{Hello Ladies and Lords, this is Yumi Merri wanting to say a little hello. Thank you for reading my stories. Although I wanted to mention that some of this story also goes back to my first Gimli and Legolas fanfic called "Between a Rock and Tree." I actually am planning on a bunch of stories about them that will mention events from previous stories I written.
Happy Reading Travelers and enjoy!}

Gimli was leaning against the cold grey stone staircase of the palace and was smoking away at his pipe. Even the little warmth from his lit pipe wasn't enough for his cold hands. He needed time to clear his head and think. Had he been so fair to his elf? His stubborn nature gave way to temper so easily. How could he condemn his lover to being cruel when he had his own demon of jealous?

After all, it was the one emotion that motivated him to admit his fondness of Legolas when he was fretting over Aragorn being a rival in love. He cracked a bit of a smile remembering just yesterday how it felt knowing that the taunting elf prince loved him back. He thought of happier moments that felt like days away. Now he had his first large quarrel that seemed to drive them away from each other. There was no chance that he was going to let it affect the way they worked. Both of them needed clear thoughts to perform their best in this raging war. He finished his smoke and went to find his elf. He wasted no time to find him.

Slowly, he walked through the armory where he spotted the elf tightening the string on his bow and counting arrows. He made his steps a bit loud for the sensitive elven ears and cleared his throat, "Elf, I want a word with ye, come with me." He didn't let their eyes meet and began to walk as he heard the steps of the slender elf behind him. Every sound felt louder as he found a nice empty room for some quick privacy.

Legolas was looking over at his dwarf while they were alone in the room. It was dead silent yet he felt as though there was whispers and shouting all around. He kept hearing remarks about dwarves his father made loudly buzzing in his pointed ear. Of course he didn't believe his father's words, Gimli proved to him how noble, kind and brave dwarves truly were. "Gimli, what is it that you have to say because I have words for you as well." He stood that in his usual militant stance; it was a force of habit. His heart was in a knot as he looked over at Gimli, he needed to hear what he had to say. This time, he was staying with the hope and trust that he did have for his mate. Now was the time to have courage outside of a battlefield.

"Its true that we are both new at this, but that doesn't give me the right to spit out those words at you." He sighed as he was admitting his own faults, "I have a bit of a temper and I shouldn't have talk to you that way." His eyes of chestnut met the brilliant sea of the elf's eyes. "I'm not perfect nor will I try to be. We have many differences…" He moved closer and gently took the elf's hand "But I am willing to go through any obstacle to make this work." He squeezed his hand a little, " I shouldn't have growled at you for feeling jealous… I get that way too."

Legolas placed his other hand on Gilmi's and shook his head, "No, Gimli, you have nothing to apologize for. It is I who would ask for your forgiveness. I should have never doubted your heart." He held his hands and let out a sigh of relief. "The truth is that I'm nervous you're the first person to return my affection so its more about I'm doubting myself which I will try to do less about." He smiled "I trust you Gimli and I know my heart is with you" He thought about Gimli mentioned about jealousy. "But I am curious… who would you be jealous about?"

Gimli smiled as he heard what really was going on with his partner and felt much better now that the air was cleared between them. He was a bit red as he heard his elf wanted to know who h through was a rival for the elf's heart. He looked both ways as he embarrassingly admitted, "It would be… Aragorn."

Legolas listened to him and almost laughed "Aragorn? Really? For one I think of him as a brother above anything" He smiled sweetly, "Besides, he's not my type, I like my men more tough and gruff " Then he moved closer to Gimli and then pulled the dwarf into a kiss. As he kissed him, all his fears flushed out of him. He could feel his lover kissing back with the same passion. He pulled away from him and looked into the dark dreamy chocolate eyes of his Gimli.

"Legolas…" Gimli smirked as they were walking down the halls, "That a good luck kiss for me getting to ride my own horse" He looked over at his elf as they headed to the stables. It was nice to feel is lips on his; it felt like forever since their last one. Now that they were lovers, he would fight even harder for victories. When this was all said and done, he thought about properly courting him. His elf prince was someone that he wanted to take the extra time for.

"Oh confident are you now? A lone dwarf on a stead, now that is a picture I would like to paint" Legolas teased as they two were to fetch their weapons and parted off to the stables. The elf was admiring the stables, which were well kept and neat. The horse riders of Rohan lived up to their reputation, he had't seen a stable this orderly since he left home in Mirkwood.

He walked through the stables and spotted a very amusing sight. Poor Gimli was trying to get up on to the horse; the elf watched his little struggle. Yet he was careful not to let Gimli know he was there. He knew his lover had a great sense of pride and height was a sensitive topic. Quietly he watched and noticed Gimli reached for something. He clasped his hand around his mouth to prevent laughter as he was watched Gimli took a few crates. The dwarf made a staircase with the crates to get on to the horse. Oh this might be something to tease him later.

Not long after they were off to follow the people of Rohan to Helm's Deep. Everything was going according to plan, until they were halfway through the journey. Then the moment of peace was gone as women shrieked as wolves and orcs ambushed them. Lady Eowyn bravely led the elderly, women and children to the safety of Helm's Deep.

Quickly Legolas drew forth his bow and was shooting the vermin with his trusted arrows. He was beginning to start his contest with his dwarf about who can slay the most enemies. He looked over at Gimli who was trying to get off the horse, "Already have two!" He teased and began to go after more of the monsters and even stole a kill that Gimli had his eye on.

Gimli growled and twitched his nose as Legolas took the one he was waiting for. He was quickly to get another one for his own victory. His toughest challenge wasn't killing the wolves but it appeared they ended up falling on him. One fell on him which caused him to fall flat on his back. Te beasts were quite large and heavy. Still the dwarf wasn't too concerned, it was dead and he had strength on his side. Just as he was trying to get out from under one of the slain wolves; another one was before him. Luckily Aragorn was able to kill it. Unfortunately for Gimli, it was a lot more weight to push off. It was a good thing he was rather strong. It took plenty of strength to move one large wolf but now he was trying to get out from under two of those foul beasts!

Finally the fight was won by the Rohan men and the three hunters, Legolas was looking for their leader, Aragorn. He hadn't seen him after the fight was cleared. His clear blue elf eyes searched and he saw no trace of their friend. He regrouped with Gimli as they approached a dying orc that told the fate of their dear friend. The elf saw something that made him believe, the orc had Arwen's necklace. He knew that his friend would never part with it.

Swiftly, the elf headed over to the cliff to look for him. His heart sank as he saw how far the drop was. He held on to the necklace tight as he was mourning the lost of his friend. He couldn't believe they had lost their friend so quick. Aragorn couldn't be gone; this must be some sort of trick. He stayed alone by the cliff and was silent. It wasn't until the king approached that he was heading back with the others.

Gimli decided to ride with Legolas for the rest of the way to Helm's Deep. They both were quiet for their journey. None of them wanted to break the mournful silence. They both were in such shock; they had been together for this grand quest and it took another life. No words could ever heal the pain of losing their friend. Aragorn was a brave warrior and a true friend. His lost was a heavy one that weighed on the two companions. Memories of moments shared with Aragorn flickered in their minds as they were approaching Helm's Deep. Legolas was regretting not having the time to search for Aragorn's body to give him a proper send off. He still couldn't believe his friend was no longer with them. He would make certain that his death was not in vain. Still no words were utterly and the only sound that was heard was time ticking ahead.