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)
ActII
Rivals
Chapter 20: Open Skies, Fresh Air
Woodland Realm, July 3018 T.A.
After a day of retracing their steps along the Old Forest Road, they finally emerged from the oppressive confines of Mirkwood Forest. Though danger still lurked beyond its borders, they were now free from the forest's stifling darkness. The fresh air revitalized them, allowing the memories of the thirty-five harrowing days spent in the forest's shadowy depths to begin fading.
The boundary of Mirkwood was marked by a stark change in the landscape. The twisted, gnarled trees of the forest gave way to open terrain, and the air, once heavy and damp, became lighter and fresher. The first rays of sunlight breaking through the canopy felt like a blessing, illuminating their path with a golden glow.
Legolas closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air. Far from the darkness of his homeland, he felt a sense of calm slowly wash over him. The journey through Mirkwood had been treacherous, and although he had traversed those woods many times, this time felt especially long and dark. Now, they could finally breathe freely and rest. He decided they would camp near a river in the open space, where they could refresh, rest, and recuperate.
"We are finally out," Legolas said, his voice filled with relief as he took another deep breath. "The Old Ford is not far now."
Xena, riding beside him, nodded in agreement. "It feels like we've been in that forest forever. The fresh air is a welcome change."
She, too, felt the weight lift from her shoulders as she breathed in the fresh air. The constant state of high alert began to fade, and she realized how much she needed a long bath and a change of attire. Her clothes were torn, and stained with dirt and blood, and she smelled awful. Strangely enough, despite their weary and dirty appearance, the elves didn't smell bad. She had never been close enough to notice before, but now it was evident.
The elves—Thalion, Elros, and Mírdan—shared similar sentiments. Having been on edge for so long, the newfound openness of the land was almost disorienting. The past thirty-five days had been a relentless battle against darkness and enchantment, and leaving Mirkwood felt like emerging from a long, dark tunnel.
As they continued to ride, the group fell into a more relaxed rhythm. The danger was not entirely gone, but the psychological weight of Mirkwood had lifted. They could now reflect on their journey and the challenges they had faced.
Thalion was the first to break the silence. "I never thought I would be so glad to see the end of those trees. The darkness seemed endless."
Elros nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We faced more than just physical dangers. The enchantments and illusions tested our minds and spirits. But we made it through."
Mírdan, usually the most cheerful of the group, wore a somber expression. "I still see the shadows in my dreams. But out here, under the open sky, it feels like we can start to heal."
After another day of riding, they finally reached the Old Ford. The River Anduin stretched before them, its waters sparkling under the afternoon sun. The ford was shallow, the remnants of the ancient stone bridge barely visible beneath the surface. Crossing the Ford required caution, the cool water a refreshing change from the oppressive heat of the forest.
Navigating the broken bridge took careful planning and teamwork. They decided to lead the horses one by one through the shallower parts of the river. Thalion and Elros took the lead, guiding the horses gently into the water. Legolas and Xena followed, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. The riverbed was rocky, and they had to step carefully to avoid slipping. The horses, though wary, trusted their riders and moved steadily across the ford. The sound of water splashing around their legs was soothing, a reminder of the peaceful world beyond the darkness of Mirkwood.
On the far side, they found a wide, grassy area, perfect for setting up camp. The land was open and inviting, with plenty of space for the horses to graze and for them to rest. The lush green grass was dotted with wildflowers, and the river flowed gently nearby, its murmur a constant, comforting presence.
Legolas took a moment to look around, appreciating the beauty of their surroundings. "This is a good place to rest," he said, his voice filled with a rare contentment. "We can stay here for a few days, gather our strength, and plan our next move."
Xena nodded, "It's good to be out of the forest. We need this time to recover."
Elros chose an open space close to the river and near a part of the broken bridge that could serve as a makeshift shelter. They divided the tasks among themselves to make the work easier, as everyone was weary from their journey. Thalion and Elros quickly set up camp, their movements efficient despite their exhaustion. They lit the fire, and soon it was crackling, providing warmth and a sense of normalcy. The open sky above them was a welcome sight, the stars beginning to twinkle as night fell.
Mírdan gathered some fresh water from the river while Xena laid out their bedding near the fire. The horses, relieved to be out of the dense forest, grazed contentedly on the lush grass. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the fresh, earthy smell of the riverbank.
Legolas and Xena next turned their attention to the horses, carefully removing saddles, girths, reins, and their belongings. Though they were weary, they agreed that brushing down the horses was a necessary task for the evening. This simple act of care allowed the horses to fully enjoy the open space and lush grass for the days they would camp here.
