An Arrow's Path Complete

Title: An Arrow's Path
Author: Sarah
Chapter Two.
Pairing: Legolas/Gimli
Rating: a mild PG
Warnings: Slash eventually. None here.
Author's notes: I'm a new writer and couldn't have done any of these chapters without Cheysuli. I am very grateful. Book verse.
Disclaimer: Tolkien owns it all. The Legolas and Gimli I write belong solely and completely to Tolkien and are not related to the movie characters.
Feedback: Yes, please. saraharizonaanne@hotpop.com
Beta: Cheysuli.

Legolas watched as Gimli went to sleep. He had much he wished to think about.

How would he have ever survived all he'd been through without Gimli? So much grief. Gimli brought him comfort. There would have been no mirth, only sorrow today if not for Gimli.

*Mushrooms,* Legolas thought, smiling.

There had been another meaning to it but not what Gimli had imagined.

There was a mushroom that grew in the forests of Mirkwood and that was the plant he had been referring to. It was a beautiful plant, yet deadly; even the oil from the fungus could harm. He had been talking of that plant.

Now, if he was going to connect Gimli with mushrooms, there was another kind he would think about. This one was rarer. It, too, had beauty and was prized as a delicacy among his people.

Legolas held back his laughter; he didn't want to wake Gimli.

Some time in the future he hoped to show both of these mushrooms to Gimli and maybe the dwarf would be willing to discuss some of those thoughts of his. Perhaps, if Legolas could convince Gimli, they would do more than talk about it.

Legolas grinned again.

Legolas would not have tried so hard to converse with the dwarf at meals if it hadn't been for Mithrandir's challenge to him.

Gandalf had said, "I'd like Gimli and you to be friends but I doubt you will be able to get a kind word from him."

Legolas knew he was being challenged but still, how difficult would it be to get a kind word?

Looking back now, Legolas was tempted to laugh again. He had certainty worked for that kind word.

Gimli had spoken to everyone but him. Gimli wasn't impolite, he just made no effort at all to talk to Legolas. It had made Legolas even more determined to get attention.

It had sat ill with Legolas, when he realised after a week, that the hobbits were already quite fond of Gimli, whereas the dwarf had barely spoken two words to him.

Then Gimli had let him join him at meals but after the first time, Gimli had acted as if he was only tolerating Legolas' presence. Legolas felt as if he had offended Gimli somehow but he couldn't imagine what he had done.

Still, Legolas was determined to get that one kind word. He managed to get Gimli to have a conversation with him, only to be told by Gandalf that a conversation was not the same as a kind word.

Legolas had felt like screaming in frustration at that point. "Dwarves," he had informed Gandalf, "do not give compliments."

It had been unpleasant to hear Gimli tell the hobbits the next evening that they were doing well at their training with Boromir.

Legolas had been very aware of Gandalf's amusement.

Legolas was in the back of the group at Moria when his musings had gone to the dwarves and how it must have felt to be driven from one's home. The dwarves had probably hoped to find more mithril or something of great beauty if they dug deeper. It would be like climbing a tree and wanting to go to the very top, believing one would see great vistas there; only to awaken a sleeping monster and have it chase you and your kin from your home.

Legolas had started to find his own thoughts rather frightening when he noticed Gimli by his side and he divulged his meditations to Gimli. He noticed Gimli's dark eyes observing him as he talked and, somehow, the dwarf must have discerned Legolas' nervousness.

Gimli had asked Legolas about Mirkwood.

Legolas had told him of his home, and in the process of discussing better things, had lost his nervousness.

Later, they were resting briefly, when Gandalf said, "I count the consideration he gave you as your kind word."

Legolas hadn't understood at first, then he realised Gimli had taken his mind off any fear he had felt by causing him to think of Mirkwood.

Legolas had been shocked listening to Gimli converse with the Lady Galadriel.

Gimli could be so charming.

Legolas had hungered for a compliment from Gimli.

