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)

~ LXXIV: Feeling Sick~

Minas Tirith, 3019 TA, April 2nd

Son of Thranduil was able to maintain a lovely posture despite casually lying on a bed that was plainly not his. He was an unidentified being that had just materialised in the human realm. They were sufficiently acquainted, but each had much more to learn and contribute. He did not reveal much, but he seemed protective of the person laying on his chest, with a tiny pleasure to his ego for feeling her weight on top of him, as well as huge concerns he chose not to admit.

He was concerned about the young Adaneth who was carelessly snoozing against him, her nude body touching his without her being prepared to attack him. Legolas allowed his gaze to travel down her body, absorbing every element of her wild beauty, while minutes passed. Initially, he refrained from touching her, but around dawn, he ended up dragging her on top of himself. It was natural to have her leaning so close to him. It gave him a possessive tingle up his spine. He was astonished to see that his responses were sometimes worse than his father's.

The prince shook his head in amazement at his own thoughts, because he knew, and knew well, that he could not possess Xena. She was not his, and it was evident that she never would be. She was not the sort of maiden to embrace such faith, and Legolas would not want that. Her free-spiritedness was what grabbed his interest. The extraordinary power she had was a mystery to him. Wasn't she supposed to be only an Adaneth, an insignificant creature? However, she was no longer vital to him, since she was too important to him.

Legolas noticed abruptly that his fingers had travelled down her head and were now entangled with a strand of her long, dark hair. Whenever he went near her, he was unable to prevent himself from touching her, and he worried about how much danger he was getting himself into by not fighting back. He just accepted what life had given him during those few days of happiness. Was it worth the suffering and desolation that would ensue?

Indeed, she was.

Yesterday, when his friend and king Aragorn approached him for a heart-to-heart conversation, this was his response. Legolas knew that when the war would end, Aragorn would not forget him. And he did not. As a real friend, he was concerned about both the elf and the human. But Legolas was aware of Aragorn's character. He was unique and deserving of his trust and regard.

And Legolas wanted to finally visit his dear friend in solitude and enjoy a few quiet minutes. Because he understood that becoming king would not be simple, he had been observing his father for ages. And a future where Aragorn was left alone with nothing but concerns and difficulties was not one he would accept for him. He would go and bring Arwen to him, ensuring the safe arrival of his Queen.

Due to the fact that Legolas thought Aragorn and Arwen should remain together. He knew what this marriage would cost Arwen. Obviously, he understood that he was also an Eldar. But Legolas had experienced solitude and understood what it meant to be alone. And despite the fact that Arwen lived in a happier home and was surrounded by family, he understood that the love she had for Aragorn was unique. He agreed with Arwen that being together with Aragorn was worth a high price.

Yesterday, the elf was thrilled to see that even Aragorn had shifted his perspective. A little self-centred, he said that he missed Arwen and wanted to be with her. And this alteration pleased his friend. And now he would fulfil that ambition by riding with Xena. He would feel comfortable knowing that Arwen would be at his side. After everything he had been through, he deserved some time alone with his significant other.

"My thoughts have often turned to you, and seldom more than once these days. But let us speak more of these we have avoided for a long. Where does your heart lay Legolas?" Aragorn had asked him yesterday and after a long time of trying, the king had finally cornered the elf to have a conversation that Legolas was avoiding.

"My heart, My heart lies with her," Legolas answered without a second thought. Of course, he knew, how to answer that simple question. "I have stood in this world for almost five hundred years. I have met with Elleth maiden and none. I have fought many battles. And I have always found myself to be wise. Yet, here I am a fool who cannot will his heart."

"This is madness, Legolas! How could this union be?" Aragorn dared to ask him after a long moment of silence where he was in deep thought.

"It cannot be!" Legolas answered again quick and honest "I know that Aragorn. I do not know what the future will bring, and I do not want to dwell in it. I just wish to accept and enjoy what was given to me for as long as I am allowed."

