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 23: A Moment of Truce

Old Ford, July 28th 3018 T.A.

Stars filled the sky like pale corn scattered across the freshly turned ground, their soft glow a promise of life in the night and a sense of warmth springing from the cold. The vastness of the sky brought a humbling sense of eternity, a gratitude for the coziness of their camp. Tonight was their last night here; tomorrow, after a hearty breakfast, they would continue their journey.

The days spent at the camp had provided a much-needed break from the long trek through darkness. Tonight, everyone was busy with final preparations, ensuring they would be ready to depart from the Old Ford. They planned to travel south through the Gap of Rohan and then north to Rivendell, taking the longest but safest route by horse.

The campfire burned high, casting a warm glow on the scene. Legolas and Elros were engrossed in their map, making the last notes about the path they would take. Xena watched them for a long time, their low voices speaking in Elvish a soothing murmur that almost lulled her to sleep.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she approached them, wanting to know more about their route. She sat down next to Legolas, her eyes scanning the detailed map, which seemed to cover every corner of Middle-earth. Her own maps felt woefully incomplete in comparison. 'Annoying elves,' she thought with a smirk, as she studied the chosen path.

Legolas pointed out their current location on the map and traced the route they would take. They would travel south following the River Anduin, pass the Gladden Fields, and ride through Lothlórien. He explained that Lothlórien was a kingdom of Silvan Elves on the eastern side of the Hithaeglir, considered one of the most beautiful and elven places in Middle-earth.

From Lothlórien, they would ride south through the Wold, aiming to reach the Gap of Rohan. From there, they would travel along the North-South Road, then north through Dunland, and follow the river Bruinen in eastern Eriador until they reached Rivendell.

As Xena listened, her practical side kicked in. "That's the longer journey," she pointed out. "We could cross the Misty Mountains and get there faster."

Legolas sighed, knowing this argument was inevitable. "By horse, crossing the Misty Mountains would be nearly impossible. We're taking the safest route, not the fastest. I want everyone to reach Rivendell safe and well."

Xena placed her hands on her hip, her brow furrowing. "We've faced worse dangers than the Misty Mountains. We're wasting time."

Legolas's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "This is not just about us. It's about our horses and ensuring we're not caught off guard. The longer route is safer. It's my responsibility to ensure the safety of the entire group."

The campfire crackled, casting dancing shadows around them as the tension grew. Elros watched silently, his eyes flicking between the two.

Xena shook her head. "I understand caution, but sometimes you have to take risks. We can't just play it safe all the time."

Legolas stood his ground, his voice firm but calm. "Risks are calculated. This is not a decision made lightly. We've discussed this, and it's the best course of action. We'll face enough challenges on this path without adding unnecessary ones."

Xena's eyes met his, a mixture of frustration and grudging respect. She could see his point, even if she didn't fully agree. "Fine," she conceded. "But if we run into trouble, don't say I didn't warn you."

Legolas nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Duly noted. But trust me, Xena, this is the right decision."

Their argument settled, and the two turned back to the map, discussing the finer details of their journey. Despite the friction, there was a sense of mutual respect in their interactions, and a recognition of each other's strengths and perspectives.

As the stars continued to twinkle overhead and the fire crackled warmly, the camp slowly settled into a peaceful rhythm. Xena decided to take a long bath, as the annoyance of Legolas's comment about her smelling like fish still lingered in the back of her mind. Although she knew she didn't smell now, the memory of his remark, combined with his own scent overtaking the natural aromas, made her want to compete with him, even in cleanliness.

The scent of summer rain mingled with a hint of mint and citrus from Legolas left a lingering feeling of freshness and cleanliness that caused Xena's irritation to rise. Deep down, she liked the way the elf smelled, but of course, she would never admit that to anyone, least of all to him.

So here she was, with her towels and soap, walking to the north side of the River Anduin. She placed her clothing neatly on a rock and dove into the cold waters, shivering as the chill enveloped her. The water was refreshing, and she took her time scrubbing her skin, determined to get as clean as possible.

The moonlight reflected off the water's surface, casting a silvery glow that danced with the ripples. Xena's movements were methodical, her fingers working the soap into a rich lather as she scrubbed away. The cool water washed over her, carrying away boredem of the past days.

