Author's Note: Back again! The wait wasn't so bad this time I don't think.
As always, I love you for all the kind reviews, did I ever mention how
they really help a writer with the speed of their writing? Special shout-
out to Kelsey, girl I don't know how you come up with all those theories.
They even boggle my mind, and I try to make it a point to have twisty plots
that nobody can figure out until the end, lol. If you're not writing
fanficiton, you should be, those ideas are great. But I'll shut-up now and
let ya'll read, and by the way I still make no money from this and am not
Tolkien.
Chapter 8
Legolas was hardly comforted by the fact that the dwarves were proclaiming that he was to receive the 'best' room, but he just once again swallowed any pride and anger he might have and held his head high as he followed his two stocky guards out of the room and back out into the dank halls. Legolas still was not entirely sure of Gloin's intentions, but he supposed he would be safe enough as long as the old dwarf continued with his false hospitality.
Legolas could not help but notice that the dwarves were leading him away from the main chasm, deeper down into the mountain. Of course, a dwarf's best room would be considered an elf's nightmare. But he would not quail in front of them, and especially not Gloin or Thror. Though Legolas had had little interaction with Thror, he already had the distinct feeling that he was an individual who would not necessarily suffer at seeing Legolas suffer.
No, Legolas would be cool and collected and let the dwarves play through whatever ploy they were thinking of. When Gimli finally regained his memory, and that was a certainty in the elf's mind, he would not allow himself to think otherwise, both he and Legolas would leave this place immediately. They would go back to where things made sense and unimportant grudges were easily cast aside.
Just when Legolas began to think that maybe the dwarves would have to start tunneling some more to go any further, the two in front of him stopped.
"In there," one of them said.
Legolas looked at the stone door with distaste. He eyed their coordinates and imagined that they had to be at least halfway into the mountain and much deeper than any chasm he had yet to be in. The air was thick and stale and the few torches that lit the wide hallway flickered as though they were fighting just to make the most out of what oxygen was available.
The other dwarf pulled open the heavy door and Legolas winced as his delicate ears were assailed with the harshness of rock grating upon rock.
The dwarf grinned at the elf's reaction. "Not what an elven prince is used to?"
Legolas smoothed out his expression. "If it is indeed the best of what you have to offer, than it is more than enough for my needs."
The dwarves seemed puzzled at Legolas' words and glanced at each other before stepping back and gesturing for Legolas to enter. Legolas walked forward.
One of the dwarves followed him with a torch and stepped ahead to light one that was held on the far wall. Legolas imagined that his room would be as poorly lit as the hall, but a sudden flash caused him to squint before taking in what was being revealed.
There was only one torch in the room, that much was true, but arranged around it and then throughout the room were several polished stones and crystals creating a series of mirrors that reflected and lit the entire room quite brightly. The walls themselves glittered with small flecks of crystal and Legolas was briefly reminded of the grand glittering caves that Gimli had dragged him into.
Legolas felt his spirits lift for the first time in three days. Perhaps the dwarves were not meaning to make this stay as unpleasant as possible for him, at least maybe for Gimli's sake.
"There is water in the basin on the far side, it is fresh enough as it refills itself from a spring. We will bring you food shortly," the dwarf who had lit the torch said.
Legolas turned towards him, the surprise in his eyes barely concealed. "Thank you," he said.
The dwarf frowned and then hesitated, obviously deciding whether he was required to bow or something before exiting the room. He finally gave in and nodded his head once before quickly exiting the room, joining the other dwarf on the outside and closing the door behind them.
Legolas turned slowly in the carved-out room, taking in his new surroundings. The ceiling was a bit low for his tastes, but the room was a lot bigger than he had expected, especially with it being so deep within the mountain. Maybe dwarves really did keep their best rooms far away from the rest of the activity in the mountain; maybe they did not want respected guests to be bothered by the boisterous activities of the dwarves.
The reasoning did not for one second fool Legolas into thinking he was an actual honored guest. He knew this was still all a part of whatever facade Gloin was building, no doubt if only to constantly remind Legolas of the harsh treatment he had received at the hands of Legolas' own father.