For the first time, Legolas and Xena worked together closely, their shared mission to tend to the horses creating a calm moment between them. Both had a profound connection with their mounts, making every moment spent with them significant.
Xena gently stroked Chubby, her loyal horse. Chubby was not like Argo, her old companion, but he had carried her through countless adventures, proving to be a trusted ally. She murmured softly to him, her voice filled with affection. "You've done well, Chubby. You've carried me through thick and thin, and now you deserve this rest."
Legolas, meanwhile, spoke softly in Elvish to his horse, and to the other horses. His voice was melodic, filled with a gentle reverence. "Mae govannen, mellon nin," he whispered, his words a soothing balm. "You have been brave and strong. Rest now, under the stars and the open sky."
Xena watched Legolas with curiosity, her interest piqued by his manner with the animals. The Mirkwood elves were often seen as prideful and aloof, but here she saw a different side—one that respected nature and had a deep connection with animals. She approached him, still brushing Chubby, and couldn't help but ask, "What do you say to them, Legolas?"
He paused, looking up with a faint smile. "I tell them they have done well, and they are safe now. Horses, like all creatures, understand more than we often give them credit for. They deserve our gratitude and care."
Xena nodded, feeling a newfound respect for the elf. "I've always spoken to my horses, too. They are more than just animals to me. They are friends, companions. Chubby here, he may not be Argo, but he's carried me through many dangers. I owe him my life."
Legolas continued to brush his horse, his movements calm and precise. "In Mirkwood, we believe that all living things are connected. The trees, the animals, the very land itself. When we respect and care for them, they in turn offer us their strength and loyalty."
The two fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts as they tended to the horses. The rhythmic brushing, the gentle murmur of the river, and the soft sounds of the horses' contentment created a serene atmosphere. It was a rare moment of peace, a chance to reflect and find solace in simple tasks.
As they finished, Legolas looked over at Xena, they stood there for a moment longer, watching the horses graze peacefully. The stars above twinkled in the clear night sky, and for the first time in many days, they both felt a glimmer of hope.
The group settled into a routine, the fresh air and open space providing a sense of calm that had been missing for so long. After the camp was set up and the fire was lit, Elros prepared a simple but hearty meal. They gathered around the fire, eager to replenish their strength.
Elros, who had been particularly affected by the enchantments of Mirkwood, spoke quietly. "We've come a long way, but there's still much farther to go."
Legolas, his face softened by the flickering firelight, nodded. "Yes, our journey has tested us greatly. We have fifteen days of hard riding ahead until we reach Rivendell."
Mírdan, finishing his meal, sighed heavily. "At least we have a few days to rest here before facing another long ride."
Legolas smiled reassuringly. "Indeed, Mírdan. We will take the time we need to gather our strength. And as we continue our journey, we will make sure to camp more frequently than we did in Mirkwood. We must remain alert, but also take care of ourselves."
The fire crackled softly as the group fell into a contemplative silence, each member reflecting on the trials they had faced and the challenges yet to come. The stars above shone brightly, a reminder of the vast world beyond their immediate struggles. Despite the hardships, there was a sense of unity and purpose among them, a shared determination to see their journey through to the end.
As the camp was set and the fire crackled warmly, Elros, Mírdan, and Thalion exchanged glances, silently agreeing it was time to clean up and tend to their wounds. Elros stood up and stretched, addressing the group.
"We're heading to the southern part of the river to clean up," he announced. "We'll take our belongings and be back soon. If anyone needs us, just holler."
Legolas nodded approvingly. "Take your time and make sure you clean up well. We all deserve a bit of relaxation."
Mírdan grabbed his pack, slinging it over his shoulder. "Come on, Thalion. Let's get this over with. I feel like I've been dipped in mud and left to dry."
Thalion chuckled, collecting his gear. "Right behind you. Maybe we'll even find some time to patch up our clothes."
The three elves made their way to the southern part of the river, enjoying the quiet walk under the open sky. Upon reaching the riverbank, they set down their belongings and began stripping off their dirty clothes, laughing at the state of their attire.
Mírdan, holding up his torn tunic, shook his head in mock despair. "Look at this! I don't think even Elrond's finest seamstress could save this one."
Elros laughed, tossing his shirt onto a nearby rock. "You might be right, Mírdan. But a good wash and some quick repairs should make it wearable again."
Thalion, already half-submerged in the cool water, called out. "Quit complaining and get in here. The water feels amazing."
