___
ohhh… so many reviews!!!!!!!
Thank you so much…
MeShelly : you are the best! Thank you for each of your reviews, I really appreciate it!!!
Ithilien: I love your stories and it makes me more than happy to know you like my writing!!!
Jevvica: I hope you forgive me for torturing you … I did my best to write quickly and hope for your forgiveness…
Joyjoy: oh yes – we hurt the ones we love!!! We are sick – and we love it :- )
YunaDax: angst? Do not tell me you love angst??? *grin*
Everybody else: THANKS for your comments – you made me happy and I hope you keep them coming… please, please, please???
___
'So he thinks you dead. ' Gimli's voice broke the silence that had fallen after Legolas had finished his tale. His face had paled during listening and his eyes were dark, radiating with something the elf had never seen before in his friend. 'That will make things easier. You have recognized his voice? It is the same man we encountered two nights ago?'
He had gotten to his feet as he spoke and seized his axe, stroking its sharp blade with an unreadable expression on his face.
'Yes the voice was the same.' the elf gazed at him, a question in his eyes.
'You said you do no wish Aragorn to know. Why is this so? A king should know what is happening in his own city.'
The elf sighed and shook his head.
'Have you forgotten how this man insulted Arwen? I do not wish her to know about this. Hard enough it is for her to live in a city of men now even without the knowledge that some despise her for what she is. I would not add to her burden. To tell Aragorn would force him to keep it from her and this I doubt he will be able to do for long. She will learn soon enough that she is not appreciated by all men and it will be a bitter experience for her. But she must not know of this incident.'
The dwarf stayed quiet for some time, thinking. True he himself had wondered about this before. He knew how this city effected Legolas and he had asked himself how the Lady Arwen would be able to live here. Knowing Rivendell, the beauty and wide open of the valley he knew that Minas Tirith had to feel like a prison to the elven Queen. And men were a peculiar race. Indeed, her love for Aragorn had to be great for her to accept all this.
'I understand.' He finally said and he meant it. If Legolas wished to spare her the pain of knowing what was said about her, so be it. 'I still believe Aragorn should know but I will respect your wish.'
The elf nodded, relief shining in his eyes. He felt drained despite his unusual long sleep and felt he would have lacked the energy to argue with Gimli. The matter resolved he settled down on his stomach clenching his teeth at the sharp pain the movement evoked.
'Is there anything you need?' the dwarf asked still concerned for his friend. He knew Legolas was healing and would be recovered soon but seeing the lines of pain on the fair face made him wish he could do anything more to help.
'Nay, my friend. I thank you for your aid last night. All I need is some more rest and I will be fine.' He smiled at Gimli and the dwarf accepted it. Satisfied that food and water were here should Legolas desire any he turned to leave the room.
'I will leave you to rest now.' He said and was about to open the door and step outside when he heard his name called out with sudden sharpness. Surprised he turned back and found Legolas' narrowed eyes directed at him.
'Pray tell me, my friend, where you suddenly feel the need to go to and take your axe with you?' A suspicion had formed in Legolas mind and he stared hard at the dwarf.
Gimli returned his look calmly a strange fire burning in his eyes.
'It might be of aid if I meet a certain someone.'
'I sincerely hope you do not have in mind to go looking for that certain someone.' The elf stated in a low voice, his eyes suddenly hard.
'What else do you expect me to do?' Gimli yelled, his anger and frustration breaking through. 'This man will not get away with what he has done to you. I will not allow it.'
'It is not your place to avenge what was done to me, my friend. This is a matter of honor to be settled between he and I. Believe me if I tell you that I will not hesitate to seek retribution as soon as my wounds are healed.'
It was the look that had entered his eyes and the tone of his voice that reminded Gimli of the elf's pride. He had been ambushed and attacked in the most appalling way and there was no doubt that he would yearn to seek retaliation. And as much a Gimli wished to lay his axe on the neck of the man who had done this he had to admit that his friend was right. It was not his place.
Upon the dwarf's silence Legolas started to rise, bent on stopping him.
'If you can not give me your word that you will not touch him ere I had my chance I will not let you go out there alone.' He stated in a determined voice.
Gimli quickly hurried to his side and pressed him back on the bed with a strong hand on his shoulder.
'Do not worry, you stubborn elf, I will abide to your wish. What he did to you was without honor and not fitting a warrior but a wild animal. As such he should be treated but I will not interfere as you are the one who was hurt.'
At once the body beneath his hand relaxed.
