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 33: The Truth in Rohan's Fields

River Onodló , August 13th 3018 T.A.

As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, the camp stirred into action. The aftermath of the previous day's battle with the orcs and wargs was still fresh, and there was much to be done. Legolas was already awake, moving silently among the trees as he retrieved his arrows from the fallen enemies. Each arrow was meticulously cleaned and inspected before being returned to his quiver.

Elros and Thalion were busy gathering the bodies of the orcs and wargs, dragging them into a pile to be burned. The smell of death hung heavy in the air, and the ground was stained with blood and the remnants of the fierce fight. The two elves worked efficiently, their expressions grim but determined.

"We need to make sure all of these creatures will be burned," Elros said, his voice low and steady.

Thalion nodded, wiping sweat from his brow.

Mírdan was at the edge of the camp, preparing breakfast. He had gathered what little food they had left and was making a simple meal of lembas bread and some dried fruits. The scent of the food mingled with the smoke from the makeshift pyre where Elros and Thalion were burning the bodies.

Xena was near the horses, checking their saddles and preparing them for the journey ahead. She spoke softly to each horse, her hands moving with practiced ease as she ensured they were ready for another day of travel. Her own body bore the marks of the battle, but she moved with a resilience that spoke of her warrior spirit.

Once everything was in order, the company gathered around the fire to have breakfast. They sat in a circle, the mood somber but resolute.

"Breakfast is ready," Mírdan announced, passing out portions of lembas bread and dried fruits.

Legolas joined them, having finished retrieving his arrows. He sat down, his keen eyes scanning the horizon even as he took a bite of the lembas bread. Xena handed him a piece of fruit, and their hands brushed briefly, a silent acknowledgment of their shared experience.

"We'll need to cross the Entwash today," Legolas said, breaking the silence. "It will be challenging, but it's the safest route."

Xena nodded. "I'll make sure the horses are ready. They've had a rough time, but they're strong."

Elros looked at the group, his expression serious. "We need to stay alerted. The orc scouts we encountered might mean more are nearby. We should be prepared for anything."

Thalion added, "The Wold of Rohan is known for its orc raids. We need to move quickly and avoid drawing attention to ourselves."

The group ate in silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts. The past days had been grueling, and the road ahead promised more challenges. But their resolve was unwavering.

After breakfast, they quickly packed up their camp. Legolas and Elros made sure the fire was completely out, while Xena and Thalion checked the horses one last time. Mírdan distributed the remaining supplies evenly among them, ensuring they were ready for the journey ahead.

They mounted their horses and set off, the morning sun casting long shadows as they rode. The landscape around them was treeless and vast, the upland grasslands of Rohan stretching out in every direction. The horses moved steadily, their hooves beating a rhythmic pattern on the ground.

As they rode, the group fell into a comfortable rhythm. Elros rode at the front, his keen eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. Thalion and Mírdan followed their expressions focused and alert. Legolas and Xena brought up the rear, their eyes constantly moving, watching for any threats that might approach from behind.

The Entwash was a formidable river, wide and deep, with a strong current that made crossing treacherous. As the company approached its banks, the sun was high, casting glistening reflections off the churning water. They could see the vast inland delta ahead, a network of smaller streams and marshes that spread out like the fingers of a hand, complicating their path.

Elros, riding at the front, called a halt. "We must be cautious here. The Entwash is known for its hidden depths and swift currents. Even experienced riders can be swept away if not careful."

Legolas nodded, his keen eyes scanning the riverbanks for a safe crossing point. "We will need to find a place where the water is shallow enough for the horses. And we must stay close together. If anyone is caught in the current, we all must be ready to assist."

Xena, on Chubbie, rode up beside him, her brows furrowed with concern. "This river looks fierce. Are you sure we can cross it without losing anyone?"

Legolas turned to her, his expression serious. "We have no choice. The safest path to Rohan lies across the Entwash. We must be vigilant and move swiftly."

As they scouted for a crossing, Thalion and Mírdan found a spot where the river seemed narrower, the water calmer. The group approached it cautiously, but as they drew closer, the ground beneath them grew soft and treacherous.

"We must move quickly," Legolas urged. "The ground here is unstable."

One by one, the horses began to wade into the water, the current tugging at their legs. Xena kept a firm grip on Chubbie's reins, urging him forward. The water was cold and biting, reaching up to their knees and then higher.

Halfway across, the riverbed suddenly dropped, and the current grew stronger. Chubbie stumbled, and Xena tightened her grip, fighting to keep her balance. Legolas was beside her in an instant, his horse steady despite the swirling waters.

"Hold on!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the roar of the river. "We can make it!"

But the river had other plans. A hidden branch under the water caught Elros's horse, causing it to rear and throw him off balance. He fell into the river, the current dragging him downstream.

"Elros!" Thalion cried out, spurring his horse forward to help.

Xena didn't hesitate. She handed Chubbie's reins to Legolas and dove into the water, her powerful strokes cutting through the current. She reached Elros, grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the shore with all her strength.

