CONTENT WARNING: Rated M for Strong language and violence- descriptions of domestic abuse.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. This is for entertainment only.
A/N: D'aww what a sweet moment, especially the creeper in the tunnel, am I right? I must admit, I love throwing in mysterious sections here and there. This is the longest chapter yet, so I hope you guys are ready! Do you prefer the shorter or longer chapters? Let me know because that will help me determine where to break things up in the future. Please read & review! That is what keeps me going! XOXO -P
Song for the Chapter: "Just Give Me A Reason" by P!nk ft. Nate Ruess
Chapter 21 - Revelations
You pierce my soul.
I am half agony, half hope.
- Jane Austen
The feeling of cool sheets hugging her and the smell of cedar and smoky vanilla woke Aurora up gently and her eyes fluttered open. She noticed her room was dark as she sat up and stretched her arms; then she looked around the room and realized that Thranduil was not there. She threw back the covers, pulled on her boots and quickly knotted her hair into a high bun.
She walked through one of the open doors to her bedroom and was immediately struck with the warmth of the fire coming from the hearth. She saw that a meal had been placed on the end table next to the couch along with a goblet of wine. She looked and saw Thranduil sitting in the armchair, the light glow of the fire glistening off his skin. He seemed deep in thought as his eyes scanned over the leather-bound book in his hand.
"I wondered where you went," Aurora smiled as she leaned against the doorway.
Thranduil's head snapped in her direction and a warm smile spread across his face. He stood up and set the book on the chair. He walked over to where Aurora stood and wrapped his arms around her waist, leaning in and placing a chaste kiss on her lips.
"How did you sleep, Ilma nin(my Starlight)?" He stepped away and laced his hand with hers, leading her over to the couch and sat down with her.
"Pretty good," Aurora smiled, "I was a little sad when I woke up and you weren't there..."
"My apologies," Thranduil ran his hand across her cheek, "I wanted to take the liberty of having food brought to you, but I could not very well do so from the comfort of your bed. I also had to attend to a few matters; being a King means no rest."
"I'm sorry," Aurora mused as she leaned into his touch on her face, "I didn't mean to take you away from your duties."
Thranduil took her hand, kissed it lightly, and then held it to his chest, "You are a priority to me now, Ilma nin (my Starlight). Never apologize for the time we get together." Thranduil watched as Aurora placed her hands in her lap and laced her fingers together, "What troubles you?"
Aurora shook her head and smiled weakly, "I'm fine."
"Liar," Thranduil stated flatly with a sly smile and Aurora met his eyes as her brow furrowed, "Don't seem surprised. I'm not the only one with a tell." Thranduil's smile faded at Aurora's serious expression and he placed a hand over her clenched hands, "Talk to me, Aurora. Let me ease your mind if I can."
Aurora thought for a long moment; unsure how to explain the things she was feeling. How can I do this again after Sam? She thought to herself. How could I let myself fall in love with anyone, let alone a King… Aurora asked these questions knowing she didn't possibly know the answer. Wait… Let myself fall in love again… Fall in love… Why did I think that? Aurora took a sharp breath in and stood up from the couch which caused Thranduil to stand as well, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Aurora? What is it?" He inquired.
"I'm sorry." Aurora breathed. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths to calm herself. She knew that she had to be honest with him. She opened her eyes again and met his piercing blue stare, "I just— This is new to me. I never thought that I would want to be with someone again after Sam..." She shuddered at speaking his name, "But now there's you. I never thought that I could care for someone the way I find myself caring about you."
Thranduil stepped closer to her, "You know I'll never hurt you the way he did, Ilma nin (my Starlight). Something else concerns you… What is it?"
"You're a King," Aurora stated bluntly and she saw Thranduil arch his brow, "How can there possibly be a relationship between us? You have Councils, an army, and royal responsibilities. Two months ago I owned a flower shop and was eating Chinese takeout three nights a week. You are elegant, beautiful, and regal. And I… I'm just— " Aurora gestured vaguely to herself.
"This," Thranduil chuckled softly and imitated her gesture to herself, "happens to be one of my favorite things about you." He cupped her cheek with his hand and lifted her head to meet his eyes and his voice took on a more commanding tone, "Yes, I am a King. I have a council of advisors, I command armies and rule over a vast kingdom. But at the end of the day, I am just an Ellon who desires the touch of the one his fae (soul) calls for; and that is you, Aurora."
