Return to Mirkwood COMPLETE

Title: Return To Mirkwood
Chapter Twelve
Author: Sarah
Type: FPS
Pairing: Legolas/Gimli
Rating: PG this chapter.
Disclaimer: I love them and thank Tolkien for them. They are not mine.
Archive: Axe and Bow. Others please ask.
Feedback: please.
Author notes: I titled this story Return to Mirkwood because that is the name Legolas' home is most known by. I will gradually be phasing that name out of the story itself in favour of the names it was changed to: Eryn Lasgalen or Greenwood. Thank you to everyone who gave me fb. The encouragement helps me very much. Thank you to Marigold for the super great beta work and for some very nice additions to this chapter. I am glad for your touch on my work. Any mistakes left are mine.
Thank you to Nina, Brazgirl, Sivan, Erobey, and Wymsie for the reviews and letting me know what you liked.
Summary: A meal and a talk.

The room they entered was a long, elegant dining room. A person would not perceive it as a cavern, Gimli reflected, if one did not already know that it was. A huge chandelier with myriad candles lit the room and there were several candelabras illuminating the grand table. The white flowers that were in their chambers were also draped around the doors and ceiling here.

There were various tapestries on the wall; two depicting parts of the forest that Gimli did not recognise, one of birds and flowers and one of the butterflies amongst the treetops that Legolas had once described to him.

A simple but beautiful carver stood at the head of the long table, the seat of the King, a grand fireplace behind it. The mantle was hewn of stone and was inlaid with beaten copper shapes that were fair to look upon. A painting of a laughing elven maid graced the wall above it. The Lady's smile was so similar to Legolas' that Gimli had difficulty looking away. Gimli surmised this was Legolas' mother.

Gimli beheld a centrepiece on the table that appeared to him as if the elves had taken a handful of ferns, little pink flowers and white feathers and woven them together into a star. Each place was set with silver chargers bearing the carved design of a small bird surrounded by an elaborate wreath of intertwined flowers and vines, cutlery for every course imaginable. There were several goblets of various sizes for each person, all made of gold and fashioned into cunning shapes.

Those elves that had been served were eating from golden plates. Servants stood discreetly along the walls in readiness. The air smelled of savoury roasted meat and vegetables and many other wholesome things.

Gimli did not have leisure to enjoy the opulent surroundings because everyone with the exception of the Lord stopped dining to stare at them. All conversation ceased.

They were only slightly late in arriving to the evening meal so Gimli was puzzled by the attention. As he followed Legolas to the places meant for them he considered the elves around the table. There were quite a few more family members than Gimli had expected. It appeared the King had enough descendants and would not suffer for lack of heirs.

When they sat down, Celduil broke the silence, "Legolas, your hair...it's...I ... you've...your braids are different."

Comprehension came to Gimli. It was his elf's lovely tresses that had garnered them such notice.

Gimli was surprised when the King laughed and said, "You make me glad that Gimli does have knowledge of elves. Otherwise, he might think we have trouble forming coherent sentences and a fondness for stating the obvious."

Several elves around the table laughed including Celduil who said, "I was surprised, Gimli. I am capable of speech. I like what you've done, Legolas. You haven't changed your hair since you earned your warrior braids. Why do so today?"

Gimli saw that everyone at the table was listening intently. This was best answered by him. "The braids are those of my family and show he is my one. When we are at Erebor, I will give him the gems that are, also, his right. Some of them are designed to be worn among the braids."

These statements seem to increase the intense focus of the elves at the table except that this time it was clearly on him. Even King Thranduil stopped eating. Gimli recalled that the Elven Lord had a reputation for loving precious stones as much as any dwarf.

It was Celduil, however, who spoke, "You are going to give Legolas jewels because of your commitment to him?"

Gimli shook his head. "That is only part of it. When I came of age I inherited certain gems to give to my one. He is my one so they are his. It symbolizes that he is part of my family and that I will take no other."

