An Arrow's Path Complete

Title: An Arrow's Path
Chapter Six
Author: Sarah and Ra Amon
Pairing: Gimli/Legolas
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: slash.
Feedback: yes, please.
saraharizonaanne@hotpop.com blackkoda@yahoo.com
Archive: Axe and Bow.Others please ask.
Disclaimer: They belong to Tolkien. I love them but I don't own them. I do claim the original ideas and characters. The Gimli and Legolas I write belong completely and solely to Tolkien. They are not related to the movie characters.
Author's notes: Thank you to Ra Amon for her hard work. Thank you to helptheold and Nefertiti for beta work and catching my errors. Thank you to Cheysuli for encouragement and help as I needed it.Thank you to everyone who gave me fb and to the wonderful group at Axe/Bow.

This last chapter takes place in Gondor around the time of the crowning of King Elessar.

Gimli ran his fingers in slow circles over his elf's back, enjoying the satiny smoothness of Legolas' skin. Against him, Legolas made a contented sound. Gimli could tell he was in that trance like state he called sleeping.

Almost nightly Legolas would sing; sometimes staring out at the stars and other times softly, amorously against Gimli's ear. Indeed his elf had stamina, but as Gimli looked down at his lover's calm features, he noted that Legolas stayed in that not really awake yet not asleep as mortals stage longest, deepest after the dwarf had ridden him. Of course Legolas expended so much strength with his amorous cries and screams of ecstasy, Gimli thought proudly.

When Legolas took charge, things were a bit different. Insatiable, Legolas craved the comfort of Gimli's body, seeking every opportunity to remain within his dwarf. Gimli would awaken to melodic singing and gentle caresses, too sweet to provoke anger or cause irritation at loosing a good rest.

Yet, in truth, Gimli had no complaints. Having a lover who rarely came to bed tired had advantages. Gimli wasn't sure which flattered him more after love making: the nights Legolas went to rest state sooner than the dwarf fell asleep, pressed against him with fingers entwined in his beard, or the nights his beloved kept him in a daze of lyrical song and restless need.

Gimli brushed Legolas' hair aside and massaged the strong shoulders of the archer. He didn't want to disturb his beauty, but there were thoughts troubling his mind. Gandalf had bought them news at the evening meal, the night before.

The wizard had told of the imminent arrival of dwarven messengers from Gimli's land. In front of Aragorn and their friends, Gimli had shown mirth and excitement.

Yet behind closed doors, Legolas hadn't been fooled. Legolas easily suspected his lovers' uneasiness. They had talked about some of it but then the discussion had changed to comforting kisses and more. Their lovemaking had eased his mind, but with the dawn his worries had returned.

Gimli had no intention of going to breakfast alone. The teasing he would get from Merry and Pippin about just why Legolas was not getting out of bed in the morning if the elf did not come to the table made that out of the question. Still, he delayed talking to his elven love for long minutes more.

With a half-hearted nudge, Gimli whispered, "We must talk."

Legolas was slow to rouse from the furry warmth of Gimli's chest. His focus gradually came back to Gimli and his surroundings, the first thing his gaze caught upon happened to be the plump nub of Gimli's nipple.

Feeling Legolas stir, Gimli began, "My King's representatives should arrive today. I know that they have come for council with Aragorn. Gandalf says that it is a visit of diplomacy, but I doubt that will be their sole purpose. I do not fear their questions, which with my kin will be of interest, especially Naur. But-" Gimli gasped at the flickering wetness of Legolas' tongue against his nipple. "Legolas," he moaned trying to remain serious. Pressing at Legolas' shoulders, he stammered. "Will you not listen?"

"Mmm." Reluctant to give up his treat, Legolas withdrew. He looked up into Gimli's eyes and saw worry, albeit mingled with desire. Legolas recognized his lover's need for clarity. The arrival of Gimli's kinfolk was troubling Legolas just as much as it was his lover although he tried to ignore it. "Forgive me. I could not resist. You were talking about the arrival of your people," Legolas surmised.

Nodding pensively, Gimli closed Legolas in a trapping embrace. He wanted Legolas to be attentive and calm as he informed him of what to expect. "Aye," he said. "I want to talk about Naur."

"Naur," Legolas repeated. He understood that the name held some significance to Gimli. Although every ounce of his being was curious as to what kind of significance, he willed himself to be patient, to listen before getting overtly excited about what could have been a possible lover.

