A/N: Here is the last chapter of this story. There's an epilogue coming after it, and I will post it within two days. I have several projects of new stories, and I will tell you more about at the very end of this story after the epilogue.
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to review this story, it's really what made it worth writting for me.
To those who never had the opportunity to do so, this is your chance...
I would also like to thank my beta, Candice, who always did a wonderful job and thanks to whom my English improved.
Chapter 19
Confrontation
On the way back to the palace, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas made sure to take indirect paths. There was no need to draw attention to themselves - with almost every single Elf in the city looking for Gimli, the presence of the Dwarf would be spotted immediately.
Hence they were very careful not to cross anyone else's path, only taking little used ways. They also only spoke in a low voice.
"We should take advantage of knowing for sure where the creature is to get rid of it once and for all," Legolas whispered. "But we still know not of a certain way to destroy it or even if it can be destroyed."
"We only have this piece of information about the Barrow-wights," Aragorn muttered back for Gimli's attention. "The creature seems to be akin to them and light the only known weapon against them. Obviously this will be useless against the host."
"Maybe not," Gimli countered. "During my captivity I had quite some time to think, and I came up with a couple of ideas that could reveal helpful."
Legolas could not help but tease him. "Really? You used your time to think about a way to destroy the creature? I had imagined you would use it whether to try to find a way out or to mine some gold. Who knows, maybe we have an unknown vein lower down."
Gimli gave him a scowling look. "I will not comment on that remark about mining, it is utterly stereotypical and a clear misconception of Dwarven psychology. However, I *did* consider using my belt's buckle to dig a way out under the cell door, but I assumed you two would come and rescue me ages before I would be done."
"Then please accept my deepest apologies, Master Dwarf," Legolas replied. "Had I known I would have given you more time."
"More time!" Gimli said indignantly yet still in a low voice. "On the contrary, it was about time you came! Had I known you would be so long I would have started to dig my way out right away!"
"Could we please come back to more urgent concerns?" Aragorn insisted. Some things would definitely never change, but it was not the time.
Both friends nodded.
"We should make the most of having my father busy and prepare a plan quickly," Legolas suggested.
"We should hurry then," Aragorn remarked, "for I know not how much longer Niyan can hold your Lord. He could already be in difficulties."
"You put the lad in charge of keeping King Thranduil busy?" Gimli asked, surprised. "I hope you know what you are doing. Your brothers would have been more qualified, Legolas. Mîrdolen would have probably been a wiser choice, or Faelernil even."
When both his companions remained silent, Gimli went on. "I gather I missed some major event during my incarceration."
"Faelernil and Mîrdolen were sent west to stop an Orc invasion," Legolas barely answered.
"I see," Gimli replied, a bit embarrassed. After a minute of silent walking, he hesitated before going on. "Could we make a detour through the kitchens? I am feeling a bit peckish after over a day locked in a cell."
* * * * *
"Of course, my Lord," Niyan replied to a very inquisitive Thranduil. "The rulers of Rohan could be consulted as well, but as I told you my King is very keen on forging a strong and lasting alliance with the Wood Elves of Mirkwood."
Niyan did not know for certain how much time he had spent keeping the Elven King busy but it seemed like Ages. The two hours were more than over and he was becoming more uncomfortable by the minute. If his King and his companions did not come back soon he would run out of ideas. The alliance one was supposed to be his last resort and it had been going for a while already.
"I see. But what about the common forces?" Thranduil asked. "Will the agreement of both rulers be necessary to command them?"
Niyan hesitated. He did not like this kind of grounds, especially since all the creature's inquiries since the beginning of their discussion had headed this way. Considering its aspirations, he had had to let it believe it could have a complete control to keep the conversation going.
"An agreement will have to be found about this point," he answered, "but you should be able to discuss these details with King Elessar himself very soon."
The Elf sighed. "Then go seek your King."
