Disclaimer: Boy, I can't be original with these anymore, so I own nothing I
didn't think of. Sorry I've been taking so long on updates, our journey is
coming to a close and I want to end it right. Love you all!
Everlasting Road ch. 28
The sun skimmed over the trees, proclaiming a new day. Legolas, of course, was already awake. He looked over at his two sleeping companions, a comfortable distance from each other of course. He hesitated to wake them, especially Gimli. He knew that they would probably have to venture back to Mirkwood for Liria, and Gimli would not take that lightly. As he sat and worried, he saw Liria's eyes blink and green coloring flooded into them. Her head rolled to the side, catching Legolas' gaze, and she smiled.
Legolas hesitated, then smiled back. His emotions were starting to tear him again, and he did not know how much longer he would be able to stand it.
Gimli awoke on his own soon afterwards, and Legolas stood. He knew that what he was about to say was going to enrage Gimli, and Gimli might even possibly storm off on his own, but what could he do? He had already left Liria once, and she had almost died. He would not be able to do it again.
Legolas looked over at Gimli and cleared his throat. "I regret to say that our course may change its destination. I cannot leave Liria…"
Legolas was interrupted hastily by Liria, "Do not worry, my Lord, for I am suddenly feeling for an adventure. You two will be able to continue your previous ways, I will follow and cause no trouble or burdens to you."
Legolas gaped for a moment, astounded. He was not sure he had just heard correctly. This coming from the elf who had so vehemently protested against traveling with the dwarf? Legolas tried a different angle, needing reassurances, "But your current condition."
"Is fine," Liria finished. She stood to prove it, "That elf was not as tough as he thought. I grow weary of Mirkwood, I have been in one place for too long. If it is pleasing to all," and here she caught Gimli's eye, "then I shall accompany you two on your journey."
Legolas turned to look at Gimli, who was looking at Liria, and actually smiling. Or half-smiling anyway, but to Legolas it made no difference. They were getting along, he did not want to risk jeopardizing it. He turned back to Liria to proclaim how happy he would be to have her come along when Gimli spoke up.
"Of course there will be a slight detour. I have yet to visit my own relatives and let them know I am still alive. It is on the way, so I wish to stop in my homeland for a brief visit." Gimli looked steadily at Liria as he spoke. It was a test to see if she truly would put aside all differences.
Liria recognized the test and smiled tightly. She did not particularly like the aspect of visiting an entire colony of dwarves, but to make a commotion over it now would mean that Gimli won. "It makes no difference to me, master dwarf. I hope you find your homecoming pleasant and worthwhile."
Legolas stood between the two, alternating his eyes between them. He could still scarcely believe what he was hearing, but his ears were sensitive, and he knew what he was hearing to be the truth. Still not wanting to risk anything, Legolas silently packed up camp. The others followed suit. When all was ready to go, Legolas finally spoke, "Onward then. To Gimli's destination, and then straight to the home of Isildur's heir."
He paused slightly after his speech, thinking a rebuke was to come. But not a word was said, and Liria and Gimli turned to move on. Legolas followed hesitantly after before it finally hit him, they were all traveling together, under their own will. Everybody was getting along. The terrible rents he had felt inside of him suddenly disappeared, and he was filled with a lightness he had not known he was missing. He was happier than he could remember being ever since the Ring had come into his life.
A week passed, and still Liria and Gimli were civil towards each other. There had been a slight dispute over a matter of firewood, Gimli had insisted the wood was dead while Liria claimed it still living and thus could not be harmed, but that had been quickly settled. True that for the most part they ignored each other, but to Legolas it was as if they were behaving as the best of friends.
Both Gimli and Liria had seen the change in Legolas, his shoulders were no longer stooped, his step was light again, and he radiated a fair aura while frequently singing out loud. Internally, they both vowed that he was to stay this way. It was for him that they were doing this, and it seemed to be helping.
By the end of the week, they had come within a mile of Gimli's homeland. Gimli and Legolas were excited over it, but Liria hung back, not wishing to go much further. She had no doubt Legolas would be accepted, once his stories were heard, but she was a different matter. Her fate was literally in Gimli's hands, and she was still not sure she could trust him. Their uneasy truce was hardly enough to quell her fears.
In seemingly no time at all to Liria, they were encroaching on the borders of Gimli's homeland. Liria's anxiety was getting the better of her, and she could hardly force herself to continue. Maybe I can just stay here until they come back, she thought to herself, I can say that I am still injured and cannot travel a step further. It seemed like a weak lie to her even, and she knew that Legolas would never fall for it. Then he would start to suspect that she and Gimli were fighting again, and all the work they had just done would be for naught. Gritting her teeth and clenching her nails into her palms, she continued forward.
