IF THE LIGHT SHINES ON ME AGAIN

Ok. this is my first story so take it easy on me. Besides, English is not my first language so I'm doing my best to make some sense out of this story. Please review so I can see what I'm doing wrong. Flames will be accepted as healthy critics.

Disclaimer: I own nothing; I'm making no profit out of this. All the characters belong to J.R.R Tolkien. Don't sue me; this is just for you entertainment and mine.

CHAPTER 3

The White City

The sound of loud, clear trumpets awoke him. He knew the sound all too well; it was the sound of the trumpets in the tower of Echtelion, announcing his arrival to Gondor.

Slowly he opened his eyes. "What happened?"

A soldier came by side immediately "Everything is alright sir, you need to rest"

He realized he was been carried in an open wagon, 50 soldiers walking beside him. "Explain to me.."

"Don't waste your energy my lord"

"I Order you to answer me!! Where is the army of the White Tree? What happened to Legolas?

"We don't know sir. We found you alone at the wheat fields, but there was no sign of the army"

Aragorn's face went paler. "How long has it been since you found me?"

"3 days your majesty"

"3 days!! And there are no news of the army?"

"No sir; sorry sir"

Aragorn sighed heavily and put both hands on his face. "This is a nightmare, it can't be true. All the army lost, and Legolas…." He remained silent for a long time, while the company continued to walk the still beautiful road to Gondor. The trees stood tall at the edge of the road and the fields were still green and lush. Right now they seemed gray and sad to the very heavy heart of the King, and all he could think was "How long before everything is lost?"

He then spoke again. "How did you find me?"

"Lady Arwen sent us to look for you right where you were my lord"

Now it all made sense. Arwen could always sense when he was in danger. "How is she?"

"The Queen is heavy with worry, but she knows we are coming, we sent a messenger to bear the news of your recovery"

Aragorn spoke no more until they reached the Gates. The gates were opened and a very preoccupied Arwen came running to his side.

"My love, are you well?"

Aragorn looked at her intently and reached out his hand holding her cheek. "So beautiful you are. For a moment I thought I was never going to see you again"

She kissed his palm and smiled, tears running down her cheek. "I felt your fear and despair and sent my spirit to comfort you and protect you"

"My pain was so great I couldn't even feel you my love, but I'm sure it was you who kept me alive, otherwise I would have died of grief"

"Rest my love, we must enter the city, you will tell me everything later"

They entered the city and were received by a crowd of relieved and at the same time worried people, for the news from the south were uncertain, and while they recovered their King, couldn't help but wonder what was to come for Gondor with their army lost.

Many cried; some cried out of happiness seeing their King alive. But the most of them cried of grief and fear, for their loved ones, husbands, fathers and sons were nowhere to be found.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

"He is alive"

"What are you talking about, he sacrificed his life… for me"

"Believe me Aragorn, Legolas is alive"

"But; look I wish I could believe you but..."

"I heard your story Estel, and even if it sounds impossible I know this much, Legolas IS alive, if he was dead I would have known already. He is alive, and he is heading this way; he is coming to meet us soon"

"So you are sure?"

"As sure as I know that you are alive my love; Legolas and I share a very strong bond since childhood, and even now that I am mortal I can still feel it strong inside my very soul"

"So, there is hope"

"Yes"

"Excuse me your majesties"

"Come in Sereduin, What news do you bring?"

"The search patrol you sent is back sir"

"Well, What did they find?"

    ….

 "Answer me!!" The exasperation on Aragorn's voice startled the soldier. He started talking, his voice trembling.

"They found the site of the ambush"

"And??!!"

"Many dead men, southern men; a large, tall pile of rocks, but nothing more"

"Nothing more?" Aragorn sighed and looked at Arwen pleadingly. She looked back at him and smiled, as if trying to comfort him.

"Have faith my love, he will come"

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Days passed, then weeks and there were no news of the army or Legolas. Aragorn was starting to loose all hopes; but Arwen was still sure of Legolas's return, and so life continued.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

"WE ARE UNDER ATACK!!!!". A terrified cry awoke the city on a dark cloudy morning, and soon horns and trumpets joined to alert everybody. The city was doomed.

Aragorn took Arwen's hand as they ran thru the corridors, heading to were the council was gathered.

"What is going on?"

One of the elders stood with a grave expression. "A very large army approaches from the east, they have taken us by surprise. Nobody expected an attack from the east we are defenseless."

Aragorn turned and looked at Arwen, she was so calm. Puzzled, he looked back at the council and asked, "What do you suggest?"

"There is nothing we can do, nothing but wait and die with honor when the moment comes"

He turned to look at Arwen but she was gone, she was now standing at the window, looking towards the east with a soft smile dancing in her lips. "Long I've waited to see you my beloved friend, now you are coming back to me. Hurry! for my heart jumps at the very thought of holding you in my arms again".

She turned to face Aragorn and smiled, now openly.

"It's him, he is back".

Whoa, this took longer than I intended. I think this is going to be a long story, so get comfortable. And don't forget to review.

Next time…. Nah, you better find out for yourselves.