Author's notes: whoo~ my homecoming was fun. =D

N/e waize, the fic has been advanced to an r rating b/c of…stuff. =D

Chapter 7: Letting Go

Aragorn and Arwen walked together in silence through the tranquil woods of Lothlorien. Neither had the heart to speak to the other and waited for the other to say the first word. Aragorn finally broke the silence.

"When did you come?" he asked.

"I came the day after you left." Arwen answered. "Faramir is watching over Gondor in your absence." Arwen stared at the necklace that glittered brightly around Aragorn's neck. "Aragorn, your necklace…"

"Hmm?" Aragorn stared at Arwen as she fingered the pendant absentmindedly. "It is the one you gave me. Don't you remember?"

"I wish I could forget." Arwen whispered sorrowfully.

"Why do you say that, love?" Aragorn asked, concerned at the sad tone in Arwen's voice. He gently lifted her chin up with his hand.

Arwen looked away. "Because its existence makes it harder for you to go to Legolas. Aragorn, I must tell you something." Arwen looked into Aragorn's eyes. "I shall be going to Rivendell to live with my father. I shall not be returning to Gondor."

"Arwen—"

"My father knows of my decision," Arwen continued, ignoring Aragorn's interruption. "Our marriage shall be declared null."

"Must you do this?" Aragorn asked pleadingly.

"Yes," Arwen answered firmly. "I shall not be the reason you cannot love Legolas. Please Aragorn, my father knows well of your affection for Legolas, also. He bears you no ill will and neither do I."

"I cannot live knowing I am the reason for your heartbreak." Aragorn argued.

"And so you shall not live knowing that. My heart does not hurt as much as you perceive. I am happy for the days we were in love. They were all I needed." Arwen smiled graciously. "I bid you well, Aragorn. Find Legolas and tell him." She looked warmly into his eyes but they both turned around when they heard a faint rustling in the bushes nearby. Arwen grinned when a sheepish-looking Pippin popped his head out.

"Aragorn, Lady Galadriel wished to speak with us." Pippin said timidly.

"Thank you, Pippin." Aragorn nodded and turned back to Arwen. "Good-bye, Arwen Undomiel."

"Good-bye, King Elessar." Arwen replied. She watched as Aragorn disappeared back towards the palace with Pippin. "Good-bye, my love…"

***

Legolas glared coldly at Saruman as the wizard positioned the knife into a throwing position. He threw it and Legolas closed his eyes in anticipation of the knife piercing his body but he did not feel any pain. He opened his eyes again and saw a faint blue glow, looking vaguely like a shield, protecting his body. The knife had fallen harmlessly to the floor. Legolas cursed himself for using his magic subconsciously.

"Well, Elf!" Saruman laughed gleefully. "Do you see now why I wanted you?" He made a swishing motion with his hand and Legolas suddenly felt icy cold as the blue glow disappeared. As it vanished, a smoky form left Legolas' body. Saruman made another flick with his hand and the form sped into him. "I thank you, prince of Mirkwood!" Saruman called to Legolas, who was shivering terribly on the floor. "You have made my rise to power much simpler!" Saruman laughed loudly as black clouds formed in the sky and thunder and lightning resounded.

***

"You must go quickly to Mordor." Lady Galadriel said as she looked down at the remaining members of the Fellowship who stood before her and Celeborn. "The road to Mordor is treacherous as Sam and Frodo already know. Once you enter, you must go straight to Saruman's tower. Do not enter through the Cirith Ungol!" Galadriel's eyes twinkled on Sam and Frodo, both of whom simultaneously trembled at the mention of the horrific place. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning flashed through the sky above them. Celeborn gave a start.

"He has begun!" he cried out gravely.

"What—what's happening?" Pippin asked, looking terrified.

"Legolas is in danger!" Gandalf answered gravely. He looked withered, no longer resembling the great wizard he was. "Saruman has succeeded in taking Legolas' powers."

"Then is all lost?" Frodo asked in despair.

"Never is anything entirely lost," Galadriel replied sternly. "But now I must insist you journey to Mordor as quickly as possible. You must rescue Legolas. And Frodo, do you still have my gift?"

"Of course!" Frodo pulled out a phial that dangled from the end of a chain around his neck. The liquid inside the phial glowed dimly as it was of the light from Earendil's star.

"That gift should come in use again, Frodo." Galadriel said. "But on this quest, it will not be used to guide you in darkness. It will save a life."

With that final word, Gandalf led the Fellowship down to the river where Elves were already packing boats for them to use. The Fellowship climbed into the boats and thanked the Elves before speeding down the river.

***

When Legolas awoke, he felt dreadfully weak. He couldn't move himself and so he stayed where he was. He noticed that he had been moved back into his prison cell. He dimly heard the sound of someone walking in. He saw that it was once again that same Man, who remained covered in his cloak. The Man kicked Legolas in the stomach. Legolas gasped in pain and coughed as he struggled for breath.

"Up, Elf!" the Man snarled. "You must eat." Legolas didn't move. The Man grew impatient and threw a piece of dry meat at Legolas. He slammed the door on his way out.

The door soon opened again and Legolas could see that it was now Saruman and Wormtongue.

"Get rid of him." Saruman told Wormtongue. "I have no use of him any longer."

"Must we rid of him?" Wormtongue asked, licking his lips.

Saruman noticed the desire in Wormtongue's eyes and smirked. "Do as you wish." He said coldly. He left the cell. Wormtongue approached Legolas.

"Stay away," Legolas croaked weakly. Wormtongue laughed shrilly as he climbed on top of Legolas and straddled him. Legolas struggled to get away but he had no strength to do so. Wormtongue ripped off Legolas' shirt and tunic. "No…" Legolas whispered despairingly but Wormtongue paid him no heed.

***

The Fellowship sat in their boats as night came. They had all been gravely silent, especially Aragorn. He stared straight ahead, grim and wrathful. Gimli and Merry, who were in the same boat as the Man, were careful not to disturb him.

The darkness and chill of night overcame the Fellowship. Not a thing could be seen over the river except for what Gandalf was able to illuminate with his staff. All was quiet except for the sounds of water lapping at the sides of the boats.

"We should rest." Gandalf called. "We are in no danger as far as I can tell. Aragorn?"

"Yes?"

"I bid you rest as well."

Aragorn sighed. "I can try, but I certainly will not be able to.