Legolas took in the rest of the room. It was furnished, in stone of course, including the large bed that stood in the middle. But when Legolas went over to the bed to test it, he found it surprisingly soft. The dwarves had piled the stone framework high with blankets and feather-filled downs. They may like stone, but they liked their own comfort as well.
Legolas walked over to the basin and knelt down over it to inspect the natural spring that the dwarf had spoke of. He found that it was indeed fresh water held in a wide basin placed on the floor. The water on the surface bubbled lightly, being constantly filtered by a ground water line that the dwarves had tapped into.
Clever, Legolas thought to himself. Amazing that dwarves could have this much sophistication and still be so primitive.
Legolas straightened and winced when a twinge of pain went through his lower torso and licked around his side. Primitive indeed, he had momentarily forgotten the nice rebuke he had received from one of his guard's staffs when he had stepped forward to see to Gimli.
The dwarves were beginning to puzzle him more than ever before. He had never been in one area where there were so many concentrated. They threatened and struck him one moment, and then treated him to what truly was their best room the next. The only thing that Legolas imagined would make the room to his liking would be the addition of a few windows. Despite the large space and adequate lighting, the heavy air and closed in conditions made him uneasy. Legolas did not count fear as being a weakness of his, but he had never liked being in closed spaces. His only experience before this one had been in the Mines of Moria with the Fellowship, and that had hardly turned out to be a nice adventure through the dwarven caverns. He did not like knowing there was no clear escape route, that he could be easily trapped and cornered in a fight.
Briefly, Legolas touched his long knife that still hung on his belt. He was surprised that Gloin had not forced him to hand over his weapons. Legolas still had his bow as well, he had recovered it in Mirkwood after the fight with the spiders, but he remembered with despair that he was out of arrows. He had not had time to go back and try to collect them from the fallen spiders.
Legolas carefully pulled his bow off from where it hung slung across his chest and over his back and leaned it against a wall. He did not want to risk anything happening to it in this unpredictable place, plus he had no use for it right now anyway.
Legolas took a drink from the basin and then lowered himself onto the bed. He did not anticipate sleep, only thought that he would just rest for a few moments. But the lack of rest for two days and the running on adrenaline and fear began to take its toll and Legolas drifted off into the wispy realms of elvish dreams.
Legolas was abruptly awakened by the sounds of heavy feet coming towards his door. He was unsure of how much time had passed, as there was no sun to judge by, but he had the feeling it had been at least a few hours. Legolas was already sitting and alert when the door was pulled open, without the grace of knocking, Legolas noted. Thror stood on the other side.
"I was told to ask if you wished to dine alone or in the main hall." Thror did not look particularly happy about being the one assigned his duty, and he stood with a sour expression as he waited for Legolas' answer.
Legolas thought. "Is Gimli eating in the main hall?"
"He will be eating in his own room so that he will not be disturbed in his recovery," Thror answered.
Legolas leapt lightly off the bed, ending up almost directly in front of Thror. The dwarf blinked and took a step back without thinking about it. The distance between the door and the bed was a wide one and he had not expected the elf to be able to cover it with such little movement.
Legolas noted Thror's mild discomfort and confusion and found himself pleased by it. As confusing as the dwarves were, he did not necessarily want them to feel completely comfortable around himself.
"I would like to dine with Gimli," Legolas said.
"Then there will have to be an armed escort in the room," Thror quipped. "Lest you try to poison him again."
Legolas was non-plussed. "I will not be the one providing Gimli's food, nor do I have anything on me. There will hardly be an opportunity for me to 'poison' him as you say."
Thror opened his mouth to object, and then closed it, thinking on what the elf had just told him.
"Furthermore," Legolas continued, "I request our meal to be private, for some of the time at least. I feel I will be able to help Gimli with regaining his memory as he will not be overwhelmed by so many opposing views in the room."
Thror smirked. "So that you may wrongly influence him, you mean."
Legolas had been anticipating such an answer and knew how to counter it.
"Surely dwarves are above being influenced by others. I know from personal experience that Gimli at least is strong of mind."
