Everything is falling to pieces.

I can't think, can hardly breathe.

I can only run.

Run and carry a near-dead elf in my arms. I try not to look down but I can't help it. My eyes continue to stare in horror at Legolas' pale face. Although, pale isn't the word to describe him right now. He's nearly translucent, like glass, but that is not all I see. Again, I wish that I had never been given this stupid amulet!

On Legolas' chest, where the shadow stabbed him, is darkness. Its poison is spreading throughout his feä, wrapping around him like vines. His eyes remained closed. I can feel his soul slipping away with each passing moment. I mutter a curse under my breath and look away. We're still in the forest.
We can't stop yet, I need Legolas to hold on for just a little longer.
He's strong, he'll make it.

As always doubt creeps into my mind.
Will he?
I shake my head and glance over my shoulder. Everyone's following, silent. I can sense all of their fear.

Or is it my own?

A soft moan escapes Legolas. I look down to see a grimace on his face, followed by another moan of pain.
"Hang on Greenleaf," I urge quietly, "please hang on."
He falls silent, and I keep running.

/\\//\\/

We've made it out of the forest, but we still haven't stopped yet. I push everyone until the forest is out of sight. Or at least, out of sight of anyone who isn't an elf. I can still see the outskirts of the forest, and my heart twists at the sight. Knowing that somewhere inside, Faervel is dying.

I want to go back.
I want to find Oroth and beg him to take me instead, to let me exchange my life for Faervel's.
After all, it's what I deserve, isn't it?

"Amarth, we must rest, and see what can be done for Legolas," Pallando says coming to stand beside me. I nod without meeting his gaze and gently lower Legolas onto the ground. He's become even paler, and the darkness is still spreading. It's covered most of his torso and is slowly starting to snake its way down his arms and legs.

I crouch down beside him and Pallando joins me.
"Can you do anything?" I ask. Pallando sighs and shakes his head.
"Amarth, this is beyond any skill I possess. I can do nothing for him."
"What do you mean?! You're the healer Pallando! You saved me why can't you save him?!"
He flinches, clearly hurt but I take no notice. I'll just add it to my evergrowing list of things I have to be guilty about.

"Caran please, don't be angry with him."
Now it's my turn to flinch. I turn around to see Anna. Her eyes are clouded over and brimming with tears. In her hands, she holds Legolas' bow. I know that Legolas sacrificed himself for her. No one had to tell me, I just knew.
"Amarth," Pallando grabs my arm and turns my attention back to Legolas. My eyes widen when I see that the darkness has stopped spreading, and he isn't as pale as before. There's also a familiar glow surrounding him.

When I look at Anna again I see the same glowing around her.
"Anna, can you come here, please?"
She walks over and the light around her and Legolas grows brighter.
"It's slowing down," I murmur to myself.
"Amarth?" Pallando asks.
Right, he can't see what I'm seeing.
"His feä is drawing strength from Anna's," I explain quickly.

I glance at Anna to see what her reaction is, but for once her face is unreadable.
"You want me to stay near him." She says softly.
"It won't be enough to save him, Amarth," Pallando warns.
"I know, but it will give him some more time." We can't stay here for much longer, we're still too close to the forest. I want to put more distance between us and Oroth, and get out of the open if possible.

But Legolas won't last for much longer, he needs Anna's feä.
"I'll do it," Anna says, her voice lacking any and all emotion. She's trying to hide her feelings, she's never done this before. I have no time to let it bother me now. We have to keep moving. I nod in acknowledgment to what Anna said before turning to address Darovel.
"Are you ready?" I ask.
"We're both ready," he replies as he looks over his shoulder. He turns back to me just as I'm gathering Legolas in my arms.
"Is he alright?" He asks.

I stand to my full height and meet the human's gaze.
"He's not dead yet."
Darovel says nothing in response. But I can tell from his narrowed eyes that his mind is at work. What he's thinking about is the least of my concerns at the moment.
"Come on," I'm just about to move when something catches my eye.

The forest....
It's being destroyed.

The trees are whithering, bending under the shadows swarming them. I can almost hear them crying out in pain, in grief....

They're mourning for Faervel.

/\\//\\/

It's almost dark by the time we stop. The only light we have comes from Pallando's staff and from Anna and Legolas.

Except, their light is becoming fainter. Anna stayed beside me the entire time we ran. Not saying a word or even glancing at me and Legolas. I want so desperately to talk to her, but I just don't have time. I lower Legolas onto the ground and check to see if the darkness has spread. I curl my hand into a fist and press it into the grass. While Anna's presence managed to slow the poison, it didn't stop it from spreading.

"What do you want us to do Amarth?" Darovel asks coming to stand behind me. I lift my head to address everyone. They're all standing still, waiting for me to give orders. Since when did I become the leader of this group? I've never been a leader or a follower for that matter. Still, they need something to do, and Legolas...

