Return to Mirkwood COMPLETE

Title: Return to Mirkwood.
Chapter Nineteen
Author: Sarah.
Pairing: Gimli/Legolas.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I love them and thank Tolkien for them. They are not mine. I do claim the original ideas and characters. The Gimli and Legolas I write belong solely to Tolkien. They are not related to the movie characters.
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. Tolkien did not tell us Legolas' age. Thank you to Sivan for the nice comments on the last chapter. Thank you Brazgirl for the lovely review. Elind is Legolas' mother's mother so that would make her Legolas' great-grandmother.

After a late breakfast each day, they would spend hours walking in the woods, talking and loving under the spruce. They were in the kitchen to get food to take with them one morning, when a servant informed them that it was raining heavily outside.

Legolas believed it would be a perfect opportunity to call upon some of his friends and relatives. "They will be home today due to the rain and we won't have to search to find them."

Gimli felt relieved. For a second, the thought crossed his mind that elves might not be bothered by the idea of walking in pouring rain.

They started with the elflings that were kin to Legolas. Legolas was determined to hunt down each child. This involved visits with nannies and parents.

Every place smelled of the woods. Leaves were around numerous doors and the elves often wore similar ones in their hair. Gimli resolved to himself, *I love Legolas dearly. I'm proud to wear his braids but it will, truly, be a million years before I let anyone put shrubbery in my hair.*

Gimli admired his elf's patience as Legolas answered question after question and played children's games. He let himself be climbed on, hugged too hard, and his hair to be pulled. His new braids were touched and examined.

The older ones were very polite to Gimli but the younger children had no compunctions. The toddlers knew only Sindarin but those old enough to speak even a modicum of the common speech had more inquiries for him than Legolas.

Lire's parents reported that she was in the library again with Ravasal. After talking for a while with Lire's parents they headed for the library. Legolas swooped up the little girls and in a very serious voice told Saitacel that he was absconding with both of them.

They giggled the entire way to the kitchens where Legolas handed Gimli a plate of biscuits. They departed to the public dining room where he told the lasses, "You have to finish telling me everything that happened while I was gone," in a stern tone that brought forth snickers.

Etelehet, from Tasar's issue, and his bonded one, Luin, were happy to see them. After conversing with Legolas and Gimli, they notified Legolas that their own child was with the King. Gimli felt hesitance about suddenly arriving at the Elven Lord's study but Legolas clearly had no doubts over it.

The door was open as it was during their last visit. Gimli wondered if it usually was kept ajar.

Gimli could hardly believe his eyes at the scene inside the chamber. The King had not just one but two other little girls in his company. He was sitting calmly writing while the elflings had pulled chairs up and put a little tea set next to his work. They had dolls and stuffed animals both on the desk and propped up around the room. Despite the giggles and play, the Elven Lord seemed to be able to work as Gimli could see that he was now writing on a second piece of parchment.

Legolas poked his head in the door and said, "I've found the last of my nieces. May we join your party?"

Shrieks of joy were his answer and a rush of small bodies as Legolas was grabbed and hugged. He moved down to their level and was plastered with kisses.

Gimli was surprised when one of the lasses hugged him and informed him, "Ata'da says you are family now."

"And which of your grandfathers told you this, Elean?" Legolas asked.

"I believe I'm guilty," the King replied.

The little one nodded and giggled.

Legolas wrapped his arms around the children and said, "This pretty lass with the giggles is Elean and the other beautiful lady is Nolawen. Tasar's line. And this lovely young lady is Tyultaer from Celduil's."

"Gimli, son of Gloin at your service." He expected this to produce more laughter but instead the faces grew serious.

"I can do it right." he heard Nolawen whisper. Then she said, "Nolawen, daughter of Aialcer. At yours and your family's." She made a bow and peering anxiously at Gimli asked, "Was that fine?"

"Aye. You did very well." He was given a brilliant smile and greetings from the other two elflings.

