Return to Mirkwood COMPLETE

Title: Return to Mirkwood
Chapter Sixteen.
Author: Sarah
Pairing: Gimli/Legolas
Rating: PG {to be safe. It's a mild chapter}.
Disclaimer: I love them and thank Tolkien for them. They are not mine. The Legolas and Gimli I write belong solely to Tolkien. They are not related to the movie characters. I claim the original characters and ideas.
Archive: Axe and Bow. Others please ask.
Feedback: Please. saraharizonaanne@hotpop.com
Author notes: Thank you to everyone who gave me fb. The encouragement helps me more than I can say. Thank you to Marigold for the super great beta work. I am glad for your touch on my work. Any mistakes left are mine.

They had a late breakfast in the community dining room. Gimli felt that studying his elf was even more satisfying than the food. Legolas' skin still held a slight glow and he looked flushed. His occasional sighs of contentment were pleasing to Gimli's ears. Legolas' eyes continued to hold a dreamy appearance and remained darker in colour almost throughout the entire meal.


They dined in quiet happiness until their meal was almost finished and then Legolas said, "Gimli, is there anything you desire to do today?"


Gimli shook his head. The blackberry scones were delicious.


"Good. I'd like to move the chest of drawers. I believe you and I are strong enough to do so without the aid of servants. I have a long list of things I wish to accomplish once the mirror is aligned with the bed."


"Things of duty or of pleasure?"


"Pleasure, of course."


"Couldn't tell from the way you stated it. “Gimli picked up another scone.”It is going to be difficult indeed to push that chest...Solid wood and the weight has sunk down. I looked. Been there....," a teasing glance at Legolas, "at least a million years."


Legolas groaned. "By the stars, Gimli! I suppose I should be grateful that you didn't make it millions."


"Thought about billions but that sounded a little too long."


Legolas grinned. "A little too long. All right, I'm just going to eat and not talk to you until your mood improves."


"Don't worry. No one can tell you are over a few thousand."


"A few thousand! Is your memory so poor that you've forgotten how old I am?"


Gimli grinned. "I am of the opinion that it would be easier to move the bed. Take the mattress off and we should be able to shift it into place. Love you, my elf." He reached across and touched Legolas' chin lightly. Legolas' hand griped his arm while his tongue grazed Gimli's finger.


"And I you, my dwarf."


"We could attempt to push the bed another way."


"I believe we've tried that but I'm quite willing to undertake the effort again."


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"Legolas, don't play with the blasted bed. Use some of that strength I know you have!"


"Gimli..." A pause. "I think it is you who is not shoving with all your strength."


Gimli glanced over at Legolas who was sitting on the floor with his head against the bed. "Did you arrange the room in this fashion?"


"Nay. I was given these chambers when I was old enough to have my own. I have never changed anything aside from bringing in my own personal items. I didn't have any reason to. And don't you dare say a word about how many years that's been. You have some problem with numbers that I cannot comprehend."


Gimli laughed. "Ready to try again?"


After much effort the bed slowly began to slide forward. Eventually, the sturdy bed was aligned with the mirror.


The rest of the day was spent in the enjoyment of accomplishing the items on Legolas' list.


TBC