Aurora let his words sink in as they stared at each other, she reached up and touched his cheek softly, "I don't know how to be with a King, though. I'm sure there are protocols and guidelines and so many other things that I— I don't know what to do."
Thranduil held Aurora's hand closer to his cheek as he dropped the glamour on his face and looked deep into her eyes, "You and me, Ilma nin (my Starlight), that is all I need. We'll figure everything else out along the way… Together."
Thranduil brought his mouth to Aurora's again as one of his arms wrapped around her waist. His mouth moved against hers perfectly, his other hand touched her hip as he walked her backward until she felt her back hit the wall. Thranduil did not press his full weight against Aurora as he so desired, but he stepped close enough to her that he could feel her chest rising quickly against his own as she ardently returned his kiss. His tongue grazed her lips again and Aurora opened her mouth in invitation. Thranduil slid his tongue forward and met hers just beyond her lips. They both inhaled quickly at the new sensation and it only further ignited their passionate embrace. Her hand traveled up his back and ran along the back of his neck and into his hair, her fingernails caressing his scalp. The other hand gently caressed his cheek and lightly traced his jawline her finger traced the outline of his ear ending at the pointed tip and Thranduil let out a low and sensual groan.
Aurora suddenly felt a tight grip around her wrist and her eyes shot open. Thranduil's eyes were still closed and he pressed his forehead to hers. His voice was low and husky, "I must tell you, Ilma nin (my Starlight) that Elven ears are extremely sensitive to touch. Should that happen again, I may lose what little self-control I still have."
Aurora smiled, "I'll keep that in mind for another time."
Thranduil chuckled softly, "I look forward to it." His lips brushed hers as he spoke and he captured her lips again and he pressed closer to her, making sure to angle his body from her just enough to ensure she did not learn how much he was truly enjoying their moment. He slipped his tongue into her mouth again as they felt their passions rising, he ran his hands up her back, over her shoulders, and up her neck, his hands resting against her cheeks. Aurora slipped her tongue into Thranduil's mouth and he moaned louder than before. She relished in how sweet he tasted, a hint of wine on his tongue. Her hand playfully traced his earlobe again and he inhaled sharply.
His eyes shot open and he broke away just enough to look at her, "Aurora," she opened her eyes to meet his gaze as his grip tightened slightly against her face, lust filled his eyes as his thumbs caressed her temples, "I am warning you…"
Aurora suddenly felt a pull at the back of her head and her eyes became unfocused as the memory came forward.
She felt dread in the pit of her stomach as he slammed her against the wall, breaking the picture frame against her head. She could feel his rough hands tightening around her neck as he leaned in close and she could feel his hot breath on her face as she held her eyes shut.
"I'm warning you, Rory…" He hissed in her ear, "if you disobey me again you will regret it."
Aurora could hardly breathe as tears streamed down her face, "I'm—I'm sorry, Sam… I didn't mean to— "
"Mean to what?" He stepped back from her but kept his eyes fixed on hers, "You didn't me to what, you whore?"
Aurora whimpered softly, "It's just a shirt. I can return— "
She wasn't able to finish as the back of his hand connected with her cheek. "Just a shirt?" He grabbed for the collar of the tank top and pulled, ripping the shirt off of her and he held it up to her face, "Do you think I want every other man staring at you? Or is that what you wanted this whole time? Meeting some other boyfriend when I'm at work trying to support both of us so you can play around at your stupid flower shop. If your parents were still alive they would have been so disap— "
"ENOUGH!"
The connection was severed as Thranduil was pushed backward his back hitting the armchair. He was breathing heavily as Aurora crumpled to the ground, pulling her legs to her chest and hugging them close. Her eyes were wide as tears streamed down her face and she shook uncontrollably.
Thranduil looked on in despair at the elleth cowering on the ground. He felt horror at what he had just seen and a deep rage building in his chest towards the man who had caused the memory. He took several deep breaths to calm himself, right now he needed to focus on Aurora. He watched her silently, her eyes darting back and forth as she stared at the rug. He didn't want to get closer and cause her any further distress but he wasn't going to leave her alone in this state. He lowered himself to the ground until he was on his knees, his eyes not leaving her pained face.
"Ilma nin (my Starlight)," He whispered, "I am so sorry… I— "
"Stop," Aurora spoke through clenched teeth, her eyes closing tight, "Stop doing that."
