Chapter Text
It had been a few days since Maeglin's departure, and Aurora did her best to keep herself occupied. She often helped Eledhwen with simple chores around the palace—changing sheets, dusting surfaces, and trying to stay busy. One day, she even offered to help the maids in the kitchen with washing dishes. But her efforts took a turn when, in a moment of clumsiness, she accidentally dropped a plate, shattering it on the floor.
Flustered, Aurora apologized repeatedly, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. The maids, while kind, gently insisted that she leave the task to them. Feeling mortified, she eventually walked out, still apologizing under her breath, trying to shake off the awkwardness of the situation.
When there were no chores left to do, Aurora often retreated to the library, immersing herself in whatever books she could find written in Sindarin. Her options were limited, as most of the volumes were written in languages she couldn’t understand. When the library no longer held her attention, she would wander into the garden, taking leisurely strolls among the greenery or sitting on a bench, watching the sky change with the passing hours.
She also made time to visit Galion and Elanor, appreciating the company since there was no one else with whom she felt comfortable. Her interactions with others remained few and far between, as she had grown wary around the other elves after a tense encounter with Lord Salgant. This caution kept her circle small, leaving her with limited companionship.
Aurora walked along the path, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows as she made her way back to the palace after spending time with Elanor at her home. The streets were still lively, with a few elves strolling about, and she could see guards patrolling, some chatting with each other, their smiles warm and easy. There was a comforting sense of peace in the air, and despite this place not being her true home, it carried a familiarity that made her feel at ease.
Yet, her thoughts drifted back to her real home—her life on Earth. She missed her small apartment, her job, her friends, and the simple routines that once defined her days. A pang of longing settled in her chest, and she wondered if she would ever have the chance to return. She had no way of knowing if that was even possible, but she knew one thing: if the opportunity to go back to her old life ever presented itself, she would seize it without hesitation. For now, all she could do was hold on to hope, clinging to the possibility that someday, somehow, she might find a way back.
Aurora was so lost in her thoughts that she barely paid attention to the path ahead. She suddenly collided with something—or rather, someone. Stumbling backward, she nearly fell to the hard ground, but a hand swiftly caught her arm, steadying her.
A gentle voice spoke, "Easy there, my lady. Watch your steps." The voice was familiar, and Aurora’s heart skipped a beat. She looked up and found herself face-to-face with someone she hadn’t seen in quite some time—Elemmakil. He smiled warmly down at her, and Aurora couldn’t help but return the smile, her happiness bubbling over.
"Elemmakil, I didn't expect to see you here," she said, unable to contain her excitement. "Where have you been?"
Elemmakil chuckled softly. "I’ve been right here, in the city. I haven’t gone anywhere."
"But I haven't seen you around since the day you last escorted me to the throne room."
He laughed, a knowing gleam in his eye. "You didn’t see me because you’ve hardly left the palace, or you’ve been too busy spending your time at Galion’s home," he teased, raising an eyebrow playfully at her.
Aurora squinted her eyes at him, feigning suspicion. “How did you know my whereabouts? Have you been stalking me, Elemmakil?" she asked, trying hard to keep her expression serious.
Elemmakil looked taken aback, quickly defending himself. "I wasn’t stalking you—not in that way. I just happened to see you heading to Galion’s home a few times, that’s all."
Aurora didn’t respond right away, squinting at him a little longer, determined to keep a straight face. Elemmakil, sensing her playfulness, raised his hands in reassurance. "Now, now, my lady, you wouldn’t think me the stalker type, would you?"
Aurora couldn’t hold it in any longer. She chuckled, the serious facade cracking. "Of course not," she said with a small laugh. "Stalker isn’t exactly a role that suits you."
Elemmakil shook his head at her teasing words, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Are you on your way back to the prince’s palace?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Yes," Aurora replied. "What about you?"
"I just finished my shift for the day," Elemmakil said, "and I’m headed to the tavern for a drink and a meal."
Aurora nodded, but her mind was already spinning with a new thought. She had never been to a tavern before, and, in truth, she hadn’t explored much of the city at all. This could be a perfect opportunity to see more of the world beyond the palace.
"Do you think I could join you?" she looked up at Elemmakil, her eyes bright with curiosity.
"Of course, if you don’t mind going out this late."
Aurora grinned. "Not at all."
Elemmakil led the way, with her following closely behind. They walked in silence for a while, each of them pondering what to say to break the quiet. After a few moments, she finally spoke up. "So, where exactly is this tavern?" she asked, glancing over at him.
