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

A/N: I know the last chapter was very dark, but I promise this chapter is lighter. I promise we'll be friends again after this chapter.
Are you guys still enjoying the story? Sound off in the review and let me know!
XOXO -P

Song for the Chapter: "Orpheus" by Sara Bareilles


Chapter 31 - A Season of Change
Your fingers entwined slowly with mine,
and suddenly life made sense.


Aurora woke up to the feeling of strong arms wrapped around her and she felt the warmth of his chest pressed against her cheek. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Thranduil sleeping peacefully. Sunlight was streaming into the room giving the bedchamber a light glow and Aurora wished they could stay in the room forever.

She placed a soft kiss on his chest and started sitting up but when she tried to pull away, she felt his arms tighten around her. She looked back up to see his blue eyes shining in the morning sun as they looked down at her. "Hey you," he whispered.

"Hey you," Aurora leaned up and gave him a light kiss, pressing her forehead close to his temple, "Are you just going to keep me in bed all day?"

"Were that an option," Thranduil kissed her forehead again, "it would be the best day of all my 6,000 years."

Aurora looked into his eyes again and smiled softly, "Happy birthday Vuin nin (my Beloved)."

"You are my greatest gift," Thranduil whispered as he cupped her cheek and pulled her into a chaste kiss, "how are you feeling, Ilma nin (my Starlight)?"

Aurora dropped her eyes from Thranduil's gaze, "I'm… I'm okay."

Thranduil looped his finger under her chin and tilted her head back up to look at him. He spoke with concern, "Aurora… "

Aurora fluttered her eyes to gith back tears, "I'm as okay as I can be, Thranduil. Can we please just… Just focus on something else?"

Thranduil sighed, "Aurora, as much as I wish we could; the source of your deepest pain is now sitting in my dungeon."

"What's going to happen?" Aurora whispered.

"Along with the other Lords and Lady, we will discuss a proper course of action," Thranduil replied. He watched Aurora's expression and ran his hand up her arm as he added, "What would you see done?"

"I don't know," Aurora shook her head slowly, "I never thought that I would see him again so I didn't think…" Aurora trailed off not knowing what to say.

Thranduil saw the conflict in her eyes and he felt a pang of guilt in his chest, "Diheno nin, meleth nin. (Forgive me, my love.)"

Aurora's brow furrowed, "For what?"

"I should not have insisted you share your memory with me," Thranduil looked down at where he held her hand and pulled it to his chest, "I was selfish to—"

"Stop," Aurora interrupted covering his mouth with her hand, "you're not selfish. We help each other carry our burdens, remember? Together."

"Together," Thranduil repeated and kissed her again.


Aurora walked around her garden, cradling a hot cup of tea in her hands. Thranduil had his regular duties to attend to on top of dealing with Sam so she wasn't expecting to see him for most of the day. She stopped in front of the sunflowers again and ran her fingers across the pedals.

"Permission to enter?"

Aurora turned to see Lady Galadriel standing in the archway of the garden. "Of course," Aurora smiled and offered the Lady of Light a reverent curtsy, "it's wonderful to see you again, Lady Galadriel."

"Please child, there is no need for such formalities," Galadriel replied as she pulled Aurora into a close hug, "this garden is stunning."

"Thank you," Aurora smiled as Galadriel released her from the embrace, "the King and Augustus planned it all without my knowledge. But you are partially to thank. Augustus found the bag of seeds from our shop."

"I'm glad to see that they have now been displayed in such a perfect way," Galadriel smiled. She remained silent for several minutes before adding, "I am sorry for the trouble my delegation's arrival has caused you."

Aurora's eyes widened and she shook her head, "No, it wasn't you. There was no way for you to know who he… I don't blame you or anyone else of Lothlorien."

Galadriel gave a soft smile as she pulled at the chain that hung around Aurora's neck. She held Ondo Ilma in her hand for a moment and smiled again, "The stone grows stronger."

"I like to think so," Aurora nodded and looked down at the white stone.