Gimli noticed that the King was wearing red leaves and berries as a crown. A sense of resignation came to Gimli. His elf would probably soon be wearing parts of trees in his hair, too.

Gimli could only hope that Legolas would take the greenery out of his tresses before bed. They had lain in leaves often enough, though, so it was possible his elf would see no reason to remove them until bathing. *If he does not I'll have to live with the crunch of leaves in our bed. Berries and twigs will be even worse to sleep with.*

The realisation that Legolas might put flowers in his locks in the summer came next. Gimli struggled to reconcile that image of Legolas with the elf he had known at Helm's Deep. *Flowers and leaves in our bed. I shall consider myself quite lucky to avoid such a fate,* he decided.

At that minute, Tyultaer looked up at him, bestowing him with a smile that was identical in appearance and happiness to Legolas' own. *No,* Gimli corrected himself, *I shall be blessed indeed to be granted such an occurrence for it means that I have Legolas.*

Gimli was amused watching Legolas surrounded by tittering bairns, stuffed toys, and dolls. He determined the next time he teased Legolas about his age, he would bring the number down to barely fifty, when elves came of age. That would earn him a reaction if Legolas wasn't too stunned.

Gimli spent the duration of their time in the King's study looking up at Legolas' portraits. Sitting down as Legolas had done was risky. It might land him a doll in his lap. Legolas was getting covered with them. Gimli could recall only once holding a doll and it had been attached to the toddler he had been carrying. He glanced over at Thranduil who had gone back to writing. How had he managed to keep from being overwhelmed with dolls? The Lord's sharp eyes met his and Gimli gestured, "How did you get away with..." he left the sentence unfinished and watched as the King's gaze went to Legolas and then back to Gimli. He seemed puzzled at first and then amusement crossed his face.

"It is a sad fact but once you are over a thousand years old you aren't allowed to play with dolls. Elven warriors are authorized to indulge in such activities if they volunteer for the duty. I was always taught that dwarves don't permit their warriors to enjoy them."

Gimli nodded and keeping a straight face, replied, "That is right." He went back to savouring the drawings. It was not long before he sensed the Lord's presence at his side.

"I suppose of the ones of Legolas, my favourite is the first. Legolas was twenty years old in that etching. Tasar needed Legolas to pose for hours before he felt it was correct. I was very proud of how patient Legolas was about it."

"That was the year Tasar and Legolas had the big archery battle in the halls. It took me a quite a while to comfort the servant who insisted he had been called an orc and had an arrow narrowly miss his head." His voice had softened a bit and he said, "I trust I could identify that arrow's owner." His glance went back to Legolas and Gimli had a notion who the arrow had belonged to, also.

"Legolas was nine hundred and eighty-eight in the last one. He had moved out to a talan shortly after it was done and planned to spend the summer there. Then Raumon was born. He didn't seem to thrive well. Tasar had already lost one of his line when Nelyahin died. I've never seen a fussier baby. Cried continually. And Legolas ended up here again taking turns at walking the infant as that was the only thing that made the elfling happy. I hold his actions in high esteem for it was not required of him yet for love of family he did so."

The King sighed and said, "The middle sketch was started when Legolas turned fifty but not finished until two years later."

He ceased speaking. Gimli appreciated what the Lord had been doing. He had kindly been giving Gimli knowledge on each drawing and a memory from that year. Legolas was occupied with the lasses but he could discern the discussion and would be aware of his father's praise. Yet now the King had reached a time that must sadden him greatly.

Gimli began to thank him and tell him that he understood if this piece of art was passed over when Thranduil began, "I do have a few good memories from those years. One in particular stands out. My sons had taken to reading to me. They were trying to interest me in something. Legolas judged it was pointless as he was certain that I did not listen. Yet he continued. Except instead of reading, he would hold the book upside down and make up stories. I guess he concluded that as I wasn't paying attention, it didn't matter. There was a summer day we sat together for a while under a tree. He didn't read a word from the book. Just made up a bunch of tales that half made sense. When I was back in my chambers, it suddenly struck me as funny and I could hardly stop laughing. The first time I had laughed since she died." He paused and glanced at Gimli. "So when I admire this painting, I try to keep in mind how fortunate I am to have sons that care instead of dwelling on the grief."

