Gimli's pov:
"There is no need to speak of it again, Laddie," I insist when Aragorn suggests I return to our quarters to sleep, "My mind is made up and you will just be wasting your breath if you continue to try to sway me."
"Must you be so stubborn Dwarf? Our healers are perfectly capable, and you haven't slept this entire night. I know Legolas will understand if…"
I hold up my hand and shake my head. "It is no good. I have made a promise and you should know better than anyone that I do not take a vow lightly. I will remain here until the elfling is able to walk out."
He lowers his voice to a whisper, "Gimli, the beginning of the celebrations start in two days. Legolas will not be ready to leave this bed, let alone participate in any way."
"Then I will be absent as well. There will be other celebrations." I state.
"He will not like you missing things on his account…" he tries to continue.
"Then no one need tell him!" I growl. "Besides if anyone needs sleep, it is you. Ye have dedicated your sleeping time to finding the antidote for yon elfling. Ye should go and take a much deserved rest."
He snorts as if this is a ridiculous notion.
"Can't. There is too much to do to prepare for the celebration events on top of the usual fare that comes with running a city on the mend. My brothers and the hobbits will arrive sometime today. They will be dining with us this evening. I wish you would consider joining…"
"Stop! This subject is closed. Do not mention it again," the warning tone in my voice causes him to laugh ruefully.
"Very well. There is no need to get in an uproar over it. I shall be back with the second dose of the antidote sometime this afternoon."
"I thought you were busy. You do not have to bring it yourself you know, anyone could do it for you."
He brushes this suggestion away with a wave of his hand.
"It is out of the question. I will not be satisfied unless I see him swallow it with my own eyes. It would never do for someone else to…" he glances at me and sees my smirk and my raised eyebrow.
"Fine! I see your point." He replies rolling his eyes.
"I thought perhaps you might," I say teasingly.
"I do, but there is no reason to rub it in!" He says and turns his back and exits the room, leaving me alone with my charge once again.
I settle in for what turns out to be a fairly uneventful several hours. Legolas' breathing is still labored and he is coughing quite a bit yet, but the hallucinations at least appear to be gone and I am grateful for that. I even doze myself as he sleeps and wake with a start when someone clears his throat. It is Faramir, and though he is concerned for his friend's health, he has not come for a friendly visit. He tells me that he has Peace Keepers outside who wish to question me about what happened at the Black Swan yesterday evening.
With my permission they come in and quietly interview me about all that happened yesterday. I tell the tale matter of factly, but they press for details wanting to know exactly what was said and done, so I end up filling in all the particulars. Faramir snorts with laughter when I tell the part of how the coward begged me to stop and admitted his guilt.
"As I've already mentioned, remind me not to get in your black books!" He exclaims, as even the peacekeepers chuckle. His face sobers as he continues, "We also need to talk to Legolas. I know he is gravely ill and I would not disturb his rest if it were not vitally important."
I nod and go to the elfling ready to wake him, but he is already looking at me with a stunned expression. I am uncertain whether it is because of fevered dreams or physical discomfort or perhaps he has overheard my tale. I hope that is not the case, for he has had enough of a shock today when he learned why he was poisoned in the first place. I had never intended him to find out exactly how we discovered what was used against him. I will have to wait until later to find out if he has heard anything or not. For now I am hopeful that our testaments will be enough to have those men apprehended. I smile as I look down into his apprehensive face. I can see he knows what I am about to ask of him and he does not want to hear it at all. Of course I have to ask it of him anyway, but I keep my voice low to make the idea as palatable as possible.
"There are some men here who need to ask you some questions, Lad. I know ye're feeling poorly, but they need to talk to you right away." I stroke his cheek with the back of my hand, "It will only take a few minutes, and then you can rest again."
"Must I do it right now, Gimli?" he asks plaintively. It is plain that he would rather not be seen in such a weakened condition by anyone, especially these strange men.
"I'm sorry, Child, but I'm afraid there is no way round it. It could lead to the arrest of the men who have hurt you and threatened the queen."
Of course mentioning Lady Arwen convinces him to cooperate. He closes his eyes as if to gather his strength and then puts all his energy in attempting to sit up. I place my hand on his chest to prevent this.
"There is no need for that, Elfling. They can hear you just fine from where you are. Now lie still and Faramir will ask you some questions." I beckon Faramir to the bedside and he signals for the others to stay back. This way the Lad will not have to face the strange men directly and it might ease his discomfort in the situation. Faramir comes to it on the edge of the bed where he squeezes Legolas' shoulder.
"I'm sorry to put you through this, my friend, but we need to know exactly what happened in order to make our move on those men."
He questions Legolas until he is satisfied that he has all the details and then they take their leave. As Faramir exits the room, Aragorn enters again. We help Legolas sit up, for it is time for the milk thistle concoction which Aragorn says will taste much better since it has been laced with honey this time. Judging by Legolas' reaction, I think he might have overstated it a bit, for it leaves him gagging and coughing though he is able to keep it down at least. I am still rubbing his back and encouraging slow breaths when there is a light knock and two identical beings walk in.
