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 I
Foes
Chapter 16: Shadows of Enchantment
Woodland Realm, July 3018 T.A.
They were still far from the old forest road. Although it has not been used as much recently, Legolas preferred to take that road to avoid the heart of the forest's darkness. It still held the common dangers— orcs, spiders, and other creatures eager for a fight— but it was free from the oppressive, unbearable darkness that pervaded the deeper parts of Mirkwood.
Until now, Mirkwood had shown its dangers and darkness, but there was one thing Xena had not yet witnessed: its magic. She had often heard the elves speak of the forest's enchantments, hinting that there was more to fear than just the creatures and the darkness. Despite traveling with them for some time, she had yet to see this magic for herself.
As they neared the Enchanted River, getting closer to the Mirkwood Mountains, the air grew colder, and the atmosphere seemed to change. The trees here were older, their branches intertwining high above to form a dense canopy. The ground was soft underfoot, covered in a thick layer of moss and fallen leaves. A faint mist hung in the air, giving the forest an otherworldly feel.
Legolas had a plan. He intended to skirt along the mountains rather than crossing them, as the mountains held dangers even the elves avoided. His demeanor had noticeably changed; he was more careful, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.
Legolas's heightened alertness was apparent to everyone. He led the group with unwavering focus, his every movement precise and purposeful. He would not let them camp for too long, and when they did, it was without the comfort of a fire. Their dinners consisted mostly of a type of bread the elves called 'Lembas'. Xena found it surprisingly tasty and was amazed at how just a small portion could sustain them for a long time.
The Enchanted River, which they walked beside, was a thing of eerie beauty. The water flowed silently, its surface reflecting the twisted trees and the pale light filtering through the canopy. The river was known to have strange effects on those who touched its waters, causing deep sleep or even hallucinations. Legolas warned the group to stay well away from its banks.
The forest seemed alive, the trees whispering secrets she couldn't quite catch. The mist that hung in the air sparkled faintly, as if tiny stars were suspended in the droplets. The very ground seemed to pulse with a quiet energy, and she felt a tingling sensation in her fingertips.
Elros, ever the guardian, walked beside Xena, his eyes scanning the forest. "The Enchanted River is a place of old magic," he explained. "It is wise to heed Legolas's caution. The water holds enchantments that even we elves respect."
Xena nodded, her curiosity piqued. "I've heard tales of this river, but seeing it is different. It feels... alive."
Elros smiled faintly. "Indeed. Mirkwood is a place of ancient power. It is not just the creatures or the darkness we must be wary of, but the forest itself."
As they continued their journey, the sense of foreboding grew. Legolas's demeanor was tense, his hand never far from his bow. Thalion and Mírdan mirrored his readiness, their eyes darting to every shadow, every rustle in the underbrush.
The path they took wound through dense thickets and under towering trees, the landscape growing increasingly rugged as they approached the mountains. The mist thickened, obscuring their vision and making every step feel uncertain.
Legolas halted suddenly, raising a hand for silence. The group stopped, holding their breath. A soft, melodic sound reached their ears, like the distant chiming of bells. It was both beautiful and unsettling, echoing through the trees.
Xena strained to see through the mist, her heart pounding. "What is that?" she whispered.
Legolas's eyes narrowed. "It's the magic of Mirkwood. The forest is speaking to us, warning us."
Elros stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "We must move quickly and quietly. This area is known for its enchantments. Stay close and do not stray from the path."
As they moved on, the chiming grew louder, surrounding them like an invisible chorus. The mist swirled around their feet, and the trees seemed to close in, their branches forming almost impenetrable barriers. The forest was testing them, its ancient magic probing their resolve.
They walked for hours, their progress slow and cautious. The path grew narrower, forcing them to walk single file. The sound of the river was a constant presence, its magical waters a reminder of the dangers lurking just beyond sight.
Xena kept a close eye on Legolas, noting how his every movement was measured, his senses attuned to the slightest change. Despite their previous animosity, she found herself relying on his expertise, trusting his judgment in this strange and perilous place.
