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 24: Races & Clashes

Along the River Anduin, July 29th 3018 T.A.

It was that early hour, just before dawn breaks, when the world was silent. The fire had burned down to glowing embers, and everyone inside the camp was asleep. Mostly. The elven prince, Legolas, was awake, having woken once more from his frequent nightmares. He decided not to dwell on them. No birds sang yet, and the wind had died, leaving the trees still in their wake, as though everything was holding its breath, waiting for the first rays of sun to color the eastern sky. It was warm this fall morning, humid with the promise of later rain, and the air moved sluggishly aside to admit the passage of a soft, rhythmic drumming.

The sound of boots on soft, dew-rich dirt vibrated gently as Legolas walked back into the camp, starting to gather his belongings. He moved with the quiet grace of his kind, disturbing nothing as he packed his gear. His movements were efficient and precise, honed by years of travel and battle.

Elros soon joined him, his presence a silent acknowledgment of the tasks at hand. The two elves worked in harmony, dismantling their temporary shelters with practiced ease. They rolled up their bedding, shaking off the last remnants of sleep, and packed them away. The tents were taken down swiftly, their canvas folding neatly into compact bundles.

As the first hint of light began to touch the sky, the rest of the camp stirred. Thalion and Mírdan, still groggy but motivated by the necessity of the journey, began their own preparations. Thalion checked their provisions, ensuring that their supplies were securely packed and easily accessible. Mírdan busied himself with extinguishing the last of the embers, carefully spreading dirt over the remnants of the fire to ensure it was completely out.

Xena awoke next, stretching and shaking off the lingering thoughts of the night before. She joined the elves in their preparations, her movements strong and sure. She rolled up her own bedding and packed it tightly, making sure everything was ready for the road ahead.

The horses, grazing quietly nearby, were brought to the center of the camp. Each companion took care of their own steed, brushing down the coats and checking the saddles for any wear or damage. The scent of leather and horse mingled with the fresh, damp earth, creating a familiar and comforting aroma.

Legolas approached his horse, a noble creature with a coat like polished onyx. He whispered softly to it in Elvish, a soothing melody that seemed to calm the animal. He checked the saddle and bridle, ensuring they were secure and comfortable. Xena, nearby, did the same with her horse, her touch gentle but firm as she prepared it for the journey.

Elros and Thalion distributed the supplies among the horses, balancing the loads to ensure no steed was overburdened. They moved with the quiet efficiency of those who have done this many times before, each action precise and purposeful.

As the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape, the camp was nearly ready. The companions made final adjustments to their packs and checked their weapons, ensuring everything was in order. The quiet chatter of preparation filled the air, a stark contrast to the silence of the night.

Finally, with the camp dismantled and the horses ready, the company gathered at the edge of the clearing. Legolas took a moment to look at each of his companions, a silent affirmation of their readiness. He nodded, and they set off, the rhythmic sound of hooves on the soft earth marking the beginning of their journey.

They began riding south next to the River Anduin, the open fields of green grass stretching out before them as the sun slowly rose, casting a golden light over the landscape. The morning was as promising as ever, filled with the fresh scent of dew and the distant sound of the river's gentle flow.

Thalion and Mírdan, riding ahead, began a silly competition to see who could ride straight without veering from their line. Their laughter and playful banter echoed across the fields. Elros, enjoying the rare opportunity to ride through an open field, relaxed and took in the serene beauty around him.

Xena and Legolas rode side by side, the rhythmic thudding of their horses' hooves providing a soothing background to their conversation. They discussed their mounts, a topic that was simple yet engaging.

"Your steed, though undoubtedly strong, appears to carry a touch more weight than is ideal for swift travel," Legolas remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Xena chuckled, not offended but rather amused. "He was quite chubby when I first got him. But with all the riding we've done, he's lost most of that weight. He's doing just fine now."

Legolas couldn't resist teasing her. "Nonetheless, a more corpulent steed would surely lack the swiftness of my own."

Xena half-turned her head, cocking an eyebrow at him. "You wanna race me, pretty boy?"

Legolas gathered the reins of his horse, his competitive spirit igniting. He nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Very well. Accepted."

Truth be told, Legolas was inherently competitive. He often accepted challenges when they came from Aragorn or the twins, but rarely did so on a mission. Today, however, he didn't think twice. He simply accepted.