Gimli was pleased as he saw the effort the Legolas made to remain free of assumptions and doubts. Legolas would hear him out this time. He remembered quite well Legolas' possessiveness at Helm's Deep. After their discussion, Legolas had been quite reasonable; no complaints about whom Gimli talked to and very few contemptuous glares at whom he had spoken to. Gimli feared his people's arrival could change that. "Naur is kin to me." Gimli hesitated only for a moment. "He is my mother's brother's only child."

Legolas nodded against his chest. *That wasn't so bad,* he thought, glad that Gimli hadn't said `past lover' instead.

"I value Naur's opinions. Until the Quest and I met you he was my best friend." Gimli paused after hurrying through his statement. Legolas was silent but those blue eyes hadn't darkened with jealous suspicions and for that Gimli was glad. Nothing would please him more than Legolas and his best friend getting along. "I want the two of you to be friends. You'll be able to have another dwarf for a friend, won't you?"

Unable to deny his dwarf anything, Legolas smiled despite fears that this `Naur' might not be so intent on friendship. "Of course. I do have a fondness for dwarves after all," he winked, drawing a chuckle from his lover.

"Aye, that you do my elf. Just didn't want you reaching for your bow if you imagine that my embrace with my kin is too long."

"You don't view `keep your hands off my dwarf' as a more proper greeting." Legolas joked along with his love, while inside his belly, butterflies of nervousness awoke. What if Naur or the others did embrace Gimli overly long, he began to worry. As his laughter faded to seriousness, Legolas lowered his head. "Perhaps you should meet them alone at first to prepare them for seeing us together. That is, if you wish to tell them? Do you want me to leave so you can bring them here? Are you going to inform them?"

Gimli heard little anxiety in Legolas' voice. More than worry, Gimli heard a curiosity as to what was to be done. Moving his hand to lift Legolas' chin, he stared into eyes as blue as sapphires. "I don't wish you to leave. They will have to get used to us being together sooner or later. I will tell them after they have had time to get accustomed to seeing us together. If you like, you may stand at my side as I tell them. However, you are to let me handle it. No tantrums, no threats and no glaring, Legolas. Are we agreed?"

It wasn't that Legolas desired to ignore Gimli, he just wasn't sure how to respond to his beloved's decree. Instead, Legolas kissed Gimli upon the cheek before pulling away to sit up. Pushing his long blonde locks over his shoulders, Legolas reached for his robe and quickly clothed himself in it. He looked back over his shoulder at the glaring dwarf still in bed and smiled. "Are we going to breakfast or do you plan on lying about all day?"

Legolas' change of subject did not go unnoticed as Gimli frowned. "It doesn't sound like you are agreeing."

"I'm hungry. I'm not disagreeing."

Gimli could tell from his lover's voice that he would get no more from Legolas.

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

The dwarf representatives arrived that afternoon and Gimli greeted his people with joy. Legolas had been in the throne room to see their arrival but retired to their chambers shortly thereafter to await Gimli's return. Legolas knew the other dwarves would want to visit Gimli in private to converse and although his heart thundered at the idea of it, Legolas realised that he had to stand his ground.

After little more than an hour, his ears picked up the sound of dwarves talking. Legolas stayed in the chair he was in and smiled to himself. This might prove interesting indeed. Gimli had said to leave it up to him to deal with his people and Legolas planned on doing exactly that.

Gimli, however, did not explain at all. He just introduced everyone and continued the conversation as if it was normal for a dwarf to have an elf in his chambers.

They talked of the Quest and troubles at home. After a few curious looks at Legolas, they included him in their conversation. It reminded him of early days with Gimli. The stout warriors were cautiously polite. No one questioned his continued presence but it was obvious they were wary of him. Legolas listened as they discussed the death of their King Dain.

Gandalf had already told Gimli the news but still to see Gimli's head bow in sorrow tore at Legolas. Gandalf had bought the news to them privately and Gimli had leaned against Legolas' chest in sorrow.

Legolas glanced at Gimli as he spoke to his companions. His reactions were all together different in front of his own kind. With a stern veneer he listened to the details of the death agreeing that for dwarves it was not a bad death, indeed it was a glorious one. Dain had, after all, died in battle with honour. That was the dwarven way, yet Legolas knew Gimli to be different privately.

Elves were different, but not by much. Although emotions were openly expressed, *his* kin would have no qualms inquiring about his relations with Gimli. It mattered not, Legolas told himself. Legolas did not intend to restrain himself so around his own people. If one of them did not like it let them dare say something. Legolas doubted anyone would. Stare and make comments, maybe, but nothing more.

Legolas glanced back over at the dwarves. They were talking excitedly of the battle back at home. To hear them speak, one could believe it was the best part of their life. Not so strange, though, as an elf with dwarves meeting in his rooms.

