Note: Any character you don't recognize is mine! The rest all belong to J.R.R. Tolkien! Elvish speech is in ' '. Takes place about 2 days after 'Allies'.

Return of the Light

Part 3

A.J. Matthews

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Legolas's Mind

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Legolas was surrounded by darkness, and couldn't escape it. The darkness hounded him as he ran from it, trying to find a way to escape.

A light began to glow in front of him. It was the figure that had given him the wish five years ago.

'It's you,' Legolas whispered in Elvish. 'I thought you'd… left.'

'No, Legolas, I've been here, inside of you. Call me Mikomi,' the ethereal being said gently.

'Why didn't you help me, Mikomi?' Legolas asked.

'I did the best I could. You are awakening once more, Legolas. Eärendil's light is still yours alone to command. Embrace it, Legolas,' Mikomi told him. 'It will free you from the spells that have made you a prisoner inside of yourself.'

A brilliant ball of white light shone in Mikomi's hands as he held it towards Legolas.

Legolas reached out and took it.

Light flashed around him and he returned to consciousness.

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Aragorn's Castle

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Ullin strode towards King Elessar's Council room, wearing a short green shirt and matching leggings.

Gandalf was right behind him, as was Gimli. The rest of the Fellowship had already arrived and were with the king.

Ullin despaired at having to tell the king even worse news, as he knocked on the door.

When Aragorn said, "Enter," Ullin opened the door and motioned for the wizard and dwarf to proceed. After they were inside, Ullin himself entered.

Aragorn looked up from where he and the Hobbits were talking.

"Your majesty, Gandalf the White and Gimli the Dwarf have arrived."

"Thank you," Aragorn said absentmindedly. He saw Ullin was gesturing to him unobtrusively.

The king frowned but stood and walked over to the young red-headed elf. "What is it?"

Ullin's face was pale and grim. "My king's Elven horse has returned- albeit riderless," he said in a low voice.

Aragorn swore softly. "His horse would not leave him willingly-"

"-unless something was very wrong," Ullin finished for him.

The Fellowship looked at the two as they spoke quietly.

"We're going to search for him, Ullin. We will bring your king back to you," Aragorn said, seeing how stricken the elf was.

"I am not only worried about my king and what he means to Mirkwood," Ullin said. "He is a friend and saved my life once."

Aragorn nodded once. "All the same, he will be freed."

"What can I do to help?" Ullin asked. "My king wished for me to protect you."

"Take Aradia to Rivendell," Aragorn told him. "Explain as much as you must to Elrond to ensure Aradia's safety. I want this to remain a secret. As far as everyone else knows, my daughter is here."

Ullin nodded slowly. "Should I find you afterwards? You might need my aid in freeing my king, and my primary orders were to keep you safe. I cannot do that if I am not with you."

Aragorn was a little surprised at his words. It was as if Ullin knew something that he didn't. "As you wish, Ullin. Find us afterwards."

Ullin nodded, bowed, and walked out of the room to fetch the little princess.

Gandalf looked at Aragorn. "Are you sure you can trust him, Elessar?" he asked, uneasy.

"Ullin saved Aradia's life, Gandalf, and took a nasty gash for it," Aragorn informed him. "He can be trusted.

"I saw no bandages on the elf's arms," Gimli said, a bit puzzled.

As Aragorn turned to look at him sharply, he realized that Gimli was right. Ullin hadn't had any bandages, yet Aragorn had seen the wound for himself two days ago.

He heard the sounds of a galloping horse and looked out of the window.

What seemed to be a single figure on a chestnut-colored horse was galloping hard towards his borders. A dark green cloak told him that it was Ullin. Wisps of dark hair showed that Aradia was with him.

What held Aragorn's attention more were the dark riders who galloped after him, apparently in pursuit.

"Damn," Aragorn snapped.

Frodo stared at him in shock.

"We need to go after him," Aragorn told the group. "Ullin hasn't even left my borders and he's already being pursued. They must be after Aradia."

They nodded and stood, following Aragon as he led the way to their rooms.

"Pack quickly," he said. "We must catch him before the dark riders do."

Less than ten minutes later, the Fellowship rode off once more.

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The Camp

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Legolas opened his eyes and looked around. He felt strong and powerful now, but he needed to replace the Ring of Light on his hand once more. He was lucky that Motarasu was scouting ahead with Nekura.

He had bruises and blood running from cuts on him, but he was alive.

The ones that guarded him weren't even watching, for Legolas was bound tightly to a tree. The kokuei were eating and laughing amongst themselves.