Taking a deep breath I turn to Pallando and ask, "How can we heal him?"
"Only you can help him Amarth," he replies sternly.
"How? I am not a healer Pallando!" I don't care that I'm almost screaming at him. I'm tired, I'm scared, I'm angry. It's only a matter of time before I snap completely.
"The amulet Amarth. It will give you the power to save him." Pallando continues in a slightly raised voice.
"Then you use it! You heal him!" I reach for the amulet with the intent of tearing it from my neck, but Pallando's voice stops me.
"The amulet was given to you Amarth. It is yours and yours alone. I cannot, will not, use it."

The urge to scream returns and I nearly do it.
Why?! Why did any of this have to happen?!
I've never healed anyone in my life! I don't heal, I can't heal!
What is instead of helping Legolas I-

I....

I don't know what to do.

"Caran?" Anna places her hand on my shoulder. I look up at her and see that her emotions are no longer veiled.
I can see her fear, her grief, her guilt.
"Please, help him. I..." Her voice trails off and she lowers her head. "I can't let him die because of me."
I blink once then turn back to Legolas.
He's fading, his time is running out.

Could I really save him?
What would be worse?
Attempting to save him and failing, or not trying at all?

I don't owe Legolas anything, and he doesn't owe me. The elf he knew, the one he met in Mordor, wasn't even the real me. It was the dark, twisted being that lived inside of me. Yet, despite everything I did to him, to his friends, he forgave me. I'll never forget how he welcomed me in his home, how he spared my life in Mordor.

All those times he could have killed me, and he didn't.

That's when I realize, I do owe him.

I push my fear aside, my doubt and worry.

"I need you to stay beside him, Anna."
She freezes momentarily, startled by my voice cutting through the silence. After a second or two she nods and moves to kneel beside Legolas. While I wait for her to move I face Darovel.
"We're going to need some food and water," I tell him.
"I can go look for some with Morwen." He responds. I stiffen when he says her name, but a quick nod of my head hides my discomfort.
"That's fine, both of you go."

Darovel heads off and I don't bother looking to see if Morwen goes with him. Anna has gotten in position. She's kneeling beside Legolas, her eyes locked on me. I look down at Legolas, again the darkness has slowed in spreading, but he's losing strength.
"Just being near him won't help," I tell her.
She seems confused for a moment. Her eyes dart uncertainly from me to Legolas. When she meets my gaze again I can see that she understands, but is still nervous.

"It will be alright," I encourage, managing a small smile. She doesn't smile back. I watch as she looks down at Legolas again. Without a word, she reaches out and clasps Legolas' hand in hers. Almost immediately the two begin to glow, and it's much brighter this time. The darkness shrinks back slightly, but it still doesn't go away.

I take a deep breath, it's time. I look at the amulet hanging around my neck. A faint glow is emanating from it. I take the gloves off of my hands, the glow becomes brighter. I'm not sure if what I'm about to do will work, but turning back now is not an option. I place one hand on Legolas' forehead and the other over his heart. I gasp as a wave of energy crashes into me. I can't tell if it's from Legolas or the amulet.

"Is there anything I can do?" Pallando asks.
I look up at him and wonder if he can see my body shaking. Is it possible to feel exhausted and fully energized at the same time? Pallando is still waiting for an answer, but I'm not sure what he can do.
"Pray?"
Pallando seems confused by my reply but I don't have time to explain. Darkness is beginning to take over my vision. The blue light from the amulet has become blinding.

With no other choice, I close my eyes. Heat is spreading from the tips of my fingers to the rest of my body.

And then, there is darkness.

/\\//\\/

It takes me a moment to realize that I'm standing, and that there is no longer intense heat raging inside of my body. It takes me longer to realize that my eyes are still closed. When I open them the first and only thing I see is darkness. I look down and sigh in relief. I can still see myself despite the darkness.

Now, where am I?

I search the dark for something, anything. I have a strange feeling that something is amiss here, but I'm not sure what it is. I feel off. Like there's a part of me missing. I take one step forward, then another. There seems to be solid ground under my feet, even though I appear to be walking through a void.

What is this place? Where is everyone? And why am I so calm?

I freeze as realization suddenly hits.
I know what it is that's missing.

My fear, my doubt, the shadows, they're all gone!

How is that possible?

I keep pushing my way through the darkness. There has to be something here, wherever "here" is. Something catches my eye up ahead, a light. Normally, I'd be cautious about approaching a strange light in the middle of such unfathomable darkness, but I feel nothing. No suspicion, no anxiety, none of it is there.

Somehow, I know that I have nothing to fear in this place.

As I approach the light I wonder why it stays in one place. How come it doesn't spread to everywhere else? Then it wouldn't be so dark in here. Suddenly I realize, it's not just a light.
"Legolas?" I start forward, much faster this time. He looks up from where he kneels on the ground. His eyes widen in surprise.
"Amarth? What are you doing here?"

