Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess
LXXI: Departing Minas Tirith
Minas Tirith, 3019 TA, May 2nd
In the wake of Sauron's fall, a new era dawned upon Middle-earth with the crowning of Aragorn as King Elessar, a name bestowed by Lady Galadriel and embraced by the folk of Gondor in honor of the Elfstone he bore. The time was ripe for celebrations, as Aragorn, now hailed as King Elessar, prepared to wed Arwen on the auspicious Midsummer's Day of TA 3019. His ascension marked the beginning of a new lineage: he was the twenty-sixth King of Arnor, the thirty-fifth King of Gondor, and, notably, the first High King of the Reunited Kingdom. Though it would take years for his rule to be firmly established in Arnor, the seeds of a united realm were sown.
On the first day of his reign, King Elessar's heart was filled with joy unparalleled in his life. Victory over Sauron had been achieved, ushering in an era of peace long yearned for. His heart swelled with love, for Arwen had chosen to forsake her immortal life to be by his side. Surrounded by trusted friends and allies, he looked forward to the days ahead. Though the path of rebuilding and unification would be arduous, it was a road paved with hope and the promise of peace. Aragorn embraced his role as king, ready to lead his people into a brighter future.
As the festivities of King Elessar's coronation swirled in joyous celebration yesterday, Aragorn found himself momentarily disengaged from the exuberant merriment. Despite the overwhelming flood of blessings, music, and dance that filled the air, his attention was caught by the absence of some of his most esteemed companions. Notably, Legolas, Gimli, Xena, and even Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel were not to be found amidst the throng. He recalled their presence during the coronation ceremony, so their current absence was puzzling.
Earlier, Aragorn had engaged in a significant conversation with Arwen. They had much to discuss, their future together being of paramount importance. They mutually agreed that the time for deeper conversations would come later, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the joy of the present.
However, the absence of his friends weighed on him. Seeking answers, Aragorn stepped away from the festivities and encountered Faramir outside the halls. Upon inquiry, Faramir informed him that he had last seen Xena and Gimli near the stables. With a word of thanks, Aragorn made his way towards the stables, a sense of foreboding accompanying him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, something of which he was still unaware. As he walked, his mind raced with possibilities, wondering what could have drawn his friends away from such a momentous celebration.
As Aragorn arrived at the stables, just as Faramir had indicated, he discovered a small assembly of his friends and allies in a scene that appeared to be a parting of ways. Xena, no longer in her gown but donned her battle armor, stood ready beside her horse. Accompanying her were Haldir and several of his elven warriors. Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel, and Gimli were also present, offering their farewells in a solemn gathering.
Aragorn, sensing an unexpected turn of events, stepped forward to seek clarity. He watched as Xena, now in her warrior's attire, prepared to depart. His confusion was palpable. He had anticipated that Xena would journey to Mirkwood alongside Legolas and Gimli. Something had evidently shifted, and he sought to understand why.
Motioning for Xena to step aside with him, Aragorn sought a moment of privacy to unravel this sudden change. They walked a short distance away from the group, enough to speak candidly yet remain in sight. "Xena, I thought you were to travel to Mirkwood with Legolas and Gimli," Aragorn inquired, his tone tinged with concern and curiosity. "What has transpired to alter these plans?" He looked at her intently, seeking not just an explanation but understanding the reasons behind this unexpected decision.
"We are indeed heading to Mirkwood, but our paths diverge," Xena explained, her voice steady as she maintained a respectful distance from the others. "I must depart today, much as I would have liked to partake in the festivities."
Aragorn's expression grew thoughtful, sensing the gravity of the situation. The presence of Gandalf and the Elven lords underscored the seriousness of the matter. "Has Legolas been made aware of your early departure?" he asked, carefully choosing his words.
King Elessar regarded Xena with a blend of concern and understanding. "You're leaving hastily, without informing Legolas," he remarked, grasping the gravity of the situation. "Is this journey one you feel compelled to undertake alone?"
Xena's response was firm, her eyes unwavering. "Yes, I haven't spoken to Legolas, and I don't intend to. Our paths diverge for now."
Aragorn's expression clouded with confusion. "But why such urgency in your departure?" he pondered aloud, seeking any reason that would justify this sudden change. His thoughts turned to the curse, and upon voicing his suspicion, he noticed Xena's gaze falter, confirming his fears.
