An Arrow's Path Complete

Title: An Arrow's Path
Chapter Three: Archery lessons
Author: Sarah and Ra Amon
Pairing: Legolas/Gimli
Rating: NC-17
Feedback: Yes, please
Warnings: Slash. Graphic sex between two males.
Disclaimer: I do not own these people. Tolkien does. Tolkien owns the Legolas/Gimli I write solely and completely. They are in no way related to the movie characters.
Archive: Axe and Bow. Anyone else please ask first.
Author notes: I would never have been able to finish this story without the help of many people especially my betas Cheysuli and Am-Chau Yarkona. Cheysuli jump-started the story when I was stuck. I could never thank them enough for their help. Thank you to everyone who offered to help, too. Thank you to Ra Amon for all her hard work.
saraharizonaanne@hotpop.com


"Come in," Gimli said, opening the door.

Legolas walked into the room and slid into the single chair, leaving Gimli to sit upon the bed.

Gimli knew he was lucky to get a room to himself at all, with so many people at Helm's Deep. He wondered where Legolas slept at night. *Probably bunked up with Aragorn somewhere,* Gimli thought sadly.

Legolas had something hidden in his hand but Gimli could not discern what it was. Maybe some pain draught he believed Gimli should take. They still had a few hours before leaving so it was possible Legolas wanted to discuss the plans. Gimli hoped there wasn't going to be talk about horses.

The silence stretched between them, until Gimli finally groaned, "What do you want, elf?"

Grinning, Legolas cocked his head at Gimli. "My name is Legolas."

With an exasperated sigh, Gimli cursed himself for opening the door. He was in no mood for elven ambiguities. "What do you want, Legolas?"

"Ah, you can say my name!” Legolas feigned shock before relaxing back in the chair. His gold and pale features held a calm speculative air. “I was beginning to think you found it too hard to pronounce."

Gimli sighed. Legolas was clearly in one of his difficult moods.

"How is your head?" Legolas asked.

"Fine, elf."

"Is it painful?" Legolas asked with concern. "Does it hurt more when you move?"

Gimli squinted at his elf companion, wondering when Legolas had taken up the healing arts. *Surely there is another motive,* he thought. "My head is not bothering me! Are you only here to inquire about my health, Legolas?"

"Nay, Gimli," Legolas said, smirking. "I came to give you an archery lesson."

The statement was so outrageous that Gimli began to laugh. It took a few minutes before he realised that Legolas was serious.

"I am wondering what is wrong with *your* head now. Go annoy Aragorn. Perhaps he will give you some sport after battle. I have no patience for your games."

"I do not choose to bother Aragorn," Legolas said haughtily.

Gimli was familiar with that tone. Only a few months ago, it would have infuriated him. Now he was amused.

Squirming uneasily in his chair, Legolas spread his thighs as if he were slightly uncomfortable. "I will seek my sport here. And it is not a particular game, but a lesson, which we both would enjoy.”

The slight ruffle of Legolas' tunic caught the dwarf’s ears. Gimli’s gaze went to where Legolas sat and immediately fell upon the obvious curve between slender thighs. *Surely Legolas couldn’t be attempting to seduce him,* he thought. With a nervous hiss, Gimli asked, "What has caused this sudden desire to teach me what I surely cannot learn?"

Lowering his eyes as if pondering deeply, Legolas spoke. "It is not a sudden desire. The longing has been growing since Lothlorien. It has become almost relentless. It occurred to me, when I saw your injury after the battle, that I might lose you …and that we would both be remiss in not learning and sharing more about one another and our loves. Archery is one of my loves, so I decided to share this with you."

Caught in shock of the words he had heard, Gimli felt heat about his cheeks and brow. Legolas' voice was like honeyed mead coursing through his veins, clouding all thought and reason. As Legolas stood, Gimli had to turn away from sapphire eyes that seared him with their boldness. "I can not learn..." He stammered, pausing as Legolas moved to the bed and sat next to him, their thighs so close together.

Gimli did not like this at all. He had tried to hide his feelings for Legolas but the elf would know too much if he continued to sit so closely. Trying to scoot away, Gimli noted that Legolas moved his hips as well.

"Of course you can." said Legolas, nudging Gimli’s shoulder. "It begins with the fingers and dwarves have such strong, capable fingers."

Looking down at his hands, Gimli considered Legolas’ words. As the bed shifted slightly, he noticed that Legolas had set something on the bedside stand. Gimli was curious as to what it was but in order to see better, he would have to lean across Legolas. He could feel his body warm and hum from Legolas' nearness and he was not about to make it worse.

"You must have strong arms to draw the bow.” Legolas continued. With his hands free, his fingers touched the corded musculature of Gimli’s arms. Testing the power underneath the flesh, Legolas smiled. “They must be able to handle pressure."

Gimli started to inform Legolas again of how ridiculous this was, but the words would not come. Legolas' touch was like the strongest satin, delicate yet powerful. It made him heady to imagine those fingers elsewhere and everywhere. When Legolas pulled the dwarf into his arms, Gimli was far too mesmerized to protest.

Legolas' voice lowered and he leaned over next to Gimli's ear. "You must have a focal point. You will always be mine."

Heated breath dancing about his ear, Gimli froze in shock. His breath hitching as a sweet tremor swept through him leaving him weak and causing him to lean into the hardness of Legolas’ chest. As his beloved inhaled, Gimli became aware of his position, yet there was no time to recover, to pull away as Legolas gently nipped his ear.

