CONTENT WARNING for Chapter 29: Rated M for Strong language, sexual content.

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

A/N: So a slightly fluffier chapter than the previous but still fun! Well, these chapters just keep getting longer as I go. They may start to taper back in upcoming chapters, I just hate leaving you with too many cliffhangers.
As you can see by the content warning at the top: this chapter is going to get steamy, so you have been warned! Enjoy and please pleaase review!
XOXO - P

Song for the Chapter: "For Always" by Lara Fabian ft. Josh Groban


Chapter 29 -Together
In one lifetime you will love many times.
But, only one love will burn your soul forever


Sam opened his eyes to see a canopy of green as the trees swayed in the fall breeze above him. He could feel the wagon rolling beneath him as he sat up. He looked down at his mutilated arm and winced. His wrist and hand had been expertly wrapped and he could see athelas sticking out from the seams. He looked around and saw a convoy traveling around him.

"You should be resting Mellon nin (my friend)," A voice called from the side of him. He turned to see a silver-blonde elf looking down at him from her horse. She smiled sweetly, "What is your name?"

"Samindiel of Greenwood, but please, call me Sam," Sam replied, "And who do I have to thank for rescuing me?"

"I am Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien," she spoke softly, "our delegation is traveling to the palace of Greenwood. You will be safe in our care until we arrive. Then we will ensure that you are taken to their healing halls."

"I thank you, Hiril nin (my Lady)," Sam bowed his head in feigned respect.

Galadriel leaned over and touched a soft hand to his cheek, "Rest Sam. We will be at the palace by nightfall."

Sam laid back down in the wagon and Galadriel rode ahead of the wagon to join her husband.

Haldir, the Marchwarden heard his Lady's voice echo in his head, where are you?

I am at the front my Lady, came his reply, do you require me?

Take your brother, he heard her voice again, ride ahead and inform the King Thranduil and Prince Legolas of the injured Ellon, Sam.

It will be so my Lady, the Marchwarden replied, has he taken a turn for the worse?

No, her reply came, I feel something sinister and darkness within him. I want the King to be made aware before we arrive with him.

Without another word, Haldir and Rumil departed from the front of the group at a gallop.


Aurora slowly became aware of her surroundings as she slowly peeled her eyes open. Sunlight was streaming into the bedchamber and it offered a soft glow to everything in the room. She stretched and looked around to find Thranduil was not in the room. She frowned slightly and got up and dressed in a purple tunic with black leggings and boots, quickly fastening her hair back in a bun. She walked into the corridor and was greeted by her guards.

She smiled at them, "Have you seen the King this morning?"

"Yes, Hiril Vuin (Beloved Lady)," Dusan nodded, "he is in the library."

"Thank you," Aurora smiled again and began walking in the direction of the library. She didn't need to look behind her to know the guards were following.

She pushed the door to the library open and then closed it quietly behind her. She quickly scanned the room and saw a lone figure. He sat in a large armchair by the fire and there were several books scattered on the table in front of him. He wore black boots with a silver tunic and leggings; a billowing royal blue robe rested on the back of the chair. She walked quietly to where he sat and rested one hand on the back of his chair and the other fell on his shoulder. She leaned down and kissed the top of his head, feeling the cool silver circlet touch her chin.

He silently grabbed the hand that rested on his shoulder and placed a soft kiss on her palm and then held her hand close against over his heart. Aurora stood there in silence for several moments as her eyes drifted to the book in front of him.

"Binding?" Aurora asked.

Thranduil finally looked up at her and cupped a hand on her cheek; he pulled her down to him so she was sitting on his lap, her legs draped over the side of the chair. He leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on her lips and she could feel his glamour drop as she returned his kiss.

"Le fael, Ilma nin (Thank you, my Starlight)," he spoke softly as he looked into her jade eyes, "for your comfort last night."

"Illume, Vuin nin (Always, my Beloved)," she replied placing a soft kiss to his forehead and his eyes closed at her touch. She ran her hand across his scarred cheek, "Ci vaer? (Do you feel better?)"

"I do," Thranduil smiled against her hand, he loved to hear her speak Elvish so well now, "how do you feel? I know that when I see the memories of others I feel their emotions and physical state entirely."

Aurora nodded, "I did feel it… But I'm okay."

"Are you sure?" Thranduil's brow furrowed.