He had received the compliment in Lothlorien.

They had been in a meadow and the sky had been a beautiful blue.

Legolas had pointed it out to Gimli, who never seemed to look up unless instructed to do so.

Gimli had glanced up briefly and nodded.

Legolas, disappointed that Gimli could not see the beauty in the sky, had tried again.

"Gimli, look, isn't that a lovely blue?"

Gimli had peered back up and then said, "Your eyes are far more lovely, Legolas."

Legolas had experienced the first real happiness since Gandalf's death.

Legolas thought of what Gimli had said about his eyes tonight. Gimli had to have watched him more than once in his repose to be able to judge if he was asleep or not now.

Legolas felt he had reason to hope. Once, in Lothlorien, Legolas had shown Gimli were he slept at night.

Gimli had made the comment that he was not a squirrel to enjoy scampering up trees.

Legolas had desired to share with him the sunset over the city, and they had sat facing the sun. Legolas had on impulse put his arm around Gimli. The instant he had done so, he had expected the dwarf to protest but instead Gimli had leaned against his chest.

It had taken Legolas' mind a few minutes longer than his body to understand that it was a mistake. He had told himself there would be time to discuss this later, after the war. The friendship was too new, he had not wanted to risk it. Besides, who knew how dwarves felt about such things, though if there really were so few females, it might not be wrong to them.

Legolas had thought, while in the boat, to talk of the subject but he never could bring himself to do so. He was enjoying the friendship too much. And there was time. Or so he had reckoned.

Legolas was sure Gimli was slumbering now. He moved to the floor, and laid his head where he could hear the dwarf's heartbeat. He tucked the blanket closer around Gimli, and then wrapped his hand around one of Gimli's. Not perhaps the most comfortable of places, but he was content.

Legolas thought of mushrooms again. Gimli had said that it wasn't so much an insult but a compliment, really. That meant dwarves did not totally condemn love between two males.

How to talk about this with Gimli, Legolas did not know.

Legolas promised himself that he would bring it up, though, and soon. He had been terrified when he had spied Gimli's injury. Even now, knowing Gimli would be fine, Legolas could feel the fear. What if he had died and Legolas had never confessed to him how he truly felt? Legolas was sure he'd die himself if that had happened. And worse, Gimli was going to die. It was only a matter of time. Legolas shivered. He would choose to go when Gimli went. He could not live without him; he did not wish to live without him.

These few years were going to be all they had.

Legolas would wait until they were somewhere more private to speak to Gimli but no longer than that. He resented each day that passed without Gimli knowing his feelings. He would find some way to show Gimli how he felt and just hope for love in return.

It would be a lot to request from Gimli. Such a small number of years. Gimli might wish to go back to his people after the war. He might want to choose someone who didn't tower over him. Legolas would be asking him to give up having one of his own for those few years. Long they might be to a dwarf but to an elf they were not very many.

Of course, it was possible Gimli would be willing to share his bed only until he could go home.

Yet Legolas had heard that dwarves love only once. He desperately longed to be that love to Gimli.

Legolas' father had said it wasn't true that dwarves love only once. He had declared that they could love you one day and forget who you were soon after.

However, Legolas didn't see how his father could know. He looked back at that whole incident and viewed it as being handled badly and certainty proved his Lord comprehended little of dwarves. Legolas was not of the opinion that you could make a dwarf talk if they decided not to. There was better ways of dealing with such matters.

So much fun one might have with a dwarf and his King thought throwing them in dungeons the best way to accomplish his will. Legolas would accept whatever Gimli would permit him to have, even if it was only friendship, but he yearned for a lot more.

His musings strayed to Frodo and Sam. Where were they? Legolas would not think they were dead, not until it was known for sure. All still could fall so easily. Yet as long as he could hear Gimli's heartbeat and be assured he was well, Legolas would hope.

*********************************************


It was hours later when Gimli woke on his own. After being awakened on the hour by Legolas he had been allowed to nap in peace. Now, as he became aware of his surroundings, he discerned that Legolas was holding his hand again. He opened his eyes.