"I use my teeth for an anchor," Legolas murmured, "I am quite good with my teeth. I may bite." As a demonstration, he took Gimli’s earlobe between his teeth and gently bit down.

Gimli hissed, as a wet lash of Legolas' tongue followed the tiny pain. Oscillating between sting and shiver, he closed his eyes and swam in the sensations. As lithe fingers worked the ties of his shirt open, his heated flesh met with the cool air of the room, startling him.

Biting into Gimli's shoulder, just hard enough for the dwarf to be kept off guard, Legolas swirled his tongue around the bite mark.

Jerking in Legolas' hold, Gimli was unable to keep still. Legolas had taken command of his body and there was little that Gimli could do about it. The archer's mouth felt so hot and wet against his skin. He was yearning inside for that mouth… that tongue to bathe him all over. Grasping hold of Legolas’ arm, he struggled against the fire between his thighs; the one that wanted to beg his love for more.

Jerking the tunic fully off Gimli’s powerfully broad frame, Legolas eased Gimli back upon the bed. Where his lips had been explorers before, his fingers took over the task. With admiration over the broad frame beneath him, Legolas stretched out beside Gimli. Nuzzling into the thickness of Gimli’s beard, he sought the dwarf’s ear once more. "I know exactly how much force to use."

Gimli's leggings were becoming painfully tight. The damp thrusting of Legolas' tongue in his ear was turning him to molten lava inside. Legolas' fingers were no less devastating as they moved across his hairy chest, over his sensitive nipples.

Legolas had made his way beneath Gimli’s beard to the extremely sensitive flesh beneath. His varying between sucking and soft biting drove Gimli’s hands up to slender alabaster shoulders. His cock throbbing mercilessly, Gimli felt on edge.

Legolas' hands were moving across his belly, coming so very near the waist of his leggings, Gimli groaned, struggling to get the words out, “Wait… Legolas, if this is some kind of game with you..."

Legolas raised his head, his eyes dark and shimmering with lust. Gone were the smiles and smirks as the elf sincerely replied, "I told you. It is a lesson. Done for love." He moved his hand to Gimli's beard, his fingers toying about the soft auburn hairs. "Do you not wish to learn?" He frowned.

"Aye,” Gimli all but cried in his enthusiasm before realising what had caused part of his trepidation concerning Legolas in the first place. “…but what will Aragorn think?"

Legolas' fingers stilled for only a minute before he resumed running them through Gimli's beard. "We are so different you and I, Gimli. You as solid, sturdy like a mountain…so much fur, such heat,” he pondered aloud as he moved his hand to rest upon Gimli’s barrel chest. “As for Aragorn, it is not his concern. I am not his concern.”

Staring into his love's eyes, Gimli could see the truth of Legolas’ statement. It was beauty tinged with a calm seriousness that he could not turn from. And then Legolas was bending down to him. Those soft, pink lips were a mere centimetre from his own. Gimli could feel every pant and inhalation of his fighting companion.

Legolas began with light, hot kisses against Gimli's lips. Gimli gasped, opening his mouth just that bit more and Legolas used the opportunity to glide his tongue inside. It was his intention to parry and tease but as Gimli closed his lips over Legolas’ tongue, the elf could do little but moan.

Sucking upon Legolas' tongue, Gimli caressed it with his own. Shock waves coursed through Legolas. It was like nothing the wood elf had ever felt. As Gimli released him, Legolas was as breathless as if he had travelled the entirety of Caradhras in a day.

Gimli considered his friend’s shaken state. Legolas had a wild almost surprised look about him. Thinking perhaps that he had been too forceful, too quickly, Gimli tried to calm the desire pounding in his blood. Legolas' kisses, while pleasant, were much too gentle and did not match the passion Gimli wished to pour upon his shield brother.

Settling upon Gimli’s chest, Legolas relaxed. "It seems as if you have lessons for me as well!”

Gimli tugged Legolas closer, placing a kiss upon the tip of a pointed ear. Moaning loudly, Legolas threw a long slender thigh across the dwarf. *Apparently my elf is sensitive there,* Gimli thought. Seeking to copy the lesson that Legolas had just demonstrated, Gimli flicked his tongue inside the whorl, marvelling at the lusty sounds spilling from his elf.

Legolas was squirming at his every touch, not quite drawing away and not quite pressing into him, but shuddering all the same. Upon his hip he could feel Legolas' rigid cock pushing hard against him. Legolas' erection was quite large indeed, Gimli worried.

“Ahh, by the stars, Gimli,” Legolas cried, burying his forehead in the crux of Gimli's shoulder. Every movement of Gimli’s fiery tongue fuelled the fires of heat in his loins. Losing all sense of grace, he rocked shamelessly against Gimli’s thigh, his fingers creeping down the centre of the dwarf’s hirsute chest.

Awed that he was able to evoke such unchecked passion in Legolas, Gimli backed off his beloved's ear and nuzzled against the slender throat to catch his breath.

Legolas’ hand had crept between his thighs and was rubbing his swollen erection through his leggings. It was all he could do to breath much less focus, yet he perceived that things were moving too fast and towards a rather imposing destination. He knew nothing about pairings between elves and dwarves, didn’t even know if any existed. The very idea of a dwarf fancying an elf was unheard of. His father's words echoed in Gimli's mind, "Love is naught but a game to elves."