"I'll make you a deal that Augustus and I have," Aurora looked him in the eyes again, "when one of us is in a moment of weakness, the other one will be strong for both. Last night, I was your rock and I will be whenever you need me."

Thranduil watched Aurora as he let her words sink in. "I always need you," He spoke in a whisper as he pressed his forehead to hers, "I don't know what I did so right for the Valar to bless me with you as a fea-match."

"Well," Aurora sighed, "everyone gets lucky sometimes." Thranduil chuckled as he pulled her into another kiss and she smiled against his lips, "are you going to answer my question?"

Thranduil arched an eyebrow, "What question was that, Ilma nin (my Starlight)?"

Aurora grabbed the book he had set down and turned it over to the page he had been reading, "What's binding?"

Thranduil took a deep breath, he wasn't expecting to have this conversation with her so soon. "It's what I was reading up on last night."

"What you said you needed to talk to me about?" Aurora asked.

"Yes," Thranduil sighed, "Binding when putting it in the simplest term… It is one of several Elven marriage ceremonies."

Aurora's heart skipped several beats as she felt her stomach drop. Marriage? Aurora knew that's where this path would eventually lead but they had only known each other less than a year. On the other hand, Thranduil was her fea-match and she knew that she could never love another more than what she felt for him.

"It is not something that needs to be considered now or even in the near future," Thranduil continued, seeing the mixture of emotions on Aurora's face, "but it is something that you should be aware of; should our relationship progress how— how I hope it does."

Aurora looked into Thranduil's eyes and saw a deep-seated hope within their fathomless blue, "How does it work?"

"Well," Thranduil exhaled a breath that he didn't realize he was holding and smiled, "it is a ceremony that is shared solely between the bride and groom. On their wedding night, when they join together physically a tether is created that binds their fea into one. It creates a bond between the pair that only death can separate. They will forever feel each other's emotions on a level that no other living thing could understand."

"It sounds beautiful," Aurora breathed as she hung on every word Thranduil spoke.

"It is," Thranduil smiled, "the most sacred of our Elven ceremonies."

"So you've experienced it before?" Aurora chewed her lower lip as she spoke, "with your first wife?"

"No," Thranduil sighed again, "Although Serilda and I were married, we did not bind together. A binding can only occur with one's fea-match."

"But…" Aurora considered her words, "you said that when two elves join together… physically the connection is made."

Thranduil smiled at what Aurora was hinting towards, "Not every physical union is a binding. There are specific words that must be spoken during the union that causes the binding to occur. If two elves choose to be together before binding," Thranduil placed a sensual kiss on Aurora's neck and he spoke against her skin, "then it is simply two consenting adults enjoying life's most intimate joy."

Thranduil kissed up Aurora's neck as she tilted her head back, closing her eyes. Thranduil's hand drifted under Aurora's tunic and his fingers ran along her stomach. He continued kissing up her jaw until he pressed his lips to hers and she immediately kissed him back with a fervor.

Thranduil broke away after several minutes, "I should see to my other duties; before I throw caution to the wind and spend the rest of the day in my chambers with you."


Aurora walked with a skip in her step as she made her way down to the stables. She had finally finished her boring lesson with Sankrovyn and she wanted to get Egg out and stretch his legs. She found him with his ears perked in her direction as she walked towards him.

"Hey handsome," Aurora scratched his nose.

She quickly tacked him up and started leading him out to the field when Augustus came into the stable.

"Hey Loser," He smiled as he pulled his sister into a tight hug, "You gonna work Egg?"

"I was thinking about it, yeah." Aurora scratched behind one of Egg's ears and the horse leaned further into her.

"Well," Augustus started walking towards his horse, "I just finished up with Legolas for the day. Give me a few minutes to tack up Odin and I'll join you."

"Does tack here even fit him?" Aurora called over her shoulder and turned to see her brother glaring at her.

"He is not fat," Augustus emphasized.

Aurora laughed as she looked back to Egg, "He's fat." Egg nickered and tossed his head in response, "See! Even Egg agrees."

"Fuck you, little sister," Augustus called from the other stall, "what do you think the odds of us going outside the gates are?"

"Seems likely with the proper escorts." Aurora turned back around to see Legolas, Elladan, and Elrohir walking into the stable. The prince smiled at her and stroked Egg's nose, "we shall accompany you."

"Great!" Aurora smiled and led Egg to the front of the stable.