Gandalf interjected at that moment, his tone grave. "Aragorn, it's imperative that Xena departs immediately. Her presence here poses a danger to Legolas due to the curse."
Aragorn stepped closer to Xena, his voice low and earnest. "Safe travels, Xena. Know that our support is with you, and help will be sent should you require it."
Xena nodded, her farewell brief yet laden with unspoken words. "Please, keep the curse a secret from Legolas. He might seek me out, and I fear I may not have the strength to resist its influence." Her plea was heartfelt, a clear indication of her concern for Legolas's safety and her determination to confront the curse alone.
King Elessar nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll inform Legolas that you're journeying to Mirkwood with Haldir to seek answers," he said, meeting Xena's gaze which held a tinge of sadness. They both recognized the delicacy of the situation; the right explanation was crucial to avoid misunderstandings about her abrupt departure.
"So be it," Xena agreed, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. She took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to embark on her solitary quest.
As she prepared to leave, Xena shared a final moment with each of her companions. She approached Lord Elrond, who offered her a solemn nod. "May your path lead to the answers you seek, Xena," Elrond said, his voice reflecting his deep wisdom and understanding.
Galadriel's eyes, ever perceptive, met Xena's with an unspoken empathy. "Your journey is yours alone, but remember, you are not alone in spirit," the Lady of the Woods reminded her gently.
Gimli grumbled a bit as he came forward. "I don't like this, lass, riding off with elves, especially not like this," he said, his usual gruff exterior barely concealing his concern.
Xena offered a small, grateful smile to each of them, feeling the weight of their concern and their blessings. She then mounted her horse, casting one last glance at her friends, before turning to Haldir and his company. With a nod, they set off, riding swiftly out of Minas Tirith.
Gimli watched them go, his expression a mix of worry and disapproval. "The lad will not be pleased with this," he muttered, referring to Legolas. "I can't say I'm too fond of seeing the lass leave with those elves either." His words hung in the air, echoing the shared sentiment of those left behind.
Aragorn's gaze was tinged with concern as he replied to Gimli, "I understand, but our hands are tied in this matter." He paused his thoughts momentarily on Xena's departure. "When do you and Legolas plan to leave for Mirkwood?"
Gimli shifted his weight, his expression solemn. "We planned to set off tomorrow. We thought to speak with you first, then make our departure."
Aragorn's tone held a firm edge. "You mustn't leave without speaking to me first. Have you seen Legolas?"
Gimli scratched his head, trying to recall. "I haven't seen him since the coronation ceremony."
Aragorn nodded slowly. "Perhaps it's for the best he wasn't here for this. Let's return to the celebration. Today marks a victory for all the free peoples of Middle Earth. We owe it to them to honor this day."
Together, they turned back towards the festivities, the weight of their responsibilities lingering even amidst the joy and celebration of the day.
Aragorn had noted Legolas' absence since the coronation, which led him to Legolas' chambers at dawn. Knowing the elf's keen senses and swift responses, Aragorn's concern grew when his repeated knocks went unanswered. He was about to turn away, thinking the room was empty, when the door finally opened.
Legolas appeared, looking weary and in the midst of packing. His expression changed upon recognizing Aragorn, and he stepped back, allowing the King to enter. The door closed softly behind Aragorn, and a silent tension filled the room.
For a moment, neither spoke. Aragorn's eyes carefully studied Legolas, taking in the elf's tired appearance. Something was amiss, and the concern etched on Aragorn's face deepened. Legolas was usually the epitome of elven grace and strength, but now there was a palpable weariness about him, something that Aragorn found deeply unsettling.
Aragorn's keen observation immediately discerned the elf's unusual demeanor. "You appear unwell, Legolas," he remarked with a hint of concern in his voice. Legolas, usually the picture of elven vitality, now seemed burdened and distant. "You were absent from last night's festivities. What troubles you, my friend?"
Legolas, who often masked his emotions with the stoicism characteristic of his kind, felt no need for such pretenses with Aragorn. Trusting him implicitly, Legolas allowed a rare glimpse into his vulnerabilities. He moved to sit on the edge of the bed, his gaze lingering on Aragorn for a moment before he found the words.
