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 II

Belonging

Chapter 126: In the Glow of Gondor's Night

White City, 3019 TA, July 21th

As the celebration began to wind down, the music softened, and the laughter grew quieter. Guests were slowly retiring to their chambers, and the citizens of Minas Tirith were returning to their homes. Only a few remained under the lantern-lit sky, their voices low and their movements leisurely. Aragorn, with Arwen on his arm, made their way through the last of the guests, stopping to exchange quiet words with Elrond and the twins.

"I trust the city has met your expectations, my lord," Aragorn said with a warm smile to Elrond.

Elrond inclined his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It is as you promised, Estel. A place of renewal and hope."

Arwen hugged her father tightly. "Thank you, Ada. For everything."

Elrond held her close for a moment, whispering something soft in Sindarin before releasing her. The twins, Elladan and Elrohir, grinned as they stepped forward.

"Take care of her, Aragorn," Elladan said, his tone half-serious.

"And remember," Elrohir added with a mischievous glint, "we're only a few days' ride away should you require reinforcements."

Aragorn chuckled, clasping each of their arms. "I will keep that in mind. Though I suspect Arwen will keep me in line better than any army."

Arwen raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small smile. "Wise words, my king."

They all shared a quiet laugh before Aragorn and Arwen moved on, their final stop being Legolas, Gimli, and Xena, who were seated together by the remnants of the fire.

"Legolas," Aragorn called as they approached, his voice warm with familiarity.

Legolas stood, offering a nod. "Aragorn, Arwen," he greeted. "It is good to see you both at peace."

"It's good to see you made it," Aragorn replied, his gaze flickering briefly to Xena. "And not just you."

Xena smirked, rising to her feet. "Well, we couldn't let you have all the fun without us, could we?"

Gimli chuckled from his seat, raising his mug. "Though they almost didn't make it, what with all their dawdling on the way here."

"We weren't dawdling," Xena shot back, her tone teasing. "We were... appreciating the journey."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching. "Appreciating the journey? Is that what they call it now?"

Arwen, standing quietly beside him, tilted her head slightly, her perceptive gaze lingering on the pair. "You are bonded," she said softly, her voice carrying no judgment, only curiosity. The remark caused Xena to glance at Legolas, who remained calm, though there was a faint flicker of unease in his eyes.

Aragorn's brow furrowed slightly, though his expression was more amused than concerned. "Bonded? I suspected as much, but to hear it confirmed…" He trailed off, looking between them. "How long have you been keeping this from me?"

Legolas sighed, his posture straightening. "We did not intend to keep it from you, Aragorn. The bond happened… unexpectedly."

Xena raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Unexpectedly is putting it lightly."

Arwen smiled faintly, stepping closer. "It is a beautiful thing," she said, her voice kind. "Though I imagine it comes with its challenges."

Xena met her gaze, her usual sharpness softening slightly. "That's one way to put it," she admitted.

Aragorn clapped Legolas on the shoulder, his grin widening. "If anyone can face those challenges, it's you two. Though I must admit, I never imagined you would find someone as stubborn as yourself, Legolas."

Gimli let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, she's more than stubborn—she's downright terrifying. Poor Legolas doesn't stand a chance."

The group shared a round of laughter, the lingering weight of past battles and hardships momentarily lifted.

Aragorn turned serious for a moment, looking directly at Legolas. "Thank you for coming, my friend. It means more than you know."

Legolas placed a hand over his heart, bowing slightly. "It is where I was meant to be, Aragorn. For this moment, and the many more to come."

Arwen stepped forward, taking Xena's hand. "Take care of each other," she said softly, her smile gentle. "This bond you share is rare and precious. Do not take it lightly."

Xena nodded, her voice steady. "We won't."

As Aragorn and Arwen moved to leave, Aragorn glanced over his shoulder with a mischievous glint in his eye. "And Xena, do try not to let him braid your hair too often. You'll have half of Gondor thinking you're royalty by the end of the month."

Xena snorted, shaking her head. "No promises, Your Majesty."

With that, the newlyweds departed, arm in arm, their laughter mingling with the fading sounds of the celebration. Xena and Legolas stood watching them for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air before they returned to their seats by the fire. The night was drawing to a close, but the bonds of friendship and love forged in its glow would linger far longer than the stars overhead.