Elros, noticing the change in pace, watched as Xena and Legolas suddenly increased their speed. Their horses surged forward, muscles rippling under their sleek coats as they rode hard, neck and neck.

The wind whipped through their hair, and the sound of pounding hooves filled the air. Xena leaned forward, urging her horse on, her eyes focused and determined. Legolas matched her stride for stride, his elven grace evident in his seamless connection with his mount.

"Is that all you've got, elf?" Xena called out, her voice carrying a mix of challenge and excitement.

Legolas shot her a quick glance, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm just getting started, human."

They pushed their horses harder, the open field stretching out endlessly before them. The thrill of the race surged through their veins, momentarily erasing any previous tensions.

Xena's horse, despite its earlier chubbiness, kept pace admirably. She urged him on with gentle yet firm commands, her bond with the animal evident in their synchronized movements. Legolas, ever the master rider, guided his horse with fluid precision, each motion a testament to his skill.

As they neared a distant grove of trees, the finish line they had wordlessly agreed upon, Xena glanced at Legolas. "Think you can keep up, pretty boy?"

Legolas smirked, a competitive fire in his eyes. "You might be fast, Xena, but not fast enough."

With a final burst of speed, they charged toward the trees, neck and neck. The ground blurred beneath them, and the sound of their horses' breathing mingled with the rush of the wind.

In the final stretch, Xena and Legolas pushed their mounts to the limit, their competitive spirits driving them forward. The finish line loomed closer, and with a last, powerful surge, they crossed it simultaneously, pulling their horses to a halt amidst the trees.

Breathless and exhilarated, they looked at each other, their eyes shining with the thrill of the race. "Not bad, elf," Xena admitted, a grudging respect in her tone.

Legolas nodded his own respect for her evident. "You too, human. That was a worthy race."

Elros and the others caught up, having watched the impromptu race with amusement. "That was quite the spectacle," Elros said, shaking his head with a smile. "Next time, try not to leave the rest of us behind."

Xena and Legolas shared a look, their rivalry momentarily set aside by a shared sense of accomplishment. As they regrouped and continued their journey, they rode at a slower pace near the river. The day was warm, the sun shining brightly overhead, casting a golden glow over the landscape. It was an ideal summer day, unmarred by any problems or interruptions. The open fields stretched out around them, the river a serene companion to their journey.

They rode straight for hours, the long rest they had taken at the camp rejuvenating their spirits. The camaraderie was palpable, and each member of the company was in high spirits. The adventure was continuing, and the path ahead seemed clear.

As the morning progressed, they decided to take a small pause for breakfast. They dismounted near a cluster of trees by the riverbank, the shade offering a cool respite from the sun. The horses were given a chance to drink and graze while the companions settled down to eat.

Xena and Legolas found themselves sitting across from each other on a large, flat rock. A basket of fresh fruits was placed between them, the colors vibrant and inviting. Elros and the others began to enjoy their own meals, but Xena and Legolas, ever the competitors, seemed to find a challenge in even the simplest of tasks.

Xena picked up an apple, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. "Think you can finish yours faster, elf?"

Legolas raised an eyebrow, accepting the unspoken challenge. "You think you can beat me in this too, human?"

Without another word, they both took a bite of their apples, the race beginning in earnest. The sounds of crunching filled the air, each determined to outpace the other. Their eyes locked in a playful glare, the competitive fire evident.

Elros noticed and shook his head with a smile. "Here they go again," he remarked to Thalion, who chuckled in agreement.

As Xena and Legolas devoured their apples, the rest of the company watched with amused interest. The two rivals made quick work of the fruit, but it was clear neither was willing to concede.

Xena finished her apple first, raising the core triumphantly. "Beat that, elf!"

Legolas smirked, tossing his own core aside. "We'll see about that." He reached for a pear, biting into it with the same determination.

Xena grabbed a peach, the juice running down her chin as she took a large bite. "Not so fast, Legolas."

The race continued, each fruit a new challenge. The vibrant colors of the apples, pears, peaches, and berries contrasted with their intense expressions. The company watched, entertained by the spectacle.

At one point, Xena reached for a cluster of grapes, popping them into her mouth one by one with rapid precision. Legolas, not to be outdone, mirrored her actions, his nimble fingers plucking the grapes swiftly.

