DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. This is for entertainment only.
Will Darkness Or Light Be Witnessed That Day
Aurora weaved between the trees, not daring to look over her shoulder. She skidded to a stop behind a large tree and crouched low to the ground. She almost thought she had escaped when the dark figure dropped from the treetop in front of her.
She tried to make her escape; but inevitably failed when the strong arms wrapped around her and picked her up from the ground, "NO!"
She felt the laughter before she heard it, "Sorry, little one. It seems I'm still faster than you," Elara laughed while setting her daughter down and took her hand, "But, how about you and I team up to scare your Ada and brother?"
"Yeah!" the little girl got a mischievous glint in her eyes and threw her arms around her mother's neck. She took a deep breath in, enjoying lavender's smell in her mother's hair before being set down, "Naneth, can I ask you a question?"
Elara led her daughter through the trees, "Of course, Auri."
"What do Ada and Naneth mean?"
Elara stopped mid-stride and looked down at her daughter. Always the curious one, she thought as she knelt, "Well, It means 'Father' and 'Mother.' It's what I called my parents. And what Daddy called his parents, and their parents before them. It's from an ancient language that is only used by very special people."
"Even older than Ada?!" Aurora gasped.
Elara let out a loud chuckle, "Yes, even older than Ada. Make sure to tell him that at dinner tonight."
The pair crept through the woods, looking for the other two of their family. They jumped over rocks and logs, laughing the whole way as the crisp fall air stung their nose and ears. Aurora was about to call out for her brother when her mother's hand was suddenly around her mouth, and she could feel her mother kneeling behind her.
Aurora's eyes widened when she looked ahead and saw a large gray wolf several hundred yards in front of them. Aurora began to tremble as her mother lowered her hand from her mouth.
"You need to stay silent and don't move. Okay?" Elara whispered frantically in Aurora's ear and only continued after feeling the little girl nod her head, "I need you to be brave, pinig (little one)."
Elara stood up and began throwing rocks in the direction of the wolf and shouting, "MENO! Boe achin mened! (BE GONE! You must go!)"
Aurora watched with wide eyes as her mom scared the animal away. There was a long silence before Elara turned back around to see Aurora standing right where she had left her with her hands over her ears. She sprinted back over to her daughter and scooped her up, pulling her close to her chest.
"ELARA!"
Elara turned to see Kinarus and Augustus on the top of a hill in the distance. She waved to her husband to signify that they were okay. Elara turned back to the beaming smile of Aurora.
"That was amazing, Naneth!" Aurora exclaimed as she was set back on the ground, "You are so brave!"
"Not as brave as you, little one," Elara smoothed Aurora's hair and place a kiss on her forehead, "You were so strong, Aurora. So strong…"
The memory faded as Aurora opened her eyes again as she finished the last button of her tunic. She glanced at her reflection once more; she had quickly changed back into her black leggings and boots and a teal tunic. Her long hair let down and cascading around her shoulders and down her back. The only thing still scaring her was her black eyes as she felt Ondo Fuin's pulse against her skin. She removed the stone from her neck and wrapped it in an extra piece of cloth, storing it in her boot.
She quickly ran from the entrance once more, just as did she heard the final shouts of one who could only be Lord Elrond, "... Maetho i megil dhin! (Draw your swords!)"
As his final words echoed, Aurora heard a loud cry as the thundering of hooves filled her ears. I have to get to the tree, she thought and ran to a precipice that overlooked the battle below. In the distance, she saw the shadowed shape of the Tree of Eryn Galen, and she cursed under her breath, the tree was surrounded by Orcs. She felt her heart drop at the sight, "I'll never make it…" A tear made its way down her cheek again, "I can't do this."
As the words left her lips, she felt a gust of wind pass through her hair. She almost took it as an omen until the smell reached her senses.
Lavender.
Aurora exhaled a ragged breath, and a smile crossed her face for the first time since leaving the Palace. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, memorizing the scent once more, "Naneth (Mother)."
Just as she opened her eyes, a large shadow crossed overheard. When she turned around, she saw the source and gave an exasperated laugh. Once again, the large eagle bowed its grand head, "Daughter of Kinarus and Elara."
Now understanding what was going on and who the great creature was, she quickly returned the bow and spoke clearly, "Gwaihir."
