Return to The Lonely Mountain

Title: Return to The Lonely Mountain
Chapter 5.
Author: Sarah
Pairing: Legolas/Gimli
Rating: NC-17 this chapter.
Beta, helpful suggestions and wonderful encouragement: Vinni. Thank you! Any mistakes left are mine.
Disclaimer: Tolkien owns them. I make no money. The Legolas and Gimli I write belong to Tolkien. They are not related to the movie characters.
Archive: Axe and Bow. Others please ask.
Feedback: Please. Thank you to everyone who has given me feedback.
It encourages and helps me.

Thank you to Spirit Melody and Min for the reviews.

I have a new group for the discussion of Tolkien's dwarves. Fanfiction and art of all ratings will be welcomed. Legolas/Gimli is welcomed and I'd love to see stories about other dwarves and other pairings. I will be posting updates to this story there and will continue to archive here. My readers are invited to join.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LOTRdwarves/


Author’s notes: Mama {Nelkor} is Gimli’s mother’s mother. Mileor is Gimli’s mother’s father. Hamaer is Gloin’s mother.


Mama’s house had a statue of a small brown and white dog on each side of the courtyard. Legolas was surprised when Gimli did not ring the bell, instead opening the door and calling, “Mama? Grandfather? It’s me.” He went into a small cloak room, and Legolas followed. There were silver pegs for cloaks and a mirror with a silver filigree frame, but what Legolas liked best was a brown urn with a sapphire jewel in the middle of it. Growing from the vase were pale blue crystals which flowed upwards in long slender stalks.

A dwarf with a short grey beard came through an open door. He said, “Gimli!” Pulling Gimli into a hug, he held the warrior tightly, exclaiming, “It is so good to see you, grandson!”

When the dwarf parted from Gimli, he said, “Nelkor is waiting to see both of you.”

As they walked through the door and down the hallway, they passed a closed door to the left. An open archway to the right revealed a large living area with steel chairs cushioned in blue and brown. There were two archways beyond the living area; one was closed off and the other had a flowing royal blue curtain pulled across it. The hallway itself was carpeted in dark blue and lighted by elegant wrought iron swirls holding burgundy candles.

The pleasing aroma of spices wafted out of the chamber at the end of the passage where they were headed. They were barely inside, when a woman with long grey hair dropped a wooden spoon and rushed toward them saying, “Gimli!”

She held Gimli for a while crying on his shoulder as he stroked her back and said over and over, “It is all right, Mama. I’m home now.”

The male who had brought them to the kitchen put the dropped spoon in a basin and pulled a chair out from the oak table offering it to Legolas. Then he bowed and said, “Mileor, son of Parleor at your service.”

“Legolas, son of Thranduil, at yours and your family’s.” Legolas bowed before taking a seat. He glanced around the room observing the huge hearth. There were doors on both sides of it and it was plain that the fireplace was used as an oven, also. Gimli joined Legolas at the table and placing his hand over his lover’s said, “Mama, this is my one, Legolas. Legolas, Mama is my mother’s mother.”

It was an unusual introduction, but she did not seem to mind. Her grey eyes searched Legolas’, and the elf wondered what she saw there. Mama seemed satisfied with what she beheld, for she smiled. “It is great news that you have found your one! So many of us never do.”

Mileor placed a blackberry pie, a sweet cake, and a square pan containing dark bread on the table.

Gimli exclaimed, “Ginger bread! My favourite!”

Nelkor came to table and served Gimli a big slice. “Help yourself if you want more. What would you like, Legolas?”

“Blackberry pie, thank you.”

Mileor served him a generous piece of pie. “Please do not hesitate to have more if you wish. What do you like: mead, wine, beer, tea?”

“Wine, please.”

When Mileor and Nelkor had settled across the table, she said, “Now grandson, tell us how this came to be.”

Gimli began, “When the Quest started, I could not see beyond the fact that Legolas was an elf.”

“And I had many erroneous ideas about dwarves and often irritated Gimli with them.” Legolas added.

Gimli said, “Moria was…” He paused and Nelkor patted his hand. “It was a nightmare! Just awful! Legolas and I quickly learned to do battle together and never have I had a better shield brother! He was always there when I needed him to be, and I came to rely on him.”

Legolas said quietly, “It seemed to be instinct for both of us to know how to fight together. I came to greatly admire Gimli, for even grief did not cause him to falter in battle. There is no one I would trust as much as him at my side.”

Mileor smiled and said to his wife, “You can hear in their voices, dear, the love we hoped to see.”

