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)

ActIV

Mellon

Chapter 35: The Simplest of Dangers

North-South Road, August 16th 3018 T.A.

As the company rode steadily along the North-South Road, the landscape of Rohan stretched out behind them. The vast plains rolled gently beneath the clear sky, the distant mountains standing as silent sentinels. The sun was high, casting a golden hue over the grasslands, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of earth and wildflowers. The company rode in a formation that had naturally fallen into place—Aragorn and Legolas at the front, Xena just behind them, with the rest of the company bringing up the rear.

Xena's gaze often drifted to the pair ahead of her. The change in Legolas was unmistakable. He seemed more at ease, his usual guarded demeanor softened in the presence of Aragorn. The elf, who had always carried an air of aloofness, now seemed more approachable, even allowing himself the rare smile or laugh. It was clear that the bond between the two was strong, forged in the fires of many battles and tempered by years of friendship.

As they rode, Aragorn glanced at Legolas, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It is good to see you again, mellon nin. Though I wish it were under better circumstances."

Legolas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "As do I, Aragorn. It seems that darkness continues to follow us, no matter where we go."

Aragorn's gaze shifted to the road ahead, his voice serious. "Gollum's escape is troubling. And with the forces of Sauron searching for him. The path to Rivendell is fraught with danger, and we cannot afford any missteps."

Legolas sighed softly. "I know. His escape weighs heavily on me. My father's halls are not easily breached, yet Gollum found a way. I fear what he may do if he falls into the wrong hands."

Aragorn nodded, understanding the burden his friend carried. "You did all you could, Legolas. Gollum is a creature of shadows and deceit. Even the strongest of fortresses cannot contain him if he is determined to escape. What matters now is that we reach Rivendell and warn Elrond. The time to act is upon us."

Legolas's gaze flickered back to the company riding behind them, and he hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "There is another matter that concerns me, Aragorn. The woman riding with us—Xena."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Xena, the warrior you mentioned before?"

Legolas nodded. "Yes, her. She is formidable, and skilled in combat beyond what I have seen in many warriors, but there is something about her that unsettles me. She has a darkness in her past, a weight she carries, and though she fights on the side of good, I cannot shake the feeling that there is more to her than she reveals."

Aragorn glanced back at Xena, who rode quietly behind them, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "She seems strong-willed, determined. But darkness… we all have shadows that haunt us, Legolas. What is it about her that troubles you so?"

Legolas's expression was unreadable as he searched for the right words. "It is not just her past that concerns me, but her present. She saved my life, yet I sense a conflict within her. I perceive there are deeper tales within her heart, yet she has not laid them bare before me."

Aragorn considered his friend's words, his brow furrowing in thought. "You say she saved your life. That speaks of her loyalty, of her willingness to stand by you even in the face of danger. But you are right to be cautious, Legolas. It is clear that she carries a heavy burden. Perhaps that is why she fights so fiercely."

Legolas nodded slowly. "I do not doubt her bravery. She has proven herself time and again. But I wonder if she is truly in control of her own fate. She spoke to me of atonement, of seeking redemption for past deeds. It is as if she is driven by a need to make amends, but I fear that this need may lead her down a dangerous path."

Aragorn's gaze softened as he looked at his friend. "You care for her, Legolas, whether you admit it or not. That is why you are so troubled. But we cannot carry the burdens of others for them. All we can do is offer our support, our friendship, and hope that they find their way."

Legolas's expression tightened, but he did not deny Aragorn's words. "Perhaps you are right. I have come to respect her, despite our differences. But there is something about her that I cannot fully grasp. I fear that one day it may lead to something none of us can control."

Aragorn placed a hand on Legolas's shoulder, his voice filled with quiet conviction. "Then we must be alerted, my friend. But do not let fear cloud your judgment. Trust in her as she trusts in you. Whatever comes, we will face it together."

Legolas offered a small, grateful nod, his tension easing slightly at Aragorn's words. The conversation between them shifted to other matters, the mood lightening as they spoke of past adventures and shared memories.