Thranduil sat behind his desk and looked at the prophecy page in front of him. He looked over the edge of the page to see Lord Elrond and his councilors watching him closely. He sighed and folded the page back up, placing it in the desk drawer again.

"Lord Allistair," he began, "what security precautions are being taken for both celebrations?"

Alistair sat up in his chair, "We are doubling the patrols at the front gate and along the perimeters. There will also be armed guards present in the grand ballroom, but they will remain unseen to those in attendance."

"Very well," Thranduil drawled, "Lord Elrond if you will stay. Everyone else, leave."

The councilors rose and bowed to both men. Thranduil waited for the door to click shut before he spoke again, "How long have we known each other, Elrond?"

Elrond arched an eyebrow at the odd question, "Close to 3,000 years."

Thranduil nodded, "Although I have not always shown it, I do consider you a close friend of mine. You have, quite literally, saved my life. But now I find myself needing your help once more."

Lord Elrond furrowed his brow and looked at Thranduil, "What do you need Mellon nin (my friend)."

"More soldiers," Thranduil mused, not meeting Elrond's gaze, "it is my intention after the Winter Solstice to move against the forces that have taken up residence in Dol Guldur."

Elrond's eyes widened but he wasn't overly surprised, "I agree that action should be taken against that foul place, but why wait until after the Solstice?"

The corner of Thranduil's mouth twitch upward, "Winter Solstice is Aurora's birthday… I would not do anything that would keep me away from her on that day."

"I see," Elrond smiled softly, "If I may be so bold, am I right in assuming that you have found your fea-match?"

Thranduil met Elrond's eyes and offered a genuine smile as he nodded, "I have."

Elrond returned his smile, "Happy news indeed."

Thranduil's smile faded, "I will stop at nothing to keep her safe, Elrond."

"I know," Elrond nodded, "and when that time comes, the forces of Rivendell will stand with you. After all, her mother, Elara, was of Imladris and a dear friend to my wife for many years."


They had ridden for several hours, laughing and telling stories. Aurora watched as Legolas raced Elladan and Elrohir across the clearing with a smile as Augustus sat next to her on the ground.

"Something's different with you," Augustus spoke plainly as he watched Aurora pick at the stem of a rose Elrohir had given her. Aurora arched an eyebrow at him, "Really. These last few days I've noticed it more and more. You radiate happiness when you walk into a room, I don't think I've ever seen you like this."

"I am happy," Aurora offered a shy smile and blushed slightly. She looked across the meadow to where Elladan had tackled his brother, but she could still feel Augustus watching her, "I love Thranduil, Augs."

She looked up to meet her brother's eyes and a tear slipped from her eye, "I don't ever want to go a day without being with him. I think… I want to marry him."

Augustus pulled her into a tight hug, "I'm happy for you, Auri. Truly. I would accept no less a husband for you."

"I wish mom and dad were here. I always imagined they would be here when I…" Aurora trailed off and buried her face into her brother's arm.

"I wish they were, too." Augustus hugged her closer, "and somehow I think they still will be."

They sat in silence for a long moment as they watched the trio walking back towards them. Augustus looked down and saw that Aurora had collected a basket of wild roses, "You know you have your garden for those, right?"

"I am aware," Aurora laughed and nudged her brother's shoulder, "these are for something special."

"Oh? Would it have something to do with a certain King's birthday tomorrow?" Augustus watched as Aurora smirked to herself but didn't meet his eyes, "What are you planning?"

Aurora looked up at him with a mischievous grin, "I'm planning a perfect night."


Thranduil heard the door to his study open and he saw Gailon out of the corner of his eye approach his desk. "See that a messenger leaves tomorrow with this correspondence to Dale."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Gailon nodded and took the letters, "I was asked to deliver this to you, Sire."

Thranduil looked up to see Gailon holding out a yellow and brown flower, that he had come to know as a sunflower, out to him. He took the flower and Gailon turned and left. Thranduil unrolled the small piece of paper attached to the flower's long stem.

Meet me in our garden.

Thranduil smiled to himself as he rose from his desk and left the study. He maneuvered his way through the corridors and eventually entered the royal corridor. He walked through his private garden and down the small staircase that led into Aurora's. As he walked through the archway he saw that a blanket had been laid out with a spread of various fruits, cheeses, and bread. But the truly breathtaking sight was when he saw her.

