A thought made me smile."

Augustus looked on at his sister in confusion as they walked down the royal corridor, "Well," he began, "I am going to research some stuff in the library."

Augustus gave his sister a quick hug and walked further towards the library, four guards trailing behind him. Aurora stopped at the entrance to her chambers and turned to Sankrovyn, "I thank you, for accompanying us back, Lord Sankrovyn. I'm sure that babysitting was not on your list of things to do today."

Sankrovyn stepped aside as Aurora's guards did their usual search of her room before she entered and smiled with relief that nothing was found, "It is no problem at all, Lady Aurora. Would you like some company until the King is finished?"

"Sure," Aurora smiled, "Although I can't say I will be the most exciting company."

Aurora quickly changed into fresh clothes and joined Sankrovyn in her parlor. "So," she gave him a mischevious grin, "Tell me some embarrassing stories that I can use to mock Thranduil..."


Thranduil entered the study with Legolas and Allistair to see Lord Elrond and his two sons waiting for him.

"Mae g'ovannen, Hir Elrond (Well met, Lord Elrond)," Thranduil nodded as he walked to stand behind his desk.

"King Thranduil," Elrond bowed in reverence and his sons followed his lead. "I thank you for the invitation to your Equinox celebration."

"Of course," Thranduil paused momentarily as everyone took their seats at the large table, "I understand there was some trouble on your journey. I'm told three of your company are with our healers now."

"Yes, luckily their injuries were not severe but require healing nonetheless," Elrond sighed, "Your Majesty, there are some things that we found on the orcs after they were defeated."

Elrond looked to one of his sons and Elladan produced several pieces of parchment. Thranduil picked them up and felt his eyes darken as he stared down at the Black Speech written several times.

Gith nulgum kugh u za Duath Aran sha tab Burz Gothlob (All will bow to the Shadow King and his Dark Queen)


Aurora had decided to take a walk around the halls to keep her mind distracted. She had begun to recognize many of the elves along her way and they all greeted her with warm smiles. They were always hesitant to talk to her, however, because Aurora's faithful guards were always trailing behind her. As she stopped to admire a painting that was hung high on one of the corridor walls she felt a small tug on her tunic. She looked down and smiled wide.

"Vynladae!" Aurora breathed as she knelt down to the elflings level. "How are you?"

The elfling through her arms around Aurora's neck, "I am doing well, Aurora! I get to live with my Aunt and she is really fun. I had sweets for dinner last night!"

Aurora laughed, "You did? I"m jealous! I just had some boring old fruit…"

Vynladae smiled up at Aurora, "Is it true that you are going to marry the King?"

Out of the mouths of babes, Aurora thought with a laugh and then replied, "I don't know about that, Vynladae. But His Majesty and I do like spending our time together; so I guess we'll have to just wait and see."

"I hope you do," the little girl smiled, "His Majesty isn't as grumpy since you came to the palace."

Aurora glanced around to see Dusan and Caspian trying to stifle laughter by pretending to clear their throats.

"Vynlandae there you are," a female voice called.

Aurora looked up to a dark-haired elleth walking towards them. Her face hardened as she looked at Aurora, "Apologies, my Lady." She spoke with an edge to her voice that caused Aurora to furrow her brow.

"It's no problem," she tried to sound nonchalant, "Vynladae is very sweet."

"Pinig (little one)," the elleth spoke to the elfling, "will you wait for me out by the main gate?"

She watched as Vynladae skipped around the corner. Once she was out of sight, the elleth turned her attention back to Aurora and her expression darkened, "I would appreciate it if you would stay away from my niece." Aurora stood with her mouth open in shock as the elleth continued to speak venomously, "It's your fault that she doesn't have her parents in the first place..."

The elleth trailed off as she briefly closed her eyes and Aurora tried to speak, "I'm truly sorry for—"

Aurora was cut off by a slap to her face. She heard footsteps begin to move and she looked to see her Tonever and Fintan closing in quickly as Dusan and Caspian reached for their weapons. Aurora quickly raised her hand to stop their advance and they begrudgingly obeyed.

"Save your apologies," the elleth spat at Aurora's feet, "My brother would still be alive if it wasn't for you. And now the whole kingdom is supposed to accept you just because you chose to spread your legs for the King like a common whore—"

"ALLONDE!"

The voice echoed through the corridor and it silenced the elleth's rant. They both looked to see Kasterren standing in an open doorway, her hard eyes locked on Allonde's face. She slowly began walking towards where they stood, "Your niece is waiting for you… You should go to her."

Without another word, Allonde turned on her heel and stormed down the corridor. Kasterren stood with Aurora in the corridor for a long moment before her face softened, "How about a nice cup of tea? I just finished boiling some water."

Aurora nodded numbly and followed the healer to the room she had exited. It turned out to be Kasterren's study that was situated just off the main healing halls. Aurora sat down in a chair as Kasterren busied herself with pouring the tea and handing a cup to Aurora. Once the cup was handed off, she quickly moved to the other side of her desk and grabbed a small tin and pulled a chair next to Aurora.

