A/N Sorry about the delay in getting this out writer's block and real life interfered. This is the sequal to Dark Lord's Consort and while it is not necessary to have read that one to understand this story it will help. A brief backstory: to save his brother's and Legolas' life Aragorn agreed to become Sauron's consort and held the position for twelve years before betrayal caused Sauron to release him. This story deals with the reactions of himself, his friends, and family as he tries to rebuild his life. A warning, not all the characters are going to react favorably, initially or even later, some will change for the good and some for the bad. Some characters may seem out of character but I hope not too far. This stories revolves around people who care about and love each other deeply, and reactions are not always logical. I do not dislike any of the characters and do not intend to villianize any, even if it may appear that way. As always I do not own LOTR and am making no money from this. Enjoy and any and all feedback is welcome and hoped for.

With a lightness of heart he had not felt in long years Aragorn stepped off of Caradhas. He was home. The knowledge was inargueable. The dull, almost unfelt pain he had learned to live with during his self-enforced abandonment vanished. Even the newer, blazing pain that threatened to destory him faded for a glorious moment and when it returned it was more controllable. But where should he go now? The decision he had put off during his entire journey from Mordor now had to be made. Automatically his eyes went to the distance where hidden Rivendell lay and beyond that to the Angle. No, he decided after a moment. He was not strong enough at the moment to face the rejection that would more than likely be his. Maybe once he had recovered more of himself he could find the strength to travel those paths. Deep inside he hated the cowardice of that decision but knew he had no choice. At the moment it took everything he had simply to hold himself together.

Slowly sinking down to lean against a convenient tree he closed his eyes to drink in the sounds, smells, and feel of Eriador, of his long missed home. Here he could again find himself and his inner balance. But how? Opening his eyes he rose to stare out over the wilds he had protected for so long. For the first time in his life he could choose his own way, unbound by inherited blood duty. His eyes lovingly scanned the forests and plans of Eriador, his memory filling in details his eyes were not sharp enough to see.

Once more his future fell into place. He could still protect his people. Satisfied he started deeper into the North. It was not a cure, but he had taken his first step toward rebuilding his life.

This was not good, Halbarad, acting chieftain of the Dunedain of Arnor told himself. The warg pack was larger than expected and just kept coming. Dismayed he saw two wargs converging on him. There was no way he could evade them both. Quickly he brought His sword up and decapitated the closest and turned to face the other, instinctively knowing that he was too late. He had only just pulled his sword free with the warg inches from his throat when an arrow took the animal in its throat, killing it instantly. Already throwing himself back into the battle Halbarad chanced a quick look at the thicket where the arrow had come from. With a heart suddenly lighter than it had been in years he could not help but smile: he knew who their saviour was. He continued to shoot arrows with deadly accuracy and turned the tide of the battle. When the battle finally ended Halbarad turned to the thicket where the final arrows had come from, afraid he would again vanish. "My Lord, please do not leave."

At his words the clearing went still. For several long minutes none of the Dunedain moved, staring anxiously, and hopefully, into the surrounding thicket. "I am here," a low, still familiar voice spoke from behind him.

As one the rangers turned. Halbarad quickly cut through the men to embrace his cousin, but stopped short when Aragorn seemed to flinch away. He settled for a warm smile instead. "It is good to see you again. We have been hoping to come across you." Aware of the rest of the rangers gathering around them Halbarad took a good look at his chieftain. Outwardly he seemed to have changed little: he had a few more gray hairs and his hair was shorter. The real difference was internal. Halbarad could sense that a part of him was closed off. The internal peace that he had always shown was still there, but had somehow been disrupted. But his fear of power that he had always kept well hidden from all but those that knew him best was gone.

"My Lord," one of the younger rangers asked. "What are your orders?

Aragorn blinked twice and glanced questioningly at Halbarad.

"When word reached us that you had been freed and tales of deeds of protection began to circulate I recognized your imprint on many of the acts. We took a vote and decided that you are still our chieftain."

Swallowing hard in disbelief Aragorn looked at each man in turn. The absolute trust and belief he saw caught him completely off-guard and filled him with a warmth he had not felt in more than a decade and a half. "But I was-"

"-Sauron's consort," Halbarad finished. "We know and we also know why. We know too that you did not betray us. If you had we, or at least our families, would be dead. Some did have doubts in the beginning, but your acts since returning to the North have laid those to rest. And the fact that you did not seek us out to reclaim the power of your birthright laid the remaining few fears to rest." He reached out a hand and laid it on Aragorn's cloak where a ranger wore his star. He could feel the hidden star but quickly pulled his hand away when Aragorn flinched at the contact.

