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)

~ XIX: Preparations ~

Imladris, 3018 TA, October 26

It was the day to leave Rivendell and go on a new adventure. Everything she knew would go on that fateful day. Familiarity would be a memory stored in an old dusty wooden box, to be opened later to reflect. She'd go to places she'd never been before. She would come into contact with mankind. The excursion she was about to embark on seemed fascinating. She had always longed to see Middle-Earth. It was in her blood to go on adventures. She was constantly on an adventure in her prior life.

At first look, it appeared as if she was thinking about today's short trip to buy some supplies from the human village. Though the truth was, other deeper thoughts were keeping her mind occupied. She was not done recalling her darkest and more terrible moments in her previous life. She still felt that until today she had never redeemed herself from all the evil she had risen. Maybe it would be better if she remained dead. Death seemed much easier than the pain that started to grow in her heart.

Xena was troubled. Troubled like never in her life. Physically, she felt better. Better than ever. However, her mind and heart were in turmoil. There was the part of her who wished to die or spent this life to redeem herself, and even then she would never atone for that deed of killing thousands. And there was a very small part of her who wanted to find her previous self, to go on an adventure and find out about Middle-Earth.

If Gabrielle would be around, she would ease her worries, but not her fears. Because those lived with Xena forever. In her old life, it was Hercules who managed to pull her out of that darkness, a darkness that she dwelled in prideful. After meeting him, she acknowledged her wrongdoings, but her past never managed to give her the retribution she wanted.

Her time with Gabrielle was like extra time given to her, thinking she would face her misdeeds. And although she tried to aid those in need, she surely paid some of it. She still felt the weight on her shoulders, and the darkness hunting her. There was something missing, something she could never find the answer. At least until now.

She'd dealt with her pain before, and she knew she could do it again. Only this time, she was sharing the trip with a bunch she couldn't clearly read. The majority of their responses were ones she would accept. But every now and again, they'd do something so audacious or out of place that she was left speechless. And, most notably, the elves' behaviour. Elrond, for example, expressed his faith in her by inviting her to Imladris and placing her under his care.

And there was one more annoying elf, Legolas. He resembled men, save for the shape of his ears, and the perfection of his looks. She could not ignore the very long straight silver-blonde hair, that was braided in a specific way. His features were well defined, he was handsome, too handsome she would say. His frame was slender and tall, but he was strong, stronger than his features would reveal.

The Mirkwood elf seemed to have a low-key personality benefiting him not drawing attention to himself. He was fully ingrained in the Elvish culture, but he seemed to be more open-minded than most elves. He was hot-headed and proud, he was a soft-spoken elf, but he was extremely quick to anger. Xena had witnessed that part of him very often, they could have a casual conversation in one moment, and he could end up fiery the next. To be though honest, she would antagonize him all the time.

She couldn't refute Legolas' bravery. She saw it with her own eyes as he threw himself and took an arrow aimed at her. And she was sure that it was not due to his false reaction, he surely never met an enemy that he backed down from, and he never would let fear show. Actually, he could hide all his thoughts and emotions under an expressionless face.

As for his eyes, those held a spark that was unsettling. His attitude was one of a kind, it would urge her to react and want to strike him. He confused her and surprised her at the same time. As for her luck, it was not on her side, as it would make her always come to cross the most ridiculous situations between the two. Like last night, when both ended up following down on top of each other.

Xena closed her eyes and shook her head trying to forget the memory. Forget his piercing gaze that could almost read her soul. She returned backing her backpack while talking to Gimli. Gimli had found out about the short trip with the elves and before her departure, he paid her a visit. Xena and Gimli's common interest to badmouth the elves, and especially the Mirkwood elves, had started a trusted friendship. Gimli was treating her as a close friend, he would state his opinion without worries. And Xena knew that she had at least one trusted friend in this forsaken realm.

"What do you mean you agreed?" Gimli asked her as he gathered his fist in anger. "Lass, you can't simply leave?"

"I am sorry, but I want to go. Gimli, it has nothing to do with the elves," she said, "I'll finally be able to see humans and another place than Rivendell, and although it's such a great place, I have not been outside it."

"You are insane; your pride and greed blind you," Gimli interrupted her "It's dangerous lass, out there are creatures worse than orcs. And even if you can stand your ground, it's easy to outnumber you. We are going after all on a longer journey, you will be able to see most of Middle-Earth."

"Gimli, your concerns are similar to those expressed to me by the elves," she said stubbornly while finally looking at Gimli. "I am not going to change my opinion. So you better accept it and when I am done packing you have to aid me to find a horse."

Gimli gazed at her and started laughing "You want me to find you a horse? We did not ride here."

"I know Gimli, but what am I supposed to do," she asked him, confused. "I want to take this journey, but I don't want to end up looking ridiculous in front of the eyes of the elves. It hurts my pride."

"I'm confounded that your pride is unhurt," a deep low voice came across the hallway, and a moment later, Legolas appeared in the doorway. Xena and Gimli were so loud; Legolas had heard everything from his chamber. "Know this; you will ride on one of my horses; we cannot set back and wait for you to find a horse."

