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)

~ XI: Fleeing Imladris ~

Imladris, 3018 TA, October 23

Xena felt refreshed and well-rested a few days later when she awoke early in the morning. Her leg had healed and she was able to walk on her own for the first time in a long time. She strolled down the hall and out into the flower garden, where she watched the autumnal sunlight palely illuminate the distant mountains in the background. She seemed to be in good spirits, clothed in her full armour and armed with her weapons.

Imladris was in complete disarray for the previous two days. A hobbit in critical condition was brought back to her by an important elf by the name of Glorfindel. The elf transported the wounded hobbit to Imladris, where it was treated by Elrond. The hobbit was injured by the black riders who Xena thought to be part of the evil that was growing in Middle Earth. The small creature seemed to carry evilness, it was mentioned by others, but Xena couldn't figure out what it was.

Meanwhile, Elladan and Elrohir had returned as well, after a brief voyage of a few days. She suspected it was connected to the hobbit and the assault, but she wasn't certain. She had overheard Arwen talk of Aragorn's homecoming and even of Gandalf the Grey. Everyone was occupied with deciphering the turmoil, and it seemed as if a grand council would convene in two days.

The healers had removed her bandages; only Gimli the dwarf kept her company these few last days. And now she realised that would be the only way out of that crazy chaos. No one would notice her absence, and this would give her sufficient time to flee Rivendell. She sat down and devised a strategy. It had to be early in the morning when everyone was still sleeping, and she'd have to take a horse and flee Rivendell permanently.

The early morning came as a promise kept. There was an awakening magic, a sense of an old earth-spirit rekindled that seeks to knit together. The clouds that gathered, a silver fade, from the strongest of grey to soft whites, have command of the skies today. Yet what they promise was life-giving rain that would only aid her plan. She carried out the plan, taking her possessions and the rucksack she'd loaded with apples and a few other goods she discovered in the basket handed to her by the elven maiden. She was now acquainted with the hallways of Rivendell, and she was well aware of her ability to sneak out.

Those in need of escape create a fantasy. It manifests in ways that seem to be lighthearted, but it's actually a smock burning slowly. The warrior princess did not dwell in the fantasy; she was restless and would never spend an excessive amount of time overthinking things. She had been cured, the plan had been made, and now she was fleeing. That was all there was to it. She remembered all the warnings the elves had given her. However, she chose to accept her chances and see what lied ahead of Rivendell.

She would not stay in an elven settlement as a prisoner awaiting her fate. The extended days she spent there were soothing; the elven town was unlike anything she had ever seen. However, she needed to learn more about Middle Earth and the conflict they were facing. Even if Gandalf could provide her with some answers, she was so enraged by Legolas and Elrond and the way she was treated that she wanted to flee.

She was well aware that she was behaving childishly. And Xena was never one of those people. However, she was not the kind to stick around and let others control her. She found out that if she could survive on her own in her previous existence with Gabriel, she could also survive in this forsaken world. And if she did wind up dying, it would be to her advantage. After all, she was meant to be dead, not living and wandering the lands of Middle Earth.

Lightning lit the skies in brilliant streaks. Fog embraced every tree, every square centimetre of ground. Thunder introduced itself as a rock star on stage. The grass was revitalised by sheets of rain, echoing and rippling without bounds. And he stood farther along Rivendell's entrance, away from the calm that Rivendell offered. Green eruptions engulfed him in a carpet of living nature. Vine-covered trees and brunches now thrive, victorious in their claim to the valley. He remained there while the torrential rain lashed his fair figure; neither the cold nor the rain disturbed him.

"A si i-Dhúath ú-orthor, Legolas" [The Shadow does not hold sway yet, Legolas] another elf said as he appeared and stood next to Legolas "Gwenwin in enninath… Ú-'arnech in naeth I si celich." [Long years have passed. You did not have the cares you carry now.]

Legolas listened, still unmoved against the heavy rain as the other elf spoke. He slunk his bow back against his shoulder; he held it into his hand as if ready to attack. "Suil Annui, erio thûl lín I faer hen," [Western Winds, may your breath lift this spirit] he said, "Elladan, the shadow grows even beyond the borders of Imladris. This darkness, although it feels familiar with the one in Woodland, it is different, stronger, and heavier."

"Henion, Legolas," [I understand, Legolas] Elladan smiled, tapping his friend's shoulder. "We have experienced the same darkness. Orcs are getting bolder; we have scouted troops of the enemy even then and again."

