Chapter 4:

Later, when Legolas and Gimli were on the way back to Legolas' quarters Gimli felt more happy and relaxed than he had ever since their arrival in Mirkwood. And he did not like the fact that Legolas was obviously, although happier than before, less enthusiastic than he.

"See lad, that wasn't so bad! All it needs is talk – it was the same with us."

"Yes it was."

"Then smile, you stubborn elf!" Gimli was far from happy with Legolas' reaction. The elf seemed relieved, but not much else, something that his friend almost took as an insult, or a disregard for his efforts in talking to the King of Mirkwood. "There is no reason to be so gloomy anymore. It worked!"

Legolas shook his head. "It will not last for long."

A minute passed. They reached Legolas quarters, entered, and closed the door behind them. Another minute passed.

Finally Gimli had to accept that Legolas was not going to volunteer any more words without a good nudge. "And why do you think it will not last for long?"

That seemed to do the trick. Legolas sighed and finally fully focused on his friend again. "It is not going to last for long because I know my father. Once he is alone he will wonder what came over him, and start to feel stubborn about letting himself be influenced so easily. The seed may be there, but it will be a long time until the flower is ready to bloom."

Legolas sat down on a reclining chair that usually was only used for decoration or as a place to put down various items, for he preferred the chair near the window. He did not look upset, or as worried as before, but tired. There was hope in his eyes now, and relief, but also the knowledge that they were still a long way from full acceptance.

"Gimli, do you plan to talk to every elf in Mirkwood? You would have to, because even thought my father's word counts much, and he can order a certain behaviour, he cannot change people's feelings overnight. For years dwarves were banished from even entering the woods. I technically broke the law by bringing you here. For that reason my father will have to be careful with his decisions so avoid the impression that those of his family are above the law."

That finally got Gimli's attention. "Law..? Does that mean you might be in danger?"

Legolas shook his head. Whether it was in doubt or answering Gimli's question was hard to tell, but even that moment passed, and in the end the elf smiled a thin smile at his friend. "All I want it to point out that the situation is not that easy and that it will still be a difficult way – and of course to get you back on the ground."

Gimli whuffled and felt mildly annoyed with Elves and agitated that Legolas was upset. The elf tried not to show it, but Gimli knew him too well to be fooled. He did not worry over what might be his fate here in Mirkwood, for he had accepted all possibilities concerning that when he agreed to accompany Legolas to his homeland. "Well, I assume you mean get me above ground and out of Mirkwood, laddie, which I think we can do one way or the other," he finished, and then briefly switched his attention to a platter of fruits on a low table. "Really, I could help by sharing recipes if nothing else. You Elves are far too dainty in your eating; you need to discover steak and haunches." He was trying to distract his friend from his heavy thoughts, something that was met with very little success at first.

"We do..." Legolas started, and against all tradition he let the bait go. Those friendly arguments seemed to fit everywhere, just not in the now. He was about to drift back into thoughts when Gimli fired another shot, and this one did not fail its mark.

"Laddie," the Dwarf suddenly said. "Would you like to go hunting?"

"Hunting?" Out in the woods. Oh yes, fresh air, free space and a clear head, that was something he would very much. Instantly Legolas face brightened and he looked at Gimli with the new/old affection. Trust a friend to find the simple answer to the complicated problem. "Yes, I think I would like that - with the sound of your steps warning every animal a mile around I doubt we will be very successful, though."

Now Gimli's eyes held a gleam, even if his voice held that scornful tone the two were used to--one barb deserved another, but there was no malice in their voices, just poking fun. "And you could prance up to a deer and probably tickle it to death if you wanted. You think Dwarves cannot hunt? We'll see about that! Lead the way, Elf, and we'll see who brings down the first prey!" He cheerfully hefted his axe and beamed.

"Careful with that axe!" Legolas laughed, but also with a serious note involved. "Some guards might decide you are a danger to me if you wave it like that." In truth, Gimli would probably have been stripped off his whole set of weaponry upon arrival had it not been Legolas' heavy insistence. He had gone so far as giving a direct order which the guards at the time did not have the courage to counter. Legolas would count on his luck a second time.

"Very well then." he said, smiling, the trouble of the day not forgotten but pushed into unimportance for now. He headed for the corner where his bow, the gift of Galadriel, stood with the quiver right next to it. Fully strung and powerful the weapon also had some comforting consistency about it. "I will take your challenge, Dwarf."