CONTENT WARNING: Rated M for language, violence — **TRIGGER WARNING** Attempted sexual assault
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. This is for entertainment only.
A/N: Another short(ish) chapter but it is building up to a BIG one; so stick with me! As always, please continue to review and let me know that you are still enjoying the story! XOXO - Presephone
Cause & Effect
Aurora sat at the small desk and stared at the stone wall as she heard footsteps echoing on the other side of the curtain. There was a long pause before a throat cleared, "Aurora?"
She closed her tired eyes; she didn't want to see him. She didn't want to see anything in this forsaken waste that was once a grand fortress. She continued to stare straight ahead as she muttered, "Go away."
Sankrovyn sighed from the other side of the curtain, "I can't do that, not until we speak."
Without waiting for a response, the curtain was pulled open, and Aurora saw him move closer out of the corner of her eye. She could see he wore another all-black robe and seemed to be carrying something. A bowl?
He stopped at the edge of her desk and dropped down to a knee. He set the bowl next to her and slid it closer, "You haven't eaten anything in three days, meleth nin (my Love)."
"Do not call me that," she spat without meeting his gaze.
"I know you question my feelings," Sankrovyn spoke softly, "I wish to the Valar that this could've gone differently. But, I promise I will prove to you my—"
"Stop," she interrupted, "Just stop talking..." She stood up and walked away from the desk, leaving him kneeling on the ground, "I'm not your Love. You don't love me. I'm a means to an end for you."
Sankrovyn rose at this, "Do not assume to know what is in my heart without allowing me time to explain. Now, you need to eat."
"Fine," Aurora spun on him, "You want me to eat, I'll eat... But, you'll do something for me in return." She waited for him to object; when he didn't, she continued, "For every bite of food I take, you answer a question. No evasion, no cryptic or mysterious answers. Complete honesty."
Sankrovyn considered her for a moment before picking up the bowl and extending it towards her again. Their eyes met for the first time, and he could see the subtle red that accented her jade eyes, "Deal."
Aurora took the bowl from him and moved across the small alcove to sit on the edge of her bed. When she turned around and sat down, she saw that Sankrovyn had begun to follow her, "No," he faltered in his step and stopped at her order. She pointed back to the desk and the vacant chair, "You sit over there."
His eyebrows furrowed, and Aurora knew that her words had hurt him. A week ago, she would have felt bad for being so rude; but now she couldn't have cared less.
He watched her as she picked through the bowl and finally plucked out a piece of fruit and ate it silently. She stared at the bowl as she swallowed, "Why?" At the simple question, she looked back up to him and met his saddened grey eyes, "Why are you doing this?"
"The prophecy," Sankrovyn held her gaze as he spoke, "Everyone thinks that it's a choice that you need to make, but it's not. You don't need to choose between saving the Realm and letting it burn. The Woodland Realm, the one that has been clinging to life for centuries, needs to end."
Sankrovyn stood up and began pacing as he continued his justification, "For too long, the other races of Arda have seen Elves as peaceful, and in turn, they walk over us as if we don't deserve standing in their world. But no more... We can rule Arda as the superior race that we are if only we toss the delusion of peace to the wayside.
War is an inevitability, but we— we are the immortal warriors. We can conquer this world and set ourselves atop a universal throne. Only then can we usher this world into a time of real peace."
Aurora watched the passion ignite in his eyes as he spoke. It unsettled her, and all she could manage was to take another bite from her bowl of fruit. When she looked up at him again to find, he was already watching her, awaiting her next question. She took a deep breath, "Why wait for the prophecy? Why- Why wait for me?"
Sankrovyn's eyes softened as he saw her hesitation, "Oh, meleth nin (my Love), you are the most important part of this transition. Our people will only see me as the King, who burned the world. But you are the one who they will seek out for comfort. You are the one who will help them rise from the ashes. Where they will fear me, they will love you."
"So why make my life a living hell?" Aurora asked.
"Eat," Sankrovyn pointed to the bowl in her hands. He waited until she took another bite before answering, "The magic you possess is tethered to Greenwood as it currently exists. As long as that magic dwells within you, we cannot truly move forward into the future that awaits us."