As they neared the bottom of the fruit basket, it was clear that the challenge was taking its toll. Both were slightly breathless but neither willing to back down. Xena finished the last grape, her eyes sparkling with triumph.

"Looks like I win," she declared, wiping the juice from her chin.

Legolas, finishing his last piece of fruit, gave a reluctant nod. "This time, perhaps. But next time will be different."

Their friendly banter continued, the rivalry now getting more intense. The company laughed, the mood light and joyous. It was a simple moment, but it encapsulated the spirit of their journey—one of challenge, growth, and the bonds forged through shared experiences.

After the impromptu fruit-eating contest, they packed up their belongings and mounted their horses. The sun was higher now, and the day was well underway. They resumed their journey, the path ahead inviting and the promise of new adventures on the horizon.

As they rode, Xena and Legolas exchanged occasional glances, their rivalry ever-present but now tinged with mutual respect. They were a team, bound by the challenges they faced together, and the road ahead, though uncertain, was one they would travel side by side.

They rode on, the journey continuing under the bright summer sun. At one point, Xena found herself riding next to Mírdan. The elf glanced at her with a mix of admiration and curiosity.

"I must say, Xena," Mírdan began, "your confidence in challenging Legolas is impressive. Not many dare to do so."

Xena smirked, her competitive spirit shining through. "I've never been one to back down from a challenge."

Mírdan nodded. "Few have dared to challenge him openly. Tauriel, when she was younger, used to challenge him quite freely. But as they grew older and their responsibilities grew heavier, things changed."

Xena's curiosity was piqued. She recalled Legolas mentioning Tauriel and how they had grown up together. "Tell me more about Tauriel," she asked, her tone genuinely interested.

Mírdan smiled, glad to share what he knew. "Tauriel is a skilled warrior and a loyal friend. She and Legolas have a deep bond, forged through many years of shared experiences. There's not much about her early life that's widely known, but her bravery and dedication are well respected."

He paused, gathering his thoughts. "The most notable story involving Tauriel is tied to the dwarves, Bilbo, and the events surrounding Thorin Oakenshield's company. Tauriel developed feelings for one of the dwarves, Kili."

Xena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A love story between an elf and a dwarf? That sounds unusual."

"It was," Mírdan agreed. "Their bond was unexpected and complicated. Tauriel's feelings for Kili were genuine, and it was a connection that defied the norms of our people. During the quest to reclaim Erebor, Tauriel, and Legolas aided the dwarves and Bilbo in their journey."

As Mírdan spoke, Elros and Thalion, who were riding nearby, joined in, adding details to the story. "Tauriel was deeply affected by Kili's death," Elros said. "He died during the Battle of the Five Armies, and his loss left a profound impact on her."

Thalion continued, "After Kili's death, Tauriel was overcome with grief. She left Mirkwood, unable to bear the weight of her sorrow within its borders. She wandered for decades, seeking solace and healing."

Legolas, who had been riding ahead, turned back to join the conversation. His expression was somber as he recounted the final part of the story. "Tauriel eventually returned to Mirkwood. She found her way back after many years, having come to terms with her grief. She remains a respected figure among our people, her bravery and strength undiminished."

Xena listened intently, absorbing the tale. "It's a tragic story," she said softly. "But it speaks to her strength and resilience."

Legolas nodded. "Tauriel is indeed strong. Her journey has shaped her into the remarkable person she is today. We all carry our burdens, but it's how we face them that defines us."

The group rode in reflective silence for a while, each companion lost in their thoughts. Xena found herself thinking about the parallels between her own experiences and Tauriel's. Both had faced loss and grief, and both had found ways to continue moving forward.

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the landscape, the company continued their journey. The conversation had brought them closer, sharing personal stories and deepening their understanding of one another.

It was a strange day for Legolas. The elf had not shown such light amusement and behavior for a while. When he was with trusted friends, he was more relaxed, often seen accepting challenges and engaging in long conversations. But when on a mission, this rarely happened. Today was different. The rivalry that had begun with the human days ago now continued, and Legolas found himself not only taking part but enjoying it.

As evening approached, the warm glow of the setting sun bathed the green fields in golden light. They rode onward, the day blessed with warm weather and a peaceful journey, unmarred by any dangers. They rode until late at night, the moon rising high above them, casting a silvery glow on their path.

