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)
ActIII
Frenemies
Chapter 31:The Awkward Night
The Wold, August 8th 3018 T.A.
As they crossed the River Limlight and continued south, the company decided to follow along the River Anduin, avoiding the grassy fields of the Wold of Rohan. The upland grasslands of Rohan brought much joy to the horses, providing them with ample grass and water, making this part of the journey feel almost like a luxury for the weary travelers.
The main inhabitants of this region were the nomadic Men of Rohan, who used the land to graze cattle. However, due to frequent orc-raids, the land had become increasingly deserted. This made the company more cautious as they traveled through the area, avoiding any potential danger. They chose not to ride west nearer the Fangorn Forest or the East Emnet, knowing that the treeless terrain offered little shelter and posed additional risks.
The rocks along the River Anduin offered the company much-needed respite and protection. As they rode, the sound of the river provided a soothing background, and the sight of its clear waters brought a sense of tranquility. The landscape, though rugged, was beautiful in its simplicity, with the river carving its way through the terrain, flanked by rolling grasslands that seemed to stretch endlessly.
Xena rode alongside Legolas, the recent conversations and events still fresh in their minds. The company's journey through this part of Middle-earth offered them moments of reflection and quiet conversations, as they shared stories of their pasts and thoughts about the future.
As the company settled in for the evening, the warm glow of the campfire illuminated their faces, casting flickering shadows against the rocks. The air was cool, and the scent of the river mingled with the earthy aroma of the firewood. Thalion and Mírdan took turns keeping watch, their sharp elven senses alert for any signs of danger.
Xena, feeling restless and craving something more substantial than the plant-based meals they had been subsisting on, decided to take matters into her own hands. Dressed only in her grey dress-like garments, she made her way down to the riverbank. The water was clear and cool, reflecting the moonlight as she waded in, her movements graceful and purposeful.
Diving into the river, Xena quickly caught a few fish, her hands skilled and efficient. It had been a while since she had engaged in such a simple, yet satisfying task. The act of catching and cleaning the fish brought a sense of calm and normalcy, a brief respite from the constant vigilance of their journey.
Returning to the camp, she found the others gathered around the fire, eating their evening meal. Without a word, she placed the fish near the fire, her wet hair cascading over her shoulders. She left her attire on her bedding, still clad in the grey short dress garment, and began to prepare the fish.
The company watched her in silence, a mix of curiosity and amusement in their eyes. Xena's fish-consuming habits had become a familiar sight, though not necessarily an accepted one. Legolas, in particular, seemed annoyed, though he held his tongue for the moment.
As the fish sizzled in the pan, filling the air with its savory aroma, Xena couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She had always been self-reliant, and moments like these reminded her of her strength and independence. She ate her fish with relish, savoring each bite.
Eventually, Legolas could no longer hold back his irritation. "Must you always cook fish?" he asked, his tone edged with annoyance. "The smell is... overpowering."
Xena looked up from her meal, her eyes narrowing. "I'm not going to survive on leaves and lembas bread alone," she retorted her voice firm. "Besides, it's a simple meal. I'm not asking you to eat it."
Legolas's expression remained stern. "It's not about eating it, Xena. The smell lingers and affects everyone."
Xena scoffed, taking another bite of her fish. "You elves and your delicate senses. Maybe if you tried it, you'd appreciate it more."
"I have no need to try it to know it's offensive," Legolas replied, his voice colder. "There are other ways to find sustenance without offending everyone around you."
Xena's temper flared. "Offensive? You think this is offensive? I've faced far worse than a little fish smell, and so have you. If a bit of cooking smoke bothers you, maybe you're the one who needs to toughen up."
Their voices grew louder, drawing the attention of the others. Elros, sensing the rising tension, stepped in to diffuse the situation. "Enough, both of you," he said calmly. "We have more important things to focus on than arguing over dinner."
Xena glared at Legolas one last time before turning her attention back to her meal, muttering under her breath about elf sensitivities. Legolas, too, remained silent, though his frustration was evident.
Xena, still fuming from her argument with Legolas, picked up her soap and towel and headed back to the river. The company, used to her need for cleanliness after cooking fish, assumed she was going to wash up. However, Xena was not just going to clean herself; she needed the cold water to cool her temper.