Oh no, Niyan thought. Not already. They were not back yet, he had to give them more time…
"Of course my Lord, as soon as we clarify one last - "
Thranduil immediately interrupted the young man. "I think we have spent enough time discussing the eventualities," he said sharply. "Now I wish to talk about it with your Lord."
Niyan smiled nervously. "Certainly," he managed with a short bow while racking his brain. Something, anything, even just to win a couple of minutes…
A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. When he turned round he saw Legolas and King Elessar walking in.
"My King, I am delighted to see you here," Niyan greeted, hoping his relief was not too obvious. "I was just approaching the possibility of an alliance between the forces of Gondor and Mirkwood with King Thranduil," he added with a hardly noticeable nod to his Liege.
Aragorn instantly took the hint and turned to the Elven King with a broad smile. "I would love to know your position about this project, King Thranduil."
"Some points still have to be established, but altogether it could be worth considering," the Elf answered.
"I am glad to hear this," Aragorn replied, "since I took the liberty to establish drafts of what could become treaties between our nations. Would you care to come have a look at them?"
Thranduil eyed the King of Gondor attentively. When he did not answer Legolas decided to speak up.
"The papers are up in the council room," said the archer. "When King Elessar asked my advice for a quiet place to discuss these agreements I suggested the council room. After all it is where all the accords have always been made and signed."
His assertion seemed to convince the Elven King who stood up. "All right," he said before following them outside.
* * * * *
Thranduil was rejoicing. He was still trapped, he was still under the control of this creature, he was still saddened by the departure of his eldest sons, but he knew something was going to happen soon. Something that would most certainly stir the situation a bit.
Legolas' allusion earlier had been unmistakable. The reference to his mother… very bright indeed. It seemed his son had figured out the creature's inability to reach ancient memories as he had.
And how could this creature be so oblivious to the ambush being laid in front of it? An alliance between Elves and Men… It would be the first in a very, very long time… Almost unthinkable, even during these times of peace. And were it truly being considered King Elessar would have come to discuss it himself first. However, Thranduil had to admit the young man, the 'diplomat' if he could be called that way, was quite clever. Using what the creature craved, power, to lure it into the trap…
If the creature could not detect the clues, he certainly could and he would not spoil their chance when it arises. When something would have to be done, he would be ready. He pitied not knowing the plan of his allies, but when the time comes he would help them his best.
The battle was near. Only the ultimate outcome was uncertain.
* * * * *
It was turning even better than it had thought, the creature mused. An alliance with Men… Orcs could be subdued rather effortlessly but had been decimated over the last decade, while Men were expanding and easily corrupted… Orcs could wait.
It followed the two Men and the Elf up the stairs to the council room. If it managed to take the upper hand during the negotiations, the Men of Gondor would soon be at its mercy. And with them and the Elves of Mirkwood, possibly the Orcs as well, no one would be able to stop it.
It entered the council room with a feeling of confidence and supremacy. It soon came back down to earth and froze when it saw the Dwarf. The council table had been put aside in a corner with the chairs, and Gimli was quietly sitting on one of them. In its budding rage the creature barely noticed the presence of the female Norean on another chair or the fact that the curtains were drawn. At its arrival both stood up.
"What is he doing here?" it hissed while turning round. "Guards!" it called before noticing Legolas was closing the door and locking it. "What are you doing?" it asked angrily.
"I am afraid the guards will not be able to come for a few moments," Legolas quietly replied while taking the key out of the keyhole before putting it in his pocket.
"What - what is this sham?" it exclaimed in a huff.
"You mean," Gimli began, "*who* is a sham."
It turned towards the Dwarf again and pointed an accusing finger at him. "This traitor should be arrested immediately!" it threatened. "Why is none of you doing anything?"
"You are right," Aragorn replied while walking closer, "the dangerous traitor should be arrested. But we still have to agree on who the traitor is."
"What are you talking about?" it retorted, indignant.
