DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. This is for entertainment only.
Chapter 6 - More Than Meets the Eye
"Fly me up to where you are.
Beyond the distant star, I wish upon tonight to see you smile.
If only for a while to know you're there.
A breath away's not far, to where you are."
To Where You are by Josh Groban
Aurora had interlocked her fingers and was clutching them so tightly that she had begun to lose feeling to her fingers. All five of them were seated in armchairs with the exception of Lord Elrond who was seated behind his large desk.
"I still don't understand," Augustus broke the silence, "what do you mean that Aurora and I are… are elves."
"Yes, child." Lady Galadriel spoke gently. "I apologize in the manner to which these revelations have come to light; but we will all be here to aid you in any way you need." The other men in the room nodded in silent agreement at her words.
"Why?" Aurora spoke so softly that she could barely hear her own voice. She slowly looked around at everyone in the room. "Why did they keep it from us?"
There was an uncomfortable silence. Quietly the old wizard, who she had learned was named Gandalf, stood and moved over to where Aurora sat. He knelt down in front of her and took her soft hand it his, separating her fingers so the blood could flow back through them.
"My sweet girl," his eyes met hers, "There are many reasons that your parents did what they needed… I promise you, my dear, all the questions you and you brother have will be answered. You must trust us. The coming weeks will be difficult as you both adjust to your new life; but in time -"
"The coming weeks?" Aurora's eyes darkened, "Our new life? What are you talking about? We're going home aren't-"
Aurora broke off as she looked up to the others her eyes locking with Lord Elrond; but it was Augustus who spoke up next. "We can't, can we? He spoke low, "We can't go home."
His last words were not a question, but an acceptance.
Lord Elrond looked from Augustus to Aurora a hint of sadness behind his grey eyes. "No." He sighed heavily and stood up from his chair; holding his hands lightly behind his back and he began to pace. "The earthquake, as you called it, was what we call a realm shift. Very powerful and old magic. It is true that magic of this type exceedingly rare and not spoken of among many scholars. This reasoning is because this magic, when combined with other magics, can sometimes be used for darker purposes, that which would be used to cause harm. When a realm shift is combined with runes of blood magic; it becomes some of the most powerful magic known in Arda. When you and your brother sought refuge within the cave, the Runes activated themselves because the blood magic used was connected to the bloodlines of your parents. Only one with a connection to those bloodlines would be able to activate the realm shift to bring you home. Home… to Arda."
Augustus watched Elrond as he explained, "So… You're saying that we can't go home. Because we are home."
"Yes, young Master Augustus," Gandalf stood again giving Aurora's hand a final squeeze for comfort. "You see … The night your parents went through that cave and the realm shift began, it was not only the two of them who crossed over. You see, children…. You were with them as well. Understand, children, you were not born in this other realm. You were born here, almost quite literally." Gandalf glanced at Lord Elrond with a knowing smile, "You see you both were born right here in Rivendell. On the other side of this very building within the healing halls."
Lady Galadriel felt another hand squeeze hers, she looked up and saw Lady Galadriel's piercing eyes staring at her. "Your parents," she spoke barely above a whisper, "they would have rejoiced in seeing you walk these halls once more."
Lord Celeborn spoke up. "I am sorry to ask," he started tentatively, "but… Why have they not accompanied you back?"
Aurora could feel Augustus tense up beside her and the atmosphere of the room shifted to one of tension. She reached for his hand but he stood up and walked away. "They aren't here, leave it at that." His normally welcome and fun-loving voice now hardened.
Lady Galadriel stood and moved towards Augustus; her hand gently touching his cheek. She inhaled sharply and her eyes grew heavy with grief. "You poor child."
Augustus stepped away from her, his eyes wide. He turned sharp on his heel and flung the doors of the study open. Stomping down the hallway. Aurora stood abruptly, moving to go after her brother but she stopped herself. She knew what he was thinking about; what he was dwelling on.
"I apologize for him," Aurora looked between all those who remained in the room, "Grief… Comes in many forms."
Lord Elrond walked to Aurora and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "There is no cause for apology, Lady Aurora." He offered a weak smile and glanced around the room, "All of us have suffered the grief that haunts your brother… and you."
At his words, Aurora sighed heavily and moved to the large window that overlooked the gardens. "It was five years ago," Aurora closed her eyes and began, "Augs… Augusutus had gone over to our parents house to see if they were ready for our camping trip the next day. From what he's said, he walked into the house and could feel that something was wrong. He found them in the... " Aurora paused and took a long breath. "The police said that it appeared to be a home invasion. Our parents were stabbed to death; their time of death was placed within the hour of Augustus arriving. I think… I think he blames himself. For not being there."
Aurora wasn't sure when it happened; but as she opened her eyes, she realized that Lady Galadriel had placed an arm around her shoulders. All in the room stood in silence as Aurora's story settled around them.
"Come, child." She whispered softly. "We will find your brother and rejoin everyone for dinner. There has been enough talk and revelation for one night."