As night fell, the forest grew darker, the mist thicker. They set up a small, fireless camp, their movements quiet and efficient. The elves, with their heightened senses, took turns keeping watch.
Xena sat beside Legolas, the tension between them temporarily set aside. "This place... it's unlike anything I've ever seen," she admitted her voice barely above a whisper.
Legolas nodded, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond their camp. "Mirkwood is a place of ancient magic and great danger. It tests all who enter, but it also protects those who respect it."
Xena looked at him, her curiosity growing. "How do you navigate it so well?"
A faint whisper of Legolas' words. "I've spent my life in these woods. They are a part of me, and I am a part of them. The forest speaks to those who listen."
The night was quiet, the only sound the soft whisper of the wind through the trees and the distant, melodic chime of the enchanted river. As they closed their eyes, the forest watched over them, its ancient magic a constant, unseen presence, guiding and testing them every step of the way.
Legolas stayed with the rest in the camp, again refusing to sleep tonight. Worried about the magic tricks the forest might bring to their step, he remained awake with his company and the human. The rest of his company, although they closed their eyes and lay on their blankets, could not sleep. They felt it—something was amiss. It was not the familiar darkness; it was something else, something that was getting under their skin.
Even Xena felt it. It was as if someone, or something, was staring at them, waiting to attack. This presence was different from the usual darkness. It felt insidious, almost like it was luring them in, setting a trap waiting for them to fall into it. The atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with an unseen tension that prickled their senses.
The mist around them thickened, swirling in unnatural patterns. The trees seemed to loom closer, their twisted branches reaching out like claws. A soft, melodic whisper echoed through the forest, too quiet to understand but loud enough to unsettle. The ground beneath them seemed to pulse with dark energy, a heartbeat of the ancient forest.
Legolas stood, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings. His hand tightened around his bow, every muscle in his body tensed and ready. "Stay alert," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "There is dark magic at work here."
Suddenly, the melodic whisper grew louder, more insistent. It was a song, eerie and haunting, weaving through the trees and wrapping around them like a shroud. The elves, sensitive to magic, felt its pull more acutely. Their eyes widened in alarm, their breaths quickening.
Elros sat up, his expression grave. "We must leave this place," he said urgently. "The enchantment is growing stronger. We cannot stay here."
But it was too late. The ground beneath them shifted, the soft moss turning into a dark, viscous substance that clung to their boots and pulled them down. The trees around them seemed to come alive, their branches twisting and turning, forming an impenetrable barrier. The once soft and melodic song turned harsh and discordant, filling their minds with fear and confusion.
Xena struggled against the dark substance, her strength barely making a difference. "What is this?" she shouted, panic creeping into her voice.
Legolas drew an arrow, his eyes darting around for any sign of an enemy. "It's an enchantment, designed to trap us. We must break free!"
Out of the swirling mist, dark shapes began to form. They were humanoid, but their features were indistinct, their bodies made of shadow and malice. Their eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and their movements were swift and silent. They circled the camp, their presence radiating an intense, malevolent energy.
One of the shadow creatures lunged at Thalion, its clawed hand reaching for his throat. Thalion barely managed to raise his sword in time, the blade passing through the creature's body but doing little to deter it. The creature hissed, a sound like nails on a chalkboard, and recoiled only to strike again.
Elros fought another creature, his movements swift and precise, but the shadows were relentless. They seemed to absorb the blows, their forms shifting and reforming with each strike. "We cannot fight them like this," Elros shouted. "We need light!"
Legolas fired an arrow at one of the shadows, the enchanted tip glowing briefly as it passed through the creature. The shadow wavered, its form flickering, but it did not fall. "They are made of darkness," he said, frustration evident in his voice. "Only light can harm them."
Xena, her sword in hand, faced off against another shadow. She swung her blade, the steel cutting through the air, but the creature evaded her strikes with unnatural speed. She could feel the enchantment tugging at her mind, trying to pull her into a dark, dreamlike state. She shook her head, fighting to stay alert. "We need to break this enchantment," she said, her voice steady despite the chaos around her.