"You..." Xena said loudly, "you have no shame eavesdropping on conversations you were not invited to."

Legolas didn't comment on her outburst. "We're departing in a few hours; make sure you're well-rested and prepared," he said with his indifferent look and walked out of her room, closing the door behind him.

Xena was ready to share a piece of her mind, but Gimli stopped her; fighting now with the elf would bring only further problems. For the time being, she had to prepare and accept the cruel reality that she would be travelling with the elf of Mirkwood, which crushed her dignity.

He was resting against the open window, gazing out at the peaceful view in front of him. There was something out of this world about the Prince of Mirkwood. His long golden silver hair was unbraided and flapping in the gentle wind. He was half-dressed when the quiet drew his attention, and he halted his travel preparations. He knew he'd miss the solitude and peacefulness as the time for their departure approached.

Legolas always took pleasure in travelling, exploring the lands, and riding on new adventures. Journeys, like those with friends, would make him forget the countless centuries he had lived and fool him into thinking he was a young adult ready to confront life. Even though he knew the travel would be brief, and he had the duty to acquire provisions for their primary expedition as Lord Elrond had requested. The excitement of the adventure itself was always present.

As a Mirkwood Elf and the prince of Mirkwood, he had begun braiding his long hair in a special style, the braids having a precise pattern to indicate his rank as a warrior and a noble Elf. Legolas, on the other hand, wanted not to be called the Prince. He knew, and he knew it well, that he had many advantages not only because he was an Elf, but also because he was the King's son. But he despised formality and desired to be judged on his value rather than his titles.

It was almost time when he had finished braiding his hair and wore his attire. His garments' fabric was more substantial made in this particular way to last through long journeys and fights. His outfits were always one of a kind, but they were never too flashy and glamorous. So none would figure out that he could be the King's son. Only high elves would guess if they paid close attention to his braids.

Legolas was a warrior. He had killed and fought, and not all his actions could be expected to be pure. But he would never mistreat anyone. His deeds were fair; he was a proud ellon, arrogant sometimes, and even cold. But he would never recklessly fight with a child. Because even if Xena was more mature and strong than any maiden he knew, she was young. Though even if he knew, that the human was all that. He would end up forgetting who he was and she could bring out his firm temperament, and his antagonistic behaviour.

"We thought you enjoyed it?" Elladan quizzed with a teasing tone as he appeared inside Legolas' room "Having Xena so close!"

"Perhaps I did!" Legolas lifted an eyebrow smirking darkly. He grabbed his belongings and his weapons staring at Elladan.

"I did not expect this, you weren't that careless even as an elfin," he responded looking at his friend closely. It had been almost a century since he had not seen Legolas' reckless and childish side.

"It could be worse than this," his words were literally and figuratively a cold comfort because things could always end up worse. "I could have killed the human, that would be deterrent enough," he reflected, "it would bring through some peace and quiet." It was a random thought spoken out loud but brought a fading smile to his lips.

Elladan regarded Legolas with one eyebrow raised and an air of amazement on his face. "That is precisely why I came to meet you, to advise you not to harm her," he said.

"Yet, I wish I could. But with Aragorn and Arwen riding beside us, it will be tough," Legolas said.

Elladan exchanged a grin and nodded with his friend. Then he began directing him on the best route to the Bruinen settlement. It was the biggest village along the Bruinen river and one that was friendly with Rivendell. Elladan presented Legolas with a map directing him to follow the river Bruinen to the village.

"I am unable to join you with Elrohir; we are supposed to meet with the Rangers of the North," Elladan informed him. "Aragorn and you are both capable of completing this task, but go with caution, my friend."

Legolas ensured his friend that they would be careful and avoid any danger. They parted ways there and he strode along the corridors and out towards stables to meet with the others. Aragorn was preparing the three horses while the hobbits were waiting for the others to show up. There was already excitement in their actions as they would finally add meat to their meal. A moment later, Arwen and Xena joined them. They were conversing about the short journey and paused when they reached the meeting point.

Legolas informed which path they would follow. Aragorn explained that the two hobbits, Pippin and Merry, will not have their own horses for safety reasons. They would first ride with Aragorn and Legolas and they could switch along the journey. It seemed that everyone had already given their goodbyes, as none of the elves was waiting for them. The horses were ready, their belongings were settled, and after Xena stepped closer, Legolas took her knapsack and secured it against the horse.

Aragorn and Arwen were already sitting on the horses, and Aragorn aided Merry to climb on his horse. Legolas unblocked the stirrup straps and walked over to his horse while holding the straps. Next, with one connected move, he mounted the horse easily, making the action seem effortless. Legolas didn't wait. He leaned over and grabbed Pippin against the arm, and pulled him to sit behind him. Xena smirked deadly and without any delay, she leapt on her horse in one jump.

The company of six were ready and rode under the entrance of Rivendell towards their small adventure.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Feel free to Review - Follow - Favorite!