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)

~ LXXV: The Path Taken ~

Cair Andros, 3019 TA, April 2

On the evening of their departure, the sky was dusk-grey and a mild spring wind greeted them as they embarked on their new journey. The horses were ready and waiting at the city's main entrance. The citizens of Gondor had already begun clearing the streets of rocks and dead bodies. Few of them were smiling, and others were singing ancient White City lullabies. The war had ceased, but the ugliness it left behind continued to exist. Their spirits were still burdened by the gloom they had endured; death still loomed over them. However, everyone was attempting to adjust to the fact that the Dark Lord was no longer there and that hope had returned.

"You are late," Legolas replied while staring momentarily at her and leaping on his horse in a coordinated and fluid manner. "We should have left Minas Tirith this morning!"

Xena frowned at him as she secured her weapons on Argo, observing him as he mounted his horse and saw that he was wearing the green and brown attire he normally wore when travelling. She felt envious of the elf who could wear his regular comfy gear. In her instance, the gown she wore was lovely, yet it was suffocating, heavy, and uncomfortable.

Legolas questioned, "Is something the matter," as he saw her struggle to mount her horse while muttering under her breath. He was able to conceal a smile behind his hand, turned his horse, and waited for her to follow. "You do not like your gown?"

Xena drew her horse up next to him and paused to take in the view of the path they would travel "Nope. It is a gorgeous gown, but it is difficult to travel in it." She commented as she attempted to arrange the gown's long skirt against the settle.

"Aren't you the one who possesses the many skills?" Legolas said, flashed her one of his recently mischievous grins, and Xena trotted Argo next to Arod. Argo galloped as Xena noticed him riding away, and Arod ran as they were hunted by orcs.

She urged Argo to run faster, and both of the horses started to race dangerously fast. Xena followed Legolas right on his tail without stopping, having Legolas put more effort to keep a great distance from her. However, the elf was impressed by her riding skills, not many could match his ability to ride, but for Xena, it came naturally.

They continued the race for as long as the horses could keep up, it was the elf who finished the match when he noticed that Arod was getting tired, and Xena followed. Legolas dismounted his horse and allowed it some time to rest, and Xena did the same for hers. And they both found a small opening and skipped next to an old blossom tree.

Legolas did not wait, and leapt up the tree flawless, landed against the highest branch, and sat down, taking a deep breath. He had forgotten how long it was that it has been since he was offered such a luxury, to have a moment of peace close to nature. Lately, all the darkness and battles, the death and blood, and the longing of the sea made the woodland elf dry. For a moment it felt like home.

It did not take long for Xena to flip, spin, and land next to him. She gazed up at him annoyed and angry, ready to take an act of small revenge for all the games that Legolas played with her. However, she ended up staring at him speechless. Legolas's demeanour had changed to something she did not see him often have. His face relaxed and lost the cold and pridefulness, there was so much pureness and peace at that moment that it relaxed even Xena.

She stopped gazing at him in awe with her mouth agape and sat down next to him. They both turned and gazed at the sky that was slowly darkening, as night was rising and claiming its domain. Soon the star shined brighter and the pair remained there for a long time observing the night sky. They did not talk, they sat in silence, and it felt right. Legolas spoke later on and asked the human If she would feel comfortable continuing their journey during the nighttime, and she agreed.

They had travelled the vast distance of fifty miles in six hours and had reached Cair Andros from the Anduin River's bank. The terrain resembled a ten-mile-long island that narrowed at its northernmost point to form the prow. These two areas were crucial to both Gondor and Mordor throughout the war since the northern sections of the river were practically impassable marshes while the southern portion of the river near Lebennin grew too large to ford safely.

Xena halted her horse once again next to Legolas, who had paused to observe Cair Andros. Smoke from the flames continued to blow against the night sky, producing a foggy veil in front of them that almost obscured the island. It was unnecessary to ride through Cair Andros; they continued via the Entwash and Wetwang River Mouths. Three days would be required to reach Rauros, which was two hundred miles from the next halt.

"During his march against the Black Gate, Aragorn sent troops to recover the island for Gondor," Legolas said abruptly, knowing that Xena would not know anything about the island. "These warriors were Rohan and Lossarnach youths who lacked the courage to advance." When he informed her about the young troops, his tone masked a sense of melancholy. "Eventually, they were successful in their attempt to recapture Cair Andros."

As she listened to the elf's words, Xena saw the island's gradual disappearance into the dense fogs of darkness and smoke. "I haven't known," she confessed when attempting to recall when that debate had taken place, yet it seemed she was not there when it occurred.