Mírdan, remembering the stories of old, shouted, "The river! Its water can break enchantments. We must reach it!"
Legolas nodded, his mind racing. "Follow me!" he commanded, leading the way through the dark substance that clung to their feet. The group struggled to move, their progress slow and arduous. The shadow creatures followed their hissing and whispering growing louder, more insistent.
As they neared the Enchanted River, the air grew colder, the mist thicker. The river's surface glowed faintly, the water shimmering with a soft, ethereal light. Legolas reached the bank first, scooping up a handful of water and throwing it at one of the shadow creatures. The water hissed as it made contact, the shadow recoiling and dissipating into the mist.
"Use the water!" Legolas shouted. "It will dispel the shadows!"
The group fought their way to the river, using the enchanted water to fend off the shadows. Each splash of water sent the creatures into retreat, their forms dissolving into the mist. But the enchantment still held strong, the dark substance pulling them down, the discordant song filling their minds with fear and confusion.
Xena, her strength waning, reached for the water. She cupped her hands, the cool liquid filling her with a sudden clarity. The enchantment's hold on her mind weakened, and she felt a renewed sense of determination. She splashed the water on her face and hands, the darkness around her receding.
The others followed her lead, using the river's water to break free from the enchantment. Slowly, the dark substance lost its grip, the shadow creatures retreated into the forest. The discordant song faded, replaced by the gentle, melodic whisper they had heard earlier.
With the enchantment broken, the group hurried away from the river, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. They did not stop until they were far from the enchanted area, the forest around them returning to its usual, oppressive darkness.
They collapsed to the ground, their bodies trembling from the exertion and fear. Legolas looked around, his eyes meeting each of them. "We must remain alerted," he said, his voice firm. "The forest will continue to test us. We cannot let our guard down."
Xena nodded, her face pale but determined. "We'll make it through," she said. "Together."
They had moved far away from the river, leaving behind the area where the enchantment had felt so vivid. Though they still had days of walking until they reached the old forest road, the darkness around them was familiar but no less threatening. Legolas knew that the shadows they encountered now were nothing compared to the deeper magic and darkness that could lie ahead. He tried to remain as untouched by fear as possible. They chose to walk through the area rather than ride their horses, preferring the stealth and control that walking provided.
Despite knowing that camping longer might aid in their recovery, Legolas refused to take the risk. He preferred to keep moving, aiming to cross this area and then camp in a darker but more familiar part of the forest where dangers could be dealt with using their swords. Reading Legolas was never easy; his cold demeanor and unemotional face rarely gave away what he was thinking. But when the elf was on high alert, Xena had learned to read his actions. His bow was always ready to strike, and he paid even more attention to his surroundings.
"It's not over, is it?" Xena figured out in a low tone. "There's more to come of these enchantments?"
Legolas shared a glance with her and nodded, but said nothing, only walking forward.
They walked for hours, the scenery around them unchanging, the enchantment seemingly steady. The forest was a labyrinth of twisted trees and thick underbrush, the air heavy with moisture and the scent of decay. The ground was uneven, covered in a thick layer of moss that muffled their footsteps.
As the afternoon wore on, the atmosphere began to change. The light filtering through the canopy took on a strange, almost iridescent quality, casting shifting patterns on the forest floor. The trees seemed to close in around them, their branches intertwining to form a dense, almost claustrophobic tunnel. The air grew colder, and a soft, melodic whispering began to echo through the trees.
Legolas halted, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings. He sensed the magic before he saw it. The whispering grew louder, transforming into a haunting melody that seemed to seep into their minds, clouding their thoughts. The forest around them shimmered, the trees and underbrush shifting and changing as if alive.
"Stay close," Legolas warned, his voice tense. "The forest is playing tricks on us."
Xena drew her sword, her eyes narrowing as she tried to focus. "What now?" she muttered, her breath visible in the suddenly cold air.
Without warning, the ground beneath them began to move. Roots and vines erupted from the earth, twisting and writhing like serpents. They wrapped around their legs, pulling them down and immobilizing them. The forest was alive, its ancient magic intent on capturing them.