"I thought you would have understood by now," Legolas said while stepping towards his father.
"This is absolutely ridiculous! This Dwarf has killed several Elves and should be imprisoned at once!" it affirmed. "So if you are suggesting that I am a traitor you are making a great mistake."
"Then prove it to me."
* * * * *
Oh what a sweet moment this was, Legolas thought. The creature's rage had been instantaneous when it had realised what was going on. The look on his father's face when it had seen Gimli, or when he had locked the door…
But now was the sweetest moment of all, the lingering second between anger and comprehension, the instant when everything was falling into place in its brain - if it even had one.
It knew it was uncovered. And it knew this was going to be its last chance to instil a hint of doubt in their minds.
"A long time ago, when I was still an Elfling," Legolas began, "you told me something very important, something you asked me to remember all my life. Something about trust. Would you care to reminding me what it was?"
A hint of nervousness briefly fleeted over Thranduil's features. He looked beyond his son to the locked door, behind him to the Dwarf, to his side at Aragorn, then back at Legolas.
"This is thoroughly scandalous," Thranduil said indignant, "I have no need to justify myself!"
"I see. Not much memory these days…" Legolas commented calmly.
Thranduil turned even more furious. "Legolas, as your King I order you to open this door this instant or I will have to -"
"Here is what you told me," Legolas interrupted irreverently. "If a day comes when you can no longer trust your own, no matter the rank, no matter the title, fear not to rely on your instincts to take the decisions that your heart commands." He paused. "This is what I - what *we* are doing right now."
Legolas observed his father look at each of them in turn. Soon would they know if the creature would behave has supposed. Soon would they know if their plan was viable. And if it was not… they would have to figure another very, very quickly for no backup plan had been established. It was their only chance, their only option, their only hope. It would either work or fail completely. Better not think about the consequences of a failure.
Thranduil's look came back to him and Legolas returned the gaze. From the corner of his eyes he made sure that all those who would have a critical role in the next few seconds had silently and slowly taken their positions. He was the one who would have to act quickly when the right moment came. One split second too early or one split second too late, and everything would be definitely over.
When Thranduil smirked and cast him a defiant look, Legolas knew the creature had made its decision. Soon would they know.
Aragorn was now the one standing the closest to the creature, certainly one step closer than was wise. And in a flash, it acted. Thranduil reached for Aragorn's arm and bore his look into the King of Gondor's eyes. Legolas reacted instantly. That was exactly what they had been waiting for, what they had hoped for: use Aragorn as a bait to lure the creature into trying to switch hosts.
Legolas seized his father and dragged him away, breaking the contact between Thranduil and Aragorn in the middle of the likely transfer. The result was both expected and unexpected.
Right between where Thranduil and Aragorn had been was now standing a human sized kind of spectre, a ghost with a not totally human figure. It was semi-translucent but its silver silhouette emitted no light, at least not the kind of light the sun or even the moon would. It was a glow that radiated no warmth, only coldness and darkness. Nothing in its aspect or attitude was welcoming.
And it seemed angry.
The creature looked around, searching for another prey, but Aragorn had immediately taken several secure steps back while Legolas had helped his father away. It finally decided on Cindra, the one standing the closest to it, too flabbergasted had she been to walk away as she should have. But as it lounged at her Niyan took her by the waist and pulled her out of reach.
The creature was now angrier than ever. Everyone had moved to the same side of the room, all facing the creature, Legolas slightly ahead of them. When the creature strode towards him, full of rage, Legolas did not move and remained standing firmly on his position. Now was the most critical moment of their plan. If it failed, it mattered not if it managed to reach him.
Unexpectedly held back by some invisible force, the creature abruptly stopped its progression barely a foot from the Elf. As if the sudden ray of light between the two of them had been powerful enough to halt it.
Gimli finished pulling the curtain open until all of his companions bathed in daylight. The creature was alone in the dark half of the room, standing very still and staring at Legolas in front of it.