Sensing Gimli tense under him, Legolas glanced up and discovered pause in the dark eyes. "You do not seem at ease. It will be harder to get through our lesson. If you do not desire to learn, you have only to say."

Legolas' statements were said with concern, exceeding those of a frivolous game player. It puzzled Gimli to think that Legolas could be more than simply amorous, might be in love with him but those were cares he tossed aside as the archer tried to move from over him. Holding the slim thigh in place, Gimli shook his head. “I do wish to learn."

Legolas had said it was not a game to him. And even if it were, Gimli would enjoy this and pay later.

Legolas snuggled back into the hollow of Gimli’s throat. Smiling against the musky scent of Gimli’s skin, he began to kiss, sucking on his love's neck, nipping lightly.

Gimli pulled Legolas close and buried his nose in flaxen strands of gold. Legolas smelled of evergreen and wildflowers, even the scent of his love's arousal was intoxicating.

Sliding his hands under Legolas' tunic, Gimli began exploring Legolas' chest with broad caresses over the firm flesh. He found the smoothness of Legolas' chest, delectably new and exciting. Different from everything he had known yet Legolas felt right to his touch and for his touch.

For a fleeting second he desired to be the only one to ever touch the prince, but he swiftly cast such thoughts aside. Love was different for elves, if an elf could ever truly love a dwarf. Shutting his eyes and concentrating solely upon the one in his arms, Gimli resolved not to be so covetous. Even if he could listen to Legolas' passionate whimpers and feel his lips for the rest of his life, it would still not be enough.

Underneath Legolas’ shirt, Gimli's fingers reached a nipple. Giving it a light pinch, the nub hardened almost immediately, bringing forth a cry from Legolas.

“Ah, Gimli! You would have me end this lesson too soon." With what grace remained to him, Legolas slipped free of Gimli’s hold and off the bed. His golden locks swung over his shoulders as his skin glowed with the pink flush of arousal.

Gimli couldn't help a moan of protest at Legolas' departure. Yet as Legolas started to disrobe, his disappointment swiftly abated. Gimli feasted his eyes on the smooth chest, the taut stomach and the sound shoulders of the warrior. *Aye,* he thought, *I do love the differences.* He admired the way he could easily see the peaked nipples on Legolas' chest. As he was hairy and broad, so Legolas was smooth and slender.

When Legolas reached the ties to his leggings he paused to glare hotly at his lover. "For archery, you want very hardened, sturdy knuckles. You must have the utmost command of your joints so as to control the hold and release of your arrow." As an example, he grasped the edge of his leggings and pushed them to his thighs. With a flex and release of his fingers, his leggings fell to the floor.

Gimli gasped as he took in the sight of his desired. Legolas was indeed very hardened and not just involving fingers.

"I believe that would be hard enough."

Legolas moved back to the bed, pulling a stunned Gimli close. Pleased that Gimli viewed him as attractive, Legolas leant to give a kiss upon the gaping lips. He ran his tongue over Gimli's lips, until he felt his beloved relax. Entering the warrior's mouth, he knew it was only a matter of minutes before Gimli stirred anew. Gimli’s tongue flicked to life, coiling around his with possessive wetness.

Impelling his tongue over Legolas' exploring one and bringing his hands to the sides of Legolas’ face Gimli sought to plunder the heat and honeyed sweetness of his lover's mouth. Each parry and thrust of their tongues summoned moans and delicious squirming, yet as the intensity rose between them it was Legolas that became more dominant. It was as if Gimli had summoned something wild and needy inside Legolas and it both scared and excited him beyond measure. Breaking from kiss-swollen lips, Gimli took a great gasp of air, his lungs aching like bellows.

Legolas felt Gimli pushing against him. Licking his lips with every shallow, exasperated breath, he looked into Gimli's dark eyes.

"Legolas, please…more."

Legolas' lips came down against Gimli's in a hard, crushing movement now. He drove his tongue deep into his lover's mouth as if trying to imprint himself on Gimli.

*Aye,* thought Gimli, with a groan. Finally, the strength he liked so much. Putting his hand behind Legolas' head, Gimli gave his friend some of his own strength. Swirling his tongue in demanding movements against Legolas' until he sensed the invitation. Gimli entered Legolas' mouth this time as the elf slanted his head and began sucking on his tongue. Legolas was full of wonders. How a creature that did not feel cold and heat as others could be so hot?

Legolas' whimpers filled his ears as Gimli ran his tongue over the sweetness that was the elf. The fair one seemed too wonderful to be real but if it was a dream then it was the best one Gimli had ever had. With skin as soft as the finest silk, he couldn’t get enough of caressing Legolas' body.

Gimli's hand searched for one of those lovely nipples. Finding what he sought, Gimli rubbed his thumb over the tip, surprised to discover that the nipple could tighten even more.

Legolas was the first to draw away then, his head falling upon Gimli’s shoulder for a bit of respite.

Gimli was gasping heavily himself, but would take no rest. Pressing Legolas down upon his back, Gimli leaned over and placed his mouth around one of Legolas' furled nipples while twirling the other between his fingers. His tongue touching the tip of the tender bud, Gimli teased it, flicking it lightly.

