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)

~ LXXXI: The Merciful Correspondence ~

Lothlórien, 3019 TA, April 13th

When they reached the outskirts of Lothlorien, the sun was low in the west, and despite the fact that it was spring, the woodland was warm and humid. As he entered the Lothlórien forest with its fresh green leaves, the golden floor of the wood and its silver pillars, as the bark of the trees was smooth and grey, Legolas felt some relief. Grief and sadness were near to his heart and were somehow supported by someone or something other than himself. It was a devastating blow to him; he had known about his mother's death for virtually his whole life. But learning about the orc who killed her brought back forgotten emotions, though not memories.

The fact that he felt remorse for not exacting vengeance and that he had to flee like a weak creature did not alleviate his grief. The sight of losing the human terrified Legolas to the point that he seemed to have lost control of himself. He was unable to maintain his equilibrium, much alone keep track of time. He barely managed to maintain his balance on Arod. The elf was weakened by the side wound, the blood, and the mental devastation.

A little portion of Legolas was now peaceful as they rode through the mallorn trees, and he yearned to climb into their branches. He had taken entire responsibility for locating his mother's murderer and bore this weight in silence. The prospect of reality was intolerable, so he chose to ignore the situation. After he had recovered and slept, he would plot his next move.

And he did not abandon that he was obligated to ride to Imladris and accompany Arwen to Minas Tirith. Even in that time, Legolas did not forget what he had promised Aragorn. Obviously, he would make himself available to his trusty friend. Bring Arwen to him and be with him on the day he is anointed, King. Elessar would always have his support and confidence, and after Aragorn's coronation, he would focus on his own concerns. Uagz was one of them.

It was the foolishness of her heart, a bothersome of the mind, and he had become an unknowing riddle to her. Since she had opened her eyes and found herself riding on Argo her heart and mind were not at ease. Nor the golden forest of Lothlorien, not the truth that both were saved by Elladan and Elrohir had won her attention. She was focused on Legolas or better she was drawn in confusion from her own responses.

The elf was confronting a very distressing personal situation, they barely averted death, they were riding to Lothlorien, and her mind was wandering again and again to the moment when Legolas even in his darkest state decided to defend her. No, it was not that she required protection, or that his deed alone mattered. Thankfully the human understood how to take care of herself, she was a fighter, and if death would come to her she would embrace it.

Xena was lamenting for so many months about this terrible world. For being alive and not dead. And many more things she could not recall at the time. However, those days they spent beneath and seeing the elf in a time of death, choosing life over his pain and fate. He needed to keep her alive. Xena was bewildered now, the urge of understanding more about Legolas raised.

She could not identify what was wrong with her, or better she did not want to accept but she had found out when the ruins covered them both and their end was approaching. She did not want to recall how quickly her heart was racing and how scared she was about the obnoxious elf. And truth be told, she was still concerned. Because she understood that his anguish and ambitions for retribution were not forgotten.

How on earth did she end up not knowing what she would do next, to have already worked out what she would do. She would follow his sorry ass, and make sure that while attempting to catch Uagz he would not end up to his own demise. She felt grateful to be alive and had no desire to die. And this terrified her. She was gradually coming to life, developing future desires, wants, and even aspirations.

Elladan rode ahead of them, scouting the area and ensuring they would not be assaulted by any remaining orc groups. The discovery of the buried human awoke fresh emotions and responsibilities. Because at that moment Elrond's words sank in him, and he realised it, Xena was his sister. He would have found her dead before she even know they were siblings.

At that time, he was opposed to his father's choice to not reveal Xena's identity and merely let her wander across Middle Earth. It was the third time he had discovered her gravely wounded, and he did not count the other times she had been in danger or threatened death. He was aware that she was a warrior and capable of defending herself, just as she had done so many years before. Until he realised it was his younger sister, he respected her for it.

However, he did not feel any admiration when he discovered her under rocks with Legolas wrapped around her almost lifeless body days ago. Elladan was, however, disturbed by the image, and he did not deny that he was furious with Legolas. Even if the Prince of Mirkwood did not recognise who Xena was, he had no right to drag her about and put her life in peril.