A creature of light facing a creature of darkness. One smiling broadly, the other growling with frustration.
"I think we have just revealed your weak spot…" Legolas teased in a whisper.
As Gimli began to pull the other curtain open, it instantly took a step back to remain in the darkness. It took a few others while light progressed, looking around for a way out - but there was none. All of its possible hosts were out of reach in the light. It turned round and round as if caught in a snare as its vital space became narrower and narrower.
It was only driven back in a corner that some kind of feeling eventually seemed to cross its features, and it was fear.
When light finally reached the recoiling silhouette it began to vaporize with a deafening inhuman scream. Its features and its form slowly faded into an indistinct cloud. The screeching stopped all of a sudden only once the ghostly shape had totally vanished. There was nothing left of it, not even the cloud that had quickly dispersed.
Everyone remained immobile and silent during several long seconds, still facing he empty corner, still unsure everything was over.
"Is it… is it gone?" Gimli eventually asked hesitantly. "I mean, truly gone?"
Aragorn was the one to answer after another silent moment. "I think so. Unless it is able to survive under some unknown and invisible form, it has to be. We all saw it die."
Legolas felt a hand gently squeeze his shoulder. When he glanced back his eyes met the fatherly look of Thranduil. They briefly smiled at each other before taking each other in their arms.
"Mae govannen bar, ada," whispered Legolas at his father's ear. (A/N: "Welcome home, Father")
"Cormamin lindua ele lle, ion nîn," Thranduil whispered back, mirroring what they had told each other when they had first met a few days before. (A/N: "My heart sings to see thee, my son.")
Aragorn smiled at the sight of father and son reunited, his mind unconsciously bringing him back to his own family in Minas Tirith. He ached to see them again, his wife, his children…
When he looked around he realised everyone was bearing a happy smile - though he wondered if Niyan's was completely due to the creature's death or the fact that the young man's arm was still wrapped around Cindra's waist could have something to do with it. When the young woman eventually realised it, she glared at the Gondorean, who instantly withdrew his arm with an apologetic look.
"I am glad we are done with this creature at last," Gimli told Aragorn after walking next to him. "I will certainly not remember these last weeks as the most enjoyable in my life."
"I know what you mean," Aragorn answered, "though they were probably less enjoyable for you than they were for me."
"So," Gimli began, "now that you are a member of the very select circle of those who were possessed by the creature and lived to tell the tale… What did you think of it?"
"I only had a short contact with it and it did not possess me," Aragorn replied. "But if I had to describe this experience, I could find no other words than 'extremely unpleasant'. I can only imagine how horrible being fully possessed by it could be."
Gimli nodded knowingly just as Thranduil and Legolas moved apart at last. The King of Mirkwood suddenly looked completely aghast as if he just remembered something.
"Your brothers…" he whispered to his son. "I sent them to their deaths…"
"You did not, *it* did…" Legolas assured. "Besides it may not be too late. I will leave at once with several companies to help them."
As Legolas began to leave Thranduil grabbed his son's wrist and stopped him. The archer turned back and cast his father a questioning look.
"Two of my sons are already in great danger and I will not allow the last to join them," Thranduil replied firmly.
"But we have to send them reinforcements!" Legolas countered animatedly.
"If it is already too late to stop the Orcs, if the battle is already over, the City will be too vulnerable if other soldiers are sent away. We will need all the companies available to stop them at our doors."
Legolas knew it was not his father talking to him but his Lord. The father had already expressed his worry for his sons. Now the King had taken over, which meant it was an order. And while he could see the sense behind it he could not admit to leave his brothers to their fate.
"But…" he began.
"I am afraid all we can do is wait," King Thranduil interrupted.
Legolas bore his eyes into his father's. The King had taken the decision that ensured the safety of his people. But Legolas could tell from Thranduil's look that the father was as horrified as he was himself, if not more.
