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)

「The Lord of the Rings」

「Two Towers」

「BOOK II」

~ XLIX: The Tower of Orthanc ~

East Emnet, 3019 TA, February 29

At the southern end of the Misty Mountains near the Gap of Rohan stood the stone tower of Orthanc. Its fields were formerly lush green, and a river flowed from the mountain to form a lake. Nothing grew around Isengard after the White Wizard's betrayal, the trees were destroyed, and the river was dammed. The tower was taken into an onward night, regardless of neither time nor sun, yet came the booming exclamations under the earth and lightning struck again and again. As the lightning cracked the sky, echoing sounds barraged the underground Halls, that were used to create Uruk-Hai by burning trees and anything alive to cross life forms and produce more soldiers for Saruman.

Isengard was the name of the great fortress, and she had seen the images in the children's book that the elf had given her months ago. However, the valley in which Isengard resided soon became known as "Nan Curunír" [the Wizard's Vale]. The valley was filled with multiple Orcs, Uruks, Goblins, Wargs and Trolls and it was a place of rising darkness and torture.

In the blackness of her own space, no light travelled or sound. It was not a pure blackness that came with the night, there was evil there, an evil that did not sleep or rest. The dark chamber seemed like a time portal, a hell to be anxious with consequence. In that sense, the darkness was a Gateway to Hell, a place to lose oneself and forget what the world had to be done. She needed to be away aware of the madness. So, in the darkness that stole even her own shape, she tried to awake.

At first glance, she noticed a window in front of her that served as a doorway to the world below. There was darkness, raging flames, booming noises, and the odour of rotting flesh. The broken glass rested on the floor of the black marvel as if awaiting a century of ocean waves to soften its jagged edges. There, in the corner of the room, stood a tall, slender elderly guy with long white hair and a beard. His face was elongated and his eyes were dark and profound.

He saw the person shackled to the stone in front of him, and she was brought to him quicker than his power would have permitted. Upon receiving a strike to the back of her head, she seemed to have lost consciousness, much to his amazement and sustained little damage. There was crusted blood around her forehead and neck, indicating a significant injury.

The child was beautiful, with pale skin and elf-like features. But he would torment her with his Uruk-Hai until she succumbed to the darkness. The young one would be the focal centre of the metamorphosis, and his new master would strive to break her. However, he had to wait because she was not in Isengard and he had just captured her in her dreams. It would take his troops days to reach Isengard, and he could no longer wait. He had awaited meeting the youngster for a very long time.

"Welcome to Orthanc, Child," a spooky voice said as the human became completely aware of its surroundings.

Her eyesight returned, and she saw the old guy in front of her wearing white ropes and seeming less frightening than she had anticipated. "Isengard?" she said, attempting to regain her stance, only to discover that her arms and legs were chained. She put the chains around her wrists and requested her release while glaring at the elderly guy.

The White Wizard grinned and skipped beside her, carefully examining her while disregarding her warnings. "Yes, you are in Isengard, Treegarth of Orthanc, Child! Your time in Rivendell was not wasted, since you learned enough to recognise the old Fortress," he continued. "It is unfortunate that we must wait until your arrival to show you to your new residence."

The individual scowled upon detecting a problem. She raised her eyes and gazed squarely at the wizard without any sign of fear. Darkly, she whispered, "Stop employing such petty tactics on me, and free me."

Saruman moved back and turned aside to face the window shutters. "Child, I cannot release you since you are not present. When you return to reality, you will have to haggle your way out of this situation. Simply because I wanted to meet you, I brought you here. I've waited for a very long time. And I would have to wait longer as you would first be taken to Mordor. " The wizard elaborated.

"Were you so eager to meet me that you were unable to wait for my arrival?" The person grimaced and gazed at the wizard. "You have already attempted to contact me... In the Market, it was you?"

Saruman scoffed when he learned that the human could connect the dots quicker than he had anticipated. "It is common knowledge that elves are exceptionally brilliant creatures, therefore I assume you have acquired some of their qualities. However, this will not rescue you."

"Nope," she said with a smile. "If this is just a dream, I do not need rescue. I must wait till I awaken before I can rescue myself."

"Child, you are defenceless, caught by my troops, and sucked into my universe," Saruman growled as he gradually lost his composure. " Now, please maintain a sedentary position so that we may communicate."

Xena resisted the shackles and slammed her back against the cold wall, but nothing occurred. She repeatedly attempted it, but felt nothing, no discomfort, and saw no results. It seemed that the elderly guy was correct, as she appeared to be locked in a dream state. "What do you want?" the human hissed.

"To determine if the legends are true?" Saruman said and turned to face her, "It would seem so!"