Gwaihir shifted and lowered a wing, and Aurora was greeted with another friendly face, "You wouldn't, by chance, be in need of a ride, my Lady?"
Aurora jogged over and replied as Gandalf lifted her, "As long as you're headed to the Tree."
"Afraid not, my dear," Gandalf replied, "We need to get you to your husband. He holds your magic within Ondo Ilma."
It wasn't gone, Aurora rejoiced in her head before speaking again, "In that case, I would very much like to see my horse again."
She held her breath as Gwaihir took to the sky again, and she opened her mind also, Vuin nin (my Beloved), Look to the sky.
When they saw the arrows flying across the clearing, Elrond had ridden in front of Imladris and Lothlorien's armies, "Go-vaethathab ne ndagor? Lethio Aurora iell Kinarus a Elara a nith dannen Vaethor Augustus! Herves en Aran Thranduil, en ero Aran Eryn Galen! I Calad Bereth! I Vaethor Bereth Eryn Galen! (Will you join me in battle? Protect Aurora, daughter of Kinarus and Elara and sister to the fallen warrior Augustus! Wife of Thranduil, the only King of Greenwood the Great! The Queen of Light! The Warrior Queen of Greenwood the Great!)"
Elrond paused long enough for the soldiers to shout their agreement, "Maetho i megil dhin! (Draw your swords!)!"
Elrond turned his horse again and charged towards the orcs, thousands of horses behind him with no further word. Arrows flew overhead and took down the first of the Orcs as swords crossed.
Thranduil sword crashed into Sankrovyn's, and their battle began. They circled each other, and Sankrovyn quickly noted that the Elvenking held the upper hand with the larger animal.
Thranduil realized a moment too late what was happening as Sankrovyn quickly swung his sword low. His blade sliced deep into the Elk's front leg, and the beast faltered in its stride. Thranduil tried to stay seated on the animal but fell to the ground when Sankrovyn delivered a stab to the Elk's back leg, causing it to collapse. As Thranduil hit the ground, he heard the massive elk run off into the fray.
Vuin nin (my Beloved), Thranduil suddenly heard Aurora's voice in his head as he gained his footing on the ground, Look to the sky.
With a loud cry, Sankrovyn jumped from his horse and lunged at Thranduil with both of his blades. Having trained and fought at one another's side for 3,000 years, they predicted the other's moves with lethal precision. They seemed not to notice the battle raging around them until the loud screech caused them to look skyward.
A shadow crossed overhead, and Thranduil gave a weak smile at the sight of the eagle. As the massive beast descended, it's vicious claws pierced dozens of Orcs that attempted to attack him. A sharp whistle pierced the air, and a desperate bray greeted it.
Thranduil and Sankrovyn turned just as Egg had reared up and broken free from Caspian's grasp and charged towards the eagle. As the wing furthest from the dueling pair dropped down, Thranduil caught a glimpse of flowing dirt blonde hair. He turned back just in time as Sankrovyn lunged forward with his blade again; quickly sidestepping the motion, Thranduil delivered a slice to the back of Sankrovyn's leg, and he screamed in pain. He whirled around, swinging his sword. Thranduil felt the cold metal sink into his cheek, and he cursed as he stumbled backward.
Thranduil raised both blades, and they clashed with Sankrovyn's as he fell to one knee. Sankrovyn pushed his blades closer to Thranduil's face and choked out, "Don't make me do this, mellon nin (my friend)."
"You've chosen your path," Thranduil gritted through his teeth, "Now you must walk it until the end."
With a frustrated cry, Sankrovyn thrust one of his blades high above his head; but before he could bring it back down, he froze. Thranduil watched all of the color drain from his already pale features as a dagger pressed against his throat. Sankroyn turned slightly and winced as the dagger slightly cut into his neck. Thranduil followed his stare and felt a breath catch in his throat.
Aurora's hair whipped around her shoulders as she stood at Sankrovyn's side, holding Elrond's dagger firmly in her hand. She looked like the true warrior that Thranduil had always imagined her to be, the only difference being her blackened eyes.
When she finally spoke, her voice spoke with an authority that Thranduil had never heard before, "Drop your weapons."
Sankrovyn exhaled a shuddered breath, "Meleth—"
"No dhinen (Be silent)," she cut him off and emphasized each word clearly. Her voice remained emotionless, and she kept her eyes fixed on Sankrovyn as he dropped his swords to the ground.