"How are you doing, Aurora?" Galadriel asked as she hooked her arm with Aurora's and began walking around the garden.

"I'm doing as well as can be expected, I think," Aurora sighed, "but I'm trying to focus on more positive things."

"I'm sure you are," Galadriel smiled, "so am I right to assume that things are going well with King Thranduil?"

Aurora looked up and met Galadriel's eyes, "How did you…" She trailed off not knowing what to say.

Galadriel laughed, "My dear child, those who see the two of you together have no doubt of the connection you share. How he cared for you last night was truly beautiful to see. Although I am saddened for the reason he needed to care for you in such a manner. I have known Thranduil for a very long time and I don't think I have ever seen him this genuinely happy aside from the birth of his son."

"I am happy with him," Aurora smiled to herself and Galadriel noticed Ondo Ilma glow subtly around her neck, "happier than I've ever been with anyone."

"It's wonderful to find a fea-match," Galadriel smiled, "I am very happy for you, Aurora."

The two walked through the garden and came to sit under the Weeping Cherry Blossom. Aurora sat quietly for a long moment before asking, "How am I supposed to save Greenwood?" Galadriel furrowed her brow and Aurora explained further, "the prophecy says that I will save Greenwood… But I don't know how… I don't know what I'm supposed to do."

"Aurora, there is a way to save this forest, I would ask that we wait until we can all gather to discuss it further." Galadriel took Aurora's hand in her own, "I know this is not the answer you want, but for you to be able to accomplish this it will require everyone to help you. Are you okay with waiting until we can all sit down together?"

Aurora silently nodded her head and the two women fell into a comfortable silence.


Augustus watched Sam eating in his cell and he could feel the rage building inside of him. I should kill him, he thought to himself watching the smug bastard, no one could blame me after what he's done to her. He gripped the hilt of his sword and moved to step out of the shadows when a hand grabbed his arm firmly, pulling him backward. He was pulled into another corridor and his back hit a wall. He looked up and saw the hard eyes of Lord Elrond.

"Do not act on your own volition without considering the consequences fully," Elrond spoke in a serious tone.

"I will accept whatever consequence if he is dead," Augustus replied coldly.

"Is that so?" Elrond asked, "you would be guilty of killing another elf. Regardless of how horrible Sam is he still remains one of our people. The punishment for such a crime would be banishment from all Elven Realms of Arda and the Grey Havens would be closed to you. You would become a stranger to all of our kin." Elrond watched as Augustus closed his eyes tight and slid to the ground, tears beginning to form in the corners of his eyes.

Elrond knelt down and leveled his eyes with Augustus. When he spoke again his voice was much softer, "The love for your sister cannot be denied... But if you kill him you will never see her again. Although the one who haunts her would be gone, she would lose you as well. Are you are truly willing to accept that as a consequence?"

Augustus let the tears fall down his cheeks as he closed his eyes again, resting his head against the cold wall. "I'm useless to her," Augustus whispered, "All I can do is standby as that bastard continues to torment her. How can I keep her safe if her worst nightmare just walked right into the palace?"

"You are not useless, Augustus," Elrond placed a hand on his shoulder, "you are a most dedicated brother and Aurora is truly blessed to have you. You are the solid foundation that will support her through this ordeal and you will be there to celebrate with her when we are triumphant against this foe. But you cannot carry this burden alone... Rely on those around you for support, all of us care for the two of you deeply and will help you however we can."

"Thank you, my Lord," Augustus replied opening his eyes again.

"Come," Elrond smiled and stood up, offering his hand to Augustus, "the others will be wondering where we are if we delay any longer."


Aurora and Galadriel walked down the corridor that led to Thranduil's study in content silence. They walked into the parlor and Gailon smiled softly at them. He gave them a polite nod, moved to the large doors that led to the study and knocked twice, and then pushed the doors open.

"Lady Galadriel and Lady Aurora, Your Majesty." He announced as the two walked in behind him. He nodded once more and closed the doors behind them.

