29: Dwarves must never show affection

Gimli walked reticently at Legolas' side through the great dark forest of Fangorn. He was happy that Legolas had been so moved by the beauty of the Glittering Caves at Helm's Deep, but he didn't feel comfortable in these close, dank conditions. Legolas beside him looked perfectly at ease, a smile of satisfaction on his face as he surveyed the forest.

Gimli liked the little pools of flowers that littered the forest floor, bright puddles of colour in the sea of brown and green mosses. They were approaching one particularly bright patch of yellow flowers, small and delicate, and Gimli bent down to have a closer look, when suddenly –

He sneezed. He couldn't help it; his nose itched and he sneezed. And then again, and once more.

Legolas appeared worried, as on Gimli's hands a rash was appearing, and Gimli's eyes were filling with tears as they puffed up, obscuring his view of the forest.

'You – this forest's trying to kill me!' Gimli yelped when he saw the bright red of his hands. 'I should never have come in here!'

'Gimli, you're fine. You're not going to die. It's just this flower; a lot of people react to the pollen. We have them at home in Mirkwood, too.'

'So it's just – ' he sneezed again – 'just the flowers that are trying to kill me then?'

Legolas smiled.

'Whatever you say, Gimli. But rub this on your hands and nose; that'll stop the rash and the sneezing,' he said, passing Gimli a large almond-shaped leaf which was growing nearby. Gimli did as Legolas advised; he didn't mind the elf so much now – in fact, he would say he was actually quite fond of him. But never would he say that to his face! The elf would go getting ideas, then.

Gradually the rash died down and the sneezes stopped, much to Gimli's relief. He didn't want to go around with red hands and a never-ending cold forever. The swelling around his eyes was also reducing; he could actually see now.

Now he had spent some time in the forest, Gimli could appreciate the rugged and untamed beauty of Fangorn. The vines creeping silently around the trees, while a little creepy, had a certain elegance to the way they draped over the boughs and thick trunks; the green glow as the sun filtered through the leaves bathed the forest in a soft light.

Much as Gimli didn't want to admit it, he found himself really appreciating his surroundings; grudgingly, he accepted that it was as awe-inspiring as the Glittering Caves. Turning to Legolas, he managed to choke out, 'It's beautiful.'

Legolas smiled.

'Thank you Gimli! That is high praise indeed from you.'

Gimli gave a snort; sarcasm did not suit the elf.

They continued to walk, and Gimli became more awestruck at what he saw.

Eventually, he couldn't hold it in any longer.

'Oh, laddie; it's too beautiful! Thank ye for bringing me here!'

And so saying he wrapped his arms around Legolas' torso, bringing the elf in for a hug, tears pricking his eyes.

Legolas was shocked, and tapped Gimli's back in a pacifying manner. Bemused, he stood in the dwarf's embrace. He'd never have imagined Gimli being this affected by the beauty of Fangorn!

Suddenly Gimli stiffened and backed away. He gave a self-conscious cough.

'Ah. Um. Yes, thank you…' he muttered, and continued walking, avoiding Legolas' eye. Thank goodness no one else had seen that; his father would have a fit if he thought Gimli had hugged an elf.

Legolas followed the dwarf, whose cheeks were bright red, stifling a laugh. If only Aragorn had seen their gruff old friend in that moment of affection! Sighing, Legolas walked after his friend, who muttered and cursed for the rest of the day with embarrassment.


A/N: credit for the hay fever idea to Elves are awesome. :)

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I love Legolas and Gimli's friendship, the overcoming of prejudices and preconceptions… Ah. The genius of Tolkien... I love it. :D

There's only one more chapter to go of the whole story! I hope you will enjoy it! I'm still shocked at how popular this story has been; I'm so chuffed! I want to thank you all again for reading and reviewing and adding! :D