"I'm not sure," I reply coming to stand in front of him. "I was trying to heal you when I ended up in this place." I offer him my hand and he takes it, allowing me to pull him to his feet.
"Do you know where this is?" He asks.
"I was hoping you did."
A look of uncertainty flashes in Legolas' eyes.
"This... this is my mind."

Strangely, I'm not as alarmed as I should be.
Am I surprised? Yes.
But again the usual sense of fear is absent.
"Your mind?" I look around the vast darkness, and then back to Legolas. "I thought there'd be more light."
Legolas averts his gaze and starts wringing his hands together.
"There used to be," he murmurs.

I'm about to ask what he means when something akin to a roar and screech fills the air. I whirl around and search the darkness for the source of the sound, but there is nothing.
"What was that?" I ask. Turning back to Legolas I see him backing away, his arms wrapped around himself and his eyes locked on something I can't see.
"They're coming...."
"Who's coming?" I move to stand beside him while keeping watch on the darkness. Movement causes us both to freeze.

A figure steps out of the shadows causing my breath to catch in my throat. It's a man, tall and with a pale, narrow face. His eyes are nothing more than dark circles in his head. He towers over both of us and is robed in black. He keeps his hands clasped together behind his back, showing no sign of moving closer. He just stands there, watching.

Another man emerges from the darkness. He's not as tall as the first and isn't as pale, but like him, he's dressed completely in black, and his eyes are dark hollows. In his hands he carries a rope covered with sharp barbs. He sneers at Legolas who shrinks back, attempting to hide behind me, but a growl from behind causes us both to spin around.

My eyes widen slightly as the third figure appears. It's not a man this time, but an orc. Its face is covered in scars, making it appear more deformed than it already is. Again, its eyes are completely black. It carries no weapons, but it's clear that he doesn't need one. This one ignores me as well, keeping its dark gaze fixed on Legolas. The orc licks its lips, baring its fangs. I can sense the hunger coming from the beast and my eyes narrow. Legolas trembles beside me.

Finally, the last one arrives. It's another orc, but what's different about this one is that I recognize it.
This is the orc that killed Anna.
All four beings surround us. Their dark, haunting eyes locked on Legolas. Are they unaware of my presence? Or are they simply ignoring me?

"What are they?" I ask Legolas. I look at the younger elf and notice that he's no longer shaking, but his body remains stiff, and he does not face me. In a quiet voice he replies, "They are my shadows."

He turns to the first one, the tall man dressed in black, and says, "Fear."
He turns to the man with the rope, "Captivity."
The first orc, "Rage."
The orc that killed Anna, "Guilt."

I look at each one in silence. Taking in what Legolas said.
"These are your shadows," I murmur.
Legolas nods before continuing.
"They've never been this strong, and they've never taken on forms before."
I stare at the pale-faced man before studying the orc I saw from Legolas' memories.
"Were they all real?" I ask.
He nods again.
"They are all from my past, but I do not understand why they haunt me now."

I don't understand either.
"Have they harmed you in any way?"
"Not as long as I don't try to fight them or escape," Legolas' body shudders and he gasps as if in pain. The light around him dims and the darkness seems to be closing in. The four shadows growl in pleasure, relishing in the torment Legolas is in.

"A-Amarth?"
"You're dying Legolas," I say reaching out to offer him support. "We have to get rid of the darkness, it's-"
That's it! That's why the shadows are here, and why Legolas' mind is so dark! The shadow stabbed him, allowing darkness to enter his feä.
"What is it Amarth?" Legolas asks straightening himself.
"This darkness, your shadows, it's all from the monster that stabbed you. If we don't get rid of them you'll die."

I sense anger from the four shadows. They must not like the idea of their prisoner escaping.
"How can we do that?" Legolas is also eyeing his shadows, his face pales as the one he calls "Fear" starts heading towards us. Despite its name, I feel no apprehension as the tall, pale figure stalks forward. Actually, I'm more unsettled by how calm I am, but I don't have time to ponder this right now.

The same can't be said for Legolas who is starting to back away. I can see his legs about to give out, he's starting to kneel. Without hesitating, I grab him and haul him to his feet.
"That's just what they want you to do Legolas," I whisper whilst glaring at Fear, "they want you to back down and surrender, but you can't. If you don't fight them you will die."
Legolas shakes his head, still uncertain.
"You won't fight them alone," I say giving his arm a comforting squeeze, "I'm here remember? We're going to do this together, you always fought better with someone watching your back."

Legolas finally tears his gaze away from Fear and looks at me. The corners of his lips are turned up in the faintest of smiles.
"Hannon le."
I return the smile before we both turn to face Fear. He's much closer than before, his dark eyes burning with rage.
"What do we do?" Legolas asks.
My mind is racing, trying to come up with a plan. Thank goodness I'm a natural for thinking on my feet.