Legolas had already started to eat. Gimli could not tell his thoughts as his face revealed nothing. The dwarf hoped he could enjoy the meal but as he began eating he noted the exchange of looks between the King and his other two sons. The glances had quite a bit of smugness as if the three of them had just won some victory.

*Legolas might have had doubts about the honour being on both sides but at least my people don't act as if they've achieved some kind of conquest in the matter,* Gimli thought. *Our bond has nothing to do with a conquest on either one's part.*

The traded grins and mischievous looks caused them to appear positively triumphant and very pleased about something. Gimli saw that Legolas' cheeks were a little flushed. Gimli was becoming irritated. *This was about love, nothing less.*

He could remember, though, several times taking offence at Legolas' words during the Quest only to realise later that the archer had been attempting to initiate conversation, not start a quarrel. It was possible that he was missing some elven concept about the significance of jewellery and he resolved to hold himself in check.

King Thranduil spoke, "We have been remiss. Introductions should have been done first."

The introductions proved to be confusing to Gimli. Gimli was not sure that he would be able to call to memory later who was kin and who had bonded into the family. He descried that Celduil's wife had not arrived to share the meal and as there was no seat saved, she obviously was not expected.

Tasar and Lisse had four children and several of their offspring could claim three or four and some of those also had mates and children of their own. It was going to take a long while to get everyone straight.

Gimli recalled Frodo explaining how he was related to both Merry and Pip. Gimli had struggled to follow the various family lines as Frodo had talked. This was liable to prove just as complicated.

The conversation drifted to some acres of forest that the orcs had burned during the War and the replanting that would be done soon. They had been waiting for the trees to start their rest but now autumn had fully begun, it was time to decide what to plant. The burned areas were already cleared and readied.

Gimli mulled over the deliberations. *Trees resting? Was that why the music had been slow?*


There was a lull in the discussion and Celduil asked Legolas, "You mentioned dwelling part of the year at the Glittering Caves. What are they like?"

"The parts we will dwell in, are going to be fashioned similar to what we have here. I've been in various chambers including the dark zone with Gimli. I won't go far into it, though."

"What is the dark zone?" one of the elves asked. Gimli could bring this elf's name to mind; Varyar, Celduil's eldest. He looked much like Celduil with the same dark blonde hair and eyes a deep blue.


Legolas replied, "There are three zones or areas: entrance, twilight, and dark. Animals, sometimes, shelter in the twilight zone. I saw for the first time cave draperies and helictites. Both are beautiful. Helictites look like lattice - work or a lace design or perhaps icicles and even the twigs of trees. In the dark zone, there was a beautiful pond and I observed a fish with no eyes. They are made that way as it is so completely dark that eyes would serve no purpose. It was fascinating."


Gimli paused in his eating to contemplate Legolas. There was excitement in his beloved's voice and pride of his knowledge. Gimli touched Legolas' hand with love. He doubted Legolas' kin had ever before heard of cave draperies or helictites. He was thankful that Legolas did not add that Gimli had teasingly told him that the draperies called to mind elven ears, only not as handsome as Legolas' own pair.

Tasar spoke up, "Don't stop there. Tell us more. These caves were pleasing to you."

Legolas nodded. "I expected it to be an ordeal but instead I viewed marvellous things I had never seen or imagined. I would have missed them were it not for my love for Gimli."

Legolas continued, "We went into an amazing room with water dripping from the stalactites that made a song that reminded me of rain. A stream flows through the same place and the water running over the rocks and around the stalagmites has a music similar to streams above ground yet not quite the same. Together the two sounds are a new enchanting melody, one I had never heard before in my entire life. I felt young again. I could have listened forever. I completely forgot that I was not surrounded by trees."

Gimli had wondered if he might have to persuade Legolas to leave. They had made love in that cavern and Legolas had sung to him afterwards in tones of rapture. He listened now as his lover continued, his voice taking on a blissful quality, "There is a chamber just above it that will be ours. We will reside there for I can detect the music in that place. I shall have Gimli and the melody and be happy."

