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 32: Through the Wold

The Wold, August 9th 3018 T.A.

As dawn came, it found the prince awake in the isolated spot he had found last night after the whole fiasco took place. He tried to sleep, but he could not. He woke up scared, not from the usual nightmare, no, he was dreaming of the human hunting him and trying to kiss him.

In his dream, Legolas found himself running through a dense forest, the trees closing in around him. He could hear the sound of footsteps behind him, rapid and relentless. He glanced back, and there she was, Xena, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her pace quickening as she gained on him. Her laughter echoed eerily through the woods, a mix of amusement and determination.

He darted between trees, leaping over roots and ducking under branches, but no matter how fast he ran, Xena was always right behind him. He could feel her presence, her breath on the back of his neck. The forest seemed to twist and turn, disorienting him, but Xena never faltered. She moved with an uncanny agility, her eyes locked onto him.

Finally, he stumbled into a clearing, gasping for breath. He turned around, only to find Xena standing there, blocking his escape. Her eyes gleamed with a predatory intensity as she advanced towards him. Legolas tried to back away, but his feet felt rooted to the ground. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek, and before he could react, her lips were on his, capturing him in a kiss that was both terrifying and strangely alluring.

He woke up with a start, his heart pounding in his chest. The memory of the dream lingered, vivid and unsettling. He shook his head, trying to dispel the lingering sense of dread. "What is happening?" he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. "Why am I dreaming about her like this?"

He started a dialogue with himself, questioning her bizarre behavior last night. Was it because of her womanly issues, or was it something more? Xena was the kind of person who acted differently from the maidens he knew. She would sit in the camp, only wearing her grey short-dress garment, but since the camp was their resting place, everyone was wearing less and relaxing, which he could understand.

Even the times they ended up seeing each other naked, it was awkward, but since nothing else happened, it did not bother Legolas that much. If he were honest, it did not bother him a lot, because that was a view worth seeing. That thought made him almost hit himself. "Focus, Legolas," he muttered.

Tonight was different. He thought of her as a person who could master her feelings and her emotions, so why would she give in so easily to her hormones? Was a period such a big deal, or was something else happening?

It did not take long before he thought that perhaps it was not only her period but the wound from the Morgul-blade that had an effect on her. Perhaps what the healers tried to stop did not stop, and it was back sooner than they thought. That thought, for some reason, made sense.

Determined to check on her, he stood up and walked over to the camp. His hair was loose, cascading down his shoulders like a golden waterfall. He was barefoot, his steps light and almost soundless. As he approached the camp, the morning light caught the highlights in his hair, making it seem as if he carried the very essence of dawn with him.

Everyone looked at him as he entered the camp. His presence was commanding, even in his relaxed state. He moved with a grace that was inherent to his kind, but there was an urgency in his stride that did not go unnoticed. He scanned the camp quickly, his eyes searching for Xena.

She was sitting near the fire, her grey dress catching the soft light of the rising sun. She looked up, meeting his gaze, and for a moment, the camp fell silent, the tension from the previous night still hanging in the air.

He made a brief stop where his belongings were, retrieving clean bandages, athelas paste, and a fresh cloth. As he walked towards her, the rest of the camp watched him curiously.

"Human," he called softly, his voice carrying a note of concern. "We need to talk."

Xena could not sleep, her mind troubled by the absurdity of her actions towards Legolas the previous night. With her hormones now settled, she felt a tinge of embarrassment. Only those close to her, like Gabrielle and a few others, knew of her occasional silly moments—moments she would rather no one else witness.

She expected Legolas to seek her out in the morning, perhaps demanding an explanation or wanting to address her bizarre behavior. So when he approached her and asked her to follow him, she nodded, standing up and walking beside him. They moved away from the group, finding a more private spot near the river.

"Is your wound troubling you?" he asked, his keen eyes searching her face for any signs of discomfort.

"It's fine," she replied, her tone dismissive. But he noticed the tightness around her eyes, the way she held herself a bit too stiffly.

"Allow me to see," he insisted gently.

"Huh?" she reacted, caught off guard by his request.

"Let me check your wound," Legolas clarified.

Reluctantly, she lifted her dress just enough to reveal the bandage. He knelt, carefully unwrapping it. The wound was healing, but it remained red and tender. They moved closer to the river, where Legolas soaked the cloth in the water and gently cleaned the wound, then softly dried it. He applied a fresh layer of athelas paste with a delicate, precise touch, before bandaging it again.