Legolas and Liria were well aware of the dwarves before they rushed. Out from behind rocks at the base of a large mountain came ten dwarf guards. They hurried noisily and were hardly being stealthy, so Liria and Legolas showed no surprise. Gimli, however, stepped forward to intercept them, for he was fearful for the elves' safety.
"My friends," Gimli boomed out, "I have returned to you with friends. Do not be alarmed, we are in peace." The dwarves paused, uncertain. They had a huge colony, and they did not immediately recognize the dwarf in front of them. Then one of them dropped his axe and fell to a knee.
"Hail, hero Gimli son of Gloin. The prodigal son has returned from his task." The other dwarves immediately dropped their weapons and dropped to their knees. Then two of them got up and ran back to the colony, proclaiming loudly of Gimli's return. Their boisterous reception was definitely different from the elves'.
Gimli started forward, being surrounded by the commandeering dwarves. They all started forward to the colony, and Legolas and Liria stepped forward as well. One of the dwarves suddenly turned, his axe drawn. "And what of these elves? Are they with you, Gimli?"
Gimli walked straight to Legolas and faced the others with pride. "This is my dear companion Legolas, and we have fought side by side throughout our trials. He is the highest friend and honors me by coming to my homeland."
Legolas bowed at the introduction and spoke pleasingly, "I hope that you will have no troubles due to my presence, and may the stars ever shine upon you." The dwarves smiled, but said nothing to the typically elvish reply. But if he was with Gimli, they could stand him for that long. They all started forward again, but again the dwarves halted.
"And what of this one?" the same suspicious dwarf asked, gesturing towards Liria. Gimli turned and looked at her. She was standing very straight, and her eyes were wide. She was expecting to be dismissed by Gimli and shamed before the others. Gimli entertained the thought for a moment, it might be fun. But a quick glance at Legolas stopped him. His friend was looking at Liria as well, but his gaze was anxious. He would not be able to take more blows to the heart.
"This is a noble elf as well, and she has proved to be an asset to our cause." That was all Gimli said, but it was enough for the dwarves. Another elf to momentarily entertain, it was not a lasting arrangement, they hoped.
Gimli turned, not meeting Liria's gaze. She stood confused. She had been sure that the dwarf would brand her evil and have the other dwarves run her out. But he had not. She was not sure what to make of it. It was not until Legolas' hand touched her elbow that she snapped back to attention. Everybody else was moving on, they had to follow. Liria stumbled a few feet, then followed silently. Legolas walked beside her and squeezed her hand, then went ahead to join Gimli. He looked back a few times with encouraging looks, mostly to make sure she was still following. She did not look like she was all there.
Everlasting Road ch. 28
The sun skimmed over the trees, proclaiming a new day. Legolas, of course, was already awake. He looked over at his two sleeping companions, a comfortable distance from each other of course. He hesitated to wake them, especially Gimli. He knew that they would probably have to venture back to Mirkwood for Liria, and Gimli would not take that lightly. As he sat and worried, he saw Liria's eyes blink and green coloring flooded into them. Her head rolled to the side, catching Legolas' gaze, and she smiled.
Legolas hesitated, then smiled back. His emotions were starting to tear him again, and he did not know how much longer he would be able to stand it.
Gimli awoke on his own soon afterwards, and Legolas stood. He knew that what he was about to say was going to enrage Gimli, and Gimli might even possibly storm off on his own, but what could he do? He had already left Liria once, and she had almost died. He would not be able to do it again.
Legolas looked over at Gimli and cleared his throat. "I regret to say that our course may change its destination. I cannot leave Liria…"
Legolas was interrupted hastily by Liria, "Do not worry, my Lord, for I am suddenly feeling for an adventure. You two will be able to continue your previous ways, I will follow and cause no trouble or burdens to you."
Legolas gaped for a moment, astounded. He was not sure he had just heard correctly. This coming from the elf who had so vehemently protested against traveling with the dwarf? Legolas tried a different angle, needing reassurances, "But your current condition."
"Is fine," Liria finished. She stood to prove it, "That elf was not as tough as he thought. I grow weary of Mirkwood, I have been in one place for too long. If it is pleasing to all," and here she caught Gimli's eye, "then I shall accompany you two on your journey."
Legolas turned to look at Gimli, who was looking at Liria, and actually smiling. Or half-smiling anyway, but to Legolas it made no difference. They were getting along, he did not want to risk jeopardizing it. He turned back to Liria to proclaim how happy he would be to have her come along when Gimli spoke up.
"Of course there will be a slight detour. I have yet to visit my own relatives and let them know I am still alive. It is on the way, so I wish to stop in my homeland for a brief visit." Gimli looked steadily at Liria as he spoke. It was a test to see if she truly would put aside all differences.
Liria recognized the test and smiled tightly. She did not particularly like the aspect of visiting an entire colony of dwarves, but to make a commotion over it now would mean that Gimli won. "It makes no difference to me, master dwarf. I hope you find your homecoming pleasant and worthwhile."