"You've caused so much pain... So much death, and for what? Ramblings about claiming the world for the Elves. If there is one thing I've learned since coming here, Elves are kind and loving. They don't allow others to walk over them, but rather they compromise with others for what is best for all," Aurora felt tears sting the back of her eyes, "You've bastardized a prophecy to twist it into your madness. I feel sorry for you... But you can never be forgiven for the things you've done... Loyal soldiers impaled on my bed, Vynladae's parents slaughtered, hundreds killed at the Summer Solstice in Imladris... An insane zealot of your cause brutally murdered my parents. Augustus—"
Aurora took a ragged breath at this, and she felt her hand begin to tremble as it gripped the dagger. She pressed the blade further into Sankrovyn's neck, and he gasped in pain. I could do it, she thought, and made sure to keep her mind closed off; I should do it.
She steeled her resolve and narrowed her eyes. A moment before she pushed the dagger into his neck, she felt a soft yet firm grip on her wrist. She turned her eyes from the terrified face of Sankrovyn and met the soft looks of Galadriel.
She vaguely glanced around to see a group now surrounded her.
Thranduil had stepped so close that she could feel his cool armor against her back. Behind Sankrovyn, arrows were trained on his back by Legolas and Haldir. She glanced at her other side to see her four guards watching closely; behind them, Alistair, Celeborn, and Elrond fought Orcs as away from the group as a grand eagle with an aged wizard aided them from the air.
She looked back to Galadriel and whispered in desperation, "He deserves it..."
"Yes, he does," Galadriel's gaze softened, "but not by your hand."
Aurora felt the tears sting her eyes as they fell, "But Augustus—"
"Will get justice," Her grip tightened around Aurora's wrist, "If you strike him down now, darkness will always remain within you."
Aurora closed her eyes as more tears ran down her face. As Galadriel released her grip, Aurora felt another familiar hand wrap around her hand that held the dagger. She allowed her hand to be pulled from Sankrovyn's neck and the blade dropped to the ground.
She felt his gloved fingers lace in between hers, and she almost collapsed into him. His voice was soft against her ear, and she turned her head slightly towards where his head hovered over her shoulder, "Walk away, Ilma nin (my Starlight)," Thranduil's voice held a heartbreaking tremor, "Aurora… Come back to me."
At his final words, Aurora fully turned to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Thranduil dropped his swords and pulled her as close as he could into his chest. He felt like he could fully breathe for the first time since she had been taken; he closed his eyes and buried his face into her hair. When he looked up, he met Sankrovyn's gaze before he turned his attention back to Aurora.
He quickly sheathed his swords, wrapped his arm around Aurora's waist, and turned to lead her away from the group. Aurora smiled softly as she looked up to meet familiar brown eyes and a soft nicker, "Hey, beautiful."
Egg tossed his head and pushed his head into Aurora's chest, and she smiled as she scratched him between his eyes. She felt Thranduil press a soft kiss into her hair, and she looked up to meet the warmth of his gaze. His gloved hand caressed her cheek, and she leaned into his touch and then reached up and pulled his head down to hers.
Thranduil immediately returned Aurora's kiss, and his other arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer as he deepened the kiss. For a moment in time, it was only the two of them. The battle that raged around them was forgotten as they shared several kisses, each one more passionate than the last.
Aurora suddenly felt a spark between their bond, and she gasped, pulling away and looking up at Thranduil. His hand left her waist and reached into his armor and revealed Ondo Ilma to her. She reached up and touched the pulsing stone before meeting Thranduil's gaze again.
"It was our bond," Thranduil explained, a light smile danced across his lips, "When darkness claimed you, your magic latched onto me and funneled into Ondo Ilma."
Aurora clung to Thranduil's hand that still held her cheek as she felt tears well in her eyes again. She stared into his eyes, and her voice quivered as she spoke, "You can fix me."
"Oh Herves laich nin (my sweet wife)," Thranduil pressed his forehead to Aurora's, "You were never broken."
Thranduil captured her lips again, and Aurora felt that spark in their bond reignite as he deepened their kiss. Aurora could feel a tendril of warmth begin to creep into her veins, and she pulled away just as she saw a burst of light over her vision before everything returned to normal.