Legolas murmured a soft spell, and his hands glowed with light dimly enough so that his captors didn't see it. He touched the ropes with his glowing hands and they snapped. Legolas did the same to his feet and stood. The Ring of Light he removed from its chain and placed on his index finger once more.

One of the Kokuei turned towards him.

Legolas quickly spoke another spell, which left them unconscious. He then ran off into the night, his bare skin glowing like the moon.

'I swear I will find you, Aragorn,' Legolas said softly in Elvish as he made his escape.

A brilliant flash of light caught Legolas's attention. He followed it to its source and saw a strange sight.

A red-haired figure with blue eyes flung lightning behind him at his pursuers as he galloped away on his horse. Young Aradia was fast asleep, encircled by one of his arms.

"You will not have her while I live!" Seiren told them.

Legolas murmured his own spell and flung a dazzling ball of light directly at the figures in black. It left them blind, so they scattered off.

Seiren pulled up for a moment. "Tis good to see you alive and well, Legolas. Aragorn and the Company are behind me, so I must continue on my quest to see Princess Aradia safely to Rivendell ere they see me."

Legolas nodded. "Go with my blessing, my friend. Take care of her and yourself."

Seiren nodded and galloped off once more.

Legolas was exhausted. He hadn't used these spells in so long that it severely drained his magic abilities. He continued walking, knowing it was not safe to rest here.

After walking for nearly half an hour, he heard the sounds of horses approaching. He looked up warily.

Aragorn saw a solitary figure standing alone in front of them. The figure's skin shone, showing off bruises and dried blood. He looked thin and pale.

"Are you friend or foe?" Gimli asked.

"You tell me, stupid dwarf," Legolas said softly before collapsing on the ground.

"Legolas!" Aragorn jumped off his horse and ran to his lover. He knelt down beside him and took the weak elf in his arms.

"I'm sorry," Legolas whispered. "I- I couldn't help it, Aragorn."

"What are you talking about?" Aragorn asked. "You're hurt." He gently touched the bruises and cuts on Legolas's face.

Legolas shook his head. "I tried- I tried to tell you many times, Aragorn." Tears shone in his eyes, which Aragorn looked at closely. He knew the light in the elf's emerald eyes meant.

"Tried to tell me what, Legolas?" Aragorn asked gently.

"Motarasu-" His voice broke off again, as Legolas took a deep breath.

Gandalf tensed at that name. So did Gimli. Aragorn and the Hobbits looked puzzled.

"Motarasu Makura has been controlling me for nearly six months, my love." Legolas leaned against Aragorn, relieved to finally be able to speak the truth.

"How?" Aragorn questioned. "Why?"

"He shattered the spell I used to bind the darkness and made me a prisoner. But I was able to resist slightly," Legolas whispered. "Then he said he'd kill you and Aradia if I didn't break up with you. And the spell prevented me from being able to tell you what was going on."

Aragorn took Legolas in his arms, holding him close. "Everything will be all right," he said quietly.

Legolas shook his head. "No, it won't. Motarasu wants me to release the total darkness of chaos. He's not going to give up so easily."

"He won't harm you," Aragorn vowed. "I know that I won't let him, and I don't think any of our friends will. Besides, I promised Ullin that I would bring you back safely."

A strange look entered into Legolas's eyes. "Why did you send Seiren to take Aradia to Rivendell?" he asked his lover. "I told him to protect you."

Aragorn frowned. "Who is Seiren? I sent Ullin to take Aradia to Lord Elrond."

"Ullin is both Seiren and himself, like I am both Mikomi and myself," Legolas murmured weakly. "He's like me… and one of my trusted friends. Because of who he is, I was able to warn him to watch over you, should something happen to me."

"Touching reunion," a strange voice said. "But I'm afraid that the elf must come with us."

Numerous black creatures emerged from the shadows.

Legolas tensed. "Those are Kegare, Aragorn. Only my sword, your sword and daggers, and Gimli's axe will hurt them." The elf stood, with Aragorn's assistance.

Aragorn drew his sword. "I won't let them take you, Legolas."

Legolas quickly took Aragorn's daggers from their sheaths, and tossed them to the Hobbits, who caught them. "Use these!"

The elf cupped his hands together and light shone between them.

Gandalf stood by Aragorn's side, preparing his own spell.

The Hobbits stood ready, with their daggers pointed at the Kegare.

Gimli swung his axe and stood in a defensive position. "You aren't taking him!"

"So say we all," Gandalf said, as he brandished his staff.

Aragorn stood in front of Legolas, Anduril gleaming in his hand.

The Kegare snarled and ran forward.

To be continued