As the day wore on, the company continued their journey across the North-South Road, the camaraderie between Legolas and Aragorn bringing a sense of unity and purpose to their mission. Though the road ahead was fraught with danger, they knew they could face it together, as friends and allies, bound by trust and shared resolve.

Xena, riding quietly behind them, observed the two with a mixture of curiosity and respect. She could see the deep bond they shared, and though she did not know the full extent of their history, she could sense the trust and understanding that passed between them. It was a rare thing, she realized, to find such loyalty and friendship in a world so filled with darkness.

As they rode on, the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the plains. The company moved with purpose, their destination drawing ever closer. But even as they traveled through the heart of Rohan, the specter of the coming war loomed ever larger, a reminder that their journey was far from over.

As the company continued their journey along the North-South Road, the landscape around them began to change subtly. The road, once well-trodden and clear, had indeed become overgrown with grass and weeds. The path was still discernible, but it was clear that it had not seen much use in recent years. The Bree-folk had aptly named it the Greenway, and now, as they traveled, the road seemed almost a part of the surrounding countryside, blending in with the rolling hills and scattered trees.

The day was progressing peacefully, with the sun filtering through the scattered clouds overhead. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of earth and grass. The company rode in relative silence, each member lost in their own thoughts. The mood was light, yet there was an undercurrent of anticipation as they ventured deeper into the wilds of Middle-earth.

Suddenly, Thalion, who was riding at the rear, noticed something strange. The path ahead, which had been clear just moments ago, now seemed to be shifting. The grass and weeds that had once lined the road appeared to be growing at an accelerated pace, twisting and curling as if alive. The path was slowly being swallowed by the greenery.

"Hold!" Thalion called out, his voice cutting through the quiet. The company came to a halt, and everyone turned to see what had caught his attention.

Legolas and Aragorn, at the front, exchanged a puzzled glance. "What do you make of this?" Aragorn asked, scanning the shifting greenery.

Legolas narrowed his eyes, his sharp elven senses picking up the faintest hint of something amiss. "This is not natural," he murmured. "There is some enchantment at work here."

Xena dismounted from her horse, her instincts telling her to investigate more closely. She walked cautiously toward the growing plants, her eyes sharp and her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. The grass seemed to writhe as if in response to her approach, the green tendrils reaching out toward her boots.

"I don't like the look of this," Xena said, glancing back at the others. "I've seen a lot of strange things in my time, but this... it's almost like the land itself is trying to keep us from moving forward."

Elros nodded in agreement, his hand resting on the hilt of his own sword. "We should be cautious. There could be more at play here than just overgrown plants."

Mírdan, ever the scholar, stepped forward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "There are old tales of the Greenway being haunted by ancient magics. Long ago, before it fell into disuse, travelers would speak of strange occurrences along this road. Some said the very earth was alive, reacting to the presence of those who walked upon it."

Aragorn listened carefully, his gaze fixed on the undulating grass. "If that is the case, we need to find a way to calm this enchantment, or at the very least, find a way around it."

Xena crouched down, inspecting the roots of the grass. "Perhaps it's not just magic. Could it be something in the soil? Some sort of natural defense mechanism?"

Legolas stepped forward, his keen eyes taking in the scene. He knelt beside Xena, his hand brushing against the earth. "There is a magic here, but it is ancient and weak. I sense no malice, only a desire to protect. This land has been left to its own devices for too long."

Elros, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Perhaps if we work together, we can find a way to clear the path without disturbing whatever is at work here. A little magic, combined with a bit of force, might be enough to allow us to continue."

Aragorn nodded. "Let's see what we can do. Mírdan, see if you can recall any specific spells or incantations that might help. Xena, keep watch with Elros. Legolas and I will try to cut back the growth as carefully as we can."