The decision the King had had to take must have greatly pained the father.
---------------------------
End of chapter 19...
Next chapter, coming very, very soon: Epilogue
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to review this story, it's really what made it worth writting for me.
To those who never had the opportunity to do so, this is your chance...
I would also like to thank my beta, Candice, who always did a wonderful job and thanks to whom my English improved.
Confrontation
On the way back to the palace, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas made sure to take indirect paths. There was no need to draw attention to themselves - with almost every single Elf in the city looking for Gimli, the presence of the Dwarf would be spotted immediately.
Hence they were very careful not to cross anyone else's path, only taking little used ways. They also only spoke in a low voice.
"We should take advantage of knowing for sure where the creature is to get rid of it once and for all," Legolas whispered. "But we still know not of a certain way to destroy it or even if it can be destroyed."
"We only have this piece of information about the Barrow-wights," Aragorn muttered back for Gimli's attention. "The creature seems to be akin to them and light the only known weapon against them. Obviously this will be useless against the host."
"Maybe not," Gimli countered. "During my captivity I had quite some time to think, and I came up with a couple of ideas that could reveal helpful."
Legolas could not help but tease him. "Really? You used your time to think about a way to destroy the creature? I had imagined you would use it whether to try to find a way out or to mine some gold. Who knows, maybe we have an unknown vein lower down."
Gimli gave him a scowling look. "I will not comment on that remark about mining, it is utterly stereotypical and a clear misconception of Dwarven psychology. However, I *did* consider using my belt's buckle to dig a way out under the cell door, but I assumed you two would come and rescue me ages before I would be done."
"Then please accept my deepest apologies, Master Dwarf," Legolas replied. "Had I known I would have given you more time."
"More time!" Gimli said indignantly yet still in a low voice. "On the contrary, it was about time you came! Had I known you would be so long I would have started to dig my way out right away!"
"Could we please come back to more urgent concerns?" Aragorn insisted. Some things would definitely never change, but it was not the time.
Both friends nodded.
"We should make the most of having my father busy and prepare a plan quickly," Legolas suggested.
"We should hurry then," Aragorn remarked, "for I know not how much longer Niyan can hold your Lord. He could already be in difficulties."
"You put the lad in charge of keeping King Thranduil busy?" Gimli asked, surprised. "I hope you know what you are doing. Your brothers would have been more qualified, Legolas. Mîrdolen would have probably been a wiser choice, or Faelernil even."
When both his companions remained silent, Gimli went on. "I gather I missed some major event during my incarceration."
"Faelernil and Mîrdolen were sent west to stop an Orc invasion," Legolas barely answered.
"I see," Gimli replied, a bit embarrassed. After a minute of silent walking, he hesitated before going on. "Could we make a detour through the kitchens? I am feeling a bit peckish after over a day locked in a cell."
"Of course, my Lord," Niyan replied to a very inquisitive Thranduil. "The rulers of Rohan could be consulted as well, but as I told you my King is very keen on forging a strong and lasting alliance with the Wood Elves of Mirkwood."
Niyan did not know for certain how much time he had spent keeping the Elven King busy but it seemed like Ages. The two hours were more than over and he was becoming more uncomfortable by the minute. If his King and his companions did not come back soon he would run out of ideas. The alliance one was supposed to be his last resort and it had been going for a while already.
"I see. But what about the common forces?" Thranduil asked. "Will the agreement of both rulers be necessary to command them?"
Niyan hesitated. He did not like this kind of grounds, especially since all the creature's inquiries since the beginning of their discussion had headed this way. Considering its aspirations, he had had to let it believe it could have a complete control to keep the conversation going.
"An agreement will have to be found about this point," he answered, "but you should be able to discuss these details with King Elessar himself very soon."
The Elf sighed. "Then go seek your King."
