Chapter 1: Gimli's Decision
It was midsummer's day a couple of years after the Quest of the Ring, and Gimli was getting restless. He was in the Lonely Mountain with his father Gloin. All was well in the land of men, but Gimli was not happy with the peace. His axe was getting restless and wanted to feel the necks of orcs again, like in the War of the Ring. He wanted to do something about Moria, now that the Balrog had been slain. He knew it would be no easy task, yet he knew he would probably never get to use his axe again if he did not do something about Moria. Legolas and Aragorn would be only too happy to help him, and many Dwarves would also aid him in his quest. Balin, his cousin had started, but the orcs had been to many to deal with. Gimli would not make that same mistake. He would bring 500 Dwarves with him. They would all fight to the death if need be, but he hoped that that would not come to be. With the help of Aragorn, Legolas, and Mithrandir, they should be able to take on many orcs. With the large population of the Lonely Mountain that would not be a problem. There were many a Dwarf that wanted to go on an adventure and this would prove to be a good one. Gimli set out in his home to find Dwarves willing to go on this adventure. As he went to each Dwarf room, more and more signed up. Before long, his estimate of 500 was passed and it was steadily rising. After going to every room, he had 1,343 Dwarves willing to go. He set the date for departure for 14 days, a fortnight, and then they would leave for the mines. On the twelfth day, two days before their departure, Aragorn and Legolas arrived.
'Hello Aragorn. How have you been? I hear that you are one of the best kings of Gondor to date.' said Gimli.
'I'm fine, thank you. I have been doing all I can to bring Gondor up to its glory of previous years'
'Hey, what about me?' asked Legolas. 'Don't I have any importance to you? I am coming back to the mines which I despise. They are nothing like the glittering caves in Helm's Deep.'
'I beg your forgiveness a thousand times over Master Elf' replied Gimli sincerely 'I was simply talking to Aragorn, and catching up on the news of Gondor. It is nice to remember our adventures of old'
'Do not worry, I forgive you.' Legolas replied grinning. 'I am looking forward to another adventure with you Master Dwarf. Mithrandir said he would meet us at the west gate.'
'Okay. We set out in two days with 1,343 dwarves at our backs.' said Gimli. 'And I am looking forward to another adventure with you too'
In two days the group of Dwarves, an elf, and a man, set out to Moria, to face the first task before getting in, The Watcher.