She could hear the distant murmurs of her companions by the campfire, the low hum of their voices blending with the gentle rush of the river. The sounds of nature around her—the rustling leaves, the occasional call of a night bird—added to the tranquility of the moment.

As she rinsed the soap from her skin, Xena felt a sense of renewal. The cold water invigorated her, and the scent of the soap, a blend of rose and eucalyptus, filled her senses, replacing the lingering annoyance with a sense of calm.

She lingered in the water a bit longer, enjoying the solitude and the peace it brought. She lifted her head, watching the open night sky, noticing the stars. They were not much different from the ones in her old world, but the patterns they formed were unique. It was a reminder that she was indeed in another world, far from what used to be her realm. Though she was slowly becoming familiar with this place and its people, the knowledge that she would never return to her own world or see her trusted friend again saddened her.

The sounds of the camp had quieted down, and only the gentle rush of the river interrupted the stillness of the night. Suddenly, she heard a splash nearby and turned around, instantly alert. To her surprise, she found herself face to face with the annoying elf, Legolas, who had quietly slipped into the river.

They gazed at each other in bewilderment. Xena hadn't heard him approaching, a testament to his light steps and careful movement. She allowed her eyes to linger on his torso for a moment longer than necessary, knowing it would irritate him. But he should have known better than to intrude on her space.

Legolas, for his part, hadn't seen her or her clothes. He had approached from the left side of the rock, stripped, and placed his clothes there, intending to take a long swim to ease the nightmares that plagued his nights. He hadn't noticed Xena until he dived into the river and saw movement in the distance.

An argument was inevitable. Both had sought solitude and were now forced into another confrontation. Their stubbornness flared, and the tension quickly escalated.

"What are you doing here?" Xena demanded, her voice low but edged with irritation.

Legolas raised an eyebrow, his expression cool. "I could ask you the same thing. This river doesn't belong to you."

Xena stood her ground. "I was here first. You should have noticed my things."

Legolas's eyes flashed with annoyance. "My gaze did not fall upon your garments until it was already too late. Nevertheless, I too am entitled to the use of the river."

Their voices rose, echoing off the water and rocks. "You elves always think you can just slip in and out without anyone noticing," Xena shot back. "Well, sometimes you should pay more attention."

Legolas clenched his jaw, his patience wearing thin. "And you humans think everything revolves around you. I was merely seeking a moment of peace, not an argument."

Xena's eyes narrowed. "Funny, because your presence is exactly what ruins my peace."

Legolas took a deep breath, trying to keep his temper in check. "Xena, believe it or not, we both have the right to be here. Can we not just coexist for once without resorting to conflict?"

She stared at him, surprised by his attempt to de-escalate the situation. For a moment, the tension hung in the air, heavy and thick. Then, with a resigned sigh, Xena nodded. "Fine. But keep your distance."

Legolas nodded curtly.

They turned away from each other, each finding their own space in the river. The water, cold and calming, did little to ease the simmering irritation between them. Yet, as they both sought their separate peace, there was an unspoken understanding that maybe, just maybe, they could coexist.

Though she tried to calm down, the scent of the specific, annoying elf was overwhelming. The fragrance of summer rain mingled with a hint of mint and citrus grew stronger by the moment. Xena rolled her eyes, not just envious of how lucky elves were to smell so good, but irritated that Legolas's scent could reach her from such a distance.

Frustrated, she turned and swam closer to him. Legolas noticed the disturbance in the water and turned, watching as she approached. Close enough for a low conversation, Xena, clearly irritated, asked him how it was possible for his scent to be so strong.

Legolas was taken by surprise, a pleasant surprise nonetheless. He studied her for a moment, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Does the smell upset you, or do you like it?" he asked, his tone playful.

Xena shot him a deadly glare in response, making him smirk in a way he hadn't for a long time. Turning around, he felt her eyes on him as he swam to the riverbank. He stepped out of the water, his movements graceful, and walked over to the rocks, picking up something before returning.

Xena's gaze followed him, observing his back, noting the silver lines of scars etched into his skin. When Legolas returned, her eyes remained fixed on him, making the elf almost blush and more aware of his nudity. Though he wouldn't admit it to her, being exposed like that with her staring made him feel vulnerable.

