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Everlasting Road ch. 19
Gimli awoke in the elaborately decorated elf-room. For a moment he was confused, then remembered where he was. He glanced outside of his window; the sun had already risen, why had Legolas not come to wake him up? His friend always came to wake him up before the sun was fully up, no matter what. Gimli thought it over and rationalized that this was a special occasion. They had been up all night celebrating, and Legolas had left him alone to get some rest. Perhaps he himself had needed the rest, but Gimli quickly nixed that idea when he thought of his tireless friend.
Gimli stretched and got out of the luxurious bed, which took a little effort because it was quite large for him, and started to make himself presentable. He was hungry and ready for breakfast. Gimli donned some clothing that the elves had laid out for him, a small light colored tunic in his size with matching leggings. It reminded him very much of Legolas' clothing. Gimli took a look in the mirror and grimaced. This outfit was meant for the size of graceful elves, not stocky dwarfs. Not wishing to offend anybody, Gimli drew his cloak from the Lady Galadriel about him. Despite all the wear and tear it had gone through, it still looked like the finest garment ever created. Gimli glanced at his reflection again, now that was more like it. Gimli smiled at himself and went to the door to go out and find his friend. He hummed cheerfully under his breath, he was happy. And why shouldn't he be? He was housed and honored with respect and he had his best friend back. All was very well in the world.
Gimli reached one of the numerous dining halls in the palace and saw Thranduil seated at it. Thranduil motioned for Gimli to join him and Gimli went eagerly. He did not see Legolas about and decided he would question Thranduil about it.
"A pleasant morning to you Gimli," Thranduil greeted as Gimli slid into a seat beside him.
Gimli nodded in reply and then asked, as politely as he knew how, "Do you know of the whereabouts of Prince Legolas this morning?"
Thranduil frowned slightly, which startled Gimli, "I am afraid that I do not know. I left him last night by himself, after he stated that he would retire in a little while. He never came home. I wonder what became of him, but since he is hardly a young elf, there is not much that can be done about it. He can go where and when he pleases."
Gimli was quieted by this information, and hardly glanced at the plate of delicious food that was set before him. He tried to tell himself that perhaps Legolas simply wanted to wander about in the trees that he had missed for so long, but something kept nagging at him.
When Gimli finally resigned to eating, and found his spirits perked up a bit by the food, an elf strode in and bowed before Thranduil. Thranduil nodded his head in recognition, and the elf stood straight.
"I have word of your eldest son," he said.
Gimli looked up at the elf and recognized him to be the guard that had stopped them. He bristled slightly when he remembered how impudent he had been to Legolas and how he had talked about Gimli being nothing more than a strange dwarf. Gimli listened intently when Thranduil bade him to speak, though Gimli tried to act like he was concentrating on his food.
"I approached him last night after he had an encounter with his lady friend," at this Gimli choked on a piece of food he had just placed in his mouth and the elf and Thranduil looked over at him. Gimli turned and coughed into a handkerchief while the elf went on. "He told me that I am released from my duties as his watch, which you placed me on, and then left the forest. I did not see exactly where he went, but I suspect that he left the borders of Mirkwood."
"What? Why would he leave again, he has just barely arrived home," Thranduil rose from his chair. Just then the door opened and they all looked over, a recovering Gimli included. Liria entered the room, and Gimli glowered.
Liria wore a simple sift made of the same green material the hunting clothes were made of. She glanced around the room before speaking, "Where is the Prince Legolas? I wish to speak with him."
"You evidently did all your speaking last night," Gimli muttered.
Liria overheard and her glance fell on Gimli for the first time. Her eyes darkened slightly, but she struggled to regain her composure. "I do not know that which you speak of, dwarf."
"You should," Gimli answered back, "you drove him away."
"What?" Liria was confused, "What is going on?"
"That is what we are trying to comprehend," Thranduil spoke up.
"I witnessed Legolas leave last night after your, um, encounter," the elf-guard spoke up.