"The curse of my mother, it seems, has awakened," Legolas said, his voice softer than usual, weighed down by the revelation. "Forgive me, Aragorn, for missing the celebrations. It was beyond my control." His expression, usually serene, now bore the marks of an internal struggle, a testament to the gravity of his affliction.
Aragorn approached Legolas, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Your absence is of no consequence to me, Legolas. It's your wellbeing that concerns me. When did this burden begin to weigh upon you?"
Legolas lifted his gaze to meet Aragorn's. "It began as we were returning from Imladris," he revealed, his voice carrying a strain of weariness. "At times, the pain is manageable, but at others, it's as if I'm enduring the worst form of torment. I must journey to Mirkwood to seek answers. Today, I intend to leave with Gimli and Xena."
Aragorn exhaled a heavy sigh, realizing that Legolas was unaware of Xena's departure. It pained him to see his friend, who had endured so much, still grappling with shadows, while others had found their peace. He was hesitant to break the news to Legolas, fearing it might add to his friend's already considerable burdens.
Aragorn, with a firm yet compassionate grip on Legolas's shoulder, spoke with deep sincerity. "I cannot join you, but should you need me, I will forsake all and come to your aid," he assured. Legolas acknowledged this with a nod, understanding the depth of Aragorn's commitment. "Yet, I cannot let you and Gimli journey alone. Elladan and Elrohir will accompany you."
"Mirkwood remains as it was, Aragorn," Legolas replied, his voice gaining a hint of strength. "We need not burden the sons of Elrond with this task. Gimli, Xena, and I can manage."
Aragorn sighed, the weight of his next words heavy upon him. He knelt closer, locking eyes with Legolas. "Listen, Legolas, Xena departed for Mirkwood yesterday, escorted by Haldir. She seeks answers for her own curse. You must not journey with only Gimli. Allow Elladan and Elrohir to aid you."
Legolas, taken aback, struggled to process this sudden revelation. "She left?" he echoed, the confusion evident in his tone. He had assumed their mutual avoidance was a temporary discomfort, not expecting her to leave without a word. "Why would Haldir accompany her?" he questioned, a mix of surprise and concern etched across his face.
Aragorn, settling beside Legolas, spoke earnestly, his voice laden with concern. "I trust you, Legolas," he began, meeting the elf's eyes. "I have witnessed your strength, seen what you have endured. But heed my words, my friend. Do not bear this burden alone. If the darkness overwhelms you, seek help - from Gimli, the twins, or myself. No one should face such shadows unaided."
Legolas, his hands resting in his lap, listened intently, his breathing deepening as he absorbed Aragorn's advice. He nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of Aragorn's counsel.
Aragorn continued, his tone somber yet firm. "Truthfully, this journey is fraught with peril, and I would advise against it. But I trust in your judgment and skill. As for Xena," he paused, weighing his words carefully, "despite recommendations to the contrary, you deserve the truth. If our roles were reversed, I would wish to be informed about anything concerning Arwen."
Legolas's gaze fixed on Aragorn, a mixture of pain and focus evident in his eyes. "Xena is battling her own curse, as you grapple with yours. The hatred from her spell has resurfaced, consuming her. She departed to protect you, unable to control its influence. And neither Gandalf nor Elrond could rebind the spell."
Legolas absorbed this revelation, a complex storm of emotions swirling within him as he processed the gravity of Xena's situation and his own intertwined fate.
Legolas rose to his feet, a newfound clarity dawning upon him. "So she left, fearing she might harm me," he murmured, piecing together the fragments of a puzzle that had eluded him. The realization of their mutual avoidance, not born of confusion or fleeting emotions, but driven by the grave reality of curses and engulfing darkness, settled heavily upon him.
Aragorn nodded solemnly, reinforcing the gravity of the situation. "Lady Galadriel ensured Haldir and his men would accompany her. Venturing alone into Mirkwood under such circumstances would have been perilous. Until the true nature of these curses is unraveled, Legolas, you must keep your distance from her."
Legolas absorbed these words, a mix of relief and sorrow threading through his thoughts. He had yearned for a simple conversation, a chance to understand and perhaps alleviate their mutual turmoil. Yet, her decision to flee, to shield him from potential harm, resonated deeply with the noble aspects of her character he had come to admire and cherish.