Legolas continued, “I tried to comfort Gimli in Lothlorien and found comfort for myself. I knew I loved him then, but I was afraid that I might destroy the friendship by wanting more from him. After the conflict at Helm’s Deep…” He hesitated. He did not desire to upset the two dwarves that loved Gimli.

“It is all right.” Nelkor assured him. “Naur told us of Gimli’s injury. He said that Gimli did not have a scar, and we can see that, too.”

Legolas nodded. “I saw Gimli after the assault and realised that I could not wait much longer. He needed to know my feelings.”

Gimli added, “I loved him long before I was aware of my own heart, but by Helm’s Deep, I understood that he was my one. I said nothing, because I am a mortal. Legolas’ bravery in approaching me still amazes me. And I am very glad for it!”

Mileor said, “That was a brave thing to do!”

“It was the best thing I ever did, because I found love.” Legolas replied.

Mileor asked, “How has King Thranduil taken the news?”

Legolas answered, “We had a ceremony the night of the dwarven New Year, and he gave his blessing. It was one of the happiest events of my life.”

Gimli nodded and excitedly said, “I think the only occurrence that matches it was the moment I realised that Legolas loved me. I did not see the ceremony as a necessity, because our vows had already been spoken, but the King wanted it. I’m very glad he did, since I am certain our love was consecrated by Eru that night.”

Legolas added, “I felt his approval and the Valar’s, too. I’ve never known such happiness as that which Gimli gives me.”

Gimli squeezed Legolas’ hand and said, “Show them the contract, my one.”

Legolas reached inside his travel vest. He gave the case to Gimli, who opened it and tenderly unfolded the document. He slid it across the table to his grandparents.

Mileor and Nelkor bent over the parchment studying it. Nelkor said, “It’s beautiful and a wonderful gift for the elven King to bestow upon you both; a testimony for many long years of your love for each other.”

When the contract was safe within its case again. Mileor asked, “Have you spoken to your father, Gimli?”

Gimli sighed, “Aye, and he has the most outrageous worries!”

Nelkor nodded, “He has been very anxious, but any father would be. Do not take his words to heart, Gimli, and try to see his love for you instead. I know it is difficult, but he speaks from fear. When he arrived home from Rivendell, he was very proud over the fact that you had been selected to go on the Quest. That emotion barely lasted a week before he wished you were here instead. And as the war progressed, he started to feel guilty since, in his words: “I sent my only son to die among strangers and was proud of it!” “

Nelkor sighed. “He loves you, Gimli. Gloin dislikes not being able to comprehend the son he thought he understood so well. Just give him a little time to recover from the events of this last year.” Her kind grey eyes met Legolas’. “I’ve known him all his life, and I deem he will accept your love eventually. In the mean time, I hope you will consider our home as yours, too. I realise that Aalin will want you both to have the evening meal with her tonight, but perhaps you two will have breakfast with us tomorrow?”

“If Gimli has no other plans…” Legolas glanced at Gimli.

“We would love to,” Gimli said.

They spoke for awhile about the events in Erebor while Gimli had been absent. Gimli was interested in his friends and relatives and the occurrences in their lives. Legolas dined on the pie, watched as Gimli had three squares of gingerbread, and learned that: Bombur was not thought to be any thinner despite rationing during the war, someone named Muxikan had another boy, Nori was still living in the halls of the King, Serrin had moved in with Hayoun, and Dis was doing well despite her great age.

When they were out on the street again, Legolas said, “Where next?”

“My father’s mother.” Gimli replied, sighing heavily.

Despite Gimli’s serious expression, Legolas sensed nothing from their bond, so he concluded that his lover was not that anxious about the impending visit.

They walked to a house that had a statue of a mountain cat on each side of the courtyard’s gate. Gimli went through the gate and up to a white oval door. He placed his hand on the doorknob and alarmed, Legolas seized his arm. “What are you doing?” Legolas hissed. “You told me that she was as hard to get along with as Lady Elind, and now you are going to just walk into her house?”

“I always have before, and she will think it odd if I do differently.”

Legolas did not release Gimli’s arm. “Then tell me why we rang the bell at your father’s.”

Gimli sighed and glanced at the ground. “Because I was nervous and afraid that he was angry.”

Indignation shot through Legolas. He refused to direct that emotion at Gimli, but he felt like marching straight to Gloin’s. Still whispering he replied, “Gimli,*son of Gloin*, should you decide to visit your father again, I expect you to walk into the place as you normally do! And if he or anyone else accuses me of stealing your spirit again, I shall look that person in the eyes and tell them that I have no need to steal what is freely given to me! Do you have an argument with that?” he asked the surprised dwarf.

Gimli shook his head.

“Good!” Legolas said, letting go of Gimli’s arm.