Liria blushed slightly and her eyes flamed, but she quickly cooled her features and her eyes set into a dull blue color. "And where did the Prince leave to?" she asked with a calm voice. Inside she was seething, how much had this guard seen and why had he been watching?
"I cannot say for certain as I did not follow him all the way," the elf-guard answered uncertainly, refusing to meet Liria's gaze, "but I think that he has left the borders of Mirkwood."
Liria took in a breath, "Well, Prince Legolas can certainly handle himself, I do not particularly see why this is an issue."
"Exactly," seconded Thranduil, "Legolas can very well take care of himself. I suspect he will return soon, anyway. Come Liria, join us for the rest of our breakfast." Thranduil went to sit down and Liria took a step towards the table when the elf-guard spoke up again.
"But I have more information to report to you," he started. Thranduil looked at him but remained seated. He nodded at the elf-guard to continue. "There have been reports of a large wolf pack roaming just outside of the borders of Mirkwood."
"There have always been creatures of the wild about the borders," Liria spoke up, "they are no reason for concern. They will hardly attack an elf."
"But these are not ordinary wolves," the elf-guard continued, "there have also been reports of wargs leading the pack. It is a mix of wargs with the natural wolves, and they are proving to be most ferocious. A guard was already attacked when on patrol. He escaped with minimal injury, but only because he had had his bow ready and was only beset by three of the pack."
"Why was I not informed of this?" Thranduil demanded.
The elf-guard squirmed, "Because it only happened recently, and since it was an isolated incident, we hardly felt that it was cause for alarm. But I have a small fear for the Prince being out there all by himself."
Liria smirked, "Truly you know that the Prince is a capable warrior." Gimli found himself nodding support against his will. He did not like to agree with Liria, but this was very true and he had the utmost confidence in his friend. Liria continued, "I hardly think a wolf pack, wargs or no, will cause him any harm."
"You do not understand, my Lady," the elf-guard persisted, "The Prince is without any weapons. He left after the celebration where he carried no such items. He does not even have his knives with him, and certainly not his bow and quiver."
Liria and Gimli both went still at this information. Gimli tried to calm himself, thinking that Legolas was very capable by himself, but he was without weapons. Gimli remembered the fear of the wargs outside of the Gates of Moria. They were evil creatures, with a guise of an animal that hid their extreme intelligence. And if there was a whole pack of them.
"I think that a party should be sent out at once," the elf-guard was continuing, "the Prince is not aware of the dangers."
Thranduil hesitated. He was reluctant to send a search party out for his son who was perfectly capable of defending himself, especially since he was so near home. Legolas might perceive it as an insult. Then again, he had no weapons and no knowledge of the wargs.
"I will go out to look for him," Gimli stated, standing. "And I will simply bring his weapons to him. That way he will not think that an entire party has been sent for him," Gimli was aware of Thranduil's worry, as he thought the same way.
"And I will go as well," Liria said, much to Gimli's displeasure.
"Nay, I do not need your assistance in this task, my Lady," Gimli strove to keep his voice formal and polite.
"Either thee, or I, or both must go to him. And since I know these woods better than anybody, certainly better than you dear dwarf, I will have a better chance of finding him."
Gimli muttered under his breath, but Thranduil spoke up. "Yes, I believe that this is the best possible solution. Liria is very capable in the woods, and you two should find him in no time. And since it is his friends seeking him, Legolas will not take offense. You both have my permission to do this task, but please return as soon as you can, preferably before sunset and with my son. There is still much that I wish to speak with him."
Liria bowed low and started out of the door, "I will return after I have changed into something more appropriate." She turned before she stepped out of the door and called out to Gimli, "And please be prepared when I return, else I will venture without you."
Gimli growled softly at Liria's retreating back, then turned to go to his room and change quickly, lest he not be ready and she had an excuse to go without him. No way would he allow Liria to be the only one looking for Legolas.
