Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess

Author's Note:

This is a LegoRomance (slow-burn)

~ LXXXVI: Beating Hearts ~

Caras Galadhon, 3019 TA, April 16th

He sped down the hanging steps of the mallorn-trees, slipped barefoot on the green grass when he reached the ground, and then wandered through the golden woods to locate the kitchen, or better yet, to sneak inside undetected and steal some food. On the vast countertops, a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits were prepared for the Lothlórien's important visitors. At the corner was a huge selection of Lembas bread and Lórien sweets, which were often taken by travellers or guards who were travelling a great distance.

He closed his eyes, allowing the smells of the adjacent sweets to fill his senses, and he was overcome with the desire to take some and bring them back to her. They hadn't eaten in days, save for what was handed to them on the healing wards, and it was obviously not enough since his stomach was rumbling loudly.

Under the huge mallorn-trees of Lothlórien, his heart found rest, yet he did not feel at home there. In Imladris, he felt at home, and he was permitted to behave accordingly. Therefore, stealing sweets and food from Imladris's kitchen was never a problem, although doing so in Lothlórien might be troublesome. However, he was not deterred. He jumped deftly over the corner, grabbed some Lembas and sweets, and dashed away.

The majority of the kitchen maidens had recognised him and were muttering, but none of them interfered with his stealing. The elf's heart was racing, and for a minute he felt as if he were an elfin making mischief in the Halls of Mirkwood. The moment of bliss lasted just till he reached her quarters and shut the door. The stolen sweets were placed on the desk in the corner next to the bed, and he returned to bed.

His left arm encircled her sleeping form and drew her closer till their flesh was in contact. His robe had once again landed on the ground, and he now held her in his arms. Observing her slumbering in his arms, he maintained a steady gaze on her. Legolas did not know how often he would be so fortunate to be so close to her, therefore he did not waste a single instant without absorbing the memories, scents, and feelings.

His thoughts were going to remark on the wonderful and serene moment he had just experienced, but there were no words he could use to describe it, nothing that would suffice as a reasonable response at that time. In another existence, he would be permitted to wake up every day at such a lovely moment. He shook his head, knowing it was impossible. Perhaps for the time being, as long as she would let it, and until his hunts began, they might convince themselves that such a life is conceivable.

Even though the prince was not resentful, he felt fortunate that the Valar had granted him a few minutes of tranquilly with the one person who had gradually captured his heart. He closed his eyes and bent forward to kiss her forehead after feeling his heart beat fast inside his chest. Any use of language was superfluous. He understood the significance of what he was carrying in his arms.

However, knowing what would occur, he felt guilty.

Because Legolas knew they had no future, hopes, or anything else. And Xena never mentioned any of it, and she had no reasonable expectations. For her, it was irrelevant whether it was a crash or a fireball, and he loved it that way. Although, as an elf, his Fëa had already decided, and he was aware of the repercussions he would face in the future.

Again, though, this was his burden to bear.

A half-day had gone as she slept, and Legolas stayed at her side, unable to leave. She felt his arms tighten around her out of dread that she might flee. His lips were on her forehead, and he was staring at her. She had finally awakened but refused to open her eyes. She only wanted to stay in the moment before her eyes would open and the enchantment would go.

There was uncertainty about her own feelings, and she could not predict the future. She prayed she could offer him many more moments filled with tranquilly. She inhaled deeply, which was so soul-soothing, invigorating, and naturally calming. His perfume was so distinctive that she became hooked to his scent and touch. However, she knew this was impossible, even if he had won her heart.

However, the moment was shattered when her stomach began to grumble and the noises were audible to the elf. He raised an eyebrow and regarded her with a smirk as he waited for her to open her eyes; he already knew she was awake. She felt his body shift away from her and then return, and then her lips were quickly brushed by soft bread and shoved into her mouth. It had a sweet and creamy flavour, just what she needed.