Gimli reached to turn the doorknob once more and then glanced up at Legolas with a grin. “I love you, special one.”

“I love you, too.”

Gimli swung the door opened and called, “Grandmother, it’s Gimli!” He went through a tiny cloakroom and opened a door to the left calling again. A dwarf just an inch shorter than Gimli turned from where she had been placing plates in a wooden cabinet. Her dark green eyes filled with joyful tears and she exclaimed, “Gimli!”, as she rushed across the room to gather her grandson in her arms. After a few minutes, Gimli said, “I am so sorry about Uncle Oin. So sorry! It hurts me still.” He cupped her chin under her light blonde beard.

She nodded. “I know, grandson. I thought the worse when the letters stopped, but it is hard to accept!” She buried her head in Gimli’s shoulder for a moment. “Sometimes I still hope for him to come through the door and call for me.”

“Yet I have you here in my arms! How good that is!” She hugged him tightly and then held Gimli at arm’s length and said in Khuzdul, “I love you, child. Naur told me of your deeds, and I am very proud of you. You have done well for the family.”

Watching this exchange, Legolas relaxed somewhat. She seemed much easier to deal with than Lady Elind.

Gimli replied in the same language, “Thank you. I love you, too. Grandmother, this is Legolas, son of Thranduil. He is my one!”

Her focus centred on Legolas now, her eyes roaming over his form. She frowned, and Legolas wondered if what she saw displeased her. He glanced at Gimli, who nodded. Bowing Legolas said, “I give you my sympathy. I was not granted the good fortune to meet Oin, but Gimli has told me about him. I grieve with Gimli. I’m at your service.” He stated it all in Gimli’s native tongue. Legolas thought his speech was clear and smooth enough, but he was not confident about his ability to speak Khuzdul.

She expressed no surprise at his knowledge, instead saying in common, “Thank you. Your manners are correct, and you speak the language very well for someone who has just learned it. I’m glad to see that Gimli is doing right by you and teaching you our ways.”

Bowing she said, “Hamaer, daughter of Giril, at yours and your family’s.” Turning to Gimli, she requested, “Grandson, go get a chair from the drawing room, one of the lower ones, so Legolas can be more comfortable at the table.”

When Gimli had departed, she glanced at Legolas. “You may call me Hamaer until you become at ease with Grandmother. I never once imagined that I’d be grandmother to an elf but judging by those braids of yours, I’d say the deed is accomplished, and we’d both best adjust to it.”

Legolas met her eyes and answered in Khuzdul, “I would be honoured to call you Grandmother.” He was uncertain of the word for grandmother and hoped he had stated it correctly.

It must have been acceptable because she smiled and said, “Manners of royalty and intelligence to learn a language most consider hard to master. Mahal was gracious to Gimli.”

“Thank you.”

Gimli came into the room bearing the chair, and Hamaer stated, “Place it at the end of the table, so he can eat and be at ease, too.”

Legolas was not hungry due to recently having eaten pie and gingerbread, but the table was set with a tray of fresh vegetables and fruits, biscuits, and a bowl filled with a red substance that Legolas did not recognise. Gimli fetched two plates and began to get them both food and drink.

Hamaer sat across from them and asked Legolas, “What do you know of Gondolin?”

This question was so unexpected that Legolas just sat there silently for a second. The stray thought came to him that perhaps this was what mortals felt when he changed the subject too fast for them. Promising himself that never again would he do someone that way, he managed, “It was the hidden city of Turgon that existed for close to four hundred years in the First Age. Noldor and Sindar lived there. My people also called it, “The Hidden Realm.” Morgoth’s servants found Gondolin due to the treachery of Maeglin.” Legolas wondered if Hamaer thought he was old enough to remember these events. “I was not born. I am not yet a thousand years old, though close enough to it.”

Gimli had given him a plate of food and some wine. He looked as confused as Legolas felt. Hamaer was gazing at Legolas as if she thought his answer was a strange one. She said, “How does your age relate to Gondolin?”

“I thought you believed I was alive during that time.” Legolas replied.

“No. I assumed you are far older than Gimli, but if that does not bother him, I shall not let it worry me.”

Gimli laid down his spoon and said, “Nothing about Legolas troubles me. He is perfect!”

Legolas hid his grin. There had been a time when Gimli was concerned over his age.

Hamaer answered, “That is new love speaking and if you talked liked that with your father, it is no surprise that he is worried! Everyone has something they dislike about their mate. They love the person anyway. You’ll discover that soon enough I expect.” She turned her focus back to Legolas. “Naur stated that you are a warrior. What do you intend to do now that the Shadow is gone?”