Aragorn was silent a moment, looking from man to man before turning his eyes toward the distant Angle. "If you are sure." His eyes caught Halbarad's. "In my heart I never forgot who I am." He took a deep breath and slowly released it. "You had better catch me up on recent events and anything else I should know."

Carefully hiding his nervousness Aragorn walked with Halbarad into the Angle. In the almost six months since he had been resumed leading the rangers he had not found a reason to return. Although to himself he admitted it had been as much about his nervousness about his acceptance than being to busy. This cowardice within him was not somwthing he was comfortable with, but it was also something he could not easily rid himself of.

"Aragorn!"

"You're back!"

Several glad cries rang out and he was soon surrounded by his people. His relief quickly turned to uneasiness as he was hemmed in and hugged. The uninvited physical contact almost caused him to lose control and lash out. Fightin to keep his panic at bay Aragorn hurriedly excused himself and walked into the house that had been his mothers. Leaning on the table he closed his eyes and focused on steadying his breathing. He could almost feel rough hands, that had once been tender, grabbing him, feel his hands being bound. NO! Pushing away from the table he leaned into the wall. He would not let it rule him. He was home, he was safe. He was home, he was safe, silently he repeated the mantra to himself as his breathing slowed. As calmness returned he sensed a presence behind him. Taking a final deep breath he turned to face Halbarad. "Sorry, more people than I am used to."

Halbarad took a couple of more steps into the room, watching his friend closely. "There was a time when you trusted me."

Aragorn's eyes, always older than his years but now haunted by pain he kept hidden, locked with his. "I still trust you."

"Then tell me what is wrong." He took a couple of determined steps forward and did not miss the fact that Aragorn took an involuntary step back before stopping himself. "I want to help."

With a sad smile Aragorn turned to look out the window. "There is nothing you can do. It is something I just need to deal with."

Walking up behind his chieftain but careful not to touch. Halbarad joined him in looking out at their people. "We-I am here for you."

"I know. And that means more than you will ever know." Companionably silent they watched the everyday activities they fought every day to allow people to do. "This is what gets me through. It is what has always gotten me through."

"Our lives are never lost or wasted as long as our people and line live."

Allowing the love and acceptance to fill him and chase the last vestiges of nightmare Aragorn nodded. "Let's go join them."

At the door Halbarad stopped. "I am here if you need me."

Turning to face him and placing a hand on his shoulder, the first physical contact Hlabarad had seen his chieftain make since returning, Aragorn again caught his eyes. "Thank you." Turning he walked out into the daylight to be greeted more sedately by his people.

Pulling his hood further over his head Aragorn stepped into the Prancing Pony. He had not been here since returing North more than five years ago. He did not really want to be here now. Despite retaking his position as chieftain of the rangers he had not taken to renewing his old haunts. For the most part he stayed in the wild, istening in on pertinent conversations from the anonymity of the street or concealment of the woods. He chose not think about why he stayed away from crowds whenever possible. At the door he stopped and swallowed hard, bracing himself. The common room was crowded with people. In the far corner he spotted an old man in dirty gray robes and a pointed hat. The far-side of the room. Taking a deep breath he began to ease his way through the crowd. Not for the first time since returning he was glad most people feared rangers and wanted nothing to do with them. A path automatically cleared for him and he did not need to worry about being accidentally grabbed or bumped into. He had learned the hard way that casual touches, especially ones he was unprepared for caused a bad reaction. At last he reached the table and sat in the open chair. At least it was the one in the corner. "Hello, Gandalf."

The wizard sat back, eyeing the human. This was the first time he had crossed paths with the heir of Isildur since he had returned. For a few moments he just watched the human. Since his return none of the White Council except Galadriel had seen him and she had refused to say anything about changes in him, simply stating that they needed to see and judge for themselves. Aragorn's eyes met his without flinching. Gandalf smiled at his old friend. He was changed, but his core of goodness remained, perhaps even stronger than before. On the edge of his awarenes he sensed something. It was power and belief in the light. A subtle shift from the man across from him pulled Gandalf out of his thoughts. Aragorn was uncomfortable. The feelings were well hidden, but they were there. Briefly the Istari wondered what was causing the unease. "I am sorry I have not seen you before."

Aragorn shrugged, eyes continuously scanning the room. "It was to be expected. What do you need me for?"

Not sure how to translate his tone of voice Gandalf decided to get right to the matter at hand. "I think I know where the One Ring is."

Every muscle in his body tensing Aragorn leaned forward. "Tell me you are joking." To the ranger's dismay the desperation he felt showed in his voice. If the One Ring was found- The horror of what would happen if Sauron retook the ring almost overwhelmed him. Closing his eyes he swallowed hard. "What do you want me to do?"

Gandalf cocked his head. "You do not want to know where it is?"

