The Price of Pride

35: The Simplest of Dangers

ActIV

Mellon

Chapter 35: The Simplest of Dangers

North-South Road, August 16th 3018 T.A.

As the company rode steadily along the North-South Road, the landscape of Rohan stretched out behind them. The vast plains rolled gently beneath the clear sky, the distant mountains standing as silent sentinels. The sun was high, casting a golden hue over the grasslands, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of earth and wildflowers. The company rode in a formation that had naturally fallen into place—Aragorn and Legolas at the front, Xena just behind them, with the rest of the company bringing up the rear.

Xena's gaze often drifted to the pair ahead of her. The change in Legolas was unmistakable. He seemed more at ease, his usual guarded demeanor softened in the presence of Aragorn. The elf, who had always carried an air of aloofness, now seemed more approachable, even allowing himself the rare smile or laugh. It was clear that the bond between the two was strong, forged in the fires of many battles and tempered by years of friendship.

As they rode, Aragorn glanced at Legolas, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It is good to see you again, mellon nin. Though I wish it were under better circumstances."

Legolas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "As do I, Aragorn. It seems that darkness continues to follow us, no matter where we go."

Aragorn's gaze shifted to the road ahead, his voice serious. "Gollum's escape is troubling. And with the forces of Sauron searching for him. The path to Rivendell is fraught with danger, and we cannot afford any missteps."

Legolas sighed softly. "I know. His escape weighs heavily on me. My father's halls are not easily breached, yet Gollum found a way. I fear what he may do if he falls into the wrong hands."

Aragorn nodded, understanding the burden his friend carried. "You did all you could, Legolas. Gollum is a creature of shadows and deceit. Even the strongest of fortresses cannot contain him if he is determined to escape. What matters now is that we reach Rivendell and warn Elrond. The time to act is upon us."

Legolas's gaze flickered back to the company riding behind them, and he hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "There is another matter that concerns me, Aragorn. The woman riding with us—Xena."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Xena, the warrior you mentioned before?"

Legolas nodded. "Yes, her. She is formidable, and skilled in combat beyond what I have seen in many warriors, but there is something about her that unsettles me. She has a darkness in her past, a weight she carries, and though she fights on the side of good, I cannot shake the feeling that there is more to her than she reveals."

Aragorn glanced back at Xena, who rode quietly behind them, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "She seems strong-willed, determined. But darkness... we all have shadows that haunt us, Legolas. What is it about her that troubles you so?"

Legolas's expression was unreadable as he searched for the right words. "It is not just her past that concerns me, but her present. She saved my life, yet I sense a conflict within her. I perceive there are deeper tales within her heart, yet she has not laid them bare before me."

Aragorn considered his friend's words, his brow furrowing in thought. "You say she saved your life. That speaks of her loyalty, of her willingness to stand by you even in the face of danger. But you are right to be cautious, Legolas. It is clear that she carries a heavy burden. Perhaps that is why she fights so fiercely."