Gimli frowned, and Legolas cast him a reassuring look. The archer explained about his plans for Ithilien, careful to stress that he and Gimli would never be parted for long. He also give credit to Gimli for the advice and ideas the dwarf had shared with him.

When he was finished, she said, “I do not believe in avoiding issues. Where were you when your father threw my sons in a dungeon and what was your part in that?”

Gimli tensed, and again Legolas gifted him with an “I can handle it” expression. “I was not home at the time. I had no part at all in it. I arrived home right before my Lord came back from the Battle of Five Armies.”

She nodded. “If you had been making the decisions, what would you have decided about the dwarves that arrived in Mirkwood?”

Gimli complained, “But it was not his to judge!”

Legolas placed his hand over Gimli’s. “It is all right.” He met Hamaer’s gaze and said, “My Lord has always stated that a King must put his people first in all matters. Three months before the dwarves arrived in Mirkwood, we had an entire patrol killed by Orcs. The mood among us was that we were besieged with threats from the Shadow and the spiders that appeared to be increasing.

“The reason for the party that was night was to rejoice over a birth. My King believes, and I agree, that new life must be celebrated no matter how dark the world becomes. So when the dwarves arrived in our midst and would not leave us in peace nor give an explanation for their presence in our land, it was perceived as a possible new threat.”

Legolas shifted so he could gaze into Gimli’s eyes now and plead for understanding. “I would have done what my King did.” Hastily he continued, “Only after I knew the dwarves were rested and fed, I would have escorted them out of Mirkwood. They would not state their intentions so we could not let them roam freely in our kingdom.”

When no flash of anger crossed Gimli’s face, Legolas went on, “I would have made sure they had plenty of supplies, water, and food. I would have warned them not to trespass again in our land, but I would not have kept them prisoner as my Lord did.”

Gimli squeezed Legolas’ hand, and assured that his dwarf was not irate at him, the archer looked back at Hamaer. Her eyes met his, and Legolas had the impression that she respected his answer even if she did not concur with it.

Hamaer glanced down at their joined hands and said to Legolas, “I saw Gimli when he was not yet an hour old. I remember holding him and thinking about how so many of us never find our one. I hoped that Gimli would be fortunate enough to meet and be loved by his one. Your braids and the gems within them proclaim to everyone that you are Gimli’s one. Do you love him?”

“Yes, I do.” Legolas declared firmly.

“More than anyone before him?”

“Yes, and there will be no one after him.” Legolas promised.

She smiled and then said, “I have asked enough questions. Please have something to eat. We will talk more afterwards.”

Legolas munched on an apricot and concluded that Gimli’s grandmother was nowhere near as difficult as Lady Elind. They both were very blunt, but at least Hamaer accepted that he loved Gimli and did not repeatedly ask him as Lady Elind had with Gimli. Legolas tried some of the red mush-like food that Gimli had placed on his plate and found it to be a mixture of different kinds of berries with sweetened cream. “Delicious.”

“Thank you.” Hamaer replied.

Once they were finished, she stated to them, “I have decided my stand on this matter.” Her next words were directed to Gimli. “Your father came to me shortly after your visit to him. I agree with him that you are far too defensive. I do not, however, agree with him as to the cause of that emotion. He imagines that you have something to hide.

“I can see your motivations clearly. You’ve heard tales of how elves dislike us all your life. I can understand how it is important to you that we like Legolas, and that he likes us. You don’t want Legolas to be hurt by our actions. Mahal gave dwarves an instinct to be protective of their one.”

She sighed. “I would suggest that you relax a little, grandson. Legolas is a warrior. He can deal with a few misunderstandings. I realise the heart and its feelings are a different matter from surviving battles, but Legolas did not endure for almost a thousand years without strength of his own.” She looked at Legolas now and then back to Gimli. “I suspect that your one will accept some protecting, grandson, but if you continue the two of you will be having your first argument sooner than you expect.” She leaned over and said firmly to Gimli, “I would strongly advise you to cease with the protectiveness.”

Gimli did not seem bothered by her counsel. He grinned up at Legolas. “I know you are right, but I love him and…”

She shook her head and declared. “And so you will let him answer questions without looking as if you are ready to pounce on someone, and you will wait for him to take offence before you do.”

“Aye.” Gimli sighed. “You are right.”

Hamaer nodded. “Now I will share my opinion of Legolas, since it is what I will tell Gloin, and I will not budge from it.” She looked at Legolas and her gaze softened. “It’s ridiculous for anyone to suppose you are here to spy on us or that you would steal someone’s spirit. You are not capable of either action. You are honest, and I do not imagine you are familiar enough with deceit to maintain it long enough to be a good spy. You still think like someone who is young, but that is good, as Gimli does too. Yet you hold within you the innate wisdom that they say elves have, and you are fair in your judgements. You are far too kind to be able to steal a spirit without damaging your own.

