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)

ActV

Trusted Friends

Chapter 46: Echoes of Pain, Threads of Hope

Imladris, September 9th 3018 T.A.

The night passed with an uncommon tranquility, the gentle murmur of the waterfalls outside serving as a soothing reminder of the haven that was Rivendell. Inside the chamber, the soft glow of dawn began to seep through the latticed windows, casting a warm light across the room. Legolas, who had kept a vigil over Xena for hours, finally acknowledged that it was time to leave. He knew she was safe now, and that knowledge should have been enough to ease his mind, but a part of him hesitated, unwilling to leave her side.

He looked down at her once more, taking in the sight of her resting peacefully beneath the elegant Elven covers. Her face had regained some of its color, and her breathing was steady—a far cry from the fragile state she had been in only hours before. With a soft sigh, Legolas gently released her hand, realizing only then how tightly he had been holding onto it. He stood, his movements slow and deliberate, as if prolonging the inevitable departure, and with one last glance at Xena, he quietly left her chamber, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

Legolas made his way through the quiet halls of Rivendell, seeking out the healers to inform them of Xena's awakening. They listened intently and then hurried off to tend to her, leaving Legolas with a brief but profound sense of relief. He knew they would inform Lord Elrond, but the thought of Xena being examined again so soon after her ordeal left him with a pang of concern. However, he respected their judgment—she needed more time to recover before she faced the full weight of her new reality in this strange world.

Returning to his own chamber, Legolas felt the weariness of the past days pressing heavily upon him. He stepped into the room, a space that now felt both comforting and foreign. The large basin of water by the mirror was a welcome sight, and he splashed the cool liquid over his face, washing away the remnants of blood and tension that still clung to him. The bruised nose, a memento of Xena's unexpected punch, no longer bled, but it remained tender to the touch. He could see the faint discoloration in the mirror as he wiped his face dry with a towel, discarding it casually beside the basin.

As he unbraided his hair, the tension in his scalp eased slightly, but the exhaustion lingered, heavy and insistent. He walked over to the bed, his movements slower now, weighed down by the fatigue he had been ignoring for days. With a sense of resignation, he sat on the edge of the bed, removing his boots with deliberate care, and then finally allowed himself to lie down.

The sheets were cool and soft against his skin as he pulled them halfway over himself, settling into the bed with a long exhale. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Legolas let his guard down, closing his eyes in search of rest. But even as sleep began to claim him, he knew it would not be a peaceful one. The nightmares that had haunted him for so long were still there, waiting in the shadows, ready to pull him into their dark embrace the moment he succumbed to exhaustion.

Yet, in that fleeting moment before sleep took hold, there was a sliver of comfort—knowing that Xena, too, was resting, and that perhaps later, they would both find a way to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Xena awoke to a soft warmth that slowly spread through her limbs, a feeling that had been absent for what seemed like an eternity. As her senses gradually returned, she became aware of the room around her—a space that exuded peace and serenity, a far cry from the chaotic and tumultuous world she was accustomed to. The bed she lay in was luxurious, its sheets smooth and cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the rough and uncomfortable conditions she had been enduring for so long.

She slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position, her movements tentative as she took in her surroundings. The room was bathed in the gentle light of midday, filtering through the elegant latticework of the large arched window. Beyond the window, the view was breathtaking: a cascade of waterfalls tumbling down from the cliffs above, their mist catching the sunlight and creating a shimmering halo around the valley. The sound of the rushing water was both soothing and invigorating, a reminder of the vitality of this place known as Imladris.

The room itself was a marvel of Elven craftsmanship. The wooden floors, polished to a gleaming shine, felt cool beneath her feet as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. She noticed the robe she was wearing, a garment unlike anything she had ever worn before. It was a robe of purest white, woven with the finest Elven fabric that seemed to embrace her with an almost ethereal warmth. As she moved, the robe flowed around her like a gentle breeze, light and soft against her skin, yet providing a comfort that was as much spiritual as it was physical.

