Gondor, 3018 T.A.
Xena was not in a hurry to make a decision. The quest had been on the board for too long, and she feared that the one who posted it might already be dead. But before diving headfirst into this new mission, she resolved to seek out and gather as much information as possible. She had lived in these forsaken lands for almost 200 years, and by now, she knew that Gabrielle was right-she was immortal, or at least not aging like in her previous life.
The knowledge of her immortality didn't change her core reactions, but it did make her more cautious. She would now take more time before accepting a quest, especially one as dangerous as this. Her first step was to gather all available information about the quest and the target. Her destination would be Mirkwood, and she would start from there.
Xena spent the next few days inquiring discreetly about Umbar. She spoke to traders, mercenaries, and even a few informants who owed her favors. What she learned painted a complex picture.
The quest had been posted years ago, during the time when Sauron was still known as the Necromancer. The contract was issued by one of his lieutenants, a sinister figure known only as Alakar. Alakar was notorious for his cruelty and had a reputation for dealing harshly with those who falled him.
The quest itself was straightforward in its brutality: kill Legolas of the Woodland Realm. The reward was substantial-half of the gold upfront and the rest upon completion. The large sum of money indicated the Importance of the target and the desperation of Sauron's forces to see him eliminated.
Legolas was described in the contract as a skilled warrior and archer, a traitor to his kind who had offered his own mother to the dark lord and killed her himself. The description painted him as a lost soul, pretending to fight the darkness but secretly serving it. Xena knew better than to trust such accounts without verification. She had seen too many lies and deceptions in her long life.
Xena's investigation led her to a shady broker named Darian, who handled many of the mercenary contracts in Umbar. Darian was a wiry man with sharp features and shrewd eyes. He was known for his connections and his ability to find information that others could not.
"Darian," Xena said as she approached him in a secluded corner of the tavern, "I need information about a quest posted years ago by Alakar. The target is Legolas of the Woodland Realm.
Darian's eyes flickered with recognition, and he nodded. "Ah, that one. Dangerous and lucrative. You're serious about this?"
"I am," Xena replied, her voice firm.
Darian pulled out a small chest from beneath his table and opened it, revealing a hefty pouch of gold. "This is the upfront payment. The other half will be given upon completion. The details are simple: find Legolas and kill him. Bring proof of his death, and you'll receive the rest of the gold.
Xena took the pouch, feeling the weight of the gold in her hand. "And what if he's not what the contract says? What if he's not a traitor?"
Darian shrugged. "Then that's your call. But remember, failing Alakar isn't an option. If you take this gold, you're bound to complete the quest or face the consequences."
Xena nodded, her mind already racing with plans. She would need to travel to Mirkwood first, to learn more about Legolas and the current state of affairs there. She gathered a few more supplies, including a small map that would guide her to Gondor by boat. Paying for her passage would have been difficult without the gold from the quest, but now she had the means to travel without hindrance.
She packed her belongings, securing her weapons and armor with practiced efficiency. Her horse, a sturdy steed named Chubby, was ready for the journey. As she mounted Chubby, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. This quest could lead her to the truth about Legolas and perhaps a new path for herself.
Dressed in the attire of Harad, Xena wore a carved pendant given to her by Harith, a token marking her as part of Azrath. Saying that she had ended up in this world after she died would only make her look insane, so she simply introduced herself as Xena from Azrath. This disguise, along with the strange coin that Darian gave her, secured her a place on the boat and even earned her a discount.
The boat's owner, working for the forces of the dark lord, seemed satisfied with her story and credentials. Xena kept a low profile during the voyage, avoiding unnecessary attention. The journey was long and arduous, but she used the time to gather her thoughts and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Upon arriving in Gondor, Xena found a network of informants who guided her further north towards Mirkwood. As she prepared to leave Gondor, Xena packed her belongings, securing her weapons and armor with practiced efficiency. She knew the journey to Mirkwood would be long and perilous, but she was ready for whatever lay ahead.