Seeing the wound was healing, he realized her strange behavior was not due to it. Understanding he had overreacted, he sought to mend his error. "You need to take better care of yourself," he murmured, his voice low and sincere.

She looked down at him, her expression softening. "I will."

He stood up, meeting her gaze. "And Xena... about last night..."

She cut him off with a small, rueful smile. "Let's just forget it happened. Blame it on the hormones."

He nodded, relieved.

As they walked back to camp, Xena found his reaction a bit too much. Surely it was sudden and awkward, but she didn't think she had done anything that bad. Her question came out quickly, almost impulsively. "You know it was only a kiss, you didn't have to take it so personally," Xena said, her tone half-apologetic, half-defensive.

Legolas, despite the awkwardness of the topic, responded with a composed dignity that was characteristic of his kind. "Among my people, Xena, the sentiment that elves only fall in love once is more than a mere saying. It speaks to our capacity for a deep, lasting, and eternal love. This is not dependent on the love being mutual or reciprocated."

Xena glanced at him, intrigued and somewhat confused. She had spent over two centuries in Middle-earth, yet there was still so much she did not know about its inhabitants. "I didn't know that," she admitted. "I mean, about the elves."

Legolas sighed, recognizing the need to elaborate on such a sensitive subject. "When an elf experiences true love, it is a profound and transformative connection that binds our very fëa—our spirit—to our partner. Even if the love is unrequited, the elf who has fallen in love will remain devoted to that person for the rest of their immortal life. We do not have the ability to 'get over it' in the way a human might, as our love is so ingrained in our spiritual essence."

Xena began to understand the gravity of his reaction. His explanation shed light on the depth of elven emotions and their lasting impact. "So, your reaction wasn't just about the kiss itself, but what it could signify," she said slowly, piecing it together.

"Exactly," Legolas confirmed. "Elves are incapable of casual relationships or short-term infatuations. Our love is absolute and unbreakable, whether or not it is reciprocated by the object of our affection. An elf who is rejected in love will carry that heartache and devotion with them forever. Although... Woodland elves, like myself, may be a bit more mischievous in their affairs. But even we are bound by the same deep connections when it comes to true love."

Xena nodded, absorbing the information. She did not want to show it to Legolas, but she was genuinely impressed by the elven way of loving. "I've had many relationships," she began, speaking from experience. "I've fallen in love many times, but none of those loves would be as deep as what you're describing."

The conversation seemed to be steering towards an emotional depth that Xena was not quite ready for. Sensing an opportunity to shift the mood, she decided to make Legolas uncomfortable. "So, if that's the case, then you must have been a virgin."

Legolas, taken aback by the bluntness of her question, attempted to counter. "And you should be as well," he retorted, a hint of a challenge in his voice.

Xena, however, had the upper hand in this argument. "I've had enough experience and two children to prove that I am not," she replied with a smirk.

Their conversation ended there as they approached the camp. The tension between them had eased but was not entirely gone. They had faced an uncomfortable truth about themselves and each other, and it would take time to fully understand and accept it. As they settled back into the routine of the camp, the night air was filled with the sounds of crackling fires and the soft murmurs of their companions.

Legolas couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity about Xena. Her strength, her vulnerability, and the complex layers of her past intrigued him. Similarly, Xena found herself contemplating the depths of elven love and the profound commitment it entailed. They had both revealed parts of their inner selves, and it left them both wanting to learn more about each other. The journey ahead was uncertain, but it promised to be one of discovery and, perhaps, understanding.

The camp bustled with activity as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon. The company gathered their belongings, packed their horses, and prepared for another long day of riding. The crisp morning air was filled with the sounds of birds waking, and the gentle rustling of the grass as the wind swept across the plains.

Xena moved efficiently, her mood noticeably lighter after the previous night's events. She tightened the straps on her horse's saddle, making sure everything was secure. Elros and Thalion exchanged quiet words as they too prepared their mounts, while Mírdan checked their supplies and ensured they had enough food and water for the journey ahead.

Once everything was ready, they mounted their horses and began their ride through the Wold of Rohan. The land stretched out before them, vast and open, with rolling hills covered in tall, golden grasses that swayed gently in the breeze. The sky was a clear, brilliant blue, promising a day of fair weather.

