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)

~ LIV: The road to Helm's Deep~

Edoras, 3019 TA, March 3

The time was translucent, if not completely transparent. No sound, no cry just stillness. Everyone in Edoras was frantically collecting their most prized possessions in preparation for the King's retreat to Helm's Deep. The troops assembled their equipment to ensure that they had all they needed for their mission. There were many people eager to leave Edoras and go to Helm's Deep, including soldiers, farmers, and mothers with small children.

Arod hooved at Legolas' approach as Legolas caressed him. Legolas had no problem settling down Arod, a fiery and restless horse. After Éomer had given them the horses, the elf had taken the saddle off. He rode him without a saddle or reins, and he did it effortlessly. And Gimli and he could ride Arod with no saddle at all. The pain of losing Súrë has been lessened by the addition of Arod to his side.

It was not often someone gained to see a calming Legolas speaking to Arod in enchanting elfish assuring the horse that they would ride into dangerous grounds but he would be there and he had nothing to be afraid of. He approached him with such kindness and smoothness, a side that Legolas hardly ever showed. That was a privilege only seen by a few.

Xena had previously seen Aragorn speak elvish to tame and quiet a wild horse. This was the time when she was caring for the horse she had given to Argo as a gift. Although it first resisted it, it soon accepted the new name. She secured on the horse's saddle her belongings and quiver in tow. The reason Galadriel gave her arrows was still a mystery to her.

It all started with a whisper in the wind. She was enchanted by the peaceful sound of alien tones, which sounded like a symphonic song. When she felt another hand resting on top of hers as she stroked the Palamino horse's silky mane, she knew something was up. She swung around to who the hand's owner was and her gaze was locked with Legolas'. In the midst of patting Argo, she noticed that her hand was being pulled down by his as he spoke soothing words to the horse.

"Sh!" She felt weird ticklings on her back as Legolas spoke in her ear and his arms brushed against hers. "You alter her name," Legolas replied in the same tone. A few minutes later, he released her hand and walked aside, staring at the human puzzler in awe of her. "Nature, animals, and trees can all converse with elves."

Xena gave him a nod and a sincere grin. Aragorn and Legolas' feats were beyond her powers, even if she had trained her own horses. "That I envy," she said, maintaining a grin on her face.

When Legolas smirked in satisfaction, he abruptly raised his other hand in front and exhibited his old bow, then offered it to her. His free hand motioned to the quiver that was attached to Argo as he said, "You need a bow to use those arrows," tilting her head again. "You never know you might need it!"

However, she nodded and took it after a long look at him attempting to comprehend what was going on. Using his bow in Rivendell was the most difficult thing she had ever had to do. It was difficult to learn how to utilise it. "I'll take it and challenge you at some point," she added with a smile.

Legolas said, "I shall be waiting," and then he took a step back to indicate this. As they watched, Aragorn and Hasufel arrived close to them. Gimli also received a pony as a gift. The King and the rest of the group set off for Helm's Deep soon after.

As they left Edoras, the sun was already sinking and throwing a golden light over Rohan, which they rode through as they rushed west. They headed northwest, following a well-worn road into the foothills of the White Mountains, where they forded several small, swift streams. Misty Mountains loomed ahead and to their right; they became darker and higher as the day progressed. The sun had begun to set before their eyes. The night was drawing nearer.

Gimli was referencing the dwarf women. Actually, he was explaining that there were female dwarfs, although they were often mistaken for men. He continued to relate stories about his own folk. laughed most of the time since the stories were so original and humorous. Legolas and Háma were inspecting the fields in the distance for danger while travelling forward.

Xena followed to the end of the route in order to secure it. In front of her stood a squad of troops who were assisting Gríma Wormtongue. After the king's awakening and Gríma's departure, however, they continued to serve as Rohan's troops. What Xena heard prompted her to clench her fists and make every effort not to fight. Those individuals lacked dignity since they addressed the king and his niece with disdain.

Specifically, the Rohirrim called Éadwine had been disparaging the Lady of Rohan for some time. Soon afterwards, Xena became his focus. It quickly led to objectifying her. Everything seemed familiar since it was similar to the majority of humans in her former world. It wasn't so much that it worried her, but rather something stranger. She began to miss Imladris and Lothlórien, as well as the strange conduct of the elves. For the first time, she realised the difference between them and mortals.

The sunset was gently in front of them. The evening had passed. The host continued to ride. Need to motivate them. Fearing that they might arrive too late, they rode as quickly as possible. The night was quickly approaching. As they stopped to set their tent. Moreover, fifty percent of their voyage was ahead. Few campfires were lit in order to prepare some stew.

Èowyn prepared some stew and began sharing it with others. She handed the dwarf a bowl out of kindness. Gimli just transferred the item to another soldier. She continued till she presented Aragorn with a dish and spoon. He received the stew-filled dish. He tried it and discovered that it tasted strange. She was on the verge of leaving when Aragorn poured out the stew. She yet returned with questions.

The night was yet in its infancy, the sky was bright, and the stars shone with pride. The wind's quiet movement served as a reminder that winter was not yet finished. Four individuals were engrossed in their own world. They were much calmer than the day. A profound quiet descended over them, heavier than the tense atmosphere. Their thoughts were racing and their emotions were heavy. What was different?

Aragorn smoked his pipe, sitting on the north side. His mind was bothered like an old memory had haunted him. The years may pass, months, and days, but what remained was love. Love, perfect, so fine and fair. Love, he had felt, he had known. Though, again, she was so far away. His mind sprang back to Rivendell before they left.

