Aurora's heart raced within her chest as she sat on the bed, her mind a whirlwind of nervousness and anxiety. A whole year had passed since she had found herself in this mysterious world, confined to the cell that had become her home. And now, today, she was about to meet the king himself.
The memories of Galion's words echoed in her mind. "Tell them the truth," he had said, his eyes earnest and kind.
She knew she couldn't deceive these wise beings, these elves who seemed to understand her on a level she couldn't comprehend.
As if on cue, the sound of footsteps approached, and the heavy metal door to her cell creaked open. Aurora lifted her head and saw Elemmakil standing there, a reassuring smile on his face. His presence offered her a small comfort, a tether to the familiar in this world of uncertainties.
"Good afternoon, Aurora," Elemmakil greeted, his voice calm and soothing. He stepped inside, his eyes gentle as he observed her. "How are you feeling today?"
Aurora returned his smile, though it wavered slightly. "I'm feeling great," she replied, her words masking the anxiety that churned within her.
Elemmakil's perceptive gaze didn't miss her nervousness, and she appreciated his concern.
His next words were a balm to her frayed nerves. "Do not worry, Aurora. They will not harm you." His assurance reached her like a lifeline, grounding her in the moment. She took a deep breath, attempting to steady herself.
With a hint of a smile, she confessed, "I've never been in the presence of royalty before. It's a bit overwhelming."
Elemmakil's warm smile remained, reassuring and kind. "You won't be alone. I'll be with you every step of the way." His words held a promise, a pledge of support that eased some of her apprehension.
The palace corridors seemed to stretch on endlessly as Elemmakil and Aurora continued their journey. His praise for her progress in Sindarin brought a small smile to her lips, and she humbly acknowledged his compliment.
"Galion has been patient and thorough in his teachings," she replied, her voice tinged with gratitude. "I owe much of my progress to his guidance."
Their conversation drifted to lighter subjects, creating a temporary respite from the weight of the impending encounter. Their camaraderie, though brief, provided a comforting distraction as they made their way through the grand palace.
Finally, they arrived at the colossal doors of the throne room. As the guards swung open the ornate entrance, a wave of apprehension washed over Aurora. The expanse of the room, the towering figures seated beside the king, and the opulent décor left her momentarily awestruck. But her attention was quickly drawn to the king himself, regal and imposing upon his grand throne.
Aurora's steps, though steady, seemed to echo loudly against the polished marble floor, a stark contrast to the near-silent presence of Elemmakil beside her. Her gaze met the king's, and she felt a shiver of vulnerability run down her spine. The intensity of his gaze seemed to pierce through her, and she couldn't help but shudder under its weight.
Following Elemmakil's lead, she bowed respectfully before the king and the assembled lords. Her heart raced, and her hands trembled ever so slightly as she straightened herself. She felt their collective attention upon her, a sensation that left her feeling exposed and scrutinized.
Elemmakil's voice, calm and assured, cut through the tension as he addressed the king and the lords. His introduction of Aurora seemed to hang in the air, and all eyes turned to her once more.
The king's nod signaled his acknowledgement, and Aurora found herself under the unyielding gaze of the ruler of Gondolin.
Her breath caught in her throat, and she fought to steady herself.
She felt the weight of the king's gaze upon her as he spoke. His voice was measured and composed, and she listened intently to his words. When he inquired about her name, she nodded, her eyes fixed on him with a mixture of nervousness and respect.
"That is your name, isn't it?" the king asked.
With a steady breath, she nodded, meeting the king's gaze. "Yes, Your Majesty, my full name is Aurora Lia," she replied, her voice clear yet tinged with a trace of nervousness.
Her eyes flickered to the assembled lords and then back to the king as he continued to question her.
The king's next question struck a chord within her, drawing forth memories of her past.
"Aurora Lia, daughter of who?" he inquired. Aurora's expression softened, a mixture of sadness and acceptance.
"I am an orphan, Your Majesty," she answered, her voice carrying a weight of melancholy. "I never knew my parents, and I grew up in an orphanage until I turned eighteen."
