The Price of the Path By Jevvica Nor

Author's Note: Okay, so here's the deal: I started this story a long time ago. Like *coughnineyearsagocough*. And I always meant to finish it, I really did. But life happened. And now here it is, and I'm blowing the dust off.

The sequel to "The Family You Choose", as promised! This story can stand alone I think, but it would make more sense if you read "Family" first.

I don't own any recognizable character, Tolkien does. All hail Tolkien.

*Indicated thoughts*

Gimli smiled to himself as he and Legolas walked toward the Glittering Caves.

Many years ago, he had brought some of his people and built a home there. A home he was too often absent from, it seemed. Often he was away, visiting Legolas in Ithilien, Aragorn in Minas Tirith, or other friends across Middle Earth. *Time slips from us all.* he thought, but it could not dampen his happiness at returning home, especially today. To be in the company of his sister and his dearest friend for a great celebration would be wonderful indeed. Years of peace had passed since the destruction of the Dark Lord Sauron and the confusion that had followed. In those times, Gaila had set out from their mountain home seeking to find her brother alive. Thus Legolas and Gaila had met and become fast friends and a constant, but sweet pain in Gimli's neck.

"Why such a smile, Gimli? Too long from your hole?" prodded his companion.

"Aye," responded the Dwarf. "My wits wander when too many hours are spent in thecompany of Elves. I look forward to more sensible companionship." Legolas quirked an eyebrow, but said nothing as his eyes caught a glint of red gold at the mouth of the cave.

"Gaila awaits us."

"We are late."

"We are? At what hour were we expected?"

"Earlier than when we would arrive, no matter the hour," laughed Gimli. Legolas smiled, but looked puzzled.

"Why is she so anxious? I have visited on many occasions and never before has she stood, watching for us before." The elf fixed Gimli with a sharp look which the dwarf carefully ignored. "What do you know Master Dwarf, which I do not?"

"Hhmmm?" rumbled Gimli, starting as though jolted from deep thoughts. "My apologies, Master Elf, I have not been listening. Too long from my hole, it seems."

"Do not play games with one who knows you as well as I, Gimli. There is more to this visit than simply Gaila's desire to see me well, is there not?" Gimli smiled enigmatically up at Legolas, something he had perfected over his time with the elf, and said nothing. Legolas gave up and lengthened his stride to match Gimli's increased pace. Soon, they had traversed the rolling hills and meadow and reached the natural opening of the Glittering Caves the opening the dwarves preferred to the walls of Helm's Deep.

"Welcome, Brother," smiled Gaila, hugging Gimli warmly.

"Well met, Sister," responded Gimli fondly. "I trust we are not too terribly late?"

"Not too terribly," said Gaila, "but you could have arrived sooner. There is much that remains to be done." The Dwarven maid turned to Legolas. "Welcome, Brother! I am so pleased you could come."

"Well met, Sister," smiled Legolas as he embraced Gaila. She had changed very little over the many years since the elf had met the younger sister of Gimli. A few, barely noticeable strands of silver twined in the golden red of Gaila's braid were the only visible touches of time upon her, as dwarves aged so differently than other mortal races. Passing years did not touch the skin of Dwarven faces as it did Men or Hobbits. It allowed Legolas to forget, rarely and in unguarded moments, that he would lose these dear friends one day. "I fear Gimli is being a bit vague, Gaila," said Legolas as he straightened. "So much to be done for what?" Gaila turned, hands on hips to look at Gimli.

"You did not tell him?"

"By tradition, it is not my place, Gaila." The Dwarven maid threw up her hands.

"Tradition! I believe tradition fell a bit by the way side when I invited an Elf. You," said Gaila, taking on a teasing tone, "merely wanted to torment him with it!"

"Perhaps," muttered Gimli, a smile threatening. "Well, he is here now. I am going in." Gimli threw Legolas a mysterious look and slipped into the shadows of the cave.

"I suppose I should not be surprised that he dragged you here without telling you why," said Gaila. "Gimli enjoys his intrigues and he enjoys his banter with you even more."

"He dragged me nowhere, Gloin's Daughter. It is no great labor to persuade me to pass time with you and Gimli," said Legolas lightly, moving with Gaila down into the cave. Legolas was not overly fond of caves, but the Aglarond was beautiful and familiarity had made it more comfortable. Elves were not meant to dwell under the earth, away from the winds and stars. This was his friends' home, where he was known and welcomed by a race who not long ago would have hated him on sight. This particular cave troubled him very little. "What is to be prepared for? Why have I come?" Gaila looked up at him, her eyes reflected like the shimmering walls around them, sparkling in the torchlight that lined the walls of the tunnel.

"My wedding. I am to be married tomorrow."