Author's Note: Happy Halloween everyone! :o)
I Believe
II.
As Soft As Breath Against My Skin
The son of Glòin took a large gulp of ale before clumsily setting the mug upon the oaken table.
Faramir eyed the Dwarf wearily from a distance. The hour was late and few others dined. In the time that he had been in the dining hall his stout companion had refilled his mug three times. The pain of watching his friend suffer in silence drove the man out of his hiding place behind a pillar. "You have already drunk enough for the both of us, Master Dwarf."
Gimli looked up, his beady eyes glinting in the shifting torchlight. His only response was a grunt. Faramir seated himself alongside the stout creature.
"Do you care to speak of your sorrows?"
"What good would it do," the Dwarf's voice was angry. "It will not bring Legolas back to speak of the pain I suffer because of him. Fool Elf."
Faramir smiled despite himself. "On the contrary, Master Dwarf. Speaking of the dead is how they are kept alive."
"I wish you wouldn't use that word."
Faramir's brow furrowed. "What word?"
"Elves are not meant to die," the Dwarf took another swig from his mug. His voice became nearly a whisper. "I know that now."
The Ranger sighed. "I have not known many Elves in my time, but I would have to agree with you, son of Glòin."
Gimli's eyes grew dark as they stared into the distance. "I will kill him for it."
Faramir blinked. "I beg your pardon?"
"The man who stole him from us. He will die a traitor's death, for he betrayed both Man and Elf with his actions. In a time of peace such loss is an unfathomable waste. Never would I have thought..."
"Do not blame yourself for what you could not have known," Faramir placed a comforting hand upon the Dwarf's shoulder.
"I do not blame myself! I will hunt him down, and when I find him I will-"
"Peace, Gimli. Guard your words, we are in the King's halls. We know not who may be listening."
Gimli glanced suspiciously at the others who supped. "The thought that he could be here among us makes my blood chill."
Faramir grew thoughtful, attempting to voice his delicate thoughts. "Did Legolas not speak of it?"
"I don't know. He was gone before I arrived," his words contained a choked sob.
"Perhaps he confided in Aragorn. If we could only get a description- someplace to begin searching we could find this filth-"
"And do what?"
Both males startled at the deep feminine voice behind them. Faramir bowed his head hastily and Gimli lowered his eyes before the queen of Gondor.
"Forgive me, My Lady, for I did not see you there."
"That is because I did not wish to be seen."
Gimli swiveled upon the bench to face her. "What brings you here, My Lady?"
The regal Elf turned her cool gaze upon the Dwarf. "I was merely passing through when the mention of the name of Greenleaf ensnared my ear."
Faramir rose. "The hour is late, My Queen. The halls are dark. I shall escort you to your chambers, if you wish."
The Evenstar's gaze glinted in fire for a moment yet her words showed only equanimity. "There is no need, son of Denethor. I oft wander these halls at night. We Elves do not need as much rest as Men. And if the situation arises I am more than capable of self-defense."
Gimli chuckled, having heard many tales of her valor from his Hobbit companions and Legolas. Yes, there was much of the Lady of the Golden Wood within her.
Faramir, however, had to bite his tongue to keep from replying, 'so was Legolas.'
"If you please, I would hear what you had to say before I made myself known to you."
Faramir's cheeks reddened slightly and he looked to his feet.
The lady's elegant brows came closer to each other. "For it seems to me that you have forgotten he whom you wish to defend."
"My Lady," Gimli's voice failed to mask his anger and hurt at the statement. "You could not be further from the truth."
She turned her gaze upon the Dwarf. Her eyes betrayed the smallest irritation. "I know of what I speak, Master Dwarf, as well as I know the hearts of my kin. The son of Thranduil would not wish for more bloodshed because of this. He would not wish those closest to him to become murderers," she eyed Faramir. "You may yet have the opportunity to escort another, son of the Steward. I suggest you empty your friend's drink and lead him to his chambers. Think on revenge no longer," she gathered up her skirts, ignoring the startled faces of the two noble males she was ordering about. "Legolas would not wish it."
Faramir and Gimli were left in surprised silence, their lady's final words echoing in their minds. Somehow, hearing the last Elf of Gondor call her lost brother by his birthname was enough to wash them in respect and guilt. Neither had ever seen nor heard the queen speak so commandingly. It was a reminder of how much she alone had lost.
Please Review!
Review Responses: (And I have to admit- I had tears in my eyes as I read some of these! I love you all! :o) )
LegolasLover2003: How are you, my friend? I, too, am surprised by our fetishes for Lancelot! lol. :o) I hope you have a great time this Halloween! :oD! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I look forward to hearing from you again, mellon! May you be well! :o)
Dreamality: Aï, you truly humble me with your kind words, mellon-nïn. Thank you so much for them - you have touched me deeply. It is wonderful to be back, mellon, especially since I am in such company as you. Thank you again, and I only hope that I might live up to your expectations. :o)
Laebeth: LOL- Mellon, the guilt of your words in your last review has still not left me. :oP Yet I am greatly pleased and heartened that you are enjoying this tale so far. Indeed - the words of Arwen in the previous chapter are much easier said than done, as most of us who have lost loved ones can confirm. :o) I hope you and your lovely daughters are well, my friend. Peace be with you.
Merrylad: You like, you like? That's wonderful, then! I hope you also liked this chapter! Bless you, mellon. My brumbie lass! :oD Take care!
And as to the question that many of you posed about Legolas... now that would be telling, wouldn't it? ;o)