Aurora's eyes scanned the room and took in all of the somber faces that now turned to her. Thranduil stood behind his desk with his three councilors surrounding him. Priamos and Tauriel sat at the table, looking haggard from very little sleep, Aurora assumed. Elrond and Celeborn were sitting in the two armchairs that were in front of the fireplace. She looked over to the wall covered in books and saw Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir, Haldir, and Augustus. Aurora met her brother's eyes and noticed the slight red rings that surrounded his eyes. Had he been crying? Aurora thought.

"Let's begin," Thranduil spoke loudly.

Everyone moved around the long table and took their seats; Augustus giving Aurora a quick hug before they took their seats in between Sankrovyn and Legolas. There was a tense silence that settled over the room, no one wanting to begin the difficult conversation that needed to be had.

It will be okay, Ilma nin (my Starlight), His voice echoed in Aurora's head softly and she looked up to meet his eyes. They shared a brief moment before he looked away.

"We all know why we have gathered this morning," Thranduil spoke with his usual indifference that Aurora had come to expect in these meetings, "there is now an enemy in my dungeon who not only means Lady Aurora harm but threatens all of Greenwood. In questioning him last night, he admitted to all that he was accused with the exception of the slain guards who were found in Lady Aurora's room. He has claimed that another is responsible for that offense."

"Who would do such a thing?" Priamos asked.

"Who indeed..." Gawain mused.

"How can we even know that he was being truthful?" Celeborn asked, "He could just be saying these things to cast doubt on his guilt."

"There was no lie in his words," Thranduil said grimly, "I would have known."

"I don't understand," Tauriel spoke softly, "someone else is aiding this false King?"

"It would seem so," Legolas replied, "but how are we to determine who among our people would betray Greenwood and the true King in such a way?"

"That I don't know," Thranduil said, "but no one outside of this room should be made aware of these suspicions. The fewer people that are aware; the better chances we have of this accomplice revealing themselves."

"And if they don't?" Sankrovyn spoke up, "How are we to ensure Lady Aurora's safety after this situation with this... Sam is handled?"

Lord Alistair straightened in his chair, "We can tighten the security around her. Limit where she goes—"

"No." Everyone turned to see Aurora looking around at the table. She felt her face grow warm as she continued, "I will not be sequestered until some supposed traitor reveals themselves."

"Lady Aurora," Priamos spoke up, "Please understand now that this threat is in the heart of the palace, measures must be put in place for your protection."

"No," Aurora emphasized again and stared directly at Priamos, "Do not make plans for my safety as if I am not sitting right here. I will not become a prisoner in my home. Tighten security around me? Limit where I can go? Why not just lock me in my room or throw me in one of the dungeon cells and be done with it."

"Enough," Thranduil spoke louder than before. Home, Thranduil thought, She called Greenwood her home. Aurora met his gaze and his eyes imperceptibly softened, "the security around Lady Aurora will remain the same, four guards. No more and no less until a time that I feel that the arrangement needs to be re-evaluated."

"What is to be done with Sam?" Augustus asked, veering the conversation back.

There was another silence in the library as all present considered the question.

"In light of the crimes that he has been accused of… In light of the crimes that he has confessed to… And the evidence that he still means to harm Lady Aurora," Celeborn took a deep breath before he continued. Knowing that he could not take the words back once they are spoken. He looked at Aurora and Augustus with sympathetic eyes, "My recommendation is this; the Ellon that is known as Samindiel be imprisoned… permanently."

Tension filled the room but Augustus and Aurora looked around confused. How is life in prison a just punishment? Augustus thought. He looked around and saw the same questions in Aurora's eyes and voice his concern, "How is that a just solution?"

Seeing the confusion at the suggestion Gawain explained, "It is extremely rare for an elf to be sentenced to permanent imprisonment. It would mean that they are placed in the deepest cell of a dungeon and forgotten. They would be given food and drink regularly, but aside from that, they would have no interaction with another living person again. They would never leave their cell again for the duration of their life. As you know… Elves do not die of natural causes such as mortals. So, unless an accident befell the prisoner they would be imprisoned forever."