The other two quickly followed suit, diving into the river with bars of soap they had packed. The cool water was a refreshing change from the grime and sweat of their long journey. They laughed and splashed each other, reveling in the simple pleasure of being clean.
Elros, scrubbing at his arms, grinned. "I'd almost forgotten what it feels like to be clean. This is heavenly."
Mírdan, his hair covered in soap suds, dunked himself under the water and came up grinning. "We should do this more often. Maybe not wait until we're half-dead from exhaustion next time."
Thalion, using a flat rock to scrub his tunic, nodded. "Agreed. Let's make a pact to not wait so long between washes. And we need to keep an eye on our wounds, too. Mirkwood wasn't kind to us."
After they had cleaned themselves thoroughly, they took turns washing their clothes, scrubbing out the dirt and grime. As they waited for their clothes to dry, they examined their wounds, using supplies from their packs to clean and bandage them.
Elros winced as he applied a salve to a cut on his arm. "This will sting for a bit, but it's better than letting it fester."
Mírdan, wrapping a bandage around a scrape on his leg, nodded. "True. We need to be in top shape for the next leg of our journey."
Thalion, finishing up with his own injuries, leaned back on the grass, looking up at the stars. "For now, let's just enjoy this moment. We've earned it."
As their clothes dried, they lay back on the grass, enjoying the rare moment of peace and camaraderie. They joked and teased each other, the tension of their journey momentarily forgotten. The river's gentle flow provided a soothing soundtrack to their laughter and conversation.
Eventually, they dressed in their now-clean clothes, feeling revitalized. Mírdan stood and stretched. "Alright, gentlemen, time to head back. Our friends will think we've been swept away if we don't return soon."
Elros chuckled. "Let's not give them a scare. We've got to maintain our reputation as dependable elves."
Thalion grinned, picking up his pack. "Indeed. Let's go before Legolas sends out a search party."
They gathered their belongings and made their way back to camp, feeling lighter and more at ease. The fire still burned brightly, and the sight of their companions waiting for them brought a sense of homecoming.
As they approached, Xena looked up and smiled. "You all look much better. Feeling refreshed?"
Elros nodded, dropping his pack beside the fire. "Absolutely. The river was exactly what we needed."
Legolas, with a knowing smile, said, "Rest well, my friends."
Legolas, preferring solitude for his moments of personal care, chose to clean up later when the others were asleep. He enjoyed the cold water of the river and found peace in tending to his wounds alone, using the time to relax and reflect.
Meanwhile, Xena decided to head to the northern part of the River Anduin for her own cleansing ritual, taking advantage of the elves being in the southern part. She needed this time for herself, to rid her body of the grime of their long journey and to refresh her spirit.
She made her way to a secluded spot by the riverbank, the moonlight casting a silvery glow over the rippling water. Setting her belongings down on a flat rock, she began to strip off her old clothes. Each piece came off with a sense of liberation, the tattered remnants of her journey through Mirkwood falling away. Her shirt, gown and trousers were so worn and stained that they were beyond repair. With a final sigh of relief, she discarded them onto the ground.
She stood by the water's edge, the cool night air brushing against her skin. She had found a pair of old black leggings and a black shirt in her pack, which she would wear after her bath. Her boots, still sturdy and comfortable, were left behind at the camp along with her weapons. For this moment, she needed nothing but the cleansing water and the open sky.
Stepping into the river, she felt the cold water envelope her feet and legs, sending a shiver up her spine. She waded in deeper, the water rising to her waist, then to her chest. The chill was invigorating, washing away the fatigue and dirt of her long journey. She immersed herself completely, letting the water close over her head, and surfaced with a gasp of exhilaration.
Xena took out a bar of soap she had brought along, its herbal scent filling the air as she lathered it between her hands. She worked the lather into her hair, massaging her scalp and feeling the grime dissolve under her fingers. The soap bubbles caught the moonlight, sparkling like tiny stars as they floated away on the current.
She scrubbed her skin vigorously, removing the layers of dirt, blood, and sweat. Her muscles, tired and sore from the journey, began to relax under her touch. She took her time, enjoying the sensation of the soap and the cold water, feeling cleaner and more refreshed with each passing moment.
As she washed, Xena looked up at the night sky. The stars were bright and numerous, their light twinkling like distant beacons. The moon hung full and luminous, casting its glow over the landscape. She felt a deep connection to the universe, a sense of peace and calmness that had been missing for so long. The water, the sky, and the stars all seemed to come together in perfect harmony.
After thoroughly cleansing herself, she rinsed off the soap, watching as the last suds drifted away downstream. She floated on her back for a while, letting the water support her, gazing up at the sky. Her mind wandered to the adventures she had been through, the challenges she had faced, and the strength she had found within herself.
