Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess
Author's Note: Merry Christmas!
XXIX: The Pool, the spiders & the forsaken blood
Outskirt of Rhovanion - Mirkwood, 2941 TA, June 21
In the dim, sequestered expanse of the Mirkwood cave, time seemed to drift into a realm of its own. Days merged into one another, indistinguishable but for the occasional shafts of sunlight that pierced the dense canopy, casting fleeting, golden beams upon the cave's entrance. Xena, bound to her makeshift bed of rock, had grown weary of its unyielding hardness. The elf, Legolas, whom she had come to know in both moments of care and conflict, had become a rare presence, his time spent elsewhere, engaged in tasks unknown to her.
As she lay there, Xena pondered the reasons behind Legolas's absence. Was it her own pungent scent, the result of days without a proper bath, or perhaps the discomfort following their shared moment of vulnerability? The mystery of his behavior nagged at her, but answers were as elusive as the elusive elf himself.
Despite the monotony and confinement, there was one undeniable truth – her wound was healing. Whether it was the elven care, the passage of time in the cave, or a combination of both, she felt strength returning to her body. The feeling of improvement stirred a restless energy within her, an urge to break free from the cave's shadowy embrace.
On this particular day, after finishing another solitary meal left by Legolas, Xena lay back, her gaze wandering over the wooden ceiling of the cave. She observed the interplay of light and shadow across the wood, noticing how the hues shifted from lighter to darker shades. Between the wooden beams, stones were embedded, their rugged surfaces blending seamlessly with the cave's natural structure. These stones, she realized, could serve as perfect targets.
With a newfound determination, Xena sat up and reached for her chakram. The circular weapon, a testament to her warrior's skill, began its dance through the air, striking stone after stone with precision before returning to her waiting hand. It became a game, a test of her recovering strength and agility. Each throw and catch of the chakram was a small victory, a sign that her shoulder was regaining its former prowess.
Though the wound still itched and ached, it no longer bled. With every successful catch of her weapon, Xena's confidence grew. She was no longer a passive occupant of the cave; she was a warrior regaining her strength, preparing for the moment when she would step out of the shadows and back into the world. The cave, with its patterned ceiling and stony targets, had become her training ground, a place of healing and preparation for the journey ahead.
"What purpose does this serve?"
Xena, caught off guard by the sudden intrusion, deftly caught her chakram as it ricocheted off its final target. Turning, she found Legolas standing there, enshrouded in his cloak, the hood casting shadows over his features. It was a telltale sign he had ventured outside the cave; Xena had come to recognize that his cloak was a constant companion on his solitary patrols.
Observing him, her expression betrayed her exasperation with the monotonous cave life. "Merely passing time," she replied, placing her chakram aside. "The confines of this cave have become... tedious."
"Do you intend to rouse the entire forest, or further harm the trees that cling to life?" Legolas's voice was as crisp and cool as an autumn morning, reminiscent of their initial exchanges. He moved past her, busying himself with his belongings.
"Dying?" Xena echoed his words, her curiosity piqued. "I was under the impression that the forest was beyond saving."
Legolas halted his actions, casting a glance over his shoulder towards the cave entrance. "Not so," he said, his voice taking on a softer note. "Much of the forest has succumbed, it's true. Yet, there remain pockets that resist the encroaching shadow, holding on for yet another dawn."
His gaze lingered on the entrance as if he could see beyond the cave's confines to the beleaguered woods outside. The forest of Mirkwood, once vibrant and alive, now bore the scars of darkness and decay. But in his words, there was a hint of hope, a belief that not all was lost.
Xena, listening, felt a stirring of understanding. Legolas's connection to the forest was more than just a bond with nature; it was a symbiotic relationship, each dependent on the other's survival. The plight of Mirkwood was not just a backdrop to their current predicament; it was a vital part of Legolas's very being.
"In that case," Xena mused, her gaze turning thoughtful, "perhaps there is more to this forest than meets the eye. And more to you, elf, than your cold exterior suggests."
A flicker of something unidentifiable crossed Legolas's face before he resumed his task. The cave, with its rocky walls and wooden beams, had become a temporary world for them both, a place where their paths had intersected and where, perhaps, understanding and respect might slowly grow.
Xena, slightly taken aback by Legolas's unexpected initiative in providing her with information about the forest, watched his back as he rummaged through his belongings. She contemplated asking him why he bothered to share such details with her, but she doubted she'd receive a comprehensive response. Lost in her thoughts about the state of Mirkwood, she was jolted back to the present when a towel suddenly landed on her face. Startled, she caught it as Legolas turned to face her, his expression unreadable.
