The Price of Pride

29:Going Dutch

ActIII

Frenemies

Chapter 29: Going Dutch

Glanhir, August 3rd 3018 T.A.

The town of Glanhir, nestled in the location of the Field of Celebrant, had settled into a tranquil silence by midnight. The once bustling streets were now deserted, revealing the true extent of the town's size, previously hidden by the throngs of people.

In the room they had rented at the inn, Xena stirred slightly in her sleep, her senses alert even in rest. She heard the faint creak of the door closing as Legolas stepped outside. He had put on his boots and shirt, and his hair, still loose from the bath, cascaded over his shoulders, partially concealing his elven ears. Yet, his ethereal presence was unmistakable.

Legolas descended the stairs and made his way to the counter, where a few patrons remained, drinking ale and engaging in hushed conversations. Some were too drunk, slumped over their tables, lost in their own stupor. Malik, the mercenary from the City of the Corsairs, sat at the bar, nursing his ale and observing Legolas with keen interest.

Legolas approached the innkeeper and requested a jug of water. As he waited, Malik continued to stare at him, his gaze unwavering. Legolas acknowledged Malik's presence with a slight nod, and the two found themselves locked in a tense exchange.

"You're quite the mystery, elf. Traveling with Xena, of all people. Never thought I'd see the day." Malik remarked, finally voicing the thought that had plagued him since he first saw the elf approach while he was sitting with Xena earlier.

Malik knew exactly who the elf was. The brown and grey attire adorned with elvish symbols made it clear he was from Mirkwood. His blond hair and prideful demeanor left no doubt—he was the prince of the Woodland Realm. Malik, having taken on numerous quests throughout Middle Earth, had encountered elves before and recognized this one immediately. It was a surprise to see him allied with Xena, and even more so when he joined them for protection.

"We share a common goal. Her presence is as necessary as mine," Legolas replied, offering a straightforward explanation. He had no intention of divulging his deeper thoughts to Malik, whom he neither trusted nor liked.

"Necessary? Or convenient? She's a force, no doubt, but she's also unpredictable. Dangerous, even," Malik countered, not hesitating to criticize Xena. He had no loyalties and was just as willing to speak ill of the elf to Xena as he was to speak ill of Xena to the elf.

"We all carry our own dangers, Malik. It's how we wield them that defines us," Legolas responded calmly, speaking the truth without hesitation.

Malik took a long sip of his ale, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Legolas. "You speak like you know her well. But how well can you really know someone like Xena?" he questioned, finding it odd that the prince of Mirkwood would claim to understand her.

"I know enough to trust her with my life. That is more than most can say," Legolas answered succinctly. He felt no need to elaborate further; he knew who Xena was and trusted her, a trust that had developed over time and through shared experiences.

"Trust, huh? Funny word for someone like her. She's got a past, one that doesn't easily fit with your kind," Malik pressed on, trying to sow doubt in Legolas's mind. But deep down, he knew that Xena was the type to eventually earn respect and trust.

Legolas's expression remained calm, but there was an edge to his voice. "Everyone has a past, Malik. Including you. Including me. It's what we do with our present that matters."