Legolas could see resemblance between Gimli and Naur. They both had fiery hair and dark eyes. The other two, one of fair hair and the other rather paunchy dwarf didn't resemble Gimli much at all. *It isn't as if I've become an expert in dwarves but I can probably tell the differences far more than any other elf,* Legolas concluded. The idea brought a smile to his face, which caught the attention of the fair-headed dwarf. Legolas nearly panicked as grey eyes peered at him on the cusp of questioning.

The discussion was brought to a halt as Gimli turned expectantly to his friend.

Whatever the confronting question may have been, Legolas breathed a sigh of relief as Naur stood up and slapped Gimli on the shoulder.

"Enough talk," Naur said. "I reckon it is time for the feast."

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

Legolas felt restless throughout the evening meal. He noticed the concerned glances of Merry and Pippin fall upon him. Of course they comprehended his dilemma. The two hobbits had become close friends and were always offering confidence, council and food. Still, the one person he longed to confide in, although right beside him was occupied with his fellow dwarven warriors.

Gimli was not enjoying the meal, either. As he listened to his kin talk to both Aragorn and to him, Gimli heard little. He was distracted, aching with loss.

Something was not right and he discerned what it was. He missed Legolas' touch. At the last public dinner, Legolas had touched his shoulder several times during the meal and had even rubbed his hand across Gimli's leg at one point. He had grown used to Legolas' touches, to his love, and to his voice.

The luxury of the past few weeks had spoiled them both, Gimli reflected, as he recalled how Legolas often woke him in the morning singing. Better yet were the mornings he woke to Legolas' caresses or to the hot mouth wrapped around him tightly. Legolas had tried singing then, too, once and the feeling had driven him quickly to the edge and over. Gimli knew Legolas did not need as much rest as he did and often spent the early morning hours laying next to him watching him sleep.

Legolas would sing as he moved around their chambers, too. He was happy and his bliss filled Gimli with a joy that made each day a treasure.

Gimli had to go about things in his dwarven manner. Legolas had seemed almost distant and shy. Gimli could understand Legolas' reaction to the other dwarves. Deciding to respect his lover's silence, Gimli knew that the warrior burning in his elf's chest would reveal itself and shed its fear, but until then he would be careful. Looking over at Legolas, Gimli noted the subtle brooding manner about the slender shoulders.

As Gimli poked at his food, he felt Legolas' fingers touch his wrist briefly and glanced up. Legolas caught his eyes and then gave a pointed glance to Gimli's plate. Gimli chuckled with amusement. He had just been very clearly commanded to eat. Something that hadn't happened to him since he was a child. *Aye, Legolas was indeed returning to himself,* Gimli thought.

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

Legolas needed time alone after dinner so he headed off on his own. He wanted to think upon a course of action, an approach for dealing with Naur and the others. He didn't get far, though, before he heard Pippin's voice calling to him.

"Legolas," Pippin called, "Don't leave so fast. Merry and I wanted to talk to you. It never seemed a good time to tell you Shire stories of wind and rain but now is a good time. You've told us many stories. Stay with us awhile so we can return the favour."

Feeling a small hand clasp about his, Legolas looked first at Pippin and then at Merry, a few feet behind Pippin. Two pairs of caring, sympathetic eyes met his own.

Before Legolas had a chance to answer, Merry added, "Please join us for awhile. I never got to tell King Théoden my stories. You will understand if I feel sad. They won't understand as well when I'm back in the Shire."

Welcoming the distraction that only his hobbit friends could supply, Legolas nodded. "I would like to hear your stories and now is the perfect time."

Spending the next few hours listening to stories, Legolas found them very entertaining indeed. Pippin did most of the talking. Merry was quiet through most of his cousin's tales, yet added to the story or reminded Pip of some detail whenever it was pertinent. Most of the narratives concerned massive quantities of food and mirth. Merry's eyes showed sadness at times, though, his voice was cheerful enough. It amazed Legolas how well hobbits handled sorrow.

As the tales wound down, Legolas became anxious to leave. It would be night soon and he could delay no longer. With a gentle word and smile, Legolas stood and bade his friends a good night. As he prepared to leave a different hand stole upon his. This time it was Merry, the calmer, older hobbit. With a look of compassion, of wisdom far older than his appearance would belay, Merry said, "It will be alright, Legolas. He loves you so much."

Legolas smiled, his heart touched by the hobbits' concern, "I know."