As she mounted her horse, a group of mercenaries watched her with interest. They had heard rumors of her taking the quest and were curious about her intentions.
"Xena, "Malik called out, a mocking grin on his face. He had taken the same boat as her for he was going on his own mission. "Heading off to claim that reward, are you? Just remember, the target is dangerous. Don't get yourself killed.
Xena met his gaze with steely determination. "I can handle myself, Malik. You worry about surviving in this cesspool. I have a feeling I'll be seeing better places."
With a final glance, Xena spurred her horse forward, leaving behind the darkness and stepping into the light of a new adventure. Her path was uncertain, but her resolve was unshakable. She would find Legolas, uncover the truth, and fight against the forces of Sauron with every ounce of her strength.
After weeks at sea, the ship finally approached the shores of Gondor. The sight of the White City, Minas Tirith, took Xena by surprise. It was a stark contrast to the harsh landscapes and unfriendly faces of Umbar. The city stood tall and proud against the horizon, its white stone walls gleaming in the sunlight. Xena had heard stories of the beauty and majesty of Gondor, but seeing it with her own eyes was something else entirely.
As the ship docked, Xena disembarked and made her way through the bustling port. The streets of Minas Tirith were alive with activity. Traders hawked their wares, children ran and played, and soldiers in shining armor patrolled the area. The people here seemed different-there was a sense of purpose and camaraderie that Xena hadn't felt in a long time.
Navigating the White City was a new experience for Xena. She was used to the rough and tumble of Umbar, where every face was a potential threat. Here, she felt a mix of curiosity and wariness from the locals. Her attire of Harad and the carved pendant of Azrath marked her as a foreigner, but she held her head high and moved with confidence.
Her first goal was to find a place to stay and gather more information. She secured a modest room at an inn near the lower levels of the city. The innkeeper, an older man named Beren, was friendly and offered her some advice.
"Gondor welcomes travelers, especially those who seek knowledge and bring tales from afar," Beren said, handing her a key. "But be mindful. These are troubled times, and not everyone is as they seem."
Xena nodded, appreciating the warning. She spent the next few days exploring Minas Tirith, taking in its sights and sounds. The towering buildings, the intricate architecture, and the vibrant marketplaces were a feast for the senses. She marveled at the craftsmanship and the evident pride the people took in their city.
Xena knew that Minas Tirith could offer her better maps and more information for her journey. She visited the libraries and spoke with scholars, learning about the geography of Middle-earth, the history of Gondor, and the threats that loomed over the land. The city was a treasure trove of knowledge, and Xena soaked it all in, preparing herself for the road ahead.
As Xena continued to gather information, she couldn't help but be impressed by the resilience and spirit of the people of Gondor. Despite the ever-present threat of Sauron, they lived their lives with courage and determination. It reminded her of the strength she had seen in the villagers of Azrath.
During her stay, she met with several informants who provided her with detailed maps and valuable insights into the terrain she would need to traverse to reach Mirkwood. She learned about the major landmarks, the safest routes, and the potential dangers she might face along the way.
One informant, a young man named Haleth, offered to guide her part of the way. "I've traveled through these lands many times," he said. "I can get you to the outskirts of Mirkwood safely. From there, you'll be on your own, but the maps should help."
Xena accepted his offer, grateful for the assistance. She knew that having a local guide would be invaluable, especially in such unfamiliar territory.
After spending several weeks in Minas Tirith, Xena felt ready to continue her journey. She had gathered enough Information, secured detailed maps, and made useful contacts. The city had given her a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
As she packed her belongings, securing her weapons and armor with practiced efficiency, she reflected on her time in Gondor. The White City had been a beacon of hope and knowledge, a place where she could regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead.
The next morning, Xena and Haleth set out from Minas Tirith. The journey through the lands of Gondor was both beautiful and treacherous. They traveled through lush valleys, crossed swift rivers, and navigated dense forests. Along the way, Haleth shared stories of Gondor's history and its people's enduring struggle against the darkness.