As they rode, Xena found herself in conversation with Elros. "So, Elros, you mentioned you've traveled these lands before. What's the most memorable experience you've had here?"

Elros smiled, his eyes distant as he recalled his journeys. "There are many, but one stands out. I once helped a family of Rohirrim farmers fend off a group of orcs that had raided their village. It was a fierce battle, but we managed to drive them away. The gratitude and hospitality of the family afterwards was something I will never forget. They treated me like one of their own."

Thalion, riding beside them, chimed in with a grin. "Elros, you always have the best stories. Remember the time we got lost in the Misty Mountains? That was quite an adventure."

Xena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Lost in the Misty Mountains? That sounds like a tale worth hearing."

Elros chuckled. "Oh, that was quite an ordeal. Thalion and I were on a scouting mission, and a sudden snowstorm hit. We lost our bearings and ended up wandering for days. We finally found our way out thanks to an old map Thalion had tucked away in his pack. It was a harrowing experience, but it taught us a lot about survival and perseverance."

Mírdan, who had been listening quietly, added his own story. "I once met an Ent in Fangorn Forest. A fascinating creature, tall and ancient. It spoke slowly, but with great wisdom. It was an honor to hear its tales of the old days, long before our time."

Xena looked at Mírdan with genuine curiosity. "An Ent? I've heard of them but never seen one. What did it tell you?"

Mírdan's eyes sparkled with the memory. "It spoke of the First Age, of the great forests that once covered much of Middle-earth. It lamented the loss of many of its kin and the destruction of the ancient woods. It also spoke of hope, of the resilience of nature and the importance of protecting what remains."

Their conversations flowed naturally as they rode, each member of the company sharing stories and experiences that painted a rich tapestry of their lives. The camaraderie among them grew stronger with each passing mile.

Eventually, Legolas joined the conversation, his presence adding a sense of authority and wisdom. "The Wold of Rohan is a place of beauty and danger. We must remain alert as we travel through it. The open plains can be deceptive, and orc raids are not uncommon."

Xena nodded, her respect for Legolas evident despite their recent disagreements. "We'll be careful. It's so different from where I come from."

Legolas glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "It is indeed a land of contrasts. But every place has its own beauty and challenges. It's up to us to find the balance and protect what we hold dear."

As they continued their journey, the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The company rode on, their spirits lifted by the shared stories and the promise of new adventures ahead. They aimed to reach the East Emnet and cross the River Onodló, also known as the Entwash, within a few days if they maintained a steady pace and didn't camp for too long.

The days passed in a blur of conversation and riding. Each evening, they made camp near the river, enjoying the peacefulness of the open plains and the camaraderie that had formed among them. Xena found herself more at ease with each passing day, her connection with the group growing stronger.

The night settled over the rocky opening, a blanket of stars spreading across the sky. The company made their camp quietly, mindful of the dangers that lurked in the Wold of Rohan. They ate their Lembas bread in silence, the air filled with the soft sounds of the horses grazing nearby.

Xena stayed close to her horse, Chubbie, sharing a few apples she had found. She spoke to him in a low, soothing voice, her words meant to comfort both herself and the animal. A short distance away, Legolas, with his keen elven hearing, listened in on the conversation.

"Don't worry, Chubbie. Just a few more days until we cross the River Onodló. We'll find more water there," Xena said, running her fingers through the horse's mane. She found a brush in her belongings and began to brush Chubbie's coat, her movements slow and methodical.

"You know, something funny happened the other night," she continued, a small smile playing on her lips. "I was... well, let's say I was feeling a bit hormonal. Ended up kissing the elf. Can you believe that? And he was so surprised. Turns out he's a virgin."

Chubbie made a sound that Xena interpreted as a laugh. "Yeah, I thought it was funny too."

Legolas, having heard most of her monologue, decided to make his presence known. He approached quietly and spoke up, his tone even but carrying a hint of curiosity. "Talking about me, are you?"

Xena jumped slightly, surprised to see him there. "Legolas! Didn't realize you were eavesdropping. It's rude, you know."

"I wasn't eavesdropping," Legolas replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Elves have a keen hearing."

Xena rolled her eyes and continued brushing Chubbie. "Well, it's true, isn't it? You are a virgin."

