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)

Act III

A Place Called Home

Chapter 133: The Legolas-Xena Alliance

Gondor, 3019 TA, September 29th

The journey back to Gondor was laden with an unspoken tension that hung between them like the thick fogs of the Mirkwood marshes. Xena, the formidable Warrior Princess, found herself grappling with an inner turmoil that was entirely foreign. The child she carried was of Legolas, whom she loved deeply, yet the timing could not have been more inopportune. Her heart was torn—elated at the prospect of motherhood, yet burdened by the uncertainties of their future and the unrelenting responsibilities that lay ahead.

Legolas, the elven prince of the Woodland Realm, faced his own set of trials. The thought of fatherhood had always seemed a distant future, one ideally imagined in the peace of a settled life, not amidst the nomadic existence they currently led. His life, long stretched across the ages, was now to change fundamentally and irrevocably. Though part of him cherished the idea of a child with Xena, the other part was ensnared by fears and doubts, haunted by the impermanence of their current lifestyle and the looming threats that shadowed their paths.

As they entered the gates of Gondor, the clattering of hooves on cobblestones broke the persistent silence that had accompanied their long ride. Their arrival went unnoticed by the common folk, preoccupied as they were with the daily toil, but the air was thick with the whispers of an impending storm, both literal and metaphorical.

Upon reaching their quarters, the unspoken tension finally demanded its due. As they unpacked in silence, the weight of the unaddressed issues between them seemed to make the very air within the room heavier. Xena paused, her armor clinking softly as she placed it aside. She looked at Legolas, his silhouette framed against the window, the dying light casting shadows that seemed to echo his troubled thoughts.

"Legolas," Xena began, her voice steady yet soft, a stark contrast to the clanging dissonance of her warrior's garb. "We need to talk about what comes next. Not just for us, but for this child."

Legolas turned, his expression somber, the usual light in his azure eyes dimmed by his swirling thoughts. "I know, Xena. I fear I have not been the support you need. The truth is, I am scared. This world, our lives, it's not stable—not conducive to what we are stepping into."

Xena walked over to him, her steps resolute. She took his hands in hers, the touch a grounding force between them. "I am scared too, Legolas. But I do not doubt our strength together. Nor do I doubt the love that brought us here. This child," she said, placing his hand gently on her stomach, "is a testament to that love."

The elf swallowed, his eyes meeting hers, finding resolve in her unwavering spirit. "You are right, as always. We have faced armies and monsters, darkness that would break the mightiest of warriors. Surely, we can face this together."

A faint smile touched Xena's lips, softening her usually fierce features. "Together," she agreed. "And perhaps, it is time to consider a more settled life. One where battles are not our daily bread."

Legolas nodded, the idea daunting yet comforting. "A home," he mused, the word unfamiliar yet filled with promise. "Yes, perhaps it is time."

Their conversation marked the beginning of a new chapter, one fraught with as many challenges as any war they had fought. But together, they began to forge a path forward, not just as warriors, but as future parents, as partners bound by love and a shared destiny. The night deepened around them, the sounds of Gondor's nightlife rising and falling in the distance, a subtle reminder of life's persistent march.

The decision to settle in a place they could call home was not one Legolas or Xena had anticipated agreeing upon. Despite the strangeness Xena exuded during their ride back to Gondor, she was contemplatively considering their future. Motherhood was not a new concept to her; she had once lost the chance to raise a child, and the life of perpetual adventure, though exhilarating, was one she knew she couldn't pursue indefinitely without facing the same regrets of her past.

Legolas's proposal of settling in Ithilien began to weave its appeal into her considerations. Ithilien, with its lush forests and relative peace following the War of the Ring, presented an ideal setting far from the influence of any looming threats. It promised a fresh start, a place where they could build a life together, grounded in the tranquility of nature yet close enough to remain active in the unfolding history of Middle-earth.

The concept of home was still nascent and filled with uncertainties. They were acutely aware of the challenges that lay ahead. Their commitments to aid Aragorn, to assist Thranduil in purifying Mirkwood, and to support Gimli in establishing his hold in the Glittering Caves were still priorities that they would not abandon. These responsibilities were integral to their lives, interwoven with the bonds of friendship and allegiance that had been forged through battle and strife.