She opened the small tin and Aurora smelled a strong scent of mint and pine as she saw a pale green cream inside. As Kasterren dabbed some of the cream onto her reddening cheek the healer spoke, "This cream is going to sting a bit, but it should stop any swelling and cause the redness to go away faster."

"Thank you," Aurora muttered and then hissed slightly as the cream touched her cheek.

"I apologize for Allonde, my dear."

"It's… It's okay," Aurora replied as she winced at more of the cream touching her cheek.

"No, it's not," Kasterren sighed and set the tin on her desk, "Allonde is trying to be strong for Vynladae, but the grief has been difficult for her. Of course, I guess it's not meant to be easy."

"She's right though," Aurora looked to the ground, "It is my fault—"

"Stop that." Kasterren spoke in a harsh but concerned tone, "Look at me, child." She waited for Aurora to finally look up at her before she continued, "The circumstances surrounding the deaths of our people may be due to your arrival, but that does not make them your fault. If it were not your presence; those monsters would have used some other foul reasoning for their actions. Evil stole Vynladae's parents away… Not you. All elves understand that, although we do not suffer from natural deaths, it doesn't mean we are always promised a tomorrow. Vynladae's parents understood that; just as my son and all other Greenwood soldiers understand. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Aurora whispered meekly and then her brow furrowed, "Wait… Your son?"

Kasterren leaned back in her seat and took a long sip of her tea and quietly nodded, "My son was a proud soldier of Greenwood."

"What happened to him?" Aurora asked, fearing she already knew the answer.

"I have been spared the details by Lord Allistair," Kasterren cleared her throat, "All I know is that he was one of the guards you found in your guest chambers."

Aurora closed her eyes and saw flashes of the impaled bodies once again. Their lifeless eyes staring at her and she screamed. "Kasterren," she whispered, "I'm so sorry—"

"Stop," Kasterren pressed a finger to Aurora's mouth, "I do not blame you, my dear. My son knew the risks of being a soldier and the sacrifices that might be made. He proudly served Greenwood. I know that he waits for me in the Halls of Mandos and that is all the comfort I need."

"Can I do anything for you?" Aurora asked, feebly trying to think of ways to make amends.

Kasterren held Aurora's face in her hand and smile, "Continue to make our Aran Vuin (Beloved King) happy and don't let darkness cloud your beautiful heart."

Aurora opened her mouth to speak when Thranduil's voice filled her head, Meet me in the garden.

She blinked several times and then looked to Kasterren, "I should go. Thank you, for the tea."


Aurora walked into the garden still carrying the small tin that Kasterren had given her. She saw Thranduil's back turned to her as he seemed to be watching the small waterfall in the garden. She slowed her pace down, placed the small tin into her pocket, and walked until she was directly behind him. She felt him briefly tense as she snaked her arms around his waist and pressed her self against his back; her cheek resting against his silken hair. The scent of smoky vanilla and cedar filled her senses as she felt his fingers lace into hers. He pressed one of her hands to his chest and placed a soft kiss on the palm of her other hand. His warm breath sent a shiver down her spine.

"I thought you had forgotten your way," Thranduil spoke in his usual cool and indifferent tone.

"I'm sorry, Vuin nin (my Beloved)," Aurora sighed, "I was having tea with Kasterren so I was a bit farther away."

"Oh?" Thranduil turned around as he spoke, "What took you to see Kast—"

Thranduil cut off his own sentence at the sight of Aurora's face. He quickly placed a hand under her chin and tilted her head so he could look at her cheek better. He clenched his jaw tight, "What happened?"

Aurora shook her head slightly as she tried to look at the ground, "It's nothing..."

"What. Happened?" He spoke through clenched teeth and Aurora could sense his anger building.

Aurora sighed heavily and took a step back from him, "I was taking a walk around the palace and I ran into Vynladae and her Aunt, Allonde. She sent Vynladae away and then…"

"Then what, Aurora?" Thranduil questioned further as Aurora paused.

"Then she blamed me for the death of her brother and she slapped me," Aurora replied as she laced her finger together.

Aurora watched Thranduil take several deep breaths, clearly trying to calm his anger, "What else?"

Aurora looked away and shook her head again, a single tear betraying her. She spoke so softly that it was barely audible, "Please Thranduil… Just let it go—"

"Aurora," Thranduil spoke in a low and measured tone. He didn't want to yell at her to get the answers he needed, "What else happened?"

Aurora resigned to telling him and looked him in the eyes again, "She said that she wouldn't accept me as part of Greenwood just because I'm whore to the King."

Aurora watched as Thranduil's eyes grew wide as they filled with burning rage and his mouth slightly dropped open, "I will have her thrown in the dungeons for this."

He walked passed Aurora but she quickly called to him, "Wait…" She watched him as he moved through the roses. He wasn't listening to her so she finally shouted, "Thranduil… STOP!"

The King stopped and looked back at Aurora with wide eyes. He knew that it took a lot for her to shout like this. He turned back around and slowly walked towards her, "You would have me do nothing?"

"No," Aurora replied, "But you can't throw her in the dungeons."

Thranduil arched an eyebrow as he continued moving back to where she stood, "And why not?"