"We are not easily influenced," Thror snapped, his face flushing red. He looked like he wanted to say more but then kept his mouth shut, only turning to exit the room. "You will have to ask Gloin's permission, I am not the one to give it," he said.
Legolas smiled as he followed Thror's indignant back down the long hallway. Dwarves were confusing, that much was true, but so predictable when it came to their pride.
Chapter 8
Legolas was hardly comforted by the fact that the dwarves were proclaiming that he was to receive the 'best' room, but he just once again swallowed any pride and anger he might have and held his head high as he followed his two stocky guards out of the room and back out into the dank halls. Legolas still was not entirely sure of Gloin's intentions, but he supposed he would be safe enough as long as the old dwarf continued with his false hospitality.
Legolas could not help but notice that the dwarves were leading him away from the main chasm, deeper down into the mountain. Of course, a dwarf's best room would be considered an elf's nightmare. But he would not quail in front of them, and especially not Gloin or Thror. Though Legolas had had little interaction with Thror, he already had the distinct feeling that he was an individual who would not necessarily suffer at seeing Legolas suffer.
No, Legolas would be cool and collected and let the dwarves play through whatever ploy they were thinking of. When Gimli finally regained his memory, and that was a certainty in the elf's mind, he would not allow himself to think otherwise, both he and Legolas would leave this place immediately. They would go back to where things made sense and unimportant grudges were easily cast aside.
Just when Legolas began to think that maybe the dwarves would have to start tunneling some more to go any further, the two in front of him stopped.
"In there," one of them said.
Legolas looked at the stone door with distaste. He eyed their coordinates and imagined that they had to be at least halfway into the mountain and much deeper than any chasm he had yet to be in. The air was thick and stale and the few torches that lit the wide hallway flickered as though they were fighting just to make the most out of what oxygen was available.
The other dwarf pulled open the heavy door and Legolas winced as his delicate ears were assailed with the harshness of rock grating upon rock.
The dwarf grinned at the elf's reaction. "Not what an elven prince is used to?"
Legolas smoothed out his expression. "If it is indeed the best of what you have to offer, than it is more than enough for my needs."
The dwarves seemed puzzled at Legolas' words and glanced at each other before stepping back and gesturing for Legolas to enter. Legolas walked forward.
One of the dwarves followed him with a torch and stepped ahead to light one that was held on the far wall. Legolas imagined that his room would be as poorly lit as the hall, but a sudden flash caused him to squint before taking in what was being revealed.
There was only one torch in the room, that much was true, but arranged around it and then throughout the room were several polished stones and crystals creating a series of mirrors that reflected and lit the entire room quite brightly. The walls themselves glittered with small flecks of crystal and Legolas was briefly reminded of the grand glittering caves that Gimli had dragged him into.
Legolas felt his spirits lift for the first time in three days. Perhaps the dwarves were not meaning to make this stay as unpleasant as possible for him, at least maybe for Gimli's sake.
"There is water in the basin on the far side, it is fresh enough as it refills itself from a spring. We will bring you food shortly," the dwarf who had lit the torch said.
Legolas turned towards him, the surprise in his eyes barely concealed. "Thank you," he said.
The dwarf frowned and then hesitated, obviously deciding whether he was required to bow or something before exiting the room. He finally gave in and nodded his head once before quickly exiting the room, joining the other dwarf on the outside and closing the door behind them.
Legolas turned slowly in the carved-out room, taking in his new surroundings. The ceiling was a bit low for his tastes, but the room was a lot bigger than he had expected, especially with it being so deep within the mountain. Maybe dwarves really did keep their best rooms far away from the rest of the activity in the mountain; maybe they did not want respected guests to be bothered by the boisterous activities of the dwarves.
The reasoning did not for one second fool Legolas into thinking he was an actual honored guest. He knew this was still all a part of whatever facade Gloin was building, no doubt if only to constantly remind Legolas of the harsh treatment he had received at the hands of Legolas' own father.
Legolas took in the rest of the room. It was furnished, in stone of course, including the large bed that stood in the middle. But when Legolas went over to the bed to test it, he found it surprisingly soft. The dwarves had piled the stone framework high with blankets and feather-filled downs. They may like stone, but they liked their own comfort as well.
