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)

~ LVII: Wonderfully Wrong ~

Edoras, 3019 TA, March 5

There was something mystifyingly alluring about becoming a part of a throng and alleviating one's loneliness. Act identically. Feel identical. Fight equally. An echo of our humanity, a moment of oneness, was accompanied by a sense of independence. The people of Rohan rejoiced at their survival. They hurried to locate their family and houses. The men of Rohan, the king, and the company all contributed to the disorder. To purify oneself, to abandon all filthiness. To sleep for many hours. Then, to meet the King and drink for those who fell.

The group would next ride to Edoras, where they would celebrate their victory at Helm's Deep. King Théoden was given the Cup of Kings by his niece Éowyn and spoke to the people of Rohan, including Aragorn, about the heroes who died protecting Helm's Deep's gates and saving the realm. In the Golden Halls of Edoras, everyone was drinking and celebrating the defeat of Saruman and his army.

The sun descended below the horizon, emitting its last rays. The human had returned to the spacious room that had been provided to her days before. She had discovered, to her amazement, that a further chamber concealed behind a big current led to a private bathroom. The bathroom seemed like a natural setting, with clean, warm water waiting for her to wash and unwind.

The warmth of the water, the way it caressed every inch of her skin, and the perfume of the bath were a welcome reprieve from the ugliness and blood she had experienced recently. It was a spot where she could breathe deeply and regain her inner serenity. She bathed in the warm water for a considerable amount of time while reliving all that had transpired.

During the preceding days, it seemed that they would not prevail against the Uruk-hai in combat. But they prevailed, and suddenly everything was returning to normal. At least until the next danger emerged. Even Legolas and Gimli were on friendlier terms, though they continued to compete to see who could kill the most Uruks. Xena smiled, considering their battle to be juvenile. A five hundred years old elf playing like some child.

After several more minutes of tranquil stillness, the warrior princess continued to consider the elf more than they should have. She recalled how he conducted himself throughout the conflict. She had seen Legolas engage in combat before and was aware of his prowess. But seeing him fight in real combat was beyond her wildest imaginings. He was one of the greatest archers she had ever seen, and he understood how to wield his blades. He was courageous throughout combat.

But also courageous as our human. When both were on the battlefield, they were able to synchronise their attacks such that they were balanced. Both parties were now aware of the fact that they were deadly fighters, and they embraced this fact. It did not matter that Legolas was an elf or even an obnoxious elf; while battling together, they were able to create wanders.

Obviously, there were many excellent combatants, and humans recognise their talents. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Éomer captivated her interest. In this manner, her thoughts wandered to Éowyn, a very unusual woman who had the will to fight but need permission to do so. She was somewhat reminiscent of Gabrielle, although if it were Gabrielle, she would turn up to fight even if she was instructed to wait.

She decided not to linger any longer, and to wear the long gown that was offered to her. She still was bothered about gowns and Middle Earth, in every town she ended up staying they were providing her with gowns. But tonight's choice was one of the best, the quality and the colours were one of a kind. However, the gown was heavy. She wore the blush full-sleeve gown with golden patterns.

Her hair hung straight against her, and the depth of colour in her brown hair was like the best cathedral choir singing in perfect harmony. Her complexion was paler than normal, and a few scrapes and bruises were noticeable. However, her look tonight was unique, like a great Mirkwood wine. She shut the door behind her and entered the Golden Hall of Meduseld with the others.

The sound of sorrow and jubilation reverberated throughout all of Edoras, as the war was won but lives were lost. Legolas sat on the edge of his bed with his hands clenched into fists on each side of him and his gaze fixed straight ahead. He had not heard the noises since he was preoccupied with his own thoughts. After bathing and changing into his grey formal tunic, he laid his weapons on the bed. He had been locked in this position for many hours, well before the sunset. His memories would sometimes become vivid, leading him to take a big breath.

The dwarf eventually appeared and brought the elf out of his suffering and into the real world. After their arrival in Edoras, the elf's demeanour had altered, and Gimli did not know what was troubling him. The elf's thinking seemed scattered and he had lost concentration. Gimli pretended as though he had not observed, yet he noticed Legolas's transformation. The dwarf's approach to helping his pal calm down and relax was to engage him in a drinking game.

As Xena eventually made her way inside the Golden Halls, she first saw the Rohirrim. Éomer was conversing with his warriors; Gimli and Legolas were there. The duo sat at a table laden with cups and continued to drink. Merry and Pippin were consuming alcohol, dancing, and singing. They would be the centre of attention. They were celebrating as if they were in the Shire. Gandalf seemed to be engaged in a lengthy discussion with Aragorn.