The room fell into a hushed silence, as if the gravity of Aurora's words reverberated through the air. The king's gaze remained upon her, his eyes holding a mix of curiosity and understanding. His next question, however, led her down a path she had hoped to avoid – revealing the place from which she hailed.
"Where do you hail from, Aurora?" the king inquired, his tone steady yet inquisitive.
Aurora's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a pang of uncertainty. She knew that the truth she was about to reveal might be met with confusion or disbelief. But Galion's words echoed in her mind – tell them the truth.
Summoning her courage, she met the king's gaze and spoke, "I lived in a city called Seattle, located in the United States."
The words hung in the air, and she watched the expressions on the faces of the king and the lords, each of whom seemed equally puzzled by her response. Even Elemmakil, standing beside her, appeared taken aback by her words.
The king's brow furrowed slightly, a thoughtful look crossing his features. "Seattle?" he repeated, his voice tinged with skepticism. "I have never heard of such a place."
Aurora's heart sank a little, her unease growing as she realized just how far removed this world was from the one she knew.
Aurora hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words to explain her situation. The eyes of the king and the lords were fixed on her, awaiting her response.
She took a deep breath and finally said, "It's in Earth, your Majesty. But I believe that the places I mentioned, doesn't exist here in Middle-earth."
The king's brow furrowed further, his curiosity piqued by her words. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze intent as he asked, "What do you mean?"
Aurora took another breath, gathering her thoughts. "Where I come from, elves are not real. They are only stories, myths, like fairytales. In my world, there are only humans. No elves or dwarves as you know it."
The room fell into a hushed silence as her words hung in the air. The concept of coming from another world, a place where their existence was regarded as mere fantasy, seemed almost absurd to the assembled elves. The king's expression remained impassive, his mind undoubtedly grappling with the idea.
"You mean to say," the king's voice was measured, "that you come from another world altogether?"
Aurora nodded, her gaze steady. "Yes, your Majesty. I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's the truth."
The room remained silent, the tension palpable. The lords exchanged glances, murmuring amongst themselves. Aurora's heart raced, uncertainty gnawing at her. How could she possibly make them understand something that was beyond their comprehension? Yet, she had shared her truth, and she could only hope that they would believe her.
The king's thoughtful gaze remained fixed on Aurora, and as the lords huddled in discussion, he turned his attention back to her.
"If what you say is true," he began, his voice measured, "how did you arrive in Gondolin?"
Aurora took a deep breath, her eyes meeting the king's. She could feel the weight of their collective curiosity and apprehension.
"Your Majesty," she began, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of uncertainty, "I was in my home, preparing for a special event that evening. It was a normal day, much like any other."
The king's brow furrowed slightly, and he motioned for her to continue.
"I was in the kitchen," Aurora continued, her words measured as she recounted her experience. "And that's when I noticed it – a shining jewel, resting on my kitchen table. I'm certain it wasn't there before, and I had no idea where it came from."
A murmur of curiosity rippled through the lords, their attention now fully focused on Aurora's story.
"It was unlike anything I had ever seen," Aurora continued, her eyes distant as if she was reliving the moment. "The jewel sparkled with colors I can't even describe – hues that seemed to shift and dance within its depths. I was drawn to it, almost mesmerized by its beauty."
The king leaned forward, his gaze intent. "And then?" he prompted.
Aurora's expression shifted, her brows knitting together. "Then it happened," she said, her voice taking on a more somber tone. "The jewel suddenly emitted an intense, blinding light. I shielded my eyes, but even through my closed eyelids, the light was searing. I remember feeling a sharp headache, a surge of pain that seemed to engulf my mind."
The king's expression remained attentive, and Aurora continued, her words cautious. "And then, everything went dark. The pain in my head was overwhelming, and I believe I passed out. And then... I woke up here, in the healing chamber."
A hushed silence fell over the room as Aurora finished her account. The assembled lords exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of intrigue and uncertainty. It was a tale that defied explanation, and the notion of a jewel transporting someone between worlds was as fantastical as it was bewildering.
The king's eyes bore into Aurora's, his gaze searching for any hint of deceit.
"You claim to have no knowledge of how this jewel came to be on your table?" he asked, his voice soft but probing.