He's insane, Aurora thought to herself, he believes every word that he's said.
"I am sorry, meleth nin (my Love)," Sankrovyn continued, unaware of the internal chastisement that Aurora wanted to shout at him, "If there had been a different path, you must believe that I would have taken it."
His eyes dropped to the floor, unable to hold her gaze any longer. Aurora heard the truth of his apology, but she couldn't forgive him, not with Everything he's done, "What about Thranduil?"
"What do you mean?" Sankrovyn inquired.
"He called you his best friend," Aurora allowed the sadness in her eyes to show through as she elaborated, "For 3,000 years he trusted you with his life and would've died for you. How could you do this to him?"
Sankrovyn stopped and looked at Aurora again, "When this is done, one of my biggest regrets will be betraying him," He sighed heavily and sat back down, "I hold hope that he will eventually see the truth that I already know."
"And if he doesn't?" Her question was so quiet she wasn't sure if she had spoken. She slowly met his gaze again, "Would you kill him?"
Sankrovyn remained silent for several minutes and never looked away from Aurora. When he finally spoke, his answer was almost as quiet as the question, "I don't know."
She finished the fruit and set the bowl at the edge of the bed. She didn't realize he had moved until she saw him pick up the dish. He took her hand in his and placed a gentle kiss onto her knuckles. "I will bring you something else to eat later," he leaned down and kissed her temple.
Aurora remained still until the echo of his steps had vanished. She pulled her legs close to her chest and hugged them, resting her forehead on her knees. In another desperate attempt, she pushed her thoughts out once more, Save me, Vuin nin (my Beloved). Please... Find me.
Aurora, The sudden arrival of his voice almost caused her to jump from her bed in surprise, is it truly you?
Legolas had been assisting Thranduil with walking to his dining table in the parlor when his father loudly gasped. "Ada (Father), what is it?!"
"...Aurora." Thranduil sat down at the table, his eyes widening before closing tight as he whispered, "she's reached out to me. Gather the others."
Without further instruction, Legolas left his father alone. Thranduil opened his mind further and reached out to Aurora again, Have they harmed you Ilma nin (my Starlight)?
No. He's keeping me confined in one room and away from the Orcs, her voice sounded like heaven to his ears, Thranduil... it was Sankrovyn. He is the Shadow King.
Thranduil lowered his head in sadness, I know. I tried to get to you before he gave you to the Nazgul. I failed you, Aurora. Please forgive me.
There is nothing to forgive. We couldn't have known it was him, her calming voice responded, He's crazy, Thranduil. The things he's been saying it's just... It's madness.
What has he said?
Silence.
Aurora? He reached out again.
Silence.
"No," Thranduil breathed as he heard his parlor door open.
He looked up to see Legolas leading the Elven Leaders as well as Alistair and Gawain. Gandalf followed close behind next to Tauriel. His eyes met Galadriel's concerned gaze, "She's alive."
Galadriel nodded, "I can faintly feel her magic outside of the Palace, but it is fading. I fear she doesn't have long." Galadriel paused and turned her head to the side, "Ondo Ilma..."
Thranduil reached into the inner pocket of his robe and produced the stone hanging from its delicate chain, "We left for the clearing with such haste, she must have forgotten it."
"This offers great hope," Galadriel stepped forward and traced a finger along with the stone before meeting the Elvenking's gaze, "We should plan our attack if you are well enough."
Thranduil squared his jaw and rose from his chair, "We ride at dawn."
Aurora felt the pressure against her side and hot breath on her cheek, and she snapped her eyes open.
Sam was leaning over her with an evil grin. She tried to scramble backward, but he grabbed her waist and pinned her to the bed. "Why the rush, Rory?" Sam whispered against her ear, "Our great Duath Aran (Shadow King) was needed urgently, so it's just you and me."
His lips ghosted her neck just as his hand gripped her thigh. She strained to pull away from him, but he pressed her further into the blanket as he straddled her hips.
"Please," Aurora began to sob, "Please, Sam, don't do this."
Sam smirked against her throat as he continued his disgusting trail of kisses down her neck until he reached her collarbone. He ran his nose along his collarbone as his hand drifted to the bottom of her tunic.