"What did I say? He can't hold his liquor!" Gimli said proudly while casting a glance at Legolas and then suddenly passing out.

Legolas looked contentedly confident of his ability "Game over." he voiced. He smirked for the first time that night as he had won the drinking game.

Of a sudden, in Gimli's spot sat Xena. Her appearance was slightly different. The long gown, its colour and the loose hair were giving her a different aura than usual.

"The game isn't over Elf!" she loudly said, catching the attention all around her. She grabbed a drink and sipped once waiting for the response of the elf.

"Unfair!" the elf said "I have won!"

Xena finished her drink and crashed the mug against the table, leaning closer towards Legolas "It does not count. You are an Elf! Did even the previous drinks affect you!?"

"They did! I felt a pinch... a tingle!" Legolas explained locking his gaze with hers.

She pointed at Gimli that was leaning against the ground "A tingle! A dwarf is passed out on the ground! Do you get what I mean? The game is on! No one won, yet!"

Éomer joined them laughing, as he brought more drinks "You heard the lady!" He, as well as his men, wanted to see this drinking contest. First a dwarf and an Elf. Now, a human female and an Elf. Things were getting interesting.

Legolas grabbed another mug and sipped it fast. Soon mug after mug was drunk, and the game was on. What first started as a fun game, now it was more serious. The elf and the human glared at each other. And more drinks were added. Everything seemed that both were strong drinkers. Until the game was over.

Xena took the last sip and she felt her head crush against the table. Legolas gazed down at her and smirked "Now, it's game over!"

"We have a winner!" Éomer announced. The men cheered.

Soon, Éomer and the men went on with their drinking game at another table. Legolas helped Gimli to lean against a chair. As he sat down and looked at both of them. Gimli was still passed out, cuddling a chair, and Xena resting against the table. He swayed his head.

"The game is still..." Xena mumbled as she lifted her right arm "It.. is.. not... finished!"

Legolas smirked at her, as he leaned closer and whispered "It is already done! I won!"

Gimli sniffed moving his lips, then opened one eye, then the other. He found himself cuddling the chair. He rotated himself, leaning his back against the chair. He glanced only to find Legolas still sitting there. The elf was staring at Xena. She was still resting against the table complaining that she won.

"Why is lassy passed out!?" the dwarf was puzzled.

Legolas gazed at him "She did not pass out! She is drunk, and still complaining that she won!" Legolas informed him.

Gimli laughed, while still watching them, "Take good care of her Lad! I need to rest!" he said as he tapped his friend's shoulder. Next, he stood and drift into his bed-chamber.

Legolas and Xena remained seated at the same table. The human had fallen asleep, and the elf was observing her as she slept. He was unable to tear his eyes away from the human. At that time, his terrible destiny would have it that he would be preoccupied with something inappropriate. Since Aragorn had talked to him and brought to his notice that he behaved differently from humans, his behaviour had changed.

The elf had confidence in Aragorn, and his words sunk in. He was convinced the ranger was mistaken. He was certain that Xena became one of his closest friends. He cared for her as much as he did for Gimli and Aragorn. She was really his dependable friend, and that would never change. The fellowship had a unique connection; they were a single unit.

What then changed?

Surprisingly, it was neither the lengthy kiss they had under the giant Mallorn Tree nor the times he had seen her nude, not her wildness or ability to offend him. It was neither their lengthy chats nor the warning the ranger gave him. No, it was only a statement she spoke with conviction that commanded Legolas's whole attention.

'You will return to your golden forest and stop stealing my possessions. Because the next time I will not hold back and break your wrists.' This was the threat posed by the human to Aeariel. It was humiliating for the prince of Mirkwood. He would have intervened and requested an apology from her. If the human talked in such a manner in his father's Halls, she would be imprisoned for attacking the Prince.

Despite this, Legolas was amazed. His first response was a silly smirk, which he concealed in time and no one observed. Something inside him snapped, and the sound of becoming hers entered his mind. His thoughts were perverted, and he was confronted by a human who was threatening a mighty Elleth for his benefit. It enhanced his self-esteem and confidence. And the solace he sought was beginning to increase his suffering.

He did not like to recognise the growing number of ideas in his head. He was certain that the long hours of fighting and all the darkness had sapped his spirit, and that he was now daydreaming. It was Aragorn's fault for bringing it up, Xena's fault for treating him as her property, and Gimli's fault for dragging him into this stupid drinking game that forced him to stare at her.

Legolas pushed himself to concentrate on reality, rather than the intricacies. He was unable to allow his thoughts to concentrate on the smothering folly. To concentrate on these matters was to encourage insanity. His thoughts attempted to strip him of his entire identity, but Legolas resisted. He shook his head in astonishment and gradually shifted his attention back to reality. The first thing he saw were two blue eyes staring back at him with curiosity.