Trying to hide his annoyance at the question Aragorn shook his head. "As long as Sauron does not have it I do not care. But since you called me here you obviously need my help with something. Otherwise you would have followed the custom of contacting one of my rangers."

"Aragorn I-"

The chieftain of the rangers held up a hand to stop the apology before it could be formed. "I understand and accept the reasons. It is the price I knew I would pay when I remained in Mordor. It is enough that my people still believe in me. Now what do you need my help with?"

Deciding to leave the issue of trust for now Gandalf made a note to himself to bring it up at a more convenient time. "I need to find and capture the creature known as Gollum."

Understanding lit Aragorn's eyes. "Bilbo's story?"

The guess caught Gandalf off-guard for a moment. While he knew the child Estel had developed a deep friendship with Bilbo he had never known the human child had heard the whole story of the hobbit's journey. Although knowing the child Aragorn had been he should not be surprised. "Possibly. The last sign I had of him he was heading toward Mordor."

"If Sauron finds him and learns the truth-"Aragorn left that though unfinished. Fear and horror almost overwhelmed him again. "I will leave first thing in the morning."

Aware of the uneasiness in the usually even tone Gandalf tried to see him clearer, but the hood foiled him. "Are you able for this?

Eyes distant Aragorn shrugged. "If he is heading to Mordor nobody knows the terrain better than me and nobody knows better than me what will happen if Sauron regains the One." With a quick shake of his head he caught Gandalf's eyes. "Am I to go alone?"

Something in Aragorn's tone stopped Gandalf before he could answer. Quickly reviewing Aragorn's words and actions since he had sat down Gandalf changed his mind about his answer. "I had thought to go with you, but I think that will just make it more dangerous."

More relaxed than he had been since entering the Prancing Pony Aragorn nodded and leaned back in his seat. "Where do you wish me to bring him once I catch him?"

"Mirkwood."

Raising an eyebrow Aragorn slumped slightly in his chair. "That might not be the best idea. It is doubtful I will be allowed within the city." For a moment the pain of his former best friend's rejection shown in his eyes before his usual impassive mask slid back into place. "You know how Legolas feels."

"The arrangements have already been made with King Thranduril. It is known that you will most likely make the delivery. As for Leg-"

Aragorn held up a hand to stop him. "I do not need any explanations. As I said before my choice was made with full knowledge of the consequances of my actions. Neither Legolas or my family can be blamed for their feelings."

"Elrond?" Gandalf repeated in surprise. From what he recalled the elven lord had been heartbroken but understanding of Aragorn's decision and almost desperate to see his youngest son once it was know he had returned to the North.

Slowly Aragorn nodded, expressionless mask firmly in place. "Several months after rejoining the rangers I found the courage to seek out my family. I was denied access to Rivendell." While his voice remained even it was impossible to miss the pain caused by that rejection. After a moment he shrugged with a lightness he clearly did not feel. "And since Legolas has made his opinion well known to any and all rangers he comes across I saw no need to force my unwelcome presence on them. I can be content with the knowledge that they are alive and free."

Knowing, and regretting, that he had no words of comfort to give Gandalf said nothing. The sad truth was he believed Aragorn. Isildur's heir had learned early to see the consequances, good and bad, of his actions. But that knowledge had never stopped him from making the best decision for the rest of Middle-Earth. "I think it might be a good idea to seek out Elrond again."

Aragorn shook his head. "I do not have the strength to face another rejection." He rose to his feet. "I had better go if I want to get word to Halbarad and still leave in the morning."

Gandalf rose as well. He did not want Aragorn to leave yet. The Istari was surprised by how good it felt to simply sit and be with Aragorn. He had not realized just how much he had missed his friend. "Why don't you stay here the night? I am sure Butterbur has rooms available."

Only because he was watching closely did Gandalf catch the brief flare of panic in Aragorn's eyes before they shuttered again. What had happened to him? "No thank you." His voice was perfectly calm and in control. "I will send word."

In reply Gandalf nodded and sat back down. "Good luck and thank you."

Moving with almost elven grace Aragorn slid out of the common room, once again careful to avoid physical contact with anyone. Lighting his pipe Gandalf watched the ranger's departure. He would send word to Elrond. Something was bothering Aragorn, something that he had not yet dealt with or shared. His mind still replaying the conversation Gandalf went to his room. The events that had been set into action nearly twenty years ago had not finished playing out yet.

Memories all but overpowering him Aragorn stood at the edge of the Dead Marshes. It had been remarkably easy to get here. No one in the military thought anyone would enter Mordor unless they wanted to join Sauron and none would be foolish enough to try to make their way through the maze that was the Emyn Muil. As long as he was in the dead marshes he did not have to worry about patrols. The creatures of Mordor were as uncomfortable with the ancient battlefield and its dead as those on the side of light were. Closing his eyes he worked on centering himself. Memories were the last thing he needed to focus on. He needed to find Gollum and get out of Mordor. The sooner the better. Resolutely he sought the faint trail that he had found and lost several times in the last months. All he wanted to do was go home.