Legolas fired an arrow at one of the vines, the enchanted tip slicing through it with ease. But for every vine he cut, two more took its place. The ground seemed to pulse with dark energy, the air thick with the scent of earth and decay.
Out of the shadows, dark figures emerged. Similar to the humanoid twisted shadows they have met close to the river, their bodies covered in bark and moss, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light. They moved with eerie grace, their movements synchronized with the pulsing of the forest.
One of the creatures lunged at Legolas, its clawed hand slashing at him. He dodged, but another vine caught his ankle, pulling him off balance. The creature's claws raked across his arm, leaving deep gashes. He grimaced in pain but fought on, his movements swift and precise.
Xena swung her sword at another creature, the blade slicing through its bark-like skin. She felt a vine wrap around her waist, pulling her back. She struggled against it, her strength barely making a difference. Her gown, already worn from their journey, began to tear, the fabric catching on the thorns and branches.
Legolas, seeing her struggle, fired an arrow at the vine holding her. The arrow found its mark, and the vine released her. "We need to find the source of this magic," he shouted over the din. "It's the only way to stop it!"
The group fought their way through the writhing vines and attacking creatures, their progress slow and arduous. The melodic whispering grew louder, more insistent, filling their minds with confusion and fear. The forest seemed to shift around them, the path constantly changing, leading them in circles.
Elros, his sword flashing in the dim light, shouted, "This way! I think I see it!"
They followed him, cutting and hacking their way through the dense underbrush. The clearing was small, but it provided a brief respite from the attacking vines and creatures. In the center of the clearing stood a large tree, its bark glowing with a faint, ethereal light.
Legolas approached the tree cautiously, his bow ready. "This is the source," he said, his voice low. "We need to destroy it."
Xena, her breathing heavy, nodded. "Then let's do it."
As they moved closer to the tree, the ground beneath them began to tremble. The whispering grew to a deafening roar, the air vibrating with dark energy. The tree's branches twisted and turned, reaching out like claws. From its base, more vines erupted, thicker and more powerful than before.
Legolas fired arrow after arrow at the tree, each one finding its mark but doing little to weaken it. Xena swung her sword with all her strength, cutting through the vines that tried to ensnare them. The other elves fought valiantly, their blades flashing as they battled the relentless assault.
Suddenly, a vine caught Legolas around the waist, lifting him off the ground and slamming him against the tree. He cried out in pain, his bow falling from his grasp. Xena, seeing him in danger, fought her way through the vines, her movements fierce and determined.
With a powerful swing, she cut through the vine holding Legolas, freeing him. He fell to the ground, breathing heavily, but managed to grab his bow. "We need more light," he gasped. "It's the only way to weaken it."
Elros, realizing the truth of Legolas's words, shouted, "Cut through the branches! Let the light pass through! The light will dispel the darkness!"
The group quickly cut through the high branches. The ethereal light from above seemed to pierce the darkness, weakening the vines and creatures. The tree's glow began to fade, its branches retreating.
Legolas, his strength returning, fired a final arrow at the tree's heart. The arrow, glowing with the light, struck true. The tree shuddered, its bark cracking and splintering. With a deafening roar, it fell, the dark energy dissipating into the air.
The forest around them fell silent, the whispering gone. The vines and creatures dissolved into the ground, leaving no trace of their presence. The air grew warmer, the light returning to its normal, dappled state.
Legolas, his arm still bleeding, leaned heavily on Xena. "Thank you," he said quietly, his voice strained.
Xena nodded, her gown torn and bloodied. "We're not out of this yet," she replied, her voice determined. "But we'll make it."
The group, exhausted moved away from the clearing. They knew they still had a long journey ahead, but they had faced the darkness and emerged stronger. Together, they would navigate the shadows of Mirkwood, their resolve hardened by the trials they had overcome.
As they walked, the forest watched over them, its ancient magic a constant, unseen presence, guiding and testing them every step of the way. Legolas gestured for them to take a few hours of rest. They could not linger long, but they were too weary to keep moving. They set up camp as fast as they could, staying close to each other with their horses nearby.