However, alongside these duties, the idea of creating their own sanctuary in Ithilien took root. It was an addition to their lives that offered not just a physical home but a renewal of spirit. The thought of building something from the ground up, of laying down roots that could flourish in peace, was as daunting as it was thrilling. Both Xena and Legolas knew this endeavor would not materialize overnight. It required planning, time, and a dedication to a future they still were learning to envision.

Settling down would be a gradual process, a series of deliberate steps towards a life that balanced their adventurous spirits with the stability they now craved. The conversations about their future, filled with practicalities and dreams alike, became a new kind of adventure—one not fought with swords and strategy, but with heart and hope.

In agreeing to make Ithilien their home, they were not just choosing a place to live; they were choosing a new way to live. This commitment to a shared future marked a significant shift in their journey together, framing a new chapter that, while uncertain, held the promise of growth and deepening connections, not just between themselves but with the land and people they had come to cherish.

In the well-lit chambers of Minas Tirith, where the early morning light cascaded through tall windows, King Elessar convened a strategic meeting. Seated around the sturdy oak table were Faramir, Gimli, Legolas, and Xena, each prepared to discuss pressing matters and future plans.

Aragorn initiated the council with an update from the south. "Faramir, what news do you bring from Harad?"

Faramir, dressed in the regal attire of the Prince of Ithilien, responded, "My lord, we have successfully negotiated peace with Chieftain Khafir. However, the realm remains fragmented among various tribes. The path to unification under Khafir's banner will be arduous and prolonged."

Acknowledging the complexities, Aragorn then turned his attention to the resettlement efforts. "And the progress in Ithilien, Faramir?"

"Rehabilitation continues apace," Faramir reported. "We've begun clearing the Morgul Vale of its lingering corruptions and securing our borders against outlaws. Beregond leads the White Company effectively in these endeavors."

Nods of approval followed Faramir's updates, after which Gimli cleared his throat, eager to share his own developments. "As for the Glittering Caves, I've plans to make a few more visits, ensuring they're fit for habitation. Several kin from Erebor express interest in joining me to establish a new colony there."

Aragorn smiled, pleased with Gimli's initiative, then directed his gaze towards Legolas and Xena, who had been conversing quietly. "And what of your plans in Ithilien, Legolas?"

Legolas, his expression serene yet marked with the weight of new responsibilities, began, "We aim to settle in the forests of Ithilien, building a life both close to nature and to the heart of the kingdom. We'll stand ready to aid you, Aragorn, and ensure the peace of this land."

Xena nodded in agreement, her warrior's poise ever-present, yet there was a gentleness in her demeanor that was less familiar to the council.

Seeing an opportunity to lighten the mood as the meeting drew towards its mundane bureaucratic necessities, Legolas, with a slight mischievous glint in his eye, added, "And there is another matter, one of a... personal nature that hastens our need for a homestead."

The room quieted, curious. Faramir, with a knowing smile, leaned forward. "And what might that be, Legolas?"

Legolas glanced at Xena, who gave a slight, resigned nod. In a tone mixed with pride and a hint of jest, Legolas announced, "We are expecting a child."

The response was a moment of stunned silence followed by an eruption of reactions. Faramir and he knew what had accured and the awkward moment they went through in their way back to Gondor, but now all was well and he played along. Gimli's hearty laugh broke the initial shock. "Leave it to an elf and a warrior princess to spring such news in a council of war and peace!"

Aragorn's laughter joined Gimli's, his kingly composure overtaken by genuine amusement. "Indeed, it seems our council must also consider the matter of nurseries amidst our strategies!"

Faramir clapped Legolas on the shoulder, his grin wide. "Congratulations, Legolas, Xena. Ithilien shall not only be a place of refuge from war but a cradle of new beginnings."

The meeting adjourned with laughter and light-hearted jests, the heavy topics of war and diplomacy giving way to the personal joy of its members. It was a reminder that amidst the rebuilding of a kingdom, the foundations of home and family remained the most vital.

((Upcoming Chapter One-Hundred-Thirdy-Four))

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