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
It was late evening the next day before Legolas found time to check Gaila's progress with the gate. He had been overseeing the final work on the gardens all over the city. He had just finished taking Aragorn and Arwen on a brief viewing of the accomplishments and they seemed most pleased. Legolas then made his way toward the gate site. What he saw caused him to miss a step. Mighty gates of gleaming steel and mithril rose majestically into the twilight sky. The size was astounding, even to an elf that had seen many things.
"Shut your mouth Legolas, before your tongue falls out." Legolas glanced at Gimli as the dwarf stepped beside him. "Impressive, eh?" Legolas nodded wordlessly. "Speechless Master Elf? As you should be. This is indeed fine work." Gimli grinned. "If you are this awed, I fear a view of the front may be too much for you." Legolas realized he still stood on the inside of the wall. The carvings and inscriptions would be on the outer face of the gates.
"I believe I can handle the strain, Gimli, but you are not mistaken. I am impressed."
"Did you doubt the skill of the dwarves?"
"Nay, but plans on parchment do little to convey the grandeur of the finished product." Legolas smiled as Gimli's chest puffed a bit at the compliment.
"Grand, it is that. Not finished though. Not yet." Gimli led Legolas to the gate and banged on it loudly with a solid fist.
"What?" came the short, angry sounding reply. Gaila did not sound as if the steel and mithril were shaping to her way of thinking.
"Sister, night falls and it is time to stop. Let us open the gate and give Legolas a viewing." Legolas could hear her loud exhalation and a muttered 'Very well.' After much shouting of orders and sounds of movement, the gates began to swing open soundlessly.
Gimli and Legolas walked through, greeted by ladders and work tables, spread with tools. Collapsible scaffolds sat piled nearby.
"How do you fare, Gaila?" asked Gimli, taking a hammer and chisel from the dwarven maid's hands and placed them on one of the tables. Gaila blew a wisp of hair from her face.
"Not terribly, but I did wish to be further along." Gimli snorted.
"Did you now? And perhaps you believe Khazad-dum was built in a week!" Gimli shook his head and fondly tugged at Gaila's braid. "You give yourself and your contingent too little credit."
"I should say so," murmured Legolas. The gates had been closed again, so they stood as a whole, if incomplete, work.
"You approve, Legolas?" asked Gaila, coming to stand next to the elf.
"I should say so," repeated Legolas. He was aware he must look dumbstruck, but could not seem to help it.
Centered in the gate was the White Tree, wrought of mithril and set into the steel. Above the tree's spreading branches were seven stars, arching over a crown, also of set mithril. Around the edges of the gates, on all sides, was detailed and intricate weaving pattern carved into the metal. The strong lines crossed on each other in such a way that there was no beginning and no end.
"Indeed," said Gaila and Legolas realized he had made the observation aloud. "This marks a new beginning for Gondor. It is not the beginning, but it is a beginning. May it never see an end, though it will see many endings. Such is the way of all things." Legolas turned and studied the dwarf beside him. Younger than Gimli, a fraction of his own age, but Gaila had wisdom. The elf felt a new respect for the sister of his dearest friend.
"It is beautiful Gaila, it truly is. I have seen many beautiful things, great and impressive things, but those were left from an age long past. This is something I have seen from its birth. I believe that is why it transfixes me so. I can say for all the ages, I witnessed the rise of the Gates of Gondor."
"Oh, so it is a sense of history that strikes you? Nothing to do with the splendor of
these gates? Is that what you aim at, Elf!" Legolas nearly began sputtering explanations, but he saw the upturn of the corner of Gaila's mouth and the way her eyes sparkled with merriment. "The hour grows late, and much remains to be done. I shall retire now." Gaila strode away, braid swinging, before Legolas could say a thing. Gimli chuckled and took Gaila's place at Legolas' side.
"For all your talk of elven senses, you surely blunder into Gaila's traps as though you were blind, deaf, and dumb."
"And you do not, Gimli? I have had but weeks to learn to watch for her snares. You, however, have had a lifetime to learn. Yet you stumble as often as I." Instead of arguing, as Legolas expected, Gimli merely shook his head and smiled.