'I thank you, Gimli.' Legolas mumbled, weariness washing over him. As Gimli took a step back from his bed he could already see the eyes of the elf go vacant as he slipped into his elven dreams. With a shake of his head Gimli turned away One moment he was riled up and ready to jump out of bed, the next he was lost in sleep. He would never understand elves.
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It had not been easy and cost Gimli all his patience and some rounds of ale but at the end of the afternoon he knew the name of the man Legolas and he had encountered two nights ago.
Returning to the tavern he had quickly found that he was not recognized there. Some ale quickly loosened the tongues of guests and bartender and with some clever questions Gimli was soon told the story of the warrior that had been attacked right outside of the tavern only two nights ago. It was amazing how much it differed from his own remembrance of what had occurred but he had no trouble in finding out the name of said warrior. Then Gimli quickly turned the attention to another subject as he told a story of his own. Finally taking his leave before someone would enter who might recognize him he left the tavern with a breath of relieve.
He returned to the house and was surprised to find Legolas up and moving around. He had replaced his soiled leggings with fresh light blue ones and was in the process of removing his bandages.
'What are you doing?' the dwarf's voice boomed. The elf turned to him raising one eyebrow.
'Dressing?'
'What for? Do you need to change clothes now before entering that strange world of dreams you walk in when you do what passes as sleeping for elves?'
'I do not intend to go to sleep my friend. The talks given at a feast might not be the most interesting but unlike you my friend I manage to stay awake through them.'
'You only say this because no one would be able to tell the difference.' Gimli retorted. Then his eyes narrowed as the meaning of Legolas' words sank in.
'You mean to attend the feast tonight?'
'Of course. It is the first invitation of the royal couple since the wedding. It would be most rude not to come.'
Legolas had finished taking of the bandages. Gimli could see the still ugly wounds that covered his back. Even for an elf it would take some time to heal up completely. He shook his head.
'If you wish to hide your condition from Aragorn it would be wiser to avoid meeting him. Even I can see that you are not well and he is a healer. He will notice.'
'You forget he is newly wed. He will only have eyes for his beautiful wife. And even if he notices he will think another reason for it.'
'The sea longing? May it affect an elf that much? You are pale, my friend, and you are in pain.'
Legolas smiled at him, hearing the concern in his voice. He had noticed the look of compassion in Gimli's eyes as he caught sight of his back.
'Do not worry for it is much better already. I have some herbs that relieve the pain and I will not stay at the feast for long. But not attending at all would be an insult as it is the first feast hosted by the Queen of Gondor.'
With this words Legolas slipped into a tunic and finished his outfit with a dark robe of silken material, its color dark enough to hide stains of blood if one of the welts on his back should break open. The bruise on his face was almost faded and would hopefully not been commented on. The bruises on his forearms were hidden by the wide arms of the robe.
Checking quickly Gimli noticed Legolas had eaten the plate of fruits and found himself relieved by that. He knew the elf's eating habits very well by now. If he ate he had to feel better.
'You might be recognized. They think you death and if they find out you are still alive they might try to attack you again.' Gimli finally voiced his main concern. The thought brought fear to the dwarf's heart. Maybe he should have told Aragorn after all.
The elf's features darkened.
'If they wish to try it again, they shall. I made the mistake of letting own my guard once but I will not repeat it. If they choose to affront me it will spare me the trouble to find them.' He spat and for the first time Gimli realized the anger boiling in the usually calm elf. A smile crossed his face as he thought of those who would come to feel the full wrath of Legolas Greenleaf. It would not be a pretty thing to watch and he would enjoy it fully. But some fear still remained for an arrow fired in the dark might prove deadly and could hardly been avoided even by the keen senses of an elf. He would stay close to Legolas he vowed to himself.
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The feast began as Legolas had predicted with a number of long talks. Many people had been invited and it seemed that almost everyone of them had something to say to greet the new Queen of Gondor with sweet and flattering words. Lord Elrond was the last one to speak and he had mercy on the hungry group of people and kept his words short.
Legolas help up remarkably well Gimli noticed. He was paler than usual but otherwise appeared normal. He seemed to have spoken the truth about feeling better for the lines of pain had gone from his face. As the food arrived Gimli found himself relaxing for the first time since the night before, maybe due to the ale and the happy company of the hobbits that held the places next to them.
