Valley of Imladris, 3018 TA, October 26
They were riding for almost an hour now, Xena adapted to the way her body rose and fell as the stallion rode through the forest. She sniffed a blending of odours surrounding her from the smell of the rain against the trees and the familiar spice of autumn rain and mint. She suddenly blinked and opened her eyes widely 'mint,' she thought. When it hit her, that was the scent of the woodland elf. It amused her how strong his scent was regarding the rest of the elves that were following them.
Connected to the earth by hoof, indebted to the horse who carried him with loving care, the elf made his way through the path that Aragorn and Arwen took. He leaned over and whispered a few elfish words to the horse, and it stepped forward at a slow pace. He listened to the steady hooves, the gentle tail swishes, and the snorting of the air. Then he tapped his legs against the horse, and it suddenly snorted and stepped forward.
The six rode silently, appreciating the scenery and waterfalls of Imladris. The serenity, a spot of peace even among the noise of the water, had a force and brightness. Autumn's chill combined with the sounds of the river created a tranquil and stunning image. After many hours of continuous riding, they came to a halt and decided to continue on food, allowing the horses to rest.
The day was young; the party trekked south river Bruinen and through deep valley's land on turbulent waters. To their left, the ridge rose sharply. Legolas, who was walking first in line, noted, "We must hold this course." Legolas handed the map to Aragorn to note the route that they would follow.
"Where are we going? They didn't answer us that?" asked Pippin as he hopped down the ground next to Merry, he held aloft the lengthy list of things Sam had instructed them to get.
"A village next to river Bruinen they said," answered Merry "Be careful not to lose the list that Sam gave us."
"I was thinking to add a few more things that Sam forgot to include," Pippin continued and Merry agreed. It occurred to Merry and Pippin that they may want to add a few additional details that Sam had overlooked.
Xena hiked for a while last on the line behind Arwen with unseeing eyes as if visiting in a distant memory or listening to sounds she had forgotten for a time. The days she spent in Imladris had her already tasted a different world from the one she lived in. She was surprised with herself, but not relieved.
Legolas looked upon his shoulders as the group was followed behind him. They would not hurry unnecessarily; they were nonetheless nimble and deft in their movements. He focused more on the road ahead in case something would alert them.
"Let's add mushrooms!" Pippin suggested "Rivendell does not have the ones we use in the Shire"
Merry nodded "And What about my taters?"
"No, Merry I have seen a lot of potatoes in the kitchen." Pippin ensured him.
Arwen and Aragorn would look at each other and smile while listening to the hobbits. They seemed so far away from all the darkness that was rising living into the moment of their mission. They were chosen for the supplies of the main quest and that was the only thing that was bothering them at the time.
"We must move on." Aragorn called to them, "We will reach the village by nightfall if we move with haste."
"There is something different about her." A voice drew Aragorn's attention from the road; Arwen was standing next to him "I cannot name it, but she is a strange maiden."
Aragorn studied her, catching her eye as she turned to smile at something Pippin had said, "Aye," he replied, his voice low in case she could hear them "She's seen things, experienced things that none of us has."
"Waking up in an unfamiliar dimension after death," Arwen said, "I cannot fathom the concept of it, much alone live it."
The only ones that kept their distance were Legolas and Xena. The prince of Mirkwood remained at the front guiding them through the path and Xena followed last observing the world around them. She looked at the two hobbits that were ahead of her.
"Are we not going to stop! We should eat!" Pippin grumbled as he rubbed his belly, feeling hungry. He gazed back towards Xena "Aren't you hungry?"
Her eyes twinkled. She looked behind her to note, that she was the only one, the hobbit was talking to. Normally she would avoid answering any questions. But it would be better than having her mind wheeling around memories and thoughts, that made her uncomfortable. "Me? Not really, it's still early!" She responded with a soft dark tone.
"What early?" Pippin rose his voice confused "Merry she thinks that it's already early to eat?"
Merry stepped back and gazed at her and Pippin "Oh! We have already missed two of our meals. Never say that it's early to eat."
"We will camp around evening," informed Aragorn who would not want to hear anything about the second breakfast.
"Elven horses are capable of causing you problems, my Lady," Aragorn stated as he unexpectedly found himself walking ahead of Xena. "Particularly those from Mirkwood. They are inextricably linked to their masters."
"I've been there, done that," Xena muttered. "I rode Legolas' stallion without incident."
"I hope that is not a slight against the elves," Aragorn said with mock indignation.
"Nothing of the kind," Xena said. "They continue to test my patience."
"This is an extremely unusual reaction to elicit from elves," the ranger observed as he gazed at Legolas "...most of them!"
"Then you already know how unpleasant they are," she said, seeing his stare on Legolas.
Aragorn chuckled at her cleverness; he could see now why she had captivated Legolas. "I have," he said, "I once attempted to ride Legolas' horse with his consent, and it flung me a few yards away. How did you manage to keep everything under control?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure. I was in a rush to depart Rivendell and made no attempt to familiarise myself with the horse. " With a short chuckle, she said.
"You have much to learn," Aragorn said, "but one of them is not how to wield a sword and ride a horse."
"More elvish wisdom? From a human?" Xena quizzed while arching an eyebrow.
"I grew up around here; I am familiar with their customs," the ranger said, recalling the past years vividly.