"A clever one, my sister." Gimli walked to help his kinsmen with the cleaning of the construction site. "As crafty as any female of any race there ever was. I believe you would do well to keep that in mind, my friend." Legolas could find no way to argue.
Aragorn stood before the Gates of Minas Tirith with a rare smile. *Magnificent, the dwarves have done their work well.* The Gates had been finished that morning and he had been informed he could come and make his inspection. He had not been to see the work in progress, but he had heard the city buzz. The rumors had not been misleading, the Gates were amazing.
The huge Gates towered over him. They were thicker and more solid than any the former Ranger had ever seen. *Any army would think twice, if not thrice, before attempting to come through these* While their strength was undeniable, the Gates were not without beauty. The White Tree, wrought of mithril and shining like the moon, spread over the Gates. Framing the stars, crown, and tree was an interlocking carving of knotwork, bordering on all sides. Gaila had explained its significance to him and he heartily approved. Etchings arched just over the stars in three languages: Elvish, Dwarvish, and Common.
Aragorn had heard some grumbling that three languages was too many, but he endorsed Gaila's idea to include all who may come here. The inscription itself, Gaila had carefully chosen on her own:
The Tree that was withered shall be renewed,
and he shall plant it in the high places,
and the City shall be blessed.
*And the City shall be blessed. Valar, may it be so.* prayed Aragorn fervently.
"Well, Aragorn? What say you?" Aragorn turned to the dwarf at his side.
"Magnificent, Gimli. Never have I seen its rival. Your people have done an astounding job. I am most thankful to you for making this possible, my friend."
"An honor to help a friend, Aragorn." Gimli smiled, hand on his belt. "I am certain one day you shall find a way to help me in return."
"I have no doubt, Master Dwarf. It is inevitable I shall have to get you out of trouble one day." Aragorn glanced over Gimli's head and smiled again. "And more than likely Legolas as well, given your...partnership in calamities."
"The only reason I would need assistance," muttered Legolas upon reaching Aragorn and Gimli, "is due to something this stubborn dwarf has gotten us into."
"Oh-ho, and I am sure you are perfectly innocent at all times, Master Elf?"
"Of course," murmured Legolas, humbly dipping his head. "And I feel I must do my part to help the less fortunate."
"Enough!" laughed Aragorn, waving his hands. "We all know this could go on forever, no need to demonstrate that fact. Preparations must be made for the feast tonight. All of Minas Tirith will be celebrating and much remains to be done. If you have nothing else to occupy your time, might I suggest you assist me? Unless, of course, you would rather stay here and warm the city with your hot air?" Aragorn turned on his heel walked into the city. He swallowed a smile as heard them begin to follow wordlessly.
*Aragorn certainly can throw a party,* thought Legolas, watching the gaiety around him. The celebration when Aragorn and Arwen were married had been more impressive, but this was quite a festivity. *The Gates are a last sign of the healing of Middle Earth and Gondor. There is every reason to be happy.* The elf smiled to himself. *Aragorn is going to earn quite the reputation at this rate.*
The people of Minas Tirith mixed with the company of elves and dwarves, all wearing their best. A group of musicians sat in the corner of the Great Hall, playing cheerful tunes that sent all to dancing. Tables of food were against one wall, but smaller tables full of talking and laughing peoples were scattered about. A group of young maidens walked by, tossing not-so-shy smiles Legolas' way. Legolas returned their smiles, but looked for a route of escape. He stood and made his way to the dance floor. A few dwarves had momentarily commandeered the musical instruments and were in the midst of a rollicking tune Legolas did not recognize. It was fast and light, but had a beat as solid as the earth itself. One could not help but tap a toe, if not join in the dance altogether. The floor was packed with elves,
dwarves, and the people of Th. city alike, but Legolas could not miss Gaila and Gimli. Hand in hand, the siblings whirled around the floor in a step that was nothing Legolas expected of dwarves. Gaila's hair was free for once and her thick red-gold curls would fall past her waist, were it not flying as she danced and Gimli's face shone with pure merriment. They moved with an effortlessness that would surprise someone less familiar with dwarves. Legolas had seen the grace of dwarves in battle.