Finally, Legolas signaled for them to stop in a safe spot near the river. The sound of the gently flowing water added to the tranquility of the place. They decided to camp there for the night. The company quickly set up their camp, the practiced efficiency of seasoned travelers evident in their movements.

Their meal was a cold and simple one, eaten quickly under the canopy of stars. The camaraderie that had built up over the day lingered in the air, but fatigue from the long ride made them retire early.

Legolas, as was his custom, chose to sleep away from the main camp. He found a secluded spot under a large tree, the branches providing a natural canopy. He sat down, leaning against the trunk, and closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the night wash over him.

The day had been filled with unusual lightness for him. The rivalry with Xena, while spirited and competitive, had also been refreshing. It reminded him of the times he spent with Aragorn and the twins, moments of challenge and camaraderie that he cherished.

Despite the amusement, the burden of his nightmares and the mission still weighed heavily on him. As he sat there, his thoughts drifted back to the conversations they had throughout the day. Xena's determination, her courage, and even her stubbornness had made an impression on him. She was a formidable ally, one who, despite their constant bickering, had earned his respect.

Legolas sighed, trying to clear his mind. The peacefulness of the night was a stark contrast to the turmoil of his thoughts. He knew he needed rest, yet he also knew that sleep would bring the nightmares he dreaded.

He looked up at the stars, their distant light a silent reminder of the vastness of the world and the smallness of his worries in comparison. Taking a deep breath, he allowed himself to relax, the gentle rustling of leaves and the soothing flow of the river lulling him into a rare, restful state.

In the camp, the others were already asleep, their breaths even and calm. Xena lay on her bedding, staring up at the sky, her thoughts also occupied with the events of the day. The rivalry with Legolas had brought out a competitive side in her, but it also made her appreciate the elf's skills and resilience. Despite their differences, there was a growing bond, one forged through shared challenges and mutual respect.

As she closed her eyes, she thought of Gabrielle, wishing her friend could see this strange, new world and meet the companions she had found here. The night was peaceful, the promise of another day's adventure waiting in the quiet moments before sleep claimed her.

Legolas, too, finally succumbed to sleep, the exhaustion of the day overriding his usual restlessness. For once, the nightmares stayed at bay, allowing him a few precious hours of undisturbed rest. The camp remained silent, the night wrapping its gentle arms around the weary travelers, cradling them in a rare moment of serenity.

At dawn, the company was once more preparing for the day's ride. They had a quick breakfast, packed up their camp, and were ready to continue their journey south along the Anduin River. Yesterday's light mood had faded, replaced by a more serious demeanor as each member was lost in their thoughts. They had a few more days until they would reach the Gladden Fields, and the weight of their mission hung heavily over them.

Xena was deep in thought about needing a new outfit when they reached the next town. Her special-made armor from Harad was gone, and she was currently wearing something far from adequate for a warrior. Her musings were abruptly interrupted by the sight of two goats running straight toward her from the west. Behind them, an older woman called out frantically, pleading for them to stop before they fell into the river and drowned.

In an instant, the warrior princess sprang into action. With her customary battle cry, she flipped off her horse and landed in front of the goats. She managed to grab the first one by the rope hanging around its neck. The second goat bypassed her but was swiftly stopped by Elros, who had leaped into action just as quickly.

Legolas and the rest of the company came to a halt, watching as the older woman hurried over to retrieve her goats. She was immensely grateful and offered them a warm meal and some wine at her small cottage just a few yards away to the east.

Legolas frowned at the idea, preferring to continue their journey without delay. "We should keep moving," he said firmly. "The sooner we reach the Gladden Fields, the better."

Xena, however, had a different opinion. "It's been days since we've had a warm meal. We could use the break."

Legolas turned to her, his expression stern. "A warm meal is not worth the risk of delay. We have a mission to complete."

Xena's eyes narrowed. "We've been riding non-stop. A short break won't kill us, but it might give us the strength we need for the journey ahead."

Their disagreement quickly escalated into a heated argument, drawing the attention of the rest of the company.

"We don't have time for this!" Legolas insisted, his voice rising. "Every moment we waste puts us further behind."

"And I'm telling you, a short break will do us more good than harm!" Xena shot back. "We need to take care of ourselves if we're going to be effective."