Aurora's eyes met his, her sincerity evident in her gaze. "Your Majesty, I swear upon my word that I had never seen that jewel before that day. I don't know where it came from or how it ended up in my home."
The king leaned back in his throne, his fingers steepled in thought. "This is a tale that stretches the limits of our understanding," he mused. "And yet, the sincerity in your words and the consistency of your story give me pause."
The lords exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and fascination. It was Glorfindel, resplendent with his golden hair and an aura of wisdom, who spoke next.
"It is a tale that challenges our understanding of reality," Glorfindel said, his voice carrying a soothing tone that contrasted with his striking appearance. "Yet, I sense the truth in her words. There is no deceit within her heart."
Aurora felt a warmth spread within her chest as Glorfindel's kind words reached her ears. His smile was reassuring, a lifeline in this unfamiliar world. She returned the smile, a mixture of gratitude and relief in her eyes.
After a few moments, the king turned his gaze back to Aurora, his expression contemplative. "You have brought forth a tale that challenges our perceptions," he said, his voice carrying a mixture of authority and understanding. "Whether by fate or circumstance, you are now here in Gondolin. The paths that have converged are beyond our reckoning."
Aurora nodded, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "I understand the difficulty of accepting what I've shared," she said. "And I am willing to do whatever it takes to learn about this world, to adapt, and to contribute in any way I can."
The king's gaze softened, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Your spirit and resilience do you credit, Aurora Lia," he said. "Though our journey is uncertain, we shall navigate it with wisdom and unity."
The king's then turned his attention to the elf seated on his left.
"Maeglin," he said, his voice carrying authority, "it is decided. Aurora Lia shall reside within the city of Gondolin. She shall be under your care, as your ward."
Aurora's heart skipped a beat as the king's words settled upon her. She turned her gaze toward Maeglin, the prince who would now be her caretaker in this new and unfamiliar world.
Her eyes met his, and she felt a mixture of unease and curiosity. His appearance was striking – dark hair framing a chiseled face, his demeanor commanding and yet guarded. She sensed an air of tension around him, a feeling that he wasn't entirely pleased with the arrangement.
Maeglin's expression remained stern, his gaze unwavering. He inclined his head in acknowledgment of the king's decree, his lips forming a tight line. It was clear that he had reservations about this responsibility, and Aurora couldn't help but feel a pang of uncertainty.
The king's attention returned to Aurora, and he offered her a reassuring smile. "Aurora Lia, you will be under the care and protection of Prince Maeglin. He shall provide you with a place to reside and assist you in acclimating to life in Gondolin."
Aurora's heart raced, and she managed to find her voice amidst the tension. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, her words filled with gratitude and a touch of apprehension.
With a nod from the king, the meeting was officially dismissed, and the assembled lords began to disperse. Aurora watched as Elemmakil left the chamber, a sense of fondness for her friend mingling with the uncertainty of her new circumstances.
Maeglin approached her, his steps deliberate and his expression guarded.
"Aurora Lia," he addressed her formally, his voice neutral, "the king's trust in me as your caretaker is not to be taken lightly. You will reside in my house within the city."
Aurora managed a smile, her attempt to ease the tension. "Thank you for taking me in, Prince Maeglin."
He nodded curtly, his gaze still assessing her. "Follow me," he instructed, turning to lead the way.
Aurora quietly followed Maeglin through the halls of the palace, her footsteps echoing against the elegant stone floors. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation as they walked. The eyes of the elves they passed lingered on her, some curious, some assessing, and some merely intrigued by her presence.
Turning a corner, they arrived at a grand courtyard that spread before them. Aurora's gaze swept over the meticulously maintained landscape, the vibrant colors of the flowers and the artistic arrangement of the bushes. She felt a sense of awe at the beauty that surrounded her, a stark contrast to the world she had known.
As they approached Maeglin's palace, Aurora couldn't help but notice the guards stationed by the front door. Their armor gleamed in the sunlight, and they stood with an air of vigilance and duty.
Aurora watched as they nodded respectfully to Maeglin, addressing him as "My Prince." His response was a nod, his demeanor commanding yet composed.