Arching into the inferno of Gimli’s mouth, Legolas urged Gimli for more than teasing licks. It was almost as if Gimli was treating him like a delicacy. Weaving his fingers into the length of Gimli’s locks, he murmured his lover's name.

Gimli understood Legolas' action as encouragement for intensity, first nipping then sucking hard upon the elf’s nipple. He gave the other peaked disc a firm pinch, causing his lover to cry out loudly.

Legolas’ hand clenched Gimli’s hair, as his other hand squeezed the muscles of Gimli’s back. Gimli had to use his chest to hold Legolas still as his mouth switched with his fingers for the other nipple.

Legolas was so responsive that Gimli wondered how his lover would fare in much more sensitive places. Moving his hand along Legolas’ belly, he wove his fingers down between slender thighs. The tip of his finger had just touched the base of Legolas' firm sex, when Legolas gently pushed at his shoulders and commanded him to wait.

Legolas lowered his head trying to gather himself. Raggedly he breathed, "I… I need to ask you something, Gimli."

Gimli blinked his eyes in confusion, thinking, *Questions? Now?* Surely Legolas wasn’t having second thoughts. Questions could come after they were spent as far as he was concerned. "No questions," he said, trying to pull Legolas back into his arms.

Legolas resisted, trying to smile despite the aching between his legs and within his heart. "Only one, my friend and then we can return to our lesson.”

Smiling sweet and seductive, Legolas asked, "Is it true that dwarves love only once?"

Gimli did not know what to say. If he said yes, would Legolas leave, he wondered, surely elves did not love only once or just one for that matter, it seemed. Gimli didn’t want to displease him, nor could he bear it if Legolas would not stay.

Legolas was looking at him with those beautiful blue eyes, awaiting his reply and as much as Gimli sought for the answer, in the end he had only the truth to utter.

"Aye," Gimli said softly.

"Good."

He couldn’t believe his ears as he peered up and saw Legolas grin. "Good?" he questioned, barely able to contain his own grin as Legolas eased him back on the bed and reversed their positions.

"Mmm Hmm." Legolas nodded as his hands moved again to Gimli's pants. This time, however Gimli eagerly helped him slide the leggings down.

Legolas' eyes grew wide as he beheld Gimli’s lower half. Gimli was wide and muscular all over it seemed with his erect cock being no exception.

Unable to resist, Legolas put his nervous hand upon Gimli’s hip and slid
it inward to steal only a brush against his beloved's stiff member. Hearing Gimli moan and shift toward him for more contact, Legolas snapped out of his trance and glanced up. "Another part of archery…" Legolas started.

Gimli thought, *Aye, somehow this was supposed to be about archery.*

"…Is your stance," Legolas continued, "Do you want me to show you mine or
teach you yours?"

Gimli didn’t understand. *What does the crazy elf want,* he wondered. He knew what he desired and it was for Legolas to quit speaking in riddles and take him in hand.

Instead, Legolas leaned forward and nudged Gimli’s ear. Impatient panting, warmed his ear, but Gimli was still at a lost for words.

Legolas practically begged, “Your answer, Gimli?”

“Enough of archery, love,” Gimli fussed. Gimli reached out and ran a finger gently down Legolas' hard shaft. He watched with joy as Legolas arched up, wanting more of the touch. He placed all five fingers around the velvet width and stroked it firmly.

"Ahh, Stars and Sky, Gimli! Your answer," Legolas exclaimed as Gimli pumped his hand around the elf's rigid length, "I have not the patience to wait forever with your hands on me."

Gimli knew they had at least an hour before being summoned to leave and he was in no rush. The longer he had to memorise every limb and contour of Legolas' body, the better his dreams would be when the fellowship was all but a memory and Legolas so far away from him. It saddened Gimli to think such thoughts, yet as he reached up and began to run his hands through silky hair the sadness quickly subsided. Twirling a golden strand about his finger, Gimli could recall hoping for such a chance, every day since the council of Elrond, “Have you any idea, silly elf, how I have longed just to touch your hair?"

“Have you any idea, how long *I* have yearned to do this,” Legolas mocked softly as his fingers roamed through Gimli's beard, revealing in the soft fullness. “Or this,” he murmured lowering his hand to take hold of Gimli's rigid cock.

"Fire and Cursed Brimstone," Gimli swore, his patience and thoughts unravelling with every stroke of Legolas’ hand fisting his needy shaft. "Stance? You speak in riddles, Legolas."

His fingers could barely contain the width of Gimli’s erect organ. Gimli had begun to leak, the essence from his penis making it easier for Legolas to move.

Gimli began thrusting harder and faster, his eyes had fluttered shut giving every indication that things were moving too quickly. When the golden elf removed his touch, Gimli could have screamed. Opening his eyes, he saw Legolas reach towards the bedside table. Legolas took hold of the bottle he had deposited there earlier and handed it to Gimli.

It was lavender scented oil but what could...

Oh, having realised what Legolas meant, Gimli found himself hardening more then he would have believed possible. Legolas desired to join with him and was trying to discern who would be the giver and who, the receiver. Gimli did not like the idea of harming the lithe elf so he decided to let Legolas guide him once more. "You had best teach me my stance, elf."

He barely had the words out, when Legolas joyfully took the oil from him. Jerking the stopper free, he poured a generous amount into his palm before handing it back to Gimli. Leaning in to kiss Gimli, Legolas breathed, “The archer’s most prized possession is his fingers.”