Aurora stood by the edge of the blanket with her back to the waterfall. She wore a dress of burgundy silk that spread across the grass where she stood. The neck of the dress plunged low and he could see Ondo Ilma sat against the porcelain skin over her heart. She had let her hair fully down, her curls cascading across her shoulders and down her back.

"Hey you," She smiled at him as he finally met her eyes.

"Hey you," he walked towards her in a haze. He stopped at the opposite edge of the blanket from her, marveling at the sight of her, "might I ask what all of this is?"

Aurora stepped around the blanket to where he stood and looped her arms around his waist, went on her tiptoes and kissed him softly. She looked up at him with another wide smile, "It's your birthday surprise."

Thranduil exhaled a soft chuckle, "Ilma nin (my Starlight), my birthday is not until tomorrow."

"I know," Aurora broke away from him and kneeled onto the blanket, "but tomorrow the group from Lothlorien will have arrived and I know that you will be busy with them. So... " Aurora reached out for Thranduil's hand and pulled him down so he was sitting on the blanket with her, "I decided to turn your birthday surprise into a slightly early birthday surprise."

Thranduil leaned over and kissed her again, "I can't wait to see what other surprises are in store. Thank you."

"Well, don't get too excited," Aurora started putting a plate of food together for Thranduil, "aside from the shock of me wearing a dress there isn't going to be very much else. I just thought we could spend an entire evening together... uninterrupted."

"A magnificent idea indeed," Thranduil smiled and began eating the fruit on his plate, "but tell me, how are you able to ensure that we will not be interrupted?"

Aurora smirked and popped a few blueberries into her mouth, "Because from the moment that you entered the royal residence… Legolas and Augustus are now running interference to make sure nothing disturbs us unless something is bleeding... Or on fire."

Thranduil chuckled and continued eating. They spent an hour in the garden eating and laughing together. At some point, Thranduil had stood up and offered Aurora his hand. He pulled her close and slowly danced with her around the garden and she began to lightly hum a tune for them. As she rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes, Thranduil looked around as the garden subtly brightened and he felt Ondo Ilma grow warm between them. She looked up at him and he instantly bent down to kiss her.

She smiled against his lips and whispered, "Time for part two of the surprise."

"Might I ask how many parts there are to this devious scheme of yours?"

"If things go well…" Aurora kissed him again, "Four."

Thranduil arched an eyebrow as she stepped away from him and pulled something from the picnic basket. He laughed as he recognized the handkerchief in her hand as she walked around him and covered his eyes.

"Is this simply revenge for me doing this to you?" He inquired when the cloth was securely over his eyes.

"Something like that," she whispered and pressed a kiss to his neck that elicited a groan from him, "follow me."

Thranduil was led blindly by Aurora's hand, although he could recognize the aroma of his chambers. He felt the air thicken as they descended a familiar flight of stairs. She left him standing at the base of the stairs and he could hear the fabric of her dress rustling against the stones of the cavern.

"Open your eyes," Aurora whispered.

Thranduil removed his blindfold and was struck with another beautiful sight. First, his private hot spring had been adorned with dozens of candles that created a soft glow in the room. The water of the spring had been almost covered entirely with red and white rose petals. Second, Aurora stood at the edge of the pool and his breath hitched in his throat. She had removed her dress and now wore a slip of the same color that barely came halfway down her thighs. She reached her hand out for him and he joined her almost immediately.

She removed his outer robe and then slowly unbuttoned his tunic, kissing each part of his chest as she exposed it. As soon as he stood only in his leggings, she led him into the water. Thranduil followed her to the far edge of the pool where she lifted herself out and sat along the edge. Not needing instruction from her, Thranduil positioned himself between her legs as she reached for a bottle of oil. Thranduil leaned into her fingers as she massaged his scalp and washed his hair.

He caught her lips in another kiss, this one more heated than the last. They simply kissed for several minutes until she pushed back against his chest and met his piercing blue eyes once more, "Time for part three."

Thranduil chuckled again as she produced another silk handkerchief that matched the color of her slip. She fastened it around his eyes and led him from the spring. She dried them off and led him back up the stairs. Thranduil felt himself being lowered onto his bed.

"Move to the center and lay on your stomach," Aurora ordered and Thranduil obliged. He rolled over and reached to remove his blindfold again. His hand was quickly pulled away and he could feel Aurora's lips brush against his ear, "This part you don't get to watch… only feel."

"You test what little self-control I still hold, temptress," Thranduil growled low.