The Lord moved to resume his seat and Gimli said, "Thank you."

The King smiled. "I enjoy talking about Legolas."

They were out in the hall again, when Legolas said, "I'm going to start calling on friends and family now. Is that all right with you, Gimli?"

Gimli was aware that he had been addressed but the question evaded him. He had been lost in longing to see the young ones that he loved. *Legolas has every reason to be proud of his,* Gimli thought. Not one had treated him ill due to his being a dwarf. They had been friendly and accepting. Being around the elflings had caused him to be sick for home. He felt Legolas' strong grip on his shoulder.

"Here. We'll be alone." He let Legolas guide him into a small chamber that held brooms, a bucket, and cloths. Legolas leaned against a wall and pulled Gimli to him.

Gimli took a deep breath, delighting in the elven scent he loved so much. He remembered the first time Legolas had comforted him thus. They had been alone in a tent outside Minas Tirith. Gimli had been worried about Merry, and the Lady Eowyn. Legolas had embraced him and he had come very close to pushing his elf away. He was not a child that required soothing. His dignity had still been injured from the journey down the Paths of the Dead where he had relied much on Legolas' slight touches as aid so he could continue.

It was not the dwarven way to provide consolation over concerns by holding. Naur would have slapped him on the back and told him to be strong. Yet Legolas' arms had enclosed him and Gimli had discovered a help for his worries far beyond what a pat on the back could do.

Legolas had not even considered that Gimli might perceive such support as patronising. Gimli had comprehended this fact from Legolas' face which had displayed only a desire to encourage and to be comforted himself. The dwarf had learned that night the solace warm elven arms and his one love could bring him. Now it felt natural to snuggle into Legolas and he sighed.

"We can leave as soon as the contract is signed, meleth nín."

Gimli was reviewing how much the relationship had developed. *Legolas has a very pleasant woodland fragrance to him,*Gimli reflected. He resolved to endeavour to express some of his gladness over how their friendship had progressed.

The words, he said, however, were not what he had purposed. "You don't smell like a dwarf."

Gimli winced. His statement hadn't even sounded like a compliment. He peered up at Legolas, hoping he hadn't hurt his elf.

Legolas was restraining himself from laughter. He had sucked in his lip and let his hair fall around his face but Gimli glimpsed the spark of laughter in his eyes, although Legolas was clearly trying not to look at him for fear of laughing.

Legolas' voice was strained from suppressed mirth as he responded, "From your expression, I suppose that was not your intended answer. If this is the first time you've noticed how I smell then I can only say your senses are dull indeed. You must be missing your own kin a great deal."

Gimli reached up and let Legolas' soft tresses fall through his fingers. "I am, but I will not hurry my stay. I cherish how you smell. I wanted to state how happy I am that our love has grown. We will go call on your friends." His fingers tarried over Legolas' firm chin. "And I suggest we do so soon before I decide our chambers are a better place to visit."
Legolas' hands moved down his back and his face held a questioning look. Gimli shook his head. "Not here. Your father and the youngsters are merely two doors down."
"We'll just plan on a long noon meal." Legolas smiled.

Legolas had acquired many friends during his life; the first they visited was Orontem. Legolas claimed Orontem as a good friend.

Gimli, remembering how easily Naur and Legolas became friends, made every effort to do the same for Legolas. He felt it to be quite a task. Orontem reminded him of his initial perception of Legolas. Haughtiness and arrogance combined with a superior attitude.

It was carried over in his general speech but not when he addressed Legolas or Gimli directly. When he spoke specially to Gimli, it was more in a voice that was uncertain of how to talk to a dwarf at all. The occasional bewildered looks Orontem cast at Legolas confirmed this.

Yet Gimli struggled to establish some level of friendship.