Legolas was sitting on the floor with his head next to Gimli's chest.

Gimli sighed. He had been quite grumpy when he had been awakened.

Legolas had seemed to sense Gimli's mood and had said, "I'm sorry this is such a trial. For my part, I find it enjoyable. Your eyes are lovely, Gimli. So dark. I could lose myself in them and be happy. Never have I looked in someone else's eyes and felt I had discovered a part of myself, but when I look in your eyes I feel I've found what I've been missing all my life."

Gimli wished Legolas wouldn't talk like that. It made him sound like a lover and Gimli was painfully aware that they were not. Lothlorien had brought them together but it was only as they were leaving that Gimli had perceived that he loved Legolas. As one would a brother, he told himself. He had been content enough with that view. Until Boromir had died and there had been no time to grieve. Gimli had worried again about Legolas but his thoughts had been with Merry and Pippin most and there had been no room for much else.

It had been at one of their rest times that Gimli had begun to face the truth. He loved Legolas different from the way one would love a brother.

Now was as good as a time as any to deal with his feelings. He could not sneak out of the room around Legolas. He would be caught before he was out of bed if he tried.

Gimli looked down at Legolas. Sapphires and gold: that is what Legolas reminded him of. It was beyond him, though. Legolas was surely Aragorn's lover. Gimli had seen enough signs of it. There was that interesting quarrel the other day. It was argued in elven but Gimli could discern that Legolas was upset.

Gimli was not the only dwarf to find that the one he loved did not return his affection. He would endure. He just hoped Legolas survived loving Aragorn. It did not seem a wise thing to do but neither was a dwarf falling in love with an elf wise.

Gimli had been told tales of elves. His father said they could not stay with one lover and rarely married and did not remain together even then. One of the pair would end up going to the havens. It was what always happened. They simply could not make commitments and keep them. Love was naught but a game to them.

Gimli had felt this was a little unfair. If such things were true than why were elves said to die of grief? Surely a being who loved that strongly could make a commitment if they loved.

Gimli had not argued with his father, though.

Now he wondered if his father was right. Legolas could see that Aragorn was not likely to be his for the man's life.

Worse, his father had said, elves could bed you and then hate you the next day.

Gimli had not totally believed this, either. How could his father know about such things?

Gimli refused to believe Legolas could be so heartless. He had learned many things about Legolas and one of them was that the elf, despite living many years, still had a tender heart. His grief over Gandalf, then Boromir, and for a brief time Merry and Pippin made a lie of the words Gimli's father had spoken. No one could care so much and then be cruel. Legolas was many things and all of them were good. Cruel was not one of them.

Still, Legolas' words had hurt Gimli but it was not the elf's fault. He was aware that the dwarf desired no compliments now as they did not come from the same love Gimli had.

"Gimli, why are you frowning so much?" Legolas asked suddenly, concerned. "Is your head hurting you badly?"

"I want to get up. Maybe you don't need a bath but I do. And is Aragorn going to allow me to have breakfast?"

"Aragorn was here an hour ago. You are free to leave."

Legolas sat up and stretched. Gimli turned his eyes away. His heart had started to bother him far more than his head ever had.

They were headed toward the door when Gimli asked,” Why don't you go get some rest if you haven't already?"

"I'm going with you."

"I'm taking a bath. You are not helping me with it."

Gimli hoped he sounded firm enough. He could not let Legolas get that close. His body would reveal everything if he did.

"What if you get dizzy? What if you fall? Have you considered that? You can't expect me to just let you walk off on your own."

Gimli was saved from having to think of a reply by a tap on the door.

"Come in."

Aragorn was not in the room yet before Gimli started talking. "Inform this crazy elf that I can bathe by myself."

Aragorn looked at Legolas. "Leave us for a few minutes."

Legolas nodded and left the room.

