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)

~ LXVIII: Cornered by friends ~

Minas Tirith, 3019 TA, March 16

Faramir was sitting against the bedding, a night ago the king had cured him of the Morgul-wound, and he was no longer in any danger, but he was still recovering. He was fortunate enough and had avoided death more than one time, and he did not complain that he was permitted now to relax, while the white city was for now secure. However, he desired, he would be able to be among those taking part in the argument and riding with them.

Ioreth had prohibited the Captain and the Lady of Rohan to leave the Houses of Healing. They were not totally healed and their recuperation would take longer than others. Faramir felt as if he was again a youngster, he had fallen from his horse and broken his arm. The Steward just reprimanded his youngest son and instructed him never to trouble him with such trifling concerns. Because his father had a city to rule, and Faramir would not comprehend.

It was Boromir, who pulled him there and urged that a healer should inspect his damaged arm. And as his elder brother had suspected, his arm was shattered and Ioreth asked him to remain indoors. It was not different today, the old wife continued checking on him, with the only difference being his brother and father were no longer in existence to chastise him and help him.

He let his legs rest on the chilly ground and looked to make sure that one was around to notice him. He could not longer stay lying in bed, he could accept his bad luck that he would not go to a fight this time, but relaxing while the enemy was still scheming against his city and his people, was the act of a coward.

Maybe he would not be able to go into a fight, but he would not stand down. He would be on his feet and at least witness the soldiers of the west getting ready to ride to their fate. They were outnumbered, and it was foolish to attempt to capture the enemy's base. But they had no other options.

Aragorn had arrived in the Houses of Healing at least an hour ago to ensure that his wound was healing. Then he sat next to him and informed him of the decision. After the king explained to Faramir why they decided to take such action, he started to understand and support them. The king's response to his request to travel with them as unfavorable.

Actually, Aragorn's first order as king of Gondor was for Faramir to stand down and stay behind until he was recovered. He knew Faramir would never defy a straight command and hoped he would stay till he was healed.

As a woman, the Lady of Rohan did not respond or ask any questions after overhearing their talk. But she desired permission to ride beside her brother in combat. However, she surmised that she was not permitted to escape and that she was required to avoid the conflict. That made her more enraged; why should she stay behind when the guys were let to fight?

Then she observed Faramir and decided not to let the injured accompany her. She would consent to stay behind as Lord Faramir did today, but if they were to survive and Sauron fell, she would never again agree to stay behind. She would never again let herself watch a member of her family pass away. She had lost enough kinship and family members. Now it was time to fight, not hide. As a trusted Rohan shieldmaiden.

Aragorn departed the Houses of Healing and met with the men of Gondor, Rohan, and his companions to plan their departure. The dead lay everywhere, men, women, and children, slain in every corridor, consumed by the flames that had pursued them, or buried into the stone of the white city, the stones that had flowed and searched, nearly coming to life before the silence returned.

There were the riders of Rohan who were led by Éomer. They were preparing their horses, checking how many of the riders were in good condition to ride. Next to them a few yards away, had camped Gondorian soldiers, who were gathered by Gandalf and explained what would follow. Along with them was the broken Fellowship, everyone was there to keep their promise and aid Frodo as they could.

This could be their last battle, they could end up dying for a cause greater than they thought of. They were riding out for Frodo, hoping that the Hobbit would manage to destroy the ring, and the darkness of Sauron would be undone, as well as the Dark Lord himself.

With them was a tall woman with dark hair, wearing a sleeveless leather tunic and long hide pants tucked into sturdy boots. One hand was resting against her horse, and the other hand was brushing the horse's long hair, as she seemed to talk to it. She was actually the only woman, who rode with them. But Aragorn was aware, that if Éowyn could ride she would follow as well.

"The long life span can trick you," suddenly spoke Aragorn and won her attention "I wish it was not this way, but it is. Elves might seem keener and stronger, but they can fade away for less important reasons." Aragorn continued while looking around and noticing that the elf was far away and was talking with Gimli.

"You don't say," Xena responded, in an absent tone "So I have heard. What is your point!"