Orontem loved to hunt and had several stag heads mounted on his walls. He, also, had a huge spider leg enclosed in a glass case because "the heads won't keep." Gimli made no comment.

Gimli found the visit with Orontem discouraging. How was he ever going to be friends with Legolas' acquaintances if they behaved in such a fashion?

They had their noon meal in their chambers. Several steaming meat pies were placed in the middle of the table. Legolas smiled, "The servants have already learned what you enjoy Gimli."

Gimli was giving one of the pies his complete attention when Legolas inquired, "Was I that awful?"

Gimli paused eating. "As awful as what?" He feared he knew the answer and to get an opportunity to think of a good response, he shoved as much of his pie as he could into his mouth.

Legolas said, "Orontem sounds so full of pride and superiority. I never discerned it before. I acted the same way, didn't I?"

Gimli hastily added more food into his mouth and made a motion showing he couldn't talk.

"You can't speak because of the manner in which you are eating. Is the pie that good? Or perhaps you're avoiding giving me an answer?" Legolas said, amused.

Gimli shook his head, aware that his gesture could be took both ways.

Legolas laughed. "All right, Elvellon. I'll rescind my question."

Gimli swallowed and replied, "The food is delicious."

His statement was greeted with more laughter from Legolas.

"I took offence easily back then. So I would be a poor judge of your actions."

Legolas grinned, "You are very tactful."

"You should eat. Have one of the pies. They are excellent."

Legolas helped himself to a pie but not before giving Gimli another cheerful glance.

They ate in companionable silence for a while. Then Gimli said, "Your father really loves you. Yet you were incredibly nervous before we arrived here."

"He was angry at me over Gollum when I left. I feared he would let me leave without even a farewell. He could not. He found me at the last moment and..." Legolas sighed. "He ordered me to complete the task and come back by the shortest road. Instead...you know what I did. I was always aware that by not coming home I was adding to his worries and he might resent that. Not to mention that I could have been of aid to my people here. I had accepted that my Lord had plenty of reasons to be displeased with me and loving you might be something he could not tolerate from a son who had already given him trouble."

Gimli bit into an apple and mused over Legolas' words. Legolas had given him the information before but now Gimli tried to put it into the context of what he had seen of the Elven King. He had been under the impression that the King angered easily and that was why Legolas had been so worried over his father's reaction to their love. Now, Gimli perceived that it was just the opposite: Legolas was unused to having his father angry at him and had not known what to expect. Also, Gimli reflected, the Lord had lost his father, his wife and a grandchild to death. Legolas had probably been concerned that his loving a mortal would cause his father to push him away in order to avoid anxiety over losing another loved one.

Legolas finished eating and after taking a sip of his wine, he said to Gimli, "Heated emotion."

Gimli gave him a questioning look.

"I never understood back then why I enjoyed angering you. Today, I realised why. I like the fire in your eyes. It's beautiful, the way your eyes burn with fire. When the Quest first commenced, I wouldn't have dreamed of kissing you..."

"I should think not."

Legolas grinned. "So my only option was to irritate you. Passion is better, though. Your voice deepens and your eyes don't just fill with fire but they soften and light up and...”

"They do not." Gimli was uncertain why he wanted to argue the point. *More for the newness of the idea,* he guessed. He had never thought of the changes in his own appearance at such times. Other than the rumpled hair and beard because Legolas was continually running his fingers through both. He had viewed himself in the mirror but he had always been far more interested in Legolas than himself.

A huge smile from Legolas and after a second he grasped Gimli's hand, stroking his thumb across the palm. He lowered his voice and said, "They light up as if set aflame by Aule himself. It would frighten me to get so close to such a fire and one that belongs to Durin but well I know that it is fuelled by love for me. There is not a part of the flames that leave me untouched and never in all my years have I felt such desire. Your eyes scorch and burn me in a heat that causes me to ache and cry with need yet when I am sated still I feel the blaze." His fingers slowly moved up Gimli's arm as he leaned across the table. His voice had become sultry. His eyes had darkened and held Gimli's.