The dance came to an end, the partners bowing to one another. Gaila had but a moment before she was swept into another dwarf's arms and another dance began. Gimli came to stand next to Legolas, beaming from ear to ear.
"Ah Master Elf, I should have thought you up to your pointy ears in maidens by now."
"And I would have though you well into your cups, but you still seem quite spry. Not a dance I would expect to see of dwarves." Gimli puffed a bit and tugged his beard.
"Aye, it is a hobbit dance." Gimli cocked an eyebrow with a hint of challenge. "I do not see you displaying your elven grace, Legolas."
"I have not yet found a partner." Gimli snorted, eyeing the girls who were in return, eyeing Legolas.
"I find it hard to believe you can find no one to dance with."
"Mayhaps I wait for the right partner, Gimli."
"As you say." The two friends watched the whirling, laughing dancers for a few moments before Gimli spoke again. "Aragorn and Arwen seemed pleased with our additions to the City."
"Indeed, I believe our peoples exceeded their expectations. When do the dwarves plan on leaving?"
"In the morning, as soon as they can be away." Legolas nodded but said nothing. "When shall we accompany your elves home?"
"I believe they wish to remain in Minas Tirith for a few more days. Gimli," paused Legolas, looking down at his friend, "you do not have to come with me if you do not wish. I understand if you would rather see Gaila home."
"Nay my friend, you came with me, I shall go with you. Gaila is quite capable of getting home safely." Gimli smiled. "She would truss me up for suggesting otherwise." Legolas returned Gimli's smile, but could not help but notice a slight unease in his friend. The song had ended and Gaila walked up before the elf could comment.
"Legolas," said the dwarven maid, dipping her head slightly.
"Greetings, Gaila," answered Legolas, smiling at the she-dwarf. "You appear to be having an enjoyable time."
"Aye, I am." She took both the elf and dwarf in with an appraising look. "Why am I not surprised the both of you stand here as two stones?" Legolas and Gimli shared a glance.
"The spirit has yet to move me," murmured Legolas.
"Speaking of spirit," said Gimli, "I believe I shall go in search of some, if you will excuse me." The dwarf moved off in the direction of the barrels of wine and ale. The dwarven musicians were handing their borrowed instruments over to some elves who had decided to take a turn. A light, but slow tune began after a moment. Throughout the Hall, several elven voices began singing.
"Dance with me, Gaila?" Gaila gave Legolas an calculating look.
"Spirit poking you now, is it?"
"Indeed," laughed Legolas, holding out a hand. Gaila looked at his outstretched hand, for a moment before slipping her own into it. They joined the dancers on the floor, moving in large, slow circles. Legolas shortened his steps slightly, leading Gaila in the unfamiliar dance.
"A fine pair we make, Legolas," murmured Gaila after she had the simple steps of the elven dance down, moving like she had known them forever.
"I hear that more and more," said Legolas. "My lot, I suppose, for befriending dwarves."
"More than likely. You should accustom yourself to it, I should think. I do not see my brother tiring of you anytime soon."
"And you? Do you weary of me?" Gaila laughed as he unexpectedly spun her about.
"Yes, I weary of you," said Gaila, her sapphire eyes shining as she looked up at him. "But I believe I shall weary of you a while longer."
"At least until tomorrow," said Legolas with a smile. Gaila snorted softly.
"As if that will be the end of it. I know my brother and I know you and I know full well that I will be seeing much of you through the years."
"You should have such fortune." A quirked smile was her only response.
A/N: The inscriptions on the Gates comes directly from "The Return of the King".
"...out of the East there came a great Eagle flying, and he bore tidings beyond hope from the Lords of the West, crying:
Sing now, ye people of the Tower of Anor,
for the Realm of Sauron is ended forever,
and the Dark Tower is thrown down.
Sing and rejoice, ye people of the Tower of Guard,
for your watch hath not been in vain,
and the Black Gate is broken,
and your King hath passed through,
and he is victorious.
Sing and be glad, all ye children of the West,
for your King shall come again,
and he shall dwell among you
all the days of your life.
And the Tree that was withered shall be renewed,
and he shall plant it in the high places,
and the City shall be blessed.
Sing all ye people!"