Without asking I touch Legolas on the arm again, but this time it's not for comfort. I start searching through his memories, trying to find the man who represents Fear. Whether or not Legolas is aware of what I'm doing is unknown, I just hope he's not in any pain as I search. Since all of his memories have finally returned they're all in order, but I have to start from his most recent memory and search through thousands of years worth of them to find this one man.

My chest tightens when I see how far back I'm going. Because with Legolas the earlier the memories, the more pain there is. Finally, I find who I'm looking for. It's a man whom Legolas met shortly after he arrived in Mordor, the man responsible for bringing fear into Legolas. I look at all the memories concerning this man, I wish there wasn't so many. However, it doesn't seem like he was in Legolas' life for long.

I release Legolas and check to see how he's faring. He hasn't seemed to have noticed what just happened. His eyes are locked on Fear, who standing right in front of him. He takes no notice of me as he towers over Legolas. The young elf is struggling to remain on his feet, and I want nothing more than to come to his aid and fight this for him.

But I know I can't.
This is Legolas' fight, I can offer my help in the battle, but these are Legolas' enemies.
I take the information I just gathered from Legolas' memories and take a deep breath. Let the battle begin. First, I need to get Legolas' attention off of Fear.
"Look at me Legolas."
He hesitates and keeps his gaze fixed on Fear. He doesn't have to say or do anything to keep Legolas in place, his presence is enough to make him collapse.
"Legolas," I call his name again, "look at me."

Slowly, he turns away from Fear. The shadow turns its dark eyes on me, clearly enraged, but can't seem to do anything.
"He's just a man Legolas," I say ignoring the shadow, "see? He can do nothing to you, it's nothing but an illusion."
Fear continues to rage, but there is nothing he can do, just like I said. Still, Legolas wavers, and his head slowly starts to turn back to Fear.
"I know he hurt you," I continue keeping my voice calm, "I know he caused you pain, but that was all in the past Legolas! He is dead, gone forever! He can no longer reach you, you don't have to be afraid anymore. You're stronger than him, you know you are."

Fear shrieks in anger but it seems to have no effect on Legolas. I watch as he closes his eyes and lets his arms relax at his sides. A smile appears on my face and I turn towards Fear.
"He's not afraid of you."
Suddenly Legolas' eyes open, light engulfs Fear causing him to screech in pain. The light surrounds him completely, and he vanishes, never to return.

The light around Legolas dims. While it's nowhere near as bright as before, I know he's regained some of it. We both exchange a brief look of triumph before the next shadow approaches.
Captivity.
The man cracks the rope like a whip, his lips curled back in a cruel smirk. Again, Legolas falters and starts to back away. Before he can get far I grab his arm. I have to search through his memories again.

It doesn't take me as long this time to find what I'm looking for, mainly because this certain character appeared later on in Legolas' life, that and I briefly saw him while searching for Fear. While Legolas certainly dealt with captivity before in his life, this man reopened the wounds and turned them into scars.

Having got what I needed I release Legolas. Captivity cracks the rope again, his smirk twisting into a smile. Without warning the rope shoots out and wraps around Legolas' hands, the barbs digging into his wrists. He cries out as the rope is yanked forward, and he's pulled onto the ground.

A cruel laugh comes from Captivity as he drags the prone elf towards him, at the same time black chains appear in his free hand. My gaze hardens as I watch. Instinct is screaming for me to go help him, to free him from his bonds.

But this is not my fight, Legolas has to overcome this himself.

"Legolas."
At the sound of my voice, he turns his head to look at me. His eyes are pleading, desperate. He wants me to help him, but I stand firm. Captivity is wrapping the chain around him, grinning with sick delight at the elf's helplessness. Legolas watches and starts to fight, struggling frantically against the chains.

"Listen to me Legolas."
He stops struggling and faces me. I can see tears welling up in his eyes.
"You are not a prisoner Legolas, not anymore."
He gasps as Captivity tightens the chains. His entire body is wrapped in them, he can hardly move.
"You have the power to free yourself Legolas, you always have."
Legolas' eyes close, a single tear falls from his face as they open again. I see Captivity coming up behind him, in his hands he has a blindfold.

"He's just a man too Legolas," I raise my voice as Legolas starts screaming. Captivity has put the blindfold over his eyes, causing him to thrash in his chains.
"He can't harm you, not unless you let him."
Legolas' screams are cut off as a rag is shoved into his mouth, gagging him. Every bone in my body is protesting with the strain of standing still. I'm fighting with all my willpower to stay still. This is the only way he can truly be free of this.

"You've always found a way to escape Legolas." I see Captivity reach for the rope that binds Legolas' hands, we're running out of time.
"You never give up, you're strong enough to beat this, you are stronger than him!"
As the man begins to drag Legolas away I see a faint glowing coming from Legolas' hands.
Come on Legolas....

With a cry, light explodes from Legolas. It destroys the chains and rope, the blindfold and gag fall away. Captivity screams as the light engulfs him, and when the light fades there is nothing left. I let out the breath I've been holding and share a look of relief with Legolas, but it doesn't last long.