Thranduil moved closer to her until he was kneeling directly in front of her, "I don't know why I cannot control my ability with you. I cannot express how sorry…" Thranduil had to pause and collect himself as he tried to suppress the lump in his throat, "I can speak with Mithrandir when he arrives and see if he can— I am sorry, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."
Aurora looked over to Thranduil and she saw a tear forming in the corner of his eye. She reached for him and wiped the tear away before it could fall and held his face in her hands. She knew he was telling the truth about not intending to glean another memory from her and she also knew that she would eventually need to tell him all that happened if their relationship was to ever move beyond passionate kisses.
"I can't say that I will ever be ready to talk about what happened… But I can say that I will try," she whispered.
"I will wait as long as you need me to and know that all you tell me will be kept in the highest of confidence." Thranduil took her hand in his once more, "But I will speak with the wizard when he arrives."
"We'll talk to Gandalf…" Aurora lightly kissed Thranduil's knuckles and looked up at him again, "Together."
"Did this other realm teach them to have such bad habits or is it an attribute to them specifically that makes them arrive late to a meeting with the King?" Lord Sankrovyn drawled as he looked around at the table.
Augustus had woken up three days ago and was finally feeling well enough to move more freely around the palace. Thranduil, Legolas, The Council, and two captains had all gathered in Thranduil's study once more, now they only awaited the twin's arrival and they could discuss what safety parameters would be put in place for them.
"Patience my Lord," Legolas spoke to the defense of the twins, "Master Augustus has only recently started walking around again. Surely he is taking his time and it is not like Lady Aurora to leave his side."
There was a light knock at the door and Galion entered, "Your Majesty," he began with a reverent bow to the King. Thranduil nodded, giving the servant permission to continue speaking, "Gandalf the Grey has arrived with Master Augustus and Lady Aurora."
"Show them in, Galion." Thranduil waved his hand dismissively and he pushed his chair back and stood up, everyone else in the room following his action.
Thranduil watched as the trio entered. Gandalf was the first, looking weary from travel; followed by Augustus who wore a simple black tunic, tawny leggings, and black boots. The color had returned to his face and he looked almost fully recovered, Thranduil made a mental note to personally thank Kasterren for her remarkable work in healing the boy. Then she entered.
After the day in her bedroom, he had not been able to see her as much as he wanted. However, they had managed to spend the last two nights in the King's garden together. Between stolen kisses and intimate embraces, they had truly begun to get to know one another. Thranduil had never felt so comfortable with anyone else before and he had soon found himself sharing stories from his youth that even Legolas was unaware of. Every so often she found a plant in the garden that was sickly and he would watch in amazement as Aurora would sing a few simple lines of a song and the plant would be fully healed.
Now she walked into his study and he felt his heart skip a beat as it often did when she was around. Her hair had been pulled back into her signature "french" braid, as she had called it, falling her back over a dark purple tunic, paired beautifully with dark green leggings and brown boots. Her eyes met his briefly and a light pick covered her cheeks causing the corners of Thranduil's lips to twitch upwards.
Aurora looked around the room as she entered; her eyes immediately finding Thranduil's. He looked as regal in his deep blue robes, his simple silver circlet resting just above his brows. They quickly looked away from each other and Aurora scanned the rest of the room. She saw Legolas, Tauriel, and Lord Allistair around the table but she didn't recognize the other three Ellon's. One was much older than the others with long silver-blonde hair and bright green eyes that were lined in wrinkles as he smiled kindly at her. The second had long silver-blonde hair as well but his grey eyes met Aurora's with a sharp glare, he did not want her here. The third was standing next to Tauriel, his dark brown hair matched his eyes perfectly.
"Mithrandir," Thranduil began, his voice indifferently with a hint of annoyance, "I was not expecting your arrival until tomorrow."
Gandalf bowed his head respectfully as he spoke, "In receiving your message, Great Elvenking, it seemed that there was no time to delay. I hope I am not intruding at this meeting, I saw Augustus and Aurora in the corridor and was speaking with them on what has happened since their departure at Rivendell."
"You are intruding, but it's just as well," Thranduil replied with a bored expression, "This meeting is regarding the safety of the twins and I shall allow you to be privy to such plans. If the three of you would please take your seats, we have much to discuss."