The sweet course had been served while Legolas talked. His family appeared to be musing over what Legolas had said. Celduil placed a gentle hand on Legolas' shoulder and said in a low voice, "I'm glad, brother."

Legolas went on in a quiet tone, "It is said that dwarves have no song. Yet what I heard makes a lie of that. I would say Aule did give them music."

Legolas began concentrating on his pie as if he had stated nothing unusual. Even though Legolas' words had gained him everyone's focus again, Gimli wasn't too uncomfortable. His thoughts were elsewhere. Long ago, his sister had said, "We dwarves are born with the unhappiness of having no music and we take our grief over it to Mahal when we die. It must sadden him to know his people feel left out all their lives."

*Perhaps,* Gimli considered, *we have been viewing it wrongly.* His eyes took in Legolas, who was being served more wine. *Mayhap, we only needed an outsider's perspective. My race will dwindle as Men increase but I see no wisdom in taking sorrow with us to the end. If I can give this vision to my people it would change our outlook and might even prolong our time in Middle-Earth.*

Gimli caressed Legolas' hand. *He has no idea of the change in my viewpoint due to him but later tonight I shall whisper it into those beautiful elven ears of his,* Gimli resolved.

Tasar broke the silence. "If we visited the caves would you take me there?"

"If Legolas accompanies us, I will."

Tasar did not seem think this to be an odd answer. He grinned and said, "We are skilled at drawing."

Gimli remembered Legolas telling him that Tasar said we when he meant I at times and thought this was probably an example of it.

Tasar continued, "Whatever we behold, I can attempt to capture in my drawings and bring them back for our people to appreciate. They, too, will have something new to enjoy. Of course we can't bring the music that Legolas heard to my people in such a way, but perhaps others will follow us and visit this wonder themselves. As it doesn't sound as if it is too far in, will you take elves there Gimli, should they make the journey?"

Gimli had a sharp image of himself walking around the caves with a group of elves on a daily basis, watching each one for signs of unease, and explaining for the hundredth time facts that dwarven children knew before they could toddle about. Worse, they would likely sit for hours in that one cavern listening, while his own people attempted the impossible goal of trying to work quietly around them. Gimli had a feeling his years were going to be interesting and that due to him, dwarves would become very familiar with elven singing.

Tasar, believing Gimli's hesitation meant refusal, said, "Consider before you say nay. You will be giving elves that are many centuries old the pleasure of something completely new. You will be surprised, I expect, how many of us would be willing to overcome our reservations for such a possibility. The newness will be even keener beside the similarities, and I am sure that we will be at ease and comfortable in the parts that resemble our home here."

Gimli nodded, "Much of it will be comfortable to an elf as it will be crafted with Legolas' ease being a major factor. Only the deeper areas where elves would not go anyway will be touched with our concerns alone in mind. I was not planning on rejecting the notion out of hand. I was just considering that my people will be honoured to be visited so often by elves."

Gimli detected a glimmer of amusement on the King's face. The Elven Lord may not have known what Gimli really had been pondering but he discerned it was not entirely what Gimli had said.

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An hour or so later they sat on a blanket by the river's side. Gimli had brought his pipe but he had not begun to smoke it. They had consented to have their discussion time while Gimli smoked but he now realised he couldn't talk well and smoke, too. They needed to converse so it would wait.

Legolas was star gazing but he said in a soft voice, "What shall we discuss tonight, Gimli?"

Gimli had a subject he definitely wanted cleared. "What was going on at the meal about jewellery?"

Legolas replied, "If you make me part of your family, then you are a member of mine and they have claim to you and your family, too. Celduil is very proud of his position. As far as he is concerned, you will be increasing his status. That's their viewpoint. Whether your kin will appreciate this may be another issue entirely. I suspect that mine also judge our love as quite an accomplishment on my part. The only elf who has caused a dwarf to bond with him. Though that was never my intention. I was convinced for quite a while that just being granted your friendship would be nigh impossible.