Gimli leaned forward taking Legolas' bottom lip between his own and sucking it up. A dip of Legolas’ head and their lips met. It was so easy to get lost in the honey-heat wetness of the elf’s mouth, but even the twirling of Legolas’ tongue about his could not distract Gimli from slick fingers brushing past his balls and downward still.

Legolas' fingers circled gently around the dwarf's most private entrance, caressing the puckered opening with a tender touch. While his other hand soothed Gimli’s side, Legolas let his knuckles rub softly against the furred weight of Gimli’s sac.

Spreading his legs wide, Gimli groaned into Legolas' mouth. Legolas did indeed have talent with his fingers. The stimulation of his balls and arse were whirlwinds clashing in a storm. His lower belly quivered with each wave of sheer pleasure reverberating through him, while his cock pounded jealously, relentlessly needing attention. “Aye, Elf, I burn!”

"Patience, my love," Legolas pleaded every bit as aroused by Gimli’s searching hands which moved to cup the curve of his buttocks. Easing back slightly, Legolas moved his other hand between Gimli’s thighs. While he carefully pushed a slick finger inside the dwarf, he reached with the other, under Gimli's sac and weighed the jewels in his hand. Gimli’s orbs were larger than any elf's and Legolas was absolutely taken with them. Covered in the softest auburn fur, Legolas was trying to concentrate on preparing Gimli rather than how it would feel to put his mouth on just one of the succulent orbs.

At the slender intrusion of Legolas’ finger, Gimli went rigid. Between the gentle prodding and rolling sensation in his balls, the dwarf could only cling to Legolas for support.

"You are so new to me, Gimli. I am seized by the thought of you." Legolas bent down, situating himself between Gimli’s muscular thighs. Closing his eyes, the elf inhaled deeply of his lover’s passionate scent. While he worked his finger deeper into the heated tightness between Gimli’s legs, Legolas rubbed his cheek against the furred orbs, nuzzling and licking at Gimli's sac.

*The blasted elf is trying to kill me,* Gimli thought, struggling to deal with the miasma of varying sensations whirling through his veins. Shivering as if fever-riddled, Gimli reeled against the bed with every swipe of his lover's cheek against his privates, every press of Legolas’ fingers around his core, the silky hair falling like soft kisses around his secret areas. The pressure of penetration, had him contemplating shutting his legs around Legolas' head one second and opening wide the next. Through it all he was helpless to do more than tremble as Legolas eased another finger inside him.

Pressing two oil-slick fingers inside Gimli's tight passage, Legolas smirked, "An archer must always be able to find his target." Curving his fingers inside his love, Legolas knew he had found his target when Gimli bolted shouting his name aloud. With every brush against Gimli’s hidden trigger, the dwarf quivered and shook. Legolas was pleased. He slowly slipped a third finger inside the heated channel. Gimli was much tighter then Legolas had anticipated and because of the dwarf’s size he would have to be cautious as to how deep he went. His eyes flickered up, caught sight of Gimli’s cock, arched and ready above him. He shivered with fear and delight at the thought of being invaded by something so wide.

Gimli was no young lad, he had had couplings before, but never had he experienced anything near the pleasure Legolas was giving him. Just when he had acclimated to Legolas’ thrusting fingers and had begun a steady rocking against and away from them, Legolas closed his lips over the sensitive sac of his balls. Feeling Legolas' heated, moist tongue curling and lathing first one then both of his orbs, Gimli bent forward with a plea. “Please, elf! You’ll undo me this second if you do not cease.”

Relenting, Legolas reached up and ran his free hand over Gimli's chest, seeking and finding a nipple to rub. “I would not rush this lesson, my handsome dwarf.”

Moving to lay atop Gimli, Legolas did not remove his fingers. Bestowing curt, quick kisses upon Gimli’s lips and cheeks, Legolas used his knees to keep Gimli’s legs apart. His penis was rigid as an arrow anxious to pierce and when Gimli’s fingers found their way to it, Legolas quickly understood the dwarf’s impatience. Gimli’s touch was like lightning, sending a wave of pleasure throughout him. The time for lessons had ended.

Legolas swiftly located the bottle, uncorked it and coated his shaft with its sweetened slickness. Positioning Gimli’s legs around his waist, Legolas leaned forward, placing the head of his cock against Gimli’s entry.

"Bear this for me, my strong one,” Legolas urged. Closing his eyes, he pushed passed the guardian ring slow and careful.

Grinding his teeth, Gimli reeled from the power and pain of Legolas’ intrusion. His fingers bruised the elf’s fair skin with his stress as he fought his body’s natural reactions, struggling against the pain searing his arse. Panting with his exertion, he willed his body to open, to accept.

As he breached Gimli's body, Legolas ceased to breathe. The tightness, the heat and pulse of life surrounded and devastated him as he opened Gimli's tight channel.

Gathering Gimli up in his arms, Legolas hoped desperately for constitution. With a gasp, his lungs began anew but weakly. Slowly, he eased deeper inside the cavern of Gimli’s form. The stout dwarf’s muscular form clenching and shuddering around his cock, clouded the darkness behind his closed lids with lights. The channel was smaller then anything he had ever experienced and he did not wish to hurt his friend.