"Mind telling me what you know." Xena inquired abruptly, having previously held her head high and refusing to address the wizard since she believed he was unaware of her presence.

As he saw the human agree to talk with him, Saruman beamed with pride. He had watched her for a long time and determined that she was obstinate. However, she was now standing in front of him, ready to speak. "Since your kin did not possess my knowledge, I shall impart it to you," the wizard continued.

She was aware that there was more to her tale, but neither Elrond, Gandalf, nor the Lady of Lothlórien would let her complete it. However, a coalition of the enemy they were battling was prepared to give her her story.

"At least a portion of you is elven," the wizard said. "But allow me to tell you an ancient tale. It is less than five centuries old, which is rather young for a myth."

"Then tell me your tale, old man," Xena said as she resolved to maintain her composure and listen to the enemy's account. She did not agree with his characterization of her as elfin, but she would not start an argument tonight. She was too eager to hear the tale, and with any luck, she would discover hints regarding her life.

"Once upon a time, in the early Second Age, there was a noble elfin woman of great significance who married a he-elf who had helped shape the history of Middle-earth. They eventually married and had children. One day, when she was travelling, a group of orcs kidnapped her, mistreated her, and poisoned her wound. Later, she was rescued by her own kin, but her mind and soul were never completely restored. The next year, terrified and tormented by recollections of her torture, she abandoned her wish to stay in Middle-earth and sailed west." Saruman halted and studied the human response, which remained unchanged.

Continuing, "Such tales are often written and spoken, but this one concealed a secret. After the lady was rescued, it was discovered that she was pregnant. She laboured for a whole year in Middle-earth to give birth to the child, after which she disappeared. It was assumed that the infant was a cross of elven and more evil origin. Dark creatures are produced in several ways but seldom reproduce. When the Dark Lord discovered the birth of such a child. His hopes grew that he had discovered a vessel capable of transforming his soul into a human body. Unfortunately, the elves had figured it out and, with Gandalf's assistance, had sent the infant to another realm. It would only return after its existence in that domain was finished."

Xena raised her fingers unconsciously to the flat point of her ear. She took a deep breath because she nearly believed his narrative for a second. She said, "Lies. Do you think I am that child? Your master and you have lost! I am a human, I do not have sharp eyes or ears, I do not walk on snow, my feet are heavy, and I most certainly do not have pointy ears."

"There are spells that may curse an elf with humanoid traits. You were quite human in your previous existence, child. However, you later died and returned. The process of leaving and returning to our world may take millennia. You might be under the impression that you are just a few decades old. However, your actual age is significantly older. Do you not want to discover your ancestry? You do not intend to serve the Dark Lord, do you?" The wizard answered without noticing that Xena's demeanour had become more hostile.

"I have no relationship with Orcs, even if I am connected to elves in some way," was her brief and indignant response."Nonetheless, the darkness that is inside me was a component of myself. A part that I created. Not your lord, not you, and certainly not your orcs. I am done here, let me free!"

Before Saruman could demonstrate to the child that he was correct and convince her to accept the doom that awaited her, she began to faint. Although he had told his troops not to touch her until he had finished speaking with her, she was awakening. Orcs were beings that cannot be trusted. The Uruk-Hai were more to his taste since they submitted to him.

She abruptly withdrew from the realm created by Saruman. She felt a palm push against her lips and a soft murmur against her ear. "Sh!" said the prince. "Do not attract attention to yourself." She nodded, and he released her.

His hands worked as quickly as possible to remove the shackles that bound her to the huge tree. While pursuing the hobbits, they discovered that the troops had divided in two, with one group heading to Isengard and the other to Mordor. The trio decided to pursue the human first before tracking down the hobbits. Since the initial enemy force had camped, they could approach them more quickly.

He elevated himself enough behind the tree to liberate her legs. If Legolas could not free the human and slip out of the camp, he and his companions would be forced to battle the orcs. To this far, the plan has been successful; the Orcs have been preoccupied with lighting a fire and getting food. He had just succeeded in releasing her final wrist when a rusty, sharp sword stabbed his hand and severed his flesh.

A tiny sob escaped his lips, which was sufficient to alarm every orc in the camp. Xena was concerned about the elf's fresh injuries, but their first objective was to flee. She kicked the orc in the stomach, and the sword that had severed Legolas' hand pierced the orc's skull in a bizarre manner. Before drawing his bow, Legolas gave her her sword and Chakram. They both jumped into the centre of the camp and engaged in a battle they would have wanted to avoid. Aragorn and Gimli joined them later on.

Two bodies were suddenly launched over their side and Gimli appeared next to them with his bloody axe raised high ready to slay the next orc. "They are multiplying too fast," the dwarf shouted winning Legolas' attention.