The guards opened the doors, revealing the grand foyer beyond. Aurora stepped inside, her eyes widening at the opulent surroundings. The walls were adorned with intricate designs, and the ceiling seemed to reach toward the heavens. It was a world unlike any she had ever seen.
Two maids approached, their attire elegant and their movements graceful. Maeglin introduced Aurora to them, and she felt a sense of gratitude for his formal gesture.
He spoke, "This is Aurora. She will be living here. Please, bring her to her room and see to her needs."
The maids bowed to Maeglin, acknowledging his instruction, and turned their attention to Aurora. "Yes, my prince," one of them replied, her voice soft and respectful.
Maeglin then turned to Aurora, his expression as inscrutable as ever. "The maids will take you to your room now," he stated simply.
Aurora offered him a warm smile, her attempt to bridge the gap of formality. "Thank you again, Prince Maeglin."
His response was a nod, his demeanor composed. Without another word, he turned around and walked away, leaving Aurora in the care of the maids.
The maids led Aurora up the grand staircase, the steps beneath her feet smooth and polished. As they reached the end of the hallway, one of the maids opened a door, revealing a spacious room bathed in soft sunlight. Aurora's eyes widened as she took in the sight before her – a room that was larger and more luxurious than any space she had ever called home.
The room was exquisitely furnished, with elegant pieces that seemed to belong to a world of timeless beauty. A comfortable-looking bed with intricate carvings stood against one wall, draped in flowing white fabric. A desk sat by the window, adorned with parchment and quills, offering a glimpse of a different kind of world compared to her own. To the side, a door led to a bathroom, its fixtures polished to a gleam.
Grateful for their guidance, Aurora smiled warmly at the maids. "Thank you so much for showing me around," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
The maid with dark hair introduced herself as Eledhwen, and the one with silvery blonde hair as Meldis. Aurora listened attentively as they shared their names, a sense of camaraderie forming between them. She couldn't help but feel a touch of comfort in their presence.
Eledhwen asked if Aurora needed anything else, her eyes kind and her tone gentle. Aurora shook her head, her smile reassuring. "I think I'll be fine for now. Thank you."
Eledhwen returned her smile. "You are most welcome, Aurora. We are here to ensure your comfort."
Meldis chimed in. "If you require anything or have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask."
Aurora nodded, feeling touched by their kindness. "I will. Thank you again, Eledhwen and Meldis."
Eledhwen's smile remained, her demeanor gentle. "We will return before dinner to assist you. Enjoy your time settling in."
With a final nod of appreciation, the two maids took their leave, and Aurora was left alone in her new surroundings. She took a moment to let it all sink in, her eyes sweeping over the room once more. She moved toward the window, pulling the curtains aside to reveal the view of the palace's front yard.
Stepping closer, she gazed out at the lush greenery and the meticulously manicured gardens. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, the beauty of the elven city taking her breath away. She took a deep, calming breath, feeling a newfound sense of serenity.
After a while, Aurora's attention turned to the inviting bed. Its king-sized expanse looked incredibly comfortable, and she couldn't resist the temptation. With a contented sigh, she sank onto the soft, plush bedding. It was a stark contrast to the cold cell she had been confined to for so long.
As the gentle sunlight filtered through the window, Aurora closed her eyes, allowing herself to relax. Her thoughts drifted, and before long, the peaceful embrace of sleep welcomed her into its embrace.
Aurora's eyes fluttered open as the soft knock on the door roused her from her nap. She glanced toward the window, the light outside having dimmed. She quickly rose from the bed, her heart beating a little faster as she realized the day had slipped into evening. With a hurried sense of purpose, she made her way to the door and opened it to find Eledhwen standing there, her presence a gentle reassurance.
"Good evening, Aurora," Eledhwen greeted with a warm smile, stepping into the room. She held a selection of dresses in her hands, each one seemingly more elegant than the last.
Aurora's curiosity piqued, she asked about Meldis, and Eledhwen explained her absence with a simple mention of other tasks that needed her attention.
Eledhwen's presence was both comforting and respectful. She suggested that Aurora take a bath before dressing for dinner, and while Eledhwen seemed willing to assist, Aurora politely declined, preferring to take care of her own bathing.
