Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess
Author's Note:
Warnings: Concepts contained in this chapter includes insanity, you were warned!
This is a LegoRomance (slow-burn)
~ XLV: Proclaimed Hush-Hush! ~
Caras Galadhon, 3019 TA, January 21
Galadriel, Lady of the Woods of Lothlórien, viewed the surface of the forest of Lothlórien, reflected in the water of a silver basin of water known as the Mirror of Galadriel. The water got hazy, and successive images began to appear on its surface, depicting her two distinct futures side by side. It was hard to understand both scenarios due to their rapid development, but she deduced that one of them included Prince Legolas and the other involved that human. The water quickly returned to being calm and silver, leaving just her worried reflection.
The Mirror talked more often these days, Sauron's evil spirit returned, his troops grew in size, and if men, elves, and dwarfs would not unite to destroy him once and for all, Middle-earth would soon come under his control. Nevertheless, the Mirror sometimes displayed random plots, and it seemed that something activated it today, as it concentrated on their future. And it has become one that is harsh and unpleasant.
"Why the grim expression my Lady?" Lord Celeborn said as he skipped next to her realizing the worried expression of his mate. The darkness that was raised had a strong, effect on the elves and especially on Lady of Lórien. Her worries were different currently nonetheless.
"Pain, despair, and agony," she noted with sorrow "Burning agony, grief and torment, is what awaits the young Prince, a future scarred with blood and death. Before this day, when Legolas' future was unreadable but still filled with hope. Something changed with the tide of events and might bring him to his doom."
"Why would it matter, Hiril vuin (My Lady)," Celeborn spoke next, "The fact that the mirror reveals possible futures is just old parchment that some hold some truths and others do not. And do not forget, Prince Legolas has the strength and the stubbornness of the Elvenking. Father and son had dealt with darkness, pain and despair before and they manage to endure. Thranduil even after losing his mate, didn't fade away. He fought his desire to reach the undying lands, for his people and his only son. Thus, do not fear the mirror showed, that has come down from distant years, for it may change that what it tells."
"I'm familiar with Thrandui's strength my Lord, he has defended his people and withstood through all the darkness that the Woodland Realm is facing. Trapped in his own grief, the King remained true to his word. His realm welcomed both Sindarin and Silvan elves, King of the Elves of Northern Mirkwood, the king of stone and wood. The Prince of the Woodland Realm has the intensity and tenacity of his father, but he has a better understanding of the world due to the kind heart of his mother. And that causes him to be a greater danger, than the Elvenking." Galadriel responded as her gaze rested against the open view in front of her. "There are many possibilities, and the future isn't known, however, the sudden change of events troubles me."
"I do hope none of that to happen to Prince Legolas," Celeborn said, "Darkness grows and in such disturbing times no one needs more burdens to bear."
"I am afraid it already started my Lord," whispered Galadriel as she rested her head against the Lord's of Lothlórien shoulder. "We can only hope now that the Fellowship will remain on their path and aid Frodo."
Celeborn nodded as he saw his lady draw out Agaraic [Bloodsword], once known as Aicanga [Keen Iron]; it was the weapon that Celebrían wielded. In the past, on her route to see her parents in Lothlórien, she was ambushed by Orcs in the Redhorn Pass in the Misty Mountains. She defended herself with her sword before being tortured by Orcs. Due to all the blood on the scene and the anguish that her sons had experienced, the sword was renamed Agaraic [Bloodsword], it was left behind and returned to Galadriel.
"This is Aicanga, Celebrían's sword," Celeborn said, perplexed while examining the lost weapon.
"Agaraic!," said Galadriel. "Finally, you will find your true master!"
"It has waited so long, are you certain she can wield it? We have not explained anything to the youngster." The eyes of Celeborn rested gently against his wife's.
"I've seen into her mind. The child is powerful, but she is not yet prepared to confront the facts that we have to give. Time is the only resource we have, my lord, and she should find the truth on her own time. Because this tale is only starting off. I shall present her with Agaraic and bestow my blessings upon her on the day of their departure." Galadriel concluded.
In Legolas' case, hiking was not about the destination. He needed to spend some time roaming around Lothlórien's golden woodland in order to enjoy and get lost in nature. It was time for him to replenish his energies and analyse what had occurred. As the sun danced over the golden leaves of the mallorn trees and the road ahead soared to perfection, he progressively felt engulfed and embraced by nature.