She walked down to the riverbank, the cool night air brushing against her skin. The moonlight reflected off the water, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. Xena undressed, leaving her grey dress garment on a rock by the riverbank, and waded into the water. The coldness immediately enveloped her, sending a shiver down her spine, but it also began to soothe her anger.
She submerged herself, letting the water wash away the remnants of her frustration. She scrubbed her skin vigorously, her movements a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil. The soap lathered and bubbled, mingling with the river's currents. She dunked her head underwater, letting the cold envelop her completely before resurfacing with a gasp.
After some time, feeling somewhat calmer, she stepped out of the water and wrapped herself in the towel. She dried off quickly and dressed in a clean grey dress garment. The fresh clothes felt good against her clean skin, but the tension in her muscles remained.
She sat on a nearby rock, trying to calm down further. Her thoughts raced, her face still burning with residual anger. The argument with Legolas had been more heated than usual, and it lingered in her mind like an unwanted guest. She felt her chest tighten and her back ache. Damn, she realized it was that day of the month. Since arriving in Middle-earth, her menstrual cycle had been irregular, but the first day was always the worst.
Frustrated and still feeling the sting of their argument, Xena began to move. She flipped in the air, punching and kicking at nothing, her movements precise and controlled despite her rage. She needed to release the pent-up energy, to fight against the nobody, as she often did to clear her mind.
Suddenly, she heard a rustling behind her. Legolas emerged from the shadows, his expression unreadable but his presence unmistakable.
"Human," he began, his tone attempting to be calm but failing to hide his own irritation, "You have to stop causing more problems. We need to find a way to work together without this constant fighting."
Xena's eyes narrowed. "Causing problems? You think I'm the one causing problems? I'm the one who faces things head-on, unlike some pampered princess who can't stand a little discomfort."
Legolas's jaw tightened. He avoided the 'Princess' comment, he uttered "Pampered? You have no idea what responsibilities I bear, the sacrifices I've made. You think it's easy being who I am?"
Xena stepped closer, her fists clenched. "You think I care about your titles and responsibilities? I'm here fighting the same battles, facing the same dangers. Don't you dare lecture me about sacrifice?"
The tension between them crackled like lightning. Legolas's eyes blazed with frustration, and Xena's temper flared even hotter. The words they exchanged became sharper, each trying to outdo the other in their anger.
In a moment of heightened emotion, Xena, unable to hold back, swung her fist. It connected with Legolas's nose with a satisfying crunch. Legolas stumbled back, more surprised than hurt, and touched his nose gingerly, finding blood.
Xena's eyes widened as the reality of what she had done sank in. She was annoyed before with the elf but today's, anger was different with her hormones driving her crazy. For a moment, they both stood in stunned silence, the absurdity of the situation dawning on them.
Legolas finally broke the silence, a wry smile tugging at his lips despite the blood. "Well, I suppose I deserved that."
Xena, her own anger dissipating as quickly as it had flared, couldn't help but laugh. "Maybe just a little."
Legolas shook his head, still smiling, and walked over to the river to wash the blood from his nose. Xena watched him, her earlier fury replaced by a strange sense of camaraderie. Perhaps, despite their differences and the constant arguments, they were starting to understand each other a little better.
Xena skipped over to Legolas, who was holding the bridge of his nose with a mix of frustration and bewilderment. She gently took his hand, guiding his head forward to avoid swallowing the blood. Feeling a bit guilty for punching him, she decided to come clean about her period and how it made her edgy.
"Sorry about that punch, elf. It's... well, it's that time of the month for me," she said, her voice laced with awkwardness but also a hint of amusement.
Legolas's expression shifted to one of bewilderment. He was familiar with the concept of periods and the odd behaviors that could accompany them. During his patrols in Mirkwood, he had encountered such days with Tauriel and other female warriors. Although elf-maidens were different and did not have regular cycles, he understood the general idea. But hearing Xena talk so openly about it was something else entirely.
Seeing his confusion, Xena tried to explain more, fighting the urge to laugh at his discomfort. "You know, when a woman's body goes through that monthly cycle... it can make us a bit... edgy. It's just biology," she added, grinning at the elf's unease.
Legolas, still holding his nose, finally released her grip and walked away, clearly in disbelief and at a loss for words. He headed back to the camp, rummaging through his belongings with determination. Elros, sensing something was up, started speaking to him in Elvish.