"We only need to escape," Aragorn notified them as he was guiding them away from the camp. His own sword was cutting through the orcs' flesh assisting in saving the human.

"Let's hope that the elf princely can use his bow, as he ever has," Gimli answered as he had witnessed Legolas' injury against the hand slowing the elf. He knew that the elf was easily fired up and that was exactly what he was doing "I have already killed four," he said eyeing Legolas.

The elf rolled his eyes while listening to his new dwarf friend increasing his temper and having him want to compete with him. Though the cut against the hand had slowed him down, and he had noticed each time it would slow him down to draw the next arrow, the chakram was cutting through the enemy he was supposed to strike.

That is how a new synchronized warrior dance was produced with the elf and the human, aiding each other. They have found perfect balanced, and it would be interrupted from time to time when a body would be delivered next to them, cut by Gimli's axe. "How do they survive?" Gimli wondered as he was not pleased noticing the new way that the human and the elf had started to fight together.

"They fight more, and talk less," the ranger informed him as he was crushing against one orc and bringing his blade through another.

It did not take long, since the party of orcs was small and no Uruk-Hair was after them; in short order, every single orc was dead. The group of four removed their weapons and began cleaning up the blood while ensuring that no orcs remain standing.

The elf said, "Are you unharmed?" after putting aside his weapons and approaching the human to inspect her. Before she could respond, he had turned her around to view the cut on the back of her head and leaned down to examine it.

The human objected, but oddly, she did not stop the elf and she complied. She heard a white cloth shred, poured water over it, and began washing her head wound. "I'm OK, try using both eyes," she scoffed as she felt him push the bandage tighter against her head wound, causing it to ache somewhat.

After he was convinced that her wound had been cleansed and was mending, he released her and began bandaging his own wounded hand. The white cloth was removed from him and placed in Xena's possession while she treated the cut on his hand. She watched it, attempting to determine whether it was poisoned. "The blade was corroded, and there was no poison," the elf informed her, seeing that she had become softer. "Are you anxious?" he prodded her.

Xena eventually glared at the obnoxious elf and wrapped his hand roughly, providing tension around the cut. "Why wouldn't I be? I just despise the thought of your death after you helped me escape." She provided. And her response led the elf to smile and refrain from attacking her.

"Time is running out. We must go forward." Aragorn interrupted their little dispute. And Gimli appreciated it because he was prepared to leap up and smack both of their heads together to attract their attention to the fact that they were meant to rescue the hobbits and flirt afterwards.

"Pippin and Marry were kidnapped," Xena managed to draw herself away from the delightful moment in which she was falling in love. "What about the others?"

"We know about Merry and Pippin," Aragorn said, "We were following the Uruk-footsteps but made a detour to rescue you first."

"Boromir fell," Legolas murmured, his voice tinged with regret. "We were unable to rescue him."

"Frodo and Sam have opted to continue the journey on their own," Gimli said. "We are heading after the Uruk-Hai; lass, are you okay to follow?"

Xena arched her eyebrows "I am certain I am in a better condition than you, Gimli since I have slept while bound and spoke with Saruman. Let's go!"

"You encountered the White Wizard?" Legolas skipped beside her, his hand gently grasping her arm to turn her toward him.

Xena nodded, once again refusing to withdraw from the elf's touch "He did not make much sense. Now, let's go help the hobbits; we'll debate the other issues afterwards."

Legolas did not insist and released her arm. They both followed Aragorn and Gimli as they quickly retraced their steps in pursuit of the soldiers who had abducted Merry and Pippin.

Dawn was upon the group of four. The sun rose redder, with every minute. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Xena debated last night if they should rest or continue following the Uruk-Hai. They agreed that they were tired enough, and they needed a rest. After a good rest, they were on their feet again running. Aragorn paused to gaze ahead, and Legolas stopped next to him. Eastward they saw the windy uplands of the Wold of Rohan that they had already glimpsed many days ago. Northwestward stalked the dark forest of Fangorn; still, ten leagues away stood its shadowy eaves, and its further slopes faded into the distant blue.

Aragorn saw a shadow in the distance, Legolas noted it too. While Aragorn was trying to identify the blurred shadow, Legolas shading his bright elven eyes with his long, slender hand could clearly see small figures of horsemen. Far behind them, a cloud of dark smoke rose in thin curling threads. Silence overtook the place for a brief moment.

"Riders! Many riders on swift steeds are coming towards us!" wailed Aragorn as he spanned on his feet.

"Yes! There are one hundred and five. Yellow is their hair, and bright are their spears. Their leader is very tall. There are three empty saddles, but I see no hobbits, from where I stand." said Legolas.

