Disclaimer: I do not own Legolas, Gimli, or any other recognizable characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. I merely wish to play with them a bit and put them back in (more or less) one piece:) I'm not making any money off this.

(*) indicates thought

A red glow reflected in Legolas' eyes as the fire grew small. The sounds of night were about him as he brooded. Gimli and Gaila had talked without pausing for breath since Gaila had struck a truce with him. They had spoken long into the night of their home, father, and all that had happened since they had parted. Finally they had fallen to sleep and Legolas was left with his thoughts.

*They have not seen each other for many months and these have been dangerous times. They are entitled to a reunion. Gimli is merely eager to know of his family and home. I am not unwanted.* Legolas shook his head with disgust. *I should stop sulking like a reprimand elfling...*

"What troubles you, Legolas?" The elf steeled himself to raise his eyes reluctantly to meet Gimli's gaze. He had heard the dwarf approach, but he was wrapped in his thoughts and he knew not what to say.

"You must be seeing things, Gimli. Nothing troubles me, I know not of what you speak." Gimli snorted and sat down beside Legolas.

"I may not have the eyes of an elf, but I am not as foolish as an elf either." Gimli smiled at the withering look Legolas gave him. "Something weighs on your heart. Would you keep it from me?" Legolas sighed deeply.

"No, my friend. I would not keep anything from you. It is just that I fear Gaila came to take you back to your home. That we would not travel together to Fangorn and to the Glittering Caves." Legolas lowered his eyes and poked at the fire. Gimli said nothing. The night sung about them and Legolas braced himself. Prepared to hear things he did not wish to. He tensed ever so slightly as Gimli finally spoke.

"Legolas, I have not forgotten our words and we will see them done. Gaila came not to call me away, but merely to find that I lived. When the messengers were sent out to inform the peoples of our victories against Sauron, no word was sent to my father that I lived. My family feared for me and so my foolish, hard-headed sister came to find me." Gimli smiled at the sleeping form in the shadows. "Even so, do you truly believe anyone could call me from what I wish to do?" Legolas raised his eyes to meet Gimli's smile and suddenly felt foolish for doubting his friend.

"No." Legolas allowed his relief to break across his face in a broad grin. "No, I do not see anyone convincing you to do other than you would."

"Good, it seems I have managed to teach you a thing or two, despite your elvish tendency to be flighty."

"The stubborn necks of dwarves and you think it is I who is difficult to teach?"

"Yes, Master Elf, that is what I think," rumbled Gimli, but his eyes twinkled. He decided to end the jabbing they both knew could last all night. "You will take watch?"

"Indeed, Master Dwarf, if you trust this flighty elf to maintain the concentration to do it," Legolas could not help remarking. Gimli snorted, which sounded suspiciously like strangled laughter to Legolas' ears.

"Just keep your singing to the stars down, will you?" With that, Gimli moved beside his sister for the remainder of the night, his axe near his hand. Legolas stirred the fire once more with a smile and settled against a log to listen to the conclusion of night and the prelude of dawn.

Morning was full when Gaila sat up with a start and looked at Legolas for a full moment before recognition flashed in her eyes and her hands loosened on her axe. *Gimli's word she has, and still she does not trust me.*

"Good Morning, Daughter of Gloin. I trust the night was kind to you."

"Restful, thank you," said Gaila. Her tone was not unfriendly. As Legolas spied Gimli moving, he decided to attempt to set Gaila more at ease, to bridge the gap that lay between them.

"Though I cannot understand how you found rest, with that snoring mountain beside you."

"I heard that, Legolas," muttered Gimli, sitting up. "Again, you were not paying attention. I do not snore." Legolas was about to retort when he was stopped by Gaila's laughter.

"Oh, but Brother, you do snore. One day I feel you will rival even Father." Legolas could not help but chuckle at the stunned look Gimli's face as he sputtered in indignation.

"Well, there it is, Gimli. I would not dare go against the word of your sister."

"Marvelous. Were it not bad enough the two of you mocking me alone," muttered Gimli, getting to his feet. "But now you have forged a partnership in tormenting me." Gaila threw back her head in a full, deep laugh. When she caught Legolas' gaze, there was no longer reservation there.

"Aye," she murmured, eyes dancing. "A formidable partnership I feel it will be."

The day remained uneventful as the three continued on to the great mountain halls of Gimli's people. The hours were spent in sharing of stories and laughter between Gimli and Gaila, Legolas and Gimli, even some between Gaila and Legolas. Evening found the travelers near a stream. While Gimli went off in search of dinner, reminding Legolas of his failure the day before, Legolas and Gaila set about making camp. Legolas turned from his newly built fire to see Gaila submerge her head in the steam and smiled as she flung it back, sending water in a huge arc above her. He went and sat beside her as she began to comb through her massive amounts of golden red hair.

"What do you do, Gaila?" She looked at him quizzically.

"Do?"

"Gimli has said that while all dwarves are skilled at all forms of stone work and metallurgy, they often have a...special talent. Something they excel at. I merely wondered what yours was. If you do not wish to tell me, I will take no offense."

"Nay, I do not mind," said Gaila, after the briefest pause. She set down her comb and picked up her axe. She handed it to Legolas, haft first. "Beautiful, is it not?"

"Indeed," murmured Legolas, turning the weapon over in his hands. The axe was smaller than Gimli's, but of the same two-sided style. The balance was perfect, the edges sharp, and the handle strong. What truly set his axe apart were the etchings. Intricate, interlacing designs covered every face of the blade. Strong, solid patterns that still held a delicate touch. Dwarvish runes circled the handle. "I have never seen an axe of its equal, not even Gimli's." Legolas handed the ace back to Gaila. She set it in her lap lovingly, lightly tracing the etchings with a finger.

"Gimli make this axe. The finest he has ever forged, and he has forged many. Weapons are his gift. Strong, practical, dangerous, all the things he is," said Gaila with a smile. "I did the engravings. Carving and etching are what I appear to do well."

"Appear? Mistress Dwarf, there is very little doubt with this axe before me."

"I thank you for your kind words, Legolas. Gimli says the elves too, create very beautiful things. I value your opinion," responded Gaila. She regarded her axe again, then pointed to the runes on the handle. "My father carved these. A blessing in battle. This not merely a weapon; it is a bringing together of many talents. It is an embodiment of my family."

"It is truly magnificent, Gaila. I thank you for sharing it with me," said Legolas. Gaila dipped her had briskly, as if suddenly embarrassed, and picked up her comb again.

"Never fear to ask me anything, I will tell you with the plain honesty of a dwarf." She deftly pulled her hair into a thick braid, flipped it over her shoulder, and smiled at Legolas. "Or with that same honesty I will inform you of how it is none of your concern."

"Of that, I have no doubt," laughed Legolas.

"That sight," called Gimli, stepping from the trees, catch in hand, "fills my heart with dread. The two of you laughing together can not bode well for me."

"Live in fear, Brother," said Gaila with a smile. "Live in fear."