In that moment of introspection, a profound truth crystalized within Legolas's heart. The realization hit him with the force of a revelation – he loved her, not merely as a comrade-in-arms, but with a depth and intensity that transcended friendship. His gaze met Aragorn's, who returned a look of empathetic understanding. The revelation of his love for Xena was no longer an abstract notion; it was a reality he now had to confront amidst the tangled webs of their intertwined fates.
Aragorn's gaze bore into Legolas with an expression of deep concern and understanding. "I had perceived it long before, my friend," he remarked gently, "but your pride blinded you to your own heart's truth."
Legolas let out a heavy sigh, the weight of realization settling upon him. "In matters of the heart, Aragorn, my years and experiences seem of little consequence. With her, every step is into the unknown," he confessed, his voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and wonder.
A wistful smile touched Aragorn's lips, his eyes reflecting a blend of sadness and empathy. "Perhaps it's her unpredictability and spirit that captivated you so," he suggested softly. "Tread carefully, Legolas, and let your heart guide you, but with caution."
"I shall," Legolas responded firmly, his resolve clear in his eyes. "I cannot let her slip away, not now when I truly understand what my heart has been seeking." His declaration hung in the air, a testament to a love newly acknowledged and fiercely held.
As Haldir rode alongside Xena, he couldn't help but notice the transformation that had befallen her. This once fierce and indomitable warrior was now often lost in her own thoughts, her strength seemingly sapped by the curse that gnawed at her. He remembered her as a formidable force, but now he saw her battling an internal darkness that was slowly consuming her.
Despite the curse's grip on her, Xena remained a formidable combatant. When they crossed paths with a band of orcs, she fought with a ferocity that belied her internal turmoil. Her sword moved in a deadly dance, cutting down enemy after enemy. Her movements were fluid yet precise, a testament to her warrior's instinct and training. Yet once the battle was over, she retreated back into her shell of introspection, her face etched with the inner conflict that tormented her.
Haldir observed Xena's struggle with a mix of concern and admiration. It was clear to him that her journey was not just a quest for answers but also a sacrifice made out of love for the Prince of Mirkwood. The elf could see the toll it was taking on her, the way the curse tested her resilience and willpower.
It didn't take long for Haldir to surmise the depth of Xena's feelings for Legolas. A tinge of melancholy touched his heart as he reflected on the power of love to drive individuals to face such harrowing darkness. The notion of someone willingly braving danger and enduring pain for the sake of another was not just a concept found in ancient tales but a vivid reality unfolding before his eyes.
Haldir, having witnessed the strength of bonds within the Fellowship, now observed a different kind of connection unfolding before him. It intrigued him, the way Xena seemed either oblivious to the depth of her feelings for Legolas or perhaps too stubborn to acknowledge them. He found it both perplexing and somewhat endearing.
On a night when they camped within a secure clearing of Mirkwood Forest, Xena once again secluded herself, sitting in a corner, visibly striving to contain the curse within her. Sensing an opportunity to reach out, Haldir approached and took a seat beside her. He didn't immediately look at her, choosing instead to initiate a conversation in a more indirect manner.
"Difficult nights, aren't they?" Haldir began, his voice soft but clear in the quiet of the night. "The forest can be both a sanctuary and a challenge, especially for those battling inner demons."
Xena remained silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on the flickering campfire. Haldir continued, choosing his words with care.
He paused, allowing a moment for his words to sink in. "You are strong, stronger than most. Yet even the mightiest warriors need allies, need to share their burdens. It's not weakness, it's wisdom."
Haldir finally turned to look at Xena, meeting her eyes with a gaze that was both compassionate and earnest. "You do not have to bear this alone. There are those who would stand by you, who already do, even if they are not here right now."
The elf's words, meant to provide comfort and understanding, hung in the air, a gentle offer of companionship and support in the midst of a journey filled with uncertainty and shadow.
Haldir, perceiving the change in Xena's demeanor as she focused on him, continued, "Embarking on a journey that risks your life, bearing a curse, and fleeing not for self-preservation but out of fear of harming the prince... there seems more at play here than mere friendship."