Legolas and Thalion worked together to guide their horses closer, creating a barrier against the current. With a final effort, Xena and Elros were pulled to safety, gasping for breath on the riverbank.

The rest of the company made it across, but the ordeal had taken its toll. Wet and exhausted, they gathered on the far side of the river, grateful to be alive but wary of the challenges still ahead.

Legolas turned to Xena, his expression a mix of relief and respect. "Thank you, Xena. Your bravery saved Elros."

Xena, still catching her breath, managed a smile. " I wasn't about to let him drown."

As they regrouped and prepared to move on, the reality of their journey set in. The path ahead would be fraught with dangers, but together, they would face whatever came their way. The Entwash had tested their resolve, but it also strengthened the bond between them, a bond that would carry them through the challenges to come.

The journey across the Entwash had been a significant milestone, marking a substantial portion of their journey completed. As the company rode on, they felt a renewed sense of determination. The landscape around them began to change, with the lush grasslands of Rohan gradually giving way to more rugged terrain.

The first day after crossing the river, they rode fast and hard, the urgency of their mission driving them forward. The wind whispered through the tall grasses, rustling leaves and carrying the scent of distant pine. Birds circled high overhead, their cries mingling with the rhythmic pounding of horse hooves on the ground. The sun arched high in the sky, casting long shadows that danced and flickered as they moved.

The company spoke little, their focus on the path ahead. Elros led the way, his keen elven eyes scanning for any signs of danger. Thalion and Mírdan rode in the middle, their expressions set and determined. Legolas and Xena brought up the rear, their senses attuned to any threats that might arise. The horses, sensing the urgency of their riders, moved with purpose and grace, their muscles rippling under sleek coats.

As the day wore on, the terrain became more uneven, with rocky outcrops and scattered patches of forest. The sound of a distant stream mingled with the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of wildlife. The air grew cooler as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the landscape.

By evening, they neared a village that lay ahead. From a distance, it appeared ordinary, but as they drew closer, they noticed plumes of smoke rising into the sky. The scent of burning wood and the faint cries of distress reached them on the wind. Legolas signaled for the group to slow, and they approached the village cautiously.

The scene before them was one of devastation. The village was in ruins, with several buildings reduced to smoldering rubble. Flames still licked at the remains of some structures, casting an eerie glow in the twilight. Villagers moved frantically, trying to salvage what they could and tend to the wounded.

Xena dismounted quickly, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of immediate danger. Legolas followed suit, his bow at the ready. The rest of the company dismounted as well, spreading out to assess the situation and offer assistance.

"Over here!" Xena called, her voice cutting through the chaos as she spotted a group of villagers struggling to put out a fire.

Legolas moved swiftly to her side, his keen eyes taking in the scene. "We need to help them," he said, his voice firm but calm.

The company sprang into action, working alongside the villagers to extinguish the remaining fires and provide aid to the injured. Xena, with her strength and agility, moved swiftly through the chaos, helping to carry buckets of water and lifting debris to free trapped villagers. Legolas directed the efforts, his calm demeanor and sharp instincts guiding their actions.

As the fires were brought under control and the immediate danger passed, the villagers began to gather around, their expressions a mixture of relief and gratitude. An elderly man, who appeared to be the village leader, approached the company, his face lined with worry and exhaustion.

"Thank you," he said, his voice shaking. "We were attacked by orcs. They came without warning and set the village ablaze. We've lost so much…"

Legolas nodded, his expression grave. "We are glad we could help. We will stay and assist with the rebuilding efforts as much as we can."

Xena placed a comforting hand on the man's shoulder. "We've faced these creatures before. We'll do what we can to ensure they don't return."

As the night deepened, the company set up their camp within the village, providing a much-needed sense of security to the weary and traumatized inhabitants. The fires had finally been extinguished, but the damage was extensive. Xena and Elros quickly took charge of organizing aid for the wounded, moving through the village with a determined purpose.

Xena found a relatively intact barn to serve as a makeshift infirmary. She and Elros began to assess the injured, prioritizing those who needed immediate attention. Her warrior's hands, usually so adept at wielding weapons, now moved with surprising gentleness as she cleaned and bandaged wounds. She worked efficiently, her knowledge of basic medicine and combat injuries coming to the fore.

Elros moved alongside her, his hands glowing with a faint, ethereal light as he used his elven healing abilities to soothe burns and mend broken bones. His calm presence and soothing voice provided comfort to the villagers, who were grateful for any aid they could receive. Together, they created an efficient system, attending to each injured person with care and precision.

Mírdan returned with a basket filled with healing herbs, bandages, and other supplies he had scavenged from the remains of the village. He worked tirelessly to prepare poultices and herbal remedies, handing them to Xena and Elros as needed. The trio moved like a well-oiled machine, their efforts coordinated and effective.

"Hold still, this will sting," Xena murmured to a young boy with a burn on his arm. She applied a poultice of crushed herbs, her touch firm but gentle.

"You're doing great," Elros said softly to an elderly woman with a broken leg, his hands emitting a warm glow as he set the bone and wrapped it in bandages. "Rest now, the pain will subside soon."