Oh no, Niyan thought. Not already. They were not back yet, he had to give them more time…
"Of course my Lord, as soon as we clarify one last - "
Thranduil immediately interrupted the young man. "I think we have spent enough time discussing the eventualities," he said sharply. "Now I wish to talk about it with your Lord."
Niyan smiled nervously. "Certainly," he managed with a short bow while racking his brain. Something, anything, even just to win a couple of minutes…
A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. When he turned round he saw Legolas and King Elessar walking in.
"My King, I am delighted to see you here," Niyan greeted, hoping his relief was not too obvious. "I was just approaching the possibility of an alliance between the forces of Gondor and Mirkwood with King Thranduil," he added with a hardly noticeable nod to his Liege.
Aragorn instantly took the hint and turned to the Elven King with a broad smile. "I would love to know your position about this project, King Thranduil."
"Some points still have to be established, but altogether it could be worth considering," the Elf answered.
"I am glad to hear this," Aragorn replied, "since I took the liberty to establish drafts of what could become treaties between our nations. Would you care to come have a look at them?"
Thranduil eyed the King of Gondor attentively. When he did not answer Legolas decided to speak up.
"The papers are up in the council room," said the archer. "When King Elessar asked my advice for a quiet place to discuss these agreements I suggested the council room. After all it is where all the accords have always been made and signed."
His assertion seemed to convince the Elven King who stood up. "All right," he said before following them outside.
Thranduil was rejoicing. He was still trapped, he was still under the control of this creature, he was still saddened by the departure of his eldest sons, but he knew something was going to happen soon. Something that would most certainly stir the situation a bit.
Legolas' allusion earlier had been unmistakable. The reference to his mother… very bright indeed. It seemed his son had figured out the creature's inability to reach ancient memories as he had.
And how could this creature be so oblivious to the ambush being laid in front of it? An alliance between Elves and Men… It would be the first in a very, very long time… Almost unthinkable, even during these times of peace. And were it truly being considered King Elessar would have come to discuss it himself first. However, Thranduil had to admit the young man, the 'diplomat' if he could be called that way, was quite clever. Using what the creature craved, power, to lure it into the trap…
If the creature could not detect the clues, he certainly could and he would not spoil their chance when it arises. When something would have to be done, he would be ready. He pitied not knowing the plan of his allies, but when the time comes he would help them his best.
The battle was near. Only the ultimate outcome was uncertain.
It was turning even better than it had thought, the creature mused. An alliance with Men… Orcs could be subdued rather effortlessly but had been decimated over the last decade, while Men were expanding and easily corrupted… Orcs could wait.
It followed the two Men and the Elf up the stairs to the council room. If it managed to take the upper hand during the negotiations, the Men of Gondor would soon be at its mercy. And with them and the Elves of Mirkwood, possibly the Orcs as well, no one would be able to stop it.
It entered the council room with a feeling of confidence and supremacy. It soon came back down to earth and froze when it saw the Dwarf. The council table had been put aside in a corner with the chairs, and Gimli was quietly sitting on one of them. In its budding rage the creature barely noticed the presence of the female Norean on another chair or the fact that the curtains were drawn. At its arrival both stood up.
"What is he doing here?" it hissed while turning round. "Guards!" it called before noticing Legolas was closing the door and locking it. "What are you doing?" it asked angrily.
"I am afraid the guards will not be able to come for a few moments," Legolas quietly replied while taking the key out of the keyhole before putting it in his pocket.
"What - what is this sham?" it exclaimed in a huff.
"You mean," Gimli began, "*who* is a sham."
It turned towards the Dwarf again and pointed an accusing finger at him. "This traitor should be arrested immediately!" it threatened. "Why is none of you doing anything?"
"You are right," Aragorn replied while walking closer, "the dangerous traitor should be arrested. But we still have to agree on who the traitor is."
"What are you talking about?" it retorted, indignant.
"I thought you would have understood by now," Legolas said while stepping towards his father.
