Author's Note:
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Gimli
When Legolas came to the Glittering Caves, he stayed for many days under the mountain. Sometimes he stayed for more than a month.
Gimli often wondered what drove his friend to stay so long. He also wondered uncomfortably if it was because of him. He once awkwardly asked Legolas if he would be more comfortable staying in Helm's Deep where sunlight and fresh air was plenty but the Elf bluntly refused.
Still, his worries were not laid to rest. He knew how much Legolas disliked caves. He craved the company of trees, besides his wish to venture over the Sea.
An idea began to form and soon after his hands followed. There was an untouched pillar of stone, waiting for inspiration to create the final design upon it. Gimli sat to work on it. Chip by chip, one tool after another, he began to form indentations, resembling a tree. He carved out the roots disappearing into the stone floor. Then standing upon a sturdy ladder, he began to work on its branches.
It was a year and half worth of project. With the help of his son, he shaped leaves out of emeralds and used golden vines wrapped around the tree to hang them.
When Legolas came in his next visit, he stood underneath the tree and marvelled its design. Gimli watched his hand run along the bark, his eyes blinking as he stared up at the green leaves. He did not tell him that he was the craftsman.
Legolas finally looked at him with a warm smile.
"Thank you," he said. It was the highest praise anyone could give. He bowed his head.