After the meal music played and people danced and mingled in conversation. Gandalf joined them and Gimli noticed the sharp look he gave Legolas. But what ever he saw he choose not to comment on it. The sons of Elrond approached Legolas and Gimli found himself dragged away by Merry to get a happily drunk Pippin out of a hairy situation as he had started flirting with the wrong Lady. They managed to calm the jealous husband but the next time Gimli's eyes wandered through the room he could not find Legolas. Elladan and Elrohir he could make out talking to their sister but a certain golden haired elf had disappeared.
'He left only minutes ago.' Gandalf's voice made him almost jump. His dark eyes bored into Gimli's and the dwarf could not help the feeling that the old wizard knew.
Fear started to nag at his heart again that his friend might be in danger and the happy and relaxed mood of the evening quickly faded. Looking around he wondered for a brief moment if his exit would be noticed but he knew disappearing without taking his leave from the King and Queen was out of question. He could not breach etiquette like this without causing suspicion and insulting his hosts.
He managed to make his way to Aragorn and Arwen but they refused to simply let him go.
'Just Legolas and now you, master Gimli.' Arwen said, dismay in her voice. 'Is this feast not to your liking? If you find something amiss just tell me.'
'It is not that my Lady.' The dwarf bowed. 'I do not know about the elf but I fear I did attend too many feasts in too short a time. I beg your forgiveness for my rudeness in leaving so early but I hope sincerely to meet you again soon.'
She smiled at him and for a moment her beauty could compare to the Lady Galadriel. Her brothers exchanged a strange look as they listened to the dwarf's excuse. Elrohir opened his mouth but ere he could speak a short shake of the head from his brother made him stop. He remained quiet as they watched Gimli leave but turned to Elladan as soon as the dwarf was out of sight.
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The house was dark and Gimli knew the instant he entered that no one was there. His feeling was confirmed as he entered their room. Legolas' robe was thrown over his bed and a quick check showed his bow and quiver were still there but his twin knifes were missing. A curse escaped Gimli at this and he felt anger welling up. That stupid elf was somewhere out there with his wounds hardly healed. He deeply regretted sharing the information he had gained with Legolas as he felt anger slowly mixing with fear. His heart clenched at the thought of what might befall his friend. He was an excellent fighter but still wounded and no one knew how many opponents he would come to face. His heart heavy with worry Gimli left again turning quick strides into the direction of the tavern where all this had begun.
He never noticed the shadows following him in the dark.
ohhh… so many reviews!!!!!!!
Thank you so much…
MeShelly : you are the best! Thank you for each of your reviews, I really appreciate it!!!
Ithilien: I love your stories and it makes me more than happy to know you like my writing!!!
Jevvica: I hope you forgive me for torturing you … I did my best to write quickly and hope for your forgiveness…
Joyjoy: oh yes – we hurt the ones we love!!! We are sick – and we love it :- )
YunaDax: angst? Do not tell me you love angst??? *grin*
Everybody else: THANKS for your comments – you made me happy and I hope you keep them coming… please, please, please???
___
'So he thinks you dead. ' Gimli's voice broke the silence that had fallen after Legolas had finished his tale. His face had paled during listening and his eyes were dark, radiating with something the elf had never seen before in his friend. 'That will make things easier. You have recognized his voice? It is the same man we encountered two nights ago?'
He had gotten to his feet as he spoke and seized his axe, stroking its sharp blade with an unreadable expression on his face.
'Yes the voice was the same.' the elf gazed at him, a question in his eyes.
'You said you do no wish Aragorn to know. Why is this so? A king should know what is happening in his own city.'
The elf sighed and shook his head.
'Have you forgotten how this man insulted Arwen? I do not wish her to know about this. Hard enough it is for her to live in a city of men now even without the knowledge that some despise her for what she is. I would not add to her burden. To tell Aragorn would force him to keep it from her and this I doubt he will be able to do for long. She will learn soon enough that she is not appreciated by all men and it will be a bitter experience for her. But she must not know of this incident.'
The dwarf stayed quiet for some time, thinking. True he himself had wondered about this before. He knew how this city effected Legolas and he had asked himself how the Lady Arwen would be able to live here. Knowing Rivendell, the beauty and wide open of the valley he knew that Minas Tirith had to feel like a prison to the elven Queen. And men were a peculiar race. Indeed, her love for Aragorn had to be great for her to accept all this.
'I understand.' He finally said and he meant it. If Legolas wished to spare her the pain of knowing what was said about her, so be it. 'I still believe Aragorn should know but I will respect your wish.'
The elf nodded, relief shining in his eyes. He felt drained despite his unusual long sleep and felt he would have lacked the energy to argue with Gimli. The matter resolved he settled down on his stomach clenching his teeth at the sharp pain the movement evoked.