"That's the funny thing about people. Just when you think you've got them figured out they show a completely different side. How long have you been gazing like a pervert?" Xena said as she sat up against the chair and regarded the elf.

Legolas reacted angrily at her inquiry, mostly because she was correct. He stared at her for an extended period of time, certain that he seemed to be a freak. "I was thinking," he said in his defence.

However, the human seemed unconvinced; she grinned and cocked her head to gauge his response. It had been a long time since she had had that much alcohol, but happily, it was not as strong as the wine from Mirkwood. "You were not," she argued. "I feel your virginity is having a gradual impact on you, elf."

He looked at her and then stood up. Her gaze followed every step he took. The manner in which he was agitated, the manner in which he approached her, and the manner in which his muscular hands yanked her from her seat so that she was facing him. She tightened her grip on Legolas. The Elf looked over his shoulder at her. His arms provided support for her lower body.

Xena peered intently into his eyes, shamelessly attempting to elicit a response. As if playing a game, she gently prodded him around the edges. However, this resulted in a new dilemma for Legolas. After staring at her back for a minute, he found himself entranced by the depth of her gaze. He did not pause before picking her up and placing her against his shoulders.

"Do not think I won't alter that, human. It would be my pleasure." He threatened her with a deep voice that sent goosebumps throughout her whole body. He fled from the Golden Halls as she fought against his shoulder and he attempted to conceal an elfish grin. Legolas was sufficiently inebriated to unleash his cheeky Mirkwood behaviour.

"You do not want to make me angry at this time, do you?" Xena snarled as she struggled ferociously to get free of his increasingly powerful grip. "Are you completely insane?"

"Aye", Legolas said simply, "I am a virgin pervert with desires, and you are a beautiful maiden who will assist me."

Xena rolled her eyes for a moment, believing he was playing a joke on her, but his demeanour did not alter, so she became concerned. She proceeded to warn him, "Don't make me harm you now!"

Legolas laughed as he walked inside his room, retrieved an item from his bed, and then entered hers. "I'd like to see you try," he said as he carried her outside of the Golden Halls and behind the stables. Legolas let her go and she fell like a sack of potatoes.

Xena was pinned to the ground and glared angrily at her attacker. As she witnessed him toss her, she sprang to her feet with her own sword at the ready. She cocked her head in confusion as she saw him motioning for her to get her sword.

"Pick that up," ordered Legolas.

Curiosity prompted Xena to draw her sword and aim it at him. Legolas nodded and produced his own pair of double-long blades. "Now we fight," he replied while intently glancing at her.

As the Prince of Mirkwood left her flabbergasted, she said, "Huh? Like me battling you?"

Legolas nodded. "Didn't you request combat with me in Imladris? Now is your opportunity," He then took a step back and waited for her to process what was occurring before continuing.

Xena tightened her hold on the sword's hilt and moved in closer. She did not fear fighting the elf. He had provided her with several grounds to attack him today. She was still perplexed, though. However, he chose to execute that action due to his subsequent ideas. At least his heart was at rest while he was battling her.

Aragorn had seen Legolas running through the hallways with the lady on his shoulders. He and Éomer ended up pursuing them, only to discover them fighting behind the stables. He had started cycling her, and she was also cycling him. As soon as word spread that a duel was taking place, more Rohirrim, including the king and Gandalf, arrived.

The combat had begun when he abruptly whirled his blades, causing the metal to collide and create sparks. She drew her sword and defended herself as his first stroke landed near her chest. The second and third strikes came when furious eyes met naughty ones. Xena ultimately retreated with a backflip and a yell. She almost lost her balance due to the weight and length of her garment.

She muttered a curse and scowled at Legolas, who was awaiting her. The grin stayed on his face as she tore off both sides of the dress and flipped once again to face him. Legolas ended up deflecting her next strike. They struggled in this manner for many minutes. Xena was striking and Legolas blocking. It irritated the human since the elf never attempted to hit her.

More people ended up gathering in and watching the duel, while Legolas was playing a game with her that he found both silly and soothing to his mind and spirit. They struggled for many minutes until the elf launched a forward lunge with his right sword, which almost slipped underneath her neck. However, Xena's sword was just an inch from his heart.

The duel ended when the ranger intervened and declared a draw. Then he ordered them both to return to their rooms. Xena only shook her head and walked away. She did not know what provoked the elf's behaviour. Legolas returned to his room but left his weapons outside. Then he donned his cloak and hoodie and searched for a secluded spot on the walls of Edoras. He hoped that the night would give his anxious heart some peace.

((Upcoming Chapter Fifty-Eight))

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