Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess

XXXIV: The road to Gundabad

Gundabad, 2956 TA, August 7

As dawn broke over the rugged terrain leading to Gundabad, the cart carrying Legolas and Xena creaked and groaned under the strain of the journey. The twins, Noctis and Nyxara, had grown more silent as they neared their destination, their usual banter replaced by an air of tense anticipation.

Inside the cart, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken words and buried emotions. Legolas, his face a mask of stoic resignation, gazed out through the slats of the cart, his eyes reflecting a deep, unspoken sorrow. Xena, seated across from him, observed the elf with a blend of concern and frustration. She had encountered many warriors in her time, but none who bore their burdens as quietly as Legolas.

In the dimming light of evening, the Elf, his face a canvas of weariness and fever, struggled to cling to his frayed threads of sanity. Solitude, once a balm, now seemed a bitter draught, doing little to ease his troubled mind. Xena, though her trust in Legolas was a shattered thing, still found it in her heart to reach out. Her efforts were a dance of compassion and caution, for the wounds between them were fresh, yet she could not bear to see him suffer so. His aid in their shared cause, a glimmer of hope in a sea of mistrust, never strayed far from her thoughts.

The twins, Noctis and Nyxara, had grown more accepting of Xena's ministrations, understanding the necessity of her healing herbs. These small mercies kept Legolas' fever at bay, a delicate balance between lucidity and delirium. In their journey's waning days, as Gundabad's dark silhouette loomed closer, the twins found themselves sorting through their belongings. Decisions over what to keep and what to trade or leave behind occupied their minds.

It was amidst this contemplative silence that Legolas, having been a quiet shadow for so long, found the strength to join their conversation. His voice, though weak, carried the weight of many unspoken thoughts. He spoke to the twins first, acknowledging. Xena watched from a distance, her feelings a tempest of anger, empathy, and reluctant respect.

As the first light of dawn tinged the sky, the party, weary from travel, debated their next course of action. Legolas, his voice cutting through the morning chill, broke the silence. "Why not wait?" he proposed, capturing the attention of all. "When we return, I shall seek to reclaim our belongings," he added, addressing the twins with a tone of earnest persuasion.

Nyxara, his laughter echoing lightly in the cool air, responded with a mix of amusement and skepticism. "You bear a great confidence, Legolas," she chided. "Even if by some chance you survive the lurking perils of Gundabad, do you truly believe you could return to retrieve these trifles?"

Xena, preoccupied with a troublesome string on her gown – a garment far removed from her usual warrior's attire – paused to join the conversation. She, now clad in a dress and coat, an unlikely garb for their rugged journey, spoke with a conviction mirroring the Elf's earlier solemnity. "He said we'd be back for this, and we will be!" Xena declared, her voice carrying the same somber undertone as Legolas's.

Nyxara's amusement was evident as he rode alongside the cart, his voice carrying a note of incredulity. "Truly, human, your optimism astounds me," he remarked, glancing at Xena. "I can fathom the Elf's confidence; his skills are known. But you, a mere human? Such folly!" he exclaimed, seeking affirmation from his twin. "Isn't that so, Noctis?"

Legolas, usually more reserved, interjected with a rare note of support for Xena. "You overlook her past feats," he pointed out, drawing surprised looks from the twins and Xena alike. "She has already eluded Dular's grasp once. Underestimating her would be unwise."

Nyxara, not fully convinced, retorted while observing his twin's amused smirk. "Perhaps that was merely beginner's luck," he countered. His tone, though light, held a hint of stubbornness. "Your shared optimism is commendable but unrealistic. We shall not linger for your return."

This exchange, underlined by Nyxara's skepticism and Legolas's unexpected defense of Xena, highlighted the contrasting perspectives within their group. Despite Nyxara's doubts, there was a sense of camaraderie growing among them, a bond forged through shared trials and the looming challenge of Gundabad.

