Disclaimer: All the members and settings of this fanfiction story belong solely to author J.R.R. Tolkien and family. I do not attempt to steal any settings or characters from this world renowned author.
Summary: Did Gimli and Aragorn know Legolas before the Lord of the Rings trilogy?
Author's Notes: Yes, I know, this idea has been overused, but I think that this may surprise some. Please no flames; it is my first fanfiction story, but constructive criticism is gladly accepted. I will willingly welcome any attempts to make my stories better.
Spoilers: The Hobbit and possibly that Dwarves and Elves have uneasy relationships, but that surely isn't the defining circumstance in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Quick Notes: Common Tongue is in ("..."), Elvish is in ("italics") and thoughts are in Italics.
Chapter One
Legolas trotted down the stone path to Rivendell, wearing his forest green tunic. The Lady Arwen stood outside the doors to the main hall, her hair flowing in the light breeze, her lilac dress rippling with every gust. It was five years before the Fellowship of the Ring would bind and embark on the adventure that would hold the fortunes of all. As the elf approached Rivendell, Arwen regarded him with a smile. He stopped before reaching her, looking quite serious. Then, unable to contain his happiness, he held out his arms, of which she ran into and embraced in a warm hug. He did not mind that it was an informal greeting, for he had not seen the Lady Arwen in many months and missed her enchanting smile. They both returned to their ostentatious manner and entered the halls of Rivendell.
"I am glad to see you again, my lady. You grow more beautiful each time I meet you."
Arwen blushed, turning her head away to hide her timid appearance.
"Your words speak finer of me than I shall ever understand, Legolas."
"But you are worthy of my praise. Tell me, is your heart to another?"
Arwen did not have to answer; her face gave explanation enough, beaming with poorly hidden pride.
"I am glad for you, Lady Arwen. There is a lucky Elf in this world."
Legolas did not see the pained look on Arwen's face.
"How do you fare?" Arwen asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Your heart. Is it still troubled?"
"Not as it was."
"You do not need to lie to me."
"I am not lying. Trust me, I am well."
"Do you think I cannot read your eyes. The grief from the death of a sibling does not simply vanish."
Legolas stopped walking, and as if Arwen had expected it, she halted.
"I did not come for you to solace my grieving heart."
"You do not express feelings as others do, Legolas. If you do not let those feelings out, you will destroy yourself. Do you not know this?"
"I know very well my feelings, and do not have to be supervised."
"Legolas...."
"I thought coming here would put me at rest. All it has done is made me more distressed."
Legolas began walking again down an adjacent hallway. He left Arwen standing somberly watching him walk away.
Why doesn't she trust me? I told her I am fine, so I am fine. He angrily gritted his teeth.
Without noticing, the twin sons of Elrond had approached him.
"What, no greeting for your friends?" Elladan smiled as Legolas snapped out of his bitter condition.
"Elladan, Elrohir! How great it is to see you!" Legolas shook each of their hands. Elladan gladly accepted his hand, while Elrohir, to Legolas's surprise, pulled Legolas into a tight hug. He let him go after a few seconds, with a broad smile on his face.
"How long has it been, Legolas? 30 years?" Elrohir asked.
"At least. It seems longer without your company."
"Come, Legolas. My father is expecting you." Elladan said, starting off down the hallway. Legolas and Elrohir followed suit.
"How is Mirkwood?"
"Not well I fear, Elrohir. The darkness that accompanies its name still endures strongly."
"I am confident that you shall prevail. Wargs, spiders, and even dragons cannot overcome the immense powers of Mirkwood."
They reached a large staircase and began ascending the winding stairs.
"But we may need help, Elladan."
"That is what father wishes to speak with you about. He has come across someone who may be able to help you." Elladan explained.
"Who?"
Elrohir and Elladan stopped on their step and exchanged inquisitive glances.
"Perhaps you should hear from father." Elrohir finished, much to Elladan's delight.
They turned into the hallway leading to the library, where Elrond would most certainly be waiting for them.
"At least tell me his name."
"I won't tell you his name, Legolas, but I will tell you that he is a man."
"Man, Elladan? How can a man help Mirkwood? Men are weak."
"Not this one. He's a Ranger."
"And he won't be alone."
"Elrohir! You imbecile."
"What? Who else is coming?"
Silence followed as Elladan and Elrohir pretended to not hear Legolas's question.
"You should hear this as well from father."
Legolas's patience was growing thin. What possibly could Elladan and Elrohir be hiding from him? Fortunately, they had reached the door to the library, where Lord Elrond spent most of his days.
The door was already open, revealing Lord Elrond facing them and two shadowed figures sitting in armchairs towards the large window, overlooking the numerous gardens of Rivendell. Lord Elrond looked up and smiled gently at them.
"Legolas. Welcome. I would like you to meet Aragorn, son of Arathorn "
Legolas, though surprised, paced over to the chair and bowed to the heir of the throne of Gondor. He had never met him before, but from the appearance of the man, Legolas could see wisdom not commonly known to men.