Gandalf opted to simply stand near the door, having ridden for three days straight he wasn't very keen on sitting once more. Augustus and Aurora found empty seats on either side of Thranduil and joined him there. Augustus sat to the King's left and next to Legolas who offered him a warm smile as he sat down. Aurora sat to his right, next to Lord Sankrovyn who didn't even act as if she were there, his grey eyes fixed on something on the opposite wall.
Thranduil cleared his throat and began, "Master Augustus and Lady Aurora, I want to thank you for joining us. Might I introduce a few people I do not believe you know," Thranduil gestured to the three Ellon's that Aurora didn't recognize, "Captain Priamos of the Kings Guard, he oversees the Southwest portion of our Realm; Lord Sankrovyn who is my High Advisor; and Lord Gawain the realm scholar and Advisor of trade agreements." There was silence as all those present acknowledged each other and then Thranduil looked to Priamos and continued, "Captain, since you graciously volunteered to work out a safety strategy for our guests, would you please enlighten us with what you have devised?"
"Well we," Priamos began and looked from the King to both of the twins, "Tauriel and myself, as she offered to assist me with said preparations, do not want our guests to feel as if they are prisoners while they are in the Realm so we thought it would be wise to give them a certain amount of freedom. When they are within the palace walls they will be allowed to wander anywhere that any of our other citizens are permitted to go. Should they desire to leave the palace, even to go to the stables as I understand they both have horses in there, they will be required to have an escort at all times. It is also our recommendation that they not be allowed to leave the main gates and venture into the forest under any circumstance."
Aurora shot Tauriel a look but the female Captain met her gaze and shook her head slightly.
Priamos watched the exchange and continued, "Also at all times there will be a guard stationed outside their chambers, in addition to the guards already stationed outside of the entrance to the royal residence"
Thranduil watched the Captains closely. "Very well. You are both excused to go and set these preparations in motion."
Without another word Priamos and Tauriel stood, bowed to the King, and left the room.
Thranduil sat in thought for several moments, "I would like our guests to feel as welcome as possible in our Realm, so to my council, I ask you to help me in doing so. Lord Allistair, in the next few days, if you would escort Lady Aurora to the stables and see that introductions are made with Stable Master Halagon; I am sure Lady Aurora would be interested in helping with the horses and Halagon would welcome the help of an assistant."
"I will see it done, Your Majesty." Allistair gave a reverent nod to Thranduil and a smile and wink to Aurora which caused her to smile for the first time in the meeting. With a wave of his hand, King Thranduil excused Lord Allistair who quickly left.
"Although he will have duties in assisting Legolas, Master Augustus has research he wishes to conduct and I have permitted him to use my private library for these needs. Lord Gawain, if you would see that he has everything he requires and aid him in his research, you would do me a great service."
Lord Gawain stood, bowed, and then retreated from the room as well.
Thranduil turned his head slightly to where she sat, "Lady Aurora if I could ask you and Mithrandir to step into the parlor momentarily; I have a private matter to discuss with Legolas, Lord Sakrovyn, and your brother. In regards to your brother's act of defiance from our journey back from Rivendell."
Liar, Aurora thought silently, "Of course, Your Majesty." She stood quietly and walked through the door being held open by the aged wizard.
The door shut behind them and the four remaining Ellon's sat in silence. After a few minutes, Thranduil stood up and walked to a small table in the corner and poured himself a glass of wine.
"Master Augustus there is a matter that I wish to discuss with you but it is not the situation I just informed your sister of. The situation on our journey back from Rivendell has been resolved and judgment passed." Thranduil returned to his seat and took a long drink from his goblet. "The situation I wish to discuss with you today is… of a much more personal nature."
Lord Sankroyn watched the King closely, Where was he going with this?
"You must understand that when the King chooses to make certain decisions that will affect the Realm, the High Advisor is to witness such a decision being made. As for Legolas being here, he is my son, and I wanted him to be present for this conversation," Thranduil continued meeting the eyes of his High Advisor and son. Both with confused expressions on their faces.
Thranduil looked back to Augustus, who had arched an eyebrow at the King's words. "Augustus, you and I have spoken previously of the prophecy regarding your sister. That she will save Greenwood and all who reside here," He paused as a silent understanding passed between them. "Over the last few weeks of our journey from Rivendell, I have found myself becoming rather fond of your sister's company…"
No, Lord Sankrovyn thought, his eyes darting to the Prince. Legolas simply smiled at the High Advisor and turned his eyes back to the King.