After a soothing bath, Aurora emerged, feeling refreshed and ready for whatever awaited her. Eledhwen had laid out a set of dresses, each one a vibrant hue that spoke of the opulence of this world. Aurora's eyes landed on the forest green dress, drawn to its rich color and elegant design. She reached out to pick it up, and Eledhwen's approval was evident in her smile.
"An excellent choice," Eledhwen remarked as she helped Aurora into the dress.
The fabric seemed to mold itself perfectly to Aurora's form, the fit impeccable. Eledhwen's nimble fingers worked deftly as she adjusted the dress, ensuring it looked its best on Aurora.
As Aurora stood before the mirror, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement at the sight she presented. Her hair was styled with a half-down braid, a touch that added to the overall elegance of her appearance. She looked at herself, half-expecting woodland creatures to gather around and start singing, but she quickly brushed aside the fanciful thought.
With a self-deprecating snort, Aurora couldn't help but share her inner amusement with Eledhwen. The elf raised an eyebrow in response, clearly intrigued by Aurora's reaction. Eledhwen's gentle chuckle seemed to imply that Aurora's feelings were understood, even if they came from a world quite different from the one she now inhabited.
Eledhwen's voice broke through her reverie, and she said, "Come, Aurora. It's time for you to dine with the prince."
Aurora felt a flutter of nerves as she thought about meeting the reserved prince. She nodded, her gratitude evident in her gaze, as she followed Eledhwen out of her room.
Aurora followed Eledhwen down the grand staircase, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. As they reached the entrance to the dining hall, Eledhwen paused and turned to Aurora, offering a reassuring smile.
"Calm yourself," Eledhwen whispered, her soothing voice a gentle balm to Aurora's racing thoughts.
With a steadying breath, Aurora nodded, grateful for Eledhwen's encouragement. As the doors swung open, Aurora stepped into the opulent dining hall. Her gaze instinctively gravitated toward the head of the table, where Prince Maeglin was situated.
As Maeglin approached her, Aurora felt a flutter of apprehension in her chest. She managed a small smile and spoke softly, "I apologize for being late, Prince Maeglin."
His response was measured, his tone even. "It's of no concern," he said, his gaze still guarded but not unkind.
He extended his arm toward her, a gesture that held both formality and a hint of courtesy. Aurora hesitated only momentarily before placing her hand on his arm, allowing him to guide her toward the table.
As they walked side by side, Aurora couldn't help but sneak glances at the prince. His aura of authority was undeniable, and his presence commanded attention. Yet, she also sensed an air of complexity and mystery about him. She found herself wondering about the thoughts that lay behind his stoic demeanor.
Maeglin led her to her designated seat, which was conveniently placed next to his. He stepped back slightly as Aurora approached the chair, and with a soft smile, she expressed her gratitude.
"Thank you," she murmured before carefully seating herself.
Maeglin took his place at the head of the table, and with a graceful wave of his hand, the maids began to serve the meal. Plates of finely prepared dishes were set before them, each one a work of culinary art. The rich aroma of the food filled the air, and the table was adorned with goblets of deep red wine.
Aurora took a sip of the wine, savoring its rich flavor as it unfolded on her palate. The warm sensation spread through her, bringing a sense of ease to her nerves.
As they ate, Maeglin's curiosity got the best of him, and he broached the topic that had intrigued him since the moment she had mentioned coming from another world. "Tell me more about your world, Aurora. What does it look like?"
Aurora paused, her fork halfway to her mouth, as she contemplated how to describe her world to someone who had no frame of reference for it.
She launched into a description, painting a vivid picture of towering buildings that kissed the sky, bustling streets filled with cars and people, and the variety of jobs and lifestyles that defined her reality. She explained her own role as a marketing manager, delving into the intricacies of her work and how it contributed to the businesses she served.
Maeglin listened attentively, his interest piqued by this foreign concept. He furrowed his brows, trying to grasp the intricacies of her role.
"You work to promote businesses and create strategies?" he repeated, his tone a mix of curiosity and confusion. "Such concepts are foreign to me."