From afar, his face looked indifferent, even cold, but he was worried. He turned and faced Elladan. "You say they passed the borders of Imladris?" he asked in a clipped voice.

Elladan nodded. "They try; our guard stands strong. Elrohir and I are patrolling the borders more frequently; we just returned."

Legolas tilted his head a bit and raised an eyebrow. "Then your absence was connected to Glorfindel's arrival?"

"No," he offered, "We were warned that orc groups were growing in number." Thranduil's son was baffled, but before he asked Elladan what he meant, the elf added, "My father will brief you in; the counsel will be held in two days."

"Then Aragorn?" the elf of the wooden realm quizzed only to be assured by Elladan that his trusted friend was returning to Imladris. He stood against the rain, his face lit up with a bright grin. He hadn't seen the ranger in a long time and missed him. However, the moment was ruined when the weird woman galloped up in front of his gaze. She seemed to be healed now, and as she had told him, she had several skills, as she appeared to be able to ride his horse flawlessly.

His horse?

Legolas was perplexed when he discovered that Xena had escaped, and not only had she escaped, but she had also managed to take and ride his horse. He was stunned by her audacity and how content she was to consider taking his horse, much alone fleeing Rivendell. Legolas turned to face Ellandan, warning him of the human's escape, but he had already spotted her.

"Go on and alert Lord Elrond; I will track her down, with the speed that she is riding she will reach the borders before dark," Legolas remarked, his tone concerned rather than furious. He was not fond of the human and had definitely developed a dislike for her, yet he would never want for her to be harmed or slain. And by her stubbornness in attempting to slip out of Rivendell on her own, she was simply putting herself in danger of death.

Elladan complied as instructed and raced to notify his father about the escape. He would then seek his brother Elrohir and assist Legolas in locating her. He was also concerned, as he was aware of the perils that lay beyond Imladris, but he was impressed by her fortitude in managing and escaping. There were just a few humans capable of sneaking away undetected by the elves.

The approaching footsteps had the wet sound of someone on the grass, someone who had mastered to walk quietly and had muffled their steps. Each footfall had a rhythm on its own, too light for humans to hear and on point for elves to miss. He had rushed to the stables and climbed upon a familiar horse belonging to one of the Mirkwood elves. It was not as quick as his horse, but he did not have time to seek for the fastest horse at the moment.

Elladan reached his father and warned him, as Legolas instructed, of Xena's escape. Elrond's frown was identical to Legolas's, as he was taken aback that the human had fled unnoticed. He instructed his sons to accompany Legolas, and he informed them that he would assemble guards and send them after them. And, as promised, Elland summoned Elrohir, they mounted their horses and proceeded to Legolas's location.

The storm had ebbed to nothingness; now, the silence was as pure as the wintry blanket outside. Every creature was sheltering, the birds had either flown south or had better things to do than sing, and the sun was rising. When his ears became more accustomed to the lack of sound, he thought he could hear the brunches' tingle, but other than that, only his rhythmic breathing brokered the air. He halted the horse and inspected the area, noticing that his horse had been via that trail.

The deep indigo of the night sky was strewn with shooting stars, while the river Bremen covered the western shore. As the autumn leaves gossip with gold and scarlet floating leaves, the green flags of the trees become toned sepia, undulating in the south wind. A strange calmness reigned until the shadows arose.

Legolas raced for hours after the human, gradually realising that she was not lying about her talents. She had not had a break in hours, and the only people who could ride all day were northern rangers and skilled elves. He had no way of knowing if she was knowledgeable about horses, but she did take the best one.

Legolas finally saw the human in front of him after a lengthy chase. They were barely a few yards from the outskirts of Imladris at the time of nightfall. The human had descended from his stolen horse and was enjoying a little respite. The elf deduced that she was attempting to navigate her way out of Imladris and determining which path to follow.

Poor decision.

Legolas broke the stillness and drew her attention with, "You are a strong rider." He had leapt beside her after dismounting the horse and stretched his arm towards her, his words sharp and cutting. "Return what is mine?" he commanded.

Xena glared at him openly confused at his demand "Why are you following me?"

Legolas narrowed his eyes deep blue eyes met light blue one "This is not the time. You took my horse, and I want it to return. Will you give it up or not?"

The human looked at him indifferently, keeping her silence at bay. Though she had to admit that she had bad luck with this elf, of all the horses she ended up taking his. She scanned her surroundings trying to find a way out.