Gimli could behold plainly the two of them locked in a kiss but he was unsure if it was his heart or Legolas' eyes that displayed their love. He could form no thoughts.

"I could never warm myself elsewhere for after experiencing your fervour, all other fires would seem cold and fail to warm me. Bedroom, Gimli?"

Gimli wanted to convey how much he loved Legolas but there didn't seem to be words, only the answering longing from his own body. Legolas' eyes held an assurance of his value to Gimli so the dwarf said the one word he could easily accomplish. "Aye."

They continued the visits an hour or so after the noon meal. Legolas paused at one door. "Celund is my nephew but I would, also, say he was my best friend and shield brother before you. I have confidence that you will find him comfortable to be around."

Gimli was familiar with this elf. Celund had introduced himself at the first party. He had talked to Gimli at the other party they had been to since the one celebrating Legolas' homecoming. Gimli had instantly liked him. He was a warm, open person. Although he was Celduil's second son, his personality was closer to Tasar's.

Gimli found a friendship already waiting for him in this elf, who was willing to like him just because Legolas did. He, also, discovered that they had something important in common: they both thought of Legolas as perfect.

Celund and Legolas conversed for quite a while about Gollum. Gimli learned that Celund had been part of the watch the day Gollum had escaped. It was brought home to Gimli how much his viewpoint had changed. Instead of seeing Gollum's escape as a lack of ability on Legolas' part, he now saw it as mischance, brought about by the mercy and kindness that Legolas had so much of.

One of their visits was to Rinon, Varyar's eldest. Lastand was there, holding a newborn wrapped in a blanket. She had a basket of baby gowns at her feet. The table they sat around was covered with threads of many colours and various embroidery needles.

Legolas instantly asked for and was given the baby. He promptly began to explain how the little one was kin. The mite wasn't one of Rinon's. The child was Rinon's son's daughter's babe. Gimli nodded. The new one was a boy and had been named Taurin.

Gimli ventured a look at the nursling. For one horrified minute, all he could think was, *The lad has no hair!* He berated himself the next second. It was quite possible that the blond fuzz on top of the infant's head was considered a lot of hair by elves.

There was, also, the alarming paleness of skin. Gimli tried to find a polite way to ask if this was normal for small elflings. He noticed the babe's eyes were open but not focused on anything. If the tot was sleeping with his eyes open then he was fine. At the first pause in the conversation, Gimli asked, "Legolas, is the little fellow asleep?"

"Yes."

Gimli continued to study Taurin, trying to adjust his idea of what constituted a healthy baby. *Legolas must have looked similar to this tiny one,* Gimli grinned,*exactly nine hundred and ninety years ago. I do know how old Legolas is.*

Gimli realised that his lack of wisdom on whether the infant had been napping had caused confusion when Lastand asked, "Do not dwarven children rest the same?"

"We sleep with our eyes closed."

Rinon instantly pronounced, "That must be difficult, Legolas. If Tauremald's eyes were closed when I awoke from my repose, I'd be very alarmed."

Legolas smiled. "What was really troubling was the first few times I had guard duty travelling with seven mortals and a wizard. They lie down, stay very still, and close their eyes. Even wizards sometimes sleep with their eyes closed. I felt surrounded by a group of very sick people. It's eerie. There were several times, when I began to debate which one I should poke to assure myself of their wellness. And the worse part is that we share in common a dislike for being disturbed when resting. Only it is more aggravating for them because even in light repose, they are unaware of anything around them, and find it upsetting to be bothered."

Rinon grimaced. "They'd have been annoyed often at me. I would not have been able to resist the urge to shake someone awake."

Legolas grinned now at Gimli. "Don't choose a dwarf to wake. They are often slow to respond. It is very unsettling. If you do manage to wake one suddenly, they react as if they are expecting to be attacked. Try a hobbit. They're usually quick enough to awareness and good-natured even if they secretly wish you'd leave them alone. Humans can be grumpy when awakened and a wizard might be angered over your foolishness. Although Mithrandir often stayed up and conversed with me for a time, so it is possible he sensed my unease."