“I shall inform Gloin that I approve of your union. You’ll have to gain his blessing on your own, but I will insist that he tell any one that asks that we are going to accept Legolas into our family. There will have to be a family council, of course, but if your father does not speak against you, that will aid you. I will attend. I am sure you will have no trouble getting Nelkor’s and Mileor’s support. It would help too, if you had something from Legolas’ father that showed his blessing, or at least his acceptance.”

Excitedly Gimli said, “We do!”

Legolas pulled the contract out and gave it to her. He observed as she read it.

“This is wonderful! Very wise of your King to give you this gift.” She smiled. “Gimli, the gems in your hair: are they from Legolas?”

Legolas wondered if dwarves had some ability to detect the origins of gems. They all seem to realise that Gimli’s jewellery did not originally belong to Gloin’s family.

“Aye.” Gimli said proudly.

“They are beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Legolas said softly, referring to her kind words concerning him and the gems.

“You are welcome.” She directed her next comments to Gimli. “Gloin expected you to come home and marry Rithwyn and provide him with grandchildren. I plainly told him that marrying just to please a parent was not a good idea, but he felt it was your duty. I fear the disappointment over that is colouring his judgement in this matter.”

She shook her head and gazed at Legolas. “Personally, I reckon that you are a far better match for Gimli. Rithwyn is sweet and kind, but I sometimes doubt she has any spirit at all.” She frowned as if thinking of something unpleasant and then said, “No point in dwelling on that. Let us talk of something else. How was your time in Mirkwood?”

Gimli began to tell her about their visit to Eryn Lasgalen. A little less than hour later they departed, after accepting an invitation to share the noon meal with Hamaer the next day.

It was a short walk back to Gimli’s home but for that brief duration, Legolas once again experienced anxiety. He could guess that its source was from Gimli and reckoned that he knew the reason for it. As soon as the door shut behind them, Legolas stated, “I am not angry.” Instantly the anxiety melted away. Selecting the first thing that came to mind, Legolas offered, “If my Lord’s study’s door was shut, and I had reason to believe he was irate with me then I would knock. Even if I had never done so before.”

Legolas gently tugged Gimli’s beard. “I would like to talk with you before we go anywhere else. Why don’t we get the dishes washed and converse awhile?”

When they had two basins of water, soap and cloths, Legolas took a deep breath and began. “We will have plenty of matters to discuss during our talk time tonight. I am curious as to why you believe your grandmother Hamaer is difficult. She seem quite reasonable to me. Plain-spoken but a good dwarf. I like her.”

Gimli added soap to the basin of dishes. He did not reply for a moment and then said, “You have not lived around her all your life. I did not feel that it was polite to ask you some of the things she did. As if it was your place to decide what to do about Thorin and the dwarves! She should not hold you to account for something that was never your responsibility!”

“I have the same opinion, but I’d rather people ask me then resent me for it.”

“True. But what was the point in questioning you about Gondolin? Do you look old to her? I think you appear young. Or perhaps she was implying that…”

“That you are too defensive.” Legolas interrupted, pulling Gimli’s hand up to stop the pouring of soap into the basin. “You have at least a fourth of a cup in that.” He leaned over and kissed Gimli’s head to soften his words so his dwarf would know that he was not irritated. “I understand. You see me as a priceless gem that must be cared for. It is very flattering.

”I do not know why she chose that subject either. I reckon she was trying to get a notion of who I am and for some reason she selected that topic.”

Gimli now had a basin of dishes and far too much soap. He was sloshing noisily in it, and Legolas tried to guess if there was a dish that was actually being cleaned under all the bubbles. After a second Gimli asked, “Is she right? Would we argue over it eventually?”

Legolas accepted the slippery plate from Gimli. “I do not deem that I would have quarrelled with you, but in time it might have annoyed me enough that I would converse with you about it. I do think you should let me answer questions that are addressed to me! If you continued to be as defensive, I might have started to be upset. But you are not normally so sensitive, and I am aware of why you are now.” Rinsing the plate, he said, “Your grandmother’s pointing out your attitude toward me does help me explain something that is troubling me.” Placing the platter in the drainer to dry, he continued, “I am rather hesitant to bring the issue up, though.”

“Why?” Gimli asked, scrubbing vigorously at a cup.

“Because I do not wish you to be displeased with me, and I do not see any solution to it.”

Gimli dropped the mug into the rinse water scattering bubbles from his basin as he did so. He thoroughly cleansed a fork and then asked, “You are going to share it, though, right?”