Legolas' expression turned serious. "Why does that surprise you so much?"

Xena chuckled. "It doesn't surprise me, really. Just thought it was interesting, that's all. Especially considering how many centuries you've been alive."

Legolas leaned against a nearby rock, watching her. "Tell me, Xena. You speak of your past and your actions with a mix of humor and sorrow. Do you ever miss it? The life you had before?"

Xena paused, her brush stilling in Chubbie's mane. She took a deep breath, her gaze distant. "Sometimes. I had children once, you know. A son, named Solan. And a daughter, Eve. They were my world, but I lost them both, in different ways."

Legolas watched her intently, sensing the pain beneath her words. "What happened?"

Xena resumed brushing Chubbie, her voice quieter now. "Solan was killed by someone I thought was a friend. It broke me. And Eve... well, she followed another path than me, and haven't seen her after my death. I was a warlord, Legolas. I did terrible things, and my children paid the price."

Legolas nodded slowly, understanding the weight of her words. "You carry a heavy burden, Xena. But you have also shown great strength. It takes courage to face one's past and strive to make amends."

Legolas found himself pondering the two captivating truths Xena had revealed to him. The first truth hinted at her shadowy past; she had been a warlord or something equally dark. Legolas knew nothing of her story, and tonight, he decided he would not press her for details. He understood from his own experience that speaking of one's past could be painful, and he surmised it would be the same for Xena.

The second truth was even more astonishing—Xena had already died. However, Legolas had witnessed enough extraordinary events to believe that anything was possible. If Xena had found a way to return from the dead, it was not something he felt the need to question.

Xena smiled sadly. "That's what keeps me going. Trying to do better, to atone for my sins. It's not an easy path, but it's the only one I have."

Legolas stepped closer, his voice softening. "I admire your resilience. And your honesty. It's a rare trait."

Xena looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and lingering sorrow. "Thank you, Legolas. That means a lot, coming from you."

They stood in silence for a moment, the bond between them growing stronger. The night air was cool, and the stars above seemed to shine a little brighter, casting a gentle light over the rocky opening. It was a small moment of connection, but one that would carry them through the challenges ahead.

As the night wore on, Xena finished brushing Chubbie and returned to her spot near the fire. Legolas, feeling a sense of peace he hadn't known in a long time, settled nearby, keeping watch over the camp. They both knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but with newfound understanding and respect, they faced it together.

The two days following the encounter with the strange silver pools were relatively peaceful. The company rode through the vast, grassy plains of the Wold of Rohan, the gentle sway of the tall grass in the wind and the distant calls of birds creating a serene atmosphere. They made camp each night under the open sky, the stars above providing a familiar comfort. Despite their previous tensions, Xena and Legolas shared a growing camaraderie, their respect for each other deepening with each shared moment.

During the days, they rode swiftly, the rhythm of the journey becoming almost meditative. Xena found herself reflecting on her past, her thoughts drifting to Gabrielle and the life she had left behind. Legolas, too, was lost in his thoughts, the nightmares that haunted him each night making him more introspective. Elros, Thalion, and Mírdan maintained their vigilance, their sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger.

The third day dawned bright and clear, a cool breeze blowing from the north. They had a quick breakfast of Lembas bread and fresh water before setting out again. The horses moved with a sense of purpose, their hooves thudding softly against the grassy earth. By noon, the mood among the company was relaxed, the calmness of the ride lulling them into a false sense of security.

It was Legolas who first noticed the danger. His keen elven senses picked up the faint sounds of movement ahead, and he raised a hand to signal a halt. Elros pulled up beside him, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. "Scouts," Legolas whispered, pointing to the distant figures moving stealthily through the grass.

Before they could warn the others, a group of Wargs burst from the tall grass, their riders brandishing crude weapons and letting out guttural cries. Chaos erupted as the company scrambled to defend themselves. Legolas immediately notched an arrow and fired, the shaft piercing the throat of an advancing orc.

Xena drew her sword and Chakram, her body moving with the grace and precision of a seasoned warrior. She threw the Chakram, its deadly edge slicing through the air to decapitate one orc and embed itself in the chest of another. She caught it on the return and spun around to deliver a powerful kick to a Warg that had gotten too close.