"I told you not to leave Imladris, you cannot survive on your own beyond the borders. Neither a skilful Elf could," Legolas said, the tension in his body visible through his stance as he stepped closer "Return my horse to me, and follow me back!"

"And yet, your kind keeps treating me as a prisoner," Xena spat adding oil to the rising fire "You can have your horse back, but I am not returning to Rivendell. Even if it means fighting my way out."

His expression was unchanged, but he stood his ground "You will return, I am not allowing you to walk into your death, not on my watch." He was not asking her, he demanded her to obey.

Xena body tensed and her senses sharpened getting ready to fight him. She recalled his strength back in the training ground when his body touched hers, the strength it took to wield his bow. He was stronger than her but that had not stopped her before. The elf would not have his way and she would not return to Rivendell.

He shook his head in disbelief; he had never seen a person as obstinate as her. He approached her carefully and gracefully, each of them glaring at the other. They soon started to circle one another. Xena reached for her sword, but the Elf did not draw his blades. Not yet, at least. She thought it was peculiar. Would he be able to battle her barehanded?

Xena anticipated to find out how deadly this elf could prove to be. Legolas did not wait and unleashed an attack against her. He would bring her back to Imladris even if he had to carry her back. He hardly ever fought with females, and especially human females, but this one was a stubborn one that needed to be fought.

He attempted to strike first, seizing her arm and yanking her closer to him. However, she caught him quickly enough to thwart his attack. She did not pause and launched a sidekick at his right side. He easily evaded it and returned to attack. However, the human once again prevented it. None of the sides gained an advantage; both were powerful, and they gradually began a serious dual.

Xena's attacks soon became slower as the elf increased his strength. At first, it seemed as he was toying with her, but when he noticed that she was serious, his actions changed. He was no longer gaming her, but he placed a direct attack that was too fast for the human to even notice. The ground was lost under her, she lost her balance and was crushed against the ground.

Legolas held her to the ground, hovering over her and clutching both of her wrists above her head. "You cannot win this," he informed her earnestly.

Xena's pride ached, and she felt her failure painfully. Her eyes were burning against his, and she was darkly glaring at him. She would not quietly surrender without a struggle. She had made up her mind to flee Rivendell, and no one could convince her otherwise. Certainly not the proud Elf who was presently outnumbering her.

A strange calmness was gone and the shadows arose. The orcs were making their presence known, as high howls were heard far up above the plains, sending vibrations and echoing sounds of all who were below. There wouldn't be peace this night. A small group of orcs would soon attack the company of two in the confines of the borders.

The elf's keen hearing caught the break in the quiet and focused his eyes towards the direction of the vibrations. His response shifted and he scrambled to his feet, gently moving away from the human. Legolas glanced backwards and saw the motion, but he had first sensed the vibrations. It wasn't long until the assault happened, and when it did, it was quick and unexpected. He lifted his bow prematurely as Orcs arrived from every direction, racing around them. Although the orcs were few in number, they were more than enough for the two of them.

Xena was still outraged at the elf as she stood there watching him rise to his feet. She was about to tackle him again when she saw that the ground was also rumbling. She overheard the elf exclaim, "Orcs!" as he pulled his bow and notch an arrow. She leapt onto her feed and followed along as she drew her chakram and prepared to battle. She hated admitting that the elf had been right from the start.

Cries and whistles fell on his ears, as he had already fired the first arrow, then the next without missing his target. Trying to gain ground to bring more orcs to their doom before they would reach them. His eyes flashed a feral with the promise of impending death and the magnificent fury of battle. He used his arrows deadly like a prince warrior ready to strike every orc that would dare to attack them.

And, to his astonishment, the human assisted him in striking the troop of orcs from afar by using her double chakram, with the same fury like a warrior, hoping to eliminate them before they approached their range.

((Upcoming Chapter Twelve))

Thank you for taking the time to read this! Feel free to Review - Follow - Favorite!

thenoneandonly: I am also very curious what to add next. I have thought about how the general plot will be, but each chapter is something new that I ended up thinking about.

AudoUnique: Yes Xena and Legolas will not be under good terms for a while. Let's see how that goes.

Guest: I only know a few things about Thingol tale, and it surely will not affect this fan fiction. I will change the verb, to murdered (sounds better) and I will accept what you said. You took the time to read it and comment, thank you for that. If you keep reading the Fanfiction, feel free to comment about anything that does not make sense or was told wrongly. ^_^ I do not know everything about Tolkiens world and mistakes will be made.