As Legolas pressed far within, Gimli bore the pain inside him. The throbbing of Legolas’ sex within him, their connection was all that he could focus upon. The pain was indeed strong, but the realisation that Legolas was inside him was ever stronger. Gimli panted, “I have you, my elf.”

“Gimli,” Legolas sighed as he seated himself fully inside his lover's body. For a while he did not move. Together elf and dwarf simply breathed becoming more and more accustomed to being one. Legolas raised a shaking hand to Gimli’s cheek as he raised his chin to look into eyes dilated with lust. “My arrow has found its quiver, beloved.”

Gimli breathed in the fragrance of Legolas' hair and their combined sexual musk. There were too many notions for him to process them all. With the pain slowly subsiding to a pressured ache, the emotion in Legolas’ voice cut through the whirlwind clouding Gimli’s reason. He opened his mouth to say something. He had it in his heart to liken Legolas as being the other half of his soul, yet Legolas shifted atop him and Gimli’s words changed into an echoing moan.

The first taste of motion’s bliss set Legolas into a rhythm that was enhanced by his elven grace. His slender hips rocked against the muscular curve of Gimli’s arse void of his control. Gimli’s moans only encouraged his body to take more. Waves of bliss came over him like a tide, building and building and ready to crash. The end would be upon them both soon if he could not master his desires.

"A good archer," he panted, "needs plenty of endurance." Pause. "I'm having trouble...keeping mine." Another gentle push and Gimli's tightness rippled through the elf. Seeking a distraction to hold his end at bay, Legolas spoke, "How is your head doing?"

Gimli couldn’t believe his ears. The elf was talking now? He could barely breathe and Legolas wanted to talk. *Will he sing next?* Gimli wondered. There was only a little pain left as something far more pleasurable took its place. He could feel Legolas' rigid penis hot and pulsating deeply within.

Legolas' strokes were measured and slow. He was holding back. *Probably to protect me,* Gimli surmised as with each glide inward he received tremors promising untold heights.

Cupping his beloved's head in his hands he rose to meet Legolas’ thrusts as hard as he could while tightening his muscles around the elf's hard shaft. "Take me, my elf. Hard, fast like your arrows-Ah!" Gimli stiffened then shuddered as Legolas' cock touched something within him.

Legolas cried out loudly, thrusting further into the snug cavern than he had thought possible. His clear voice was swiftly muted by a smouldering kiss from Gimli, imitating their lovemaking with thrusts and parries that drove Legolas wild. He no longer thought of control only the incredible ecstasy of loving Gimli and being loved. Never had he felt anything so tight and hot and wonderful. He would hit that one spot and be rewarded by having Gimli clamp around his aching shaft.

Even in the throes of their kiss, Legolas was moaning loudly. Gimli was sure that at any moment someone would be knocking at the door but he didn’t care. Legolas was riding him hard, caressing him, kissing him. Gimli had never felt so enflamed. Legolas seemed to touch that spot that made him shake with every stroke. If Legolas never offered again, then at least he would have this time to remember: the feeling of fullness, the joy, the pleasure, and even the pain to recall and hold dear the rest of his life. His moans joined Legolas' cries and whimpers.

Legolas was beyond close. He could feel the building of tension and tightness in his loins. His heart was pounding like Uruk- Hi drums, he shoved forward one too many times. His back arched as he tore from Gimli’s kiss. With a breathless cry, he broke apart spilling heated liquid essence.

Gimli felt his love fill him with seed and imagined it was Legolas' love. As Legolas fell into his arms, shaken and devastated, Gimli witnessed the vulnerability in one he had once thought arrogant and haughty. Although his need was strong, Gimli held tight to the pale shoulders of the beautiful creature in his arms.

Long minutes passed as Legolas tried to get his breathing back. Gimli’s hands were firm and consoling on his back, Gimli’s body so firm and sound. Legolas smiled happily at the thought of resting against the dwarf for the entirety of their time today…for the nights to come, yet an errant reminder pressing against his belly swayed such selfish thoughts. Turning his head to meet shining dark eyes, Legolas smiled wearily.

"Forgive me, Master dwarf. When the bow explodes, it can be quite dangerous. Did I hurt you?"

"I am unharmed." Gimli's voice trembled and was slightly hoarse.

Raising a hand to caress Gimli’s brow, Legolas smiled, "Your head is not paining you?"

"No…” Gimli smiled at the obvious humour. “My head is not paining me."

Legolas carefully eased out of the dwarf. "I must remind you once again about teeth, Gimli. I am always very careful with mine. I know exactly where they are. Have no worry.”

Sliding his hand down between Gimli’s legs, Legolas grasped Gimli's firm cock. Stroking it firmly, lovingly he watched as Gimli quivered in response. “Trust me for your release. I will hold you steady."

Gimli felt too dazed to even try to figure what new riddle the elf had devised. As Legolas fisted his cock, he was aware of only throbbing ache, all over. The aching in his arse, so stretched and empty seemed to combine with the sweet pain in his loins. Pressing his head back into the mattress, he waited.

Watching the rise and fall of Gimli’s thrusting hips, Legolas continued, "In archery one should keep the mouth closed but I think I will make an exception in this..."

He got no farther before Gimli interrupted him, "I need to find something to put in your mouth. You talk too much."