" and Gimli, son of Glóin."
Legolas held back a grimace. A dwarf. He despised dwarves. Now Legolas understood what Elladan and Elrohir were hiding. He bowed to the Dwarf, who followed awkwardly. When they stood to their full heights, Legolas could see the loathing in Gimli's eyes. Legolas knew well of the name Glóin and of Bilbo's adventures with the league of dwarves. King Thranduil had taken Bilbo, Glóin, and the others captive during their journeys. Gimli, like his father, held a grudge with the Mirkwood elves, more than that of their despise of all elves.
Elrond broke the silent feud of diverse impression.
"Now that you are acquainted, we have more prominent matters to discuss."
Legolas waited for everyone to sit down before taking his seat. Elladan and Elrohir closed the door behind them and, of course, pressed their ears up to it, listening intently.
Elrond began speaking, penitently.
"I fear that Mirkwood's hardship has transposed into a catastrophe. One race alone cannot defeat the evil that lurks there. Therefore, I have joined the races Dwarf, Man and Elf to overcome it."
Gimli scoffed.
"Do you not agree with me, Gimli, son of Glóin?"
"Do you expect me to trust a deceiving Elf as well as defending his land?"
"May I point out, Gimli, that I was not present when my father captured yours."
"Your kind are all the same "
"Gimli, Legolas, the only reason I have brought you together is because I fear for the fate of Mirkwood. If your land was at stake, Gimli, I am sure you would feel differently."
Gimli had naught to say to this comment, shifting back into his chair uncomfortably.
Elrond continued. "And it is not only Mirkwood's fate that I worry about. We are only miles away, crossing the Misty Mountains, and Lothlórien is few miles from Southern Mirkwood. We could easily be overrun by the impurities of the land."
"I could defeat those beasts alone. I don't know why Mirkwood has taken so long."
"Gimli, when you are surrounded by one hundred hungry spiders, I'm sure you will think otherwise " Gimli spurned the idea before Legolas finished the sentence.
"Ha. That will be the day."
"Legolas, Gimli! This fighting is folly. In order to save Middle Earth, you must learn to accept each other. Will you risk the lives of millions because of a mere disagreement that both of you were not even present to witness?" Elrond's presumption made the Elf and Dwarf reconsider their antipathy.
"You will learn to exist in each other's presence without controversy. I suggest you all get some rest. Tomorrow's circumstances will be quite intemperate."
With Elrond's final words, they all departed, returning to their guest rooms. Legolas spent so much time in Rivendell that his room was practically his own. As he sat in bed, he looked at the ceiling.
"This will be a long night....."
Summary: Did Gimli and Aragorn know Legolas before the Lord of the Rings trilogy?
Author's Notes: Yes, I know, this idea has been overused, but I think that this may surprise some. Please no flames; it is my first fanfiction story, but constructive criticism is gladly accepted. I will willingly welcome any attempts to make my stories better.
Spoilers: The Hobbit and possibly that Dwarves and Elves have uneasy relationships, but that surely isn't the defining circumstance in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Quick Notes: Common Tongue is in ("..."), Elvish is in ("italics") and thoughts are in Italics.
Chapter One
Legolas trotted down the stone path to Rivendell, wearing his forest green tunic. The Lady Arwen stood outside the doors to the main hall, her hair flowing in the light breeze, her lilac dress rippling with every gust. It was five years before the Fellowship of the Ring would bind and embark on the adventure that would hold the fortunes of all. As the elf approached Rivendell, Arwen regarded him with a smile. He stopped before reaching her, looking quite serious. Then, unable to contain his happiness, he held out his arms, of which she ran into and embraced in a warm hug. He did not mind that it was an informal greeting, for he had not seen the Lady Arwen in many months and missed her enchanting smile. They both returned to their ostentatious manner and entered the halls of Rivendell.
"I am glad to see you again, my lady. You grow more beautiful each time I meet you."
Arwen blushed, turning her head away to hide her timid appearance.
"Your words speak finer of me than I shall ever understand, Legolas."
"But you are worthy of my praise. Tell me, is your heart to another?"
Arwen did not have to answer; her face gave explanation enough, beaming with poorly hidden pride.
"I am glad for you, Lady Arwen. There is a lucky Elf in this world."
Legolas did not see the pained look on Arwen's face.
"How do you fare?" Arwen asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Your heart. Is it still troubled?"
"Not as it was."
"You do not need to lie to me."
"I am not lying. Trust me, I am well."
"Do you think I cannot read your eyes. The grief from the death of a sibling does not simply vanish."
Legolas stopped walking, and as if Arwen had expected it, she halted.
"I did not come for you to solace my grieving heart."
"You do not express feelings as others do, Legolas. If you do not let those feelings out, you will destroy yourself. Do you not know this?"
"I know very well my feelings, and do not have to be supervised."
"Legolas...."
"I thought coming here would put me at rest. All it has done is made me more distressed."
Legolas began walking again down an adjacent hallway. He left Arwen standing somberly watching him walk away.