”As for my Lord, I imagine it sits well that your father, like it or not, is going to not only have to face our love but must also accept me as part of his family. I just hope my Lord isn't also thrilled that, despite the fact that a share was not given willingly to the father, the son is being granted riches."

Gimli watched as Legolas explained. Legolas often made him feel awed. Such beauty. He struggled to keep his attention on his beloved's words and not on how his lover's hair shimmered in the dark more breathtaking than the glimmer of any moonbeam.

"Your Lord, Legolas, I don't think the past is a consideration for him at all. It was me that got angry, making the issue appear real to you. He was surprised, too, when you brought it up at the meeting. Nothing in your explanation helps me understand why you looked embarrassed."

"I don't get embarrassed. Not ever. I was just..." Legolas said hotly, "I'll admit to a very small amount of emb..."

Gimli grinned. He was right. Legolas had been embarrassed. "Don't admit to it, my elf, if it saves your pride, just inform me of the reasons for it."

"Saves my pride!" Legolas huffed and was quiet. Gimli waited. He knew his elf wasn't really upset at him. Gimli suspected Legolas was secretly amused. Gimli had often surmised that most of Legolas' life the fact that he was the King's son had caused others to put deference over even friendship with him.

Gimli did regret the agreed upon restrictions. They had decided that in order to ensure they would talk, they would find a populated place to do so in order to curb their amorous tendencies. Gimli could see several elves sitting by the river and knew there were many more in the talans in the trees around them. He was, also, aware of elven eyesight and hearing. He, himself, could occasionally catch singing or a high voice joyful in laughter. Not to mention the small fires in the distance marking camps. There was even a dwelling not too far away. Legolas was sitting at the opposite side of the blanket in order to facilitate the discussion time. Now, Gimli disliked even the small space between them.

They had even approved upon a minimum amount of time; each night they would take an hour to confer on the day's events and anything else that was necessary. Gimli eagerly anticipated it becoming a habit with them. He suspected it would be more difficult to explain private subjects with so many around them but he desperately wanted the bond to grow and this would aid them in talking instead of continually losing themselves in passion.

He listened to his elf take a breath and say, "I'm only guessing, all right?"

Gimli nodded.

"I believe they consider it some kind of victory just because I have... it isn't every elf who acquires a dwarf for a lover. In all the long history of our peoples, you and I are unique."

Gimli let this run through his mind along with several connotations, ranging from mild to extremely dirty.

Legolas said, "I am not certain that was what they were thinking. I have never considered things in that light. I do not see you as a trophy although to have your love is indeed a prize."


Gimli had enough of the distance and reached for Legolas who glided into his arms easily. "It was a great feat was it not? I admire your courage every time I look back on it."


Legolas murmured, "The not touching didn't last long but this is nice. I did have a lot of hope at the time Gimli. What I dared wish that I might receive was worth risking rejection. Although my mind refused to let go of the opinion that you might throw me out the door after relieving my head from my shoulders."

Gimli chuckled and began caressing the silken hair, pausing to touch the new braids. "As I said, it was a brave act on your part. I am grateful for it."

"I'm not comfortable with the idea of taking jewels from you, Gimli. Especially not after my family's reactions."

*Legolas' hair truly is magnificent,* Gimli thought. In answer to his elf, he said, "I can sympathise but no matter what they believe this is about love only not the earning of trophies. They are not even considered mine anymore by my people. They were yours from the moment my heart took you as my one. To refuse would be offensive to my family because to them it is about whether or not we both agree that you are my one. For me to declare that you are and for you to refuse all of the rights that come with that... It would be to them as if you are stating that the union has less importance to an elf than it does to a dwarf. If you don't choose to wear them, no one will say anything but you cannot outright decline them without losing some of the acknowledgment of our relationship we both yearn for."