"This is absolutely ridiculous! This Dwarf has killed several Elves and should be imprisoned at once!" it affirmed. "So if you are suggesting that I am a traitor you are making a great mistake."
"Then prove it to me."
Oh what a sweet moment this was, Legolas thought. The creature's rage had been instantaneous when it had realised what was going on. The look on his father's face when it had seen Gimli, or when he had locked the door…
But now was the sweetest moment of all, the lingering second between anger and comprehension, the instant when everything was falling into place in its brain - if it even had one.
It knew it was uncovered. And it knew this was going to be its last chance to instil a hint of doubt in their minds.
"A long time ago, when I was still an Elfling," Legolas began, "you told me something very important, something you asked me to remember all my life. Something about trust. Would you care to reminding me what it was?"
A hint of nervousness briefly fleeted over Thranduil's features. He looked beyond his son to the locked door, behind him to the Dwarf, to his side at Aragorn, then back at Legolas.
"This is thoroughly scandalous," Thranduil said indignant, "I have no need to justify myself!"
"I see. Not much memory these days…" Legolas commented calmly.
Thranduil turned even more furious. "Legolas, as your King I order you to open this door this instant or I will have to -"
"Here is what you told me," Legolas interrupted irreverently. "If a day comes when you can no longer trust your own, no matter the rank, no matter the title, fear not to rely on your instincts to take the decisions that your heart commands." He paused. "This is what I - what *we* are doing right now."
Legolas observed his father look at each of them in turn. Soon would they know if the creature would behave has supposed. Soon would they know if their plan was viable. And if it was not… they would have to figure another very, very quickly for no backup plan had been established. It was their only chance, their only option, their only hope. It would either work or fail completely. Better not think about the consequences of a failure.
Thranduil's look came back to him and Legolas returned the gaze. From the corner of his eyes he made sure that all those who would have a critical role in the next few seconds had silently and slowly taken their positions. He was the one who would have to act quickly when the right moment came. One split second too early or one split second too late, and everything would be definitely over.
When Thranduil smirked and cast him a defiant look, Legolas knew the creature had made its decision. Soon would they know.
Aragorn was now the one standing the closest to the creature, certainly one step closer than was wise. And in a flash, it acted. Thranduil reached for Aragorn's arm and bore his look into the King of Gondor's eyes. Legolas reacted instantly. That was exactly what they had been waiting for, what they had hoped for: use Aragorn as a bait to lure the creature into trying to switch hosts.
Legolas seized his father and dragged him away, breaking the contact between Thranduil and Aragorn in the middle of the likely transfer. The result was both expected and unexpected.
Right between where Thranduil and Aragorn had been was now standing a human sized kind of spectre, a ghost with a not totally human figure. It was semi-translucent but its silver silhouette emitted no light, at least not the kind of light the sun or even the moon would. It was a glow that radiated no warmth, only coldness and darkness. Nothing in its aspect or attitude was welcoming.
And it seemed angry.
The creature looked around, searching for another prey, but Aragorn had immediately taken several secure steps back while Legolas had helped his father away. It finally decided on Cindra, the one standing the closest to it, too flabbergasted had she been to walk away as she should have. But as it lounged at her Niyan took her by the waist and pulled her out of reach.
The creature was now angrier than ever. Everyone had moved to the same side of the room, all facing the creature, Legolas slightly ahead of them. When the creature strode towards him, full of rage, Legolas did not move and remained standing firmly on his position. Now was the most critical moment of their plan. If it failed, it mattered not if it managed to reach him.
Unexpectedly held back by some invisible force, the creature abruptly stopped its progression barely a foot from the Elf. As if the sudden ray of light between the two of them had been powerful enough to halt it.
Gimli finished pulling the curtain open until all of his companions bathed in daylight. The creature was alone in the dark half of the room, standing very still and staring at Legolas in front of it.
A creature of light facing a creature of darkness. One smiling broadly, the other growling with frustration.
