The Price of Pride

79: The Bathing Blunder

ActVII

Friends of New/Old

Chapter 79: The Bathing Blunder

Imladris, October 17th 3018 T.A

The morning sun was high by the time Legolas and Xena made their way to the market district, a place nestled within the quiet, elegant bounds of Rivendell's outer pathways. Sunlight spilled through the tree canopies, casting dappled patterns onto the cobbled streets where elves mingled, their voices soft but lively, as the smells of fragrant herbs, freshly baked bread, and earthier tones of leatherwork filled the air.

They passed several elegant stalls and tables covered with goods that caught the eye: intricately woven cloaks, polished gemstones set in silver, and elixirs in slender glass vials, their colors shifting in the morning light. It was a small marketplace, but one that seemed to offer a glimpse into the varied artistry of Rivendell's people.

Xena, feeling lighter than she had in weeks, couldn't resist commenting, "I could spend all day here. It's rare to see such skill in one place."

Legolas, beside her, nodded with a faint smile. "Rivendell does have a way of surprising even its oldest visitors." He gestured towards a larger building shaded by a sprawling tree. "There's Maegnor's workshop. He's the finest craftsman in Rivendell, and I believe he's been eagerly awaiting your visit."

Xena and Legolas entered the workshop, the air inside rich with the smell of leather and metal. Tools of various shapes and sizes were carefully arranged along the walls, and a selection of elven armor pieces were displayed on wooden stands, each piece seemingly crafted with precision and grace. Behind a counter stood Maegnor, his hands busy with a small leather pouch he was sewing, but he looked up at their approach, his eyes alight with interest.

"Ah, finally," he greeted them with a deep, smooth voice, setting his work aside and dusting his hands on his apron. "I had wondered when you would arrive. Xena, I trust you're ready to see what we've created?"

Xena's eyes sparkled, and she nodded eagerly. "Absolutely. I'm hoping it's something I can actually move in."

Maegnor chuckled, gesturing for them to follow him toward the back of the workshop, where several pieces of armor awaited. "Indeed, Xena, I've crafted this with your specifications in mind. It's based closely on the description you gave, though I have added a few elements to honor the craftsmanship of Rivendell."

Xena stepped closer to the mannequin holding her new armor and her breath caught. The armor was lightweight but durable, blending seamlessly with her own style yet subtly enhanced with an elven touch. The bodice was crafted from dark, supple leather, molded to fit closely, with fine stitching that resembled swirling vines—an elven design, subtle and elegant. The bracers and boots were reinforced with mithril thread, a suggestion from Legolas, adding both flexibility and durability to the leather.

Running her hands over the bodice, Xena's eyes were bright with approval. "It's nearly perfect. It reminds me of my old armor—the leather bodice, the bracers, the boots—but with a touch of elegance I didn't expect. And these patterns... they feel like part of this place." She looked up at Maegnor, grinning. "You really managed to capture exactly what I wanted."

The elven craftsman inclined his head, pleased. "I aim to please. I made sure it was lightweight, as you requested, so that it fits closely to your form and allows complete freedom of movement. Every strap, every stitch is designed for endurance and ease."