"I will accept then knowing what the gift truly signifies and not let any other opinions bother me, but Gimli all I really want from our years together is for our bond to grow stronger. To have you by my side loving me means more to me than any material gift which you might bestow."

Gimli touched the soft chin affectionately and said, "Is there anything you wish to inform me of before I continue?"

"Nay, I would be content to listen to your voice forever."

Gimli pulled up and brought his lips close to Legolas'. Their resolve to converse for at least an hour without becoming distracted came back to him. He wrenched himself away, almost tumbling both of them onto the blanket.

Legolas dissolved into laughter. "Not so easy, is it? By mutual consent we said; no privacy. We have none. There are several talans very close, and many elves nearby."

"Aye, that we did. I am determined in this matter."

Legolas smirked at him and said, "You were going to say something and I'm curious."

Gimli turned his eyes away hoping it would help distract his wayward emotions. Lowering his voice as much as possible began, "My elf, what I want to tell you we do not confess to outsiders or even speak of much among ourselves. You should use discretion on who you divulge this knowledge to."

Legolas said very softly, "I understand."

Gimli, keeping his words at a whisper, said, "Among our families we give each child that is born an un-worked gem. When the dwarf's life is over, that gem is cut and polished, according to how those closest to him feel he has lived his life. It is a huge dishonour to be entombed with one's stone still un-worked. Even on the thankfully rare occasion that a babe is born and does not live or arrives unquickened, the child's gem is carved by those who sorrow for the little one. Usually, a gem is kept untouched all the dwarf's life unless our King decides one deserves fame for some deed. Then the dwarf is allowed to work a part of it into their own design."

Legolas tried to speculate on what high act this could possibly be if Gimli did not already deserve such an honour.

"I wish to put mine in your keeping, my one... because I want you to be part of the decision. If you still desire me to go with you when the time is upon us, there will be no dwarves in the Undying Lands to tell of my years."

Gimli did not add his worries of Legolas' not outliving his own death. Legolas knew of them already. And he intended to give his elf every reason to continue on that he could think of during their life together.

Legolas replied sadly, "I fear you must resign yourself to going with me. Surely, you aren't suggesting that my heart will change?"

Gimli answered, "I haven't dwelt on it but elves do grow weary of Middle Earth and all that is in it. I do not believe our bond will ever be weak enough for you to want to be permanently parted from me. And I know that someday you will become so tired of Middle-earth that you must leave it."

Legolas regarded him and said, "Almost always we take our bonded one with us as Tasar will Lisse. Everyone of his line that was at the table tonight will go when they do. We don't tire of those we love. Let's be completely honest, Gimli. I do not desire now or ever to be permanently apart from you whether in life or death. I am not sure I would survive leaving you at the harbour. It is possible I would die before I ever arrived at Valinor."

Gimli flinched. "Legolas...Do you dislike needing me so deeply?"

"Nay. You are happy so I can rejoice in the bond. I worry that it will become a burden to you, though."

Gimli, forgetting the elves around them, reached up and urging Legolas to meet him, kissed his beloved gently letting his lips linger over his elf's silken heat. "It is not possible for you to be a burden to me. I cannot get enough of you." Gimli whispered against his elf.

"Will you take the stone that was given me at birth, Legolas, my one true love?" He said quietly in a pointed ear letting his breath graze the tip.

Legolas sighed contentedly and said, "I will gladly take whatever you will give me, melethron. " His voice was seductive and Gimli put his arms around Legolas. "I would be honoured indeed. Yet I will not concentrate on dying. We will decide later how to arrange these things."


Legolas shifted so their lips were almost touching and with an invitation in his eyes whispered, "I shall crave you until time is no more. Never will I tire of you. I know there are many around us at this moment, “his voice was almost a purr and Gimli shuddered feeling his body awaken, "but I care not. Perhaps I could have a taste of tonight's ecstasy?" Closing the distance, Legolas slanted his mouth across Gimli's, parting his own lips, asking his dwarf to savour his body.