No one could really sleep. They tended to their wounds, the eerie feeling of the enchantment still close by. The atmosphere was thick with tension, the shadows of the forest pressing in around them. The fire they dared to light was small, its flickering flames casting long, dancing shadows on their faces. The horses were restless, their ears flicking at every sound, their eyes wide with unease.
Elros, ever vigilant, kept watch with Thalion. They whispered quietly, their eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger. Mírdan, despite his usually cheerful demeanor, was silent, his expression grim as he cleaned his sword and checked his gear.
Xena treated some of her cuts. They were not major, so it did not take long to clean them up. She ended up cutting through a major piece of fabric from her gown, knowing that when they got out of this, she would need to change. The gown, once elegant and practical, was now torn and bloodied, a testament to the trials they had faced.
As she struggled with cutting through the fabric, she noticed Legolas. The elf was sitting on a large cut branch, his sleeves rolled up as he tried to treat his wound. He had succeeded in cleaning it and applying some healing paste, but tying the clean bandage around it seemed difficult.
Xena sighed and walked over, standing in front of Legolas. She noticed his gaze rising to meet hers, confusion evident in his eyes. Without a word, she lightly punched his hand away and grabbed the bandage. Legolas tilted his head, still confused by her actions.
She soon placed one edge of the clean bandage on his arm and started wrapping it around the wound. "Your pride should sometimes be forgotten when it comes to your well-being," she said softly, her tone firm but gentle.
Legolas watched her, a mix of surprise and curiosity in his eyes. Xena's movements were swift and practiced, her touch surprisingly gentle despite her earlier brusqueness. She finished wrapping his arm and then let it go, her hands lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
Xena looked at him a little longer, noticing something for the first time. Legolas's pride was a little bit like hers. How many times had she neglected to treat her own injuries, choosing isolation even when traveling with Gabrielle? It didn't matter how skilled or confident she was; her wrongdoings, the deaths she had caused, always weighed her down. It was the one thing that constantly dragged her down.
For a moment, a fleeting moment, she thought that Legolas was carrying his own burdens, perhaps something too deep, too harsh, that made him act as she did. There was a shared pain in their eyes, an unspoken understanding of the heavy burdens they both carried.
The moment was lost when Legolas spoke, his voice quiet and reflective. "Thank you," he said, his tone sincere. "I am not accustomed to accepting help."
Xena nodded, her expression softening. "Neither am I. But sometimes, we don't have a choice."
Legolas looked at her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers. "You are a skilled warrior, Xena. Your strength is admirable."
Xena smiled faintly, a rare, genuine smile. "Legolas. We all have our demons to face. But facing them alone is not always the best way."
Legolas nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "You speak from experience."
Xena's gaze grew distant, memories flickering in her mind. "Yes, I do. There was a time when I thought I could bear everything on my own. But I've learned that sometimes, we need others to help carry the load."
Legolas glanced at the bandage on his arm, then back at Xena. "I will remember that."
They sat in silence for a while, the campfire crackling softly, the shadows of the forest looming around them. The shared understanding between them, though unspoken, was a small comfort in the vast darkness.
He paused, finding the broch, his fingers closing around the small brooch, Lasgalen—the Little Leaf. It had been his mother's gift to him, lovingly crafted when he was no older than seven. She had made it herself, pouring her care and devotion into every delicate detail. It wasn't just a token; it was a talisman of protection, a piece of her heart meant to shield him wherever he wandered. He had it still with him.
As the fire's warmth seeped into their bones, the rest of the group began to settle, the tension easing slightly. They knew the forest's dangers were far from over, but for now, they had found a brief respite, a moment of peace amidst the chaos.
The forest, with its ancient magic, watched over them, testing and guiding them every step of the way. As they closed their eyes, the weight of their burdens felt a little lighter, their resolve a little stronger. Together, they would face the challenges ahead, their destinies intertwined by the trials they had endured and the understanding they had begun to share.
((Upcoming Chapter Seventeen))
Thank you for taking the time to read this! Feel free to Review - Follow - Favorite!