"It is just a few blocks from the central market," Elemmakil turned his head toward her as he slowed his pace to match hers.
Aurora nodded thoughtfully. "I’ve been to the market a few times, with Elanor. But I’ve never visited the tavern before."
He raised an eyebrow and grinned at her. "Well, in that case, I’ll make sure you get to try the best ale they have. My treat."
"That’s very generous of you, Elemmakil. I’ll gladly take you up on that offer." Aurora couldn’t help but smile back at him.
As they arrived at the central market, they found it still buzzing with life—vendors calling out their wares and people weaving between stalls. Aurora couldn’t help but marvel at the lively atmosphere, though she stayed close to Elemmakil as they navigated through the crowds.
A couple of blocks beyond the market, they stopped in front of a two-story building. Laughter and conversation spilled out from within, and Aurora could already hear the lively chatter of the tavern’s patrons before they even reached the entrance.
Elemmakil pushed open the wooden door and held it for her, gesturing with a small, courteous bow. "After you, my lady."
Aurora smiled at his small act of courtesy. "Thank you," she said warmly as she stepped inside. “What a gentleman” she mused to herself.
As she stepped into the tavern, she was immediately enveloped by the warm, bustling atmosphere. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and the earthy aroma of ale. Laughter and animated conversation filled the room, punctuated by the occasional clink of glasses and the scraping of chairs against the wooden floor.
The tavern was larger than Aurora had expected, with a high ceiling supported by sturdy wooden beams. Lanterns hung from these beams, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Tables of various sizes were scattered throughout, most of them occupied by elves engaged in lively discussion or friendly games.
Elemmakil gently placed his hand on Aurora's back, guiding her through the crowded room. "This way," he said, leaning close so she could hear him over the noise. "I know a quieter spot in the corner."
They wove their way between tables, weaving through groups of cheerful patrons. Aurora soon became aware of the curious glances being thrown her way, some lingering on her a bit too long. She could feel the weight of their stares—mostly curious, but enough to make her feel out of place. She unconsciously moved closer to Elemmakil, her shoulder brushing against his arm.
Sensing her discomfort, he gave her a gentle squeeze on the back, his touch meant to be comforting. He glanced down at her with a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry, my lady. They’re just not used to seeing new faces here," he said, his voice low and kind.
"I suppose it’s hard not to stand out," she murmured, glancing around the room again, her expression a little uncertain.
"Well, tonight you’re with me, so you’re in good hands," Elemmakil replied with a wink. "No need to worry about curious eyes."
Aurora couldn’t help but laugh softly at his words, the tension in her shoulders easing a little. Just as he had promised, there was an empty table tucked away in a cozy corner at the back of the tavern, away from the main bustle. Elemmakil released his hand from her and pulled out a chair.
"Here you go, my lady."
Aurora sat down, offering him a warm smile. "Thank you, Elemmakil. Ever the gentleman, I see."
He chuckled softly as he settled into the chair opposite her. "I try my best. Especially when I’m treating a guest," he replied, leaning back comfortably. The tavern’s noise was muffled here, and the space felt a little more private, a welcome change from the bustling main floor.
Aurora glanced around, starting to relax. "I have to say, this place has a... certain charm," she admitted, her curiosity piqued by the lively atmosphere around them.
Elemmakil nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. "It’s not the grandest place in the city, but it’s a favorite of mine. And now I get to share it with you." He gestured to a server who approached their table, ready to take their order. "How about that ale I promised you?"
Aurora grinned. "Sounds perfect."
Elemmakil ordered a plate of freshly baked bread, two steaming bowls of hearty stew, and two pints of ale. When the drinks arrived, Aurora’s eyes went wide at the sight of the wooden mug in front of her—it was enormous, filled to the brim with golden ale that sloshed slightly as it was set down. She picked it up carefully, noting how heavy it felt in her hands.
She stared at her pint, clearly taken aback. "I don’t think I can finish this," she admitted, her tone half-amused, half-bewildered as she looked at the massive wooden mug in front of her.
Elemmakil caught her expression and burst into a hearty laugh. "I take it you’ve never had a pint this big before," he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“No, definitely not,” she shook her head, a sheepish smile playing on her lips.
With a teasing grin, Elemmakil leaned forward slightly. “Well, then, it’s my honor to be the first to witness your inaugural pint,” he said with mock seriousness, raising his own mug as if making a toast.
Aurora couldn’t help but snort at his playful tone, shaking her head while a smile crept across her face. “You make it sound like such a grand occasion,” she replied, rolling her eyes.