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

Legolas and Gimli had rooms in the back of the house that they shared with the fellowship. They had chosen those rooms because at one time the chambers had been set aside for a valued servant. Therefore, the quarters were a bit apart from the rest of the house, divided from the other rooms by a long hall and an outer chamber with a private entry. Hesitating at the door, Legolas didn't know whether to knock or call out. He could hear voices behind the door and thought of being courteous. Staring at the broad oak fixture, he resolved not knock on his own door. Their quarters were just that, belonging to both Gimli and himself.

Turning the doorknob, Legolas casually walked inside. The immediate stares and gasps he received amused him as he shut the door and moved through the room. *They've never seen an elf make himself at home with a dwarf before,* he thought smugly to himself. Grabbing a chair, he pulled it up to the table and sat at Gimli's side.

"Where were you off to?" Gimli asked casually.

The sound of his lover's concern sent shivers of excitement through him. For just a moment of shyness, he bowed his head as he felt the others gaze upon him, then his courage forced its way back on the remembrance of Merry's words. Sitting straight in his chair, Legolas replied, "Listening to hobbit tales and such."

"The little ones do tell great yarns," Gimli chuckled to his friends who were still a bit wide-eyed. He expected that not one of the other dwarves would ask about the elf. It was the dwarven way not to make a fuss over matters of the heart. He knew that his lover would be unnerved by their manner, by their ways, but then he also knew Legolas to amazingly adaptable. A sideways glance into precious blue orbs sparkling with confidence and Gimli perceived that Legolas would be fine. "Have a drink with us, eh?"

Legolas glanced at the bottle upon the table. It appeared to be filled with some kind of silvery liquid. Not like any wine he had ever seen.

There was an air of expectancy and doubt amongst the dwarves almost as if they were challenging him. Straightening his shoulders, he gave a nod and decided to be bold. He waited as Gimli poured him a glass, taking note that the dwarf had already had a cup set aside for him.

When his dwarf held out the full cup, it was all Legolas could do to *not* brush his hands over Gimli's. Turning his attention to the wine instead of the longed-for contact of his lover, Legolas took a cautious sip. The wine was strong, much potent than what he was used to and thicker. Although he recognised the fragrance of sweet timberberries, he couldn't quite attest to the high potency of the alcohol. He hoped there wasn't ground rock or something equally bad in it as he took another careful sip. By his third draught, he had decided that the taste was actually quite good.

Gimli's only worry was that Legolas would take too much to the wine. Noticing the rising pink flush on Legolas' fair cheeks, he felt it best that he return to conversation. There would be time enough for him to requisition a more *private* bottle.

An hour later, Legolas found the one flaw in drinking with dwarves.

They were all very generous. Legolas would no sooner finish a glass, when one of the dwarves would pour him another. Already he was heated and heady. His heightened senses swarmed with the effect of the wine.

The dwarves finally seemed comfortable with his presence, but Legolas wasn't wholly sure if it was the wine or actuality. He did discern, however, that Gimli was talking about Helm's Deep and complaining about the fuss that was made over the injury he had received.

Legolas took another sip of his drink. He had just resolved to let Gimli make it sound like he and Aragorn had fussed too much over the wound when Gimli said, "No dwarf would fuss like that over a scratch." That statement was too much.

Legolas sat his glass down, with just the slightest slosh and pronounced, "It was indeed a scratch! About this wide," he held up one finger, making a line in the air, "and about this deep." He used his fingers again to show what he meant.

Gimli held back laughter. His cut got bigger each time Legolas told the story.

Legolas had everyone's complete attention now. "Gimli fought right after the injury. The wound only made him angrier as he cut down orc after orc. Later, he took a not so clean cloth and used it to bind the cut."

Legolas paused here. The memory of seeing Gimli for the first time after the battle still seemed very new. The overwhelming relief he had felt, followed closely by an unreasonable fear when he saw the blood soaked cloth, was fresh in his mind. Legolas tried to keep his voice steady as he continued, "He lost a great deal of blood. And when Aragorn was cleaning it, which I can assure you is an unpleasant experience, Gimli almost went to sleep on us. Yes, you're right, my friend, we made too much of it." He said, sarcastically.

Ner and Targ looked at Gimli. When they saw Gimli only looked amused, they began to laugh. All except for Naur. He seemed to take Legolas quite seriously.

Legolas gazed at Gimli laughing and had it in his mind to fuss more when he recalled the company he was in. Relaxing back in his chair he crossed his arms and huffed.

"Aye, it was indeed a grim day," Gimli admitted. "You know the dwarven love of rest is only out-rivalled by a hobbits need of food!"

Legolas rolled his eyes as the laughter around him became more raucous. *Dwarves and their idea of humour,* he thought.