Legolas sighed. Bending to Gimli, he kissed the warrior on the forehead. “Remind me to in an hundred years.”

There was an offended, “Humph!” from Gimli and water overflowed the bin as the dwarf dropped a handful of silverware into it.

“It concerns the Lady Galadriel.” Sensing no negative emotions through their bond, Legolas continued. “I...” he halted. “Well, she… She has been very kind and understanding to us. I know she is a powerful ally, and I will need such friends in the future. The love you two have for each other benefits me. Yet I am ashamed to say that I am jealous of her as I am of no other. Gaian does not arouse in me the feelings she does. I am sorry, Gimli.”

Gimli was quiet for so long after the elf’s revelation that Legolas felt he must fill the silence and rushed on, “Your grandmother helped me realise that you are equally defensive over me. You just show it in a different fashion.”

Gimli’s hand enclosed Legolas’, and he said quietly, “Do you remember me telling Eomer that Lady Galadriel was the day?”

Legolas nodded, feeling once again the stirrings of jealousy. He sighed, and Gimli glanced up at him. Gently Gimli’s fingers rubbed the palm of Legolas’ hand. “She was light in Middle-earth when all seem dark. Lovely to behold too and as your people love the stars, so I feel about her.

“You, however, are the sun’s rays. You are warmth when I am cold, cheer when I am gloomy, you give me love that sustains my heart, you help me see a bright future, and just as I can rely on the sun to be there after a storm so I know I can rely on you to always be there for me.”

Legolas had ceased washing dishes and dried his hands. He pulled Gimli close as his heart was overwhelmed with love. Strong arms enfolded the elf and Gimli said, “When we first bonded, I thought that you were cheated by me being dwarf because if we had problems I cannot give you the wisdom another elf might be able to and aid you in solving any trouble between us. Celduil and Lastand caused me to conclude that perhaps a good relationship is more about love than wisdom. But I do not know a solution to this either, Legolas!”

Legolas fingered the gems in Gimli’s hair and sighed happily. “Ah, but you’ve given me one, my wise dwarf. Your words calm the jealousy, and when next I experience that unpleasant emotion I shall bring them to mind. And if that does not work or if...” Legolas grinned. “Or if I feel in the need of compliments that make the heart sing I will ask for them. I shall find it easy to state my need after your comfort to me now!”

They went back to washing dishes. After a moment, Legolas said, “There is something else that might help, but if it is impossible for you, I understand. I will be all right now anyway.”

“And you are going to tell me what it is sometime today, correct?” Gimli teased.

“I believe I shall.” Legolas replied, drying a serving dish as he spoke. “If after you make your declarations in Lady Galadriel’s defence, you could then bolster your opinions with the facts about her. Instead of walking out on someone or threatening their life. Eomer is the king of Rohan now, though I am sure that does not influence you in the least!

“When you react so emotionally, I feel as if you are stating that she is more important than anyone else around you and that makes me feel threatened. I know it is not rational but…”

Gimli glanced up at him. “If feelings had to always be rational then my meeting with my father would have gone better! Even if your emotions were not involved, your words show acumen. And the way you feel is very important to me. There is nothing that I would not do for your happiness. So I will try to do as you’d like me to.” Gimli did not sound as if he believed that he would succeed, and Legolas wondered if his dwarf had any hope of doing so. Then Gimli added, “Even if it kills me!” and chuckled.

Legolas replied, “It had better not!” Inwardly his heart was happy as he understood that Gimli would make a great effort to fulfil his request.

They continued to wash tableware, Legolas using every opportunity to touch his dwarf. He brushed across Gimli’s knuckles, rubbed the warrior’s fingertips, and tickled the dwarf’s palms. Gimli’s breathing increased and occasionally he grabbed Legolas’ hand to squeeze it.

When they had only a few dishes left, Gimli said, “I do see my father differently now. Or rather I view my relationship with him in a new light. I realise now that I never really stood up to my father. I did not discern that all his remarks about Rithwyn were hints for me to marry her! But I was aware that he expected that I would marry one day whether I found my one or not. I should have made it clear that I would not make any commitment unless it was to my one.”

Gimli’s words were stated with a breathless quality to them, and Legolas grinned. “Yes, I think all of this is quite a shock to him.” His own speech came out rather rushed. He reached over and grasped Gimli’s thumb encircling it with his fingers. His digits slid up and down, and he smiled at the sharp hitch in Gimli’s breathing. Separating the warrior’s fingers, he linked his own between Gimli’s gliding them back and forth. “Our dwarven people have done their best to see to it that I am well fed, yet I find I still hunger. A taste of you might remedy that.”