"So he would stay…" Legolas spoke softly, "here?"

"It is difficult to say," Alistair replied, "Usually, the punishing Realm would oversee that punishment."

"Aurora?" Galadriel's voice was soft and concerned.

Everyone turned their attention to look at her. She knew that this decision was now hers to make. Aurora closed her eyes for a long moment, taking several deep breaths. She could feel the tears stinging the back of her eyes and she didn't want to cry in front of such a large group.

"I can't feel safe anywhere that he is," She steeled her emotions and opened her eyes. Her gaze found Thranduil's piercing blue eyes, "If Sam stays in Greenwood, I won't."

Thranduil's eyes softened slightly and Aurora saw him swallow hard. Would she really leave him? Of course, she would, Thranduil thought to himself, and I couldn't blame her. He felt a pang of guilt in his chest as he thought back on all she had endured since returning to Arda. Would he really have the audacity to ask her to live in the same place as her tormentor?

"If I may, Your Majesty," Elrond's voice broke into Thranduil's thoughts and he pulled his gaze from Aurora. Elrond waited for the King to acknowledge him before continuing, "the cells within the dungeons of Rivendell are currently empty. We would have no issue with placing the prisoner within the lowest of our cells to serve out this sentence. Should you be agreeable to such an arrangement."

Lord Sankrovyn looked around the room, "Is there anyone present who is opposed to the recommendation?" Another long silence. Sankrocyn met the King's eyes as he continued, "Aran Thranduil (King Thranduil), the recommendation is offered to you unopposed."

Thranduil held his indifferent mask but Aurora could see the conflict in his eyes. He looked over at her once more as he spoke, "The recommendation is accepted."


Sam walked back into the throne room and saw Thranduil standing on the dais with three others. He saw Lord Sankrovyn and Lord Elrond from the previous night and then his eyes fell on the figure next to the King. He stopped several feet in front of them and an evil grin spread across his face.

"Mae govanthen Augustus (Well met Augustus)," he drawled. He watched as Augustus's eyes darkened and his lips thinned out, "It's been a long time. How's—"

"No dhinen! (Be silent!)," Thranduil hissed and Sam met the King's hard gaze, "you will only speak when given permission to do so." The two glared at each other for another long moment before Thranduil continued, "Samindiel, before the Valar themselves it is declared that you are hereby a stranger to all Ellyn. The Grey Havens are closed to you and you shall never join our kin in the Undying Lands. You will spend the rest of your days within the deepest cell in the dungeons of Rivendell."

"And if I provide information regarding Duath Aran nin? (my Shadow King?)" Sam asked, seemingly unphased by his sentence.

"It would be a kind gesture," Elrond spoke dryly, "but your sentence will remain unchanged."

Sam's eyes darkened, "And if I give you the Shadow King's true identity?"

"Why would you willingly offer such a thing?" Sankrovyn questioned.

"Consider it an act of goodwill… Making recompense," Sam smirked.

"Then give us the name," Elrond spoke again.

"I'll reveal that information to only one person," Sam's eyes narrowed, "Let me talk to Aurora… I'll tell her who the Shadow King is."

"No," Augustus whispered dangerously, "she will never be tortured by you again."

"I wasn't asking you, boy…" Sam's expression turned malicious as he looked back to Thranduil, "I was speaking to the other King. What say you, Aran Thranduil (King Thranduil)? Let me talk to her... You can even be there to protect her from little old me…"

Thranduil glared daggers at Sam for a long moment before he spoke in a barely collected tone, "Priamos… Escort the prisoner back to his cell."


After the meeting, Aurora had just needed to get away from everyone, aside from her guards that now stood at the edge of the field watching her. She cantered Egg across the field and pulled him into a half-pass as she felt the wind dance around her braided hair. After a lap of a beautiful piaffe, she slowed Egg down to a walk and allowed them both to catch a breath. She walked him for several minutes and felt the cool fall air sting her face as a gust of wind whipped through the trees. She brought Egg to a halt and dismounted, walking around to rub his forehead. The horse pressed his massive head into Aurora's chest in a sentimental gesture and she wrapped her arms around his face, placing her cheek to his forehead.