He approached her, placing a bar of soap and a few other items beside her. Xena eyed him curiously, still trying to reconcile the elf's usual distant demeanor with this act of consideration. "Your wound is healing more swiftly than anticipated," Legolas observed, his voice carrying a hint of surprise at her rapid recovery. "It is time for you to cleanse yourself, attire properly, and consider your next steps. You cannot linger here indefinitely."
"I had no intention of staying," Xena retorted, slightly defensive as she collected the items he had provided. She was about to inquire about a place to bathe when Legolas, anticipating her question, began walking towards the rear of the cave, motioning for her to follow.
"There is a secluded pool at the cave's end," he explained, leading her down a narrow path that delved deeper into the cavern, its walls adorned with the gnarled roots of ancient trees. "The water there is warm enough for bathing."
As they proceeded, the cave's interior transformed, the rough-hewn rocky surfaces giving way to a more natural, root-entwined pathway. The air grew slightly more humid, the sound of trickling water becoming more pronounced. Legolas moved with an ease that spoke of his familiarity with these hidden depths, his connection to the natural world around him evident in each step.
Xena followed, her senses heightened as she navigated the dimly lit path. The prospect of finally washing away the grime of the past days was a welcome one, yet she couldn't shake the feeling of intrigue that Legolas's actions had sparked. The elf, for all his aloofness, had shown moments of unexpected care, each gesture adding layers to the enigma that he was. As they ventured further into the cave, the mystery of Legolas, much like the forest he was so deeply connected to, seemed to deepen, beckoning Xena to uncover more.
In the deeper reaches of the cave, Xena discovered the secluded pool Legolas had spoken of. The area, slightly dimmer than the rest of the cave, was home to a serene body of water. The pool, illuminated by the faint, natural light seeping through unseen crevices, glimmered invitingly. Xena felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had indeed heard the subtle sounds of water within the cave but had not expected to find such a tranquil oasis hidden within its depths.
As she approached the pool, she noticed Legolas retreating, leaving her to enjoy her privacy. It dawned on her that the cave, with its various conveniences, was more than just a random shelter; it was a place that Legolas had likely frequented, a hidden refuge within the forest.
The pool itself was a small, natural basin, its edges smoothed by time and the constant caress of water. The water was clear and inviting, a gentle warmth emanating from its depths, suggesting a natural spring. Overhead, the cave ceiling arched high, adorned with stalactites that glistened with moisture. Around the pool, the walls were lined with lush, green moss and small ferns, adding a touch of life to the stony and woody surroundings.
Eager to rid herself of the grime accumulated over the past days, Xena quickly disrobed and stepped into the pool. The water was soothing, enveloping her in a warmth that seeped into her muscles, relaxing her tired body. She submerged herself completely, letting the water work its magic on her.
Using the elven soap – a luxurious commodity she had grown to appreciate – Xena thoroughly washed her hair and body. The soap lathered richly, its fragrance a blend of woodland herbs and flowers, leaving her feeling rejuvenated and distinctly more human. She lingered in the pool, enjoying the sensation of cleanliness until she noticed her skin beginning to prune from the extended immersion.
Finally, feeling refreshed, she emerged from the pool and wrapped herself in the long towel Legolas had provided. She used a smaller towel to gently dry her hair, which now hung loose and clean around her shoulders. As she dried off, Xena felt a renewed sense of self, a clarity and readiness to face whatever challenges lay ahead, outside the confines of the cave. The pool, hidden within the cave's depths, had been a sanctuary, a place of renewal and reflection, and she felt grateful for this unexpected luxury in the heart of Mirkwood.
Before gathering her belongings, Xena paused, a sudden, eerie sensation washing over her. It felt as if unseen eyes were watching her from the darker recesses of the cave. She glanced towards the shadowy end of the cavern, half-expecting to see something lurking there. However, seeing nothing, she shook off the feeling as a trick of her imagination and made her way back.
Legolas was preoccupied with meal preparations, his back to her. Xena turned to her own bags to find suitable attire. She pulled out a grey shirt, simple and practical, paired with cotton grey pants that were comfortable yet durable. Alongside them was a tunic, its fabric slightly worn from her travels, and her trusty boots. The outfit was clean, albeit showing signs of wear from her adventures.
Once dressed, she sat on the rocky bed, leaving her boots aside for the moment. She began to tackle the task of drying her hair, which had become a tangle of knots. In her bag, she found a brush and set about the arduous task of smoothing her locks. From time to time, Xena cast sidelong glances at Legolas, his hair and appearance frustratingly perfect. She muttered under her breath about the unfairness of it, certain that he was aware of her struggle and possibly finding a quiet amusement in it.
Both were absorbed in their respective tasks when a sudden noise from the direction of the pool captured their attention. Legolas instantly turned towards the sound, his posture alert. Xena, too, snapped her gaze in that direction. The cave fell silent for a few tense moments before three spiders emerged from the shadows, their presence unexpected and ominous.