Reaching for his cup anew, Legolas set eyes upon Naur. The dwarf wasn't laughing, rather it was a look of understanding that shown back at him. Naur held his gaze for a few seconds more and then gave Legolas a short nod. Legolas was pleased. This dwarf mattered to Gimli so it was important to Legolas to have his acceptance.

Naur asked Legolas how Mirkwood had fared and Legolas began to tell them what he knew. He stopped only once as Gimli refilled his cup, before continuing his tale.

Gimli listened to his elf's voice. It pleased him greatly to see Legolas at ease. Although amongst his company, Gimli still found his attention rapt upon his one love. To him there was nothing sweeter than the sound of his lover's voice.

As he finished his account, Legolas noted Targ uncorking a second bottle and a shiver of fear swept through him. Already the room was spinning and he longed to shed a layer or two of clothing. Never before had he felt so drunk.

The dwarves around him seemed hardly as affected and that alone was intimidating. Concluding that he had made all of the impressions he needed to, Legolas made the decision to depart from their company. He leaned over and put his hand on Gimli's shoulder, aware that the other dwarves were staring again. He rubbed his friend's shoulder gently and then squeezed it. "I want some rest. You don't have to hurry."

Coming to a shaky stand, Legolas walked to the bedroom door, shutting it firmly behind him. Falling to the floor against the closed door, he used what sense he had left to listen. There was complete silence for over a moment and Legolas smiled. Let Gimli handle that, he chuckled to himself.

"Is that elf implying what I think he is implying?"

Legolas couldn't tell the dwarves' voices apart yet but he thought maybe that was the paunchy one, Targ.

"Of course he is! Don't be stupid. Didn't I state to you that Gimli's hair looked like an elf had braided it? I even told you which elf but did you believe me? No."

Now that should be Ner. He wasn't sure. Legolas couldn't discern who was talking but he didn't think it was Naur. The effect of the wine had him more than a bit befuddled.

"B-b-but. Well, he's an elf!"

*Targ's voice,* Legolas thought.

Gimli said firmly, "I'm well aware of that."

Grinning, Legolas thought, *Oh yes, Gimli was *definitely* aware of that.*

The dwarf continued, "You can't possibly... I mean, Gimli, he hasn't any hair."

Legolas knew what was meant but he couldn't help reaching for his hair now. Gimli never ceased to compare his lengthy locks to sun and stars combined. It may not have covered his whole body, but he did have hair no matter what that one alleged.

"And no beard, Gimli! I've heard they're very emotional. He is liable to tear your beard out in a fit of jealous rage one night. And his ears are. They are..."

Legolas couldn't believe it. They really cared about that beard and was the dwarf saying his ears were ugly? Targ was speaking again as Legolas comprehend that the dwarves were indeed just as drunk as he. More even.

"I'll not have any insult to him. Nor will I have him hurt. He can probably hear every word, but aye, the elf and I belong to one another and it is as simple as that." Gimli silenced his kin with his confirmation.

"I mean no insult but you can't be doing this. He must take up the whole bed and he is all legs very little else. And I hear that they sing continually and there is no meat to their bones. Thin as reeds they are!"

Legolas frowned. He had expected protest but not this kind of talk.

Naur spoke with true concern, to his friend, "Gimli, it is known that the elves are journeying to the havens. The mighty sea calls his kind. They *are* leaving and I think of your feelings as I question your connection to this elf."

"True, the sea does call him and when it is time, when he chooses to go, I will not hold him here. I want what is best for him."

Hearing the sorrow in his lover's voice made Legolas feel tearful. *Nay,* thought Legolas. *I will not go because Gimli can't.*

"What about you?" Naur continued. "Is this just some kind of game with you? I can see the novelty, I suppose, but-."

"Legolas is like a gem to me. Different yes from any gem I'm familiar with but perfect without flaw. He has fought by my side as valiantly as any of you might. Countless times, too, I might add. My trust and love runs deep with him. Deeper than the mithril of Moria itself, Naur. It is no fancy, I assure you."

Pressing his palm over his mouth to stifle a sob, Legolas smiled as he overheard Gimli's declaration of love.

"You can do as you wish but you are liable to end up heart sore and I can tell you right now your father is going to have a thing or two to say about it. Legolas is the eleven King Thranduil's son. Is he not?"

Gimli answered, "That he is."

"That particular creature likes to throw dwarves in dungeons and is no friend of your father's. It won't surprise me if *you* end up in his dungeon. He isn't going to like the idea of you allowing his son bedroom rights at all. I won't be the one informing our King what you are doing but this is going to get back to him. Nor will I mention it to Gloin, either. I'd like to live longer. Here have another drink, Gimli. I am not one to judge as I have my own shield brother, however at least he is a dwarf as I. Drink! There's another bottle of this when we are done."