He felt Aurora straddle his upper thighs as he began to smell the sweet aroma of lavender and vanilla. He flinched as he felt warm oil touch his skin but he instantly relaxed as Aurora began to massage the oil into his tired muscles. She continued her massage for a long while, giving a painstaking amount of care to every area she touched. She had started with his neck and shoulders, moving down to his arms and the rest of his back. Thranduil had almost drifted to sleep at how relaxed he was when he felt Aurora move off of him.

"Roll back over."

Thranduil obeyed with a smile. He felt Aurora staddle his lap again and felt her body tense as she settled down against him. She sounded more nervous as she let out a shaky breath and whispered, "Open your eyes."

Thranduil removed his blindfold and marveled at the vision before him. Aurora was straddling his lap in nothing but burgundy panties and Ondo Ilma around her neck. His eyes wandered up her body. He traced the swirling scars of her arm and up over her shoulder and trailed down her back. He could feel the scars down her back and saw as they looped around her waist. His eyes continued their journey across her chest and he saw her breathing heavily, he finally met her jade eyes. He saw behind them hopefulness and excitement. But he also saw a glimmer of worry.

Part four, he heard her whisper inside of his mind.

Thranduil watched her for a long moment as he processed what she was offering him. He had waited for this moment for the last several weeks, but he hadn't wanted to rush Aurora into anything she wasn't ready for. But now that the moment had arrived he found himself hesitating. He ran his hands up the curves of her back as he sat up. His chest pressed against hers and he felt a fire ignite between them. He leveled his eyes with hers and cupped her cheek in one hand as he tucked a stray curl behind her ear.

"Ilma nin (my Starlight) you offer me a most precious gift. And I desire it more than you will ever know," he spoke softly, mesmerized by the light he saw in her jade eyes, "but I want to ensure that you are truly ready to take this step with me. Not just for me."

Aurora looped her arms around Thranduil's neck and pulled him into a tender kiss. When she leaned back she traced her hand along his jaw and he leaned into her touch, closing his eyes. They remained silent for a long moment until he opened his eyes again and Aurora stared into his piercing blue eyes, "Le i velethron e-guil nin, Thranduil (You are the love of my life, Thranduil). I am ready to share everything I am with you. Tonight, and for the rest of my life. Together, Vuin nin (my Beloved)."

He leaned in and brushed his lips across hers as he whispered, "Together, meleth nin (my Love)."

He kissed her again, more passionately this time as his tongue pressed into her mouth. He wrapped his arm around her waist and turned her over, pressing her back into the bed. She wrapped a leg around his hip as she rolled into him, eliciting a groan from him as he began to slowly move his hips against her. She could already feel his excitement as her hands drifted down to the laces of his leggings.

She made quick work of untying them and slid her hand down their front. Thranduil moaned against her mouth as she wrapped her fingers around him and began slowly stroking. He pulled his leggings off and tossed them to the floor as he pressed his weight against her again this time feeling her shiver at the feel of him, only the silk of her panties separating them.

He began to kiss down her neck and collarbones as she continued to move against him. His hand trailed down her side as he began kissing her breasts, giving each the attention they deserved. His hand came to rest on her hip and his fingers curled around the fabric of her last remaining clothing. He slowly pulled the panties down her legs until she kicked them away and his hand trailed back up her thighs.

She pulled his lips back up to hers and her hand tangled into his silken hair and he trembled as she ran her fingers along both of his ears. She trailed kisses across his jawline and down his neck as one hand began stroking him again. He inhaled sharply and pressed his forehead into her shoulder as she took his earlobe into her mouth.

Thranduil separated from her for a moment to relish in the sight of them laying together. He looked deep into her eyes as his hand reached her bud and he felt her for the first time without anything to separate them. Her eyes half-closed and she moaned as he began to circle his thumb around her, the strokes of her hand matching his rhythm.

"Look at me," he ordered in a husky tone. She opened her eyes and looked at him; locking eyes just as he slid a finger into her.

"Ah," Aurora gasped and tilted her head back into the pillows that surrounded her head, closing her eyes again as he began moving his finger in and out of her. She felt his mouth on hers again as she gripped his shoulders closer, dragging her fingernails across his back. Thranduil hissed as he broke their kiss.

"Look at me Aurora," he emphasized his words by pushing a second finger into her, his thumb still circling her bud. She was breathing erratically as jade eyes met blue. Thranduil leaned in close so there was barely any space between them as their noses touched, "I will see your eyes as you fall apart by my touch."