Rinon made another face.

Gimli opened his mouth to protest and then shut it firmly. Legolas was right.

Lastand said, "One would think that like eating, resting would be the same for all beings. Do you find our way of resting disconcerting, Gimli?" She picked up a threaded needle from the table and chose a baby gown from the basket.

"In the beginning, I did. I am accustomed to it now and can tell when Legolas sleeps. I was not sure with Taurin, though, so I doubt I would know with most elves." Gimli, whose focus was still on the baby, asked her, "Did you see Legolas as a babe?"

"Yes." She commenced to embroider Sindarin symbols on the gown.

"Did he look like this little one?"

Lastand replied," Yes, although Legolas had a bit more hair and was alert for longer spans. Taurin rests a great deal. Legolas used to hold his fingers in front of his face and stare at them. Our King was thrilled. He said, 'Legolas is going to be a very good archer. My son has already located his fingers.' “

Legolas laughed but Gimli contemplated the infant.

"Do you wish to hold the babe?" Legolas asked Gimli.

"Waking up to a dwarf might be frightening to him."

"Taurin sleeps soundly and he is new. He should be fine." Lastand said.

Gimli nodded and Legolas carefully eased the child into his arms. Gimli stared in fascination. *He's very light and tiny.* Taurin's only reaction to being moved was to clench and unclench his hands briefly. He didn't seem conscious of Gimli.

*Legolas was like this once. And if he had children of his own, perhaps they would look similar to this little fellow. There is no point in sorrowing over that,* Gimli quickly told himself. *My father will do enough grieving over babies that will not be born. Legolas could have married and had elflings by now had he found love elsewhere.*

Gimli spent most of the visit trying to imagine Legolas so small, only handing the little one back to be fair. He was, after all, Legolas' nephew. Taurin's eyes had only shifted to Gimli once and he gave no indication that he actually saw Gimli.

Shortly before they left, Lastand held up the garment she had been working on. It was a light blue. "I put the child's name around the neckline." Gimli could see the characters done in fine stitches. "I did several for Legolas. They weren't stitched as well as my ability has improved with the years but they were done with love."

Gimli saw she had also stitched in a line of several types of trees across the bottom.

When they were out in the corridor again, Legolas told Gimli, "Lastand has done a year's worth of gowns for every baby born in Eryn Lasgalen since she married Celduil. The servant's infants are not forgotten, either. It astounds me the amount of work she does. The clothing is very prized because each newborn is given their own unique design."

"What was yours?"

Legolas grinned. "Now that Gimli, I do not know. Being so very elderly...what did you tell me? Over a few thousand, I believe it was. I don't have any memories of being a baby and I seriously doubt you do, either."

Gimli was too busy laughing to reply.

They went to Tasar and Lisse's next but they were not there. Gimli had already discovered that they had the closest chambers to their own.

Legolas said, "They are probably in the workshop. I'm glad as I'd hoped to show it to you."

They stopped by their own chambers to get the puzzle Gimli had borrowed.

The door to the work area was open and they walked in. Tasar and Lisse were not there. Gimli paused to look around. Two tables, one clearly meant for elflings. Atop the children's table were painted wooden figures. It was a miniature army in toys. There were archers and trees and even orcs.

There was also a play set meant for children to climb upon that Gimli stopped to inspect. Two carved wooden trees supported a huge talan that spanned two decks. There were three wooden figures of elves, two ladders, a table, chairs, and a bed. A bucket hung on a rope and could be pulled up or down.

Wreathes of tree leaves and red berries were hung around the room. A rack held puzzles. There was a door at the far end of the chamber with a very high latch. The bar was up and Legolas headed that way. "They have paints and items they don't want the younger ones into so both sides of the door has a bar."

Legolas knocked.

Lisse opened the door and said, "Greetings." She motioned for them to come in.