The long ride through Mirkwood had been arduous, fraught with peril and shadow. Xena had embarked on this quest with a singular, deadly purpose: to find Legolas of the Woodland Realm and kill him. But now, as she rode alongside him, fought beside him, and witnessed his actions, that mission seemed a distant and misguided memory.
Legolas, despite his many infuriating qualities—pride, arrogance, and a host of other titles she could easily bestow upon him—was not evil. She had seen the depth of his care for his companions, the respect he showed to nature and animals. These were not the actions of someone deserving of death. She would gladly punch him, for their journey had been peppered with arguments and conflicts, and the elf's demeanor often grated on her nerves. But killing him? That no longer seemed justified.
Taking the quest in the first place had been a moment of impulsive recklessness, driven by a desire for adventure and a handsome payment. Now, with a clearer perspective, she knew she would eventually have to return the gold and confront those who had set her on this path. But tonight, her only concern was to clean up and calm down.
Mirkwood had been nothing like she expected. She had faced darkness before, battled it both within herself and in the world around her. But this was different. The darkness growing in Middle-earth was profound and pervasive. It was a malevolence that required her strength and resolve, and she had already committed to aiding in its defeat.
Riding with the Woodland Elves to Rivendell now seemed like the best course of action. Though she typically preferred to travel alone, the realms they were now traversing were unfamiliar to her. Her maps provided scant information, and the journey was fraught with dangers she was not prepared to face on her own. Following Legolas, despite his vexing presence, was the wisest choice. And who knew? She might still get her chance to punch him.
Tonight, however, was about finding peace. She swam a little deeper along the river, away from the bank, enjoying the soothing coolness of the water against her skin. Elros, Mírdan, and Thalion had already drifted asleep, their weary bodies succumbing to the much-needed rest. Legolas, having decided it was time to clean up and take his own moment of solitude, noticed Xena's absence. Though he did not particularly like her, he felt a responsibility towards everyone in the company.
He gathered his belongings and walked towards the northern part of the river where he expected to find her. As he approached, he saw her discarded attire—torn and dirty—lying on the ground with a fresh set of clothes and a towel neatly placed on a rock. Setting his own belongings beside hers, he walked down to the bank of the river, scanning the water but seeing no sign of her.
"Xena?" he called out, his voice soft yet carrying a hint of concern. There was no immediate response, only the gentle murmur of the river and the rustling of leaves in the night breeze. He walked closer to the water's edge, peering into the darkness.
Suddenly, a splash sounded from the deeper part of the river, and Xena emerged, the moonlight catching on her wet skin and glistening like tiny diamonds. She was clearly startled by his presence, her eyes narrowing in irritation.
"Legolas! What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice a mix of surprise and annoyance.
"I came to make sure you were alright," he replied, his tone defensive. "It's been a while since you left, and it's not safe to be alone out here."
"I can take care of myself," Xena snapped, moving towards the bank. "I don't need an elf babysitting me."
Legolas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I wasn't babysitting. I was just concerned."
Xena rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by his concern. "Well, you've seen that I'm fine. You can go back now."
Xena was mostly annoyed to see him there, but she remained protected under the water. If the elf ended up seeing her naked, it didn't seem to bother her much. She wouldn't parade naked in front of him, but when the time came and Legolas was still there, she would simply step out of the water.
In her mind, she thought elves would be more concerned about being seen nude or seeing someone else nude. And that was true. Although elves had a more innocent approach to nudity, they still avoided being naked around different genders. Legolas knew he should leave and let the human have her privacy. But he was equally annoyed, and his stubbornness won over.
Instead of leaving, Legolas stripped off his clothes, setting them neatly on the rock beside hers. "I need to clean up too," he said simply, stepping into the river.
In all his long years, it was the first time Legolas did something so out of the ordinary. He stepped closer, with only a white cloth covering his private area. Perhaps it was a bold move, but for some reason, it brought a smirk to his lips. After all the darkness they had endured and the painful nights, tonight was rather refreshing and playful.
Xena's eyes widened in disbelief as he waded into the water. "Are you serious? You couldn't wait until I was done?"
Although annoyed by his action, Xena took her time to observe the infuriating elf. The moonlight illuminated his skin, highlighting every detail. Indeed, Legolas was a sight for sore eyes, and she couldn't deny that. After so much time in the dark woods and even longer being alone, she took a moment to appreciate the half-naked elf in front of her.