"Xena," Aragorn began speaking softly. The human had never noticed that he could speak as soft as the elves would, and it was the first that actually, he would corner her about a serious matter that was not related to the battle but with Legolas. "This I know, If we survive, you shall find happiness and love, however, if it's not love you seek from Legolas, but only short flame, you should stop."

Xena relaxed folding her arms over her chest and regarding the now protective human of his dear friend. She did not criticise him, though, since she would have done the same thing if it had been Gabrielle; she would have ensured that no one intended to hurt her. The only difference would be that Xena would have spoken with Gabrielle rather than the other individual.

"You asking the wrong person, you should have warned the elf," Xena responded while casting a glance over to Legolas "He is the one who has a lot to lose, and not me? Right?" Now her tone had harshened as she glared at Aragorn.

"I have already spoken to Legolas. I have warned him, but it seems that my warnings were never heard. I am worried as much for him, as for you," Aragorn offered honestly "I do not what our future will bring, but if you do not see a future with him, you should not carry on."

Different. Xena found his approach strange, he was not worried only about Legolas but about her as well. "Why would you be worrying about me? And what would you know about the affairs of humans and elves?" she quizzed knowing that Aragorn was interested in Arwen. She had heard stories about them and had noticed the way both treated each other. They were in love.

"Strange times to talk about love," Aragorn answered "but if you must know, My heart belongs to an elf maiden. And I am not sure if she or I will make it through, but if we do, I will not fight it any longer, our union. However, it's not the same with both of you. You hurry into the fire like it's a battle."

"Arwen?" Xena scoffed while noticing the way Aragorn's face lightened up when he heard her name. "You are in love, and I cannot have an opinion about that. But with me and the elf was just a one-time thing. Nothing more."

"Then no love?" Aragorn asked disappointed when he listened to Xena speak about something so special like it was just a casual act. "You do not love him?"

Xena laughed at the word 'love'. "I do not," she defended herself harsher than she had meant, but she could not see how last night's events were related to love. "I do care about Legolas, and he is a friend. But love, not I would not say so."

Aragorn sighed and tried not to say anything insulting to the woman. He could never understand her way of living. "I do not understand how you would spend a night with someone you would not consider loving. But I am not here to judge your deeds, however, stay away from Legolas if you do not see yourself being by his side."

"Isn't your friend and adult," Xena asked curious "You should let him decide how to spend his nights. I believe, there was no love in last night's events not on my part, and not on his. Since you already found out about it!"

What had occurred between her and the elf had nothing to do with Aragorn, thus the warrior princess was now outraged. No one ever pressured her into discussing her romantic alternatives. She was now regarded as a youngster. However, it was evident that Aragorn was also dissatisfied with her response.

"Then next time try to keep it behind closed doors and not in an open space. You are both lucky that last night all were weary. But that was not my point, just do not hurt Legolas. Because I will not sit and watch you break his heart." Aragorn concluded and walked away living Xena with many questions.

The human could not accept that Legolas, the prideful and arrogant, strong and cold elf could simply end up heartbroken because of her. After all, they just had one night, nothing more or less. Why was she now worrying?

However, things were not better for Legolas. Because Gimli had cornered Legolas asking him the same questions. Last night the dwarf and Aragorn ended up finding them both outside the Houses of Healings, being closer than ever. They have decided today to speak to both of them, and see what had happened.

They were curious if they both were serious, but it seemed that the human and elf were in a mischievous night flame, that had left Aragorn and Gimli speechless. Legolas had the same reaction as Xena, acting like some kind of flirting elf. Legolas ignored Gimli's warnings as he had ignored Aragorn's.

For Legolas it was a bad joke, how was it possible that he would be in love. Surely he cared about the human and found her captivating. But he was not in love. He was not some kind of elfing who would fall in love with a human. And especially a human who was too violent and had broken his nose multi times. But he could not deny she was a damn great kisser. And not only that.

Thankfully, the arguing ended between Legolas and Gimli, since they were called to pack. Everyone was now getting ready and they would ride by sunrise. There was nothing else to talk about now only the ring and the upcoming battle.

((Upcoming Chapter Sixty-Nine)

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