I have no time to call out a warning as Rage appears, roaring in fury as he plows into Legolas. The elf goes down, stunned and breathless. He has no time to recover as the orc grabs him and throws him further away from me. I try to run after him but it feels like I'm being held in place. I didn't have a chance to look through his memories! How can I help him if I don't know what Rage did to Legolas?

Legolas has barely gotten to his knees when Rage's hand grabs him by the neck and lifts him up. Legolas tries desperately to pry off the hand but it's no use. The orc reaches out and strokes Legolas' face with the back of his hand. I can feel my own anger rising, but there's nothing I can do but watch as the monster continues its sickening game.

The orc begins to dig one of its claws into Legolas' cheek. He cries out in pain as Rage draws a thin line of red down his face.
I don't want to watch this, I can't watch this. I have to do something! I know I can't interact directly, but without knowing how Rage affected Legolas in the past I'm at a loss. So far the only rage I'm sensing is my own, but I have a feeling that's about to change.

Another cry escapes Legolas, but this time it's not from pain. Rage throws Legolas onto the ground and the elf immediately gets to his feet, his blue eyes burning like fire. His hands are clenched into fists and his entire body is tense, like a bowstring waiting to be released. Rage is standing over him, red blood covering his mouth. His black tongue darts out to lick it up, I want to vomit at the sick pleasure this monster is emanating.

I take one look at Legolas, then back at Rage.
I know what I have to do.
"Don't fight him Legolas! That's just what he wants!"
He turns his head to face me. He's clearly shocked and angered by my words. I have to be careful with how I approach this, if I fail to calm Legolas down, it could all be over.

"You don't have to do this," I take a step forward. Rage snarls as I approach but as I've already discovered, none of these shadows can do anything to harm me.
Legolas narrows his eyes. "Why shouldn't I fight him? He deserves to die!"
"Obviously."
Realizing that I said that out loud I kick myself, mentally of course.
I'm not doing well with this one. What do I do?

Think Amarth, what helped him overcome the other two?
Each shadow brings something out of Legolas. Fear brought submission, Legolas was ready to give in as soon as he arrived. Captivity brought helplessness, what does Rage bring?

"Vengeance..." I murmur to myself.
Legolas is still glaring at me. I need to act fast.
"Think about it Legolas, what good has ever come out of you losing your temper?" My earlier confidence is beginning to wane, please don't mess this up Amarth.
Legolas says nothing in response. He only looks down at his fists.
"Whenever you get angry you lash out at the person closest to you, whether they're a friend or an enemy, and what happens?"

I'm failing at trying to comfort him, but perhaps comfort isn't what Legolas needs right now....

"People get hurt! You get hurt! All of this anger you're carrying, you have to let it go!" I keep moving towards him, my voice rising with every step I take. Rage continues to, well, rage. Still, he doesn't move closer. Legolas still refuses to meet my gaze, his eyes are cold as he takes in my words.

"Yes, I know that you've suffered. You take the pain that was inflicted on you long ago and turn it into anger, and you unleash it whenever someone starts to get under your skin. There are other ways to get rid of that pain Legolas, you don't have to hurt people."

I hit a nerve.

Suddenly Legolas' head shoots up, and a look of horror appears on his face. That same horror is reflected on mine.
That...
That's why killed...

Orcs...
Men...
Elves...

He killed them to get rid of the pain, but it only made it worse.

A tear falls from his eye, then another.
Rage seems to have had enough of this and charges at Legolas.
The elf doesn't react.
His hands uncurl and go lax at his sides.
He lowers himself to his knees and bows his head.

This time when the light appears, it isn't violent or bursting. It surrounds Legolas, creating a barrier around him. Before Rage realizes what's happening, he runs into the barrier. He roars in anger before vanishing. The light around Legolas fades again, but it's much brighter. My shoulders sag in relief as I make my way over to him.

Legolas is staring blankly at the spot where Rage disappeared. Tears stain his face.
"Legolas?"
He shakes his head slightly before wiping the tears away.
"I'm alright," he says.
I reach my hand out and he takes it. As I help him up I marvel at how I'm able to control my ability to see into people's memories.

Whenever I used to come into contact with skin, I'd be thrown into whatever memories happened to surface, now I can unconsciously determine whether or not I want to see their memories? This better not be plot convenience....

"Three shadows down," I murmur, "one to go."
As if on cue a low growl cuts through the silence. Legolas and I both turn around to see the last, and possibly the worst of Legolas' shadows.
Guilt.

I wish that this shadow didn't have to take the form of the orc who killed Anna, or in Legolas' case Tauriel, but I can't exactly do anything about it. The monstrous orc glares at Legolas with so much hatred that he nearly falls over, and would have if I hadn't been there to steady him. We both wait for Guilt to make a move, but all he does is step back.