"I think we have just revealed your weak spot…" Legolas teased in a whisper.
As Gimli began to pull the other curtain open, it instantly took a step back to remain in the darkness. It took a few others while light progressed, looking around for a way out - but there was none. All of its possible hosts were out of reach in the light. It turned round and round as if caught in a snare as its vital space became narrower and narrower.
It was only driven back in a corner that some kind of feeling eventually seemed to cross its features, and it was fear.
When light finally reached the recoiling silhouette it began to vaporize with a deafening inhuman scream. Its features and its form slowly faded into an indistinct cloud. The screeching stopped all of a sudden only once the ghostly shape had totally vanished. There was nothing left of it, not even the cloud that had quickly dispersed.
Everyone remained immobile and silent during several long seconds, still facing he empty corner, still unsure everything was over.
"Is it… is it gone?" Gimli eventually asked hesitantly. "I mean, truly gone?"
Aragorn was the one to answer after another silent moment. "I think so. Unless it is able to survive under some unknown and invisible form, it has to be. We all saw it die."
Legolas felt a hand gently squeeze his shoulder. When he glanced back his eyes met the fatherly look of Thranduil. They briefly smiled at each other before taking each other in their arms.
"Mae govannen bar, ada," whispered Legolas at his father's ear. (A/N: "Welcome home, Father")
"Cormamin lindua ele lle, ion nîn," Thranduil whispered back, mirroring what they had told each other when they had first met a few days before. (A/N: "My heart sings to see thee, my son.")
Aragorn smiled at the sight of father and son reunited, his mind unconsciously bringing him back to his own family in Minas Tirith. He ached to see them again, his wife, his children…
When he looked around he realised everyone was bearing a happy smile - though he wondered if Niyan's was completely due to the creature's death or the fact that the young man's arm was still wrapped around Cindra's waist could have something to do with it. When the young woman eventually realised it, she glared at the Gondorean, who instantly withdrew his arm with an apologetic look.
"I am glad we are done with this creature at last," Gimli told Aragorn after walking next to him. "I will certainly not remember these last weeks as the most enjoyable in my life."
"I know what you mean," Aragorn answered, "though they were probably less enjoyable for you than they were for me."
"So," Gimli began, "now that you are a member of the very select circle of those who were possessed by the creature and lived to tell the tale… What did you think of it?"
"I only had a short contact with it and it did not possess me," Aragorn replied. "But if I had to describe this experience, I could find no other words than 'extremely unpleasant'. I can only imagine how horrible being fully possessed by it could be."
Gimli nodded knowingly just as Thranduil and Legolas moved apart at last. The King of Mirkwood suddenly looked completely aghast as if he just remembered something.
"Your brothers…" he whispered to his son. "I sent them to their deaths…"
"You did not, *it* did…" Legolas assured. "Besides it may not be too late. I will leave at once with several companies to help them."
As Legolas began to leave Thranduil grabbed his son's wrist and stopped him. The archer turned back and cast his father a questioning look.
"Two of my sons are already in great danger and I will not allow the last to join them," Thranduil replied firmly.
"But we have to send them reinforcements!" Legolas countered animatedly.
"If it is already too late to stop the Orcs, if the battle is already over, the City will be too vulnerable if other soldiers are sent away. We will need all the companies available to stop them at our doors."
Legolas knew it was not his father talking to him but his Lord. The father had already expressed his worry for his sons. Now the King had taken over, which meant it was an order. And while he could see the sense behind it he could not admit to leave his brothers to their fate.
"But…" he began.
"I am afraid all we can do is wait," King Thranduil interrupted.
Legolas bore his eyes into his father's. The King had taken the decision that ensured the safety of his people. But Legolas could tell from Thranduil's look that the father was as horrified as he was himself, if not more.
The decision the King had had to take must have greatly pained the father.
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End of chapter 19...
Next chapter, coming very, very soon: Epilogue