The battle was fierce and chaotic. The orcs were relentless, their crude weapons clashing against the finely crafted elven blades. Legolas fought with his bow and long daggers, his movements swift and deadly. He shot arrow after arrow, each one finding its mark with deadly accuracy. When the orcs closed in, he switched to his daggers, slashing and stabbing with precision.

Xena and Legolas found themselves back to back, their movements synchronized as they fought off the attackers. Xena used her pressure points to disable several orcs, her fingers striking with pinpoint accuracy. She flipped and tumbled, her acrobatics allowing her to dodge attacks and retaliate with deadly force. At one point, an orc managed to cut her arm, the blade slicing through her sleeve and drawing blood. She hissed in pain but didn't falter, her determination driving her forward.

Legolas wasn't unscathed either. An orc managed to land a blow on his side, the crude sword cutting through his tunic and drawing blood. He gritted his teeth and continued fighting, his focus unbroken. He and Xena worked together seamlessly, their trust in each other evident in their coordinated attacks.

The rest of the company fought valiantly as well. Elros wielded his sword with lethal precision, cutting down orcs left and right. Thalion and Mírdan used their bows and swords to fend off the attackers, their movements swift and deadly. The horses, sensing the danger, reared and kicked, adding to the chaos and confusion.

The air was filled with the sounds of battle – the clash of weapons, the snarls of the Wargs, and the cries of the orcs. The orcs shouted to each other in their harsh language, their words filled with malice and bloodlust. "Kill the elf prince!" one of them shouted, pointing at Legolas. "Take his head for our master!"

The orcs fought with a savage fury, but the company was relentless. Xena's Chakram flew through the air once more, slicing through an orc's arm and then ricocheting off a rock to strike another in the back. She caught it again and spun around, her sword cleaving through the torso of an orc that had gotten too close.

Legolas, bleeding but undeterred, continued to fire his arrows with deadly precision. He switched to his daggers when the orcs got too close, his movements fluid and graceful. He parried an orc's attack and then drove his dagger into its chest, his eyes blazing with determination.

The battle raged on, the ground littered with the bodies of the fallen. Xena and Legolas, their clothes torn and bloodied, fought with unwavering resolve. Despite the odds, they held their ground, their combined strength and skill turning the tide of the battle.

Finally, as the sun began to set, the last of the orcs fell. The surviving Wargs, sensing defeat, fled into the distance, their riders cursing and howling in frustration. The company stood amidst the carnage, their breaths heavy and their bodies aching. They had won, but the cost had been high.

Xena wiped the blood from her sword and looked around at her companions. They were all wounded, but alive. She turned to Legolas, her eyes meeting his. "You alright, elf?" she asked, her tone laced with both concern and respect.

Legolas nodded, wincing slightly as he touched the wound on his side. "I'll live," he replied, his voice steady.

Elros approached, his sword still in hand. "We should tend to our wounds and make camp," he said, his tone practical. "We can't afford to be caught off guard again."

The company nodded in agreement, their exhaustion evident. They worked together to set up camp, their movements slow and careful. Despite the pain and weariness, there was a sense of camaraderie among them. As the night fell, they tended to their wounds and shared a quiet meal. The firelight flickered softly, casting long shadows on the ground. Xena and Legolas, their injuries bandaged, sat together by the fire, their backs against a large rock. They didn't speak much, but the silence between them was comfortable, a testament to the trust and respect that had developed between them.

Xena was deep in thought, recalling the moment she first encountered the orc. She remembered how it had already been focusing on Legolas. Her journey to find him had begun with a mission to kill him, a detail she had not forgotten. It seemed that aspect of her quest remained unchanged.

Legolas had never mentioned it, but he was indeed a target. This was not uncommon around Mirkwood, where he had slain many of their kind, earning him a place on their hit list. However, discovering that a death order for him existed even here felt somewhat unsettling. He was unaware of the extent of this threat or the numerous quests aimed at his demise—one of which Xena had accepted. She began to think it was time to warn the elf.

The night was calm, the stars above shining brightly. Despite the day's brutal battle, there was a sense of peace in the air. The company rested, knowing that they had survived another challenge and were ready to face whatever lay ahead. And in the quiet of the night, under the watchful gaze of the stars, they found a moment of solace, a brief respite in their arduous journey.

((Upcoming Chapter Thirty - Three))

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