Home. The word resonated in his mind in a way he had never thought possible. It also hurt. Probably because he no longer had a true home. He was always welcome in the Angle but had never spent enough time there for it to truly feel like home. Then there was his childhood home, the only place he had ever felt truly at home, Rivendell. Even thinking about the banishment hurt. The pain was almost as bad as what Sauron- quickly his mind shied away from that last thought. With a quick shake of his head Aragorn crouched down to seek the elusive trail. He was actually lucky the Dunedain accepted him back so completely. While a few had been uncomfortable with him in the beginning that had faded in the first year. Releasing a deep breath he forced those thoughts aside, stubbornly not acknowledging how good he had gotten at that since leaving Mordor. For now he needed to focus on Gollum. He would deal with home and Mirkwood then.

By force of habit Aragorn ignored the hateful mumbling creature that trailed sullenly behind him on the end of the leash as he traced the nearly hidden path that led to the elven kingdom of Mirkwood. While he had not seen any elves he knew they were trailing him. It might still be a couple of miles before he reached the borders of King Thranduril's realm but in these dark days patrols would be wandering farther into Mirkwook, attempting to keep the danger as far from home as possible. Realizing he could delay no longer Aragorn whistled a greeting. Then he prepared himself to wait. While Gandalf had arranged for him to bring Gollum here that had been nearly three years ago. That coupled with the fact that the youngest prince of the realm hated him added to the distrust that was increased by his time in Mordor. Put together that told him that this meeting was going to be very uncomfortable.

"So the Betrayer has decided to honor Mirkwood with his presence."

Straightening Aragorn turned to face the elven patrol that had answered his greeting. Twelve elves, all with bows out. Idly he wondered if they would really kill him. "I betrayed no one," he stated calmly. He left it at that. Shortly after returning North he had learned that people who knew where he had been either believed him or did not. What he said made little difference. He would not spend the rest of his life apologizing or justifying his decisions. But pain did lash through him as he locked eyes with his former best friend. Despite the fact that he had expected it the ferocity and depths of Legolas' hatred cut him deeply. Legolas locked eyes with him in a hard glare that Aragorn refused to look away from. He would not cower or run from the decision he had made. If he had it to do again, knowing the consequances, he would not change it.

Legolas spoke after several minutes, not breaking eye contact. "King Thranduril wishes to speak with you. I am sending two guards as well."

Not liking the level of tension Aragorn nodded easy agreement. "If you would prefer I will turn Gollum over to you and not step within the Woodland Realm proper," he offered.

"No." Legolas looked away and back toward the palace. "My father's orders were very explicit. He wants to speak with you personally." Without another word he signaled to two of him men and then he and the others vanished silently back into the forest.

The two day walk to reach the center of Thranduril's realm was one of the longest that Aragorn could remember taking. The hatred and distrust was fairly radiating off the two elves that were escorting him. It was also slightly disconcerting to see how close they kept their hands to their weapons. As they neared Mirkwood's palace Aragorn noticed a distinct lessening of the violent emotions swirling around him. It had been a slow but steady decrease that Aragorn suddenly realized had nothing to do with nearing their home. As the tension eased to almost nothing Aragorn glanced down at his left wrist. With effort he tamped down on the strength of his emotion. He could not believe how close he had allowed himself to come to losing control in his desire to ease the violent emotions. Carefully he reached out to touch the surface thoughts of the two elves, neither of whom had bothered to introduce themselves. Both appeared consciously oblivious to the calm he was emanating. At least he was not able to alter a person's thoughts. That was one temptation he did not have to worry about. He could still remember the horror he had felt during the intense council session when he could feel those around him getting ready to explode in violence when he suddenly realized the reason there had been no physical violence was because he was leaning into the bracelet and exuding a calm that could not be ignored. Shaken more than he had cared to admit he spent the rest of the session testing the strength of this ability. His fear had calmed somewhat once he discovered that he was not changing their thoughts but instead causing a reluctance to do violence. The ability was more empathic than telepathic. Cautious testing over the next several months had shown him the limits of this power. But it was not something he was comfortable with. Forcefully he pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind and prepared himself for his meeting with the elven king. Thranduril had never been fond of him, actually of humans in general, so he could not understand why he wanted to see him. Mentally bracing himself he stepped into the heart pf the woodland realm, feeling his soul lighten as the healing power of the elves reached out to him, reinforcing his sense of self.