'Is there anything you need?' the dwarf asked still concerned for his friend. He knew Legolas was healing and would be recovered soon but seeing the lines of pain on the fair face made him wish he could do anything more to help.
'Nay, my friend. I thank you for your aid last night. All I need is some more rest and I will be fine.' He smiled at Gimli and the dwarf accepted it. Satisfied that food and water were here should Legolas desire any he turned to leave the room.
'I will leave you to rest now.' He said and was about to open the door and step outside when he heard his name called out with sudden sharpness. Surprised he turned back and found Legolas' narrowed eyes directed at him.
'Pray tell me, my friend, where you suddenly feel the need to go to and take your axe with you?' A suspicion had formed in Legolas mind and he stared hard at the dwarf.
Gimli returned his look calmly a strange fire burning in his eyes.
'It might be of aid if I meet a certain someone.'
'I sincerely hope you do not have in mind to go looking for that certain someone.' The elf stated in a low voice, his eyes suddenly hard.
'What else do you expect me to do?' Gimli yelled, his anger and frustration breaking through. 'This man will not get away with what he has done to you. I will not allow it.'
'It is not your place to avenge what was done to me, my friend. This is a matter of honor to be settled between he and I. Believe me if I tell you that I will not hesitate to seek retribution as soon as my wounds are healed.'
It was the look that had entered his eyes and the tone of his voice that reminded Gimli of the elf's pride. He had been ambushed and attacked in the most appalling way and there was no doubt that he would yearn to seek retaliation. And as much a Gimli wished to lay his axe on the neck of the man who had done this he had to admit that his friend was right. It was not his place.
Upon the dwarf's silence Legolas started to rise, bent on stopping him.
'If you can not give me your word that you will not touch him ere I had my chance I will not let you go out there alone.' He stated in a determined voice.
Gimli quickly hurried to his side and pressed him back on the bed with a strong hand on his shoulder.
'Do not worry, you stubborn elf, I will abide to your wish. What he did to you was without honor and not fitting a warrior but a wild animal. As such he should be treated but I will not interfere as you are the one who was hurt.'
At once the body beneath his hand relaxed.
'I thank you, Gimli.' Legolas mumbled, weariness washing over him. As Gimli took a step back from his bed he could already see the eyes of the elf go vacant as he slipped into his elven dreams. With a shake of his head Gimli turned away One moment he was riled up and ready to jump out of bed, the next he was lost in sleep. He would never understand elves.
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It had not been easy and cost Gimli all his patience and some rounds of ale but at the end of the afternoon he knew the name of the man Legolas and he had encountered two nights ago.
Returning to the tavern he had quickly found that he was not recognized there. Some ale quickly loosened the tongues of guests and bartender and with some clever questions Gimli was soon told the story of the warrior that had been attacked right outside of the tavern only two nights ago. It was amazing how much it differed from his own remembrance of what had occurred but he had no trouble in finding out the name of said warrior. Then Gimli quickly turned the attention to another subject as he told a story of his own. Finally taking his leave before someone would enter who might recognize him he left the tavern with a breath of relieve.
He returned to the house and was surprised to find Legolas up and moving around. He had replaced his soiled leggings with fresh light blue ones and was in the process of removing his bandages.
'What are you doing?' the dwarf's voice boomed. The elf turned to him raising one eyebrow.
'Dressing?'
'What for? Do you need to change clothes now before entering that strange world of dreams you walk in when you do what passes as sleeping for elves?'
'I do not intend to go to sleep my friend. The talks given at a feast might not be the most interesting but unlike you my friend I manage to stay awake through them.'
'You only say this because no one would be able to tell the difference.' Gimli retorted. Then his eyes narrowed as the meaning of Legolas' words sank in.
'You mean to attend the feast tonight?'
'Of course. It is the first invitation of the royal couple since the wedding. It would be most rude not to come.'
Legolas had finished taking of the bandages. Gimli could see the still ugly wounds that covered his back. Even for an elf it would take some time to heal up completely. He shook his head.
'If you wish to hide your condition from Aragorn it would be wiser to avoid meeting him. Even I can see that you are not well and he is a healer. He will notice.'
'You forget he is newly wed. He will only have eyes for his beautiful wife. And even if he notices he will think another reason for it.'
'The sea longing? May it affect an elf that much? You are pale, my friend, and you are in pain.'
