The Price of Pride

30: Silver Tears

ActIII

Frenemies

Chapter 30: Silver Tears

River Limlight, August 5th 3018 T.A.

The Limlight River gleamed under the afternoon sun, its clear waters flowing eastwards from Fangorn Forest and eventually merging with the great Anduin. The river's gentle murmur provided a serene backdrop as the company arrived at its bank, weary from days of relentless travel since leaving Glanhir. They had passed through several villages, their sights set on the distant goal of Rivendell, but the promise of rest and reprieve had kept them going.

The riverbank was lush with tall grasses that swayed gently in the breeze, interspersed with wildflowers that added splashes of color to the verdant landscape. Trees lined the bank, their leaves whispering softly as the wind rustled through them. The setting sun cast a warm, golden hue over the scene, making the river sparkle like liquid gold.

They dismounted their horses, their movements slow and deliberate after the long ride. Thalion and Mírdan led the horses to drink from the river while Elros surveyed the area, his sharp eyes ensuring there were no hidden threats. The atmosphere was calm but tinged with an underlying tension.

Legolas and Xena had not exchanged more than necessary words since their heated argument in Glanhir. Legolas, with his keen senses and elvish grace, moved with an ease that belied his troubled thoughts. He busied himself checking the horses and setting up the camp, his actions precise and methodical. His usual calm demeanor was marred by a furrowed brow, evidence of the inner turmoil he did not wish to share.

Xena, on the other hand, was equally preoccupied. Her new attire, though practical and well-suited to the journey, felt foreign compared to her old armor. She moved with a determined grace, her eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for answers to questions she hadn't yet asked. She glanced occasionally at Legolas, her expression unreadable, but there was a lingering tension in the air between them.

Elros noticed the strain but chose not to push them. He knew that their journey would demand their full cooperation, and he hoped that time and shared experiences would mend the rift. He walked over to Thalion and Mírdan, who were discussing the best spot to make camp.

"We'll set up here for the night," Elros said, his voice steady. "Let's ensure the horses are well-rested and that we have a good view of the surroundings."

Thalion nodded, his usual light-hearted demeanor subdued. "I'll gather some firewood," he offered, heading toward the nearby trees.

Mírdan began unpacking their supplies, his movements efficient and quiet. The camaraderie among the group was strong, even if the recent tension between their leaders added a layer of complexity to their journey.

As night fell, the campfire crackled and cast flickering shadows. The scent of cooking meat and herbs filled the air, a welcome change from the travel rations they had been surviving on. The stars began to appear, twinkling like distant jewels in the darkening sky.

Legolas sat apart from the group, his back against a tree, eyes fixed on the horizon. He was lost in thought, his usual vigilant gaze softened by contemplation. Xena, meanwhile, sat closer to the fire, absently sharpening her sword. Her eyes occasionally flicked to Legolas, the firelight reflecting a mixture of defiance and something more complex.

The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Yet, beneath the surface, there was a growing respect and understanding, borne out of shared trials and mutual reliance.