They both stood in silence for a long moment. Aurora sighed heavily, "I don't know what to do anymore, handsome... I don't know if I'm strong enough for this."

"Of course you are," a voice spoke gently behind her. She knew who it was before she turned around. She looked into his soft face as he offered her a weak smile and his grey eyes warmed as she smiled at him.

"Hello Gandalf," Aurora smiled wider as she led Egg over to where the wizard stood, "it's wonderful to see you again."

"I am happy to be back here my dear," Gandalf began walking next to Aurora as they left the field, "I received an invitation to the Autumn Equinox celebration and could not pass on an opportunity to see Greenwood in its most beautiful season." He paused briefly as he took in Aurora's distant gaze, "I've heard rumor of a prisoner in Greenwood."

"Yeah," Aurora whispered, "Yeah he's here... They are going to move him to the dungeons in Rivendell and, leave him to rot, I guess."

"A harsh fate," Gandalf replied, "but kinder than he deserves."

"How do you know I can do this, Gandalf?" Aurora asked as she led Egg into the stall and started removing his tack, "I don't even know what it is I am supposed to be doing."

Gandalf hesitated slightly before speaking again, "Do not fear. All will be explained after the celebrations, my Lady. I promise you."

Aurora nodded her head and began brushing out Egg's hair. Gandalf kept her company in a comfortable silence as she brushed and braided Egg's luxurious mane. When she had finished, she gave him a large carrot and kissed his nose softly and whispered, "I'll see you later, handsome."

She turned and joined the wizard as they walked from the stable, silently trailed by four guards.


"Enter," Thranduil called without looking up from the book he was reading. He heard the library door open and then close quietly and he finally looked up and met Augustus's eyes. They held each other's gaze for a long moment, "Master Augustus, please," Thranduil motioned to the chair across from him, "join me."

Augustus walked silently across the stone floor and settled into the large armchair. Thranduil could see conflicting emotions across his face. Augustus took a deep breath before he spoke softly, "I almost tried to kill Sam this morning."

"I know," Thranduil replied in a nonchalant tone as Augustus's head snapped up to meet his eyes, "Lord Elrond informed me of his conversation with you."

"I never thought that..." Augustus exhaled a shaky breath, "that I could actually want to kill another person."

Thranduil saw the pain building behind his eyes, "No decent person ever wants to take a life, Augustus. I would be lying if I tried to tell you that the same urge did not cross my mind last night."

Augustus felt slight relief knowing that he wasn't alone in his darker thoughts. He looked away from Thranduil's gaze as he spoke again, "I owe you an apology, Your Majesty." Thranduil furrowed a brow as Augustus continued, "The things I said to you last night... Accusing you of willingly putting Aurora in pain... I was upset seeing her in that state again and I wasn't thinking when I said those things to you. I'm sorry."

Thranduil reflected on Augustus's words for a long moment, "Your apology is appreciated, but not necessary. You love your sister deeply and she was hurting. You spoke your mind, as you have been given permission to do. The words you said were hard to hear, but there was an ounce of truth to them. But it is behind us and now we can focus on banishing the darkness around her once and for all."

The pair sat in silence for a long while. Thranduil took several deep breaths before asking, "Augustus... Would you allow me to partake in the tradition you and Aurora hold on the evening of the Equinox?"

Augustus was surprised momentarily at the drastic change in the topic, "Of course. Won't you be busy, though? With everything else that will be going on?"

"There is much I will need to see too," Thranduil nodded, "but I would like to share this occasion with the two of you."

"May I ask why?" Augustus arched an eyebrow.

Thranduil smiled and began the conversation that he had been planning in his head for the past several weeks.


"Am I supposed to be able to breathe?" Aurora asked as the elleth continued lacing the corset bodice that sat over her long flowing skirts.

"I don't believe so, my Lady," the elleth laughed softly, "That is the way of corsets." She finished tying the laces of the corset. "There, all done."

