Glad you liked my surprises, here's the next chapter--gonna get a bit mushy…
Chapter 18--A Solemn Oath
They sat for a long time before anyone moved then Gimli stood and left, but he returned with his pack. He dropped it to the floor. "Everyone out, I have some things to discuss with the crazy elf and I want to do it in private," he growled.
Everyone gave the Dwarf startled looks, but no one moved. "Well, what are you all gawking at? Out, out!" Gimli said. "I do not plan on beheading him or anything!!"
Slowly the others filed from the room. Lilith paused at the door. "Do not take to long, he should rest a little longer," she cautioned then left.
Gimli kicked the door shut after them. "Finally," he grumbled. He turned to Legolas. "We have to talk, elf."
"Gimli, what--" Legolas began.
"Actually I need to talk and you are going to listen and shut up," Gimli said. "I never thought I would have this discussion with a damned elf. Never cared for elves to much, flighty, annoying creatures, always wasting their time talking to trees and plants that do not have ears anyway." He snorted loudly. "I was not to pleased about traveling with one either, not at first, but you soon showed you had guts, were not afraid to fight and get bloody. You fought with the courage of a dwarven warrior and I would have never though I would say that about any elf. You stood up for me, saved my life and-- damn it all-- you became first a respected companion then a friend."
Legolas was silent, waiting for Gimli to continue. He had never heard the gruff Dwarf speak of their friendship so openly. He hadn't known how deep their friendship actually had been, now he was finding out.
"I felt like a part of me had died when they hanged you and I cursed myself for a stubborn, old fool. I am not immortal, you are. Neither of us are invulnerable, one or both of us could die at any time," Gimli said. He took a deep breath. "I wish to name you as my axe brother, Aragorn would say blood brother. It is a private thing. We would be considered brothers. It is a solemn oath to fight at each other's side to the death if necessary."
"I would be honored, Gimli," Legolas said softly. He understood the honor he had just been offered. "What must we do?"
Gimli got his axe. "Just follow my actions," he said. He cut his left palm on the edge of the sharp axe and raised it. "I, Gimli of the Glittering Caves, offer you the title of axe brother. Will you accept?"
Legolas cut his right palm on the axe. "I, Legolas of Mirkwood, accept the title of axe brother," he said.
"Then let the bond be formed, clasp my hand," Gimli said.
Legolas did and for a long time they were motionless, letting their blood mingle. Finally Gimli spoke again. "It is done, we will forever wear these scars as proof of our oath. No longer fear for your back in battle for we shall shield each other. You are now a dwarf and will be welcome at any dwarven clan, my brother," he said.
They let go and Legolas was shocked to find the wound was gone all ready, leaving a scar behind, just as Gimli had said.
"Now the next order of business then you should rest like Lilith said," Gimli said. He pulled out a cloth wrapped bundle and tossed it to Legolas. "A gift, you needed a properly made one," he said. He left before Legolas opened the package.
Legolas stared at the mithril circlet a long time. It was a princely gift and rarely to Dwarves make anything out of mithril for non-dwarves. It was as much an honor as the blood sharing had been. Legolas laid back, but didn't go to sleep. He had a lot to think about…..
See? Mushy, just like I said--but it adds a lot to Gimli and Legolas' friendship don't you think? R/R please!!!