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)

~ LIII: Grief Upon~

Edoras, 3019 TA, March 1

Death was charged with illuminating the route to the realm where the departed soul would be going for its next journey. For a human soul, there were many possible routes. All epochs were nothing but a mammoth riddle to the one living, each significant but not in the order we see them. Everything ultimately perishes; nothing lasts forever. Although most people overlook and disregard this fact, it has always haunted us.

In the anguish of death lies the evidence of love and the ties that exist beyond our reality, beyond the spacetime, matter, and energy that constitute our universe. And these ties were what made the anguish longer and more profound, inexhaustible suffering that resides inside the spirit. But there is no greater suffering and sorrow than that of a parent who must bury a kid. A tragedy for the young and a rite of passage for the elderly elicit distinct forms of grief.

"No parent should be forced to bury their kid." This little sentence said by Théoden contains all the facts and anguish of parents who have lost a child. It was wrong to lose your kid or to burn your own child.

"If your child is in danger, it is the most terrifying emotion in the world," Xena stated to Théoden as they returned from the burial of his son Théodred, leading the others. "Then a day comes when you lose your child, and only then do you realise that there are worse terrors in the world. And one of them is losing a child."

"Pain and terror are incomparable, my Lady," the king agreed, throwing a gaze at the human who had spoken as if she had lost her own child. The king kept heading toward the Golden Halls, where he was expected to feed his visitors and deal with the new dangers beyond his boundaries, without more engagement with them.

Xena felt lost in her own recollections, lagging behind. She believed she has a strong heart after navigating the waves of sadness. She understood that the anguish was evidence of the enduring love that had survived the loss. Her resilient heart continued to grieve for her own child. It was a loss, not a memory. However, she was unwilling to discuss it with anybody. That was all her own suffering.

She immediately heard a musical voice inquire, "What was his name?" as his owner materialised next to her. He seems to have heard her converse with Théoden and, upon finding her alone, chose to speak with her. Despite his open mind and understanding, Legolas was unable to comprehend how she might have previously borne children and buried them. It was a notion he had forgotten, and he just rediscovered it today when seeing her emotions.

Xena recoiled when she heard the inquiry, which seemed out of place and time. But she responded. "Solan. He was named Solan. He was 15 years old."

Legolas glanced at her for a while, he was about to explain that he was too young for such a destiny, but she already knew that. If he were chatting with someone else, the elf would not dwell on the matter for as long as he did with her. In his estimation, she was courageous, and he ventured to inquire, "How did he die?"

"Killed by my dearest friend's daughter," Xena said ominously and unfiltered. "A daughter with monstrous qualities. She trusted the monster because mothers are like that. However, she deceived her and lied to me, resulting in the loss of our children. Are you done with the questions elf? Are you finished asking the questions?"

"Forgive me, I did not know," Legolas said as truthfully as he could; this time, his expression revealed his anxiety and sorrow; he did not hide his feelings.

"There is nothing to forgive, you could have known any of that had occurred, and you are one of the fortunate individuals who does not recall your mother's death. Because the memories could have slowly destroyed you."

Legolas did not respond to her scathing remark. She was plainly revisiting old, terrible experiences. But even without recollection, Legolas would have informed her that losing a parent in such a violent manner is still sad for a child. He just observed her as she walked away, buried in her memories once again.

"You draw far too much attention to yourself" Aragorn abruptly broke Legolas's contemplative stillness. "I have warned you before, dear friend!"

"And you must explain yourself this time since you're making no sense," Legolas stated as Aragorn skipped beside him and they began going towards the Golden hall.

"You cannot deceive anybody. You are going to weaken yourself, but we need you to be strong," said Aragorn's powerful voice. "You are in a maze from which there is no escape. And I am concerned because you do not seem to understand!"

"Now is not the time," Legolas answered, staring at the ranger in confusion since he did not entirely understand him. "I am capable of taking care of myself, Aragorn."

"You know everything but this, Legolas," Aragorn said as he turned to face him, "and even if you can become a fool and accept this destiny, the human will not! You have to stop, my friend before it is too late. "

"Xena?" Legolas inclined his head stupidly, unable to comprehend what Aragorn was attempting to tell him "I would say that we are trusted friends as friends. What do I possess to thwart Aragorn?"

"What does your heart tell you, Legolas?" said Aragorn. "It's a dream of fools. And you should be aware prior to entering."

"By Eru, have you completely lost your mind?" Legolas was nearly startled as he realised the ranger's implication "I would never do such. I am uninterested in this manner. How could you possibly believe I would? We face obscurity, an impending battle, and Eru knows what else."

Aragorn added, "I hope you are correct, Legolas, for your sake and hers. I did not want to disparage your relationship with a human. Forgive me if I've crossed any boundaries."

Legolas nodded; conversations of this like were common among friends. Legolas was aware of Aragorn's efforts to protect him. However, he thought his allegations absurd, and he would never be fond of the human in such ways. There was nothing connecting these proposals. But in the back of his mind, he began to overthink the situation. Looking for any minor action that would indicate that Aragorn was telling the truth. He was unable to discover any.

Xena certainly had his heavenly focus. As he became closer to Gimli, he felt attracted to her more and more. They were both new but trustworthy friendships. But he did not experience anything out of the ordinary; he would not know exactly how love felt, but he would have hints. Aragorn was wrong.

The Five, Théoden, and Èowyn assembled in the Golden Hall after the funeral. They were given food and drink and encouraged to discuss their future steps. "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by the fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head-on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight." said Gandalf.

Aragorn agreed with the wizard "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Èomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king."

Théoden's thoughts were different. He voiced that "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now! Èomer cannot help us. I know what is that you want of me. But I would not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."

"Open war is upon you, whether would risk it or not." said the ranger and he was right. War was slowly rising and they were all at risk.

The King walked to Aragorn and said "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan."

Suddenly Gimli Burped. Legolas lifted an eyebrow gazing at the Dwarf. Xena stood with them and cast a glance at the dwarf and the elf and shook her head in disbelief.

Gandalf sighed and gazed at Théoden "Then what is the king's decision?"

The King ordered, the city to be empty. They would take refuge in Helm's Deep. The group of five had the night to clean and rest. When the morning came they would all get ready to leave.

Gimli complained as he followed Gandalf and the others in the stables "Helm's Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?"

Aragorn took the king's side "He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past."

"There is no way out than that of the ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he is leading them to safety, but what he'll get is a massacre. Théoden has a stronghold but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defences have to hold." Gandalf explained very fast as he was in a hurry.

"They will hold." the ranger ensured Gandalf.

The wizard faced Shadowfax."The Grey Pilgrim. That is what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth and now, I have no luck. My search will not be in vain. Look to my coming, at first light, on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East." he said as he leapt on Shadowfax and rode out off Edoras.

"Go," added Aragorn. Shadowfax sprang out of the stable. As the team of four gazed at Gandalf leave.

"What will we do?" Gimli asked.

"We, well, get ready to follow them to Helm's Deep Gimli!" said Aragorn "Go get ready!"

((Upcoming Chapter Fifty-Four))

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