What was Legolas thinking? Elladan was captivated by the instant Legolas told him he would ride to Imladris with Xena, and all other thoughts were temporarily halted. He let Legolas go alone with his sister. And by evaluating how he had discovered them, he had become more dubious of Legolas. She will be told the truth before being confined in her room. He kept thinking similarly perplexing ideas about how to keep his sister safe.

Elrohir on the other hand was counting the day that he would be able to reveal to Xena that he is her older brother and remind her she would have to listen to him as he is the eldest. He smiled at the thought of how annoyed she would become and try to beat him up. But he would not let her beat him up, he would challenge her to a duel. However, it would be a secret duel, because as it seemed that neither his father nor brother would agree.

Father and brother had become so protective over her, it seemed so sudden, he believed that the day they would reveal to her the truth the next moment they would lock her in some tower until she would start to behave ladylike. Then he went on thinking about how Legolas and he would plan to rescue her. After that, the three of them could follow their own adventure.

His fantastic narrative of the exploits of Elrohir, Xena, and Legolas came to an end when they were encircled by Lothlórien elves who did not draw their swords. The elves gently leapt from the mallorn trees, whereupon their leader greeted them. Rúmil was an Elf of Lórien and the brother of Orophin and Haldir; following Haldir's death, he assumed the position of Lórien's leading Marchwarden.

"You have reached the domain of the Lady of the Wood," the elf said as he studied the four familiar riders. Two were the grandchildren of the Lady of Lórien, while the other two were fellowship members. "Lady Galadriel has anticipated your arrival!"

"Mae g'ovannen, Rúmil of Lórien," Elladan remarked as he dismounted his horse and approached the Marchwarden of Lórien. "We must go quickly; we need a healer."

Rúmil halted and inspected the two figures, his keen and critical eyes landing on them as they both blankly acknowledged they were both severely injured. The Wounded Prince of Mirkwood understood how to maintain an elegant stance, but Rúmil, who had seen injured elves before, was not fooled since Legolas was gravely injured.

"You will be accompanied to Caras Galadhon. A few days before your arrival, Lord Elrond has already arrived." Rúmil instructed them while gesturing to his men to assist the injured to take the quickest route to Lothlórien's capital city.

"Our father in Lórien? We were not told of his departure from Imladris," Elrohir pondered.

Rúmil nodded, "Lady Arwen and he was brought by a handful of his guards to the Golden Wood before to their arrival in Minas Tirith to meet with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel."

The twins seemed perplexed at learning that her father and sister had already reached Lothlórien, although given that Arwen desired to meet Aragorn, it would have made sense for them to have begun the voyage. And deciding to arrive in Lothlórien first and subsequently, the White City was the safest option. For the remainder of the lengthy trip, they rode in silence while appreciating the forest, each again preoccupied with their own thoughts.

Legolas resisted the impulse to dismount his horse and welcome Rúmil, but he could only make a small bow in honour. He was aware of what had been said, but his exhaustion prevented him from participating in the discourse. When all, he did not need to say anything; for the time being, he need Elrond's healing, and after he had slept and been restored, he would know what to do next.

Xena was in a better condition than Legolas, since she was completely conscious and able to communicate whereas he was not. She had just seen the elves conversing and was delighted that they did not use elven language. She needed a location to temporarily recuperate and rebuild her strength. The news that Elrond was in Lórien struck her with conflicting emotions. She was not yet prepared to confront him. She was aware that they had left a discussion unresolved.

In the halls of Caras Galadhon, where a meaningful conversation was taking place, the atmosphere was tense. After encountering Celeborn in the middle of Mirkwood, Thranduil accompanied him. Middle-earth was freed from the Dark Lord, but orc raids continued in Lothlórien and Mirkwood. The two lords had resolved to form a new alliance to help the still-under-attack northeastern regions.

They were disputing for hours, the three lords attempting to settle on one issue while arguing on another. It was an uncommon occurrence for the Elvenking to leave his forest kingdom and attend a meeting to aid someone other than his own folk. Since she had last seen him, Thranduil's demeanour had altered, as Galadriel observed him from a distance. He was still a king capable of concealing his emotions, but she could tell that a new danger was causing him concern.

