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)

~ XXXIX: Now, we rest! ~

Caras Galadhon, 3019 TA, January 15

The sun had set behind the mountains, and the shadows in the woods were becoming longer. The pathways now wound through dense undergrowth where night had already settled. As they proceeded, night fell under the trees, and the Elves unveiled their silver lanterns. They could see no one on the trails and could not hear any footsteps, but there were several voices in the air above. Far out on the hill, sounds of singing could be heard descending from above like light rain on leaves.

There was one more dreamy natural hot spring that had a rhythmic pulse to it unmatched by any other part of nature. It forged its own sounds and kindles its own symphony. The night sky was reflecting against the silver perfection of the water. The slurpy slapping of the late was muted, a metronomic murmur. The waves that were created as she dove inside the spring were merely snoozing, sluggish and slumbering in their liquid robes.

The water moved around her limbs in swirls, creating buoyancy and a sense of freedom. However, she most appreciated the soap that was offered to her. Earlier, they were offered, food, soap, clean clothes and a place to rest. Haldir informed them that along the western paths were the routes of the trees were stronger and wilder, the elves created warm springs to bath and relax.

Xena had stripped earlier from her dusty, and bloody armour, which was already taken away by the maiden to be cleaned and would be returned by the morning. She received all those information, as the maiden who ended up gathering her clothing almost lost her life. Now she sank into a comforting warm spring, trying to scrub her body and hair. The clean towels and a new glittering long silver-blue robe were laying next to the routes of the trees. She was too weary to even complain about the robe.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, the forest even at night was revealing its golden colours, that even impressed the annoying elf. She was not anxious about bathing out in the wild, in her previous life she was doing that a lot. At least now the water was warm and she could not see anyone around. The company was led by Haldir amongst the root of enormous and ancient mallorn trees. Most had already bathed and changed into the clean clothes that were offered to them. Now they were laying between the roots of the tree listening at the lament for Gandalf.

She left her weapons, the Chakram and her broken blade with Aragorn. Truth be told, she was worried about her broken blade. But Aragorn informed her that she would be able to repair it in Lothlórien or find a sword to replace it. The ranger promised her that he would talk to Haldir and tomorrow she would be able to decide what to do with the broken blade.

Looking up, she could see the dark sky and the golden leaves. The entire forest was illuminated with a soft glow. Suddenly, she noticed a tall figure of an elf walking toward her. The human believed that he would see her and find another spring to take his bath. But even when his eyes seemed to stare at her face he continued walking. He came to hold next to her belongings and bent forward placing his own towel and a silver robe.

It took her a few long seconds to register the elf's identity. Fortunately, it was Legolas. Legolas, terribly dusty yet still with great hair. He was not wearing his boots; he had presumably left them behind at the company's overnight camp. She had left her own footwear there since Lothlórien's ground was covered in golden leaves that made walking barefoot comfortable. The irritating elf had just begun stripping down to his soiled tunic and then to his trousers until he was left with only a few layers of clothes to conceal his private region.

If it was only days ago when both ran naked against each other and they ended up fighting about the matter. Now, both did not react at all, as it was something they did on regular bases. So she found herself staring at the elf that dove into the hot spring in a long smooth motion. He swam closer but allowed some safe distance between them.

Legolas' sadness was a painful cleanse. Gandalf's death was still fresh and it weighed a lot in his heart. He was though slowly losing the cold demeanour that was part of him whenever he was on a mission. Now he was simply Legolas, the Legolas the human had met in Rivendell. He was sadder and overwhelmed by the trees of Lothlórien. His heart needed peace and to spend some time in solitude.

"How long do we intend to remain in Lothlórien?" Xena eventually said, breaking the tense silence between them.

"I am not certain; you must consult Aragorn, as he will decide." Legolas said, "However, he will not take the chance of leaving now. The hobbits are exhausted and still mourning Gandalf's death."

"I believe that he doesn't yet know what to do," Xena said, "and I thought we were done with elves." She sighed and looked up to meet his gaze "How is it that I end up spending more of my days along with with the elves?"

"You should consider yourself fortunate to have found refuge in Lothlórien, as should we all," Legolas remarked.

"Well, since I am lucky," Xena answered "I better get some rest. Today is going to be a very busy day tomorrow. Small joke!"