Elros stepped forward, siding with Legolas. "Legolas is right. We need to stay focused and keep moving."

Thalion and Mírdan, however, seemed to favor Xena's suggestion. "A warm meal sounds good," Thalion said. "It's been a while since we had one."

Mírdan nodded in agreement. "And it's not like we're asking for a whole day. Just a short stop."

Legolas's frustration grew. "We can't afford unnecessary stops. Our mission is too important."

Xena's patience snapped. "I'm not asking for your permission, Legolas. We're taking a break, even if you don't want to."

Legolas's eyes flashed with anger. "You're jeopardizing our mission with your stubbornness!"

Xena stepped closer, her voice low and intense. "And you're pushing us too hard, Legolas. We're not invincible. A short rest could make all the difference."

The tension between them was palpable, the rest of the company watching in silence, torn between the two leaders.

Thalion broke the silence. "Look, we're all tired. A warm meal might be just what we need to boost our morale."

Elros glanced at Legolas, his expression conflicted. "We can't let personal disagreements derail our mission. We need to find a balance."

Xena took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Legolas, I understand your concerns. Just a short break."

Legolas's jaw tightened, but he could see the determination in her eyes. With a reluctant sigh, he nodded. "Fine. But we stay only for a short time. No more delays."

The older woman, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes, stepped forward hesitantly. "Thank you for your help with my goats. Please, my home is humble, but you are welcome to share a meal."

Xena gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you. We appreciate your kindness."

As they followed the woman to her cottage, the tension slowly eased. The argument had been intense, but when considered more logically, it made little sense. After all, Legolas had insisted on taking the longer path to Rivendell, and now he was in a hurry to get there fast. Xena, not one to shy away from a confrontation, brought this up as they walked.

"Legolas," she whispered sharply, "you were the one who insisted on the longer route. Now you're in a rush?"

Legolas's eyes flashed with annoyance. "The longer route is safer, but unnecessary stops add risks. This isn't about speed, Xena. It's about caution."

Xena huffed, shaking her head. "Sometimes caution means taking care of ourselves too, not just the mission."

Their whispered argument continued, the rest of the company pretending not to notice. When they reached the cottage, they halted their bickering but remained in a sour mood.

The cottage was surrounded by a small farm, with a stable nearby. A few animals wandered around, including the goats that had escaped. Chickens pecked at the ground, and a small garden showed signs of neglect. It was clear that the older woman struggled to manage all the work by herself. The roof of the stable and cottage needed fixing, the garden needed weeding, and the stable itself was in dire need of cleaning and repairs.

They led their horses into the stable, noting the old, broken wood that desperately needed attention.

Inside the cottage, the fireplace was burning warmly, and the scent of stew filled the air. The inviting aroma made Xena's stomach rumble, earning her a disapproving glance from Legolas.

The older woman gestured for them to sit at the old table in the middle of the room. The four companions took their seats, soon greeted by her husband, an older man with a broken hand and leg.

The woman placed wine and stew on the table, along with freshly baked bread and cheese. As they began to eat, the woman shared their story. It was a tragic tale of hardship and injury, and Xena found herself deeply moved.

"We were attacked by bandits a few months ago," the woman explained, her voice trembling. "They took what little we had and left my husband injured. It's been difficult to keep up with everything since then."

Xena glanced at Legolas, seeing the same empathy mirrored in his eyes. Despite their recent argument, there was a silent agreement between them: they had to help.

Xena turned to the woman, her expression earnest. "We can help you with some of the work around here. It's the least we can do after your hospitality."

Legolas nodded in agreement. "Yes, we can fix the stable roof and tend to the garden. It will make things easier for you."

The older woman's eyes welled with tears of gratitude. "Thank you, truly. It's more than I could have hoped for."

As they finished their meal, the companions got to work. Thalion and Mírdan focused on fixing the roof, their elvish agility and strength making quick work of the task. Elros began weeding the garden, his movements careful and precise.

Xena and Legolas, despite their earlier disagreement, worked side by side to clean and repair the stable. They moved in a practiced rhythm, their actions coordinated despite the lingering tension.

"You're right, you know," Legolas said quietly as they worked. "Taking care of ourselves is important. I just worry about delays."

Xena glanced at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "And I understand the need for caution. But sometimes, a little kindness goes a long way."