Legolas chuckled to himself. Gimli was far quicker to understand him than he knew. "I will take care of you, my dwarf." And in one swift motion, he wrapped his mouth around Gimli's aching shaft.

It was his turn to cry without shame, to alert the entire keep as to their relations for Gimli could no longer think. He could only feel, cry and clench onto the sheets as Legolas moved his mouth slowly down over his cock. Slow, ever so slow, Legolas' hot, wet tongue tortured him with every stroke of the muscle, every heated breath and each press of those sweet lips.

*His taste is pleasant,* Legolas thought. *I do not reckon he will appreciate it if I stop to tell him this, though. He has earned all the pleasure I can give.*

Legolas realised that Gimli was clenching the sheets and making every attempt *not* to thrust into his mouth. He reached under Gimli to grab his hips and encourage him. *I can handle this, my love,* he thought.

Swirling his tongue around Gimli's wide desire, Legolas began sucking hard. Resting his hand on Gimli’s corded thigh, he judged what speed to use by the dwarf's moans which were coming quick and loud.

Gimli rocked into his love's hot, moist mouth as Legolas' hands guided and urged him. Gimli could only feel. There were no thoughts for this kind of happiness. The rapture seemed to cover him like a blanket, causing his breaths to come in short gasps. With every flex of his love's throat, he felt as if something were being drawn from him, something necessary for his survival, something he did not mind if Legolas took…if only he would keep.

It was not long before the flood came and crashed down upon him. With a loud cry he spilled his seed deep into the willing mouth, Legolas’ name high upon his voice. Drained, somewhat dazed, he was dimly aware of Legolas swallowing his seed and licking him clean before crawling up to lay beside him.

Legolas drew Gimli to his chest, playfully curling about the shorter being. Smiling, he asked, " So… did you enjoy the lesson?"

Snuggling tighter against the lengthy limbs, Gimli mumbled, "What? Oh yes, that. It was the best lesson I ever had."

"I'm glad. When you desire, we will have another. It takes plenty of practice. And whenever you are ready, you may see my stance, if you wish to."

Gimli's heart filled with love. "I would like that, aye. I could never get enough of being close to you."

"We have your life time, do we not?"

"Legolas?"

"Yes?"

"Perhaps," Gimli said sorrowfully, "we should not."

"Why?"

"It will bring you pain."

"It will bring me pleasure, Gimli."

"You know what I mean. I would not have you grieve when I die."

"I will grieve whether we are lovers or not. Would you deny me these memories?"

Gimli had thought about this just a short time ago. It was better to have the memories. Another matter did occur to him.

"What about Aragorn?"

Legolas sighed. "What is it with Aragorn and you?"

"Are you not..." Gimli could not bring himself to say lovers, not after what he and Legolas had just shared.

"You try even my patience. I am not. Why do you persist in imagining so?"

"You are always talking to him in elven around everybody."

"If I talk to you and do not use my language we are not lovers, but if I speak to others and use Sindarin then I am their lover?"

"Well, when you put it like that it sounds stupid."

"It is stupid."

"You have known Aragorn a long time."

Legolas sighed again. "I lie with everyone I have known for a long time? This is what you are stating?"

Gimli could hear the warning in Legolas' voice. Better back up a little.

"I was giving you some of my reasoning. You did have oil handy."

As Legolas muttered something under his breath, Gimli wondered if elves had curse words. That word had certainly sounded like one.

"You do test my endurance. I had believed that our being lovers would curb your offensive tongue but it seems to have made it worse. First, you imply I am lying with Aragorn who loves Arwen. Next, you accuse me of lying with anyone I have been acquainted with for any length of time. As I am not young, we are talking about many lovers here."

"I did not mean..."

"You will let me finish. Last, you seem to think I go from one bed to another, bringing my bottle of oil with me! I'm afraid of what you will say next."

Gimli was silent. He was curious but did he dare to go any further? Legolas was beginning to sound very haughty.

"Legolas?"

"I knew we were not through. Say it but have a care how it is said."

"Where did you get the oil?"

"I do not know whether to laugh or cry with you. It is not what you think, but I fear you will not like it all the same." He paused. "I wish I could answer that I got it at Lorien but, when we were there, I felt there was plenty of time for these things later. I learned a lesson from you when I saw your injury after the battle. I realised time is precious. Still, I thought to wait until we were somewhere less crowded. However, my bath convinced me to either take my desire to you now or tend to it myself. So I chose to come here for sport, as you put it. I would have chosen the word love. I spent almost an hour hunting oil and trying to be discreet in a place full of people before I arrived at your door. I could have got butter..."

Gimli snorted.

"I did not think you would like it. Gimli, all while I was hunting the oil my heart troubled me. I deemed it quite possible you would reject my attentions especially if it were true that dwarves love only once. Why should you give me such a great gift? "

Gimli was starting to feel as if his heart was overflowing with love. It was Legolas who was giving the great gift yet the elf felt otherwise. While they talked, Legolas' fingers roamed through Gimli's beard. Gimli was beginning to understand that Legolas loved their differences, too.

"I went to Eowyn and asked her."

"You asked Eowyn for oil?" Gimli said in disbelief.

"Don't sound so outraged. Of course I did not! I told you, I was trying to be discreet. I just said that I needed to bathe and asked if she had soap, bath oil, and towels."

"That is alright."

"I am afraid not. My hair was still damp from the bath I had before the search began."

"Did she notice?"