"Fuck," Aurora whimpered as she began stroking him again, matching the speed of his fingers, "Thranduil, please... I need—"

She moaned loudly and bucked her hips as Thranduil curled one of his fingers inside of her. He smirked at the sight of Aurora's face contorted in pleasure as she struggled to maintain eye contact with him, "What do you need, meleth nin (my Love)?"

Aurora captured Thranduil's lips in a desperate kiss as she felt herself getting close to falling over the edge, "You," she pleaded as she moaned louder, "I need you, Thranduil."

Thranduil pulled his hand from Aurora and she whimpered in protest. She took the opportunity to push Thranduil back so he was lying on his back, his head near the foot of the bed. Thranduil watched with wide eyes as Aurora slowly crawled over to him with an expression of pure lust in her eyes.

"Ai," Thranduil hissed as Aurora licked up to his tip and then took him into her mouth. She circled her tongue around him as his hands tangled into her hair. He began moving his hips towards her mouth as she continued going down on him. She traced circles on his inner thigh with her fingernails causing him to tremble and his breath catch in his throat, "Avo dharo (Don't stop)."

She continued her sensual rhythm until he could feel the pressure building within him and he pulled her up to meet him as they kneeled on the bed, kissing each other passionately. Thranduil lowered her down to the bed again and he towered over her, positioned between her legs. He pressed his forehead to hers, his hand moved down her arm and he laced his fingers in between hers, "Gi melin, Aurora (I love you, Aurora)."

He kissed her gently as he pushed into her, both holding their breath as they basked in the sensation they had both craved. He kissed down her neck as he slowly began moving further into her with each subtle thrust. Her nails dug into his arm as she clung to him. Thranduil gasped as Aurora lightly bit his shoulder as he buried himself entirely inside her.

Thranduil stilled for a moment looking at the wanton expression on Aurora's face as she clung to him. He had never seen a more beautiful sight and he wanted to see just how high he could make her soar. He pulled out of her almost entirely before burying himself fully again and Aurora lifted her hips to meet his, needing to feel every bit of him inside her. She kissed up his neck, licked up his ear and took the top of it into her mouth, her tongue rolling over the pointed tip.

"Nan i 'aear ah in elin! (By the sea and stars!)" He groaned as he quickened his thrusts, "Aurora... "

Aurora tried to keep up with the pace he had set but her head was swimming in ecstasy that it was becoming difficult to focus on anything. She could feel the fire burning in her core as she felt herself getting close to the edge again. "Ah, Thranduil!" She shouted after a particularly hard thrust. His arm gripped her hip as he moved her faster against him, "Fuck! Thranduil, I'm going to— AH!"

Aurora shouted his name as she reached her orgasm; her mind cascading into a sea of starlight as pleasure erupted through her veins. Thranduil continued thrusting into her during her peak, making it last as long as possible for her.

As she started to settle down from her high, his movements became more erratic as he felt his pressure about to burst through. Aurora placed a hand on his cheek as he looked down into her glazed eyes, "Come for me, Thranduil." She arched her back and pushed her hips further into his, "Come inside me, Vuin nin (my Beloved)."

At her final words, Thranduil couldn't hold back anymore. "Fuck... Aurora!" He screamed as he felt himself spill inside of her. He slowed his thrusts but continued to move through his orgasm, not wanting the sensation to leave him. He pressed his head against her collarbone as he thrust into her for the final time.

For several minutes they held very still, only their heavy breathing could be heard. When she had gained control of her breathing once more, she opened her eyes to see Thranduil looking down at her. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips then he whispered, "Anthon i veleth nin allen urieb."

Aurora tilted her head and Thranduil already knew what she was going to ask, "It means 'I give you my love eternally'." Thranduil rolled off of Aurora and leaned against the headboard, he pulled the blankets around them as she nestled into his chest.

She lifted her head and kissed him softly. When she spoke her lips brushed lightly against his, "Happy birthday, meleth nin (my Love)."

Thranduil smiled against her lips, "I cannot remember a more perfect birthday in 6,000 years."

"Losing memories in your old age?"

Thranduil looked down to see Aurora smirking up at him. "You will pay for that my dear."

"Oh I certainly hope so," she replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Well, I'm sad to say but… That is all I had planned for us this evening."