Aurora turned and looked at herself in the mirror for the first time and was stunned. It was the first time that she could remember where she truly thought that she looked beautiful. The deep amber-colored corset had flecks of crystal rhinestones across the sweetheart bust that faded away. The skirt had several layers of the deep amber and black intertwined with each other, giving the illusion of a very full skirt without feeling the weight of a ballgown. The skirt stretched across the floor and flowed gracefully behind her as she moved. The sleeves were the same shade of the dress, but with a slightly sheer look to them, but still solid enough that Aurora wasn't concerned about her scars being seen. They perfectly hugged her arms until just below her elbows where they turned completely sheer until they ended at her wrists. The sheer was also speckled with rhinestones giving off the illusion that Aurora's skin was glistening. She smiled brightly and felt Ondo Ilma warm against her chest.

Aurora had been surprised when the elleth arrived at her chambers with the dress, explaining that it had been requested by the King several weeks ago. It had been a week since the Lothlorien delegation had arrived and Sam had been imprisoned. She had tried to stay busy so she didn't dwell on the fact that he was so close to her again. Her and Thranduil hadn't been able to spend a lot of time together because of the other Lords and Lady that had arrived, he suddenly found himself in many more private meetings. She had returned to sleeping in her own chambers and had tried to occupy her days with spending time with Augustus and Egg.

"You look stunning, Lady Aurora." The elleth marveled, "would you like help with your hair?"

"No," Aurora smiled again, "I can do that myself. Thank you, for your help."

The elleth nodded at Aurora and left her alone in her chamber. She felt like a child in a princess costume as she spun in a circle and giggled to herself, feeling the skirt billow out around her. She stopped and looked at herself in the mirror again, wondering what to do with her hair. She smiled softly and decided to leave it down. Just as she was contemplating what else to do with her time before the Equinox celebration there was a soft knock at the door. She opened the door to see Gailon standing there.

"For you, Hiril Vuin (Beloved Lady)," he smiled and held out a sight that almost made Aurora laugh.

She took the sunflower and thanked him. Gailon left as Aurora unrolled the piece of parchment attached to the flower. Already guessing what it was going to say.

I'll see you in our garden.

She closed the doors to her chambers and practically skipped down the corridor on her way to the garden. She walked into Thranduil's garden and didn't see him anywhere when something caught her eye. She walked towards the stairs that led down to her garden and saw that candles had been placed on each step.

She smiled again as she descended the steps and stopped in the archway to her garden and she took in the entire scene before her. Candles had been carefully placed throughout the garden causing an ethereal glow to envelop the area. She looked around and saw a blanket had been laid out in front of the lily pond. She saw the assortment of fruit, cheese, and bread spread out and a bottle of dark red wine. Then she saw the three of them standing over by the waterfall. Augustus wore tawny leggings that accented his dark blue boots and embroidered tunic flawlessly. Legolas smiled wide, he wore dark brown boots and leggings with a purple tunic and his eyes shined bright as they seemed to accent the silver circlet that rested just above his brow.

Then their eyes met.

Thranduil almost audibly gasped at the sight of her in the archway and he felt his heart skip a beat as she was the most breathtaking sight he had ever seen. The way the rhinestones shone against her skin gave her the look of an angelic being, her porcelain skin seeming more delicate against the dark fabric of the dress. Aurora's eyes grew wide as she took in Thranduil's appearance. He wore an all-black outfit that was accented by a deep amber and red outer robe that matched the color and fabric of her dress perfectly. On his head was his grand crown, which had been adorned with red and orange leaves.

"Well," Aurora breathed with a smile, "Aren't the three of you a dashing sight to behold." Aurora walked over to where they stood, "What is happening here?"

"It's Equinox," Augustus shrugged, "we have traditions to uphold, Ari."

"That we do," Aurora smiled and hugged her brother. They separated and she turned to the King and his son, her eyes settling on Thranduil once more, "Shouldn't you be seeing to final details of your celebration?"