Aurora clenched her eyes shut just as he had begun to lift her shirt when he was suddenly pulled backward. She shot up and pushed herself away until her back struck the cold stone wall.
She saw the terror in Sam's eyes as his neck above the ground holding him. Aurora barely had time to register the sight of the Nazgul standing in the center of her room when Sankrovyn sprinted around the back of him towards her.
His eyes faded from rage to distress as he reached the edge of her bed and pulled her into him. His arms wrapped around her trembling shoulders and held her tight against his chest, "What did he do, meleth nin (my Love)?"
Too dazed by the attack to cringe at his endearment, Aurora buried her face into Sankrovyn's chest so she wouldn't need to see Sam again, "He— He tried to—"
"You're safe," Sankrovyn soothed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, "He won't ever hurt you again."
Aurora let out a choked sob, "You can't promise that."
Sankrovyn stilled, and Aurora felt him tense, "Yes, I can."
He abruptly turned from her and walked to where the Nazgul continued to hold Sam in the air, "Graus ta (Drop him)."
The Nazgul obeyed and stepped back toward the entrance to the room. Sam didn't have time to catch himself, and he crumpled to the ground. Sam rose to his knees and looked up at Sankrovyn's cold, grey eyes, "Aran nin (my King), please—"
Aurora didn't realize what had happened until Sam's head was already dislodged from his shoulder and rolling across the floor. She wanted to scream, but the only sound that left her mouth was a loud gasp. Sankrovyn turned around and saw the shock in her face. He took a deep breath as he sheathed his sword and walked back over to her.
His hands rose to both sides of her face, and he looked deep into her jade eyes, "No harm will come to you, meleth nin (my Love). I swear it." With his vow still hanging in the air, Sankrovyn leaned down and captured Aurora's lips in a kiss that surprised both of them. He moved his mouth against hers even though the kiss was not returned. He pulled away and pressed his forehead to hers, "No one will take you from me, Aurora. No one."
The Greenwood army would meet Lothlorien, led by Celeborn and Haldir, the next day, and would be halfway to Dol Guldur. The following day, the Imladris soldiers, being led by Elladan and Elrohir, would meet them, and a trio of armies would begin surrounding the old fortress. Thranduil would owe his gratitude to the other Elven realms for the rest of his life due to how fast they ordered their armies. Over five thousand elves now marched into an unknown fate, not only to aid in the saving of his beloved Realm. But, also the rescue of his fea-match, his true Love.
Hundreds of soldiers now rode behind the Elvenking, and almost a thousand more had taken to the trees above. As they rode into the clearing that had seen such carnage, he brought his Elk to a halt, Legolas stopping Egg next to him. The horse had been unsettled since Aurora had been taken, clearly understanding that his owner and partner were in danger. Elrond and Galadriel brought their horses behind the Father and Son and watched as the other soldiers halted their horses. The soldiers on foot stop, rather than continuing into the trees at the far end of the clearing.
"My friends," Thranduil began, meeting the eyes of as many soldiers as he could, "There is announcement that needs to be made, although I had hoped that it would be made over a happier moment." Thranduil took a deep breath to steady his voice before speaking again, "Within the last week, Lady Aurora and I have entered into the everlasting bond of marriage. Not only do I ride to Dol Guldur to stop the evil that would consume our Realm, but I ride to save our Queen. To save my wife. Will you ride with me?"
As if by silent order, every soldier dropped to one knee, raised their sword towards the King, and bowed their head. Thranduil touched his chest and bowed in reverence to his soldiers.
As the soldiers rose and began mounting their horses again, Thranduil opened his mind to his wife once more; We are coming, Aurora.
He slightly sighed as he heard her voice reply, How long?
Two days earlier, he replied with a heavy heart, I know you're struggling, Ilma nin (my Starlight). I can feel your magic fading.
Augustus is gone... She sounded exhausted, as if she was barely remaining conscious, I can't fight this anymore.
Thranduil felt panic set in as he pleaded, You are stronger than you believe. I just need you to hang on a little longer.
Silence.
Aurora, he called out to her again, do not leave me.