Xena's patience was evidently thinning. "Is there a purpose to this, Haldir?" she asked curtly, her tone suggesting she was in no mood for probing conversations. "Or are you trying to provoke me?"
"There is a purpose to my words," Haldir responded, settling more comfortably. "It seems to me that you are struggling with something deeper than you admit. Your actions indicate that Prince Legolas means more to you than you're willing to acknowledge."
Xena scoffed dismissively. "Legolas is a dear friend, nothing more," she replied, seemingly unaware of the deeper implications of her own actions.
"A dear friend?" Haldir echoed with a hint of irony in his voice. "It appears to be more than mere friendship, and it seems neither you nor the prince have fully realized it."
Xena's expression hardened, her patience wearing thin under the weight of her inner turmoil. "That is none of your concern, Haldir," she retorted sharply. "The reasons behind our actions are our own." Her eyes narrowed, a clear sign that Haldir's probing was treading on dangerous ground.
Haldir leaned in closer to her, their faces nearly touching, while she fixed a stern gaze upon him. "Why would you journey through all this pain and peril, even without unraveling the depths of your own feelings? Is the prince truly worth such a tumultuous endeavor?" Haldir realized his initial reaction had been too severe, but it was too late to retract his words. It pained him to witness her day by day, grappling with suffering, all in pursuit of answers for a curse that had never been meant for her.
Xena straightened herself, shoving Haldir away, and declared, "There is nothing left to fathom. Do not presume that we are so arrogantly ignorant of our own hearts. Yet, the realm of desires does not always yield to our will."
As she turned to leave, the Marchwarden rose swiftly, seizing her wrist and pivoting her back to face him. "Love should ideally bestow happiness and serenity. Enduring such darkness, whether it be for you or Legolas, how can it be justified?"
Xena couldn't help but chuckle at his words. "I once believed Legolas to be arrogant and blinded to the harsh realities of life, but it appears, Marchwarden, that you have your own misconceptions. Love that lacks pain, that flows effortlessly, let me assure you, is not love at all!
"So, you stand prepared to cast yourself into the abyss, in the hope of discovering a solution to what plagues Legolas, yourself, and Mirkwood," Haldir inquired, his grip on her wrist unwavering.
"No," Xena responded firmly, extracting her hand and commencing her departure. She told Haldir, "I have already ventured into the very depths of the abyss in search of answers, Marchwarden."
"Then you have encountered love!"
As they continued on their journey, venturing from the ancient road that Legolas and Xena had once trodden, they delved deeper into the shadowed forest. Xena sought the elusive alchemist, convinced that within the depths of this mysterious wood, she might uncover the answers she sought. The path they followed mirrored the one previously traversed by their companions.
For days on end, they wandered through the primeval woods, their footsteps guided by whispers of ancient trees. The dense canopy above blocked out much of the daylight, casting an eerie twilight over the forest floor. It was a place where shadows held secrets and the very air seemed to murmur with untold stories.
But when they finally reached their destination, a place that had been the locus of their hopes, it lay in ruins. The alchemist's refuge was naught but ashes, the remnants of a once-hidden sanctuary now consumed by fire. Their journey, filled with anticipation and yearning, had led them to a desolate, charred wasteland. And in the midst of the destruction, they discovered the lifeless form of the alchemist, his quest for answers extinguished forever.
Xena let out a deep sigh, her heart heavy with the grim discovery before them. Her hatred seemed to swell, fueled by the relentless curse that still clung to her, and the loss of the alchemist, a rare source of potential answers. She took a few cautious steps towards the obscurity of the forest's edge, standing there in contemplation, pondering the uncertain path ahead. Yet, as she gazed into the darkness, a suffocating sensation gripped her chest, as if the very air around her thickened with her growing animosity.
Desperation drove her to search for any weapon, anything sharp enough to pierce her skin and jolt her back to reality. In her heightened emotional turmoil, she found herself on the verge of self-infliction, poised to regain a semblance of awareness. Nearby, Haldir and his men scoured the area in search of clues, unaware of her inner turmoil.
Just as she was poised to strike herself, the blow never landed. A strong hand clamped down on her wrist, firmly gripping the sword's hilt. Her bewildered gaze met that of her savior, realizing that the hand had wrested the weapon from her grasp and now examined it with a purposeful scrutiny.