"The river is big enough for both of us," Legolas replied, his tone annoyingly calm as he submerged himself.
Xena muttered something under her breath, clearly annoyed. "Fine, but stay on your side."
Legolas swam towards a deeper part of the river, giving Xena her space. The cold water was refreshing, washing away the grime and fatigue of their journey. Despite her irritation, Xena couldn't help but notice the graceful way Legolas moved through the water, his elven heritage evident in every fluid motion.
After a few minutes, Legolas surfaced near Xena, unable to resist making a comment. "You know, for someone who claims to hate elves, you seem to spend a lot of time with us."
Xena glared at him, her patience wearing thin. "I don't hate elves. Just arrogant ones like you."
Legolas raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Arrogant, am I? And what does that make you?"
"Resourceful," she shot back, her eyes flashing with anger. "Unlike you, I've had to fight for everything I have."
Legolas's smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "You think I haven't fought for anything? You know nothing about me, Xena."
"I know enough," she replied, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're privileged, sheltered. You don't understand what real struggle is."
Legolas's eyes hardened, and he swam closer, his face inches from hers. "Don't presume to know my life. I have seen more struggle and loss than you can imagine."
For a moment, they stared at each other, the tension crackling in the air between them. Then, with a sudden, unexpected splash, Xena shoved him, sending him stumbling back into the water.
Legolas surfaced, sputtering with surprise. "What was that for?"
"To remind you to stay on your side," Xena said, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
Legolas laughed despite himself, shaking his head. "You're impossible."
"And you're infuriating," she retorted, but there was a lightness in her tone that hadn't been there before.
They continued their bath, occasionally exchanging barbs and insults, but there was an underlying sense of camaraderie. They might not like each other, but they had come to a grudging respect. The moonlight danced on the water, and the stars above seemed to wink at their playful conflict.
After they finished, they both emerged from the river, dripping wet and feeling strangely rejuvenated. As they dressed, Legolas glanced at Xena, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Perhaps we're not so different, you and I."
Xena paused, meeting his gaze. "Maybe. But don't think this means I like you."
Legolas chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it."
Clean and refreshed, they walked back to camp side by side, neither speaking as the night's events settled in their minds. The moonlight guided their steps, casting long shadows behind them. When they reached the camp, Xena moved to her blankets, leaning back and watching as Legolas placed his belongings down and prepared to leave once more.
Legolas, true to his routine, began to gather his things to find a solitary spot away from the group. Xena, observing him closely, decided to address the issue that had been nagging at her.
"Legolas," she called softly, her voice cutting through the quiet night. "Why do you always sleep alone? Why not stay here with the rest of us?"
Legolas paused his back to her, the question hanging in the air. He turned slowly, his expression guarded. "I find the quiet helps me rest better," he replied, his tone even. "And I prefer to keep watch over the camp from a distance."
Xena narrowed her eyes, not entirely convinced. "Is that the real reason? Or is there something you're not telling us?"
Legolas sighed, knowing he needed to maintain his facade. He put on his best act, masking the truth with a lie. "It's just my way, Xena. I've always been more comfortable in solitude. It's nothing more than that."
Xena studied him, sensing there was more to his story. "You know, sometimes it helps to talk about what's bothering you. Keeping it all inside only makes it worse."
He shook his head, forcing a small smile. "I appreciate your concern, but there's nothing to talk about. I simply prefer it this way."
Xena leaned back, placing her hands on her hip. "Fine. But if you ever decide to share the real reason, know that I'm here to listen."
Legolas nodded, appreciating her offer even though he had no intention of accepting it. "I'll keep that in mind."
He turned and walked away, finding his usual secluded spot at the edge of the camp. As he lay down, he gazed up at the stars, their light offering a fleeting comfort against the dark memories that haunted him. The nightmares were his burden to bear, a secret too heavy to reveal, especially to someone he barely trusted.
Xena watched him from a distance, her thoughts swirling. Despite their differences, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the elf. She knew what it was like to carry burdens alone, and she respected his choice, even if she didn't fully understand it.
The night grew colder, the campfire crackling softly in the background. Xena pulled her blankets around her, her eyes lingering on the spot where Legolas had disappeared. She resolved to keep a closer eye on him, sensing that beneath his calm exterior lay a depth of pain she had yet to comprehend.
The camp fell silent, each member finding their own uneasy rest. For Xena and Legolas, the night brought a fragile understanding, a shared recognition of the battles fought within. As the stars watched over them, they each found a semblance of peace, knowing that in their silent companionship, they were not entirely alone.
((Upcoming Chapter Twenty -One))
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