Ignoring her intense gaze, he dove back into the water and swam over to her, offering her a bar of soap. "Part of the reason we elves smell better is because of this," he explained, holding the soap out to her. "It's stronger, cleans more thoroughly, and the scent lasts longer." He couldn't resist adding with a smirk, "But don't think you'll ever smell as good as I do."

Xena took the soap, her irritation mingling with curiosity. She lathered it in her hands, the scent of citrus and lavender filling the air. "You really think this will make a difference?" she asked skeptically.

Legolas chuckled softly. "Try it and see. It might surprise you."

She continued scrubbing her skin, noting how the soap worked its way into every pore, leaving a fresh, clean feeling behind. The strong scent of the soap mingled with the cool water, creating a soothing effect. Despite herself, she felt a sense of relaxation she hadn't expected.

Legolas watched her, a small smile playing on his lips. "See? Even humans can benefit from elvish secrets."

Xena rolled her eyes again but couldn't help the slight smile that tugged at her lips. "Fine. I'll admit, it's good soap."

He laughed, the sound light and carefree, a stark contrast to their usual arguments. "There's hope for you yet."

They both fell silent, the gentle sounds of the river filling the air. The moonlight reflected off the water, casting a silvery glow over their surroundings. For a moment, the usual tension between them eased, replaced by a tentative camaraderie.

When they finally finished their baths, they climbed out of the river and dressed, the cool night air wrapping around them. Xena wrapped herself in her towel, feeling the softness against her clean skin. Legolas, too, seemed more relaxed, his usual guarded demeanor softened by the evening's unexpected peace.

Xena sat on the rock, her belongings neatly placed beside her. Her gaze was fixed on the river, the dim light of the moon offering enough brightness to illuminate the night's calmness. She took a smaller towel and leaned her head, wrapping it around her hair to dry it. Her fingers worked through the fabric, methodically drying the damp strands.

Legolas stood a little further away, having already donned his leggings. His wet long hair rested against his back as he also gazed ahead, lost in thought. The calmness of the night, the refreshing bath, and the unexpected argument with Xena had, for once, pulled him away from his usual loop of nightmares.

As they both took in the calm surroundings, the silence was eventually broken by Xena. "You mentioned Athelas earlier," she began, her voice soft yet curious.

Legolas turned slightly, his keen eyes reflecting the moonlight. "I learned from Strider—Aragorn," he replied. "He taught me how to make a paste from it. Athelas, or kingsfoil as some call it, has remarkable healing properties. It's saved many lives."

Xena nodded, intrigued. "Aragorn. You speak of him with great respect."

Legolas smiled faintly. "He is a remarkable man. We've been through countless battles together. His knowledge of healing, especially with herbs, is unmatched. It's something I've come to rely on."

Xena hesitated for a moment, then decided to share. "I had a friend like that. Gabrielle. She was my closest companion, my trusted friend. She saved my life more times than I can count."

Legolas turned fully to face her, sensing the depth of her emotions. "Tell me about her."

Xena's eyes softened as memories flooded back. "Gabrielle was a bard, a storyteller. But she was also a warrior. She had this incredible spirit, always seeing the good in people, and always believing in second chances. I wouldn't be here without her."

Legolas nodded, understanding the bond she described. "You mentioned she might be the reason you're in this world. How so?"

Xena sighed, looking back at the river. "When I died in my world, I believe it was her that somehow brought me here. It's just a feeling, but it's strong. Being in Middle-earth, it feels like I'm being given another chance, another journey to undertake."

Legolas's eyes softened with empathy. "It's a rare thing, to have such a bond. In my travels, I've seen many forms of companionship, but the bond you describe is unique."

Xena looked at him, her eyes meeting his. "What about you, Legolas? Do you have someone like that?"

Legolas' voice softened a distant look in his eyes. "Aragorn and I share a bond forged in battle and brotherhood. I journeyed with him, the sons of Elrond, and the Rangers of the North for many years. Though Aragorn and the twins are among my most trusted friends, as is their sister Arwen. Tauriel, too, holds a special place in my heart. We grew up together, and she has always been a steadfast companion on my patrols."

Xena smiled at that, appreciating the sentiment. "It sounds like you've been on quite the journey yourself."

