Author's Note: Here's the first of the collection, which can also be seen as a follow up to Between Partings. Hope you enjoy it. As a side note, I'm in need of a beta for future chapters. If you're interested, please let me know. Cheers! CV


Ithilien - 119 F.A.

Legolas Greenleaf paused in his work to admire the scene in front of him. There, on the rocky banks of the Anduin, the skeleton of his vessel had already begun to take shape.

He smiled sadly as he watched his stout, tireless friend making his way from a wooded place upriver, awkwardly lugging yet more lumber for the ship. Although he knew the dwarf perfectly capable of handling the load, he sprang lightly over the smooth stones to offer his assistance.

"Do you not think to return soon to your own people, Gimli?" he asked, not without reservation, when the log was more comfortably distributed between the two of them. "You need not linger in Ithilien when the Glittering Caves await you. There are Men about who have launched ships in their day, and may aid me with the more troublesome points of construction."

The dwarf grunted a curse as he stumbled over a particularly large stone, and then was silent as they made their way back to the steadily growing lumber pile, tossing their log on top when they reached it.

"Fool of an Elf," Gimli muttered, almost to himself. "It takes more than a fanciful tale to build a solid vessel. Best to let those of us familiar with strong walls mind those who are happiest in a blowing gale." He dared a sideways glance at his longtime companion and then continued, in a louder, more jovial tone.

"Besides," he added, "it will take more than one to crew this ship when we're through. Immortal though you may be, I've yet to see you cleave yourself in two."

The Elf looked at his friend, who failed to acknowledge his gaze, before joining him in staring west, down the path of the river.

"Aye, Gimli," he said. "Perhaps you are right. I do not desire to attempt such a folly just yet."