She gave Legolas one last look. He discovered the elf more beautiful than before beneath the moonlight, with his long hair unbraided falling against the warm spring. Although she intended to wait for Legolas to exit the spring first, her skin had been submerged in the warm water for an extended period of time and she wanted to go. She swam to the spring's edge and leapt to the ground.

The elf stood there watching her exiting the spring, his eyes fixed on her. Her short clothing covered most of her upper torso. Nobody was seen nude with the intent of causing misconceptions or causing difficulties. She approached the area with the towels and picked the smaller one, which she used to secure her hair, then wrapped the bigger one around her.

She leaned and grabbed the huge robe that had been offered to her after she had dried most of the water. She slipped the robe effortlessly, with the towel tucked against the ground. The difficult part was tying up and securing each layer. Xena continued to yank on the robe's straps, forcing it to bounce against her body. From a distance, it seemed to be assaulting her.

Legolas shook his head, baffled. That was the same Adaneth with whom he had battled days before, the same Adaneth who kept smashing his nose. And she was now unable to tie her own robe. Legolas sprung from the spring and wrapped his own towel over him in one fluid motion. Then he skipped beside her and took her hands in his.

"Allow me," he said and softly rose her arms and gestured her to keep them up. Then he let his fingers slip through the different layers of the robes, starting with the one that was touching her skin. He stepped closer towering upon her. He pulled the first strap and started tying it up with the next. He was doing it with such grace and gentleness.

Xena took a breath, or maybe two. Again, it was his intoxicating scent and delicate touch that compelled her to nearly remain a little longer to feel his touch. She raised her attention to his as he secured her robe. He did it in a matter of seconds. And then he moved back and gathered his own robe, which he wore.

Legolas grabbed the towels and waited for Xena to follow. They both travelled through Lothlórien's woodland, encircled by mallorn trees whose branches arched above. Although the moderate breeze was chilly, it was gently drying their long hair.

Occasionally, Xena would rest her blue eyes against the elf. This time, his hair was not braided, which added to the mystery surrounding his body. They did not speak until they were within striking distance of the camp where the remainder of the Fellowship was camped.

"Le suilon, Prince Legolas!" [I greet you!] the sister of Galadriel came quickly and placed herself side by side with Legolas "I have been told you arrived today. I am pleased you found your way to Lothlórien."

"Mae l'ovannen, Lady Aeariel." [Well met.] his response was formal and short "When did you arrive?"

"We travelled the usual way from Rivendell a few days ago," she said, her gaze now fixed on Xena. "You consented to the human being following?"

"Yes, we have," Legolas said.

"That is absurd," Aeariel said. "Allowing a lady to go with a male companion on such a perilous excursion is unacceptable. How did you come to accept?"

Xena cocked her head in her direction and watched her. She was aware of the she-identity elf's and cursed silently, determined not to endanger her. "I don't suppose I'm required to respond," Xena mocked as she passed them both. "And I am under no responsibility to await the conclusion of a dialogue between a thief and a pervert. Such a lovely evening!"

Legolas stood there watching her race away without looking back at them. She had just hurled insulting nicknames at them and fled. Aeariel felt humiliated when the prince smiled at her behaviour.

"Did she just refer to me as a thief?" she inquired.

"At the very least, she did not break anyone's nose," Legolas remarked, raising several issues for Aeariel.

Following that, their talk lasted barely a little period. Legolas was exhausted and wanted to join his company. Aeariel invited him to spend time with her and sample some of the Mirkwood wine she had. Of course, her intention was not to settle down and have a pleasant evening with a friend. She desired Legolas's seduction. Tonight, she was unable to do so. However, she would attempt once more.

A Olórin I yaresse' (Olórin who once was)

'Mentaner I Numeherui (Sent by the Lords of the West)

'Tírien I Rómenóri' (To guard the Lands of the East)

A Soft song was to be heard, as the Elves sang, and Legolas had returned to the camp after Xena.

"A lament for Gandalf." noted Legolas. He was wearing a silver robe of velvet-like attire.

"What do they say?" Merry asked.

"I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near." The Elf responded as he paused, listening to the Elvish lament.

'Maiaron I Oiosaila' (Wisest of all Maiar)

'Manan Elye Etevanne' (What drove you to leave)

'Nórie I Malanelye?' (That which you loved?)

As a result, the Fellowship's surviving members were relaxing at the camp. Slowly, one by one, they were locating a suitable resting place. They had eaten and drank in an attempt to forget that Gandalf was no longer present.

((Upcoming Chapter Forty))

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