The moment he does a body appears on the ground. I don't know who it is, but Legolas does.
"No!" His legs give out and I manage to catch him. He wraps his arms around mine, staring at the body. I study the still figure on the ground, realizing that it's an elf. Blood covers his chest, staining his dark green tunic. His golden hair is tangled and matted with blood, his grey eyes stare blankly ahead.

He looks sort of like Legolas, but older. I touch Legolas' hand and search through his memories, I find the elf almost immediately.
It's his brother.
Guilt snarls and raises the giant mace he's carrying, causing more bodies to appear. Legolas screams again and I do my best to comfort him, but how can I when I'm filled with as much horror as he is?

All of his friends, all of his family, are laying dead before us. I don't know all of them, but I recognize Aragorn and Gimli among the corpses. I see his father, the little halfling who'd been with him in Mordor. They're dead, all of them are dead.

"It's my fault," Legolas moans, "it's all my fault!"
"No Legolas! None of this is your fault!" My words fall on dead ears. Legolas has gone completely limp in my arms. Tears stream down his face as he stares at the mutilated bodies of the ones he holds more dear than his own life.

But the final blow has yet to be struck.

Legolas and I both look up at Guilt, who is holding someone out in front of him.
It's Anna.
"Tauriel," Legolas whispers in a hoarse voice. She's still alive, her green eyes boring into Legolas' own.
"Legolas please," she cries, "don't let me die!"
"Tauriel!" Legolas tries to get up, but I hold him back. He fights against me, beating me with his fists, but I refuse to let him go.

"It's not real Legolas," I whisper into his ear, "none of this is real."
He stops struggling, but his eyes remain fixed on Tauriel. Guilt raises his mace, preparing to drive it through her body.
"All of this," I gesture to the dead bodies surrounding us, "it isn't real. These are not your real friends."
"But they're dead," he mumbles still staring at Tauriel, "they're all dead because of me. She's about to die too, it's all my fault! Everyone I love, everyone who gets close to me, I kill them!"

Guilt drives his mace forward. I hold back a sob as Tauriel's body jerks. I have to remind myself just as much as I'm reminding Legolas that none of this is real.
He screams as her body falls to the ground. He tries once more to free himself but I hold on.
"Listen to me Legolas, I need you to calm down."
He tries to do as he's asked, but his body continues to tremble.
Guilt is starting to make his way towards us, I don't have much time.

"I know you lost them all Legolas, but their deaths were not your fault!" There's no sign that he's listening to me, but I keep going anyway.
"Yes, some of them died before their time, and others shouldn't have had to die at all. But you know that they are at peace now!"
Guilt is getting closer, his mace dragging across the ground.
"Your family? They're all together now! Your mother and father have been reunited, and your brother! He forgave you Legolas, he loves you, they all love you."

Legolas' breathing is starting to slow down. I don't look at Guilt, I focus completely on comforting Legolas.
"And your friends? Aragorn, Gimli, those halflings, they're are all safe now. Nothing can harm them, they are at peace."
I look down and notice a faint glow coming from Legolas. I release him and slowly back away, but I know I'm not done yet.

"And An- Tauriel, she's here Legolas. She's with you, right now she's helping you get through this."
I glance at her fallen body, and at the blood staining the ground beneath her.
"It's not your fault that she died," I swallow a lump in my throat, and fight to get these last few words out. "You blame yourself because she died trying to save you. You would have rather died in her place, in your mind you should have been the one to die saving her. But do you know why she did it Legolas? Why she gave her life?"

The glow around Legolas is becoming brighter, just as Guilt is nearly in front of him.
"She saved you Legolas, because she loved you."
Quietly I add, "She still loves you."
I don't know whether he heard me or not, but something has broken inside of him. And for once, it isn't a bad thing.

Guilt knows it's over and doesn't cry out as the light surrounds him.
Yet as he fades away his eyes lock onto mine, and though I can't be sure, I could have sworn I saw him smirk.
I blink once, and he's gone.
I turn to Legolas to find that he's already standing, his gaze sweeping across the ground. All the bodies have left.

"You did it," I say aloud, "all of your shadows, they're gone."
"Yes, they are," he replies absently. I frown when I notice the troubled look on his face.
"What's wrong Legolas? You should be proud of yourself."
"Something isn't right," he mutters.
I stare at him quizzically. What does he mean?
"If all of my shadows are gone," he continues, "then why is my mind still dark?"

I blink once, twice.
Fear sets in my heart as I realize the weight behind his words. We meet each other's gaze, both of us coming to the same conclusion.
There has to be another shadow.
I search through the darkness, trying to find the other one. What could it be? I thought he got rid of everything!

A laugh cuts through the silence. Harsh and cruel, Legolas' eyes flood in terror.
We both know that laugh.
"Hello Legolas, I've missed you."
Sauron steps out of the darkness, a grin on his face. Amber eyes burn into Legolas, causing the elf to shiver. Dark, red hair falls over Sauron's shoulders, framing a face so fair, that it appears foul.