His memories began on the day he left Mirkwood. His father provided him with an excuse to flee, and he seized the chance. When he left home, it was not really to meet the ranger. He easily escaped. He fled from his father. He fled from his responsibilities. He behaved cowardly. And broke the faith of his father. The Elvenking was conceited yet has a strong determination. He battled for the protection of his homeland and his people. He never escaped. After his wife's death, he had been lost in darkness. However, he had just begun to discover himself.
This made the situation worse for Legolas. He could no longer engage in a dispute with his father in any circumstance. Now he comprehended his son. He loved his son. However, his son required time away. To recover from his own wounds. As he was not dissimilar to his father. He had a closed mentality. In the end, he was a Mirkwood Elf. As he eventually embarked on a route away from home, the changes occurred gradually.
The red-haired Elf showed him another way. He was unable to refute it. She had captured his interest. She was his most trusted friend at the time. Elves are distinct from humans. They have plenty of time. Legolas was not in a rush. Slowly, he could watch and determine whether she had the same feelings. Legolas, Thranduil's son, had grown fond of her, but she was unable to offer him hope where there was none, since Thranduil would not let Legolas pledge to a 'lowly' Silvan elf.
Fate had other intentions. Tauriel fell madly in love. However, it was not Legolas. She saw him as a friend, one she could rely on. Nothing else. The dwarf Kili captivated her heart. It was the first time in Legolas' life that he saw what real love' should be. Even his father refused to believe it. Tauriel had a passionate affection for Kili.
She even left the Halls of Thranduil to seek the Dwarves without the King's permission and raised her sword in opposition to the King. Legolas approached her and requested that she return with him in order for Thranduil to forgive her. Tauriel, however, emphasised that they were also participants in the war, arguing that the king's isolationist tactics blinded them to greater concerns impacting the whole kingdom and that because Kili would die if he was not rescued from the poisoned arrow, she had to locate him and treat him the wound. Legolas consented to follow her.
Then, Legolas decided to pursue his own course. It was something he knew well. After following Tauriel, everything would change irrevocably. Tauriel was the captain, and Legolas was the son of the king. And both defined the King and kept to their desire. That day, they lost the king's favour. However, they made enduring friendships. Kili had made the ultimate sacrifice to rescue her. Thranduil expelled Tauriel from Mirkwood. She pledged to deliver the stone that Kili had given her to his mother. She would go for as long as necessary to locate her.
She wanted to inform her. Her son had rescued her. Her son and his sibling battled with the King under the mountain. They had courage. And they now lay by the King's side. She want to inform her that she loved her son. She wanted to share several tales with her. She would eventually return to Mirkwood. However, she was unable of falling in love with anybody else. Her brief forbidden love with Kili was the only thing she was able to hold on to.
Legolas remembered every moment. His heart was in agony. However, it was not broken. Although he was fond of Tauriel, he never fell in love with her. She cherished Kili. The Elf had no understanding of Love. Kili redeemed Tauriel. Tauriel lost everything in pursuit of him. Even his father, who let his son free. All of these actions gradually revealed themselves to him. How love ought to be! He still had much to learn. He was not on par with the King. He still has a ways to go.
Legolas had seen a different world since he met with Aragorn and travelled along with him and with the Rangers of the North. But his journey had just started he was every day learning something new. He was not a High Elf and compared to most elves Legolas was young. He was still figuring out the world. Indeed compared to humans or dwarves he was wise and skilful, but that did not mean he was flawless.
He had his own flaws and pride. But he was raised as the son of the king. And that meant that he was fully ingrained in Elvish culture from the day of his birth, and with that upbringing came a strict sense of traditionalism that his people carried down through the ages. As a Mirkwood elf, and especially Trhaduil's son he had a few bad habits, but for the most part, he was an elf with deep-rooted convictions and a personal code.
He knew the history of his people, and how their actions aided to shape the course of Arda. He was proud of that ancestry, good or bad. He was a woodland elf, and he dwelt in that. He needed nature, the forest to find his own peace. And he was raised as a prince, and sometimes without acknowledging his action would speak of it.
Though even as the prince, Legolas was different. He never liked someone protecting him. That is how he ended up being part of Thranduil's troops and not hiding inside his Halls as his father. He was proud enough to believe that he was capable to protect himself. Sometimes he would allow his father's guards to accompany him because he knew that the King was following protocol and he as the prince had to follow as well.