“Well, it’s not every day I get to introduce someone to one of life’s simple pleasures,” he said before taking a hearty sip from his own pint.
"Oh, how lucky I am to have such an honor," she shot back with a smirk, then lifted the mug to her lips and took her first cautious sip.
The taste surprised her. It wasn’t like the beer she’d had back home—this one was richer, with a smooth sweetness that balanced a hint of bitterness, and a faint smoky aftertaste that lingered pleasantly. She found herself nodding in approval.
"This is... actually pretty good," she admitted, glancing up at Elemmakil with a genuine smile.
He raised his own pint and took a long drink. "I’m glad you like it. This place is known for its ale, after all," he said, then gestured toward the steaming bowls in front of them. "And the stew’s not half bad either."
Aurora picked up her spoon, breathing in the savory aroma of the stew before taking a bite. The rich, warm flavors instantly spread across her palate, comforting and hearty. She couldn't help but smile as she dug in.
"You're right, this is delicious."
Aurora tore off a small piece of bread, dipping it into the rich, hearty stew before taking a bite. She savored the warmth of the broth and the softness of the bread, nodding appreciatively at the taste. Beside her, Elemmakil tucked into his own meal, and they enjoyed a companionable silence, broken only by the occasional clink of their utensils.
After a while, Elemmakil broke the silence, leaning forward slightly as he spoke. "So, how are you faring at the prince’s abode, as his ward?" he asked, his tone light but genuinely curious.
At the mention of Maeglin, Aurora’s expression shifted slightly, and she glanced up from her bowl. "I’m doing well," she replied, choosing her words carefully. "The prince has been... kind to me. He treats me nicely."
Elemmakil nodded thoughtfully, swirling his ale before taking a sip. "That’s good to hear. Does he talk with you often?" he inquired, his brow raising slightly as he studied her reaction.
Aurora considered the question for a moment. "We talk sometimes, mostly during meals. But outside of that, he tends to keep to himself. He doesn’t... hover." A small, wry smile crossed her lips at the thought, but it faded quickly.
"Ah, that sounds about right. And tell me," he leaned in a little, lowering his voice playfully, "does he brood a lot? I’ve heard he’s known for it."
Aurora paused, unsure of how to answer at first. She thought back to Maeglin’s distant demeanor, the serious look that seemed to be his default expression. "Well," she began slowly, "he does look rather serious most of the time. I’m not sure if I’d call it brooding, exactly... but he never really smiles."
Elemmakil chuckled softly, shaking his head. "That’s our prince for you—always so stoic. Some might say he’s a bit... intimidating, wouldn’t you agree?"
Aurora tilted her head, considering the question. "Intimidating, yes. But... I think there’s more to him than just that. He’s not unkind." She frowned slightly, as if trying to find the right words. "Just... distant."
Elemmakil nodded, his expression softening as he saw the thoughtfulness in her eyes. "I see. Well, that’s more than most can say," he remarked with a wry smile. "Not many get to speak with him, much less see anything beyond that serious exterior of his."
Aurora couldn’t help but smile faintly, though her thoughts lingered on the serious, sometimes grim nature of the prince. She hesitated for a moment, then ventured curiously, "Was the prince always like that? So reserved, I mean, even as a child?"
Elemmakil looked thoughtful for a moment, then shook his head. "I can’t really say. He didn’t grow up here in Gondolin," he replied. "He spent most of his childhood outside the city, at his father's place. By the time he arrived here, he was already a grown ellon, and he came with his mother."
Aurora listened intently, absorbing his words. It struck her that Maeglin never spoke of his family, and she had never seen any trace of them in the palace.
"What about his parents? Are they... are they still around?"
A shadow seemed to cross Elemmakil’s face, and he let out a small sigh, shaking his head. "No," he said quietly. "Both of them died shortly after they arrived here."
Aurora absorbed this news, feeling a pang of sympathy for Maeglin. She hesitated again, sensing the heaviness in Elemmakil’s tone, but her curiosity got the better of her. "How did they die?" she asked softly, her voice almost a whisper.
Elemmakil glanced at her, then licked his lips as if trying to decide how much to say. His face darkened, a shadow of old memories playing across his features. He slowly shook his head, his voice barely a murmur, "It was... sad. Tragic."
Aurora waited, hoping he would elaborate, but it seemed he wasn’t willing to say more. There was a heavy silence between them before he finally spoke again, his voice softer now. "After his mother’s death, Maeglin became more withdrawn. He started avoiding everyone, keeping to himself."
"It must have been so hard for him," she said quietly, almost to herself.
