The Price of Pride

22: Of Bows and Chakrams

ActII

Rivals

Chapter 22: Of Bows and Chakrams

Old Ford, July 26th 3018 T.A.

After a long journey through darkness, peace and quiet were appreciated. But for how long? The next morning was spent managing the last details. Breakfast was served, and now boredom was slowly creeping in. Xena sat at the river's edge, near the rocks and remnants of the bridge. She threw her chakram against the rocks, her movements precise and fluid.

She would throw it as one piece, aiming at the northern part of the rocks. The chakram would clash and ricochet westward, bouncing off a few more rocks before returning to her hand. She caught it effortlessly each time. Then, she would separate it into two halves and repeat the process with both, showcasing her dexterity and skill.

It was clear she was bored, and if it were her choice, they would have moved on. They had rested enough; it made sense to her practical mind that they should continue their journey. However, the elves seemed to enjoy the peace too much, though even they seemed somewhat restless.

Nearby, Thalion and Mírdan were engaged in a friendly duel, putting their swords into practice. The sound of their clashing blades disrupted the peace along the Anduin River, mingling with the rhythmic clash of Xena's chakram against the rocks.

Elros was close by, spreading out his maps to ensure they followed the right path. He chose a longer but safer route. Legolas, standing next to him, seemed to agree. If traveling alone, Legolas would have chosen the fastest path, but with the company and the desire to reach Rivendell safely, he deferred to Elros's judgment.

Elros glanced up from the map and caught Legolas's eye. "You seem restless," he observed.

Legolas nodded slightly. "The longer path is wise for the safety of our companions, but the warrior in me longs for action."

Elros smiled knowingly. "Patience, my friend. We will have our share of challenges soon enough."

Legolas sighed, his gaze drifting to Xena as she expertly wielded her chakram. "She is restless as well. Humans do not find solace in peace as we do."

Elros followed his gaze. "She is skilled."

Legolas nodded, "She never ceased to remind me of that throughout our entire journey."

Legolas watched with Elros as Xena repeatedly threw her chakram, hitting the same mark with precision each time. The scene awakened Legolas' competitive spirit and curiosity. He tapped Elros's shoulder and then walked over to where Xena was sitting. He had seen her use the round weapon before but had never found the right moment to inquire about it. Now, in this peaceful setting, his curiosity peaked, and he decided to find out more.

As he approached, Xena caught her chakram mid-throw and looked at him curiously. "Legolas," she acknowledged, her tone neutral.

"Xena," Legolas replied, his tone inquisitive. "That weapon of yours intrigues me. I've seen you use it with great skill, but I've never asked about it. What is it called, and how did you come to possess it?"

Xena glanced at the chakram in her hand, then back at Legolas. "This is called a chakram," she began. "It's a unique weapon from my world, originally given to me by Ares, the god of war. The first one I had was called the Dark Chakram, which I took from an altar in the temple of the god Kal. Kal claimed that Ares stole it many years ago and gave it to me."