"Sadly, I am not able to ask your father this question. But, I know that Aurora holds family traditions in high regard, as all elves do, so I would like to ask you, Master Augustus," Thranduil paused taking a deep breath, "Will you give your blessing for me to formally court your sister, the Lady Aurora?"
"Your attempt is futile, my dear." Gandalf chuckled as he watched Aurora press her ear to the large doors, "a silencing spell is weaved within the woodwork of the door; no sounds will exit or enter."
"Well that's awesome," Aurora stood up and sighed heavily, "and stupid."
Aurora walked across the small parlor and sat in an armchair next to the wizard, "So... How have you been since we left Rivendell?"
Gandalf smiled at the young girl's attempt at small talk, he could sense her nerves. "For an old man, I am faring well." Gandalf saw her shoulders relax as he indulged her light conversation. "And you, my dear? I understand there were several incidents on your journey to the Woodland Realm."
"Yeah," Aurora sighed. "One was an orc attack in the mountains. The other was a spider attack. For the record, spiders have no business being that gigantic. But... There was also that... That man again. The one from the clearing in Rivendell."
"The Nazgul." Gandalf mused.
Aurora nodded her head, "Why is he so hellbent on getting me?"
"Because he is in league with the one who would extinguish the light within you." Gandalf took her hand and squeezed it softly, "But he will not get you, Aurora. The Elvenking will see to your protection."
"But for how long?" Aurora met the old man's eyes, "Am I supposed to just hide behind guards for the rest of my life? In turn, putting everyone around me at risk?"
"No, my dear, you must not think like that."
"How can I not?" Aurora felt her cheeks beginning to flush, "How many elves were killed in the attack on Rivendell? My brother was stabbed with a Morgul dagger and my parents— "
"All tragedies that you should not have had to endure. But you are so much stronger than the trauma's that this monster is trying to put you through." Gandalf squeezed her hand again, "I'm not saying it will be easy, but through these adversities, you will grow stronger in the light you carry."
Aurora's brain flashed a quote in her head, "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."
"Wise words, indeed." Gandalf smiled.
"They aren't mine. They're from a... a story in my other realm called Mulan. It's about a young girl who defies her father's wishes joins an army to fight an evil group of men and winds up saving the whole country." Aurora explained.
"Just because the words are not of your own making, does not make them any less true." Gandalf stood, "You are the flower from your quote, my Lady. Through all of this darkness, you will shine brighter than any before you. Trust those around you; particularly Thranduil."
Aurora furrowed her brow, "Why do you say that?"
Gandalf sighed heavily, realizing he had said too much. They had agreed to tell her when the time was right, but why? He thought, Why should we keep it from her? It was her destiny too, was it not?
"My dear... There is something you should know."
Lord Sankrovyn was pacing back and forth, "As your High Advisor, I must remind you that all formal courtships of the royal family must be approved by the entire council."
Thranduil set his goblet back on the table, "I am aware of the protocol of royal courtships. However Sankrovyn, not only are you my High Advisor but you have been one of my closest friends for almost three thousand years. Which is why I chose to have you be present at the formal requesting." Thranduil gestured to Augustus who was still sitting silently in his seat.
"Then as your friend," Sankrovyn looked to the King, "permission to speak freely?"
Thranduil nodded, bracing himself for the misguided chastisement he was about to receive.
"I mean no disrespect to Lady Aurora," Sankrovyn looked to Augustus and they briefly locked eyes before looking back to Thranduil, "but I must discourage this decision. Not only is the Lady new to the Woodland Realm, but she is also new to this world. She knows nothing of Elven culture and custom and now she is to be courted by the Elvenking himself? I do not know how the citizens of the Realm will respond to such a thing, it would be a new precedent. Then there is the question of her lack of status—"
"You will hold your tongue," Legolas stood up quickly, "Lady Aurora may not be of noble birth, but she will save our Realm. If that does not make her worthy of the Elvenking's affection-"
"Silence Legolas," Thranduil spoke with a harsh tone as he rose from his chair. "I would like to make one thing abundantly clear..." He took a deep breath so he did not lose his temper with either his High Advisor or his son, "I do not seek to court Lady Aurora because of what some prophecy may or may not reveal. I have chosen to formally request Master Augustus's blessing because Aurora is who my fea has called for."
"Fea?" Augustus spoke for the first time.