"And why should I care? I pledged to provide my assistance, not to monitor the humans and dwarves," Thranduil said when Elrond urged him to extend his forces farther into the human kingdoms. "The formation of alliances is aided by my men, but I cannot afford to deploy more of them beyond Mirkwood. Mirkwood's elves will bear the expense. Why don't you send yours, Elrond, although I assume you have none left?"

"Stop being bitter! You are aware that the majority have fled, Thranduil, and there are few remaining to fight." The Ringbearer of Vilya said as he turned his attention to the Elvenking. "The only ones remaining are the northern rangers, who have their own plans to follow. You may seek fresh partnerships with the Reunited Kingdom of men in the future, and Celeborn will assist you with this task."

"Elrond, I was left to combat the expanding darkness on my own, while you Lords enjoyed the safety of the Rings. I am not bitter; I have already given enough to the darkness, and I do not intend to give more. I am aware of the risks I am taking by being here and attempting to expose past alliances that should be forgotten. Therefore, save me from your wisdom, and if you have nothing to contribute, do not meddle in this meeting." Thranduil protested as he looked up from his seat at Galadriel, feeling her gaze on him.

'You are worried, Thranduil; there are further motives for your presence in our world.' The lady of light whispered in his head, but Thranduil silenced her; he was now occupied with another matter, and he would address his worries when the time was right. 'Do not attempt it,' he said, hoping she would not continue to bother him.

"Thranduil, choose your words carefully because we have all battled Sauron and his armies for millennia. We have all lost loved ones, and we have all felt the darkness increasing. You forget yourself," Elrond said in a firm tone, attempting to contain his fury.

"Elrond, you have forgotten what was at stake for my family and for yours. Even while you all travel to celebrate the war's conclusion, I remain here to cope with the repercussions." If Galadriel had not forewarned him, Thranduil would have engaged the Master of Imladris in a fresh dispute.

"Enough," Celeborn said, interrupting their argument. He was tired of hearing the same attacks from the Elvenking, and while he knew Thranduil was accurate, he would not acknowledge it. "We have determined that the alliance will continue, and we will assist neighbouring kingdoms. For your personal debates, you will have to drag the conversations out of my chambers."

There was no need for more instructions, so they both halted their disagreement. They sat in quiet for a considerable amount of time, as though there was more to talk about. The stillness was eventually broken when Galadriel said, "How do you fare, Thranduil?" Her words were tranquil, but her eyes had already deciphered Elvenking's thoughts. "What fresh danger lurks behind your walls?"

"I fare well," Thranduil said. He realised he could no longer keep mute in her presence, so he spoke up: "The boundaries remain secured and powerful, but I'm concerned about what was permitted to enter my halls."

"Whom have you welcomed into your domicile?" Galadriel was perplexed after reading some of his thoughts. "What worries you so much that you're so terrified?"

Elrond and Celeborn abruptly turned and regarded Thranduil, who was now leaning sceptically on his chair and seeming both elegant and disturbed. "Dínenion approached my Halls and requested assistance with the Moonlight Eldar. I opened the gates to my halls, and they took sanctuary inside them. And his forces had been of considerable assistance to my own." He recognised.

"Then what sickness you?" Celeborn asked him.

"Dínenion requested that my father's blood oath be honoured." Thranduil hesitated as he recalled his last dispute with Amethyst; the recollection came to life, and the Lady of Light had already read his thoughts.

"He wants for you to marry his daughter?" Celeborn continued to be amazed by the request. "Before you wed Eleyewn, we agreed that the oath no longer bears any weight. Dínenion was notified. What kind of nonsense is this?"

Galadriel rose up, walked near to Thranduil, and placed her palm on his forehead as she said, "The one chosen by a failing king, is your son. Dínenion desires that Legolas fulfil the pledge so that his daughter may become control of Mirkwood. And she is threatening you with the reappearance of all Legolas-related memories. You are afraid of your son, Oropher's son since you do not know what she is capable of."