Legolas nodded, his gaze returning to the river. "I have. And like you, I've faced loss and found unexpected alliances. It's what makes this journey, and the people we meet along the way, so vital."

The conversation flowed naturally, both sharing stories of their respective worlds and the companions they had traveled with. Xena spoke of her battles, her victories, and her losses, and Legolas shared tales of his adventures with Aragorn, and then twins.

As the night wore on, the moon climbed higher in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scents of the forest and the river.

Xena looked up at the stars, their patterns foreign yet strangely comforting. "It's strange," she mused. "Being in a different world, yet finding connections that feel so familiar."

Legolas glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "Perhaps it's a reminder that no matter where we are, certain truths remain. Friendship, loyalty, the fight for what's right. These things transcend worlds."

Xena nodded, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. "You're right. And I suppose, in some way, it makes this journey a bit easier, knowing we're not alone."

Legolas smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "Indeed. We may come from different worlds, but here, in this moment, we stand together."

They shared a moment of quiet understanding, the bond between them strengthened by their conversation. The night had brought unexpected revelations and a deeper sense of camaraderie. As they prepared to return to the camp, a newfound respect and a tentative friendship were forming between them.

Xena returned to the camp, lying on her bedding and letting her thoughts drift to Gabrielle, her life in her previous world, and the life she was navigating now. She missed Gabrielle deeply, the adventures they shared, and the bond that had kept her grounded. Gabrielle's words had often kept Xena from succumbing to her darker side, her innocence a stark contrast to the hardness Xena had developed over years of battle and hardship.

As she lay there, Xena couldn't help but draw parallels between Gabrielle and Legolas. There was an innocence in Legolas, a purity that shone through his actions and demeanor. It was a quality she had seen in many elves, but in Legolas, it was particularly potent. Despite his pride, arrogance, and the many times he had irritated her to the point of wanting to punch him, Legolas was undeniably a force of good.

Xena reflected on her own path, the darkness she had walked side by side with, and the ever-present fear that she could easily fall back into it. A wrong turn, a deep wound, and the shadows could reclaim her. That fear was her greatest burden, one she carried silently.

Meanwhile, Legolas had once more chosen to sleep alone, away from the camp. But tonight was different. His mind was busy with thoughts of Xena and the revelations she had shared. The depth of her story, the pain and strength intertwined, stirred something within him. He found himself lying awake, contemplating the complexities of this human warrior who had somehow become an unexpected ally.

Eventually, the curiosity and contemplation gave way to a rare, peaceful sleep. For a few hours, he rested without the usual nightmares that plagued him. The dreams did come later, shadowed and dark, but the brief respite he had was enough to provide some relief.

The night passed quietly, the camp enveloped in the serene ambiance of the forest. The fire's embers glowed softly, casting a gentle light on the sleeping forms of the companions. The sounds of the river and the whispers of the trees created a soothing symphony that lulled even the most restless souls into a deeper state of rest.

As dawn approached, a pale light began to filter through the trees, promising the start of a new day. Xena stirred from her sleep, feeling the weight of her thoughts but also a renewed sense of determination. She glanced over to where Legolas usually slept and saw him returning to the camp, his expression more peaceful than she had seen in days.

Their eyes met, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. The conversations of the night before had left an impact, creating a fragile but growing bond. Despite their differences and the constant push and pull of their interactions, there was a shared understanding now.

Xena rose from her bedding, stretching and preparing for the day ahead. Legolas joined her by the fire, the two of them moving in a quiet synchronicity born from mutual respect.

"Good morning," Legolas greeted her, his voice soft.

"Morning," Xena replied, her tone lighter than usual.

As the rest of the camp began to wake, there was a palpable sense of readiness. They had taken the time to rest and regroup, and now they were prepared to continue their journey. The path ahead would be long and filled with challenges, but with each step, the bonds between them strengthened.

Xena and Legolas, each carrying their own burdens and fears, found solace in the knowledge that they did not walk this path alone. Together with their companions, they would face whatever came their way, guided by the shared goal of reaching Rivendell and the unspoken promise to support one another along the way.

((Upcoming Chapter Twenty - Four))

Thank you for taking the time to read this! Feel free to Review - Follow - Favorite!