Legolas had not used the pool since Xena's arrival, nor had he checked it recently. It was possible that the commotion caused by Xena's earlier chakram practice and her bathing had disturbed the spiders, awakening them from their hidden lair.
In an instant, the tranquility of the cave was shattered. Xena, still without her boots, reached instinctively for her chakram, ready to defend. Legolas, on the other hand, moved with elven swiftness, searching for his bow. The two prepared to face the arachnid intruders, united by the need to protect their temporary sanctuary within the depths of Mirkwood.
The cavern, once a place of quiet respite, erupted into chaos as three giant spiders, their legs skittering with malevolent intent, surged towards Legolas and Xena. Legolas, with the agility and speed that came naturally to his elven heritage, sprang towards his weapons. In one fluid motion, he snatched up his bow and nocked an arrow, his eyes narrowing as he aimed at the foremost spider.
Xena, equally swift, leaned forward and seized her split chakram. With a warrior's cry that echoed through the cave, she hurled the two halves of her weapon. The first part struck near the spider's head, while the second whirled back, striking near its rear. The spider, mortally wounded, collapsed to the ground just as the chakram pieces rejoined in mid-air, spinning back to Xena's waiting hand.
Legolas, momentarily taken aback by Xena's display of skill and precision, refocused on the second spider. With lethal accuracy, he loosed two arrows in quick succession, piercing the creature's heart. It fell lifelessly, its many eyes dimming in death.
Amidst the flurry of combat, the third spider had taken a more cunning approach, descending from the cave ceiling in an attempt to ambush Legolas. The elf sensed the danger and spun around, dagger drawn, ready to confront the imminent threat. However, before he could act, Xena's chakram sliced through the air, decapitating the spider with a clean cut. Its head thudded to the ground, followed by the lifeless bulk of its body.
The cave fell silent once more, the threat eliminated. Legolas stood, knife still raised, his face splattered with the dark ichor of the spider. He was momentarily frozen, his usual composure disrupted by the unexpected turn of events. The sight of the elven prince, his face marred by the spider's blood, was a stark contrast to his usual pristine appearance.
Xena, chakram in hand, couldn't suppress a smirk at the sight of Legolas's splattered visage. The elf, for all his grace and poise, was visibly struggling to come to terms with the fact that not only had Xena slain the spider, but she had also inadvertently splashed him with its blood.
For a moment, the tension of the battle gave way to a different kind of tension – one where the roles were reversed, and the elf found himself in a less than dignified situation. It was a rare and unexpected moment that added a new layer to their evolving relationship, a reminder that in the heat of battle, even the most controlled and elegant of warriors could find themselves in unforeseen circumstances.
Xena, unable to resist, subtly covered her mouth with her hand, concealing the emerging smiles. The usually impeccable appearance of the elf was thoroughly disrupted, and she found a certain satisfaction in that. She thought briefly of Gimli; the dwarf would have undoubtedly reveled in seeing the dignified Legolas in such a disheveled state.
Settling herself onto the rocky bed, she addressed Legolas, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement. "Apologies, but I couldn't let that thing harm you," she said, her eyes following Legolas's movements. The elf was visibly struggling to maintain his composure, his usual stoic demeanor wavering under the unexpected shower of spider blood.
Xena gestured towards the fallen spiders. "You'll probably want to dispose of these before cleaning up. I'd help, but you know, the injury," she remarked, her tone laced with irony as she turned away to hide another smirk.
Legolas, silent and evidently frustrated, sheathed his weapons and grabbed a cloth to wipe the blood from his face. He then began the task of dragging the spider corpses out of the cave, muttering darkly in Elvish as he worked. Xena, meanwhile, busied herself with cleaning her chakram, stealing glances at Legolas as he cleaned up the aftermath of their battle.
"This was certainly more exciting than the morning's dullness," she mused to herself, though she caught Legolas glaring at her from the corner of her eye. The moment of action, albeit dangerous, had broken the monotony of their cave-bound existence, adding a spark of unpredictability to their uneasy cohabitation. For Xena, it was a welcome change, a reminder of the thrill of battle and survival – even if it meant enduring the occasional glare from a blood-spattered elf.
Once the spider carcasses were disposed of a safe distance from the cave, Legolas returned to find Xena examining a pair of maps spread out before her on the rocky bed. He said nothing, though the thought of retribution for her earlier antics briefly crossed his mind. As Xena concentrated on her meal, Legolas made another thorough check of the cave to ensure no more spiders lurked nearby. Satisfied, he returned to the main chamber.