As Galadriel proceeded, all three of the male elves regarded her as Thranduil revealed his worst dread "Know that the oath is invalid, and neither you nor Legolas are required to accept a broken pledge. Determine what will happen to Dínenion and his daughter as quickly as possible, before she causes more chaos in your halls. Son of Oropher, you are always welcome for my counsel. You do no stand-alone, you never did."

Thranduil bowed and lowered his eyes, laying his forehead on Galadriel as she blessed his burdened soul with words of blessing. Even when Legolas' still corpse was brought to his halls as an elfin following the abduction and death of his wife, neither Celeborn nor Elrond had ever seen Thranduil exhibit a moment of vulnerability. But his loss lasted just a second before he straightened his stance and regained his coolness.

Suddenly, the hall's doors opened, and Orophin hurried inside while seeing Thranduil and Elrond. "My Lords, Elladan and Elrohir have come with the gravely wounded Woodland Prince and the human lady of the Fellowship. Lords, your help is required!"

There was no doubt as to why Elrond's sons travelled to Lothlórien, but the arrival of Legolas and his daughter was unexpected. Elrond was already standing when he heard that both were hurt, and his first concern was for his daughter, then for Legolas. Because both were of immense significance. "Bring us to them," Elrond said, and Orophin complied.

Thranduil, on the other hand, did not recognise or care about the identity of the human. His primary concerns included his lone son and the news that he had been hurt. His son would prove to be his breaking point. He was attempting to protect him from yet another danger, but Legolas was already in fresh peril. He sprang from his chair to pursue Elrond.

They descended the steps to a platform known as the Healing Halls, where several healers and their assistants awaited their arrival. Legolas was shortly transported, followed by the elves who assisted the human in the same region. Legolas was unable to walk or even stand and was now gasping for air while gripping his damaged side.

He steadfastly stayed awake but did not see his own father standing outside the entryway as they dragged Legolas inside, bypassing the Elvenking. Thranduil could not recognise the pale elf's identity until he took a closer look. The majority of his clothing was torn and smeared with blood, a great deal of blood; he has lost consciousness; and the injured elf did not resemble his son. He had painted in blood and mud and seemed to be on his way to his demise.

Thranduil was overcome with dread and anguish and wanted to be near Legolas. But he was prohibited to enter. The twins were also not permitted. Only Elrond was allowed to enter since he was a healer and the other healers desired him as a guide. However, Elrond had another motive to desire to follow: his younger daughter.

In the hallways, the healers welcomed them, with Elrond lagging after. Both of the wounded were provided berths while the medics stripped them down and began washing them in order to locate their wounds. Elrond moved closer and touched Xena's forehead with his clean hands. He was relieved to learn that his daughter did not have a fever and was not gravely wounded. He retreated, allowing the healers to care for her.

Then he rushed to Legolas, feeling somewhat bad that he had to first check on his daughter. When he stroked the elf's neck, his pulse increased and he began to burn with fever. The prince took a few deep breaths and turned to face Elrond, knowing he was now in capable hands. Elrond pronounced the elf's name and saw that the elf could still hear him.

Nothing was broken, and it was evident that Xena and his sons attempted to help him. However, their therapeutic expertise was insufficient. He composed himself and gently told Legolas not to worry. Following that, he conferred with the healers, and the healing portion soon began. No one was permitted to enter the Helling chamber until the injured had been treated.

Outside, Thranduil was moving from side to side at the entryway as he waited to see how Legolas was. A few paces away, the twins were speaking, both concerned about Legolas and the human. Initially, the Elvenking paid little attention to what they were saying, but when a forgotten name was spoken, an old recollection resurfaced.

He remembered that Celebrían had given birth to a daughter while pregnant. Elrond claimed that his daughter had perished with her mother, but he heard her name today. And he could have been misled into thinking the twins were talking about Arwen, but it was apparent they were referring to the wounded "human" inside the healing rooms. Although he did not care about this knowledge at the moment, he eventually realised that Elrond had lied and that his daughter was still alive. The remainder was a riddle that he had no desire to unravel; his only concern was Legolas.

(Upcoming Chapter Eighty-Two))

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