I recognize them as Lord Elrond' sons. I have spent time with them of course, but as of yet, I am unable to tell them apart. They speak at the same time and even their voices sound the same.
"We came as soon as we heard what happened, Penneth." One of them says addressing his words to Legolas. The other, speaking to Aragorn, adds, "You look as bad as he does, Estel. Have you had any sleep for the last month or so?"
Aragorn smiles broadly as he goes to his foster brothers, who each in turn fold him into a fraternal embrace before mussing his hair and making further comments about his slapdash appearance. He threatens to have them driven from the city if they do not show more respect for the king and it is evident that Aragorn is delighted to see his brothers. I can't say the same is true of Legolas.
He watches the scene unfold before him and doesn't even attempt a smile, which I find worrisome. These are old friends and I would expect him to be delighted to see them, but that certainly doesn't seem to be the case. Though both of them are charming and sympathetic, he never warms to their friendly chatter and finally one of them pats his hand and gets up to leave.
"We traveled with the hobbits," he tells Legolas, "and Sam especially is keen to see you. Would you like me to send him over?"
Legolas doesn't look at all happy at this idea, but is too kind to say he would rather not have more company. I take this as my cue to step in.
"I think he has had enough of visiting for one day," I tell them, "His very wise healer says he must rest and he cannot do that with nosy hobbits about nor with the three of you pestering him. All of you, get out."
Everyone laughs at my jest, though there is a measure of seriousness in it and they see that well enough to make themselves scarce. I immediately turn to my charge and become brisk once again.
"All right, Lad, you have been up long enough. It is time to lie down again and go back to sleep.'
I turn his pillows and help him lie flat again, before pulling up the covers. He closes his eyes briefly but then opens them again. He turns haunted eyes to me.
"Gimli?"
"What is amiss, Child?"
"I have made a terrible mess of things haven't I?"
I sigh, for this is not the conversation I wish to be having right now. I carefully smooth the stray hair back from his face before I answer.
"The only thing you should be concerned about right now, is getting well and that means rest," As he opens his mouth to argue, I place one finger on his lips. "There is nothing more to be said, Lamb. Sleep."
Legolas' pov:
I awake to the sound of voices once again, and once again I have difficulty in hearing all of what is being said. I wonder if the poison has affected my hearing it has certainly affected most of the rest of my faculties.
I know Aragorn was here earlier, because he force fed me more of that foul brew he insists will make me well. I am not sure I believe him, not after he also tried to assure me that it would not taste bad because he had added honey.
I do not know if he has ever tasted milk-thistle but honey does not make it any the less bitter.
I strain to listen and recognize the deep burr of Gimli and the lighter tones of Lord Faramir but there are other voices I do not know, rougher sounding, although respectful. They would have to be since they are talking to Gimli. Gimli does not take well to disrespectful question askers!
I would smile except my face aches where it has been bruised, although that at least is healing as it should.
From what I can hear they are asking Gimli about his encounter with the men from The Black Swan.
I do my best to listen but he speaks so softly that I miss some of the salient points although I catch enough of what is being said to know that my dwarven friend probably frightened the men to the point of death with his threats. I know better than anyone that while Gimli is not a bloodthirsty individual in the normal way of things, should anyone or anything threaten those he cares for there is nothing he will not do to keep them safe.
And while I may not tell him for it would embarrass both of us to do so, I fully appreciate his loyalty and his love for me and can well understand that the men would be terrified when faced with an irate dwarf carrying a lethal axe and threatening death and destruction.
Again I feel like smiling but then it occurs to me that Faramir would not be here if he was not also intending to speak to me as well. That is enough to wipe away any desire to smile.
Having to confess my own foolish conduct before an audience, particularly an audience made up of men I do not know is something I very much do not wish to do.
Gimli comes to see if I am awake and I can see he is a little suspicious of the fact that I may have overheard more than he would have wished me to.
He brushes my cheek with a finger, a gesture that my own father has used to gain my attention when I am asleep.
"There are some men here who need to ask you some questions, Lad. I know ye're feeling poorly, but they need to talk to you right away. It will only take a few minutes, and then you can rest again."
"Must I do it right now, Gimli?" I plead hoping for a reprieve.
"I'm sorry, Child, but I'm afraid there is no way round it. It could lead to the arrest of the men who have hurt you and threatened the queen."
Of course I should have remembered Arwen. Am I so brain-addled? If there is something I can tell these men that will help her it is my duty to do so. I gather my strength and attempt to sit up but Gimli prevents me by the simple expedient of placing a hand on my chest.
"There is no need for that, Elfling. They can hear you just fine from where you are. Now lie still and Faramir will ask you some questions." He tells me as he beckons Faramir to the bedside and signals the other men to stay back. This action means I will not actually have to see anyone save Faramir and is a typical kindness from my dwarven comrade. I am very fortunate to have the friendship of Gimli son of Gloin and I would do well to remember it more often than I do.
Faramir perches on the edge of the bed and smiles sympathetically at me. "I'm sorry to put you through this, my friend, but we need to know exactly what happened in order to make our move on those men."