Xena walked barefoot across the wooden floor, feeling the coolness seep into her skin with each step. She approached the chest at the foot of the bed, where her weapons had been carefully placed. Her fingers traced the familiar lines of her chakram and sword, their cold, hard edges a stark contrast to the softness of her surroundings. They were a reminder of who she was—a warrior, a fighter, someone who had always relied on her strength and skill to survive.

As she turned, her gaze fell upon a large mirror on the opposite wall. She stepped closer, her reflection coming into focus. The robe, though simple in its design, was elegant in its craftsmanship. It draped her form with a grace that was both foreign and welcome, its soft belt cinching her waist just enough to give it shape without restricting her movement. The sleeves were wide, allowing her the freedom she cherished, but tapered at the wrists to avoid any unnecessary encumbrance.

For a moment, she simply stared at herself, her mind slowly processing the change that had come over her. The last memory she had was of a fierce battle with darkness, a struggle that had nearly claimed her. Now, as she looked into the mirror, she could see the toll it had taken. Her skin, though slowly regaining its color, still bore a paleness that spoke of the ordeal she had endured. Her eyes, once sharp and filled with an unyielding determination, now held a shadow of doubt and vulnerability.

Xena's thoughts drifted to the night before, to the memory of Legolas and the concern etched into his features. She recalled her actions, the way she had attacked him in her confusion and anger, and a wave of guilt washed over her. Her expression softened, her fierce blue eyes now clouded with worry. She had always been a warrior, but this was different. This was a battle of emotions, of feelings she had long tried to suppress.

Her mind raced with questions and fears, all centered around Legolas. She hadn't meant to harm him, yet she had. And now, as she stood there, she couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at her—worry that she might have hurt him more than she realized, worry that she had somehow crossed a line she couldn't easily return from.

Taking a deep breath, Xena tried to steady herself, but the tension remained. She knew she needed to see him, to speak with him, but the thought of facing him after what had happened made her hesitate. Her usual confidence was replaced by a stillness, a rare moment of pause where her emotions threatened to surface.

With a determined breath, Xena walked to the door of her chamber. She opened it, the bright light from the hallway momentarily blinding her after the dim serenity of her room. She paused, steadying herself against the doorframe as a wave of dizziness washed over her. The wound may have been healing, but she was far from fully recovered.

A passing Elven maiden, noticing her unsteadiness, approached with concern. "Do you need assistance, my lady?" she asked, her voice gentle and kind.

Xena, ever proud, shook her head. "I'm fine," she replied, though her voice lacked its usual strength. As the maiden turned to leave, Xena called out, "Wait. Do you know where I can find Prince Legolas?"

The maiden smiled and nodded, pointing to the chamber directly across the hall. "He is resting in his room, just there."

Xena thanked her and watched as she walked away, leaving her alone in the hallway. She took a moment to collect herself, the knowledge that Legolas was so close both a comfort and a cause for trepidation. After a brief hesitation, she gathered her resolve and walked slowly across the hall, each step a reminder of the strength she was trying to regain, both physically and emotionally.

What the maiden could never have anticipated was the audacity of the human warrior who now stood before Legolas's door. Xena was not one to be bound by the conventions of elven decorum, nor was she inclined to wait for permission to enter a space, especially not after what she had endured. With a resolute step, she pushed open the door and entered Legolas's chamber, closing it firmly behind her.

As she stepped inside, she was immediately enveloped by the scent that had become all too familiar to her—Legolas's distinct aroma of summer rain mingled with mint and citrus. It was a fragrance that seemed to permeate every corner of the room, stronger now than ever before, and it hit her with an unexpected intensity. The scent stirred something within her, a mix of comfort and irritation, and she found herself pausing, leaning against the closed door as she steadied herself. Under her breath, she muttered a quiet curse, acknowledging the unnerving familiarity of his presence, a presence that had become almost intoxicating.

Gathering herself, Xena's sharp eyes quickly took in the state of the room. Her gaze fell upon the discarded robes on the floor, stained with dried blood. Beside them, a basin of water tinged pink with the remnants of that same blood, and a towel marked with the evidence of a recent and hurried cleaning. The sight of it all made her heart tighten with concern—had she done more damage to him than she realized?