“Aye.” Gimli’s voice had deepened and his dark eyes shone with happiness.

“I’d like to try something in the study. I know it’s quite possible someone will show up to visit you, but…”

“I’ll bar the door, and we will ignore them! Besides, Aalin knocked so they do realise they need to give warning now.”

This was the first time it had occurred to Legolas that perhaps Gimli’s relatives did not knock before entering their house anymore than Gimli did at his family’s. A bit taken back, Legolas nodded and replied, “I will meet you in the study.”

Legolas had kicked off his shoes and retrieved pillows from the bed chamber before joining Gimli in the study. The archer noted Gimli’s bare feet and smiled: one less obstacle to their loving. Taking his tunic and his vest off, Legolas carefully folded them and left them on a chair. Then he placed the pillows on a nearby chair and motioned for Gimli. When the warrior was sitting with his legs slightly spread, Legolas gracefully slid to the floor at his feet. Gimli’s shirts landed next to him. Instantly the elf’s fingers reached out to curl into the dwarf’s chest hair. Licking along the waistband, Legolas began with his other hand to undo the laces on Gimli’s leggings. As each lace was untied, Legolas rewarded the revealed flesh with kisses and licks. Gimli’s trembling fingers fondled the gems that trailed heavily across his stomach with each of his elf’s movements.

Slowly Gimli’s leggings and underclothes fell to his ankles. Legolas sighed happily at the proud flesh, already glistening with need, that sprang free. Dipping his head down, Legolas’ tongue flickered out to sample the proof of Gimli’s enjoyment.

Gimli moaned, and his fingers wandered into Legolas’ hair to gently caress. Through their bond a surge of passion flowed and heat blazed in Legolas’ loins.

Legolas’ tongue raked over the swollen head and then down the length of the shaft. A jagged hiss came from Gimli, and the dwarf’s hips bucked forward. In one quick movement, Legolas sheathed the rigid cock deep within his mouth.

Gimli cried out, and Legolas swallowed, taking the dwarf into his throat. Tugging at Gimli’s waist, the archer encouraged his dwarf to move. Gimli began to thrust into the welcoming heat. The elf rocked back and forth in pace with his lover. The jewels in Legolas’ braids massaged Gimli’s legs. Each time his tongue came into contact with the crown of the rigid member, Legolas swirled the wet muscle across it. He was gifted with panting whispers of “I love you” in Khuzdul, and loving touches in his hair and over his ears. Their connection sang with their love-making and the elf’s cock throbbed in an answering chorus.

Unhurried thrusts gradually become harder and faster. Gimli ceased talking, his breathing shallow now and reserved for soft moans. Legolas’ own body hummed with need. Sliding his hand under Gimli, Legolas’ fingers found the dwarf’s tight sac. Cupping the testicles, the archer rubbed his thumb across the drawn flesh.

With a roar, Gimli exploded into Legolas’ mouth, his seed spilling down the archer’s throat. The wave of bliss swelled from their link, forcing Legolas to use one hand to brace himself against the chair, as he felt almost light headed from the ecstasy. For a brief second, the elf experienced a flash of light blaze across his spirit. He sheltered Gimli’s shaft until the flesh had softened, and his warrior’s shivers started to abate.

A gentle touch was bestowed upon his chin, and Gimli muttered, “Your turn.” Legolas nodded. His need was fierce, but his legs refused to bring him to his feet. His eyes stayed closed.

Standing up and tossing the pillows down next to the archer, Gimli joined Legolas on the floor. His fingers pulled at the ties on the elf’s leggings.

The door bell rang.

Gimli cursed. Legolas’ eyes flew open, and he moaned. “Ignore it!” Gimli declared. Legolas’ body thought this was an excellent idea, and the elf nodded. The archer jerked his ties open, and Gimli tugged the pants and underclothes down.

The door bell chiming again was barely acknowledged as Gimli licked up and down over Legolas’ aching erection. Lovingly Gimli gave the shaft flat, wide strokes; Legolas trying to hold still and be quiet under the attention. He lost the battle when Gimli gave little pokes to the leaking slit. Another moan came from Legolas that had nothing to do with the pealing door bell.

Swiftly Gimli inhaled the entire length. Gimli’s lips pulled snug around the painfully hard shaft, and his nose brushed Legolas’ quivering stomach. The gems in the warrior’s hair swept across the elf’s thighs. Spreading his legs as wide as he could, Legolas whimpered. He observed the talented mouth enclosing his flesh, sliding his organ into and out of that fiery hot orifice, over and over. Slowly rocking on his heels, Legolas softly cried out as Gimli’s tongue began twirling and flicking, working his foreskin in counterpoint to the up and down sucking.