Legolas walked over to the basin and knelt down over it to inspect the natural spring that the dwarf had spoke of. He found that it was indeed fresh water held in a wide basin placed on the floor. The water on the surface bubbled lightly, being constantly filtered by a ground water line that the dwarves had tapped into.
Clever, Legolas thought to himself. Amazing that dwarves could have this much sophistication and still be so primitive.
Legolas straightened and winced when a twinge of pain went through his lower torso and licked around his side. Primitive indeed, he had momentarily forgotten the nice rebuke he had received from one of his guard's staffs when he had stepped forward to see to Gimli.
The dwarves were beginning to puzzle him more than ever before. He had never been in one area where there were so many concentrated. They threatened and struck him one moment, and then treated him to what truly was their best room the next. The only thing that Legolas imagined would make the room to his liking would be the addition of a few windows. Despite the large space and adequate lighting, the heavy air and closed in conditions made him uneasy. Legolas did not count fear as being a weakness of his, but he had never liked being in closed spaces. His only experience before this one had been in the Mines of Moria with the Fellowship, and that had hardly turned out to be a nice adventure through the dwarven caverns. He did not like knowing there was no clear escape route, that he could be easily trapped and cornered in a fight.
Briefly, Legolas touched his long knife that still hung on his belt. He was surprised that Gloin had not forced him to hand over his weapons. Legolas still had his bow as well, he had recovered it in Mirkwood after the fight with the spiders, but he remembered with despair that he was out of arrows. He had not had time to go back and try to collect them from the fallen spiders.
Legolas carefully pulled his bow off from where it hung slung across his chest and over his back and leaned it against a wall. He did not want to risk anything happening to it in this unpredictable place, plus he had no use for it right now anyway.
Legolas took a drink from the basin and then lowered himself onto the bed. He did not anticipate sleep, only thought that he would just rest for a few moments. But the lack of rest for two days and the running on adrenaline and fear began to take its toll and Legolas drifted off into the wispy realms of elvish dreams.
Legolas was abruptly awakened by the sounds of heavy feet coming towards his door. He was unsure of how much time had passed, as there was no sun to judge by, but he had the feeling it had been at least a few hours. Legolas was already sitting and alert when the door was pulled open, without the grace of knocking, Legolas noted. Thror stood on the other side.
"I was told to ask if you wished to dine alone or in the main hall." Thror did not look particularly happy about being the one assigned his duty, and he stood with a sour expression as he waited for Legolas' answer.
Legolas thought. "Is Gimli eating in the main hall?"
"He will be eating in his own room so that he will not be disturbed in his recovery," Thror answered.
Legolas leapt lightly off the bed, ending up almost directly in front of Thror. The dwarf blinked and took a step back without thinking about it. The distance between the door and the bed was a wide one and he had not expected the elf to be able to cover it with such little movement.
Legolas noted Thror's mild discomfort and confusion and found himself pleased by it. As confusing as the dwarves were, he did not necessarily want them to feel completely comfortable around himself.
"I would like to dine with Gimli," Legolas said.
"Then there will have to be an armed escort in the room," Thror quipped. "Lest you try to poison him again."
Legolas was non-plussed. "I will not be the one providing Gimli's food, nor do I have anything on me. There will hardly be an opportunity for me to 'poison' him as you say."
Thror opened his mouth to object, and then closed it, thinking on what the elf had just told him.
"Furthermore," Legolas continued, "I request our meal to be private, for some of the time at least. I feel I will be able to help Gimli with regaining his memory as he will not be overwhelmed by so many opposing views in the room."
Thror smirked. "So that you may wrongly influence him, you mean."
Legolas had been anticipating such an answer and knew how to counter it.
"Surely dwarves are above being influenced by others. I know from personal experience that Gimli at least is strong of mind."
"We are not easily influenced," Thror snapped, his face flushing red. He looked like he wanted to say more but then kept his mouth shut, only turning to exit the room. "You will have to ask Gloin's permission, I am not the one to give it," he said.
Legolas smiled as he followed Thror's indignant back down the long hallway. Dwarves were confusing, that much was true, but so predictable when it came to their pride.