*Aurora's Perspective*

So I came to the conclusion that Hobbit-Period Legolas was a pain in the arse. He would not put me down, he would not let me see the Company, and he certainly would not allow me any solitude.

"She's an innocent looking thing, isn't she, Father?" I heard Legolas hum as I roamed the elvish library, only allowed to go where he could see me. I wanted a book on Khuzdul, that was all. I had started lessons with Thorin when we stayed at Beorn's, but Mirkwood shut my learning down with its mass insanity. I just wanted to know what "pundurith" meant. It was important- I could just feel it.

"Children can be deceiving, Son."

I had been trying to feign innocence when with the elves, saying few words and giving the most childish looks when necessary. After all, a simple pout was all it took to gain me access to the libraries.

I let out a small squeak of excitement when I found the book I wanted, and I eagerly reached up, standing on my tiptoes, only to find that I was too short to reach the book. Four feet too short, actually.

"Ah, there you are, Little One."

I looked up at Thranduil's words, finding that cold smirk on his lips again. He plucked the book from its shelf with little difficulty, humming thoughtfully. "A book on Khuzdul? And why might you wish for that? Nasty creatures, dwarves."

I gave my best pout, feeling my eyes tear up on command as I whimpered, "But- But Papa's a dwarf. And- And I'm dwarf too."

"Papa?" Thranduil only looked intrigued, gracefully kneeling and then sitting upon his heels to get closer to me. "And who, pray tell, might that be?"

"Papa's Papa," I answered simply, giving a pathetic sniff just for good measure. "Why'd you take Papa?"

"None of the dwarves we imprisoned mentioned having a child-"

"You took Papa and Uncle Balin and Uncle Dwalin and Uncle Oin and Uncle Gloin and Cousin Kee and Cousin Fee and Cousin Bofur and Cousin Bifur and- and-"

I soon found myself unable to speak, Thranduil's hand clenching my mouth shut with a force I could not stand against even slightly.

"Silence!" he hissed, leaning forward so we were eye to eye. I couldn't help the new tears that threatened to shed, and I realized that I was pushing my luck. I was actually in danger here, with none of my dwarves to protect me. I had to tread lightly if I were to survive until Bilbo came. I let out a squeak when he squeezed my head harder, and I felt the bone protest under his hand. "You will not speak of those mongrels again or so help me I shall-"

"Aurora? Come here, Little One. I have a surprise for you."

I was let go at Legolas's voice, and I eagerly ran towards the infamous elf who apparently heard, and saw, none of that. I let him swoop me up into his palm without second thought, peering around him to see if Thranduil was following. He hadn't moved at all,

"I found another edition of that book you requested," Legolas whispered with a slight smile. "And I also discovered the meaning of the word you wished to know."

I was soon being seated on a tabletop, placed before a large book written in Westron. I scanned the page, immediately placing my finger at the word "pundurith". "That one. What's it mean, Legolas?"

"That, Little One, means Kitten." He chucked my chin lightly, smiling warmly. "A dwarven term of endearment for loved little ones."

"Loved?" I repeated in true awe, tracing each foreign symbol on the page fondly. "I'm loved?"

"Apparently very much so. Now, who calls you this?"

"Didn't find Papa until recently," I explained simply, keeping my voice soft as I lied. "Separated when I was born."

"Who is he? Your father, I mean."

Without even blinking, I tore the page I had been reading from the book, hugging it close to my chest as I climbed out of the chair and ran towards the doorway. I went as quickly as I could, tugging at the large wooden panel in a vain attempt to open the door. I had memorized the layout of the halls, and I was fairly certain I could get to Thorin if given the chance-

"Ah, ah, ah. Not so fast."

I kicked and screamed when I was picked up from behind, the door I had just tugged open forced shut by Legolas. I gave into my more childish nature, outright wailing as I cried for the dwarves, for my dwarves. I kicked and screamed until I was hoarse, only ceasing upon finding my face pressed against a soft green vest, an absurdly large hand stroking through my hair in a vague effort to calm me down.

"I know. I know, Little One, but you cannot see them yet. It is all for the best, I swear it."

I hiccuped pitifully, barely registering the presence of Thranduil as I looked at the crumpled paper in my hands. "I wan' him back."

"Who do you want, Child?"

I realized I was trapped at Thranduil's calm, but chilling tone, feeling his hand replace his son's atop my head. The grip was painful, not enough to actually hurt me, but it still sent the intended message.

"Father, you are being harsh-"

"No, of course I am not." I yelped when I was suddenly hoisted into the air, Thranduil's hand tightly wrapped around me as he whirled around to the door. "Actually, perhaps I should just take the insufferable little brat to her dwarves now, show her how they truly see her."

"They love me-" I clamped my mouth shut immediately, realizing my mistake when the elf's grip tightened painfully. He continued walking, exiting the door and heading to where I knew the throne room lay ahead of us.

"Oh, how cute. Love. Those filthy dogs think you are worth nothing, can't you see that? They brought you, a mere child, into the wild to face the unknown. If they truly cared for you, they would have left you behind, left you in the hands of someone who would cater to your every need without hesitance."

I shook my head immediately, protesting, "No. No, they love me. They let me come so they could be with me and know that I was in their care, no one else's."

"We shall see, won't we?"

I fell silent at that, resigning myself to obeying the elven king as he instructed me to stay still. I did as he asked without question, careful to not push him any farther. I knew what he could do to me. A simple swat of his hand could break my ribs, crack the entire cage in less time Mistress had.

I watched as I was carried past numerous prison cells, and I suppressed a shiver when I felt Thranduil's hand running down my back, stroking me as if I were some sort of pet.

"Now, now, Aurora, calm down. No one here shall hurt you. Just behave, and everything will be alright."

His hand moved to the top of my head, and I raised my gaze to find we were nearing the dwarves' cells. The families were separated from each other, every member the Company stripped of their cloaks and boots, any form of comfort pried from their clutches. The sight of it made me sick, tears welling up in my eyes and something fuzzy clouding my brain as I took in the sight. I was losing it. I could tell by the way certain sounds began to fade and the way shapes in the background began to blur.

"You bastard…"

I turned my head towards the voice, looking over Thranduil's shoulder anxiously as I listened for the familiar sound. That voice meant warmth and safety and kindness and hugs and-

"Harming a child, this is low, Thranduil. Even for a tree-shagger such as you."

My eyes fell on Thorin, and I felt myself smile despite the onslaught of tears flowing down my face. I found myself reaching for him, hands outstretched towards my dwarf, and my mind snapped before I could stop it.

"Papa!"

Hi, guys. Sorry 'bout how late this update is, but I've been going through "Hell Week" for the musical I'm in, except, at my school, Hell Week is two weeks, not just one. I've been at school 'til 10 at night on some days, and I just haven't had time to update. Good news is, though, that I have the next chapter written too! As soon as the musical is over, I can update! So stay tuned and cross your fingers! :D