"Keen are the eyes of the Elves." Aragorn smiled.

"Nay! The riders are little more than five leagues distant!" Legolas informed them. He could clearly see them riding closer by the minute.

"We cannot escape them in this bare land. What shall we do?" Gimli asked.

Aragorn took notice of the boulders. He spoke "These horsemen are riding back down the trail. We may get news from them. Let's hide and wait for them."

The wind was thin and searching. The company of three hid, wrapping their cloaks about them. The time passed slowly and heavily, as a large group of horsemen appeared in the distance. They were riding like the wind. Now the cries of clear, strong voices came ringing over the fields. The horses seemed great, like a unique breed and the men who rode them seemed equally special. They were tall and long-limbed. Their faces were stern and keen. In their hands were tall spears of ash, and long swords were on their belts.

The host had almost passed when suddenly Aragorn stood up, and called in a loud voice "Riders of Rohan, what news from the Mark?"

Suddenly, the rider's skill and speed came charging around. The team of four found themselves in a circle, as the riders surrounded them round and round drawing ever inwards. Without a word they halted. A thicket of spears was pointed toward the strangers. Next one of the riders, the one that was taller than the rest, stepped ahead.

Éomer cried "What business does a female, an elf, a man and a dwarf have in the Riddermark?" The Rider still sitting on his horse and casting strange looks at them. "Speak Quickly!" he demanded.

Gimli responded, "Give me your name, horse master, and I shall give you mine." He rose and planted his feet firmly apart, still gazing at the tall man.

Éomer leapt from his horse. He drew his sword and gave his spare to another rider. Then he walked towards Gimli, while Aragorn placed his hands over Gimli's shoulder. "I would cut off your head... dwarf... if it stood but a little higher from the ground." The rider cried, staring down at the Dwarf.

"He stands not alone!" said Legolas, bending his bow and fitting an arrow with hands that moved quicker than sight. "You would die before your stroke fell."

The Lord of the Mark raised his sword, and things might have gone ill, but Aragorn sprang between them and raised his hand. "We intend no evil to Rohan. I'm Aragorn, son of Arathorn. This is Gimli, son of Glóin (The Ranger pointed at Gimli) This is Legolas, from the Woodland Realm, and Xena. We are friends of Rohan and of Théoden, your king." Aragorn explained carefully.

Xena tilted her head finding a similarity between the tall blond man and one evil man from her former world. But this could not be the case. And before she could step up and protect Gimli she found the elf standing in front of him pointing his arrow towards the man. At that point she was sure a rare friendship was created.

"Théoden no longer recognizes friend from foe." Éomer said, lowering his blade and removing his hamlet "Not even his own kin. These are indeed strange days. Dreams and legends spring to life! Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claimed lordship over these lands. My company are loyal to Rohan. And for that, we are banished. Everywhere his spies slip past our nets. Tell me, Lord, what brings you here?"

"We aren't spies! The doom of choice brings us here!" responded Aragorn. "We track a band of Uruk-hai westward across the plains. They have taken three of our friends captive."

"You need not pursue them further. The Orcs are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night." Éomer said as he gazed at Aragorn.

Aragorn cast a worried look "And our Friends?"

"But there were two hobbits, did you see two hobbits with them?" Gimli added.

"We found none but Orcs and ..." the Third Marshal of the Riddermark said, but was suddenly interrupted by the Ranger.

"Were there no bodies other than those of Uruk? They would be small. Only children to your eyes, unshod but clad in grey!" Aragorn explained.

"There were no dwarves nor children! We counted all the slain and despoiled them, and then we piled the carcasses and burned them, as is our custom. The ashes are smoking still." He pointed to the smoke that could be seen far away.

"You speak of the Halflings! They are only a little person in old songs and children's tales out of the North." Éomer noted.

Aragorn asked him again "My Lord, yes, they are called Halflings by some. But they are Hobbits."

"Yes, I have heard about the Halflings before. I didn't find any though." the rider answered.

"Time is pressing. We have to move on. I'm sorry for the loss of your friends. We cannot offer you much." Éomer cut them off. As he called out "Hasufel! Arod! Agon!"

Three horses appeared. Hasufel was grey and was given to Aragorn. Arod was brighter and lighter and was given to Legolas. And Agon was left for Xena or the dwarf. "May these horses bear you to better fortune than the former masters. Farewell. Look for your friends, but do not trust the hope. It has forsaken these lands. We ride north!" Éomer disclosed.

The group of four gazed at the Riders of Rohan and rode away, leaving the company of four and the three horses. Who accepted the horses and rode over the burned corpses of the Uruk-Hai looking for the hobits.

((Upcoming Chapter Fifty))

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