Everlasting Road ch. 19
Gimli awoke in the elaborately decorated elf-room. For a moment he was confused, then remembered where he was. He glanced outside of his window; the sun had already risen, why had Legolas not come to wake him up? His friend always came to wake him up before the sun was fully up, no matter what. Gimli thought it over and rationalized that this was a special occasion. They had been up all night celebrating, and Legolas had left him alone to get some rest. Perhaps he himself had needed the rest, but Gimli quickly nixed that idea when he thought of his tireless friend.
Gimli stretched and got out of the luxurious bed, which took a little effort because it was quite large for him, and started to make himself presentable. He was hungry and ready for breakfast. Gimli donned some clothing that the elves had laid out for him, a small light colored tunic in his size with matching leggings. It reminded him very much of Legolas' clothing. Gimli took a look in the mirror and grimaced. This outfit was meant for the size of graceful elves, not stocky dwarfs. Not wishing to offend anybody, Gimli drew his cloak from the Lady Galadriel about him. Despite all the wear and tear it had gone through, it still looked like the finest garment ever created. Gimli glanced at his reflection again, now that was more like it. Gimli smiled at himself and went to the door to go out and find his friend. He hummed cheerfully under his breath, he was happy. And why shouldn't he be? He was housed and honored with respect and he had his best friend back. All was very well in the world.
Gimli reached one of the numerous dining halls in the palace and saw Thranduil seated at it. Thranduil motioned for Gimli to join him and Gimli went eagerly. He did not see Legolas about and decided he would question Thranduil about it.
"A pleasant morning to you Gimli," Thranduil greeted as Gimli slid into a seat beside him.
Gimli nodded in reply and then asked, as politely as he knew how, "Do you know of the whereabouts of Prince Legolas this morning?"
Thranduil frowned slightly, which startled Gimli, "I am afraid that I do not know. I left him last night by himself, after he stated that he would retire in a little while. He never came home. I wonder what became of him, but since he is hardly a young elf, there is not much that can be done about it. He can go where and when he pleases."
Gimli was quieted by this information, and hardly glanced at the plate of delicious food that was set before him. He tried to tell himself that perhaps Legolas simply wanted to wander about in the trees that he had missed for so long, but something kept nagging at him.
When Gimli finally resigned to eating, and found his spirits perked up a bit by the food, an elf strode in and bowed before Thranduil. Thranduil nodded his head in recognition, and the elf stood straight.
"I have word of your eldest son," he said.
Gimli looked up at the elf and recognized him to be the guard that had stopped them. He bristled slightly when he remembered how impudent he had been to Legolas and how he had talked about Gimli being nothing more than a strange dwarf. Gimli listened intently when Thranduil bade him to speak, though Gimli tried to act like he was concentrating on his food.
"I approached him last night after he had an encounter with his lady friend," at this Gimli choked on a piece of food he had just placed in his mouth and the elf and Thranduil looked over at him. Gimli turned and coughed into a handkerchief while the elf went on. "He told me that I am released from my duties as his watch, which you placed me on, and then left the forest. I did not see exactly where he went, but I suspect that he left the borders of Mirkwood."
"What? Why would he leave again, he has just barely arrived home," Thranduil rose from his chair. Just then the door opened and they all looked over, a recovering Gimli included. Liria entered the room, and Gimli glowered.
Liria wore a simple sift made of the same green material the hunting clothes were made of. She glanced around the room before speaking, "Where is the Prince Legolas? I wish to speak with him."
"You evidently did all your speaking last night," Gimli muttered.
Liria overheard and her glance fell on Gimli for the first time. Her eyes darkened slightly, but she struggled to regain her composure. "I do not know that which you speak of, dwarf."
"You should," Gimli answered back, "you drove him away."
"What?" Liria was confused, "What is going on?"
"That is what we are trying to comprehend," Thranduil spoke up.
"I witnessed Legolas leave last night after your, um, encounter," the elf-guard spoke up.