"That is all?" Thranduil restated her comment, "Ilma nin (my Starlight), you have given me the single most enjoyable evening of my entire life. It was truly…" He trailed off getting lost in her eyes again.

"Perfect," Aurora finished for him and smiled, "I was hoping it would be."

After they shared a glass of wine, they readied themselves for bed. Aurora picked up his discarded tunic from the hot spring and put it on. She turned around to see Thranduil staring at her from the doorway of his closet, "What?"

"Nothing," Thranduil mused holding his hand out to her again, "I do love seeing you in my clothes."

Aurora stepped close to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, "As much as I like seeing you out of them?"

Thranduil laughed and pulled her into another kiss, "Let us rest, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."


The main gates swung wide as Haldir and Rumil rode in. Haldir quickly dismounted and handed the reins to a stablehand just as he turned to head into the palace he was met with a stern face.

"I'm Lord Sankrovyn, High Advisor to the Great Elvenking Thranduil," Sankrovyn looked at the pair, "who are you and why do you ride into the gates as the sun sets?"

Haldir and Rumil bowed, "I am Haldir, Marchwarden of Lothlorien. I have ridden ahead at the behest of the Lady of Light. I must speak with King Thranduil immediately."

Sankrovyn arched an eyebrow, "The King is currently unavailable. What is the message?"

Haldir shook his head, "With due respect my Lord, I was ordered to give the message only to the King or his son."

Sankrovyn considered the Marchwarden for a long moment, "Come with me."


Aurora nestled her head further into Thranduil's chest as his fingers traced lazy circles over her scars. Her eyes were slowly drifting closed and she could feel Thranduil's breathing slow down and steady as he allowed sleep to take him.

Without warning, a loud knock crashed through the silence and the doors to the bedchamber were pulled open. Thranduil jerked awake and pulled Aurora behind him, not knowing what to expect as his eyes adjusted to the bright candlelight that was now streaming into the room.

The silhouette in the doorway came into focus and Thranduil settled a menacing glare on the figure, "What is the meaning of this, Legolas?"

Legolas looked from his father to Aurora and back again. He had so many conflicted emotions at the sight, and thanked the Valar that he had not interrupted them in a more compromising situation. "I beg that you both forgive me. Ada… Haldir has arrived ahead of the rest of the Lothlorien delegation with information you must be made aware of."

Thranduil threw the blankets back as he stood up and went into his closet, a few minutes later he re-emerged in a fresh tunic and boots. He walked over to where Aurora sat dazed and confused on the bed. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead and touched her cheek, "Forgive me, Aurora. I will return to you as soon as I am able."

Legolas hated to interrupt such a tender moment between the pair but time was not on their side, "Actually Ada, the news affects Lady Aurora. She should be privy to the conversation."

Thranduil maintained an indifferent mask but he felt an unease creep into his chest. He looked back down to Aurora, who had furrowed her brow and looked concerned, "How much time do you need to get ready?"

Aurora shrugged slightly, "Give me two minutes."

Without another word, Thranduil and Legolas left the bedchamber and closed the door behind them. Aurora sat on the bed for a moment longer and she could feel her anxiety rising. She left the bed and quickly pulled on her leggings and boots and put on a fresh tunic.

She emerged from the bedchamber to find Thranduil and Legolas pacing in front of the fireplace, a tense silence hung in the air. At the sight of her, Thranduil disregarded all propriety and laced his fingers in between hers, "Come, meleth nin (my Love)."

They left the parlor and were immediately flanked by Aurora's guards as they walked quickly to Thranduil's study. Aurora pushed the door open and saw Sankrovyn and Gawain pacing in front of the fireplace. In one of the large armchairs sat to Lord Elrond next to an elf that Aurora did not recognize. In the corner, Haldir and Augustus seemed to be in a hushed discussion that seemed to be upsetting Augustus.

"What is the meaning of this, Marchwarden?" Thranduil demanded as Legolas shut the study doors behind them. "What is so important that it could not wait until morning?"

There was a silence as all in the room silently acknowledged that the King was still holding Aurora's hand tight in his. Haldir stepped forward and bowed to Thranduil, "My apologies, Your Majesty. The Lady of Light sent me ahead of the rest of the delegation to forewarn you that we would require your healers upon the delegation's arrival."

Thranduil arched an eyebrow as he stepped forward, releasing Aurora's hand. He placed his hands behind his back, "And why was it so pressing that she would send her Marchwarden to deliver this message personally? Rather than just invade my mind with the information herself."