They continued their work in companionable silence, the earlier argument fading into the background. The chores provided a welcome distraction, a way to channel their energy into something positive.

By the time they were done, the cottage and farm looked much improved. The stable roof was mended, the garden was tidy, and the stable itself was clean and secure. The older couple's gratitude was palpable, their relief evident in their smiles.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the farm, the companions prepared to leave. The older woman handed Xena a small bundle. "For your journey," she said. "Some bread, cheese, and dried meat. Thank you for everything."

Xena accepted the bundle with a grateful nod. "Thank you. We're glad we could help."

Legolas stepped forward, his expression sincere. "Take care, and may your home be safe and prosperous."

As they mounted their horses and rode away, the mood was lighter. The day had started with tension and disagreement but ended with a sense of accomplishment and unity. They had helped those in need and, in doing so, had reminded themselves of the importance of compassion and teamwork.

The night fell as they continued their journey, the stars beginning to twinkle overhead. Despite the challenges ahead, there was a renewed sense of purpose among them. They rode on, ready to face whatever the future held, together.

They camped for a few hours to get some sleep and rest next to the river. After their brief respite, they continued riding for two more days. On the fourth day, as night fell and they set up camp once more, Elros and Legolas were deep in conversation. Their tones were serious, and although Xena couldn't understand the Elvish language, she could sense the gravity of their discussion.

Elros and Legolas were seated near the fire, their expressions somber. Xena, unable to ignore her curiosity and concern, decided to confront them. She stepped in front of them, cutting off their conversation. "What's going on?" she demanded. "I can tell something's wrong."

Legolas, clearly not in the mood for an argument, glanced at her with irritation. "Move away, Xena. This doesn't concern you."

But Xena was undeterred. "No. I want to know what's happening."

Elros, seeing the determination in her eyes, decided to explain. "We're worried about the Gladden Fields," he said.

Xena frowned, confused. "Why? What's so dangerous about them?"

Elros began, "The Gladden Fields was a marshland located in the vale of the Gladden River, on the banks of the River Anduin. It was there that the One Ring was lost by Isildur. In ancient times, when the Silvan Elves were in the region, there was a pool or lake at the intersection of the two rivers; however, over time, this receded, forming the marshes."

Xena still looked puzzled. "But why are you so worried?"

Legolas interjected, his demeanor cold and serious. "In T.A. 3018, the Nazgûl searched the area. When Aragorn brought Gollum back to Mirkwood, we saw them flying above the area many times. The Nazgûl are relentless."

Xena's confusion deepened. "What are the Nazgûl? And why are you so afraid of them?"

Legolas's expression darkened. "The Nazgûl are the Ringwraiths, servants of Sauron. They are neither living nor dead, bound to the will of their master by the power of the Nine Rings. If we encounter them, we must flee. They are not enemies we can defeat."

The tension between them was palpable. Xena, though understanding the danger, was also puzzled by Legolas's protective attitude. "Why are you so scared, Legolas? We've faced danger before."

His gaze hardened, his voice edged with frustration. "Because, Xena, we cannot fight all the evil in this world. The Nazgûl are beyond anything we've faced. You don't understand their power."

The argument intensified, the rest of the camp silent, listening to their exchange. Xena took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "I understand the danger. But fear won't help us. We need to be prepared, not paralyzed by it."

Legolas's eyes softened slightly, but his concern remained. "Being prepared means knowing when to fight and when to run. The Nazgûl are not foes to be taken lightly."

Xena nodded, absorbing his words. "I get it. We'll be careful. But we won't let fear control us."

The conversation ended, but the tension lingered. It was clear that the Nazgûl were formidable enemies, and the thought of encountering them weighed heavily on everyone's mind. Xena understood the gravity of the situation but resolved not to let fear dictate their actions.

As they settled down for the night, Xena's thoughts were filled with images of the Nazgûl. She had faced many foes in her life, but the thought of these wraiths sent a chill down her spine. Still, she knew that fear alone could not guide them. They needed to be strong, alert, and ready for whatever awaited them in the Gladden Fields.

Legolas, meanwhile, remained anxious his thoughts clouded with concern. He knew the path ahead was fraught with danger, and the presence of the Nazgûl only heightened his anxiety. But he also knew that with courage and unity, they could face any challenge that lay before them.

((Upcoming Chapter Twenty - Five))

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