Liria blushed slightly and her eyes flamed, but she quickly cooled her features and her eyes set into a dull blue color. "And where did the Prince leave to?" she asked with a calm voice. Inside she was seething, how much had this guard seen and why had he been watching?
"I cannot say for certain as I did not follow him all the way," the elf-guard answered uncertainly, refusing to meet Liria's gaze, "but I think that he has left the borders of Mirkwood."
Liria took in a breath, "Well, Prince Legolas can certainly handle himself, I do not particularly see why this is an issue."
"Exactly," seconded Thranduil, "Legolas can very well take care of himself. I suspect he will return soon, anyway. Come Liria, join us for the rest of our breakfast." Thranduil went to sit down and Liria took a step towards the table when the elf-guard spoke up again.
"But I have more information to report to you," he started. Thranduil looked at him but remained seated. He nodded at the elf-guard to continue. "There have been reports of a large wolf pack roaming just outside of the borders of Mirkwood."
"There have always been creatures of the wild about the borders," Liria spoke up, "they are no reason for concern. They will hardly attack an elf."
"But these are not ordinary wolves," the elf-guard continued, "there have also been reports of wargs leading the pack. It is a mix of wargs with the natural wolves, and they are proving to be most ferocious. A guard was already attacked when on patrol. He escaped with minimal injury, but only because he had had his bow ready and was only beset by three of the pack."
"Why was I not informed of this?" Thranduil demanded.
The elf-guard squirmed, "Because it only happened recently, and since it was an isolated incident, we hardly felt that it was cause for alarm. But I have a small fear for the Prince being out there all by himself."
Liria smirked, "Truly you know that the Prince is a capable warrior." Gimli found himself nodding support against his will. He did not like to agree with Liria, but this was very true and he had the utmost confidence in his friend. Liria continued, "I hardly think a wolf pack, wargs or no, will cause him any harm."
"You do not understand, my Lady," the elf-guard persisted, "The Prince is without any weapons. He left after the celebration where he carried no such items. He does not even have his knives with him, and certainly not his bow and quiver."
Liria and Gimli both went still at this information. Gimli tried to calm himself, thinking that Legolas was very capable by himself, but he was without weapons. Gimli remembered the fear of the wargs outside of the Gates of Moria. They were evil creatures, with a guise of an animal that hid their extreme intelligence. And if there was a whole pack of them.
"I think that a party should be sent out at once," the elf-guard was continuing, "the Prince is not aware of the dangers."
Thranduil hesitated. He was reluctant to send a search party out for his son who was perfectly capable of defending himself, especially since he was so near home. Legolas might perceive it as an insult. Then again, he had no weapons and no knowledge of the wargs.
"I will go out to look for him," Gimli stated, standing. "And I will simply bring his weapons to him. That way he will not think that an entire party has been sent for him," Gimli was aware of Thranduil's worry, as he thought the same way.
"And I will go as well," Liria said, much to Gimli's displeasure.
"Nay, I do not need your assistance in this task, my Lady," Gimli strove to keep his voice formal and polite.
"Either thee, or I, or both must go to him. And since I know these woods better than anybody, certainly better than you dear dwarf, I will have a better chance of finding him."
Gimli muttered under his breath, but Thranduil spoke up. "Yes, I believe that this is the best possible solution. Liria is very capable in the woods, and you two should find him in no time. And since it is his friends seeking him, Legolas will not take offense. You both have my permission to do this task, but please return as soon as you can, preferably before sunset and with my son. There is still much that I wish to speak with him."
Liria bowed low and started out of the door, "I will return after I have changed into something more appropriate." She turned before she stepped out of the door and called out to Gimli, "And please be prepared when I return, else I will venture without you."
Gimli growled softly at Liria's retreating back, then turned to go to his room and change quickly, lest he not be ready and she had an excuse to go without him. No way would he allow Liria to be the only one looking for Legolas.