When Legolas was gone, Aragorn turned to Gimli. "Tell me the truth. Are you feeling any faintness?"

"No. It still stings some but I can take a bath without falling as Legolas seems to reckon I will."

"Alright. It is not mealtime but I will tell Legolas to meet you in the kitchen after your bath. You are hungry, I'm sure."

Gimli nodded.

"There is, however, a condition attached."

"What is it?" Gimli asked, sighing.

"If you feel light headed, even for a second, you will not try to be tough. You will dress and call for someone to find me. There are plenty of people around to hear you. You don't want us finding you drowned in a tub, do you?"

Gimli closed his eyes. That did not bear thinking about.

"I will send for you if I have the slightest problem. Has Legolas had any rest?"

"I sent him to nap for a few hours. Eowyn was with you for a short time. I hope this was alright? She thought you would not mind."

"I do not mind."

"She stayed awhile. After she left, I sent for Legolas. I promised him I would after an hour or two. I believe he slept on the floor next to you for awhile as well."

Gimli nodded.

Aragorn sent Legolas to the kitchens and let Gimli have his bath.

*************************************************

Gimli sat in his room alone. Legolas had finally stopped following him around and had gone to bathe.

Legolas' constant presence had done its damage, though. Gimli was beginning to wonder how he would endure his unrequited love. His heart felt as if it had shattered into many pieces.

Gimli longed to go back to his own home where he would be able to grieve in private. Although he was not sure he could face his father. What was he to say? You were wrong about elves and I'm miserable so leave me alone? Gimli didn't deem that would be accepted very well.

The big problem was: could he even be happy anymore in a place with no elves? The answer to that was most likely no. Yet to be around them and yearn so for Legolas would be impossible, also.

Gimli wondered if perhaps he was wrong about Legolas' feelings toward Aragorn. He thought back to recent events. They had gone over the names of the dead and it had been Gimli that Legolas had turned to for comfort.

They had gone to the meeting place. Legolas had asked Gimli to sit behind him. "So I can turn to you and look in your eyes if I need to."

Gimli had been surprised when Legolas had turned and buried his head briefly into the dwarf's shoulder. It had made him angry. What was wrong with Aragorn that he could not notice that Legolas needed consolation? Why did he leave Legolas with Gimli instead of comforting his lover? Aragorn knew elves better than he did: couldn't he see Legolas' sorrow? Gimli had put an arm around Legolas and run his fingers through the gold of the elf's hair.

Legolas had seemed comforted, if there was any solace to be had from the battle.

Gimli didn't understand Aragorn. He had stood conversing with Gandalf afterwards and still did not come to the elf. He was certainty aware of them.

Aragorn and Gandalf had both glanced at them several times. They had never seen a dwarf try to soothe an elf, Gimli knew, but it seemed wrong for Aragorn to not inquire if Legolas was alright.

For that matter, Gandalf was even harder to understand than usual. Once Legolas had left his side, Gimli had sought out Eowyn. They had talked briefly and then the dwarf had headed toward his room.

Gimli had met Gandalf on the way there, and had been asked where Legolas was. Gimli, feeling hurt, had said, "Bath, with Aragorn...how am I to know?" Gandalf had given him a rather strange look but Gimli had not stopped to question him. He needed to be alone with his sadness.

He should not love an elf. It could only bring pain, if not to him than to the elf. Legolas clearly cared deeply for him, but that was a long way from welcoming the fact that he was the dwarf's one love. It was nowhere near to being willing to have only Gimli as a lover.

Legolas had such anguish when they had lost hope for Merry and Pippin, whom they had been acquainted with a short time; how would he survive losing a lover of many years? Gimli could not see Legolas risking death over a dwarf when he could love one of his own. Gimli did not want to risk the elf's life himself.