She stepped further into the room, the sunlight streaming through the large windows illuminating the space in a warm glow. The ever-present sound of the waterfall outside created a serene backdrop, a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside. Her eyes finally landed on Legolas, lying face down on the bed, his upper body bare, revealing the expanse of his muscular back. He was still, deep in slumber, wearing only his leggings, his usually poised form now vulnerable and exposed in sleep.

Xena moved to the other side of the bed, where the light was softer, filtered through the delicate latticework of the window. She leaned against the window frame, allowing herself a moment to truly look at him. Legolas's face, usually so composed and unreadable, was now etched with lines of sadness and pain. Even in sleep, his expression bore the weight of the nightmares that plagued him. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, and his breathing, though steady, was deep, as though his mind was locked in a struggle with the dark visions that haunted him.

Her gaze softened as she studied him. The faint bruise on his nose, the only remaining evidence of her earlier assault, seemed to be healing well. A small relief, but it did little to ease the guilt that gnawed at her. Xena took a deep breath, the scent of him once again filling her senses, mingling with her worry and frustration. She knew she hadn't harmed him gravely, but seeing him like this—so vulnerable, so affected by his own inner battles—struck a chord in her.

As Xena remained by the window, the morning light casting a gentle glow across the room, she couldn't shake the unease that settled in her chest. Seeing Legolas, usually so composed and strong, battling his demons even in sleep troubled her deeply. She had fought many battles, faced countless enemies, but this was different. This was a war waged within, and it was one that no blade could ever hope to defeat.

Her resolve solidified as she moved closer to the bed, her bare feet silent on the wooden floor. Leaning in, she gently brushed a few stray strands of his golden hair away from his face, her fingers trembling slightly at the tenderness of the gesture. She could feel the heat radiating from his skin, could see the tension etched into every line of his face. With a soft touch, she used her sleeve to dab away the beads of sweat that clung to his brow, her heart aching at the sight of him in such turmoil.

As her hand hovered one last time, poised to touch his cheek, Legolas suddenly stirred. His hand shot out, gripping her wrist in a reflexive motion born from years of battle and survival. His eyes snapped open, wild and unfocused for a moment as he shook off the remnants of his nightmare. For a brief, heart-stopping second, Xena could see the confusion in his eyes, the disorientation as he tried to place himself in the waking world.

Then, recognition dawned in his gaze as he locked eyes with her. His grip on her wrist loosened, and he released her, though the tension didn't fully leave his body. He sat up slowly, still catching his breath, and looked at her with a mixture of confusion and concern.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice rough from sleep, but edged with the authority he always carried.

Xena opened her mouth to reply, intending to ask how he was feeling and to apologize for hitting him the previous night, but before she could speak, a sudden knock echoed through the room. Legolas's head snapped towards the door, his gaze sharpening as if he were still in battle, scanning the room as though searching for something. Outside, a voice politely requested permission to enter.

Panic flashed in Legolas's eyes, and without missing a beat, he turned back to Xena, his urgency clear. "Hide!" he whispered fiercely.

Xena's brow furrowed in confusion. "What—" she began, but Legolas cut her off, clamping a hand over her mouth and pulling her down to the floor beside the bed. His actions were swift and precise, betraying his need to avoid detection, and despite herself, Xena found herself being dragged into his plan.

The door creaked open, and Legolas straightened up, keeping his hand pressed against Xena's mouth as he did. From her position on the floor, partially hidden under the bed, she could only see the lower half of the room, but she recognized the sound of an elf maiden's soft footsteps as she entered.

"Forgive me, my lord," the maiden said, her voice laced with both respect and embarrassment. "I've come to gather the soiled linens and to refresh your basin."

Legolas kept his composure, though the tension was palpable in the way he hastily pulled the covers up to shield his bare chest. "Thank you," he replied, his voice calm and measured, but with an underlying impatience. "Please, be quick."

The maiden worked efficiently, though she couldn't hide the slight blush on her cheeks as she collected the bloodstained robe and towel. She swiftly replaced the basin of water and laid out fresh towels before offering a quick bow. "I shall leave you to your rest, my lord," she said, turning to exit the room.