Gimli had his own workshop in his home but it did not resemble this one. There was one item that was similar: a bucket of small rocks. These, however, had no value beyond beauty unlike those of his place. There was a barrel of different coloured feathers, a basket of fabric swatches, and a container of pine cones, leaves in a basket, and some flat pieces of wood in a bowl on the table.

One side of the room had rolls of fabrics, the other had a huge easel. Various brushes were suspended from its sides. A long table was in the middle of the room with shelves behind it. One shelf had pot after pot of herbs, another contained many different coloured paints, and the last held inks and quills. The canvas resting on the easel had the start of a tree in autumn.

Gimli was reminded of his sister. She did not draw but her workroom had fabrics. Hers also included a quilt frame and other items common to dwarves.

Tasar worked on a sketch most of the time they conversed. Gimli found the way Tasar drew intriguing. His attention never wandered from the conversation yet his hands were busy. "I don't need a subject to pose anymore, although it helps. When I first undertook drawing, it was impossible for me to work without the image I was trying to reproduce. Nowadays, memory will usually suffice. That and Lisse." He smiled fondly at her and for a brief instant Gimli saw a reflection of her in his eyes. "Lisse is very good at noticing the finer specifics. The 'yes, love, but Laivin always holds her chin in this fashion' remarks that keep me on track."

They made several other calls that afternoon. "Perhaps one day before we leave, we'll go to visit my mother's family. They live in dwellings outside the fortress. I'd say that none of them behave as Elind did except she is usually not quarrelsome, either."

Gimli nodded. "Legolas, why does your mother's family live outside the fortress?"

Legolas frowned. "They always have? I have no idea why. I seem to recall that they lived in the forest even before my father had the fortress built. I'm afraid history was not my favourite topic when I was being tutored. I do remember that whatever happened, it was the fault of dwarves."

"Which proves you did not listen. I recall clearly being taught elves were to blame for all of Middle-earth's troubles."

"All of them? That overdoes it. However, it is still your people's fault. If you didn't incite such emotion in us then you'd have been left in peace."

Gimli laughed. "You have a most interesting theory there. A crazed one but very interesting."

Gimli still had some confusion over who was related to who despite the many elves they called on. He was not certain but he had the impression that not everyone was visited. He suspected that Legolas did not go to see anyone he imagined would disapprove of their relationship.

Lastly, they went to visit Celduil. He greeted them warmly and offered them wine. They talked for a while and then Legolas inquired, "What is going on between Lastand and you? She was having the evening meal with us when I departed."

Celduil's voice was calm enough in reply but Gimli observed the slight darkening of his eyes. "I made everything worse.” He sighed. "She missed the evening meal twice and I assumed her to be with Poldalcar."

"For as long as I can remember you've been jealous of him."

"How was I to know that Indis was having trouble carrying Taurin and Lastand was with her? It's not like anyone enlightened me. Nay, instead everyone imagines I've already been told so why bother to do so themselves." He took a deep breath.

Gimli wondered if it had occurred to Celduil that perhaps most people would have believed he was, at least, communicating enough with his spouse to know where she dined.

"I intended to invite her politely but I ended up commanding her to come to the table. She agreed but she was miserable. Just wilted as if I'd damaged her or something. I got even angrier and informed her I didn't care if she ever appeared for dinner or who she ate with." His voice now held such sorrow that Gimli's own heart hurt.

"Poldalcar was bringing his sister's family into the fortress for safety. He was here both nights that Lastand was not at the meal. I spied them talking in the hall and I got upset."

Legolas reached across the table and gripped his brother's arm. "You didn't accuse her of being with Poldalcar did you?"

"Nay. I was curious as to where she was at, yet to state she had been playing me false would wound me as much as her. For then I might have to really consider it. Nay. I would not. My heart still desired to trust. I do trust her. Only I hate it when he is friendly to her. It makes it hard to reason. I don't believe she knows why I acted the way I did. I didn't mention Poldalcar. Not to her. I brought it up at the meal that night, only to have Tasar inform me that she was with Indis. I just try not to think of where she is at these days. Saves us both agony."