"Of course" I respond as confidently as I can.
Faramir's questioning is thorough but gentle and I know he is doing his best to shield me from the other men's likely derision as I tell of my foolishness and the easy way I was duped by the men. It is not easy acknowledging such stupidity but I try to keep in mind that by doing so I may save Arwen from an attack.
Yet, it is hard for I have never liked having to admit my own failings and to do so before strangers is harder still. I am also painfully aware that I am here as the representative of the elves of Eryn Lasgalen and that their reputation is bound to be lowered by my conduct. I have dishonored the folk of the wood and bought shame on my father, which is something I swore I would never do.
I am ashamed of myself and rightly so. My abominable pride and belief in my abilities has bought me to this and so I must suffer for it as is proper and right but I will do my best to show that my failings are not those generally found in my race but are uniquely mine.
I am profoundly grateful that there are no other elves other than Arwen here to see my disgrace. I do not think I could bear to see their reactions were they to come to know of my present ignominy and the way it will affect how mortal kind sees those of the Eldar race.
I am feeling so low by the time that Faramir takes his leave that all I want to do is sleep but Aragorn returns and brings with him more visitors. Elladan and Elrohir have arrived in the White City and having heard of my 'troubles' have come straight to see me.
I should be happy to see my friends, but I am not. I am ashamed and wish they had not come.
"We came as soon as we heard what happened, Penneth." Elladan tells me. I avoid looking at him, 'penneth' that of course sums up his feelings nicely. Young one, to the elder son of Elrond more than two thousand years my elder I am indeed barely more than a child, a child who has just proved that he is obviously not old enough to be left unsupervised.
Almost as if he cannot bear to look at me anymore Elladan turns to Aragorn and Elrohir joins him in teasing their young foster brother who just happens now to be the King of Gondor and husband to their beloved sister.
Even so I know they are both observing me taking in my condition no doubt making judgments and finding me wanting. Who would not? I want to pull the sheets over my head but I do not. I must sit and endure and hope that my ordeal will end sooner rather than later.
Thanks to Gimli it does so. He also vetoes any further visitors saying that I am too tired and eventually I am left alone with my guardian who urges me to sleep. Before I can do so though I feel I have to try and make my apologies at least to Gimli. I owe him that much for his unfailing kindness to me and my conscience pains me for I know I have caused him much trouble and pain. Not to mention going against his direct orders as I did.
"Gimli?"
"What is amiss, Child?"
"I have made a terrible mess of things haven't I?"
He sighs, smoothing back my hair from my face.
"The only thing you should be concerned about right now, is getting well and that means rest," As I open my mouth to argue, he places one finger on my lips. "There is nothing more to be said, Lamb. Sleep."
I want to sleep. I really do. For at least in slumber I will not have to look into the faces of those I have let down so badly but sleep is hard to come by for me.
I feel sick, for while his kindness towards me has not abated I note that Gimli did not deny my words about the mess I have made and to realize that I may have lost his good opinion is harder almost than anything to bear.
My eyes fill with tears but do not wish to make any more of a spectacle of myself than I already have since I came to Gondor.
But despite my every effort a few rogue tears leak through my tightly closed eyes and of course Gimli notices.
"Here now laddie, what's amiss? Are ye feeling sick again? Is the pain worse? Shall I call Aragorn back?"
I open my eyes and see his honest concern "No, no, I am just being foolish."
Gimli frowns and places a hand on either side of my face. His black eyes seem capable of seeing deep inside my soul.
"What maggot have ye got now in that flighty head of yours I wonder," He pauses. "Is it having to tell Faramir what happened? There is no embarrassment in telling the truth lamb, especially when that truth will prevent further harm to others."
"No it is not that although I admit to deserving the embarrassment and much more."
My words seem to anger Gimli "Embarrassment, be-damned. I tell you plain to put it out of your mind now. It is done with. Faramir will deal with the miscreants and you will not need to see them again."
"I know and I am grateful to him for that."
"As you should be and you need to tell him that the next time you see him. So if it is not that, what is it?" He tugs on his beard, as he always does when in deep thought. "You were very quiet when the son's of Elrond came in." He frowns down at me. "You may as well tell me lad, it's clear you are not going to be able to rest until you do and I am in no mood to play guessing games with you."
When I don't answer his eyes narrow and a growl issues from deep in his throat it is sufficient a reminder to me that his patience is not infinite.
I can see that he is determined to find out what is causing my distress yet still I hesitate to tell him the truth so I lie.
I tell him that I am feeling guilty about him missing the upcoming celebrations and that the arrival of Elladan and Elrohir reminded me of that fact. It is not wholly untrue, I am sorry he has said he will stay with me rather than attend the one year celebrations in the city.
I am not certain that I manage to convince him but by dint of adding a few strategic yawns and grimaces he becomes caught up in my immediate needs and the subject is allowed to drop at least for now, but knowing how single-minded Gimli can be I know it is likely to only be a temporary reprieve and at some stage I am going to have to admit to the real reason behind my reaction to the twins arrival.
