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)
~ LXVII: Debates ~
Minas Tirith, 3019 TA, March 16
The elf awoke to a grey pre-dawn light and the quiet breathing of a person lying next to him. He recognized that it was a person and recalled what had transpired. He brushed the sleep from his eyes and let his palm to rest on his face. As he pulled himself up into a sitting posture, he grimaced as he saw the nude woman lying in his arms. How did he get to that location?
A few hours previously, he recalled all that had unfolded while frowning. He had courageously gotten himself into another trouble. Last night, he was so enchanted by the human that he could not contain himself, or rather, he did not want to. It might be the final time they share a few minutes of tranquility. And he had promised to ruin everything. Was it profitable?
The answer was straightforward: Yes. It was worthwhile, even if it would cost him more than he had negotiated. Legolas was not a fool; he was aware of the consequences when he slept with the human last night. It may have meant two different things to her and to him. However, he took a risk.
The desire he had had to be with her. Such dark and seductive feelings had never before overcome him with any other maiden. She could not, however, be compared to anybody. She was an ultimate enigma to which he always sought the solution. And there was one more thing he wanted to know about her tonight.
And surprisingly, she agreed. She appeared to ask the same questions that he did for whatever purpose, if not just for her own amusement. Neither he nor she acted in a manner that was prudent. However, what was done was done, and they were unable to undo the fact that they had slept together.
In addition to leaning back against the tree and drawing her closer to his chest, he acknowledged one more thing with a smile. It was of little relevance and only a foolish letter. Just a ridiculous notion, an absurd notion of...
As for her, she was much awake when Legolas pulled her closer to him, and she simply relaxed against him. Legolas was a fair lord indeed, she was not sure if it was his elvish blood or his royal upbringing, but being with the elf could not be compared with any human.
It was not plain, nor simple. Surely, from her side, it started with her urges turned on and her mind on the gut. It began as she recalled it. However, it was not long before things changed. There was not only the satisfaction with being with someone, Legolas was somehow fulfilling.
Their sexual encounter was not only about to bodies being connected. It was something more, more complicated, and more heavenly. It brought Xena to touch another way of the elves. And honestly, she did not care about the elves, it had only done so with this one elf, Legolas.
And honestly, how managed the virgin elf master such knowledge. It did not matter at the moment, as it did not matter why her own body reacted as it was the first time she was having a sexual encounter. All those wee annoying questions she did not need to answer.
Maybe after the was over, and she was still alive. Then it would make more sense to seek further knowledge. For the time being, it was enough that she could sleep inside his arms without any explanations given.
The sun had finally risen, and the wind was still blowing from the west. Together, the Elf, the Human female, and the Dwarf entered Minas Tirith, and many who saw them pass were amazed to see such companions; for Legolas was handsome beyond the measure of men, and Xena was a lady in armor, while Gimli followed them while stroking his beard. They were left with perplexing glances and weird looks. However, they ignored the people and focused on the city.
"There is some good stonework here, but also some that are less good, and the streets could be better contrived. When Aragorn comes into his own, I shall offer him the service of stone wrights of the Mountain, and we will make this a town to be proud of." Gimli son of Glóin said as he surveyed the walls.
"There must be more gardens. The dwellings are lifeless, and there is too little growth and happiness here. If Aragorn comes into his own, the inhabitants of the Wood will give him singing birds and immortal trees." Legolas said.
Xena followed them in deep contemplation, but she nearly laughed when she heard the dwarf and the elf discussing masonry and gardens. She could not believe that both of these warriors would end up serving the Gondorians. Indeed, it felt odd, but she would want to be there to see it. Thankfully, conversations such as these helped her forget what had transpired the previous night.
Gimli, who was still collecting his thoughts on the stone walls and which design would work best, said, "The greatest stonework is the oldest and was crafted in the first structure! It is always so with the things that men begin; they fail to keep their word."
"Men's actions will outlast us, Gimli!" Legolas responded with a wrinkled forehead.
"And yet, in the end, to no use, yet it might have been!" said the Dwarf.
"To this, the Elves have no response!" Legolas said candidly as he raised his attention to the sky.
"To that, the Elves know not the answer! I am stunned?" Xena scoffed, eliciting giggles from Gimli and frowns from Legolas. She was not disappointed, however, to describe the elf's faultless knowledge.
Anduin sparkled in the light as it flowed away, attracting the attention of Legolas. The Ellon instantly sobbed "Look! Gulls! They are flying far inland. A wonder they are to me and trouble to my heart. Never in all my life had I heard their highest cry! I heard them crying in the air as we rode to the battle of the ships. Yet, today the cries have another meaning. Their wailing voices spoke to me of the Sea. The Sea! Alas! I have not yet beheld it. But deep in the hearts of all my kindred lies the sea-longing, which it is perilous to stir. Alas! For the gulls. No peace shall I have again under beech or under the elm."
"Say not so!" said Gimli "There are infinite things to see and deeds to do in Middle-earth. But if all the elves go to the Havens, the world would become drab for those who must remain."
"Lady Galadriel muddled your thinking!" Xena talked and skipped between them. She had heard that the elves felt compelled to leave Middle-earth when the Sea beckoned. Yet, knowing that Legolas had heard the call and that there was a chance he might sail away from Middle-earth caused the human to experience new levels of anguish.
"Don't fret, Gimli, I still have a lot of work to do here," Legolas reassured his companion. Then turned and faced her "Why? What did Lady Lórien say to you?"
"Nothing," she defended herself "I more worried about what she told you to have you believe such nonsense?"
The elf again became quiet. Xena no longer questioned his assertions. They had reached the gateway to Minas Tirith's throne chamber. Outside, Éomer waited for them and gestured for them to follow him. Inside Aragorn, Gandalf and the rest were waiting for the three to start the meeting about what should follow. Gandalf spoke first, as he was strolling up and down "Frodo has passed beyond my sight." he informed them "The darkness is deepening."
"If Sauron had the Ring we would know it," Aragorn said, crossing his arms against his chest.
"It's only a matter of time. He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping." Reminded them the wizard.
Gimli sat on the steward's throne, puffing on a pipe. As Xena sat next to him listened to them. "Let him stay there. Let him rot! Why should we care?" Gimli said, baffled puffing more on his pipe.
"Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom." the Istar said "I've sent him to his death."
"No. There's still hope for Frodo. He needs time, and safe passage across the Plains of Gorgoroth." the ranger voiced up as his mind figured out a plan "We can give him that."
"How?" Gimli asked as he lifted an eyebrow.
"Draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate." Aragorn suggested as he looked at each of them.
Éomer who was now standing next to Legolas hated to recall "We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms."
Aragorn agreed, yet he said "Not for ourselves, but we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves."
Legolas crossed his arms in front of his chest, and looked at his friend "A diversion." he noted.
Gimli smirked and wiggled his legs "Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?"
"Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait." the wizard spoke.
"Oh, I think he will," Aragorn assured him.
As the heir of Isildur, he devised a plot to attract Sauron's attention to them so that the Eye of Sauron would focus on them. Aragorn entered the fortress throne chamber without opposition. He revealed the Palantír. The Eyes blazing caused him to flinch. He raised his blade towards the Palantír. Aragorn said, "Behold Elendil's sword!" The image of Sauron in his armor emerged, followed by a dying representation of Arwen. He clutched the Palantír in his hands. Aragorn released the Palantir as Sauron chuckled, The Evenstar crashed to the ground and smashed into fragments.
Now the time had come for men of the west to march for their final battle.
((Upcoming Chapter Sixty-Eight)
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