Aurora smiled warmly, recognizing the challenge of explaining modern concepts to someone from a different time and world. She continued to explain, finding herself surprisingly at ease as she shared her knowledge and experiences.
The wine, however, was taking its effect. As they spoke, she became progressively more animated and talkative, her laughter ringing out in the room.
Maeglin observed her with a mixture of amusement and intrigue. He found himself captivated by the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled, the genuine enthusiasm in her voice as she spoke about her life. He was drawn to her openness and the way she seemed to effortlessly share her world with him.
However, as the conversation progressed, Maeglin noticed the effects of the wine taking hold. Aurora's cheeks flushed, her words becoming slightly more unfiltered and bold. When she mentioned him being handsome, his cheeks tinged with a soft blush, and he cleared his throat, momentarily caught off guard by her candor.
But when she declared that he was handsome and innocently gazed at him, he knew that the wine had indeed had its impact. With a hint of amusement, he raised an eyebrow and gently reached out to stop her from pouring herself another glass.
"I think that's enough wine for tonight," he said, his voice carrying a subtle hint of laughter.
Aurora pouted playfully, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Good thing you're handsome," she said, her words unfiltered as she spoke her thoughts aloud.
Maeglin's expression shifted from amusement to surprise, his heart skipping a beat at her words. He was momentarily lost for words, unsure of how to respond to her candid compliment. But before he could regain his composure, she looked at him with an innocent expression, leaving him momentarily flustered.
He regained his composure, his voice laced with a playful tone as he teased, "You're drunk."
Aurora chuckled softly, her laughter ringing in the room as she leaned back in her chair.
"Maybe just a little," she admitted, her gaze meeting his with an unspoken camaraderie.
Aurora's laughter had eased the tension that had previously lingered between them, and Maeglin found himself somewhat enjoying her company, despite his usual reserve.
As they finished, Maeglin announced his intention to escort Aurora back to her room. Aurora, her cheeks flushed from the wine, protested with a playful whine.
"Why in such a hurry?" she asked, her words slightly slurred.
Maeglin's lips quirked into a half-smile. "You need your rest," he replied, his tone gentle.
He had noticed the effects of the wine taking a toll on her, and he was genuinely concerned about her well-being.
Aurora pouted, her gaze slightly unfocused. "But I'm fine, really." she protested, her words slurring slightly. She attempted to stand straight, but her swaying movements betrayed her level of intoxication.
Seeing her struggle, Maeglin stepped closer and extended his arm toward her. "Come," he said, his voice carrying a touch of amusement. "Let me take you back to your room."
Aurora's pout deepened, but she couldn't hide the fondness in her eyes as she took his arm, her fingers gently curling around his. They began to walk, but Aurora's steps were unsteady, causing her to stumble slightly. Maeglin reacted quickly, his arm wrapping around her waist to steady her.
As they continued down the hallway, Aurora began to rant in her language, her words a mix of incomprehensible sounds and laughter. Maeglin could only watch with bemusement, his lips quirking into a smile even though he didn't understand her words.
Finally, they arrived at her chamber, and Maeglin opened the door for her. Aurora turned to face him, her movements a little clumsy as she attempted a curtsy.
"Thank you, my handsome knight in shining armor," she slurred, her words punctuated by a fit of giggles.
Maeglin's cheeks tinged with a faint blush, taken aback by her candid remark. "Goodnight, Aurora," he said, his voice composed despite the amusement dancing in his eyes. With a polite nod, he gently closed the door, leaving Aurora in her room.
Aurora stood in the middle of her chamber, a dazed smile on her face as she swayed slightly. She collapsed onto the bed, her laughter still echoing in the air. As the door clicked shut, she let out a contented sigh, her thoughts drifting as the effects of the wine lulled her into a peaceful slumber.
Meanwhile, outside her chamber, Maeglin couldn't help but chuckle to himself. He had rarely encountered such an openly candid and spirited individual, and he found himself intrigued by her. With a shake of his head, he turned away from her door and made his way back to his own quarters, his thoughts lingering on the evening's unexpected turn of events.
oh no Aurora, how can you get drunk on your first dinner with the prince..now Maeglin will think that you have a crush on him *gasp* 'winkwink'