"Legolas, you need to stop arguing with the human," Elros urged, his tone gentle but firm.
Legolas ignored him until he found what he was looking for—a small jar. Turning to Elros, he placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled, a rare sight. "I know, Elros. Trust me, I know," he said, leaving Elros speechless. It was the first time he had seen Legolas smile and act so... differently.
Legolas returned to the riverbank, finding Xena leaning against a rock with her legs lifted, hoping to alleviate some of the discomfort of her period. He handed her the jar, and she looked at him with curiosity. Opening it, her eyes widened in delight.
"Since when have you been hiding the good stuff?" Xena exclaimed, dipping her finger into the honey and bringing it to her mouth. She licked her finger, savoring the sweetness.
Legolas watched, feeling increasingly uncomfortable as Xena continued to lick the honey from her fingers. Her actions were purely innocent, but to Legolas, it seemed almost... sensual. He tried to look away, but his eyes kept drifting back to her.
"Uh, it's... just honey," Legolas stammered, trying to compose himself.
Xena grinned, dipping her finger back into the jar. "It's really good honey, elf. Thanks," she said, her voice playful as she licked her finger clean again.
Legolas, unable to take any more of the awkwardness, came up with a fast response. "Enjoy it. I'll... I'll be over there," he said, pointing vaguely in the direction of the camp.
He walked away, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment. As he moved, he muttered under his breath about the strange dynamics between them. Finding a place to sleep alone, he settled down, hoping the night would pass quickly and that tomorrow would bring less awkward encounters.
As the night deepened, Xena found herself restless. The small jar of honey that Legolas had given her was already consumed, and the first day of her period was wreaking havoc on her hormones. Feeling freezing, she decided against another bath and instead, set out to find Legolas. The elf had chosen to rest away from the camp as usual, seeking his solitude. However, neither he nor Xena could have anticipated what was about to unfold.
Xena moved through the dark, silent night with surprising stealth, her warrior instincts guiding her steps. She found Legolas sitting on a rock near the river, his gaze distant as he tried to find peace in the flowing water. She approached him, her movements fluid and confident, her eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and something else—something more primal.
"Legolas," she called out softly, causing the elf to turn his head, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of her.
"Xena," he replied, standing up. "Is everything alright?"
Xena walked closer, a strange gleam in her eyes. "I can't rest, and I need... I don't know what I need," she said, her voice carrying a hint of desperation.
Legolas frowned, concerned. "Perhaps you should try to sleep. The night is peaceful."
She shook her head, her frustration mounting. "It's not that simple, elf. You wouldn't understand."
Legolas studied her for a moment before sighing. "Then tell me, Xena. What is it that troubles you?"
Xena hesitated, then took a deep breath. "My hormones... are all over the place. I feel cold, restless, and... other things," she admitted, her voice trailing off.
Legolas's eyes widened further, clearly uncomfortable. "Other things?"
Xena nodded, stepping even closer. "Yes, other things. It's like my body is at war with itself. One minute I'm angry, the next I'm... well, let's just say I'm feeling things I normally wouldn't."
Legolas took a step back, clearly out of his depth. "I see. Perhaps... perhaps you should rest?"
Xena's frustration boiled over. "I can't rest! I need to do something!" She grabbed his hand, her grip firm. "You need to help me."
"Help you?" Legolas echoed, bewildered. "How can I help you with this?"
Xena's eyes locked onto his, a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I don't know, but I need you to try."
Legolas swallowed hard, clearly uneasy. "Alright. What do you suggest?"
Without warning, Xena pulled him closer, her eyes smoldering. "I don't know, maybe... maybe we spar? Or something?"
Legolas's confusion deepened. "Spar? In the middle of the night?"
Xena nodded vigorously. "Yes. I need to move. I need to... release this energy."
Seeing no other option, Legolas reluctantly agreed. "Very well. But we must be careful not to wake the others."
They moved to a more open area, away from the camp. Xena grabbed a practice sword, as her own sword was melted in the pool of Silver tears, while Legolas drew his blades. They circled each other, the tension between them palpable.
Xena lunged first, her movements fueled by her restless energy. Legolas parried, his skill evident, but he was clearly holding back, unsure of how far to push her.
"Stop holding back!" Xena snapped, her frustration spilling over. "I need you to fight me, elf!"