Legolas sighed. He deemed that was Targ again. He had known his father probably wasn't popular among dwarves but to hear him called a creature in that tone of voice stung. And how many bottles could one dwarf's belly carry? He feared the answer as he visualized finding Gimli passed out on the floor. Legolas could picture himself trying to drag Gimli across the floor and if he managed that he still had to get him into the bed. He could involve Aragorn but Gimli might not speak to him afterwards for days and there was no fun in that.

Trying to decide whether he should go back into the anteroom and put an end to the drinking, Legolas came to the conclusion that he had to get up off the floor himself first.

"Still don't see how you live with those ears," came a hearty chuckle from one of the dwarves.

Legolas had managed to make it to his knees when he heard Targ's words and flinched. What was wrong with his ears, he wondered.

"The ears are actually very nice."

The sudden dose of mischief in his dwarf's tone caused Legolas' breath to catch as he used the doorframe to guide him to his feet. Praying that Gimli's tongue had not become too loose, he waited.

"And they are quite useful, too!"

*Useful? In what way did Gimli mean that and really useful was hardly a compliment,* Legolas fretted. *Useful!* Maybe he should go remove that bottle.

Ner spoke up. "Aye, you are empty my friend. Let me pour you more."

While he could understand drinking a bit for courage sake, Legolas noted that Gimli was offered refills quite quickly. What was Gimli doing: downing it in one gulp? What might he say when drunk?

"So Gimli are there others like him?" Ner asked.

"No dwarven woman would take you, you oaf, what makes you think an elf would," Targ roared with laughter.

Naur interrupted with a loud cough, "I reckon you both are missing something here. Maybe it wasn't clear to you two but this elf can hardly look at Gimli without the love showing. So it really comes down to one other issue. Gimli, have you chosen this elf to be the one?"

"Indeed, I have."

"This makes it a private concern. I doubt our King will say much at all. Gloin is liable to say quite a great deal but that, too, is a private matter. As for the ears, Targ, you just aren't used to them. You should rejoice that Gimli has found his one. Here have another drink and then leave me, both of you, to converse with Gimli."


Gimli watched as Targ and Ner left. Seated alone with his best friend, Gimli felt the weight of his nervousness full force. With the two younger warriors, Gimli could hide between pomp and customary behaviour, but with Naur there would be the blunt intimacy that only a best friend could
evoke.

"I'm thinking that this is a done act..." Naur said directly.

*Aye,* Gimli thought, *it most certainty is a done act. Many times,* he reflected smugly, yet in front of the searching eyes of Naur. Gimli could only nod firmly.

Legendary for his drinking, Naur poured another draught of wine for himself without the slightest waver. "So there is little point to tell you why it is not wise."

"No, there is no point, dear friend."

"Well," Naur huffed, downing the contents of his cup in one fell swallow. "I must say I admire your bravery. I'd rather face a pack of wargs than to lay with the eleven King's son and deal with him afterwards. And your father... but I guess you've thought about all this. This won't get back to your father because no one is going to have the courage to even hint that his son is bedding an elf. "

Gimli wondered if Gloin would believe it even if they did tell him. If rumours did get back to the grizzly rock that was his sire, Gloin would staunchly denounce them. He would only believe what he saw, Gimli knew and once the old dwarf set eyes upon his son and the elf that was his lover, only then would Gloin believe. Then of course the real battle of wills would begin. Naur wasn't even a test compared to what he would have to face from his father. Reaching for his own cup, Gimli pushed his future from his mind.

"So. Have you decided how to tell your father?"

"Aye. I've thought about it." Gimli admitted with a snort. "I'll just have to tell him straight out. I won't have him reckoning that I'm ashamed of my actions or my lover."

Naur winced. If he hadn't had been an old friend of Gimli's, he would have never seen the fear behind the dwarf's bravery. "If you want, you can send a message from Lake-town and I can bring your father to you. That way, at least, it can be a private quarrel, hopefully settled by the time of your arrival home."

Gimli perceived why he had chosen Naur to be his best friend. His cousin would stand by him and up for him, trusting in Gimli's judgment. "I would appreciate that, Naur. I would also like my two best friends to be friends. I would ask that you and Legolas be able to get along. You would see that he is a fair and brave being, worthy of honour and friendship."

It took the dwarf barely a minute to agree, the wish burning so bright in Gimli's eyes that Naur could not resist. "I am willing if he is. He handled himself well tonight. His manners are indeed that of royalty. Personally, I don't think you did badly."