Legolas, ever the enigma, deliberated his next words carefully. Throughout their journey, he had shared but scant details of his life with Xena. Brief mentions of his mother were the extent of his revelations. He preferred it this way, maintaining a certain distance. It wasn't a matter of distrust, but rather a choice to shield parts of his identity. He was aware, however, that it wouldn't take long for a sharp mind like Xena's to piece together who he truly was.

Breaking his silence, Legolas offered a solution. "Then, take our goods to my father," he suggested calmly. "He will offer you a fair price for them."

Noctis, quick to react, steered his horse closer to Legolas, who met his approach with a steady, piercing gaze. The prince, despite his pallor and evident struggles, held his ground with a dignity befitting Thranduil's son. "How long have you been eavesdropping on our discussions?" Noctis asked, leaning in. His tone was a mix of curiosity and caution. "We aren't so naïve, Elf, to march into your father's halls and barter your possessions. What do you suppose he would make of such an act?"

The tension between Noctis and Legolas, punctuated by this exchange, underscored the complexities of their relationship. Legolas' suggestion, seemingly practical, revealed the layers of political and personal implications that came with being Thranduil's son. Each member of their party, caught in their own web of allegiances and histories, navigated these dynamics as they drew ever closer to the dark heart of Gundabad.

Nyxara's confusion was evident as he turned to his brother. "But you spoke of taking our wares to his father, suggesting a handsome reward in gold," he said, his voice laced with bewilderment.

Noctis, with a hint of irritation, quickly corrected him. "You misunderstand, brother," he interjected sharply. "I never intended a direct approach to the Elf's father. Remember, we have our own contacts within the realm. It's through them we'd maneuver."

Xena, silently observing the exchange, pieced together Legolas' subtle strategy. It wasn't merely about suggesting a course of action for their belongings. Legolas was probing, listening – seeking to uncover their plans, or perhaps to confirm suspicions of other parties involved. And indeed, in this brief exchange, he had gleaned valuable insights, confirming what he may have already suspected.

This moment of revelation highlighted the layers of intrigue and strategy at play within their group. Legolas, with his keen elven senses and astuteness, was more than a silent observer. He was actively engaging, deciphering the web of plans and alliances that surrounded them. Each member, knowingly or not, contributed of secrets and strategies as they journeyed onward, with the shadows of Gundabad looming ever closer.

The journey into the heart of Gundabad carried with it a weight of silent revelations and unspoken thoughts. Legolas, though seemingly lost in a troubled sleep, was anything but at rest. His mind churned with the pieces of a puzzle that had long eluded him. The realization that the twins still had connections within his father's halls suggested a deeper plot, a treachery nestled close to home. The curse that afflicted his mother was no random act; it was orchestrated, and the orchestrator might still be lurking in Thranduil's domain. Surviving Gundabad was no longer just a matter of personal survival for Legolas; it was a crucial step in unraveling this betrayal.

Xena, meanwhile, wrestled with her own realizations. The elf's casual mention of his father sparked a new curiosity within her. She knew little of Thranduil, the Alchemist, and even less of the true nature of her journey through Mirkwood. The revelation that she had lost nearly sixteen years in her travels was a truth Legolas had yet to disclose. For an elf, sixteen years might be a fleeting moment, but for a human, it was a lifetime. How would she react upon learning that such a significant portion of her life had vanished like mist?

As they delved deeper into Gundabad, they encountered an unexpected calm. The anticipated hordes of orcs were conspicuously absent, a fact that did not escape Xena's notice. The landscape of Gundabad itself seemed altered, as if years, not months, had passed since her last visit. This change, both in the land and the lack of foes, was as disconcerting as it was puzzling.

Each member of the group, lost in their thoughts, felt the ominous presence of Gundabad. The fortress, steeped in history and darkness, held secrets and dangers unknown. Yet, it also held the key to understanding the web of treachery and time that entangled them. As they moved forward, the silence around them was a stark reminder that in Gundabad, not all threats made noise, and not all secrets were eager to be uncovered.

The journey to Gundabad was fraught with peril, but under the cloak of darkness and deceit, Noctis and Nyxara managed to deliver Legolas and Xena to Dular's stronghold. The orc chieftain, his visage a grotesque meld of battle scars and malice, greeted them with a sneer.