A touch of burning pleasure streamed sensuously over Gimli as Legolas claimed his lips in a scorching, impetuous kiss. His elf's tongue searching his mouth with a teasing flicker. Gimli moaned deep within his throat, enjoying the sensation of his body melding with the slender form that held him. Legolas' lips were gentle and sweet. Gimli felt passion well up inside him. He could feel Legolas tremble and hold him tighter.

Gimli responded to Legolas with fire causing his elf to shiver. Such rapture Gimli had never tasted. Lust and desire built in both of them. Gimli eagerly sampled what he had been offered, sensing Legolas' body answer his with a melting intensity that never failed to amaze the dwarf.

Legolas' small cries of bliss made Gimli suddenly hesitate, *Something I should remember... worry over elven sight or maybe their hearing?* When his hazy thoughts arrived at a conclusion, he broke the kiss with a small groan. Gimli could hear his elf's ragged breathing and his own body quivered in sympathy.


"I cannot comprehend..." Legolas took a deep breath... "Why I yearn so for you to confide in me...." Legolas stilled himself for several minutes and Gimli could tell he was struggling to regain his composure, "especially about your people's ways and then when you do I stop the exchange and torture us both."

Gimli glanced at Legolas who had laid his head across his upraised knees. "Aye. I love hearing your voice but we do seem to be experiencing trouble tonight. How long have we been here?"

The question brought about the wild, surprised expression Legolas wore at times during their passion and Gimli realised that the kiss had caused his beloved to lose track of the time, almost unheard of for an elf, so in tune were they with Arda. He watched as Legolas, inhaling deeply, cast his gaze up to the sky. His eyes followed the moon's path and he sighed heavily. "Twenty minutes. At most."

Gimli groaned. Neither said anything for a few minutes then Legolas spoke, "Try again?"

"Aye." Gimli searched his mind for something they could talk about that would cause neither of them to think about kissing. Summoning up the memory of his confusion at the evening meal, he asked, "Legolas, do trees sleep? What is meant by saying it is best to plant seedlings when they are resting?"

Legolas, who sounded relieved that Gimli had found an innocent subject, began a long speech about tree sap. Gimli was pleased to find that it wasn't a topic that only elves could comprehend.

Conversation flowed easily afterwards as the two friends felt great joy in the sharing of thoughts. *Voicing innermost feelings without fear of hurt and knowing I will receive acceptance is in its own way,* Gimli reflected, *as wonderful as our passion. The friendship between us holds its own special bliss.*

Gimli told Legolas about the change of attitude he had experienced due to Legolas' impression of music in the cave. The dwarf felt his heart overflow with love at Legolas' response. "If I can bring your people even a small measure of peace in this matter, I shall only be giving back a little compared to what they have given me through you."

The conversation shifted to the contract and Gimli said, "I think your Lord more than fair considering all you told me in Minas Tirith. I shudder when I consider the demands he could have made. A year of waiting and both parents' acceptance."

Legolas touched Gimli's beard and running his fingers through it, replied, "I am pleased with the contract. However, our union has been consummated many times over so you can hardly say he is being just simply because he chooses to recognise the obvious. When males love each other they do not always follow every ceremony. Besides, I am past the age when bonds may be declared. I hardly see the need to have my Lord's approval. Not to mention none of the conventional proceedings necessarily apply if one insists upon loving a dwarf. And I completely and utterly insist on doing so."

Gimli pondered these statements, reaching for his elf's hand. If Legolas kept his fingers wound in his beard for too long they would soon be back to other needs. He decided to go carefully with his next words. "Aye. I understand, but Legolas you did desire his acceptance even if you thought his blessing beyond your reach. Your Lord has given much to you. He didn't even ask if I had my father's approval and he most likely is very aware I do not have it, at least as of yet. Granted, my people require no ceremonies when love is between two males. Still, I've never known anyone to go against a parent's wishes. I don't believe we could have done differently in our actions. We both realised at Helm's Deep that at any time Frodo might be caught and if that happened there would be no tomorrow to wait for. Yet we are here in peace. Are there any of your customs that you will sorrow over if you do not fulfil them?"