Lord Elrond and his children were somehow protecting him along the way. And after meeting with the ranger he always had a sense of protection. Legolas had seen it from the first days that they travelled together. A few of the rangers had mocked Legolas for being an elf, and Legolas ignored them. He was angry, but he would not end up fighting with immature children. Aragorn, however, had his back and tried to protect him.
They had a long argument back then, as Aragorn was trying to explain that Legolas would have done the same for him. And of course, the elf would. He was very protective of his friends, but he always thought he did not need to be protected as he was an elf and a prince. And after many long years today, Aragorn had to inform him that one more human and a maiden ended up protecting him from Aeariel.
As their paths crossed with Legolas', Aragorn reassured him, "Don't worry, I would have protected you." He continued, "I had no idea you were so careless with females or your father's precious wine!"
Legolas trembled at the words as he remembered what would occur if he fell prey to Aeariel's seduction. Only the idea that he might kiss her or do something even more idiotic caused the prince to die within. "But I must ask, where were you when I was misled into drinking the product of my homeland?" Legolas asked while staring deadly intently at Aragorn.
"We were outside Aeariel's quarters since we were unable to enter her private chamber," Aragorn stated as he touched his companion on the shoulder. "But you were rescued!"
Legolas grunted, "By the human..." It was unbelievable and even humiliating that a human saved the prince. "Dôl gîn lost!" [your head was empty]!
Aragorn said, "You are a fool. Are you really upset that a lady rescued you? What would happen if we let you remain there?"
"It would be a nightmare," conceded Legolas. "However, having her come to my aid did not improve the situation."
"I cannot answer that question, but at least your night with Lady Aeariel ended without complications." While studying the elf, Aragorn said, "I do not suppose your encounter with the human went smoothly!" He pointed at Legolas' nose.
"Who is responsible for that?" Legolas murmured while pressing his lips into a white slash.
"I left you in safe hands, my friend, and bit her to drag you to a lonely location till you came to your senses. I had no idea that you would continue drinking until you both lost your minds and ended up... the way you ended..." Aragorn hesitated, unwilling to reveal what he had come to cross the night before.
Legolas widened his eyes and shook his head in disgust at his own unsavoury conduct. "You saw?" he said as he saw Aragorn nodding. "We were intoxicated, the kiss was meaningless," Legolas responded.
"Which kiss?" Aragorn almost lost his footing. "Did you kiss her?"
"If you were unaware, what did you see us doing?" Legolas inquired as he felt his cheeks burning; never in his life has the prince been so ashamed.
"Sleeping on the ground and covered by her robe, I believed you were both nude," Aragorn said in a stern tone. "But it seems you had other intentions. You were not frightened to follow Aeariel inside her chambers, but not nearly frightened enough to keep drinking with the human? You draw far too much attention to yourself."
"It was a misunderstanding," Legolas said, mostly to reassure himself.
Aragorn replied as he rested his hand on Legolas's shoulder, "Legolas, you cannot become involved with a human; you know what it means. It's a fool's dream, Legolas," he said.
"I know," said the elf "I have observed you and Arwen, my friend, but I am not Arwen. I would never care for a human the way Arwen does for you. It was really a carelessness."
Legolas gave an earnest smile to his friend and went to start his walk reminding himself that it did not mean anything. Exactly, it was really a mistake; they were both inebriated and stupid; it was merely a mistake and had no significance. Anything whatever.
Xena was out of his reach. She took her time taking a long walk before she would find her way back with the others. She had to calm down and forget what had happened last night, what had happened this morning. If he kept gaming with her like that it would soon be his end.
"Good day, Lass! Did you sleep well?" the dwarf asked with a curious tone in his voice. He gazed at her, noticing the robe that she was wearing. And that she was actually looking great in it.
"Actually, I did, Gimli," she responded honestly, taking a deep breath and stretching her arms. She thought it was bizarre that after such an intoxicated night she had actually rested enough.
"The robe," Gimli said, "I could say you look great in it!"
"You could say?" she asked eyeing the dwarf carefully "Then I don't look great?"
"No, the robe fits you, great Lass. The hair is destroying the look." Gimli laughed "But I guess last night's events kept you and the elf busy!"
Xena's human eyes went wide in surprise as she listened to the dwarf mocking her about last night. "You know, how?" she questioned believing that no one had seen them.
Gimli nodded and said, "Aragorn and I came to find out what was keeping you both so long, and we discovered you." There was an extended period of quiet between them until Gimli spoke, "I never imagined you were that close to the elf."