As the celebrations wound down and the guests began to retire to their chambers, Legolas, Gimli, and Xena lingered a little longer near the flickering fire, speaking with Elrond and his twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir. The conversation flowed naturally, a mix of reflection and planning for the future, but as the twins excused themselves for the night, Elrond lingered. His gaze fell on Xena, his expression thoughtful.

"Lady Xena," he began, his voice calm but carrying the weight of wisdom, "may I have a word?"

Xena raised an eyebrow but nodded. Legolas exchanged a brief glance with Elrond before stepping away to give them space, Gimli following after him. Elrond gestured for Xena to walk with him a short distance, the quiet hum of the night surrounding them. He turned to face her, his expression serious but not unkind. "There are matters that I believe you deserve to understand, ones that Legolas may not have explained fully."

Xena crossed her arms, her curiosity piqued. "This is about the bond, isn't it?"

Elrond nodded. "Indeed. For an elf to bond, it is not a decision taken lightly. It is not something that happens by chance or whim. Legolas would have had to truly desire it, to see you as his equal and his chosen partner. The bond you now share connects your hearts and your thoughts on a level few can comprehend. It is beautiful, but it is also not without its challenges."

Xena frowned, her gaze dropping to the ground. "He didn't tell me any of this," she muttered. "Not in detail, anyway."

"That does not surprise me," Elrond replied. "Legolas may fear overwhelming you with the gravity of it all. But it is essential you know what it means—for both of you."

He paused, studying her reaction before continuing. "For elves, such a bond is for life. We do not bond more than once, save for the rarest of circumstances. If, for any reason, you were to reject this connection or decide to part ways, it would leave a lasting wound on him. While he may outwardly adapt to the changing world, Legolas carries within him the traditions and beliefs of his people. This bond is as sacred to him as the air he breathes."

Xena was silent for a long moment, her expression unreadable. She finally looked up at him, her voice quieter than usual. "This bond... it's not just something that happened to him. It's for me too," she admitted, glancing away as though speaking the words aloud made them heavier.

Elrond raised an eyebrow, encouraging her to continue.

"I won't lie," Xena said, her tone steadier now. "It scares me. This... connection, or whatever you want to call it. I've spent so long trying to atone for the things I've done, and now here's this elf, throwing his whole life into my hands. I'm not even sure I can handle my own."

She paused, her voice softening. "But Legolas... he's important to me. More than I'd care to admit to him just yet. Maybe I'm too proud, or maybe I'm just trying to figure out how to fit into this world. But I know one thing: we have time, and we'll figure it out together."

Elrond nodded, his gaze kind. "You are wise to take your time, Xena. A bond like this does not require haste—it requires understanding, patience, and trust. You have already proven your strength and devotion. I believe you will find your way."

Before Xena could reply, Legolas's voice interrupted. "Are you plotting something without me?" he asked with a playful smirk, approaching them.

Elrond straightened, his calm demeanor unchanged. "Not plotting, but discussing matters of importance."

Legolas tilted his head slightly, his sharp eyes catching the faint flush on Xena's face. "I see. Have I missed anything I should know about?"

Xena rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Nothing you don't already know, mushroom prince."

Legolas smirked, but before he could respond, Gimli joined them. "If the elf is done brooding, we've got plans to discuss!"

"What plans?" Xena asked, raising an eyebrow.

Legolas turned to her, his tone more serious now. "We've promised Aragorn that we would aid him in rebuilding Gondor. There is still much to be done—uniting the realms, fortifying the cities, and ensuring that the remnants of darkness are dealt with."

Gimli grunted in agreement. "Aye, and those walls need proper stonework. I'll need to call on some of my kin to see it done right."

"And the gardens," Legolas added. "They must be restored to their former glory. Elves should tend to them."

Xena shook her head with a small laugh. "You two sound like a pair of architects planning an entire kingdom."

Gimli puffed out his chest. "Someone has to do it, lass. Can't leave all the hard work to the elves."

As the conversation continued, Xena found herself slipping into her thoughts. Legolas and Gimli were animatedly discussing their future plans, but she felt a pang of loneliness—a reminder of her past, of Gabrielle and the life she had left behind. She excused herself quietly, walking back toward the chambers she and Legolas shared. The cool night air calmed her as she wandered through the halls of Minas Tirith, her thoughts drifting to memories of how far she had come.