Elemmakil nodded, his gaze distant. They sat in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. But then, with a swift change of tone, Elemmakil cleared his throat, “Enough about Maeglin. I’d rather know more about you.”
Aurora felt a sense of relief at the shift in topic and returned his smile. "Alright," she replied, leaning forward slightly. "What do you want to know?"
"You mentioned once that you’re from another world," he began, curiosity evident in his voice. "What’s your home like?”
She paused, considering how to describe it. "Well, it’s hard to put into words," she said, looking off to the side as if searching for the right description. "But yes, it’s very different. My world is inhabited only by humans—or Men, as you call them here. No elves, no magic, just... us."
Elemmakil raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "Only Men? That’s difficult to imagine. What did you do there? Were you of noble status, perhaps?"
Aurora couldn’t help but laugh softly at that. "No, no. I’m just a commoner," she said, shaking her head.
"If I’m being honest, you don’t look like a commoner."
"Oh? And why’s that?"
He smirked slightly, remembering the first time he met her. "Well, when I found you unconscious near the outskirts of the city, you were wearing rather... unusual attire. It looked luxurious, something I wouldn’t expect from an ordinary civilian. And you had those diamonds in your ears." He gestured to his own ears as if to illustrate. "You looked like someone of noble birth."
Aurora chuckled, finding his observation amusing. "I suppose my clothes must have seemed strange to you. But I assure you, I’m really just an ordinary person. I lived comfortably, yes, but that’s thanks to my job—it paid well."
Elemmakil’s brows rose in surprise, his curiosity clearly piqued. "And what kind of job did you do? I can't imagine what work you’d be doing in such a world."
She smiled, thinking back to her old life. "I worked in marketing," she explained simply. "Basically, I managed how products were promoted and sold for a company. Made sure people would buy what the company was offering."
"Marketing... like a merchant, then? Persuading people to buy goods?"
Aurora laughed again, enjoying how he was trying to piece it together. "Sort of, yes. But on a larger scale—more like persuading whole groups of people to be interested in what we sold. It’s hard to explain in simpler terms."
He nodded thoughtfully, then smiled warmly. "Sounds like quite the skill. No wonder you were able to live well."
Aurora returned his smile, appreciating how he made an effort to understand, even if her world was so far removed from his. She hoped Elemmakil wouldn’t press her further about her world; explaining concepts like machines and electricity to someone unfamiliar with them seemed like an impossible task.
Quickly, she shifted the conversation. "So, Elemmakil, if you don’t mind me asking... are you married?" she inquired, leaning in a bit, her curiosity piqued.
Elemmakil looked a bit startled by the question, but then he chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I’ve never been in a relationship, let alone married," he admitted, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Really? But... how old are you?" she blurted out.
He scratched his head, as if trying to recall. "I’m over 800 years old," he admitted, shrugging slightly. "Though I don’t remember the exact number anymore. You tend to lose track after a few centuries."
Aurora tried to keep her expression neutral, but internally she was reeling. “Eight hundred years old... and still hasn’t found a girl?” she thought, stifling a laugh at her own private joke. But she kept her tone light and friendly as she continued, "Well, you’ve certainly had plenty of time, I’d say."
Elemmakil raised an eyebrow at her tone, "Why do I get the feeling you’re mocking me, my lady?" he asked, smirking.
Aurora put on an innocent face. "Oh, no, I would never," she replied with exaggerated sincerity, her eyes twinkling.
He seemed to sense her amusement, and a teasing glint appeared in his eyes. "What about you, Aurora? Any special someone back in your world?" he asked, turning the question back on her.
"I’m 29," she said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "Not married, but I’ve had a few relationships. None of them really worked out, though."
Elemmakil nodded thoughtfully, his expression curious but kind. "Well, who knows?" he said with a playful smirk. "Maybe you’ll find a husband here in Middle-earth, if you’re lucky."
Aurora burst into laughter at his lighthearted remark, the sound filling the cozy corner of the tavern. "Ha! Somehow, I doubt that," she replied, shaking her head with a smile. "But I appreciate the optimism."
Their conversation flowed more easily after that, and Aurora found herself feeling lighter, more at ease. They exchanged stories—he told her of his experiences as a guard, of the city’s quirks and the occasional troublemakers they had to deal with. She shared amusing tales of her friends back home, though carefully skirting around the parts that were too hard to explain.
It felt good to find new company, and she appreciated Elemmakil’s easy-going nature. Time slipped away, and soon she didn't even notice as the warm light of the tavern dimmed, giving way to the deeper shades of evening settling outside.