Author's notes: wow…so many replies… THANKS!!!!!!!!!! *^^*

O yeah, and I forgot to mention this in the previous chapter [I changed it so I forgot to put in this part] but umm, when Sauron took legolas' power, he also took some of his soul (if that's even possible) and so Legolas sleeps wit his eyes closed…? I don't know if that makes much sense but iono… whenever I picture Legolas sleeping, I always see his eyes closed, not open… *shrug*

To legolasgurl1984: y does everyone want Legolas? Simple. He's a HOTT MOTHA F****

Lol, actually, I kinda needed that "everyone has to rape Legolas cuz he's so purty and fairylike" situation for my fic… *^^*

Chapter 11: Determination and Sacrifice

 The Fellowship sat by Legolas' bed, anxiously waiting for him to awaken. It disturbed Aragorn that Legolas' eyes were shut as he slept. They held their breaths as Legolas stirred. His eyes opened and he stared at the ceiling blankly.

"Legolas?" Gimli whispered hesitantly. Legolas turned to the Dwarf.

"Gimli?" he said hoarsely. He looked around the room and at the rest of the Fellowship. "Where am I?"

"You are in Rivendell." Gandalf answered. He put his hand to Legolas' face but pulled away when Legolas flinched. "Am I hurting you?" Gandalf asked.

"No," Legolas replied, "'tis nothing…" Aragorn frowned deeply as he remembered the last time he had heard Legolas say those same words in such a distant tone. "I must go back to Mordor…" Legolas said suddenly to no one in particular. The hobbits gasped loudly.

"No!" Frodo cried. "You can't! You are too weak to go anywhere!"

"Frodo is right." Gimli agreed sternly. "Leave Saruman to us. We're not letting you go to Mordor again."

"And how do you propose to stop me?" Legolas asked icily. "I shall go to Mordor whether you allow it or not."

"Legolas—" Aragorn began.

"No, Aragorn." Gandalf cut in softly. He glanced at Legolas and looked back at the Man. "Legolas is right. He shall go to Mordor but not alone. We shall accompany him there." Gandalf stood and motioned for everyone to do the same. "Rest, Legolas. Elrond should be here soon to attend to you." The group left the room. Aragorn stared in disbelief at Gandalf but the wizard put up his hand as Aragorn opened his mouth to protest. "Not in the vicinity of Legolas' room." Gandalf said firmly. He led the Fellowship out into the pavilion.

"Gandalf, you cannot send Legolas back to Mordor!" Aragorn cried out. The hobbits and Gimli nodded their heads in agreement. "He cannot even sit up by himself!"

"Legolas must go." Gandalf replied as though he had not heard a word Aragorn had just said. "He is the only one who can defeat Saruman. Only he has the power to do so.

"Legolas' power resides in Saruman. But along with that power also is his Elven soul. Have you not noticed how Legolas sleeps now with his eyes closed? Though his power was taken by Saruman, it is still his own. He has the ability to call it back."

"Then why didn't we have Legolas do that before coming here?" Pippin asked curiously.

"'Tis not an easy task." Gandalf replied somewhat hesitantly. "First of all, Legolas was in no state to even attempt to fight Saruman. He needs to regain what strength he can before we return to Mordor. And…" Gandalf paused and Aragorn gulped at the dark news he knew must be coming. "If Legolas should succeed in recalling his magic, then with his power will also come some of Saruman's. But Saruman's power is tainted with evil. Legolas is pure, more pure than any of us simply because he is one of the Fair Folk. I do not know how Saruman's Darkness shall affect Legolas though I have known the introduction of evil magic into a Mage to be fatal. Even if it does not kill him, it would surely taint Legolas' purity."

The Fellowship stood silently as they took in the intensity of Gandalf's words. Aragorn shook his head and shut his eyes as he put his hand to his forehead wearily. He did not need this now… Just when it had seemed all would be well…

"I know this risk must be taken," Gimli said finally and slowly, "but I cannot bear to think what should happen if we fail."

***

Legolas opened his eyes when he heard someone enter his room. Arwen approached his bedside. Legolas smiled softly but surprisingly at the sight of his old friend.

"Arwen, when did you come? Why are you not in Gondor?" Legolas questioned.

Arwen smiled sadly. "I have been dwelling in my father's home since the day Aragorn went to Mirkwood. Are you all right, dear friend?" Legolas nodded and moved to sit up but Arwen put her hand on his shoulder. "Do not get up. You are still weak." Legolas nodded and lied back down again. Arwen looked into Legolas' still-puzzled eyes. "Did Aragorn not tell you that we have parted?" Legolas' eyes widened. Arwen nodded sadly. "I supposed it was so. Legolas, please take care of him."

"Nay, I shall not." Legolas replied. He looked at her resolutely. "I cannot bear the thought of you and Elessar hurting. And if that pain should be caused by me… You and Elessar have been through much already. I shall not add to that."

Arwen shook her head. "You are older than I in years Legolas, but it surprises me how ignorant you are. Do not put blame on yourself. 'Tis not your fault. 'Tis not anyone's fault. Can you blame the path love takes? Legolas, I do not hurt as much as you suggest. And Aragorn only hurts because he cannot be with you." Arwen stroked Legolas' silky hair. "For you, friend, I would do anything. I gladly gave up my Immortality to be with Aragorn. But my time has passed. I willingly leave Aragorn now."

"Arwen, I cannot do as you wish though I desire it very much. My home is in Mirkwood. My duties are with my people. I cannot ask my father to give me leave to become a Mortal just so I can be with Aragorn." Legolas said somberly.

"Dear Legolas, I do not ask you to give up your Immortality. You could not do so anyway because of your powers." Arwen giggled at the shock on Legolas' face. "Yes, Legolas, we all know you are a Mage. You need not be so shocked. But Legolas," Arwen's face turned grave, "you are still weak. Without your powers, you are no more than a Mortal in all but appearance. Be careful in Mordor."

"You confuse me, Arwen." Legolas said, crestfallen. "I no longer know how to act, what to do."

"Nay, dear Legolas." Arwen bent down and softly kissed her friend on the forehead. "You confuse yourself."