Meanwhile, Legolas and Thalion walked through the village, assessing the structural damage and salvaging whatever they could. They examined each building carefully, determining which ones were still safe for use and which ones were beyond repair.

"This one might hold for a few more days," Thalion remarked, inspecting a partially collapsed house. "We can use it to store supplies and shelter those who can't sleep outside."

Legolas nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. "We need to reinforce the perimeter. Set up makeshift barricades to protect the villagers from any further attacks."

As they moved through the village, they offered words of encouragement to the villagers, helping to lift their spirits and instill a sense of hope. They worked alongside the villagers, their presence and expertise providing much-needed support.

Later, Xena joined Legolas, who was deep in conversation with the village's elderly leader. The old man, with lines of worry, etched deeply into his face, explained their predicament.

"This is the third time we've been attacked by orcs," the old man said wearily. "We can't stay here any longer. It's not safe. Once the dead are buried and the wounded are well enough to travel, we will move to the next town. It's larger and safer."

Legolas and Xena exchanged a glance, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We respect your decision," Legolas said solemnly. "We will help you prepare for the journey and ensure you reach the next town safely."

The burial of the dead was a somber affair. Villagers and the company alike paid their respects as the bodies were laid to rest. Xena and Legolas aided in the process, their presence offering comfort and support. The bodies were carefully wrapped and burned in a respectful ceremony, the flames rising into the night sky as a symbol of both farewell and renewal.

As the night wore on, food was prepared and distributed among the villagers and the company. It was a simple meal, but it brought a sense of normalcy and comfort. They ate in silence, the weight of the day's events heavy upon them. After the meal, the villagers and the company settled down to rest, their minds and bodies exhausted.

Tomorrow, the company would continue their journey, and the villagers would begin their own path to a new home. For now, they found solace in each other's presence, drawing strength from the bonds they had forged in the face of adversity. As the night deepened, the camp fell into a quiet, uneasy sleep, each person finding their own way to cope with the lingering fear and uncertainty.

As the night deepened and the villagers settled into an uneasy sleep, Legolas found himself unable to rest. The weight of the day, filled with death and destruction, hung heavily on his mind. He walked quietly to the edge of the village, seeking solace away from the others. Xena noticed his departure and followed, sensing the need for a private conversation.

She found him sitting on a fallen log, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The moonlight bathed the scene in a silvery glow, casting long shadows and creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. Xena approached quietly, her presence a silent offering of companionship.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked softly.

Legolas glanced up, his eyes reflecting the somber thoughts that weighed on his mind. He nodded, gesturing for her to sit beside him.

For a few moments, they sat in silence, the only sounds being the distant crackle of the dying village fires and the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle night breeze. Xena broke the silence, her voice thoughtful.

"This village, these people... it's a small glimpse of what's to come, isn't it?" she asked, her tone serious.

Legolas sighed, his gaze distant. "Yes, it is. Sauron's forces are growing stronger, spreading their darkness across Middle-earth. What we witnessed here tonight is but a fraction of the destruction they are capable of."

Xena studied his face, noting the weariness etched into his features. "You've seen it before, haven't you? The darkness spreading."

He nodded slowly. "For many long years, I have patrolled the halls of my father, Thranduil, in Mirkwood. I have seen the creeping shadows, the malevolent creatures that serve Sauron. And I have fought alongside Aragorn and the Rangers of the North, witnessing firsthand the encroaching darkness. It is a battle that grows more dire with each passing day."

Xena's eyes were piercing as she regarded him. "But you don't despair."

Legolas turned to meet her gaze, a hint of determination in his eyes. "I have faith. As long as we fight, as long as we do not yield to despair, there is always hope. Evil cannot be allowed to triumph. It is our duty to stand against it, to protect those who cannot protect themselves."

Xena nodded, understanding the depth of his conviction. "It's not easy, though. Seeing the suffering, knowing what lies ahead."

"No, it is not," Legolas agreed. "But we must remember why we fight. Every life we save, every act of courage, it all matters. It all contributes to the greater good. We must hold onto that, even in the darkest times."

Xena leaned back, gazing up at the stars. "I've fought my own battles, faced my own darkness. Sometimes it feels like the fight will never end. But hearing you speak, it reminds me why I keep going. Why we all keep going."

Legolas offered her a faint smile, a rare expression of warmth. "We all have our burdens to bear, our battles to fight. But together, we are stronger. We can find strength in each other, and in the hope that our actions can make a difference."

Xena's gaze softened, a newfound respect for the elven prince growing within her. "You're right. We can't afford to give up. Not now, not ever."

They sat in silence for a while longer, drawing comfort from each other's presence. The night was still, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. As they prepared to return to the camp, Legolas placed a hand on Xena's shoulder, his touch firm but reassuring.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "For your strength, and for reminding me that we are not alone in this fight."

Xena smiled, her resolve strengthened by their exchange. "We're in this together, Legolas. Until the end."

With that, they stood and made their way back to the camp, their spirits bolstered by the shared understanding and the promise of continued resistance against the encroaching darkness.

((Upcoming Chapter Thirty - Four))

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