Legolas then collected towels and soap, setting off to take his own bath. The pool, hidden within the deeper recesses of the cave, was a secluded spot, the water warmed naturally from beneath the earth. Here, surrounded by the stoned wounded walls and the soft sounds of water, Legolas found a moment of solitude. The water cleansed away the last remnants of the spider encounter, both physically and mentally.
When he re-emerged, Legolas was dressed in his leggings and a long silver shirt, his hair damp and hanging loosely around his shoulders. His presence once again filled the cave with the fresh, earthy scent of summer rain and mint. He approached Xena, who was still engrossed in her maps, and quietly took a seat beside her.
One map, Legolas noted, was clearly from Rivendell. He pondered whether Xena had visited the Last Homely House herself or if it had been given to her by someone else. The other map was much older, its paths faded and many no longer viable. It spoke of ancient roads and forgotten journeys, a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Middle-earth.
Without a word, Legolas leaned in to study the maps alongside Xena. His keen elven eyes traced the lines and markings, his mind working to piece together her potential route. The maps, each telling its own story, hinted at a journey that spanned vast distances and varied terrains.
For a moment, the tension between them eased, replaced by a shared focus on the task at hand. Legolas's curiosity about Xena's travels grew, as did his respect for her resourcefulness and determination. The warrior woman, who had entered his life so unexpectedly, was proving to be a puzzle, each piece revealing more of her character and her past.
Legolas' finger traced a path on the map, his movements precise and deliberate. "We currently reside here," he said, his voice carrying the familiar cool detachment. "Should we opt to traverse this route, skirting the fringes of the forest while avoiding its deeper reaches, we may find a safer passage out of Mirkwood."
"We?" Xena echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Are you suggesting that you and I travel together?"
Legolas met her gaze squarely. "Do you possess any knowledge of Mirkwood, particularly this region? The paths you know are fraught with peril. The only viable option is to take this less-trodden route, with my guidance. It is the most expedient way to distance yourself from Mirkwood and ensure you do not return."
Xena regarded him with a mix of skepticism and disbelief. "You're dictating my actions now, elf?" she retorted. "I've managed thus far on my own. I have plans to visit Dale and Erebor."
"Such folly," Legolas hissed, his patience thinning. "Then surrender yourself to the Elvenking's guards now, for you will not reach Dale otherwise. They will apprehend you long before you get there."
"The elves?" Xena questioned defiantly. "I believe I am quite capable of handling them."
Legolas pointed to her wound, his expression a blend of frustration and concern. "As capably as you did before, leading to your current predicament? Your choice to flee into the darker parts of Mirkwood was a desperate attempt to evade capture."
"I have many skills," Xena countered, leaning in slightly, her gaze locked with Legolas's. Her words held a challenge, a declaration of her capability and independence. The tension between them crackled, a clash of wills and perspectives.
In that charged moment, the air in the cave seemed to thrum with the undercurrent of their argument. Both warriors, each strong and self-assured in their own right, faced a crossroads – whether to continue alone or forge an unlikely alliance in the treacherous lands of Mirkwood. Legolas exhaled a weary sigh, regarding Xena with a mixture of frustration and resignation. To him, with centuries of experience and wisdom, she seemed little more than a headstrong youth, her bravery tinged with a recklessness typical of humans and dwarves.
"I did not venture into this part of Mirkwood to play nursemaid to a human," he said, taking a moment to compose himself. "Yet, it appears fortune has decreed otherwise. Now, it falls upon me to guide you safely out of these woods. The least you could do is acknowledge that a return to Mirkwood is unfeasible, and hope that the Elvenking's guards do not intercept us. Should they find us, you might spend your remaining years in the dungeons of his halls."
"And the worst outcome?" Xena inquired, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"The worst is something you'd prefer not to contemplate," Legolas replied tersely.
"You seem intimately familiar with his Halls," Xena noted, picking up on the implications of his words.
Legolas paused, a trace of vulnerability crossing his features. "You forget, I am a Woodland Elf," he admitted, revealing a personal detail for the first time. "I once resided there."
Xena's expression shifted to one of intrigue, clearly expecting him to elaborate. However, Legolas abruptly ended the conversation, standing up. "Rest now. We set out at dawn," he announced, his tone final. With that, he left the area, leaving Xena to ponder the new layers of complexity he had inadvertently revealed about himself.
The revelation that Legolas had a direct connection to the Elvenking's Halls added depth to his character, hinting at a past intertwined with the very realm they sought to avoid. It raised questions in Xena's mind about his history, his motivations, and the nature of his departure from Mirkwood.
As she settled down, Xena's thoughts lingered on their impending journey and the enigmatic elf who would be her guide. The cave, once a simple refuge, had become a nexus of unfolding stories, each twist and turn adding to the tapestry of their shared adventure.
((Upcoming Chapter Thirty))
Thank you for taking the time to read this! Feel free to Review - Follow - Favorite!