In had been a few months after the Ring Wars. Legolas journeyed back to his home into the Woodland Realm of Mirkwood. Meanwhile Gimli was back with his fellow dwarves who were relocating to a new colony in the Glittering Mines. The dwarf was very proud of the colony he was creating and couldn't wait to reunite with his elf. During this time, the two kept passing letters to each other. Now the day was come for Legolas to stay with him in this beautiful new colony. Gimli grinned as he was waiting outside the cave. His eyebrows narrowed to keep out the bright sunlight. Any moment his beloved Legolas would be coming for to stay. No one would question this elf staying with him, Gimli had spoke of his battles and friendship with elf. He couldn't wait to see the look on the elf prince face when he saw the caves.
In only a few minutes, a traveler dressed in a green cloak was riding a painted horse to the mouth of the cave. The rider was tall slender and had pointed ears. He had brought with him his bow and arrows along other weapons. Always was prepared in case any orcs should cross his path. A sincere smile spread on his pale petal lips. He could see his dear dwarf waiting for him. "Hope you haven't lost sleep waiting for me?" He teased as he dismounted from his stead and walked over to the dwarf.
"Ha, like I would lose sleep over a pointy eared prince," He teased back and pulled his elf down into a kiss. "Its good to have you here." He gazed into those gem eyes of his companion. "Come on, I'll show you to the stables for your horse and give you the grand tour."
""Eager as ever my love" Legolas whispered against his lips as he was kissing him back. He went over to his horse and led the stead into the cave, "I don't know how well I'll be seeing inside here" He followed his dwarf into the caves. "My eyes aren't accustomed to the dark like yours."
"Hush your eyes will adjust, besides, it's always lit with lanterns," Gimli was assuring him as he led him into the caves. He couldn't wait to show off the colony he forged within this beautiful realm of rock.
Legolas stepped forward and only breath escaped his lips. His crystal sapphires were caught in awe of the stunning sight. He was so entranced by the radiance of the Glittering Caves. Never before had his eyes laid upon such natural splendor made from rock and water. Not a word or a sound slipped room his pursed lips. The walls looked like pastels were splashed and stained upon the rock. There was always a heavenly glow about the cave. Such majesty this place was that he believed he was transported through time to a distance land!
Gimli smirked as he saw the look ok his companion's face, "Looks like I found one thing to turn a poetic elf speechless." He smiled "This is only the beginning, come in more, we have much to do today." He brought him over to the stables that were fairly busy with dwarves and humans that came to visit the awe striking caves. Dwarven craftsmanship was present in this humble stable; it was strong and sturdy. There were enough stalls to park at least twenty horses or whatever other animal used for transportation. There was plenty of fresh hay lining the floors of the rock cavern floors. A stable dwarf was present and ran the stables with his bearded wife.
"Indeed, it does leave me with no words, nothing to compare it to" Legolas smiled as he was walking out of the stables with Gimli. He was looking forward to seeing all that the dwarf had in store for them. He smiled thinking about this was all possible being of Gimli. He indeed made a masterful colony out of this cave.
Gimli was showing the elf around the colony. It was its own city in this cave and lanterns illuminated it. The floors were kept stone and the buildings were a nice size for dwarves and any travelers. Still the doors were low so the elf would remember to duck his head. He was greeting his friends and introducing Legolas to them. Everyone held him in high regard. He took hold of the elf's hand as he was taking him to the mine entrance. "Now this is were the fun begins, the only way into it is by the cart." He hopped into one of the carts, "Well don't just stare at it, come in there's room for a lanky elf"
Legolas looked over at the wheeled cart and went inside. He sat down with the dwarf who told him to hold on tight. Without a word, Gimli kicked off the platform and they were riding through the mineshaft like a rollercoaster. His golden hair whipped behind him like a ribbon in the wind. He never experienced anything this fast before. It amused him to know how Gimli never really enjoyed horseback riding but he enjoyed zippy through the mines in a cart. His legs were a bit wobbly as he was coming out of the cart, "You have to do that every time you go into the mines?"
"Nope, there's a staircase, I just wanted to mess with you a bit" Gimli laughed, "I suppose you can't rag on me for those horses of horror anymore" He struck a confident pose and was taking him through the mine. There were beautiful stones and precious gems waiting to be unearthed. The exposed jewels sparkled from the lanterns light. It was like the walls were lined with shining stars.
"Its like the cave captured stars" Legolas smiled "Every path is so beautiful here, no wonder you chose to make this a colony." He smiled gently and looked over to his dwarf. "Thank you for inviting me over, I am having a joyous time."
Gimli nodded, "Oh I almost forget, let's head back over to the city. I will show you where you will be lodging." He smiled and beckoned him to follow him. It felt so natural to have the elf by his side. Years ago, he would have never guessed an elf out of all the species would be his perfect companion.
"Am I not to board with you?" Legolas quietly asked in almost a whisper. His eyes were on the dwarf as they were making their way up the staircase."
"Of course you'll be will me, but you can't be too comfortable carrying around you're belonging on your back. After all, you might want to rest from your journey." Gimli was taking him to a beautiful home, which he built with his two hands, he was very proud of it. He was trying his best not to gloat. He knew he lived in a beautiful place. Then he led the elf to the bedroom. "Home sweet home."
Legolas gasped as he saw the bedroom. The dwarf was very romantic. On the nightstand were the elf's favorite wine and a basket of cram. There was a gorgeous floral arrangement while wild flowers were the valley. It was very sweet and loving. There was even a note on the bed that Gimli wrote:
"To my beloved elf, those days kept us apart, my heart kept you near, welcome home"
The elf turned to face his lover, "And here I thought I was the sappy one" He teased then tossed his bag on the bed. He moved over to Gimli and pulled him into a kiss. Then he playfully pushed him on to the bed. He pressed his lips gently against his ear, "I think its best to break in the martial bed early, It has been a long journey." He nipped at his ear and ran his hand over Gimli's beard slowly.
"Aye been waiting for you, for quite some time" The dwarf kissed him with a fiery passion. His rough hands ran through the golden silk hair of his elf. He smirked as their eyes met briefly, "Bought some new oils for us to test out" He ran a hand slowly over Legolas' waist. He slipped his hand under his shirt and gently stroked his pale skin. He heard the sweet sighs and melodic moans from his elf. Time together was so precious to them. Now they had the freedom to toss all matters aside and be with each other.
The elf fed his mate steamy kisses as he was helping undress his dwarf. He ran his hand over Gimli's strong hairy chest. He smiled gently as he looked over at him. They looked so different and yet it never bothered him. He knew what his heart desired. He deeply kissed him as they were finally nude together. Their bodies were entangled in a loving an embrace and they spent the rest of the evening in bed.