Naur chuckled to himself as he thought of some naughty, tavern joke concerning the flexibility of elves. "Legolas has a beautiful voice and the build of a warrior, albeit a thin one. Aye, I believe you did well, though two things worry me. How are you going to handle *his* father?"

Doubt crept into Gimli's mind at the mention of the elven King. Thranduil was legendary for his vanity, pride and anger. Legolas' father was indeed a force to reckon with and that force didn't care much for the other races of Middle-earth, namely dwarves.

Still Gimli held hope, because Legolas did and that hope fuelled his words. "Legolas feels it best, if I let them talk alone. As I will deal with Gloin, so shall he deal with King Thranduil. It will be the same there as at my home. Probably take gossip all of two minutes before everyone knows we are sharing chambers."

"He's planning to move you into his rooms then," asked Naur staring into his empty cup before deciding to refill it anew.

Gimli shook his head as his friend offered him a refill from the bottle. He was already heated with the effects of wine and if he knew Legolas, the elf was wide-awake. Legolas had made it a habit of waiting till Gimli joined him to rest and Gimli deemed that tonight would be no exception. "Aye, we will share chambers."

"Well, that will be the first time in history: that an elf shared his bed with a dwarf." Naur mumbled under his breath before inquiring aloud, "How does he think his father is going to handle it?"

Wincing as he recalled Legolas' exact words, Gimli confessed, "He figures his father will take the news badly enough that he will agree to let Legolas move to Ithilien with those willing to go with him."

Roaring with laughter, Naur clutched his belly. "In other words, move somewhere and don't bother me and we will both be fine?'"

"I believe you have it right." *Actually, if it all went as smoothly as that, I will be joyous,* Gimli thought.

The two laughed long and hard before, Naur straightened in seriousness. "Gimli, what about the sea? Does the elf have any idea what it will do to you if he leaves or does he feel that because we do not die of grief our grief is less?"

Legolas sitting on the floor, behind the door thought, *It might not outright kill him but Gimli loves me, it would destroy him inside.*

The simplicity of Naur's statement bore down upon him like a caved in mine, such was the fear of Legolas' departure. With a great sigh, Gimli replied, "He doesn't really long to leave. The sea calls but he wants pulled back. He loves Merry and Pippin and cannot bear the idea of never seeing them again. He loves Aragorn and wishes to see his children. It suits Legolas well to have a love to comfort and keep him here for now. He is happy for the most part. I'll hold on to him while he needs held. When the time comes and he truly yearns to leave, I will loosen my hold and let him go. Although, I may feel as if I am dying. I will have memories."

That Gimli was intuitive know exactly what Legolas needed without being told nearly brought the elf to tears. That Gimli was aware and so insightful made him shudder with love.

"Memories can't warm you at night." Naur worried with a wrinkled brow. The state of his friend was indeed that of the lovelorn. "What does he say about all this?"

Gimli smiled as he thought of Legolas' stubborn words to him. "He makes ridiculous statements about how he won't go where I can't."

"Well," Naur shrugged. There were definitely stranger things in Middle-earth than an elf and a dwarf finding love together, he decided. He had certainly witnessed the vastness of their devotion, both through the elf's eyes as well as his friends'.

Gimli had changed indeed, but Naur had a feeling that it was not a bad change in the least. As true as the two were, he began to feel a sense of hope. "Maybe he won't then. And who is to say that the happiness he experiences while you live is not a jewel in his immortal span. When you are gone, he can go to the havens afterwards. Small enough time to an elf."

"I love him but like all elves he's crazy. Legolas declares he will die when I do, which I intend not to
allow..."

"Can't prevent it if you are dead, Gimli." Naur joked as he finished off the remainder of the wine. "Perhaps you can convince him to leave shortly before. Honestly, though, I have a feeling he will want to be at your side. When you are settled we can make our own plans. Yet I'm not sure we can decide too much. Legolas will have to make his own decisions. I will help in any way I can. He should not die for loving a dwarf."

Gimli was speechless with joy. He had no words to express the gratitude he felt for his friends' support and acceptance. With a smile, he watched as Naur stood and gave a great yawn.

"Well, my belly is full and I'll be welcoming a rest about now," Naur announced as he gave a nod to Gimli. "Good night then."

"Good night, my friend," Gimli smiled.

Legolas listened to Naur leave. He was just going to move to the bed when he heard Gimli say, "You can stop listening and come out here at anytime."

Legolas sighed. Gimli hadn't even raised his voice, he knew exactly how far Legolas could hear.