"So, the elf and his human companion finally grace my halls," Dular growled. His eyes, like smoldering coals, fixed on Legolas. "I have long awaited this moment, Elf. Your mother's curse haunts my dreams, and now, you shall help me end it."

Legolas, groggily regaining consciousness, found himself in chains, his weapons confiscated by the twins. Beside him, Xena stirred, her warrior instincts immediately alert to the danger surrounding them. The orc guards leered at them, their crude weapons long gone with the twins.

Dular turned his attention to Xena, his gaze lingering on the search for the cursed sword. "The blade of shadows," he mused. "A fitting tool for what lies ahead. You, human, are key to breaking the curse that binds us all. Where is the sword?"

Xena struggled against her restraints. "What curse? Speak plainly, orc," she demanded, her voice betraying a hint of fear beneath her defiant tone.

Dular's laughter echoed through the hall, a sound both chilling and mocking. "The curse that links your fate to the elf, to his mother, and the very heart of Gundabad," he replied. "A curse of darkness and light, of past wrongs seeking redress. Don't tell me you don't know of the curse?"

Legolas, now fully aware of their predicament, addressed Dular with a calmness belying his inner turmoil. "Release us, Dular. We seek to break the curse, not to serve your ends."

Dular's expression hardened. "You will serve my ends, Elf. The curse that haunts your mother's spirit also binds me. It was I who led the orcs that fateful day, I who was cursed by the same alchemist that ensnared your mother."

The revelation struck Legolas like a physical blow. His gaze, filled with a mix of horror and realization, that the Alchemist, as well as the twin, were right, it was Dular's party who attacked them that day.

Xena, absorbing the gravity of the situation, looked at Dular with newfound understanding. "What do you want from us?" she asked her tone now more measured.

Dular paced the chamber, his heavy steps resonating with a sense of impending doom. "The talisman you carry, elf," he said, nodding towards Legolas. "It holds the key to our freedom. But the path to breaking the curse is perilous, and I need you both to venture where I cannot."

Dular continued, "Deep within Gundabad lies the Tomb of Shadows, where your mother's spirit lingers, elf. There, amidst the darkness, you must use the talisman to sever the ties that bind her. But be warned, the tomb is guarded by creatures born of shadow and despair."

Legolas's resolve hardened. "We will do what must be done," he declared, his voice steady. "But you must swear to release us once the curse is broken."

Dular nodded, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Agreed, Elf. Break the curse, and you shall have your freedom. But fail, and you will join your mother in eternal torment."

With a swift gesture, Dular commanded his guards to release Legolas and Xena from their chains. In a whirl of motion, they were abruptly dragged towards the gaping maw of the coven's entrance. The world around them was a blur of guards, clashing metal, and the oppressive atmosphere of the coven. Before they could grasp the reality of their situation, they found themselves unceremoniously hurled into the abyss below.

Tumbling through the darkness, the shock of the fall left them disoriented. They landed heavily, the impact jarring their bones and leaving them momentarily breathless. As their senses adjusted to the dim light, they realized they were in an underground cavern, vast and echoing.

Legolas, regaining his composure, quickly assessed their surroundings. The cavern was lit by an eerie glow, emanating from luminescent fungi clinging to the damp walls. Stalactites loomed overhead like silent sentinels, and the air was thick with the musty scent of earth and age.

Xena, shaking off the pain of their fall, rose to her feet. Her eyes scanned the cavern, searching for any sign of a way out or impending danger. The absence of their captors suggested they were not expected to survive the fall, yet here they were, bruised but unbroken.

Legolas whispered to Xena, "We must find a way out, but be wary. This place holds more than darkness and stone."

"I've been here, have done that!" Xena answered "So follow me, Elf!"

The duo began to navigate the cavern cautiously, their movements deliberate and silent. Every step was taken with care, wary of unseen pitfalls or lurking creatures. The silence of the cavern was oppressive, the only sound their soft footsteps and the distant drip of water.

