Chapter 2
"I am on my way to see Legolas, shall I show you to the settlement?" asked Gimli, after taking one last look around the glade and finding everything to his satisfaction. Thranduil considered explaining to the Dwarf that he knew exactly where to find his son, even though he had never been in these woods, but was saved from such an explanation when Gimli continued, "Although it is probably not necessary, for I recall Legolas telling me that Elves can easily sense their kin. I suppose he already knows you are here?"
"It is very likely," agreed Thranduil. "Even could he not feel my presence, he would surely have come across my travelling companions who were eager to reunite with their friends who now live here," he said with a hint of amusement in his voice. "It is this way, I believe," he added indicating a barely perceptible path through the trees.
Allowing the King to unerringly lead the way, Gimli followed in silence, his mind in confused turmoil. He knew that Glóin had never forgiven Thranduil for imprisoning him in his dungeons so many years ago, and out of loyalty to his father he had long felt an extreme dislike and distrust of the Elvenking. However, since he had come to know Legolas, that loyalty was now divided. In defence of his father, Legolas had offered the need for caution around strangers in those troubled days as a reason for his behaviour. Gimli also had been well aware that there had been spies of the Dark Lord everywhere, and accepted Legolas' contention that the Elvenking had only sought to protect his realm. Had Glóin survived the battle to defend Erebor, Gimli was not certain that he would not have readily accepted the fact that his son had befriended the son of his enemy. He wondered if Thranduil did, then decided it mattered little what either sire might have thought. The Elvenking was right; Gimli loved Legolas, as both his fellow warrior and his best friend.
As the Dwarf and the elder Elf walked the short distance to where the settlement was located, wondered how he could have confused the King for his son. True, they both had golden hair and it was obvious that Legolas' fair features were derived from Thranduil's exceedingly handsome countenance. They were of a similar height and build. The only difference Gimli could actually see was in their eyes. Although they were exactly the same hue, Thranduil's eyes were filled with a certain hardness and ageless wisdom whereas his son's shone with the light of one who was still filled with youthful wonder, tempered with just the barest hint of grief. However, once in the presence of the elder Elf, the difference between father and son was astonishing; Gimli was struck by the feeling of majesty and power that emanated from Thranduil the like of which he did not feel coming from Legolas. Well, they look the same from a distance, was the thought that Gimli consoled himself with, hoping that Legolas would not learn that he mistook the King for his son. It was a vain hope, he realised as soon as they walked into the clearing.
"I would have liked to see the look on Gimli's face when he realised who was really helping him," said Legolas who was sitting cross-legged on the grass with his back to the new arrivals. The others with him burst into laughter and Gimli sighed; he should have known there would be no keeping a secret from his friend.
"I do not believe I have ever seen such a look of astonishment before, at least since my encounter with Thorin and his friends," commented Thranduil with a devilish gleam in his eye. The sound of the King's voice startled everyone but Legolas. He had already felt Thranduil's approach and simply turned to face him, a brilliant smile of lighting his face and showing his pleasure at seeing his father again. He rose quickly to his feet and walked over to welcome his sire with an exuberant embrace that was returned with equal enthusiasm and love.
"Hello, Gimli, you are certainly in excellent, if not surprising, company today," Legolas teased, wondering just what else had transpired between his father and the Dwarf. That they both seemed to be tolerating each other was a good sign, he hoped, knowing full well his father's opinion of Dwarves. It was the main reason he had not yet introduced them, and he admitted to feeling a little relieved that they had now met, however unexpectedly.
"I see you have met my friend, Gimli, and in as good a humour as ever," he said in a not very private aside to Thranduil.
"Humph," snorted the Dwarf, as he watched the display of father and son affection. "I hardly expected to find a stray member of your family wandering about in the forest." Legolas laughed merrily and placed his arm around his friend's shoulder and winked at his father over the Dwarf's head.
For his part, the King of Eryn Lasgalen was still not entirely comfortable with his son's choice of friends. First Legolas and Aragorn had become close, despite having been brought up to be wary of trusting men, especially one with Aragorn's heritage. Over the years the Ranger had proven himself loyal and trustworthy and Thranduil could not deny the brotherly affection and comradeship that had developed between the two. He had grown to respect the young soon-to-be king. But the Dwarf! There was such a long history of animosity and unforgivable incidents between Elves and Dwarves in general over the past centuries, not to mention the more recent personal war between himself and Thorin, that Thranduil could not see how any bond of friendship had been possible. Apparently it was, for he saw nothing but genuine love and a deep friendship for the Dwarf in Legolas' eyes, and his heart. He could not, in clear conscience condone it, but for his son's sake, he would not forbid it. Nor would he speak of it just yet.
"You have certainly chosen a beautiful part of the forest to settle, Legolas," said Thranduil as he cast his eyes over the clearing and into the trees. Inclining his head to the well-hidden platforms above, he added, "I see you favour talans for your accommodation."
"Yes, it is wonderful to be able to live safely in the trees and under the stars once more now that the darkness has lifted. Come, I will show you mine," he said taking his father by the arm, his enthusiasm eliciting a smile as memories of his son as an elfling flashed through Thranduil's mind. "You are welcome to come too, Gimli," he added.
"As much as I would like to, I fear I must return to Minas Tirith for now, there are still several projects needing my attention. I will see you at the banquet," he said as he made to take his leave. Turning to speak to Thranduil, he bowed respectfully and said, "I am pleased to have finally made your acquaintance, King Thranduil, but for now I bid you farewell." In a few moments the Dwarf had disappeared into the forest, leaving father and son alone.
"It is a strange position I find myself in," mused Thranduil as he easily climbed the rope ladder to Legolas' home, smiling as he noticed the sturdy wooden ladder that was obviously for Gimli's use.
"What do you mean, Adar?" asked Legolas curiously as he silently offered Thranduil a chair and a glass of wine, almost choking on his own with his surprise at his father's next words.
"I believe I might be actually learning to like your friend Gimli!"