Legolas had returned after scouting the location, while the others had set up camp. He was likewise in a sombre disposition. As if something were upsetting him. However, the elf was unable to name it. Since the previous night, his heart has been heavy and tormented. It resembled anxiety rather than a severe situation. He attempted to keep his thoughts occupied, but was unable to.

Her mind was wheeling stronger. She was not in any different state of mind. Her thoughts were baffled, refusing to listen to her confused heart. She refused to become a victim of her own thoughts. She sprung up and went where Gimli was sitting.

"Gimli, will you grant me a favour, " she asked, smiling at the dwarf.

"What do you need, Lassy?" Gimli asked her curiously. All the days they have been travelling, she never asked for anything.

"Have you tried Èowyn's stew?" she wanted to know with a wicked gaze on her face.

"Don't try that! I heard it tastes bad!" the dwarf whispered.

"I know. I don't want to try it. I want to have someone else try it!" she said as a giggle escaped her lips.

"Who would the poor man be?" Gimli asked with a smile on his face.

"The annoying Elf. He didn't eat anything today after all!" She mumbled softly, pointing at him.

"If it's the elf I am in!" he said and stood up.

"Follow me!" she said and gazed around. She was looking for Èowyn finding her close to the campfire. She dashed off and sprung suddenly in front of her.

"Lady Èowyn, do you have some of the stew left?" Xena asked, acting normal and kind.

"Yes, actually there is plenty left!" Èowyn answered.

"Great! Could I have a bowl? And if it isn't a lot to ask would you accompany us to give it to the Elf. He gets shy sometimes and with you around he would eat it." Xena said softly, gazing at the Èowyn.

Èowyn agreed. Actually, she was happy that someone asked to have some of her stew. She grabbed a bowl and filled it up. Next, she followed Gimli and Xena as they walked toward the elf. Legolas gazed at them confused, as all three surrounded him.

"It isn't hot, as before Lord Legolas. Though, would you want to try some? Your friends here noticed that you haven't eaten anything until now!" Èowyn said as she offered the bowl and spoon.

"Thank you Lady Èowyn!" he responded. He grabbed the spoon and gazed at Gimli and Xena who were standing a few steps away. He sank the spoon into the stew and sipped it. His expression changed, and now he knew why the dwarf and the human were around. He swallowed what was in his mouth "Lady Èowyn, the taste is unique!" he said glaring at Xena.

"You think my Lord. Please finish it. There is enough left!" she said. Gimli and Xena remain there, while they would giggle from time to time. Legolas ended up eating all the stew. Only after he had finished eating, Èowyn left. Xena and Gimli thanked her.

"Lad, you had to see your face. Funniest thing ever," he said still laughing and satisfied.

" Dôl gîn lost!" [Your head is empty!] Legolas cried out irritated " Ego, mibo orch!" [Go kiss an orc!]

"Amarth faeg!" [Evil fate!] Xena said as she was laughing and pointing at him. He had heard him using that phrase a few times and after the ranger explained what it meant, she would use it.

"Ego!" [Be gone!] the elf said still pissed at her as he sat down trying his best to control his anger. He took his water sack and sipped many times to be rid of the taste.

"You'll be fine, Lad!" Gimli said and lay on a rug to rest close to the elf.

Xena sat next to Legolas. The laughs and giggles had fainted. Although it was a meaningless joke, her mind wasn't wheeling any longer. Legolas' heart was at ease too. Now he had to deal with his stomach. Xena leaned against a near rock and gazed up at the sky.

"It has been an awkward day!" she admitted.

"Naw! [It is so!] The night has been even stranger." he added gazing down at her.

That night they didn't say anything else. They sat there until Xena closed her eyes and slept. The next morning they would be again on their journey.

As their second day of riding proceeded, the air grew denser. Háma and Gamling mounted their horses and rode to the front of the line. From a distance, Legolas observes his surroundings. Xena found herself conversing with Théoden about her status as a female warrior. The armour she wore today was identical to her former one, with the modifications made in Rivendell removed. She was simply wearing the coat they received in Lothlórien.

Suddenly, Legolas discovered a scout and notified them. The populace panics. The horsemen mounted their horses and rode away from the column in response to the King's command. He told his niece to take the defenceless and ascend Helm's depths. She wanted to stay and fight but ultimately agreed with her uncle.

Legolas saw the warg pack approaching them. As he stood on him, he fired his arrows. Riders suddenly emerged behind him. As Arod drew close, Legolas sprang, grabbed Gimli, and climbed up on the horse's back. Xena, who was riding nearby, saw the rise. It delighted her.

The horsemen brandished their swords and charged the warg. They collide head-on at full speed. The battle had begun and it was deadly and brutal. Numerous wolves and orcs were slain. Crossed swords intensified the conflict. Xena watched their eyes flickering in the split second between the stalemate and the battle. Her blade was used more often in this bout. She felt the blade pierce into their flesh, but her expression was indecipherable, revealing only a wicked grin. She seemed to be enjoying the interaction. Again, the blood and filth did not phase her.

Gimli was eventually buried under a mass of orcs and wargs. An imprisoned Orc attempted to assault the dwarf, but the dwarf severed the Orc's neck. Gimli attempted to rise from the heap, but another creature attempted to creep into view. Aragorn observed it and killed it with a spear throw. The warg's corpse dropped on Gimli.

The King and the ranger continued to slaughter orcs. Their blows were so ferocious that they killed anyone foolish enough to confront their swords. A warg launched itself at Aragorn, forcing him to tumble from his horse. The ranger mounted the warg and engaged his rider in combat. He struck the orc, smashing it as it fell, taking Aragorn down with him. His hand was caught in the warg's harness, and he was attempting to extricate himself. Aragorn fell down with the warg as it rushed over a precipice.

((Upcoming Chapter Fifty-Five))

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