Legolas smiled at him, hearing the concern in his voice. He had noticed the look of compassion in Gimli's eyes as he caught sight of his back.
'Do not worry for it is much better already. I have some herbs that relieve the pain and I will not stay at the feast for long. But not attending at all would be an insult as it is the first feast hosted by the Queen of Gondor.'
With this words Legolas slipped into a tunic and finished his outfit with a dark robe of silken material, its color dark enough to hide stains of blood if one of the welts on his back should break open. The bruise on his face was almost faded and would hopefully not been commented on. The bruises on his forearms were hidden by the wide arms of the robe.
Checking quickly Gimli noticed Legolas had eaten the plate of fruits and found himself relieved by that. He knew the elf's eating habits very well by now. If he ate he had to feel better.
'You might be recognized. They think you death and if they find out you are still alive they might try to attack you again.' Gimli finally voiced his main concern. The thought brought fear to the dwarf's heart. Maybe he should have told Aragorn after all.
The elf's features darkened.
'If they wish to try it again, they shall. I made the mistake of letting own my guard once but I will not repeat it. If they choose to affront me it will spare me the trouble to find them.' He spat and for the first time Gimli realized the anger boiling in the usually calm elf. A smile crossed his face as he thought of those who would come to feel the full wrath of Legolas Greenleaf. It would not be a pretty thing to watch and he would enjoy it fully. But some fear still remained for an arrow fired in the dark might prove deadly and could hardly been avoided even by the keen senses of an elf. He would stay close to Legolas he vowed to himself.
@@@
The feast began as Legolas had predicted with a number of long talks. Many people had been invited and it seemed that almost everyone of them had something to say to greet the new Queen of Gondor with sweet and flattering words. Lord Elrond was the last one to speak and he had mercy on the hungry group of people and kept his words short.
Legolas help up remarkably well Gimli noticed. He was paler than usual but otherwise appeared normal. He seemed to have spoken the truth about feeling better for the lines of pain had gone from his face. As the food arrived Gimli found himself relaxing for the first time since the night before, maybe due to the ale and the happy company of the hobbits that held the places next to them.
After the meal music played and people danced and mingled in conversation. Gandalf joined them and Gimli noticed the sharp look he gave Legolas. But what ever he saw he choose not to comment on it. The sons of Elrond approached Legolas and Gimli found himself dragged away by Merry to get a happily drunk Pippin out of a hairy situation as he had started flirting with the wrong Lady. They managed to calm the jealous husband but the next time Gimli's eyes wandered through the room he could not find Legolas. Elladan and Elrohir he could make out talking to their sister but a certain golden haired elf had disappeared.
'He left only minutes ago.' Gandalf's voice made him almost jump. His dark eyes bored into Gimli's and the dwarf could not help the feeling that the old wizard knew.
Fear started to nag at his heart again that his friend might be in danger and the happy and relaxed mood of the evening quickly faded. Looking around he wondered for a brief moment if his exit would be noticed but he knew disappearing without taking his leave from the King and Queen was out of question. He could not breach etiquette like this without causing suspicion and insulting his hosts.
He managed to make his way to Aragorn and Arwen but they refused to simply let him go.
'Just Legolas and now you, master Gimli.' Arwen said, dismay in her voice. 'Is this feast not to your liking? If you find something amiss just tell me.'
'It is not that my Lady.' The dwarf bowed. 'I do not know about the elf but I fear I did attend too many feasts in too short a time. I beg your forgiveness for my rudeness in leaving so early but I hope sincerely to meet you again soon.'
She smiled at him and for a moment her beauty could compare to the Lady Galadriel. Her brothers exchanged a strange look as they listened to the dwarf's excuse. Elrohir opened his mouth but ere he could speak a short shake of the head from his brother made him stop. He remained quiet as they watched Gimli leave but turned to Elladan as soon as the dwarf was out of sight.
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The house was dark and Gimli knew the instant he entered that no one was there. His feeling was confirmed as he entered their room. Legolas' robe was thrown over his bed and a quick check showed his bow and quiver were still there but his twin knifes were missing. A curse escaped Gimli at this and he felt anger welling up. That stupid elf was somewhere out there with his wounds hardly healed. He deeply regretted sharing the information he had gained with Legolas as he felt anger slowly mixing with fear. His heart clenched at the thought of what might befall his friend. He was an excellent fighter but still wounded and no one knew how many opponents he would come to face. His heart heavy with worry Gimli left again turning quick strides into the direction of the tavern where all this had begun.
He never noticed the shadows following him in the dark.