"It'll be alright Legolas," I try to rub his arm for comfort but he flinches away from me.
"He's not real," I continue in what I hope is a reassuring voice, "he can't hurt you."
Sauron laughs again, the sound merely sends shivers down my spine, I can't even begin to imagine what it does to Legolas.
"Not real? Foolish elfling, am I not standing before you now?"
He starts to walk towards us, causing Legolas to back away.
"Tell me, were any of the other shadows able to speak? Could any of them do this?"

He raises his hand and suddenly I'm thrown through the air. I land on my back but strangely, am unhurt. Quickly I scramble to my feet and run forward, only to collide with something hard.
"Amarth!"
I spin around and see Legolas staring at me in horror. I try to move forward, but again something blocks me.
Legolas is about to run to me when Sauron appears beside him and grabs his arm.
"My, my, it appears your friend has gotten himself trapped."

I narrow my eyes at him as I inspect my prison. I seem to be trapped in a glass box of some kind. I can't get out.
While I believed that Sauron was just another shadow, he was right about two things.
He was the only one who could speak to us, and he can trap me.
Sauron shakes his head, clicking his tongue.
"Why Legolas, what on earth is the matter? You seem awfully upset."

Legolas is straining against Sauron, trying to pull his arm free of his grasp. To his surprise Sauron lets go, causing the elf to fall.
"Do you have something to say Legolas?" He asks tilting his head to the side as if curious.
"You're not real!" Legolas shouts. "You are dead! And you have no power over me!"
"Oh but Legolas, I am real, thanks to you."
I keep my eyes locked on the younger elf, feeling more helpless than I've ever been in my life.
"What do you mean?" Legolas asks, his voice shaking.

"You made me real Legolas," Sauron starts to walk towards him, "as for being dead look at me! I'm clearly alive and well, again I must thank you for that."
"It's not true Legolas!" I bang against the glass wall of my prison. "He's lying! Don't listen to him!"
Legolas looks at me, confirming that he can hear me. Sauron took his chance and grabbed Legolas by both arms, yanking him forward.
I bang on the glass again but it does nothing to help. I'm trapped here, there's nothing I can I do but watch.

"And you say that I have no power over you?" Sauron's smile widens as he pulls Legolas close, their faces now inches apart. "If that were so, then why are you so afraid? If I was powerless, you would not fear me."
Legolas fights to free himself but it's all in vain. Sauron has no intention of releasing him.
"You've given me power Legolas," Sauron let's go of one of Legolas' arms only to grab his wrists and crush his hands together. "Because of you, I live on inside your mind."

With his free hand, Sauron starts to brush his fingers through Legolas' hair. He moans as if pain and lowers his head, meanwhile I try to fight the bile that's rising in my throat.
"I will always be here Legolas, for as long as you live I will be a part of you," He keeps his voice soft and soothing, like a father comforting his child.
"Isn't this the way you want it?" Sauron asks releasing Legolas' hands. He stops brushing Legolas' hair and lifts his head up, smiling gently at the young elf.

I feel sick.
I can't just keep standing here listening to this!
Do something Amarth! You no good excuse for an elf!

"What would you be without me Legolas?" He tucks Legolas' hair behind his ears, letting his finger brush over the point of his ear.
"You were nothing when I found you, nothing but a lost little elfling."
He traces his finger around Legolas' eye, letting it trail down his face.
"I took you in and turned you into something wonderful, something unique, beautiful."
I want to scream but I'm too angry to do even that. I can only pace frantically in my small prison, trying to think of something anything I could do to stop this.

Sauron cups Legolas' face in his hands, rubbing his thumb against his cheek.
"My perfect warrior."
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!"
Whatever trance Sauron had Legolas under is broken at the sound of my voice. Legolas pushes himself out of Sauron's grasp and tries to run, only to have two strong arms wrapped around his torso and be pulled back against Sauron's chest.

"Ai Legolas, still so stubborn. When will you ever learn?"
Legolas is still fighting, protesting in whatever way he can.
"Oh well, at least I know one way to get you to cooperate."
At this Legolas freezes, his eyes widen in horror.
"No! Don't do it please!"

Don't do what? What's he talking about? I feel Sauron's gaze on me and feel my blood run cold. Now I know what he means.
There is only one thing that can cause Legolas to surrender willingly, one thing that can bring the Prince of Mirkwood to his knees.

I brace myself for whatever pain Sauron is about to put me through, but nothing happens. I just stand here, waiting. Yet when I look at Legolas I see him straining against Sauron, crying and begging for him to stop.

Wait a minute, Sauron can't hurt me here!
This box, this prison, it's all a trick!
He's showing Legolas exactly what he wants him to see, and that is me being tortured.
"It's not real Legolas! Whatever you're seeing it's not real! He can't hurt me!"
I bang on the glass but to no avail.
Legolas can no longer see me, he can't hear me!

"It's a trick Legolas! Don't believe him!" I keep shouting and pounding my fists on the glass, but all of it is useless.