"Because Vynladae," Aurora furrowed her brow, "if you take her Aunt away, she will have no one. Please, Thranduil. If you want to scold Allonde or punish her for striking someone, that's fine. But, I beg you, please don't let that punishment take her away from that little girl."

Thranduil considered Aurora's words for a long moment before speaking again. He was always amazed that she always thought of others. His cold tone still rang through the garden, "And what would you have me do about her calling you a…" He trailed off as he couldn't bring himself to use the horrible word to describe the one he loved.

"Nothing," Aurora shrugged. She saw Thranduil's eyes widen and she closed the rest of the distance between them, "You can't expect everyone to be okay with us being together. She might not like me and I'm okay with that. You have shown me your heart and I know that you don't see me as just a whore to warm your bed."

"Don't even say such a thing," Thranduil spoke with a sharp tone but there was a hint of sadness in his voice. Thranduil cupped her cheek and ran his thumb along her cheekbone, "She will be punished for her actions but not separated from the elfling… And I— I'm sorry this happened, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."

Aurora placed a hand on his chest again, "We would be fools to expect everyone to accept me blindly. But we'll win them over."

Thranduil brought her hand to his lips again and placed a kiss on the back of her hand, "Together."

"Together," Aurora stood up on her tiptoes and kissed Thranduil on the lips. She kissed him slowly and ran her hand from his chest to the back of his neck. She broke the kiss and looked into his blue eyes, "Now… Why did you want me to meet you here?"

"Ah, yes…" Thranduil took a step back and pulled out a small cloth, "I have a surprise for you."

Aurora looked at the cloth in his hand, "A handkerchief?"

Thranduil laughed, "Turn around."

Aurora hesitated for a moment and then slowly turned her back to Thranduil. She saw the cloth placed in front of her face and it was quickly fastened over her eyes. Her hands instantly moved to the cloth but she felt strong hands pull them back down.

"Trust me," Thranduil whispered, his lips ghosting next to her ear.

Thranduil laced his fingers in between Aurora's and he began leading her down the path that he had kept hidden from her. The stone steps weaved down and Aurora was afraid of stumbling, but Thranduil held her close to ensure that didn't happen.

"I must confess, Aurora, I have kept another secret from you," Thranduil explained as he stopped her at the bottom of the stairs, "but I couldn't reveal it until everything was ready." Aurora felt Thranduil move behind her and he placed his hands gently on her arms as he guided her, "Just a few more steps," He whispered with a tone of excitement.

She felt Thranduil stop her again and he began to untie the cloth from her eyes but she kept them closed. "Okay," Thranduil spoke softly, "Open your eyes."

Aurora fluttered her eyes open. At first, her eyes found Thranduil, his eyes expectant and hopeful. Then she slowly began to look around at where they were standing. Aurora stood in awe at the sight before her.

The garden was surrounded by the castle walls, making it feel more intimate. There was another waterfall that fell into a small lily pond. The garden was newly planted she could tell; the flowers just beginning to bloom. But what took her breath away were the types of flowers she was seeing.

They were all of her favorite flowers from her other realm.

She slowly walked around the garden taking in all of the sights of sunflowers, begonias, stargazer lilies, and white roses. As she got closer to the waterfall, she saw the beginnings of a weeping cherry blossom tree. She felt a tear roll down her cheek as she turned back around to see Thranduil watching her closely.

"Thranduil," she whispered in wonderment. She kept looking around at everything as she walked back to where he stood; afraid that it would disappear if she looked away. She reached Thranduil and looked up into his bright blue eyes, "This is…"

Thranduil cupped her cheek in his hand and wiped a tear away, "Do you like it, meleth nin (my love)?"

Aurora leaned forward and kissed him gently and then pressed her forehead against his as his arm wrapped around her waist. Thranduil smiled as he felt the garden brighten in the light of the setting sun. He whispered, "I'm glad you like it."

Aurora looked back around at the beautiful sight, "How did you do this?"

Thranduil looped her arm with his and began walking her around the garden again. Relishing in the wide smile on her face, "Luckily, the garden was already here. But it hadn't been maintained properly… When Augustus was retrieving your belongings from your original guest room he came across a bag of seeds. He asked me if there was a place that you could plant them and I told him of this garden. So, for the past month, Augustus and I have been preparing everything to ensure that it was perfect for you. This garden is yours to do with as you will, no one may enter without your permission."

Aurora listened in awe as she felt Ondo Ilma warm against her chest, "This is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me…" Aurora stopped by the waterfall and lily pond and looked up at Thranduil, "I love you. I never thought I could love someone this much until I met you. I want to spend the rest of my life with no one but you, Thranduil."

Thranduil's heart skipped a beat, just as it did every time she spoke those three simple words. He ran his arm up to her back and pulled her closer to him, his other arm cupped her cheek. He leaned in and kissed her. Within the kiss, he poured in all of the love he felt for her. He pulled back to look into her deep jade eyes, "I will love you until the end of my days, Ilma Bereth nin."

"Ilma Bereth nin…" Aurora smiled up at Thranduil, "what does that mean?"

Thranduil kissed her again and then spoke softly, his lips brushing up against her, "My Starlight Queen."