Disclaimer: I (unfortunately) do not own any characters from LOTR.

Chapter 1: A Strange Encounter

Legolas watched the two young Hobbits, Pippin and Merry, wrestle around on the ground with a slight quirk to his lips. He was aware Gimli also was smiling due to the Hobbits' play. Still, Legolas thought, after all they've been through they are still light of heart.

He looked away from them, Merry just about to get Pippin in a headlock, and searched the fields before him with his keen eyes. They found what he was looking for strolling towards Minas Tirith, and with in inwards sigh he thought, If only I could say as much for myself. He began to stride away when a hand seized his wrist. Gimli's firm but gentle grip kept Legolas from taking another step forward, and he turned around to look down into the Dwarf's face.

"Legolas, something troubles you," he said through his bushy beard. "I have sensed it since the defeat of the Dark Lord. What is it, friend?" Concern was in Gimli's eyes as his grip on the Elf's wrist loosened into an anxious clasp.

Legolas kept the surprise from showing on his face, as he did with all emotions, but could not help but feel his heart jump when Gimli said this. He didn't know it was so obvious that something was perturbing him. He smiled wanly and said, "I do miss Frodo, and Gandalf, too. I am saddened to know they traveled into the Grey Havens."

"Bah," sputtered Gimli. " 'Tis always a Dwarf's job to be strong. All you Elves running about with sad eyes and worried faces, it's not a wonder so many of you went to the Grey Havens." Legolas kept the ineffectual smile on his face, although his friend's words amused him. Gimli took a large, and rather noisy breath, about to speak again.

"I know how you feel, Elf," he said affectionately. "But you cannot despair for them. It is for the best that they left. Be thankful us five made it this far…" he continued, trailing off, turning towards the quickly setting sun.

Legolas glanced at his friend and noticed that Gimli's hand no longer clasped his wrist, but cupped his hand, stroking it lightly with his thumb. Legolas quickly pulled his hand away and in the same languid movement began to tread down the small hill.

"You are right, Gimli. I shall not despair for those that are now gone, but rather cherish the ones still here," he called over his shoulder, and then turned around striding towards the Minas Tirith gates. He didn't notice the Dwarf's gaze follow him until he disappeared from site, nor the Hobbits observing the exchange between the two races.

***

"You know Pippin," Merry said, sitting on the ground and taking a piece of bread and cheese from his pack beside him.

"Yes?" Pippin said, looking intently at the cheese in Merry's left hand.

"Do you think it was odd, the way Gimli and Legolas were acting earlier?"

"Hmm…" Pippin mused, taking a seat next to Merry, still eyeing the cheese. "I do think it wasn't ordinary. And I can't be sure but I think I saw Gimli holding Legolas' hand."

"I thought I did, too," Merry said quietly, setting the cheese on his knee while taking a drink of water. "I wonder…" he mumbled after swallowing.

"Wonder what?" said Pippin with his mouth full.

"If something-- Hey!" Pippin smiled. "Peregrin Took, you dirty thief! Give me back my cheese wedge!"

Pippin chuckled and swallowed the last bite of cheese. "You may have it, Meriadoc, if you fancy a trip down my throat."

Merry pinched Pippin hard right above his knee and shoved him over. "Ow!" Pippin cried when Merry did it again. "That hurt!"

"If you'd have gotten your own slice you would have not had to feel the wrath of Hobbit fingers on your legs!" Merry said indignantly.

Pippin chuckled again and rolled onto his back, putting his arms behind his head. "What were you saying before you pinched me?"

After taking out another slice of cheese and finishing off his bread, Merry leaned back and rested on his elbows beside Pippin. "I was saying something might have happened between back at Aragorn's coronation. Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas have all been acting strange since then, I think."

"Or maybe," Pippin said, closing his eyes. "It is only your imagination. I have seen no change in our friends in the least."

"Perhaps you are right, Pip. But I still cannot disregard the fact that something strange is about," Merry said thoughtfully. Suddenly, he jumped up pinned Pippin on the ground and started tickling his sides mercilessly.

"Now, Peregrin Took! Feel the consequence of stealing my cheese!"