"A fea," Thranduil looked down at the young Ellon, "is what some other races might refer to as a soul. But it goes much deeper than that for the Elves; it personifies everything that an elf is and everything that they will ever be. It defines who we are. When the fea senses its match, an equal to itself; it will call to them, causing both elves to take notice of the one their fea matches." Thranduil paused again to give Augustus a moment to process everything that Thranduil was saying before he continued, "It is said, that an elf will only ever have one fea-match for their entire life."
Augustus considered Thranduil's words before he spoke, "There is no— No sensitive way for me to ask this question and I fear that I will offend both you and the Prince."
Thranduil spoke with more warmth than before, "You may speak as freely as you choose, Augustus. As others have already." Thranduil shot a dark glance at Sankrovyn.
"You have married already," Augustus observed, "was she not your fea-match?"
There was an uncomfortable silence that fell over the room. Sankrovyn sat back down in his chair and Legolas began to slowly pace the room with a solemn expression and his eyes on his father. Thranduil thought over the question, he began to reflect Legolas and slowly paced around the room, holding his hands behind his back and taking a deep breath. "I was married previously... An arranged marriage. Although I held a deep respect for Serilda and eventually did come to love her... No, she was not my fea-match."
Legolas made eye contact with his father for a brief moment before looking away. Thranduil sat back down next to Augustus, resting an arm on the table and leaned towards him, his eyes vulnerable and honest, "I promise you, Augustus... My only desire is to make Aurora happy."
Augustus considered the King's words for a long moment. He could hear the genuine tone in his voice and he knew that he truly cared for his sister; not only through the words he spoke. He had seen the King defend his sister against the likes of spiders, orcs, and Nazgul. Augustus took a deep breath, "If Aurora desires a courtship, I will not stand in her way. I give my blessing."
All present were surprised to see a wide grin across the King's face. Sankrovyn shook his head, "Your Majesty, I really must—"
"Sankrovyn," Thranduil's voice was sharp as his smile faded. "If you are so concerned with the Lady's lack of knowledge regarding the ways of Elves, I make that your charge. Teach her of our culture and customs."
Sankrovyn's eyes grew wide, "Your majesty! That is far below the responsibility of the High Advisor. I—"
"No dhinen (Be silent)," Thranduil hissed through clenched teeth as he made eye contact with his friend of thousands of years, "If you think my orders beneath you; perhaps I should find a High Advisor who will perform the task without debate. You are dismissed, please ask Mithrandir and Lady Aurora to come back in on your way out."
The door swung open with a loud thud and Aurora was met with the cold grey eyes of Lord Sankrovyn. "The King requests your presence." He hissed and stalked out of the parlor.
Aurora's head was swimming, her eyes unfocused as it comprehended everything that Gandalf had just told her. She walked into the room and the wizard closed the door behind them. She looked around to see Thranduil, Legolas, and Augustus standing around the King's grand desk. They looked up as the door closed and a warm smile crossed Thranduil's face, but it quickly faded as he noted Aurora's expression. She was extremely tense, her eyes locked on the rug at her feet. Something's wrong, he thought as he set his goblet of wine on the desk and stepped around towards her but stopped mid-stride as she took a step back from him. Legolas and Augustus had noticed the action and were watching closely now.
"Where is the prophecy?" Aurora whispered.
The simple question caused Thranduil's heart to drop, his eyes shot up the Gandalf, rage building behind them. The wizard looked at him somberly and whispered, "She had a right to know."
Thranduil's eyes momentarily darkened at the wizard's words and then he turned his attention back to Aurora, "Aurora, please allow me to—"
"Where is it?" She cut him off with a sharp edge to her voice.
Thranduil glanced back at Legolas and gave him a quick nod. The prince opened the drawer in his father's desk that held a single tattered page. He walked over and handed it to his father. Thranduil took the paper in his hand and slowly walked towards Aurora. When he was an arms-length from her, he extended it out to her and she slowly grabbed it from him. All present watched in silence as Aurora's eyes danced back and forth as she read the prophecy. They knew she had reached the final line when her breathing hitched in her throat.
She finally looked up at Thranduil and he couldn't discern the expression in her eyes. She looked from him to Legolas and Augustus, her brows furrowing. She locked eyes with Augustus, "You knew?"
Augustus took a step forward, "Auri— "
Before he could speak further, Aurora dropped the page to the floor, tears filling her eyes as she turned and left the room.