Legolas sighed, deciding to give her what she needed. He matched her intensity, their swords clashing in the moonlight. Xena's movements were swift and fierce, but there was a grace to her attacks that spoke of her warrior's heart.
As they sparred, the physical exertion seemed to calm her, but it also ignited something else. Xena's frustration gave way to a different kind of tension, one that made her movements more fluid and suggestive. Her eyes never left Legolas's, and there was a heat in her gaze that made the elf increasingly uncomfortable.
"Xena, this is not... appropriate," Legolas said, trying to keep his focus on the fight.
"Why not?" Xena replied, her voice husky. "It's just sparring."
But it wasn't just sparring, and they both knew it. The air between them crackled with unspoken desire, and it was clear that Xena's hormonal state was affecting her more than she let on. She moved closer, her body brushing against his as their swords locked.
Legolas's breath hitched, his discomfort growing. "Xena, we need to stop."
She leaned in, her lips almost touching his ear. "Why? Are you afraid, elf?"
Legolas's resolve wavered. He pushed her back gently, trying to regain his composure. "This is not right."
Xena's eyes blazed with a mix of anger and longing. "Then tell me what is right, Legolas. Because right now, I don't know."
Legolas struggled to find the words. "We better stop this."
Xena sighed, her anger dissipating slightly. "Maybe you're right. But I still can't sleep." She removed her sword, and Legolas pulled his knives away, but she remained close to him, the tension rising, her hormones surging, and the elf's presence making her heart race. She looked at Legolas and exhaled, "Yummy."
Without a second thought, she leaned in and kissed him. Her lips were insistent, pressing against his with a fervor that was both passionate and desperate. Her hands moved to his neck, pulling him closer as she deepened the kiss. There was nothing hesitant about it; it was raw, demanding, and filled with a need that had been pent up for too long.
At first, Legolas did not react. What was happening was out of place, unlike anything he had experienced. He had never been so intimate with anyone, let alone a human. His mind raced, trying to process the sensation of her lips on his, the warmth of her body so close. He felt disoriented, his thoughts scattering like leaves in a storm. Xena was a great kisser, and for a moment, he was lost in the intensity of it.
Finally, he managed to gather his thoughts. With a firm yet gentle hand, he reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder to push her back. But Xena wrapped her arm around him, leaning even deeper, her lips finding his again as she closed her eyes, losing herself in the kiss. She found kissing an elf quite amazing and, given that it had been a long time since she had been intimate with someone, she did not want to stop.
Legolas had enough. He freed his hands from her hold and wrapped them around her, picking her up in a bridal style. Their swords fell to the ground with a clatter. Xena gazed at him, confused as the kiss broke, watching as he carried her to the riverside.
She tilted her head, her face still flushed, noticing that Legolas's expression was unreadable and cold. Before she could ask him what he was doing, Legolas took a step back and threw her into the river. The force was powerful, and she landed in the middle of the river with a splash, gasping as the cold water enveloped her.
Legolas glared at her for a moment, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and determination. "Do not follow me," he warned, his voice low and firm. "And do not even dream of kissing me again. I will let this be forgotten, but the next time, you will be in trouble."
Xena licked her lips, finding the elf strangely hot in his angry state. But she knew she had overreacted. She dove into the river, hoping to calm down, and it took her longer than she expected.
Legolas picking up their swords, returned to the camp and brought them back. From afar, it seemed as if the kiss had no effect on him. But it did. That night, he did not sleep, nor did he dream of nightmares. Instead, he ended up cooling off in the river, hoping to bring his mind to rest, but the kiss replayed over and over in his thoughts.
The earlier tension between them remained, albeit in a different form. Xena, after her long bath, settled down on her bedding, feeling more at peace. Legolas watched her for a moment before returning to his own spot, grateful that the night's ordeal was over.
As they both drifted off to sleep, the awkwardness of the night lingered, but there was also the part where Xena reached out to him when something odd started bothering her. There was a newfound understanding between them, and perhaps their trust was slowly reaching a better level. They had faced something uncomfortable together and come out stronger for it. And in the quiet of the night, beneath the watchful stars, they found a fragile but growing sense of friendship. It was just about the right amount.
((Upcoming Chapter Thirty - Two))
Thank you for taking the time to read this! Feel free to Review - Follow - Favorite!