Opening the door, Legolas glanced out at Gimli. The dwarf had a wry smirk upon his face that made Legolas feel like a naughty child. Gimli had told him to let him deal with his people but Legolas had helped it along. And Gimli clearly was aware that he had been listening. Still Gimli didn't appear angry. The dark eyes that met his showed only mirth.

Legolas came only a few inches into the room. With a pout and a wobble, he pronounced, "I am not all legs and I don't take up every inch of the bed and there's nothing wrong with my ears and I do have hair. "

Taking in his lover's guilty stance, Gimli began to chuckle.

Crossing the small distance, Legolas came and sat across from Gimli. He drew Gimli's hands into his and looked into his beloved's eyes, "I don't know how easily dwarves get drunk, but your tongue was about to get you into quite a lot of trouble."

"The part about the ears?"

"Yes," Legolas answered.

"Ahh, do not worry my elf. Let them guess at how much pleasure they give me," he winked.

The warmth from his wine-filled stomach swam to Legolas' cheeks at his lover's admonishment. Bowing his head, Legolas whispered, "I love you, Gimli, son of Gloin."

Gimli shuddered as the words sliced through his haze of wine and sobered him warmly. Squeezing the archer's hands in his, he replied. "And I love you Legolas of Mirkwood."

Legolas couldn't have been happier, yet with that joy was the reminder of Naur's words. ”Gimlii, I will not leave your side. I swear to you. I will talk to the Lady Galadriel. She predicted the sea would have this effect on me. I will ask her and perhaps...I don't know... but if anyone knows if something helps she will. I promise you again. I'm not going anywhere without you." Tears stung at the corners of his eyes as his emotions, freed by the wine let flow the contents of his heart. "I want to see Aragorn's yet to be born children and I would miss the hobbits. I'm not ready to leave and I
don't know when I shall be. Middle-earth is my true home, where my friends and my love resides, so shall I. I'll not give that up. And I simply will not give you up. I won't..."

Heart-filled by Legolas' heated declaration, Gimli wondered just when he had ceased to breathe. With a weighted sigh, he leaned forth, and caught a stray crystal of a tear as it slide down Legolas' pale cheek. They were both getting quite emotional. "Legolas, it is all right. I understand you aren't departing any time soon. Do not get upset. It's late and we have drunk much. Let us retire to our bed, where we can talk against one another's chest."

Shaken, Legolas nodded. He came to a stand soon after Gimli, permitting himself to be lead into the bed chamber. When Gimli reached the bedside, Legolas was pleased to notice that the warrior no longer hesitated at removing his clothes as he had when they first became lovers but had for awhile now took them off eagerly. Legolas shrugged away his garments and slipped deftly underneath the covers to join his mate.

In the comfort of the bed's fluffy mattress, Legolas felt as if he were floating. Warmed by Gimli's body so close to his, he closed his eyes and remembered a memory from a long time past. With a whisper he offered it to Gimli. "There is something I want to share with you."

Gimli tightened his hold upon Legolas and snuggled close. The song of the elven heartbeat called to him to sleep, so he had to lift his head to concentrate upon Legolas' words. "Go ahead."

"When I was first learning archery," Legolas said with a lazy smile, "I couldn't predict the arrow's path well. Once I was practicing alone, it saved me from teasing from my brothers, and an arrow went too far. I headed after it and came upon a tree filled with butterflies. I was thrilled with the beauty of it. The arrow did not go as I had planned but the result was a memory of beauty that I hold dear. When I met you, my heart did as the arrow did long ago. I had already decided my heart's path before we met. I hadn't found anyone I loved as deeply as one should and had come to the conclusion that I might never do so. So I thought I knew my heart's path. However, my heart went its own way. I think it realised which way to go the second I saw you at the dinner that night. I was grateful long ago that the arrow had not gone as I had wished. Yet my heart's own path has brought me far more joy than I felt at that time. I could not have chosen better."

Legolas ran his hands over Gimli's back, touching and finding bliss in the dwarf, loving the way Gimli moved into his touches. "The arrow going where I did not plan turned out to be wonderful. My heart has guided me sure. The sea may cause me sorrow at times, lover, but the rapture I find in each day and night with you will always outweigh any other call."

Gimli shook his head as he straddled the elf's slender frame. He couldn't recall which of them had begun to harden first, but it didn't matter. All that mattered and that ever would lie beneath him. Pressing his lips to the length of Legolas' throat, Gimli growled,” Elf, I am yours and even if the sea herself came for you, I would hunt her down until I had you in my arms again. Not sea, not havens, nor our sires will stop me, for you are mine!"

"Ahh, my crazy dwarf." Legolas purred as he gave himself.

The end.

The sequel is called Return to Mirkwood.