"Then I will be unable to speak ill of your homeland," Xena replied with a grin.
"It is possible," Aragorn said, "but they are more likely to seek leverage over us."
"Those who would do so would be unwise," Xena said firmly.
"So be it," Aragorn stated, "but be mindful of the implications of your deeds."
They converse for many long minutes before succumbing to the stillness. It was the ranger's first opportunity to speak with the human. He could now see why she had captured everyone's attention. He agreed with Gandalf that they should include her in the mission of destroying the one ring. Nonetheless, he was concerned about the influence she was already having on Legolas. Aragorn had not yet reached a decision, but he had seen a few things that were alarming.
They decided to ride again after a little rest. Aragorn hoped to make it to the settlement on time so that they would not have to sleep outdoors. However, they still had a long way to go. This meant they would have to set up camp. They rode out of the valley onto the moors. They were riding for a day, and it was midnight when they reached a clear opening secured enough to camp. The heat from the campfire seemed to be sucked into the frigid air before ever reaching her frozen hands. She had already taken a seat close to the fire, trying to warm her cold hands.
Arwen was securing the horses, Legolas went to gather some more wood after he had ignited the campfire, and Aragorn scanned the area to ensure that everything was secured. She could hear her stomach complaining about some food, and it seemed that the two hobbits were hungry as well. It was getting colder as midnight was upon them, and stepping away from the fire to get something to eat wasn't in her plans. Her gaze spaced out, watching the flames of the fire as her thoughts slowly unfolded.
"I'm still intrigued as to how you rode my steed," Legolas said abruptly as he returned and laid the wood between them. He sat beside her casually, "as Aragorn stated, not even he could ride him."
"Is that how you elves are all the time? Monitoring in on private discussions?" she said, sarcasm in her voice and a chilly glare in her eyes.
"Almost always," he interrupted her off, "you don't know anything about Elves."
She leaned forward and caught his gaze with blue-grey eyes. "No, I'm not familiar with Elves. I have never desired or required knowledge. So quit asking me the same question." she delivered.
"I will eventually," Legolas said, "but by that time you will be acquainted with our kin."
"That is one of the reasons I dislike Elves. Acting as though they are much wiser just because they live a few years longer than humans." She judged, her cheeks flushed with rage.
Legolas smiled slowly. "A few years older... My age is comparable to that of an oak tree. Even if you wanted to, you will never achieve 1/5 of my age."
"Wait you can be that old?" Xena asked him keeping her stare pinned against his "The book you gave me said that you are immortal."
"The book was right. I am considered to be one of the youngest and I am almost five hundred (500) years old. Arwen is almost two thousand and seven hundred (2700)." he defined, as he crossed his feet together.
She speculated that she found herself dumb in the sense that her words ceased to flow, ceased to flow since she had never imagined such an age was conceivable. Xena locked her focus on Arwen, who was engaged in an extended discussion with the hobbits. They were scheduled to have fruits for supper, but they were debating over how a decent meal should be prepared. However, Arwen was a persuasive speaker, and it did not take her long to convince them to eat the fruits in exchange for a decent lunch in the village the next day.
Following that, both parties ceased communication. Pippin brought each of them an apple, and they began eating it and marvelling at the flickering flames. It did not take long for both of them to zone out and ruminate on their own concerns. Legolas was ready to depart when he noticed something resting against him. He dropped his sight and saw Xena dozing on his shoulder. His gaze remained above her as he took in every aspect. Xena piqued his interest. He had queries that were unanswerable.
Aragorn touched him on the shoulder to rouse him awake, having just returned from surveying the area. He'd discovered Legolas with his eyes closed. Elves only sleep when they are weary. They hadn't battled or travelled long enough for Legolas to get sleepy. As he drew closer, he saw Xena clenching against Legolas. Legolas had apparently loaned her his cloak. Because it was covering her whole body. He cast a perplexed look towards Legolas, waiting for him to react.
"Man cerig?" (What are you doing?) Aragorn asked in a very low tone.
Legolas cracked a smile and responded, "A van?" (With what?").
"Uhunc ylf ernedui..." (Did you drink much ...) he said as the elf's actions were confusing.
"Û! Ego!" (It isn't so! Be Gone!) the elf answered, but he didn't move. He grinned and gazed up at Aragorn, demonstrating that he would not move or disturb her sleep. The ranger shook his head and walked away to rest.
The fluttering of leaves and the silence of the night had made her drowsy, but something seemed odd now. Legolas' familiar scent grew too familiar, lulling her into a peaceful deep slumber. It didn't take long for her to nod off against the elf she said she didn't like.
Legolas, on the other hand, was unfamiliar with the scenario unfolding in front of him. Indeed, there were constantly maiden in pursuit of him, elven maiden attempting to elicit his response by displaying their finest behaviour. Xena has nothing in common with those maidens. She was self-assured, forceful, and difficult to disagree with. She could easily fight him if she had to, but her chances of winning would be slim. And now that powerful maiden had slept out next to him. It was ironic to witness her happily slipping off.
The rest of the group eventually fell asleep as well. They would only stop for a few hours before continuing on their way to the settlement. The objective was to gather all of the necessary materials and return to Rivendell the following day.
((Upcoming Chapter Twenty-One))
Thank you for taking the time to read this! Feel free to Review - Follow - Favorite!