The old ways

It was made of strong, but flexible dark brown leather, its insides lined out with the softest cloth and on its surface shone elvish runes in bright silver threading, that had been embedded into the dark leather. Legolas brushed the runes with his fingertips murmuring the words on it. He felt tears spring to his eyes, but he held them back. He had cried too much already. This was a time to rejoice in the care of his closest friends. He knew quite well that Gimli’s strong fingers were responsible for this magnificent craft he was holding in his hands, and that Aragorn must have provided him with the runes.

Gimli cleared his throat nervously "Well, come on then. Let’s see how it fits."

Legolas got up from the bed and stood before the dwarf. "Would you please?" He asked Gimli and held out the piece of armour.

"Maybe Aragorn should, you know...., well he knows more about....and I don’t....I mean:::"

"No, Gimli. I want you to do it. It was you who made it, it was you who had the idea and it is you who is so protective of me." Legolas smiled a little.

"Mrpf..." Gimli muttered under his breath, but took the leather and he moved near to Legolas' side.

"Well, you would have to lift your shirt for me." He informed the elf.

Legolas did as he was told and had to suppress a small giggle as Gimli went to work on the lacing of his leggings.

Aragorn just stood there and watched these two unlike friends. He had leaned back against the bedpost and smiled. It was good to see the elf’s eyes shining a bit again and somehow he was sure that with the help of Gimli and maybe himself, Legowoulwould stay with them.

Gimli had by then fastened the leather armour around Legolas swelling belly and crossed his arms in front of his chest circling the elf, mumbling to himself.

"How does it look?" Legolas asked trying to follow Gimli’s movements with his head.

"Good, good." The dwarf cocked his head in Aragorn’s direction.

The ranger nodded, "Yes, very good. How does it feel then, that is far more important. Does it hinder you? Do any parts feel uncomfortable."

"No, no. It is soft on the skin and feel quite smooth. I don’t think it will hinder me in any way."

"Then fasten you leggings again and we will see how is it going to look beneath yoothiothing. We don’t want it to show too much, right?"

But when the leggings were done up again and the silvery shirt hung over it nothing was seen of Legolas pregnancy.

"Good," Aragorn stated "Now, my friend get some more rest, and I will see to the mustering. We will leave soon for Gondor."

Just as he had said this a commotion was heard from the great hall. All three turned quickly and headed toward the hall. When they had reached it, Aragorn let out a surprised shout. "Elladan, Elrohir! My brothers, what are you doing here?"

"We come with news from our father and Lothlorien." Elladan hugged Aragorn tightly.

"Yes, and come see who else has arrived!" Elrohir pulled at Aragorn’s sleeve.

There were Rangers waiting in the hall and leading them was Halbarad, who was baring the gift from the Lord of Rivendell.

Aragorn left Gimli and Legolas standing and joined his kinsmen and brothers. He would have to decide what road had to be taken from here in order to get to Gondor undetected.

Little did they know, for Aragorn had taken it upon him to use the Palantir and had gotten word from Lord Elrond hinting a way open for them and reminding Aragorn of an alliance that was to be called for.