Pressure mounted in Legolas, and he leaned back supporting himself with his palms flat on the floor. His sac drew up urgently needing to empty, and Gimli’s hand covered them, holding tenderly. The inferno in his loins flared as Gimli gulped, accepting the elf into his throat. Spurting down the dwarf’s throat, Legolas came with a loud cry. Again he felt the spark of brightness beam across his spirit. Sinking to the floor, he was barely conscious of Gimli following him.

Gimli did not move until his lover was drained. Carefully he eased the relaxed cock out of his mouth tenderly releasing it.

Gimli nestled up to Legolas putting a pillow under the archer’s head. Shifting to his side, the elf wrapped the dwarf within his embrace, sharing the pillow with the warrior. For more than a quarter of an hour, neither one spoke. Then Gimli stated, “I felt…it was like…well, it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. There was this glimmer of luminosity.”

“Our bond has grown and our spirits touched.” Legolas sighed happily. An outpouring of joy streamed through their connection, and Legolas knew that Gimli was as thrilled over this new closeness as he was.

Nothing more was said for a while. Then Gimli said, ”I’ll admit the bond is still a mystery to me.”

Legolas ran his fingers through Gimli’s hair and sighed softly. “All this talk of stealing a spirit makes me wish I had explained the bond better to you before we joined.”

Gimli shook his head. “It would not have mattered. I wanted to be as close to you as possible. You must remember what it was like for you at the time, and not be so hard on yourself. I am aware of the results my injury at Helm’s Deep had on you. You knew before, but I think it made it very real to you, that I would die, and you could not take even a day for granted. And I felt that each minute with you was to be cherished.“ Gimli propped himself up on an elbow. “Legolas, there was no time for long discussions that required privacy, and we could not predict the hours would be given to us later. We needed that intimacy and the bonding. I needed it! And recall what Tasar said to you. He stated that if I had been fearful or had even a small amount of resistance the bond would have never occurred.”

Legolas searched Gimli’s eyes. The dwarf rubbed his elf’s chin and reasserted firmly, “I needed our bond and so did you! It helped me survive the war.”

Legolas nodded, his heart finally relieved. “So what is mystifying you about our bond?”

“Why the sudden increase in strength?”

“I can only guess that it is due to my happiness to be here. And I am happy here. I love our home, and the city is beautiful. You did tell me that I would not feel as if I was in a dark cavern, but I did not expect such beauty! I like all your relatives, including your father who clearly loves you. I love being here with you.”

Gimli was silent for a second and then poking Legolas in the ribs he started to laugh.

Legolas asked, “Is jabbing me that funny or do have something you’d like to share?”

Gimli smiled and leaning over, he whispered, “We dwarves have strong spirits. I do not believe it is possible to steal one!”

Legolas grinned. “A stubborn race, and so they should be!”

Gimli sat up. “We should visit Naur. Is there anyone you would like to see after that?”

“Bombur. It is not possible for the river to be affecting him after all these years, but I would like to behold the dwarf my Lord is accused of making fat.” Seeing Gimli’s expression, Legolas added, “So you find that amusing too.”

“Not the charge, but the way you stated it, aye. I promise you, Legolas, that Bombur was always fat. I’d like to see him again, though. Anyone else? We should have time for three visits before the evening meal.” Gimli slipped his shirts on and handed Legolas his tunics.

“Nay.”

The archer was tugging on his leggings when he discerned a very soft thud from the direction of the front door. Turning toward the sound, the elf listened quietly but he detected no other noise. Glancing at Gimli, the archer saw that the warrior had stilled and was waiting for direction from him. “I heard a thump at the front door.”

“Whoever it is will ring the bell soon.” Gimli replied.

Yet no one did.

Once they were dressed, they ventured out into the hallway, Legolas carrying the pillows. Once the pillows were back in the bed chamber, Legolas re-joined Gimli. When he arrived in the corridor, Gimli was standing there holding a long rectangular box covered with velvet of sky blue colour. Gimli gave it to Legolas and said, “It does not say who it is from. They dropped it through the mail slot.”

Legolas did not recall seeing a mail slot and suddenly wondered how many things he did not notice due to his height. He said, “Let us go into the clock room and examine it.”

Legolas pulled a footstool up to one of the chairs and sat on it. Gimli took the chair next to him. After settling between the dwarf’s legs, Legolas carefully opened the box. Inside was a smaller case of burgundy velvet. A note fluttered to the floor, and the archer grabbed it. Opening it and holding it where they could both read it, Legolas perused the content.

The message was brief. In graceful script it stated only three words: ”A promise kept.”


Tbc