"Legolas! If your heart lies there truly, do not linger. Do not be afraid." Aragorn advised him in earnest "Have you spoken with her?"

"I have not," Legolas admitted "I am not even sure how to have such a conversation with her."

"Why would she even want to have that conversation with you? As Lassy clarified many times you are 'An annoying Elf'. There are many good men out there." suddenly Gimli cut them off, allowing Legolas to breathe as it seems he had forgotten to do so after Aragorn had cornered him.

"And suppose you are one of them Gimli?" Aragorn asked him playfully. They never noticed when Gimli had joined them, but it was not an issue as Gimli had become an equally important friend to both of them.

"I could be! I am what a lady would choose!" The dwarf said proudly, "Than the pointing elfin."

Aragorn and Legolas tilted their heads and laughed. After that, the seriousness of the conversation was forgotten and all three friends started talking about trivial manners. Though the question still remained, was Legolas in love or was he just sick? The answer was simple, he was attracted to her, and his heart lay with her, but he was not in love.

Errant breezes and the smell of damp earth combined with fresh leaves woke her up. She breathed deeply, so relaxing, refreshing and instinctively calming her soul. Such a unique smell. It was like she was lost in a large forest, the scents surrounded her and she was in between waking up or continuing the quality sleep. She decided to wake up and found herself being held inside protective arms.

She did not flinch away, and she did not bother to open her eyes. She knew that she was allowed to rest for a long moment against the heavenly bliss of feeling protected in such a bright and pleasant world. It was like she was in the Elysian Fields breathing a long moment of peace. Usually, she would badmouth the Elysian Fields. But after a long night of intoxicating torture and sensual madness, this was perfection.

She had noticed that the elf remain stubbornly awake most of the night and through the morning, like a stalker observing her like some kind of treasure. And normally she would end up hurting him, but lately, she started liking the idea of having him near her. His scent was an addiction she could not live without. The strength of his arms around her, and his light touch had her on the edge wanting for more.

Lately, she felt like a teenage maiden that had discovered pleasure. But since she was not a young girl, but a grown woman, who knew how things worked; Why would she end up so confused and naive? She knew the answer. She was sick, it was that new sickness of her that made her shiver whenever the elf dared to touch her in such ways that made her question if she was in heaven. It was that illness, that cause her heart to beat like crazy, and her breathing to increase.

Maybe after all she would have to go to the Houses of Healing and ask for a cure. Nuh, she would better remain sick and seek the cure from Legolas. Maybe it would not last, and eventually, Legolas would outgrow her. She was surprised, that he did not react as an elf was supposed to. Did not everyone tell her that elves would fall in love with one soul? That they could only have one partner for life?

What was wrong with Legolas? Surely she had figured out that he was attracted to her. After their long encounters, it was clear, that he enjoyed spending time with her. But where was the drama? Where was the part of, 'I will now die because we are not together?' There was not a moment, he tried to be possessive of her. In the bottom line, why was not the damn elf madly in love with her?

It was that thought, that caused her to open her eyes acknowledging how insane she had just become. She should be grateful that Legolas did not end up being harmed by all those new games they had started playing. She was happy that there was no drama, and they both acted like two grown-ups. Two grown-ups who knew what they needed and how to claim it.

Fuck it! She thought and noticed only then that Legolas was staring at her confused while in her mind she was having that outburst. She ended up glaring at him and leaping out of the bed angrily. "Idiot!" she called him as she was gathering her belongings and walked away to the next room to change into her long reddish velvet gown.

Legolas remain for a while in bed, tilting his head trying to figure out what had happened. What did he do, without knowing, to cause his Adaneth to be dangerously angry with him? However, that question was forgotten when he recalled that he called her 'his Adaneth', and the possessiveness of the word 'his' boosted his pride a bit longer and he remained a few long moments in bed to enjoy before he would rise and dress up.

((Upcoming Chapter Seventy-Five))

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