By the time she reached the chamber, she felt a mix of emotions—gratitude for the bonds she had forged in this world and the uncertainty of what the future might hold. But one thing she knew for certain: whatever lay ahead, she would face it alongside Legolas, one step at a time.

The chamber was dimly lit, the soft glow of a single lantern casting flickering shadows across the stone walls. Xena lay on the large bed, her body relaxed but her mind far from still. She wore a simple night shift, her armor and weapons neatly arranged on a nearby chair. Her gaze was fixed on the ceiling, though her thoughts were clearly elsewhere.

The door creaked softly as Legolas entered. His rope was loose, his hair unbraided, and his expression calm but watchful. He immediately noticed her contemplative state. Without a word, he undressed, placing his belongings beside hers. Climbing onto the bed, he extended his arm, waiting silently for her to come closer.

Xena turned her head, meeting his gaze. His eyes, as always, held that unique elven glow, a mix of understanding and unspoken emotion. She shifted closer, rolling into his waiting embrace. His arm wrapped around her, pulling her gently against his chest. She exhaled deeply, the warmth of his body grounding her wandering thoughts.

"You're troubled," he said softly, his voice like the breeze through the trees.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It's nothing, really. Just… thinking about everything. The past, the future. Trying to piece it all together."

Legolas's fingers traced light circles on her shoulder. "The past may shape us, but it does not have to bind us. You have done more than most to move forward, Xena."

She smiled faintly, resting her head against his chest. "Says the elf who spent centuries blaming himself for things beyond his control."

He chuckled softly, the sound reverberating through his chest. "Fair point. But I am learning, thanks to you."

They lay in comfortable silence for a while before Legolas spoke again. "Gimli and I were discussing our travels earlier," he began, his tone casual but inviting.

"Let me guess," Xena replied with a smirk. "Fangorn Forest, the Glittering Caves, and Ithilien?"

Legolas's eyebrows rose slightly. "You've been eavesdropping, I see."

"Hardly," she teased. "You two are predictable. Besides, you've been talking about Fangorn for ages. As for Ithilien, I suppose you're planning a hunt to track down those glowing mushrooms?"

He nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Ithilien will be beautiful again. A place of light and renewal. With or without the mushrooms. I would like you to see it, Xena. To be part of that journey."

Xena shifted to look up at him, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Are you inviting me on an adventure, mushroom prince?"

"I am," he said, his voice warm but serious. "Gimli and I have our plans, but I want you there with us. It would not feel right without you."

She chuckled, the sound tinged with genuine affection. "Well, I'm not one to turn down an adventure. Count me in."

Legolas smiled, a rare, genuine smile that softened his features. He tilted his head slightly, studying her. "You miss her, don't you?" he asked gently, his tone shifting.

Xena blinked, surprised by the change in subject. "Her?" she echoed.

"Gabrielle," he said softly. "You've mentioned her before, but only in fragments. I can see it in your eyes sometimes, when you think no one's watching."

Xena sighed, her expression softening as she thought of her best friend. "She was… everything to me," she admitted. "My balance. My light in the darkness. Gabrielle was the one person who believed in me, even when I couldn't believe in myself."

Legolas listened intently, his hand brushing gently against her arm as she spoke. "She brought you here, didn't she?"

"She did," Xena confirmed, her voice quieter now. "Gabrielle found a way to send me to Middle-earth after… after everything. She thought I could find peace here. Maybe she was right."

"She must have loved you deeply to make such a choice," Legolas said thoughtfully.

"She did," Xena whispered, a faint smile on her lips.

Legolas tightened his embrace, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "You honor her memory with every step you take. And I will honor her by standing with you."

They lay there in silence, the weight of the conversation slowly giving way to the warmth of their connection. The night deepened, the stars outside shimmering like distant beacons of hope. As Xena drifted off to sleep in Legolas's arms, she felt, for the first time in a long while, that she was exactly where she needed to be. And Legolas, holding her close, knew that their journey—wherever it led—would be one they would face together.

((Upcoming Chapter One-Hundred-Twenty-Seven))

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