If Legolas approached him, that would be a different matter. He would accept whatever Legolas offered if only for the memories. If only one time, then only that. He wouldn't turn down Legolas on a commitment either, because it wasn't something one could win. If he refused the elf's love, Legolas might grieve; but if he did not decline, Legolas would grieve when Gimli perished. Better to have agony later when memories could bring a little cheer, than be heart sore now with no good memories.

Still, the reality was Legolas probably loved him as one did a brother. He did not believe Legolas would ever grant him more than friendship. And he would not suggest anything else himself. It was best for Legolas if he never perceived Gimli's feelings.

Gimli felt anger at himself. When had he started to think that he was responsible for the elf's well being?

He sighed, he knew the answer. Lothlorien.

Legolas had invited him to walk through the woods, their sadness over Gandalf had been new. Gimli had felt it right to grieve and had encouraged Legolas to talk about Gandalf. Yet, he had also believed the hobbits had a better way to mourn. They did not concentrate on the end but on all the good times before Moria. So Gimli had let Legolas speak of Moria but he tried not to let the elf dwell on it. If Legolas started to think too much of it, Gimli would guide his thoughts elsewhere with questions, such as "When did you first meet Gandalf?" Gimli had found himself comforted in the act of trying to comfort Legolas.

Somehow, Gimli had begun to feel he was responsible for Legolas' heart during that time. It was a foolish thing to believe. Legolas had lived many years without him. He did not need some dwarf to help him survive.

The head injury must be worse than he had supposed it to be. It was making his eyes sting, too.

Legolas did not make it easy for Gimli, either. Gimli could live with just being friends if Legolas would not act as a lover would to him. Legolas did care, Gimli was sure of that much. Perhaps elves behaved in that fashion when they cared.

Gimli did not believe in his father's notions of elves but he did imagine love was different for elves.

It wasn't just the way Legolas talked to him at times, his actions were those of a lover, as well.

Eowyn had told Gimli that she had assumed that they were lovers.

Gimli understood why she had arrived at such a conclusion. He had been standing there, just talking to Eowyn in plain sight of everyone, when Legolas had stalked up to him and said, "I need to speak to you alone. Now." It had been said in a tone that
one would use with an errant child and Gimli had been irritated. He had become angry a few minutes later when once alone with the elf, all Legolas had said was, "Can you handle a horse now?" Gimli had angrily told the elf he would be fine on his own.

Gimli had confessed to Eowyn that Legolas did not return his feelings. She had thought Gimli was wrong. "Legolas is very possessive of you, Gimli. I had deemed that he had taken a disliking to me but he is that way with others, too. Do you recall the little child that kept asking you questions?"

Gimli remembered. He had been hard pressed not to laugh when the child had said, "I've never seen a dwarf. Are you really one?"

The little one's mother had tried to gather the lad back to her. She had started to apologize to Gimli but the dwarf had told her it was fine, he did not mind the child. Gimli had been talking to the boy, not the mother.

When the brief rest was over and Gimli had gone back to Legolas, the elf had asked, "Decided to join us after all?"

Gimli had thought he had somehow managed to offend the elf yet again, although, he had no idea how. They had been sharing a horse once more and Legolas had acted fine the rest of the journey to Helm's Deep.

Now looking back on it, Gimli just felt confused and heartbroken.

He could not understand Legolas. The elf was clearly very close to Aragorn, though since they had arrived in Lorien, he had spent more time with Gimli.

Yet, Gimli had been sure that the two were lovers and he still thought it quite likely. They were very good friends. Aragorn divulged to Legolas many things that the man shared with no one else. Often, Gimli had awakened during the night and had heard the two of them talking. Legolas obeyed Aragorn, for the most part, and the elf was always so quick to defend the man. Legolas' quick defence of Gimli to Eomer came to mind.

Gimli sighed heavily. He could not arrive at an answer. He wished his eyes would clear and stop stinging so much. Gimli buried his head in his hands, hitting his injury and feeling pain for it. His chest hurt more. Better perhaps to die in battle than hurt with no chance of relief.

A soft tap on the door interrupted Gimli's musings.

Tbc