Xena exhaled. "It was an accident..." while looking aside, overcome with a weird terror. "We were intoxicated..."
"An accident?" Gimli was probed "It did not seem to be an accident!"
"It was not what it seemed. It was a kiss, but we were both drunk!" she said after defending them both.
"You and the pointing ear kissed!" Gimli was ready to knock his own head on the tree in disbelief. "How? Why?"
"I am unable to explain how... you should have already seen it, and I do not know why. We were intoxicated, so I suppose we ended up kissing!" Xena attempted to seem indifferent to the kiss.
"No, we did not see that, lass; we merely saw you two sleeping together," Gimli said. "Why would you kiss the elf while it's awful!"
She found herself conceding, "Well, the kiss wasn't that horrible," and before Gimli could respond, she nodded her head in acceptance.
Gimli was done listening. It was a shocking discovery to find her sleeping next to the elf while inebriated, kissing him, and saying she liked it. This was a fact he could not accept at the present time. Gimli replied, "We did not." He added, "Be careful with whom you share secrets."
Xena saw the dwarf move away as she assured him she would not discuss the topic with anybody else. She ran her hands through her hair and found it to be as unruly as before. She did not know why or how her hair had become frizzy. Then she proceeded to tidy her unruly hair in an attempt to avoid provoking a fresh dispute with the dwarf. After mending her hair, she sought out Haldir to see whether her weapon was mended.
"I really hope I'm not late, Lord Haldir?" Xena asked as she arrived next to him.
"You have arrived just in time, my Lady. Aegnor informed me that he is unable to restore your blade. However, he requested further time to give it another go. You would put your faith in me, thus I will obtain a sword for you before your departure." Haldir gave her assurance.
Haldir was unlike the elves of Rivendell or even Mirkwood. Perhaps since he was older and wiser, she felt more at ease conversing with him. "Then I will wait," she said. "I feel you can be relied upon."
Haldir responded, "Allow me to escort you back to your chamber, my Lady," and motioned for her to follow him.
"My room, I have my own space? Why don't I remain with the others, and why the sudden concern?" Xena questioned him but followed him out of curiosity. Who wouldn't want to sleep on a bed? It would be the most pleasant sleep ever.
"Lady Galadriel instructed me to bring you to your quarters since it would be more pleasant than sharing Lothlórien's uncomfortable ground with Prince Legolas." Haldir proposed.
There was no sound. Xena froze for a considerable time. Did everyone in Lothlórien discover what she and Legolas did last night? Though this was not the only perplexing thing Haldir had informed her, she began to follow him and questioned, "Prince?"
"Prince of the Woodland Realm, Thranduil's son, did you not know?" Haldir questioned incredulously as he led her through the golden staircases of the tall trees. "Legolas is his only son."
It did not matter. Xena was never impressed by titles and high rankings; she always judged individuals based on their behaviour and treated all of them equally. She would happily break Legolas' nose again, regardless of whether he was a random elf or the king's son. "He never told me," Xena said, noting the hidden grin on Haldir's face. It would make no difference anyhow.
"That should be the case," Haldir said. "Legolas is not a random elf; I do not know your familiarity with the Prince, but he may be trusted."
She sneered when Haldir inquired about her familiarity with Legolas. Well, last night he shoved his tongue into her throat. Xena imagined the marchwarden would tremble upon hearing the dreadful news. Xena's sole response was, "I am acquainted with Legolas, and I know that I can trust him after I beat his poor arse!"
"My lady," Haldir reacted with surprise at her words. "You wouldn't harm the Prince, would you?"
"Hurt him," she chuckled. "Have you seen his nose recently? I've beaten him before, and I will beat him again if he continues to behave like a spoiled princeling."
Xena heard the quiet of the marchwarden as he got doubtful. He led her to her apartments and then gave her a short bow before vanishing. Xena saw once again how unlike the elves were and how readily they were angered. She then entered her chamber and got onto her bed. She chose to sleep away from her troubles. This universe continued to make no sense to her.
((Upcoming Chapter Forty-Six))
Thank you for taking the time to read this! Feel free to Review - Follow - Favorite!
MewLover9000: I am rooting for them as well. Let's see how the rest of the story will unfold. Thank you for reading and reviewing the story. ^_^
amyunder: You have to keep reading to find out what will happen next. I cannot spoil the plot. ^_^