"I entrusted you with this sword, a weapon to be wielded against the shadowy foes that bring only danger," the figure declared resolutely and with a commanding tone, eyes fixed upon the sword's gleaming blade. "Yet today, I find you poised to turn it upon your own flesh. Tell me, human, what has transpired to bring you to this point?"
Xena let out a weary sigh, her dizziness ebbing away as she recognized the figure before her. "In that, you are mistaken," she countered, offering a weary but wry smile. "This blade possesses the capacity to sever any threat, be it to me or those dear to me."
The elf returned her smile and handed back the sword, which she carefully sheathed in its scabbard. His gaze shifted toward Haldir and his bewildered company. "Why do you journey alone? Where is Legolas?" The elf drew nearer to Xena, his concern evident in his demeanor as he glanced at the rest of the group.
Haldir, ever mindful of decorum, bowed respectfully, recognizing that the figure unveiling himself was none other than Thranudil, the Elvenking. It became clear that the Elvenking, like Xena and her companions, had sought answers and had arrived at the Alchemist's doorstep, only to find him lifeless. Haldir couldn't help but marvel at how casually the Elvenking conversed with the human, devoid of the usual formalities.
Xena had pushed herself beyond her limits, enduring days of relentless travel while being pursued by the relentless curse, her thoughts a constant struggle. As she stood before Thranduil, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk graced her lips. It was as if she had finally encountered someone in whom she could place complete trust. "Keep Legolas far from my path," she managed as a warning before her strength waned, and she collapsed onto the ground before him.
Haldir moved to rush to her aid, but his advance was halted when Thranduil effortlessly scooped up the unconscious human in a single fluid motion. The Elvenking then turned his attention to Haldir, his voice bearing an authoritative tone. "Escort me to my Halls, Marchwarden, and therein, explain the purpose of your journey within my realm," he commanded.
With that, Thranduil mounted his majestic elk, carrying the human with ease. Haldir took charge of Xena's horse, tending to it as they followed the Elvenking back to his Halls. During their journey, he recounted the events that had transpired and the reasons behind the human's pilgrimage to Thranduil's domain.
Upon reaching the Elvenking's Halls, Xena was placed in her comfortable chamber, that was offered her to her in her first visit, the chamber that was across of Legoals, where her feverish state could be tended to. Thranduil's healers were skilled, and they immediately set to work, using their knowledge of elven and herbal remedies to alleviate her suffering.
As Xena lay in her chamber, her body ravaged by the curse, Thranduil and Haldir engaged in a discussion about the perilous situation. The Elvenking was deeply concerned about the curse and its potential threat not only to Xena but also to his own realm. Haldir recounted the events leading to Xena's arrival and the destruction of the alchemist's refuge, which had contained valuable information that might have held the key to understanding the curse.
Thranduil listened intently, his brow furrowed in thought. It was clear that the curse's resurgence was a matter of great significance, not only to Xena but to the safety of his people. He instructed Haldir to investigate the destroyed refuge further, in the hopes of salvaging any remaining clues or documents that might shed light on the curse's origins and potential remedies.
Meanwhile, Xena's condition remained precarious. The curse continued to torment her, causing bouts of agony and feverish delirium. Thranduil's healers worked tirelessly, using their elven arts to try and soothe the curse's effects. Xena's struggle against the darkness within her was evident, as she fought to maintain control and prevent the curse from consuming her entirely.
Thranduil visited Xena's chamber regularly, his keen elven senses allowing him to detect even the slightest changes in her condition. He offered her words of encouragement and support, urging her to hold on and not succumb to the curse's malevolent influence. Despite her suffering, Xena was grateful for his presence and the care of his healers.
Days passed as Xena battled the curse within the sanctuary of Thranduil's Halls. It was a grueling ordeal, both physically and mentally, as she confronted the darkness that threatened to overwhelm her. The Elvenking's patience and guidance played a crucial role in helping her resist the curse's insidious whispers.
In the midst of her struggle, Xena's thoughts often turned to Legolas, whom she had left behind in Minas Tirith. She longed to see him, to explain her actions and the reasons behind her departure. But the curse remained a formidable obstacle, preventing her from reaching out to him, for fear that her presence might endanger him.
((Upcoming Chapter Seventy-Two))
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