"The injured elf," Haldir continued, "they are not from our delegation and claim to be of Greenwood. They were found wandering in the woods last night injured." Sankrovyn and Gawain had moved towards Thranduil, Elrond had also risen from his seat to join the group, "My Lady has sent me ahead because she seems unsure of the Ellon's true intentions. She sensed sinister darkness within him."

Thranduil listened carefully, "What more can you tell me of this strange Ellon?"

"His injuries were severe but not life-threatening," Haldir explained, "He appeared to have been stabbed and two of his fingers were missing."

As Haldir spoke Alistair walked into the study and bowed to Thranduil, "My King, the delegation from Lothlorien has arrived. They have taken several of there number to the healing halls. There was a spider attack several miles from the main gate."

Thranduil nodded to Alistair and slowly turned his attention back to the Marchwarden.

"That is all I know of the Ellon. Although I do not know his true name," Haldir paused for a moment, "he has requested that we call him Sam."

Aurora became instantly lightheaded and she didn't realize that she had dropped the goblet of wine Legolas had given her until it shattered on the ground. All in the room turned to look at her as she stared at the ground in horror. Everyone watched as she visibly started to tremble as her eyes fluttered closed. She crumpled to the ground so quickly that Sankrovyn had caught her just a moment before her head connected with the stone floor. He scooped her up and carried her over to the settee in front of the fireplace. Thranduil and Augustus were kneeling beside her before Sankrovyn had stepped away. the King pressing a damp cloth to Aurora's face as the group watched in stunned silence.

Thranduil handed the damp cloth to Augustus and he stood again, "Lord Alistair, go to the healing halls and locate this… Sam," Thranduil spat the name as if it would poison his tongue if it lingered there too long, "He is to be taken to the dungeons immediately and I want two guards watching his cell at all times. If he requires the attention of a healer, they will treat him in his cell."

Alistair gave Thranduil a curious look but nodded his head, "It will be so, my King."

"Legolas," Thranduil looked to his son, "see that the perimeters are secure, triple the guard on the main gate. Take Haldir and his brother with you… You know what to look for."

"Yes, Ada," Legolas bowed and left the study with the two Lorien elves behind him.

"Your Majesty," Elrond broke the tense silence, "who is this Ellon?"

Thranduil looked back to where Aurora lay. Augustus was holding her hand in his as he pressed the cool cloth to her face again. Augustus looked up and met the King's gaze. Thranduil saw the same terror and rage in Augustus's eyes that he felt in his chest.

"He is a servant of Dol Guldur and means Aurora harm," Thranduil spoke flatly, "I believe him to be the one that the orcs have come to call Shadow King."

"Shadow King?" Gawain asked.

"Yes," Thranduil continued, "one who would try to taint the prophecy regarding Aurora and bring death and destruction to Greenwood."

"Why does Aurora react in such a way at the mere mention of his name?" Sankrovyn asked.

"There is a history between them from Aurora's other realm that I do not know of," Thranduil stated plainly.

"Thranduil?"

The group turned at the sounds of the weak voice, they saw Aurora sitting up and Augustus protectively wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Thranduil walked back over to her and sat next to her, taking her hand once more, "I am here, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."

"I need to go lay down," she whispered.

"Of course, Augustus and I will help you back to my chambers." Thranduil helped Aurora stand and interlocked her arm with his. As he turned he saw the other Lords still watching him, "We will continue this discussion as soon as I have Aurora settled."

Augustus and Thranduil led Aurora back to the parlor and Thranduil started leading her towards the bedchamber when she stopped. They looked back at Aurora as she ran her hand along the arm that they both knew held her scars.

"What is it, meleth nin(my Love)?" Thranduil asked.

"It's time…" Aurora whispered.

"Time for what, Auri?" Augustus replied.

"To share my burden..." Aurora looked at Thranduil and met his piercing blue eyes, "It's time that you know what Sam did to me."


A/N: Well that was a great birthday present, right? I hope you guys enjoyed Aurora's gift to our favorite King, but be kind as it was my first time writing a scene like that.
Any guesses what Sam is up to?
Just as a note, although our favorite couple has now done the deed, it will not be a constant thing in the upcoming chapters, so please don't expect it with every new update. It is about the story, but the steaminess is a nice interlude every so often. ;)
Again, please pleaase review or send me messages with feedback. I truly love hearing from you guys!
XOXO - P