*No,* Gimli thought, *it doesn't really. He is still concerned over where she is.* He noted the blue eyes that had darkened enough to be close to black and the voice that no longer attempted to hide the sadness.

"Don't you think you ought to apol..."

Celduil interrupted, "I can't. It's bad enough that our King deems I haven't honoured the contract. He says he understands I have my pride but I did promise to love her above everything else. Tasar says I'm being foolish."

Legolas began cautiously, "If you can't apologise..."

Celduil studied the table.

Gimli felt his patience was being greatly tried. He was extremely grateful that Legolas had a much easier personality than his older brother. "Will you not at least go tell her that you care where she dines and that you'd like it to be with you? Nicely, lad, you need to state it nicely."

Gimli was surprised when Legolas got up and pulled Celduil to his feet. "That's exactly right. You have enough time before the evening meal. She's with Rinon." He continued to steer Celduil to the door.

"It won't solve all our problems. The other matter..."

"Never mind that," Legolas replied, guiding him toward the door. "If you get her to the table, at least, you are back at the same place. As it is you've lost ground."

*He wants to go,* Gimli reckoned, *as he is not struggling. He is letting himself be pushed out of his own chambers.*

When they reached the entry, Legolas said, "Pretend you're courting her again so you don't dwell on your rights and get vexed as you did last time. Go to the servants first and be sure a place is left for her and see if any of them can find her favourite flowers. You won her from Poldalcar once so surely you can recall how to gain her affection. You are at an advantage now. No competition and she already loves you and you have important knowledge like which flowers she prefers."

Legolas opened the door and shoved Celduil out it declaring, "Don't get scared and change your mind either."

"Scared! Nothing scares..."

Legolas slammed the door shut. He grinned at Gimli. "We'll wait a few minutes and then leave. Maybe he won't actually be standing in the hall. We have time before the evening meal, too."

Gimli didn't ask 'time for what?'. He suspected he knew.

"Gimli, what were you pondering when you were holding Taurin?"

Gimli had no doubt why Legolas questioned him. Legolas was concerned that Gimli was sad over not having his own little ones. Gimli got up and went to Legolas. He hugged his elf to him and said, "I was thinking that if you resembled Taurin as a babe then you were beautiful indeed. Once I recovered from the fact that elflings do not look akin to dwarven young I realised how lovely he is. It is a shame you had none that belong to you."

"I could say the same to you. But I have all that I long for in my arms."

"And you are everything to me. Shall we chance a glance into the corridor?"

Legolas nodded.

The hall was empty and Legolas said, "Perhaps there is hope. Now if she doesn't request an apology maybe they can, at least, gain what was lost. Poldalcar yearned to bond with her, too. Celduil won her but he's never forgotten that he had competition."

When they arrived at the evening meal, Gimli noticed that Celduil's place was empty. There was hope, though, as the chair beside his had been left vacant, too.

They sat down to eat and Eruantalun asked, "Our Lord, will Lastand be attending the meal tonight?"

Before the King could answer, the door opened.

Celduil and Lastand walked in arm and arm. She had blue flowers in her hair.

Gimli observed that both were serious. *Not repaired yet but Legolas is right. At least, he's regained the ground he lost.* Gimli thought. *Lastand appears nervous but as they've got everyone staring at them, I can understand that.*

Celduil patted Legolas and Gimli both on the shoulder when he passed by.

When they were seated, the King reached across the table to touch Lastand's hand. "I rejoice to have my other daughter back at meals with us. I hope you will continue to dine with us."

A smile lit her face and her other hand searched for Celduil's. Gimli noted Celduil's instant welcoming response as he gripped her hand and now he smiled, too.

Silently, Gimli made a vow to himself. Never would he let discord go so far between Legolas and him. He was well acquainted with pride but even if the effort killed him, he would not let pride take predominance over his love for Legolas.

Tbc