Legolas snuggled in closer, his hand clasped firmly in Gimli's. The dwarf leaned his head next to the elven heartbeat he cherished. "I comprehend your view of my Lord and you are right. I would desire for us to name the Name as this is done even in days of trouble when no other ceremonies are followed. If I sign it first, I can declare it and then you can discern what we do and copy my example."

Gimli slipped an arm around Legolas' waist. "I am willing."

They were deep in a discourse about the statements in the contract, Legolas' head resting lightly against the top of Gimli's and arms locked tightly around each other, when Legolas said softly, "We have a visitor."

Gimli looked around and saw an elven female slowly approaching them. Gimli's observation was: *tall, blonde, slender.* He waited as she drew closer, the last distance covered with eager steps. Legolas and Gimli both stood up and in the next second, the elven woman was in Legolas' arms.

Legolas said happily, "Lastand" and Gimli realised who she was.

*Lastand, Celduil's wife. *

She held on to his elf and murmured in a tearful voice, "I'm so glad, so very glad you are home. I was very worried."

Legolas hugged her and replied, "How are you faring?"

"I have been well." Yet her tone was sorrowful and belied her words. Lastand pulled back and traced Legolas' face with her fingers, looking intently into his eyes. "It is true. You are bonded and happy. I rejoice in your good fortune." Her voice now showed some joy and Gimli deemed she truly was glad for him. She turned to Gimli and said, "You must be the one who has put the sparkle in Legolas' eyes. I am Lastand."

Gimli bowed, "Gimli, son of Gloin, at your service."

Her answer was not exactly the proper one but it pleased Gimli, "And I am at yours. Anyone who can make Legolas so joyful has my gratitude."

Lastand spoke to both of them, "I only wished to see for myself that you were all right Legolas, and to meet your a'maelamin."

"Do you not wish to remain and converse with us for awhile?" Legolas asked.


A smile lit up her face. "Nay, though, I would like to talk to you both again soon. However, new lovers should never be detained long with idle chatter. Enjoy the night." Another smile and she was gone as silently as the starlight shimmering on the grass.

After she had left and they had settled in next to each other again, Legolas said, "I have just realised that I left some important facts out of my information about elven bonding. I am so happy with our bond that I forgot to tell you anything negative. I never thought to teach you about what weakens it. This goes back to my mother's death, too."

Gimli moved up and started massaging Legolas' neck in hopes of providing him some comfort.

"Lastand was due their firstborn when Naneth died. We all concentrated so much on my Lord, even Celduil. He did not even know the babe had arrived until almost a day had passed since the birth. He had commanded the servants not to disturb us with anything and they took him too much at his word. They are used to my Lord's command and Celduil, in his grief, was far too stern. Our King rarely speaks so harshly to them. Celduil felt he was responsible for the kingdom and the one who must provide consolation and care for his two younger brothers. Lisse repeatedly asked for us to include Lastand in our counsels about our King but Celduil believed it was not wise as she was with child. After Varyar was born, he thought she would find solace in the baby. Lastand was very good friends with my mother and grieved for her as much as the rest of us did. She came to resent Celduil's lack of comfort and felt neglected, which I believe she was. Celduil admits to Tasar and I that he should have tried to provide more support to her but he refuses to apologise to her. He says Lastand should be more understanding of the burden on him at the time. I am sure it is an issue of pride, too. Celduil has difficulties admitting he is ever at fault."

Gimli moved his fingers to Legolas' back to ease his own muscles' complaints from the stretching. Legolas turned to him and caressed his face. "Love you."

"I love you, too."