Legolas recognized that the conflict had finished, but said, "We are far from the tranquil days we had hoped for. Cair Andros is an excellent example. Aragorn still needs our aid; Middles earth's inhabitants are not yet secure."

Xena was perplexed as she saw Legolas discovering a new purpose in life. Was their presence at Cair Andros predetermined, or was it the result of a random route selected by the twins? "Why are we choosing this path?" Xena inquired with a raised eyebrow "Do not say that the twins choose the route at random."

"Random, that may be disastrous," Legolas admitted as he rested his attention on her. "You think we would take a random route?"

"Nope," she conceded as he regarded her with amusement. "Then why did you take that route?"

"Safety and the option to visit a few more Middle-earth locations," Legolas said honestly, and the response did not surprise her. "You desired to learn more about Middle-earth; I hope that desire has not changed!"

"It has not," the human answered not hiding her desire to travel more in this alien world and offer her aid to those who needed it.

Again, there was an extended period of stillness, and her look conveyed affection for the elf, who had ridden out in favour of a friend without forgetting the rest of his companions. Xena flashed him a sincere smile and tapped him on the shoulder to indicate that they should continue their trip. They proceeded on their way to the next Entwash. And Legolas intended to stay there for a few hours so that they and the horses might rest.

Over the course of the following several hours, they travelled a large distance without stopping in order to reach Entwash. The Entwash was a major river in Rohan known for its large interior delta. The river's origins were the springs on Mount Methedras, the southernmost peak of the Misty Mountains, close to Treebeard's house. Legolas halted at one of these springs in the morning.

The sky had lightened a little, and the sun was nearly visible behind the morning clouds. Legolas dismounted his horse and motioned for Xena to follow with his hand. She dismounted her horse and went there. The horses retreated in search of a shady place by the river where they might rest and drink. And she grasped the elf's hand when he extended it to her.

Legolas drew her to lean against him with a fluid motion; his eyes rested on hers, and he brushed his fingers over her face in a tender manner. The individual's kisses and eyes began to taste something delicious as a grin developed on his or her face and a new yearning flared through their blood. The moves of Legolas were gradual and soft as he sought her lips for a little respite.

And when lips were exchanged and the burning need was satisfied, he explained to her that Entwash's warm springs were the perfect spot to bathe and recuperate. The couple disrobed and jumped into the spring as the first powerful ray of the sun finally broke through the clouds. Xena could not deny that the atmosphere was as soothing and comforting as Legolas had promised.

Legolas informed her that Entwash was called after the Ents of Fangorn, but that the Rohirrim had forgotten the origin of the name. He talked softly and melodically about Entwash as he remembered the ancient stories his mother used to tell him. Life could not have been any better than in that one moment when they were bathing in tranquillity while his voice enchanted the wretched human even more.

"Tell me what is your favourite of all you've seen since you arrived in Middle-earth," Legolas wanted to know abruptly, and he waited for her answer.

Xena's blue eyes clouded as she was perplexed by the sort of inquiry he had posed, and she thought that such a question was bizarre. She never considered Middle Earth or the locations she had visited, regardless of how exotic, unusual, and lovely they were. The elven cities, include Rohan and Gondor. But she did recall her first morning in Middle-earth, the vista from the aperture outside her room in Imladris, and an unknown masculine figure she had seen. As soon as the elf inquired, the recollection of it arose in her consciousness.

"The sunlight, on that first morning when I awoke, the scents and noises," she recalled with a grin, "I had never had such a vivid perception of my surroundings!"

"Imladris has many secrets," Legolas repeated the same phrase he had said when they first met. "You were fortunate to have witnessed fair sight upon your arrival," Legolas said in the same soft tone that made Xena wonder how he was able to have such a soft voice when he usually spoke with a deep accent.

"I was incredibly fortunate, waking up on a foreign planet, surrounded by strange people, and trying to figure out who I am and why I'm here," she said for the first time. "And now, so many months later, I am uncertain."

"I am certain that Imladris will supply you with the answers at the appropriate moment," Legolas stated. "You cannot have all of the answers at once."

Xena nodded and leaned further into the spring's warm water, pondering those days in Rivendell and attempting to solve her own life's puzzle. However, she acknowledged that Legolas was correct and that she could afford a little more time before figuring it out. Because there was no plan for her and her future at this time.

Legolas mentioned Woodland Realm and how much he missed the trees throughout their lengthy conversation. Xena described Gabrielle and how their typical days were packed with excitement and adventure. When they began to feel chilly, they got out of the spring and created a small fire on the riverbank, where they rested for many hours before continuing their journey.

((Upcoming Chapter Seventy-Six))

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