As the company set to work, Mírdan delved into his knowledge of ancient lore, searching for a way to counter the enchantment without causing harm. Legolas and Aragorn began carefully trimming the overgrown plants, their blades moving with precision as they worked to clear the path. Xena and Elros stood guard, their eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of trouble.

After a short time, Mírdan found what he was looking for—a simple chant that, when spoken, would encourage the land to return to its natural state, allowing them to pass without further interference. He recited the chant in a low, melodic voice, his words weaving through the air like a gentle breeze.

As the last word left his lips, the grass and weeds began to retreat, the road slowly reappearing before them. The plants no longer writhed or reached out, instead settling back into the earth, content to let the company pass.

Legolas sheathed his blade, glancing at Aragorn with a hint of a smile. "It seems the land is willing to let us continue, for now."

Aragorn nodded, pleased with their success. "Let's not waste this opportunity. We should move quickly before the enchantment decides to return."

The company remounted their horses and continued along the now-clear path, the strange incident already fading into the past. As they rode on, the tension that had briefly taken hold of them began to dissipate, replaced by a renewed sense of camaraderie. They had faced a challenge together, and though it was not a battle with swords and arrows, it had reminded them of the importance of working as a team.

Xena, riding alongside Legolas and Aragorn, couldn't help but smile. "You know, not every day you get to face off against an angry road. Makes you wonder what other surprises Middle-earth has in store for us."

Legolas chuckled, the sound light and free. "Indeed. If this is what the road has to offer, I can only imagine what lies ahead."

Aragorn grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I have no doubt we will overcome whatever challenges come our way."

With that, the company pressed on, the Greenway stretching out before them, a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, adventure and mystery could still be found.

As the evening settled into a comfortable darkness, Aragorn led the company off the North-South Road and into a small, secluded area that offered natural protection. The terrain was rocky, with a few large boulders creating a small cave-like enclosure. The grass here was sparse, but a small pool of water, fed by a nearby stream, shimmered under the light of the rising moon.

"This spot has served me well in the past," Aragorn said, dismounting his horse. "It's sheltered and provides easy access to water. We should be safe here for the night."

Legolas nodded in agreement, his keen eyes scanning the area. "It is well-chosen. The rocks will shield us from the wind, and the pool is clear and fresh."

The company set to work preparing the camp. Elros and Thalion tended to the horses, loosening their saddles and allowing them to graze on the grass nearby. Mírdan gathered dry wood and kindling, arranging it in the center of their makeshift camp to create a fire. The warmth of the flames soon spread, casting flickering shadows on the rocky walls around them.

Xena found a spot near one of the larger boulders and began to unpack her belongings. She set her sword within arm's reach, out of habit, and began laying out her bedding. The others did the same, each finding a spot that offered some comfort and security. The sound of the horses drinking from the pool, the crackling of the fire, and the soft murmur of conversation filled the air, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and ease.

Elros, with a small grin on his face, uncorked a bottle of wine that the old woman from the farm had gifted them. "A night like this calls for a little celebration," he said, passing the bottle around the group.

Aragorn accepted the bottle with a nod of thanks, taking a small sip before handing it to Legolas. "To old friends and new journeys," Aragorn toasted.

Legolas took the bottle, lifting it slightly in agreement. "May the road ahead be less troubled than the one behind us," he added before taking a sip and passing it to Xena.

As they shared the wine and a simple meal of bread and dried cheese, the conversation turned to stories of the road. Aragorn, with his vast experience as a ranger, shared tales of his travels along the Greenway, recounting encounters with bandits, strange creatures, and the occasional new traveler.

Thalion and Mírdan chimed in with stories of their own, speaking of the long patrols they had taken in service of Thranduil, guarding the borders of Mirkwood. Their stories were filled with the dangers of the forest, from giant spiders to orc incursions, and the eerie silence that often settled over the trees, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.

Xena listened with interest, her eyes flickering between the speakers as she leaned back against the cool stone of the boulder. The warmth of the fire and the wine had lulled her into a relaxed state, but as the night wore on, something unusual caught her attention.