Xena was left with a mouthful of delicious bread, and her cheeks seemed enlarged from the amount of bread she was forced to consume. She eventually opened her eyes after staring in a stupor at the sweetness and grin. She saw him bending forward with his lips also full of lovely sweet bread, and he had forgotten to smile. She would rather see him peacefully smiling than in misery and sorrow.

Today, he seemed more like the elf she had previously known, which also made her grin. She continued to steal and consume smaller pieces of the tasty bread he was holding. They spent many minutes eating and grinning as if nothing else in the world could upset them. However, it was not long until the sweets and the moment was gone. They shared a few passionate kisses and a long embrace before separating and beginning to dress.

"Do you suppose that Aegnor could construct comparable leather armour like mine?" She abruptly questioned him as she tightened the ribbons on her white robes while standing behind Legolas. "I cannot possibly endure another day of donning robes and gowns!"

Legolas paused for a bit before responding. "Aegnor the blacksmith, Ney," he volunteered, seeing the irritation behind her words. "You might still ask him. He would be able to provide you with the relevant information."

She nodded and stepped close to him, wrapping her hands around his neck so tightly that she had to stand on the tips of her toes to steal one more kiss from him. And Legolas, who had just become more confident, drew her closer, placed his hands around her waist, lifted her, and placed her on the desk behind them. His lips touched hers, and more, wilder kisses were stolen until neither could breathe and had to break the contact.

Legolas said, both he and her required a minute to catch their breath after locking gaze "I will store my weapons and locate my armour. Even though I appear elegant with these robes, they are not very comfortable." This novel encounter was both unusual and amazing. It reminded him of elderly couples who had nothing more to discuss but trivial day-to-day concerns.

And curiously, he briefly envied that lifestyle.

Xena avoided laughing at his profound confidence. She nodded and reclined. "How is your injury?" she said as she gently touched his injured side. She moved the robe's side and inspected it. It seemed to have stopped bleeding, blood had dried on the bandages, and they needed to be replaced.

"I shall see the healers and get my bandages changed first," he said as he ran his fingers through her long, dark hair and brushed a strand behind her ear. "Today I feel considerably better." Finally, with another concealed grin on his face, he moved back and let her bounce off the desk. They adjusted their robes and proceeded outdoors. On their short expedition which comprised armour and guns, one headed west and the other north.

As planned, Xena sought the blacksmith Aegnor and asked him who could help her create a new set of armour to replace the one that had been destroyed. The blacksmith Aegnor remembered her leather and metal armour from the last time they had met. He informed her that if she entrusted him with this job, he would create a replica of her previous one using the finest materials available.

Xena consented, and the remainder of the day was spent with more elves making sketches and patrons for the armour. Aegnor assured her that it would be ready by the end of the week before her departure for Minas Tirith. Xena was thrilled and inquired about the price. Aegnor scoffed at her lack of knowledge. "Nothing, obviously, milady. Nothing for our Lady's kin."

The human's inability to accept the fact that he was no longer a human left a perplexed. She believed he was referring to Galadriel as their Lady and wondered whether they were related. Then it dawned on her that she had once heard that Galadriel was Arwen's grandmother, and if the rumours were accurate, she should have been her grandmother.

Suddenly, Lothlórien became too tiny for her to breathe, and she felt confined in a place surrounded by elves who were meant to be her relatives. She began walking as quickly as she could, unsure of her destination, but with the desire to flee the area. Until she met Galadriel. Long periods of uncomfortable quiet ensued, and Xena cursed her good fortune under her breath.

The Lady of Lórien smiled and indicated that she should accompany her. "Come, child, we have much to talk about," she continued, her voice mixing with the forest's peculiar noises like an undiscovered tune. Xena observed and pursued.

Legolas was also in trouble. His bandages were replaced, and he discovered and donned clothing that had been restored. Unconcerned, he took his weapons inside Xena's room. And just as he was leaving the room, he encountered Arwen, who seemed agitated. She merely instructed him to accompany her because she and her twin brothers needed to talk with him.

A terrible night would ensue for both of them...

((Upcoming Chapter Eighty-Seven))

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