Once the door closed behind her, Legolas finally exhaled, the tension draining from his body. He removed his hand from Xena's mouth and stepped back, allowing her to stand. As soon as she was on her feet, however, she rounded on him, her eyes flashing with anger.

"Hide?" she hissed, her voice low but charged with irritation. "What exactly was I supposed to be hiding from, Legolas?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, his composure faltering slightly under her glare. "It was... just a precaution. The last thing I need is for anyone to think—"

"To think what?" she interrupted, placing her hands on her hips. "That you had a visitor? That you weren't sulking in solitude?"

Legolas winced at her words, but he held his ground. "You don't understand, Xena. There are expectations... appearances to maintain."

Xena's eyes narrowed, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Expectations? Appearances? Since when have you cared so much about what people think?"

"It's not about me," he shot back, his frustration starting to show. "It's about you, too. This is Rivendell, Xena. You may not care, but people talk. You're a guest here, and I didn't want to—"

"Didn't want to what?" she challenged, taking a step closer to him. "Didn't want to be seen with a human? Or didn't want to explain why you're sneaking around like some guilty lover?"

Legolas's jaw clenched, the intensity in his eyes matching hers. "I didn't want to put you in a position where you'd be judged, or worse, where your reputation would be questioned. This isn't the wild of Mirkwood, Xena. The elves here, they... they don't know you like I do."

The words hung in the air between them, their meaning deeper than either had intended. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the tension thickening.

Xena's expression softened, the fire in her eyes dimming slightly. "Legolas, you should know by now that I don't care what people think of me. I've lived my life on my own terms, and I've faced far worse than a few gossiping elves. But you..." She hesitated, her voice lowering. "You're my friend. I don't want you to feel like you have to hide... whatever this is."

He looked at her, truly looked at her, and for the first time in their argument, he saw the worry etched in her features, the concern that had been driving her anger. "Xena..."

But she wasn't finished. "I attacked you last night, Legolas. I hurt you, and now I wake up to find you in here, pretending like it didn't happen, like nothing happened."

Legolas shook his head, taking a step closer to her. "You were confused, disoriented. You'd been through something that no one should have to endure. I understand that."

"Do you?" she shot back, her voice rising. "Because I remember every second of it. I remember the darkness, the pain, and then waking up to you, and what did I do? I hit you. I could have hurt you even worse, Legolas."

"But you didn't," he insisted, his tone gentle yet firm. "You didn't hurt me, Xena. I've endured worse, and besides, I've faced plenty of battles—this was nothing."

Xena shook her head, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But it wasn't nothing, not to me. I'm not used to waking up in strange places with strange people taking care of me. I'm not used to this... vulnerability."

Legolas softened, his gaze steady as he reached out to touch her arm, a gesture of reassurance. "And I'm not used to seeing someone fight so hard to stay alive. Xena, you're strong—stronger than anyone I've ever known. What happened last night, it doesn't change that. You've been through so much, and you're still here."

She looked up at him, her eyes searching his for any sign of doubt, but all she saw was sincerity. "And you? What about you, Legolas? What do you see when you close your eyes?"

His expression darkened, the familiar shadows creeping back into his eyes. "I see things that I wish I didn't. I've seen too much death, too much pain, and it haunts me. Every night, it's there, waiting for me."

Xena's heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice, the way his usually unshakable demeanor cracked just enough for her to see the pain he carried. "You don't have to go through it alone, you know."

He smiled faintly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Neither do you."

The room fell silent again, the weight of their words settling between them. For a moment, the tension that had fueled their argument dissipated, replaced by an understanding that neither had expected.

Finally, Legolas spoke, his voice gentle. "I'm sorry if I made you feel like you had to hide. That wasn't my intention. I just... I didn't want to cause you any more trouble."

Xena nodded, the anger that had flared up within her now completely gone. "And I'm sorry for punching you. Twice."

Legolas chuckled softly, rubbing his nose. "I'll survive."

She managed a small smile, the first since she had awakened. "We both will."

They stood there in the quiet of the room, the argument behind them, the unspoken bond between them stronger than ever...

((Upcoming Chapter Thirty - Six))

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