"Hey you," Thranduil smiled as he slipped the necklace from around his neck and over Aurora's head, "there are those beautiful jade eyes that I've missed."
Aurora tilted her head upward to kiss her husband again when a scream ripped them from their temporarily serene bubble. They looked over to see that an incensed Sankrovyn had reclaimed his weapon and was now dueling Legolas and Haldir. Aurora saw that one of their bows had been cut in half and dropped into the grass.
Thranduil grabbed her wrist just as Aurora drew her sword, and she met his hard gaze. She sighed heavily, "We're not even going to debate this... I'm fighting by your side. You can disagree with me later."
Thranduil only rolled his eyes as he drew his sword and turned his attention back to the battle surrounding them. Just as he looked, Sankrovyn had leveled his eyes at the couple and had begun to charge towards the couple.
Thranduil had just wrapped his arm across Aurora to push her behind him when Sankrovyn raised his sword towards them to strike. As his weapon clashed into Aurora's sword, Sankrovyn froze, his eyes wide as he took a ragged breath. Blood appearing at the corner of his mouth.
He slowly looked down to see Thranduil's blade embedded in his stomach and the arrow's tip protruding from his chest. As Sankrovyn crumpled to the ground, Thranduil and Aurora met Legolas's widened eyes as he lowered his bow.
There was a moment of silence before Galadriel's voice broke through, "Get to the Tree!"
Aurora turned quickly and swung into Egg's saddle, and Thranduil gracefully pulled himself up behind her. His strong arms wrapping around her waist. Aurora gave a short nod to those still on the ground, and a sharp whistle to Egg led them at a gallop into the fray. They were closing in on the Tree when a screech suddenly pulled their gaze upward, and Aurora had to pull so hard on the reins that Egg loudly protested as she pulled him to the left.
Aurora could see the Tree for a brief moment before the Fellbeast landed in front of them and let out a haunting cry. The creature turned it's evil head towards them just as another screech filled the air, and Aurora saw sharp talons cut through the Fellbeasts neck.
Aurora urged Egg forward as she saw a wave of light sweep through the field from where Gandalf sat a top Gwaihir The Eagle took to the sky dragging the Fellbeast with him as those on the ground watched in disbelief at the sight. Aurora almost stopped when she saw Sankrovyn charge towards them, but one look at Galadriel told her that she had to keep going.
This was her last chance.
She turned her attention back to the tree as it quickly approached, and in almost no time, she was at the base of the grand tree. Now that she was close enough, she could see the leaves' edges were charred and black, and she quickly dismounted from Egg and sprinted the remaining distance.
She placed her hand on the bark and gasped at the pain she felt coursing through the Tree. She felt Galadriel next to her and heard her whisper, "Do not be afraid, Aurora. This is your destiny."
Aurora nodded and turned to see Thranduil looking down at her. She reached up and cupped his cheek, pulling his face down to hers and pressed her forehead to his, "Whatever happens, Hervenn nin (my husband)," She looked him directly in his piercing blue eyes, "I love you. I love you more than words, and I'll always be with you."
Thranduil furrowed his brow in confusion at her words, but before he could speak, she pressed a desperate kiss to his lips. She poured all of her love into the kiss and never wanted to break away. He fervently returned the kiss until she broke away and turned back to the tree.
Aurora placed both her hands on the Tree once more and entirely opened to the magic within Ondo Ilma. All those within sight of the Tree saw a shimmer of light begin to weave in between the branches and leaves until the entire tree was wrapped in a golden glow. Thranduil was breathless at Aurora's sight; her jade eyes had brightened so much that they appeared almost white, with flecks of gold dancing through them. As the light reached its brightest, Aurora's voice filled the battlefield with a power that had rarely been heard by even the most aged present.
"Nen i calad en Eryn Galen medium ullume! (May the light of Greenwood the Great endure forever!)"
Aurora felt a burst of magic course through her veins and funnel into the Tree as she finished speaking. She heard the echo of her voice fade as the last tendrils of magic left her fingers. The world around her was muffled as a wave of fatigue crashed over her. She felt her knees buckle, and she collapsed against the tree. She could barely feel Thranduil's arm around her waist as he called out to her.
She closed her heavy eyes as the blinding light in her vision started to dim.
Soon the only thing she saw was black behind her eyelids.
She felt herself exhale the last amount of air left in her lungs.
Then she saw nothing.
