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
Aragorn looked up from the many papers and scrolls strewn about his desk at the knock on his door. He sighed deeply and straightened his tunic before sitting back. *There is so much to do, I have not the time for these interruptions.*
"Come."
"Forgive me for troubling you, Sire," said the servant who opened the door, "but you wished to be informed when Masters Gimli and Legolas returned. Their party comes this way, even as I speak."
"Excellent," said Aragorn. "Sound the trumpets, welcome them back."
"Yes, my King." The servant bowed, shutting the door behind him. Aragorn felt the weight upon him lighten at the thought of his friends being near once again. The unlikely friendship between the elf and dwarf never failed to entertain, if not exasperate, him at times. More importantly, their friendship gave him hope. If an elf and a dwarf could overcome years of mistrust to become fast friends, there was hope for all divisions and rivalries.
Aragorn stood at the head of the group waiting for Legolas and Gimli's party when they arrived at what would be the site of the great gates of Minas Tirith. The newly arrived party consisted of many dwarves, carrying tools and leading pony-drawn carts filled with metals and equipment.
"Welcome, Master Gimli! I am glad to have your safe return."
"Well met, King Elessar. It is our honor to assist you," said Gimli, bowing low, keeping the meeting formal. "I present to you..." The introductions took very little time, Aragorn could already see the dwarves looking at the earth where the gates would stand, the walls about them. The king could sense their eagerness to begin. He bowed to and greeted each in turn. "And lastly, I present my sister, Gaila." Aragorn managed to hide his surprise as he bowed to the stocky female before him.
"Welcome, Daughter of Gloin. A pleasure to meet the sister of Gimli."
"Well met, King Elessar." Gaila bowed low, long braid swinging. Aragorn gazed at her a moment and then raised his voice.
"I and all of Gondor welcome you and thank you for sharing your fine craft with us. These men will show you to the quarters and forges that have been prepared for you."Aragorn stood back as the troupe made its way into the city.
"Welcome back, Legolas," said Aragorn to the elf who came to stand beside him. "I am certain you found the journey...interesting?"
"Again Aragorn, your powers of observation are astounding," murmured Legolas dryly, but then he smiled. "Never did I think I would travel with a company of dwarves. Interesting indeed."
"A sister?" asked Aragorn. "Did you know of this?"
"I did not," said Legolas, as the pair began to walk into the city. "I was assurprised as you, when she stepped from the forest..."
Later that evening, a great feast was held in honor of the dwarves. There was much eating and drinking, but the atmosphere was not like that of a party. The dwarves talked of the work to come, sharing ideas, arguing over approaches. Aragorn sat at the head of a long table, Queen Arwen at one side, Gimli and Legolas on the other. A few small drawings of possible plans for the Gates lay amongst plates and goblets.
"We have several plans already drawn up, Aragorn, but we want your council as well," said Gimli. "We are eager to begin."
"I see that, Gimli. I'm surprised that you have waited this long!" mused Aragorn. "You and your companions seem hardly able to contain yourselves." Gimli took a long drink from his cup and examined its contents before responding.
"This land and these walls are strong, Aragorn. Any dwarf could feel it, and they do. We are ready to see what more we can do with what is already before us. A challenge, and if done well, a triumph that will last for many ages."
"Very well then, we shall make final decisions tonight. You and your kinsman will be able to begin at first light, if you so wish," answered Aragorn, the corners of his mouth upturned ever so slightly. Gimli grinned and drained his cup.
"Oh, I am quite sure they will wish," laughed Legolas. "Stubborn necks of dwarves, they can think of little else, but hammering and lugging things about..." Legolas broke off as he ducked the piece of meat that flew towards his head.
"And you, Master Elf? Have you not been to the walls several times since we arrived, watching for your people? You cannot wait to play with some flowers, sing to some trees, and roll about in the dirt." Gimli caught the bite of bread hurled at him and popped it into his mouth.
"Peace! I had managed to forget how the two of you behave like children." Aragorn gave a long-suffering sigh, and patted his smiling wife's hand. "I will not have you throwing food about my royal dining room! When you both have suppressed your bickering, we shall go to my Council Chambers to finalize the Gate plans."
"Yes, Your Highness," intoned the elf and the dwarf, neither managing to look the least bit regretful. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli made their goodnights and along with two dwarven designers selected by Gimli, went off to discuss the plans for the coming days work.
Dawn found the dwarves heating their forges and preparing the gate site. Long work tables were constructed outside the smithies and at the wall of the city. Dwarves studied scrolls, pointing out things on the plans. A vision was being created and there was a subtle thrill in the brisk morning air. Legolas stepped around them all carefully, looking for Gimli. Most of the dwarves accepted him, but a few still glared at him from dark eyes. Legolas found Gimli finishing a conversation with a dwarf whose name Legolas could not recall. He turned as the elf walked up.
"Good morning, Legolas! Aye, a fine morning." Legolas smiled lightly at hisfriend.
"A fine morning it is, Elf-friend. Never have I seen you so cheerful so early." Gimli breathed deeply and surveyed the bustle around them.
"Work to be done, metal to be wrought, hammers to be swung. This is what a dwarf lives for." Gimli looked up at Legolas. "What of you? When do your people arrive to begin the replanting of Minas Tirith?"
"I look for them at any time. Perhaps when they arrive, I shall teach you a thing or
two about gardening!"
"Are you certain that is a wise idea, Legolas?" The two turned at the sound of Gaila's voice. The dwarven maid walked up, studying them both straight-faced. "I do not think Gimli should be entrusted with so delicate a task."
"I am inclined to agree with you, Daughter of Gloin, but I am willing to attempt this feat, however daunting."
"There would be many deaths, Master Elf," warned Gaila, perfectly serious. "A terrible sight I am sure, the field of battle where Gimli, Gloin's son, endeavors to grow something." The elf and the she-dwarf stood side by side and examined Gimli carefully, as if the fate of the world rested on his ability to garden. The moment was broken when a red-faced Gimli finally managed to shut his open mouth with audible snap. Legolas could no longer contain his smile and doubled over in bell-like laughter. Gaila had a broad smile across her face, as she awaited Gimli's response with a look of innocence. Gimli looked
from one to the other and back again. He shook his head in disgust.
"I shall never understand it. My closest friend and my very own sister, delighting in plaguing me so. Known each other for mere days and already behaving as if you have rehearsed these little attacks. I shall never understand it." Legolas smirked behind his hand and Gaila remained a picture of guilelessness. "Sister," said Gimli, putting weight on the word, "do you think it is possible for you to keep the elf out of trouble until he finds some flowers to play with or a tree to sing to? I cannot allow him to be underfoot."
"Of course, Brother. I shall keep the wandering elf out of your way," murmured Gaila with a deep bow, her smile showing in her voice. "I am sure I can find something to keep him occupied."