"They went on, Gimli, as if nothing had happened but all these many years later, the discord still stands between them. Their bond, which had started to grow very strong, is now quite weak. One can lessen a bond by unsolved problems and disagreements. A withdrawal from either one damages the bond. Hidden anger and resentments weaken it. I intend to be very careful with ours." Legolas said, meeting Gimli's eyes.


"I shall do the same." Gimli held the eyes of his love and then gasped.

"Gimli?"

"I saw myself in your eyes. Legolas, it was clear to me!" Gimli answered excitedly.

Legolas smiled in delight and pulled Gimli down onto the blanket next to him and cuddling close said, "I rejoice. Oh, Gimli, I am indeed blessed."

They lay silently together, simply gazing into each other's eyes. Gimli, finding the bond in his lover's eyes shown so clearly to him, sensed his heart soaring with the bliss of it.

Legolas whispered, "Seeing myself in your eyes is one of the most wondrous things I've ever been granted. To be loved so much that you can behold yourself in your lover's eyes is a great gift."

They enjoyed each other silently for a time and then Gimli, recalling a subject he had never divulged began hesitantly. "My own mother died a year before my father left with Thorin. We were all heartbroken but my father was beside himself with grief. We tried to comfort him but more often than not he would push us away."

Gimli, finding it not difficult at all to display his heart in this matter, continued, "I spent far too many hours drinking. I had never known such grief. I suppose elves believe it is easier for us because after all we are always conscious we will die one day and so will those we love." Yet the eyes that held his showed no such assertion.

"Perhaps some of us do but none that have been with mortals for any length of time would. I do not." He smiled sadly. "I spent days crying and hours railing at a world that would take someone I loved from me. And there was not a minute I was not terrified that I would lose my father, too. I imagine you are familiar with all of those emotions for while you might not lose your father to death, your whole life was changed and nothing was quite the same. That, too, is a fearful feeling."

The open honesty Legolas was giving to him caused Gimli to pour out his own emotions including some things he had not told even his sister or Naur. Feelings his pride and the secrecy of his people would have normally caused him to hold back.

Gimli told of the cave in and the agony of finding bodies among the water and stone. Legolas gripped him tightly. "My elf, we are careful. It is rare that our mining leads to cave in's and even less likely that water will rush in from some hidden source. I promise to always be exceptionally watchful for danger. I am aware that you are relying on me. I would not take from you any of our years."

Legolas nodded against him.

Gimli related for the first time the pain his mother's entombing had caused him.” Our females usually live longer than the males. It is traditional for the women to be placed in their husband's tomb. If they did not marry, they are set into their father's. However, my mother outlived neither and was laid with her father's father. She was placed back with her father's family instead of my own."

Gimli had known that Naur would understand the sting in this and had never discussed it with either him or his sister. Now, in explaining it to Legolas, the hurt was exposed and eased in the arms that held him close.

Legolas said, "You search for comfort and maybe find some small amount but nothing rids you of the pain. Time brings acceptance but missing the one that you loved never stops."

They forgot the elves around them, focusing on the rapture of meeting each other's eyes while listening to the words spoken. Legolas put his leg over his dwarf while they communicated. His fingers were splayed across Gimli's shoulders appreciating the firmness. Gimli kept his arm around his love. The conversation eventually went on to happier memories as Gimli informed Legolas of what his childhood was like and they traded stories of mischief they had got into.

"Gimli?" Legolas' voice held so much joy that Gimli sighed with his own happiness and satisfaction. He hoped he could always bring such bliss into his elf's speech.

"Aye, my elf?"

"It has been wonderful to love not just with our bodies but with our thoughts, too. Not one but two hours of doing so have been accomplished. You can have your pipe and I am free to stare at you and cherish your presence. Afterwards we can find our rooms."

Yet they lingered under the stars, chatting lightly of unimportant issues, reluctant to leave the embracing shelter of the other's arms even for a short time.

Tbc