Legolas stood between the two, alternating his eyes between them. He could still scarcely believe what he was hearing, but his ears were sensitive, and he knew what he was hearing to be the truth. Still not wanting to risk anything, Legolas silently packed up camp. The others followed suit. When all was ready to go, Legolas finally spoke, "Onward then. To Gimli's destination, and then straight to the home of Isildur's heir."
He paused slightly after his speech, thinking a rebuke was to come. But not a word was said, and Liria and Gimli turned to move on. Legolas followed hesitantly after before it finally hit him, they were all traveling together, under their own will. Everybody was getting along. The terrible rents he had felt inside of him suddenly disappeared, and he was filled with a lightness he had not known he was missing. He was happier than he could remember being ever since the Ring had come into his life.
A week passed, and still Liria and Gimli were civil towards each other. There had been a slight dispute over a matter of firewood, Gimli had insisted the wood was dead while Liria claimed it still living and thus could not be harmed, but that had been quickly settled. True that for the most part they ignored each other, but to Legolas it was as if they were behaving as the best of friends.
Both Gimli and Liria had seen the change in Legolas, his shoulders were no longer stooped, his step was light again, and he radiated a fair aura while frequently singing out loud. Internally, they both vowed that he was to stay this way. It was for him that they were doing this, and it seemed to be helping.
By the end of the week, they had come within a mile of Gimli's homeland. Gimli and Legolas were excited over it, but Liria hung back, not wishing to go much further. She had no doubt Legolas would be accepted, once his stories were heard, but she was a different matter. Her fate was literally in Gimli's hands, and she was still not sure she could trust him. Their uneasy truce was hardly enough to quell her fears.
In seemingly no time at all to Liria, they were encroaching on the borders of Gimli's homeland. Liria's anxiety was getting the better of her, and she could hardly force herself to continue. Maybe I can just stay here until they come back, she thought to herself, I can say that I am still injured and cannot travel a step further. It seemed like a weak lie to her even, and she knew that Legolas would never fall for it. Then he would start to suspect that she and Gimli were fighting again, and all the work they had just done would be for naught. Gritting her teeth and clenching her nails into her palms, she continued forward.
Legolas and Liria were well aware of the dwarves before they rushed. Out from behind rocks at the base of a large mountain came ten dwarf guards. They hurried noisily and were hardly being stealthy, so Liria and Legolas showed no surprise. Gimli, however, stepped forward to intercept them, for he was fearful for the elves' safety.
"My friends," Gimli boomed out, "I have returned to you with friends. Do not be alarmed, we are in peace." The dwarves paused, uncertain. They had a huge colony, and they did not immediately recognize the dwarf in front of them. Then one of them dropped his axe and fell to a knee.
"Hail, hero Gimli son of Gloin. The prodigal son has returned from his task." The other dwarves immediately dropped their weapons and dropped to their knees. Then two of them got up and ran back to the colony, proclaiming loudly of Gimli's return. Their boisterous reception was definitely different from the elves'.
Gimli started forward, being surrounded by the commandeering dwarves. They all started forward to the colony, and Legolas and Liria stepped forward as well. One of the dwarves suddenly turned, his axe drawn. "And what of these elves? Are they with you, Gimli?"
Gimli walked straight to Legolas and faced the others with pride. "This is my dear companion Legolas, and we have fought side by side throughout our trials. He is the highest friend and honors me by coming to my homeland."
Legolas bowed at the introduction and spoke pleasingly, "I hope that you will have no troubles due to my presence, and may the stars ever shine upon you." The dwarves smiled, but said nothing to the typically elvish reply. But if he was with Gimli, they could stand him for that long. They all started forward again, but again the dwarves halted.
"And what of this one?" the same suspicious dwarf asked, gesturing towards Liria. Gimli turned and looked at her. She was standing very straight, and her eyes were wide. She was expecting to be dismissed by Gimli and shamed before the others. Gimli entertained the thought for a moment, it might be fun. But a quick glance at Legolas stopped him. His friend was looking at Liria as well, but his gaze was anxious. He would not be able to take more blows to the heart.
"This is a noble elf as well, and she has proved to be an asset to our cause." That was all Gimli said, but it was enough for the dwarves. Another elf to momentarily entertain, it was not a lasting arrangement, they hoped.
Gimli turned, not meeting Liria's gaze. She stood confused. She had been sure that the dwarf would brand her evil and have the other dwarves run her out. But he had not. She was not sure what to make of it. It was not until Legolas' hand touched her elbow that she snapped back to attention. Everybody else was moving on, they had to follow. Liria stumbled a few feet, then followed silently. Legolas walked beside her and squeezed her hand, then went ahead to join Gimli. He looked back a few times with encouraging looks, mostly to make sure she was still following. She did not look like she was all there.