Silence.
Aurora had closed the curtain to her room after Sam's execution. She felt a sense of relief in his death but couldn't stand to look at his corpse any longer. She only opened the curtain when she heard a familiar voice ordering the Orcs around as they removed the body and cleaned the blood.
At the sound of the curtain opening, Priamos turned and met her cold gaze before dropping to a knee. "Bereth Duath nin (my Shadow Queen), I hope we did not disturb-"
Priamos was cut off as his head jerked to one side. His cheek began to warm as it stung where Aurora had slapped him. He looked to her, shocked, and was met with a hateful glare. "Shut up," she muttered "and get out."
Priamos timidly bowed once more and quickly exited.
Aurora turned back to the bedroom when a new voice stopped her again, "Everything he did was on my order, Aurora. He was greatly distressed with many of the things I ask of him."
Aurora spun on her heel and grabbed the bowl that Sankrovyn held out to her, "I almost died in the clearing trying to save him, and he impaled innocent people on my bed to send a message simply. He does not deserve my forgiveness."
She turned away from him and resumed her seat in the middle of the bed as he sat in the chair by his desk. She silently ate several bites, contemplating what questions she wanted to be answered.
"Were you the one to send Sam after me in my other Realm?"
"Yes," his response was clipped, but he continued after meeting her gaze, "He had been ordered to retrieve you and bring you back to Arda simply. From what I understand, that is where he first deviated from my orders."
"Deviated?" Aurora repeated, anger beginning to rise, "Emotionally and physically abusing me for six years... Kidnapping me... Raping me..." Aurora had started to tremble as she stood up and lifted her tunic over her head, leaving her in only her tank top. She held her scarred arm out for him to see clearly, "This is where he set me on fire!"
Aurora watched all of the colors drain from his face as he stared at the arm. Sanrkovyn struggled for words as he took in horror immortalized on her skin. He knew that Sam had hurt her, but he never imagined that it was to this extent. That he had inadvertently caused this pain. He closed his eyes in shame and whispered, "I didn't know. You must believe me, Aurora, I didn't know..."
Aurora moved back and sat on the edge of the bed, leaving her feet on the ground, "How did you circumvent the blood magic?"
Sankrovyn opened his eyes once more, leaning forward and rested his arms across his knees, "When Lady Galadriel created the Runes, very few were present. Aside from the Elven Leaders, only Mithrandir, your parents, and I were there. I was able to mimic how the Runes were created and create another portal not far from here. It took me years to perfect it, or I would've been able to get to you sooner."
"Did you-" Aurora pauses as she feels a knot growing in her throat, "Did you always intend to kill Augs?"
Sankrovyn immediately dropped to his knees in front of Aurora and took her hands. She wanted to pull away from him, but she was too tired to care. Too exhausted to fight anymore, "Look at me, meleth nin (my Love)," His voice broke through her temporary haze. He waited until he saw her jade eyes, "If I could have avoided that course of action, please be assured that I would have. I never wanted to-"
Aurora silenced him with a slap to his face. This was becoming her new response to anger. However, this time she didn't stop stroking him. As she dealt each blow, her sobs and screams filled the room, "You MONSTER! You're fucking insane!"
She shoved him to the ground, and he fell with little resistance, "I hate you! I will never stand by your side!" As her arms grew tired, she felt Sankrovyn pulling her to the ground and encasing her in a tight hug. She struggled against him for a long while before she had exhausted herself.
She slumped against him, and the last thing she felt before closing her eyes was a piece of her soul seeming to disconnect and extinguish.
He was being picked up from the ground before he fully realized that he had fallen from his Elk. When he opened his eyes, he met the fearful gaze of Legolas, Galadriel, and Elrond. His breathing was ragged as he clung to his chest, where he could feel Ondo Ilma pulsating against his skin.
Before a word could be spoken, a burst of cold wind ripped through the trees, almost knocking them back to the ground. Immediately the treetops darkened, and the shadows began to descend to the forest floor and brought an ominous feeling to all present.
Thranduil met Galadriel's gaze, and he saw the sadness and fear within them as she whispered, "Darkness has claimed her."