"I had somewhere more important to be," Thranduil smiled softly, "shall we?" Thranduil took Aurora's hand and helped her sit down on the blanket as the others sat around her. After everyone had been handed a goblet of wine Thranduil held his goblet up and spoke again, "To the new season. May it bring peace," he met Aurora's eyes again, "and love."

They all drank and began eating as Augustus and Aurora broke into stories of their Equinox celebrations of the past and how their parents would always make each one unique and special. After a half-hour in the garden, Aurora noticed that the sun was beginning to set. She quietly stood up and moved to one of the stone windows and watched the skies turn a shade of orange that reflected her dress.

She felt him bump her shoulder and she rested her head on his shoulder, "Happy Equinox, Augs."

"Happy Equinox, Auri," Augustus hugged her close again and then left her alone at the window.

She watched the sky go from orange to red as she felt his arms wrap around her waist as he placed a soft kiss on her shoulder. "Hey you," he whispered.

"Hey you," Aurora smiled and leaned her head back against his cheek. She heard two sets of feet retreating from her garden and had a feeling that they were alone, "I've missed you this week."

"I am sorry Ilma nin (my Starlight)," Thranduil apologized, "there is much to be addressed when the Elven leaders are all together, not to mention the celebration preparations."

"Yes, I'm quite excited to see this grand event."

"Oh I'm not talking about the banquet," Thranduil turned Aurora around to face him, "I meant this celebration. The four of us… You and me." He ran his fingers up her neck and she closed her eyes at his soft touch. She opened her eyes when she felt his forehead softly touch hers, his lips brushing hers gently, "You are the most beautiful sight in all of Arda."

He kissed her gently, his hands looping the curls of her hair around his fingers as he pulled her closer. He deepened their kiss as he slid his tongue into her mouth, tasting to Dorwinion wine that lingered on her tongue.

"I could watch you in that dress forever," he whispered when he pulled away from her lips.

"If you behave," Aurora kissed along his neck and collarbone, feeling him tremble under her lips as she spoke, "maybe you can help me out of it later."

Thranduil exhaled sharply and let out a soft chuckle, "Nothing would bring me greater pleasure, my love." He kissed her again, slow and passionate, memorizing every part of her that he touched and tasted. He slowly turned her around so they were both facing the sunset. He kissed down her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist again and pulled her back against him. "What is your wish, Ilma nin (my Starlight)?"

"What do you mean?" She asked, looking back at him.

"For the new season," he kissed her again, "what do you wish for?"

"I don't know," Aurora looked back out at the sunset as she felt his hands leave her waist, "peace sounds nice. What about you?"

Thranduil exhaled a shaky breath and Aurora noted that he suddenly sounded nervous, "My only wish is for you to say yes."

"What?" Aurora furrowed her brow and turned around as she spoke, "What do you mean—"

Her sentence fell away when she turned around and saw him. She felt her heart skip several beats at the sight of him down on his knee; the stone on the delicate ring glittering in the setting sun as he held it between his trembling fingers.

"Thranduil…"

"Although it is not an Elven custom, I understand that it is a tradition from your other realm that you held very dear. Augustus informed me of this last week when I asked him for your hand and he accepted. I requested the royal jeweler to make this ring… And now I offer it to you," Thranduil met Aurora's eyes with a look of hope and devotion, "You are the one that my fea calls to and I want nothing more than to have you wake up by my side for the rest of my life. You are the final piece of myself that I didn't realize I had been missing. I vow, before the Valar, that I will love and protect you until Arda crumbles beneath us. Sevil i veleth nin, Aurora Merek. Le i velethril e-guil nin. (You have my love, Aurora Merek. You are the love of my life.)"

Aurora was beginning to feel lightheaded with the amount of joy she felt as Thranduil spoke. Was this really happening? She thought as she looked down at him.

"Ilma nin, Ni melathol n'uir? (My Starlight, will you love me for eternity?)" Thranduil could feel a tear escape from the corner of his eye. He thought his heart was going to burst from his chest with how hard it was pounding.

"Will you marry me, Aurora?"