Legolas will have to fight this alone.

/\\//\\/

Legolas' POV

He didn't know what Sauron was doing to Amarth, but he could see that the older elf was in pain. His screams flooded his ears and he wanted so desperately to cover them with his hands, yet even that simple action was taken away from him. With Sauron's arms wrapped securely around his own, there was nothing he could do to block out Amarth's screams.

He hated being so close to him, he shuddered when he felt him breathing down his neck.
"It never ceases to amaze me," Sauron murmured, "how is it that your greatest strength, is also your greatest weakness?"
What is he talking about?
"I'm talking about your loyalty Legolas."
The elf stiffened as Sauron read his mind. Of course he could hear his thoughts! He was apart of his mind!

"Your loyalty towards your friends strengthens you," Sauron whispered, letting his chin rest on Legolas' shoulder. "When one is in danger, you will do anything to save them, nothing can stand in your way."
Another heart-wrenching scream came from Amarth.
Legolas bit his tongue to hold back a scream of his own as he felt Sauron twirling a strand of his hair around his finger.

"However, if the friend is being tortured, or threatened with death, you will drop everything just to spare them the pain. Willing to do whatever anyone asks just so they will live."
Legolas' body turned to ice when he felt Sauron's lips brush against his ear.
"A beautiful paradox, is it not?"

After what seemed like an eternity Amarth's screams finally came to a stop. Legolas watched as he lay on the ground, unmoving.
"Do not fret little one, he is not dead." Sauron paused for a moment before adding, "Yet."
Legolas' stomach churned. He knew what was coming next, he'd been through this too many times.
"If you want to save him Legolas, if you want his suffering to end..." He laughed and tugged sharply on Legolas' ear, causing him to wince.
"Well, you know what to do."

Legolas did know.
He knew all too well.
If he surrendered and gave himself to Sauron, then Amarth would be spared. It was possible that he would go back on his words and kill Amarth regardless of what he did, but it would spare the older elf from further torment.

Could he really do this? Could he really allow Sauron to enslave him again?
Whether or not he surrendered Sauron would be here. He lived inside of his mind, for as long as he wished he could keep Legolas here, plaguing him day and night until he finally broke.

And it's all my fault....
Sauron laughed at his confession and Legolas hung his head in shame.
It's my fault that Sauron is here, it's my fault that Amarth is being tortured. He said so himself didn't he? The reason why he has all this power is because of me! Because I let him live inside my mind! If only I-

Time seemed to stop as Legolas raised his head.
The reason Sauron has all this power, is because of me.
The one in question stared down at Legolas skeptically. He'd already acknowledged that point, why was he repeating it?
I'm the one that gave him power, because I let his memory live on.
Something wasn't right here, why didn't he sound afraid anymore?

"I gave you this power," Legolas said aloud. Startling Sauron enough for him to loosen his grip and for Legolas to pull himself out of his arms. Instead of running like Sauron expected him to Legolas turned around to face him, his blue eyes burning.
"I can take it away."

Before Sauron could speak another word light shot out from Legolas' hand, striking him in the chest. He doubled over, gasping in pain.
"What are you doing?!" He shrieked.
"What I should have done the day you died," Legolas growled. He sent another beam of light into Sauron's chest, another scream tore itself out of his throat.
"You are a fool! You will never be rid of me!"

His words were ignored as more light was shot into him. Sauron fell to his knees, helpless as the light struck his body, burning him like fire.
"You have no place here Sauron," Legolas stood over the fallen maia, golden light surrounding him like fire. "You own me no longer."
Sauron glared at the elf with all the hatred he could muster. His once fair face was now twisted and deformed, his amber eyes were like those of a snake.

Legolas dropped to his knees and slammed his hand against the ground. An explosion of light burst from the elf, cutting through the darkness and filling it with beautiful, pure light. Sauron screamed as his body burned away, turning into a pile of ash which the light carried away, never to be seen again.

It was over.

/\\//\\/

I gasp as I fall onto my back and land on grass.
"Caran!" Anna races to my side and Pallando quickly follow. I look at the sky and see the stars above me. I'm not in Legolas' mind anymore.

Wait a minute, Legolas!

I push myself into a sitting position, almost headbutting Pallando in the process. My eyes immediately go to the elf lying on the ground and I crawl towards him. His feä is no longer transparent, and all the darkness has left him, but his eyes remain closed.

"Come on Legolas," I urge grabbing his hand, "wake up."
I hear Anna and Pallando behind me. All three of watch Legolas, and wait.
A sigh escapes Legolas' lips as his eyes flutter open. He blinks several times and looks confused as he searches for something familiar.

His eyes meet mine and widen in surprise. I notice that I'm still holding his hand and quickly let go.
I just made that more awkward than necessary...
He glances behind me at Pallando and Anna before facing me again, this time with a smile on his face.
"Hello Amarth."

I allow myself a sly grin and ruffle his hair.
"Hello Greenleaf."