As they ventured deeper, the air grew colder, and a faint sound reached their ears – a sound that was neither the wind nor the earth. It was a low, haunting melody, echoing through the cavern. The source was unknown, but it seemed to beckon them, leading them further into the depths of the underground labyrinth.

With each step, the realization grew that their journey through the cavern was more than a mere escape; it was a descent into the unknown, a path that would test their courage and resolve. The darkness of Gundabad concealed mysteries and dangers, and Legolas and Xena, bound by fate and circumstance, faced them together, step by cautious step.

((Upcoming Chapter Thirty-Six))

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

Once again, thank you, everyone, for your reviews and the response this story has garnered.

Rainbow-33 (Chapter 16):

I'm glad you're enjoying the interactions between Xena, Gimli, and the other characters. Exploring the evolving relationships in the story is a key aspect of its development. Xena's journey and her connections with Gilraen and Estel are central to the narrative, and I'm excited to continue unfolding these dynamics as the story progresses.

Guest(3) (Chapter 32):

Thank you for your brief yet enthusiastic comment! I appreciate your interest in the darker aspects of the story and the intricate backstory. The impact of the twins' knowledge on the future will indeed be explored further. I hope you continue to enjoy the unfolding narrative.

Phantom Bard (Chapter 32):

Time does seem to fly in the world of storytelling! I'm glad you're enjoying the growing attraction between Xena and Legolas. Concerns about Legolas' journey and Xena's patience are valid points, and these elements will be addressed in upcoming chapters. Stay tuned for more!

Rainbow-33 (Chapter 10):

Thank you for the compliment! I strive to create a story where the connections between characters and events are intricately woven. It's wonderful to hear that you appreciate the interconnectedness of the plot.

Guest (2) (Chapter 32):

Hello! I'm thrilled to have you as a reader. I understand that this story may be a departure from your usual reading preferences, but I'm delighted that you're enjoying the point of view and narrative style. I look forward to sharing more of the story with you.

Phantom Bard (Chapter 31):

The appearance of the Moriquendi village and Legolas' plan with Xena certainly add new layers to the story. I'm excited to explore the conflicts and developments that arise from these twists. Fun indeed!

Phantom Bard (Chapter 30):

The tension is indeed building, and the emotional weight of their journey is palpable. Tauriel's presence adds another layer of complexity to their dynamic. The journey ahead holds many challenges, and I'm eager to see how Legolas and Xena navigate them.

Phantom Bard (Chapter 29):

Their growing cooperation and shared goals are central to the evolving relationship between Xena and Legolas. The path ahead is filled with uncertainties, and I'm excited to see where it leads as well.

AudoUnique (Chapter 27):

Thank you for your feedback! I appreciate your engagement with the story. The relationship between Legolas and Xena is indeed evolving, and there will be more developments in the upcoming chapters. Your insights are valuable.

AudoUnique (Chapter 26):

I'm glad you're curious about Althea! She's a character with her own intriguing storyline, and her role in the narrative will become clearer as the story progresses. Stay tuned for more!

Phantom Bard (Chapter 25):

I'm delighted that you find Legolas' character portrayal accurate. It's important to capture the essence of these beloved characters, and I'm committed to keeping their personalities true to their origins. You've highlighted some key aspects of Legolas, and I hope you continue to enjoy his journey alongside Xena.

Guest(1) (Chapter 19):

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled that you appreciate the imaginative aspects of the story. Your encouragement means a lot to me, and I'll strive to keep the creativity flowing.

Phantom Bard (Chapter 24):

You've raised an interesting point about the similarities and differences between Legolas' and his father's encounters with Xena. The mysteries surrounding Xena and her interactions with the Elves will continue to unravel in the upcoming chapters. I hope you'll join me on this journey of discovery. And again thank you for keeping reading the new chapter and reviewing them. ^_^

AudoUnique (Chapter 25):

I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter! Creating tension and maintaining excitement are essential elements of storytelling, and I'm thrilled that you felt they were executed well. There are more thrilling moments to come, and I'm excited to share them with you. Thank you for your support!