The surface of the rock wall beside her seemed to ripple, as if alive. She frowned, focusing her gaze on the stone, and saw that what she had initially thought was a trick of the light was, in fact, a mass of bugs crawling across the surface. The creatures were small but numerous, their dark bodies creating a moving, undulating pattern on the rock.

Xena's instincts flared, and she quickly sat up, her body tensing. But she didn't shout or panic. Instead, she calmly assessed the situation. These bugs were no ordinary insects—they moved with a disturbing unity, as if driven by a single purpose. Their sheer number was unsettling, and she knew that if they were not dealt with swiftly, they could become a serious problem.

She glanced at the fire and then at the bottle of wine that still had a decent amount left. A plan formed in her mind, and she moved with quick precision. Grabbing a stick from the fire, she held it close to her lips, its end glowing with embers. Then, without hesitation, she took a large swig of wine, holding it in her mouth for a brief moment.

The others, sensing her sudden urgency, started to stand up, but before they could react, Xena put her plan into action. She leaned forward, her lips close to the fiery stick, and with a powerful exhalation, spat the wine into the flames. The alcohol ignited instantly, creating a burst of fire that she expertly directed toward the mass of bugs.

The fire roared out from the stick, engulfing the bugs in a searing wave. The creatures crackled and burned, the heat of the flames turning them to ash almost instantly. The light from the fire danced off Xena's face, her eyes gleaming with fierce concentration as she controlled the flames with precision, ensuring that the fire did not spread beyond its intended target.

Within moments, the threat was eliminated, and the bugs were reduced to nothing more than smoldering remains on the rocky ground. Xena lowered the stick, a satisfied smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she surveyed her work.

The rest of the company stared at her in a mixture of amazement and disbelief. Elros, who had been mid-story, was left speechless, his mouth slightly open as he tried to process what he had just witnessed. Mírdan was the first to break the silence, letting out a low whistle of admiration. "Well, that's one way to deal with a bug problem," he said, a grin spreading across his face.

Thalion chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "I've seen many things in my time, but that... that was something else."

Xena looked around at them, a proud smirk on her face. "Just a little trick I picked up along the way," she said nonchalantly, as if spitting fire was the most natural thing in the world.

Legolas, however, was less impressed. He crossed his arms over his chest, his expression somewhere between annoyance and reluctant admiration. "You could have warned us before you decided to set the camp on fire," he said, his tone edged with a hint of exasperation.

Xena raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Where's the fun in that, elf?" she replied, her voice playful but with a touch of challenge. "Besides, I handled it, didn't I? No need for you to get your bowstring in a knot."

Legolas's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Just be careful with that fire-breathing trick of yours, or you might end up burning more than just a few bugs," he retorted, though the annoyance in his voice had softened.

The others laughed, the tension easing as the conversation returned to its earlier light-hearted tone. The night continued with stories and laughter, the incident with the bugs becoming just another tale to add to their journey.

As the fire burned lower and the night deepened, Xena leaned back against the rock wall, her gaze drifting up to the stars. She couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, not just from dealing with the bugs, but from the camaraderie that had developed among the group. Despite the challenges they faced, they were growing closer, united by their shared experiences and the dangers they had overcome.

Legolas, still slightly bemused by the evening's events, kept a watchful eye on Xena as the night wore on. He couldn't quite shake the image of her spitting fire, and despite his earlier annoyance, he found himself impressed by her resourcefulness and nerve. He knew that their journey was far from over, and that more challenges lay ahead, but with each passing day, he was beginning to see Xena not just as a companion, but as someone he could trust—even if she did have a habit of making everything more complicated than it needed to be.

As the camp eventually settled down for the night, the fire's embers glowing softly in the darkness, the company found a moment of peace. They had faced another obstacle together, and though small, it was a reminder that even the simplest of dangers could be overcome with the right mix of courage, skill, and a little bit of fire.

((Upcoming Chapter Thirty - Six))

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