Why doesn't she trust me? I told her I am fine, so I am fine. He angrily gritted his teeth.
Without noticing, the twin sons of Elrond had approached him.
"What, no greeting for your friends?" Elladan smiled as Legolas snapped out of his bitter condition.
"Elladan, Elrohir! How great it is to see you!" Legolas shook each of their hands. Elladan gladly accepted his hand, while Elrohir, to Legolas's surprise, pulled Legolas into a tight hug. He let him go after a few seconds, with a broad smile on his face.
"How long has it been, Legolas? 30 years?" Elrohir asked.
"At least. It seems longer without your company."
"Come, Legolas. My father is expecting you." Elladan said, starting off down the hallway. Legolas and Elrohir followed suit.
"How is Mirkwood?"
"Not well I fear, Elrohir. The darkness that accompanies its name still endures strongly."
"I am confident that you shall prevail. Wargs, spiders, and even dragons cannot overcome the immense powers of Mirkwood."
They reached a large staircase and began ascending the winding stairs.
"But we may need help, Elladan."
"That is what father wishes to speak with you about. He has come across someone who may be able to help you." Elladan explained.
"Who?"
Elrohir and Elladan stopped on their step and exchanged inquisitive glances.
"Perhaps you should hear from father." Elrohir finished, much to Elladan's delight.
They turned into the hallway leading to the library, where Elrond would most certainly be waiting for them.
"At least tell me his name."
"I won't tell you his name, Legolas, but I will tell you that he is a man."
"Man, Elladan? How can a man help Mirkwood? Men are weak."
"Not this one. He's a Ranger."
"And he won't be alone."
"Elrohir! You imbecile."
"What? Who else is coming?"
Silence followed as Elladan and Elrohir pretended to not hear Legolas's question.
"You should hear this as well from father."
Legolas's patience was growing thin. What possibly could Elladan and Elrohir be hiding from him? Fortunately, they had reached the door to the library, where Lord Elrond spent most of his days.
The door was already open, revealing Lord Elrond facing them and two shadowed figures sitting in armchairs towards the large window, overlooking the numerous gardens of Rivendell. Lord Elrond looked up and smiled gently at them.
"Legolas. Welcome. I would like you to meet Aragorn, son of Arathorn "
Legolas, though surprised, paced over to the chair and bowed to the heir of the throne of Gondor. He had never met him before, but from the appearance of the man, Legolas could see wisdom not commonly known to men.
" and Gimli, son of Glóin."
Legolas held back a grimace. A dwarf. He despised dwarves. Now Legolas understood what Elladan and Elrohir were hiding. He bowed to the Dwarf, who followed awkwardly. When they stood to their full heights, Legolas could see the loathing in Gimli's eyes. Legolas knew well of the name Glóin and of Bilbo's adventures with the league of dwarves. King Thranduil had taken Bilbo, Glóin, and the others captive during their journeys. Gimli, like his father, held a grudge with the Mirkwood elves, more than that of their despise of all elves.
Elrond broke the silent feud of diverse impression.
"Now that you are acquainted, we have more prominent matters to discuss."
Legolas waited for everyone to sit down before taking his seat. Elladan and Elrohir closed the door behind them and, of course, pressed their ears up to it, listening intently.
Elrond began speaking, penitently.
"I fear that Mirkwood's hardship has transposed into a catastrophe. One race alone cannot defeat the evil that lurks there. Therefore, I have joined the races Dwarf, Man and Elf to overcome it."
Gimli scoffed.
"Do you not agree with me, Gimli, son of Glóin?"
"Do you expect me to trust a deceiving Elf as well as defending his land?"
"May I point out, Gimli, that I was not present when my father captured yours."
"Your kind are all the same "
"Gimli, Legolas, the only reason I have brought you together is because I fear for the fate of Mirkwood. If your land was at stake, Gimli, I am sure you would feel differently."
Gimli had naught to say to this comment, shifting back into his chair uncomfortably.
Elrond continued. "And it is not only Mirkwood's fate that I worry about. We are only miles away, crossing the Misty Mountains, and Lothlórien is few miles from Southern Mirkwood. We could easily be overrun by the impurities of the land."
"I could defeat those beasts alone. I don't know why Mirkwood has taken so long."
"Gimli, when you are surrounded by one hundred hungry spiders, I'm sure you will think otherwise " Gimli spurned the idea before Legolas finished the sentence.
"Ha. That will be the day."
"Legolas, Gimli! This fighting is folly. In order to save Middle Earth, you must learn to accept each other. Will you risk the lives of millions because of a mere disagreement that both of you were not even present to witness?" Elrond's presumption made the Elf and Dwarf reconsider their antipathy.
"You will learn to exist in each other's presence without controversy. I suggest you all get some rest. Tomorrow's circumstances will be quite intemperate."
With Elrond's final words, they all departed, returning to their guest rooms. Legolas spent so much time in Rivendell that his room was practically his own. As he sat in bed, he looked at the ceiling.
"This will be a long night....."