"She came back with only the oil."

Gimli sighed. "Legolas, you have done her a disservice. What if she, too, imagines you are with Aragorn?"

"I am afraid that is not likely. It seems everyone else can see what you did not. Your eyesight must be very poor."

"Never mind my eyesight. Explain yourself."

"Eowyn said to give you her greeting and she hopes your head is healing."

Gimli could find no words. He had known Eowyn believed Legolas loved him but he hadn't comprehended how sure she had been of it.

Legolas thought back to his conversation with Eowyn. Several of her comments were interesting. Eowyn had looked at him after his request and remarked that she could see it was raining again. Legolas was sure this was stated due to his damp hair but before he could reply, she had said something else,” I forgot to have towels in your room. A shame as I gave you a room where you could get water for baths easily." It was all said with an innocent tone but Legolas was not fooled.

Eowyn had brought him the oil but she was not finished with her comments. She had declared quite plainly that she had heard elves were wild and if he was not good to Gimli and caused his head to worsen, she would not rest until the elf paid for his carelessness. She was fiercely protective of Gimli, and Legolas had been quite taken aback.

It had been partly due to her words and Legolas' own concern for Gimli that had caused him to be gentler than the dwarf liked at first. Her instant assumption that Legolas was going to Gimli, however, had comforted Legolas' heart and given him more confidence that he would find his attentions welcomed by the dwarf. If he had been so obvious, then Gimli was aware of his love. Still, he had gone to his room, afterwards, to think more of how to approach Gimli.

Knowing they would leave around sunset, he had thought of searching for more arrows when he stumbled upon the solution of how he would approach Gimli. If Gimli did not wish to think seriously at this time, the fact that it was only a lesson would give the dwarf a way out of any commitment. However, if Gimli thought about it, he would hopefully discern that archery was such part of Legolas that to offer one was to give the other. They went together.

He would not push Gimli into a discussion of commitment first. If Gimli was hesitant, then it would help Legolas' cause to lay with him first. Not exactly playing fair, perhaps, but Legolas feared too much that Gimli would want to find love in the arms of a dwarf.

Gimli had what felt like only a short time to live and to ask him to allot those precious years to an elf was to request a great deal.

Legolas did not intend to give Gimli up without a fight, though. He felt they were meant to be together. He would use the word love constantly now with Gimli. And if Gimli did not understand why he used archery then at their first rest on the way to Isengard Legolas would whisper it in his ear. Now, he discerned that Gimli had not known how serious Legolas felt about him.

Legolas wondered what Gimli was thinking about. He was very quiet.

Legolas' reflections went back to Eowyn. She seemed prepared to make him stay for a long talk about his intentions. Legolas couldn't imagine how much worse it would have been if she were a sister to Gimli. He hoped Gimli's kin would be easier to deal with. He doubted it, though.

Truthfully, Legolas would be glad to depart. He couldn't leave Gimli alone for one minute here, without coming back and finding him talking to one of the women. The sooner he got Gimli away from the women of Rohan the better.

It was a good thing he wasn't like his father. His father was very possessive of anything he thought belonged to him.

"Eowyn is very fond of you. Unlike you, I will not question where you've put your weapon before today. However, if you continue to call me elf when I am in you, then I shall began to wonder if it matters to you which elf is your lover. I will warn you that if you put your arrow in another, I may forget that your living long is to my benefit."

Gimli laughed.

"All this talk of Aragorn does remind me of part of the lesson I forgot. I am very particular where I put my arrow, Gimli. Nor do I let just anyone use me as a quiver. I love you. I would like to reuse my arrow often and only with you. You will be the last. There will be no one else."

"I am not sure I should take such a gift. If you found love with another elf, you would not know this sorrow."

"No one can live long and not be familiar with sorrow. I have chosen this freely. You said dwarves love only once. Do you love me, Gimli?"

"Aye, more than those trees you worship."

Legolas replied,” You are not comforting. Now, if you said, more than the gold in Middle-earth, I would feel loved."

"I love you far more than every ounce of gold in Middle-earth."

Gimli shifted to where he could look into Legolas' eyes. He was hearing too much insecurity in Legolas' voice for his liking.

"Legolas, I love you more than all the mithril that was ever mined or will be mined."

Legolas remembered well what Gandalf had said the worth of Frodo's shirt alone was and now he felt loved.

"Then we will enjoy the present. Even I am guaranteed nothing else. Elves may not perish from old age but they can die."

"I don't want to think about it. I could not bear to lose you."

Legolas sighed softly to himself. There was another issue here that needed taken care of but he dreaded it. It involved swallowing more pride than the elf was comfortable with. Still, Legolas knew which conversation he had with Aragorn in Sindarin that had helped Gimli to conclude that Aragorn was his lover. Legolas had been upset. Maybe to Gimli it had sounded like a lovers' quarrel.

Legolas nuzzled into Gimli's hair. If he desired his dwarf to trust him, he had to begin by not divulging to Aragorn things unless he was willing for Gimli to know, too.

“Gimli, what I said to Aragorn was that we were all going to die. Believe me, it was not an argument between lovers. "

Legolas felt Gimli nod against his chest. The dwarf said nothing and Legolas realised that Gimli was not going to dwell on it. Gimli was going to let him keep the rest of his pride.

Legolas smiled. Yes, he was loved.

Tbc