III – Treasure

"Fangon, you do not have to join us, if you wish not to. You can explore on your own – most of my kin should leave you be."

"My Lady, do ye want us to stay?"

"Do what ye want, Narendy. I'll be all right with these fools," Dís said, motioning towards the family Greenleaf and their guards. Again, Alora could sense Varno's displeasure.

Narendy's eyes lit up. "Well, ye don't have to tell me twice!" Narendy groped for Lamli's hand and ran off, Hakoldef trailing not far behind.

"Máre, you can go, too. Take the day for yourself." Máre nodded his thanks and started off.

"Someone is in a good mood! Can't well remember when last you did that."

"It seems like Dís and your father want to be alone. Besides, there isn't any danger in their company."

"Still, Máre is your favourite accessory! He compliments your dresses so well." Máre shot around and glared at Gimli. Gimli raised an eyebrow at Máre's mock challenge.

"Careful, elf! Be sure to respect your betters." Máre laughed and threw what was left of his apple at Gimli. It landed square on his nose.

"Hey! Damn you, I'll get you!" He shouted, and attempted to return the favour as the elf ran off. His attempt was less than impressive.

"Cibby," Alora scolded, "Remember what I said about swearing in my presence?"

"Yes, but I thought you also said that I was old enough to do as I pleased."

Alora struck her son on the cheek. "Don't be daft, boy!"

"Mother! Varno swore last night, clear as crystal, and you did not reprimand him!"

"He used a deity's name in vain. I could care less about that."

"But -" Gimli started, but Dís shook her head. "C'mon, cousin! Obey yer mother! She is right, ye know – swearing is not exactly eloquent."

Gimli sighed. He knew that Dís was right, but he resented being treated like a child. Nevermind that he was a child in dwarf years – he was older than Alora in truth. He rubbed his humiliated cheek.

Legolas ignored his wife's discipline and cleared his throat. "Come, Dís, let us be off." He led the group down a hall towards the makeshift docks that serviced Thranduil's halls. "Do not forget, we have a council to hold later this eve."

"Oh? Is Dís joining us, Ada?"

"That she is, Gimli. She has a proposal for some trade agreements, among other things." Gimli nodded his understanding. He stopped short as Legolas passed the tunnel that led to the docks. He ran after his family when they did not do likewise.

"Ada, where are we going?"

"Fret not, Gimli! I have a detour that will get us there quickly."

"We are giving her a tour, are we not?"

"Of course, child, but she shall see the docks first." The party entered a smaller cavern that served as a treasure room. Dís' eyes lingered over the small piles of treasure heaped here and there.

"We did not have much that glitters before your father's father and my sire met some ninety years ago. Their gifts were generous beyond my father's dreams. Although, to be honest, we haven't much need for it all."

Dís' eyes lit up at this bold proclamation. Gimli winced, for it sounded as if Legolas was ungrateful for the gift. Dwarves were not by nature trusting or generous. Dís' address to his father was, fortunately, not a reprimand. "Are ye launching any war campaigns or some such, Legolas? Surely this great wood isn't clear of evil jus' yet."

"No, Lady, the south of this wood is under Celeborn's lead, now."

Dís' eyes shone with opportunity. "Legolas, can I speak to ye in private for a moment?"

"Of course, good dwarf. Alora, Gimli?" Legolas looked at his family, who smiled back reassuringly. He walked ahead of them with Dís at his side.

"Well, Mum, what do you think?"

"Of what, Gimli?"

"Of Dís, Alora! What else?"

Alora looked past her son at the royals walking ahead of her. "Sorry, Cibby. She seems capable, but I've still to learn about who she is, exactly.

"Why, do you fancy her?"

Gimli laughed uneasily. "She is a sculpture in her beauty and a sage in her wisdom, but I have no wish to wed her. I have no wish to be a King."

"And yet that is what you will be, once I die and Legolas tires of this world."

"Mother! Do not speak of such things!"

"My son, it is pointless to hide the inevitable. What will you do, leave your father's throne to the squabbling nobles?"

"I don't know," Gimli whispered, suddenly uncertain. Attempting a more confident voice, he said "I will know what to do when the time comes."

Alora looked at her son for a minute, then shrugged. "I wonder what Dís and Legolas speak of?"

"Who knows? Probably something utterly boring and political. Maybe about Celeborn?"

"Well, if it is Celeborn, I hope it is nothing ill. Despite your father and others' opinions, I have nothing but respect for him."

"Well, for what it's worth, I see nothing unlikable about him besides his somewhat ungracious behaviour."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Mother, remember the ceremony that was held for Father's declaration of my inheritance? I know you saw Celeborn's hesitation at acknowledging me as Prince."

"I think he was just a bit surprised, my son. I was just as surprised when your father suggested it."

"I bet. Wait, Father suggested it?"

"Of course! Why, is that important?"

Gimli smiled a bit, a relieved look crossing his face. "Not really, it just pleases me to hear that."

Alora smiled and patted Gimli's stomach. "He loves you." That was all they had time to say as they were swepped up by a smiling Dís and Legolas.

"I know," Gimli said to himself. He smiled, feeling much better about his parents than he had just a moment ago.

Legolas led them through various tunnels and back caverns that Gimli had never found on his various exploring missions. I need to get me a copy of those keys! Gimli thought. He grinned to himself, imagining the pranks he could play with such power. He quickly wiped such thoughts out of his head, at least for the moment – he knew the mischievous gleam his eyes took on at such times.

"Dís, is Lamli proficient in locksmithing?"

"Oh, aye, cousin – he can make a replica of any key just by holdin' it in his hand for a minute or two. It is a wonder to see him at work! Why do you ask?"

"No real reason; I was merely curious." Gimli stored this information for use at a later time as they reached a final, unmarked door. He just barely noticed the keyhole that his father utilized. Legolas opened the door and ushered them in. The smell and sound of running water met the party as they stood in the small chamber that served as a harbour for Thranduil's halls. Other than a few small boats moored here and there and barrels lain neatly against the cavern-walls, there was no indication that the area was trafficked much, if at all.

Legolas seemed embarrassed as he explained the scene in front of them. "The only traffick this place receives is a few times a year, when we send our wine down the river to Lake-town."

"Aye, I heard about that from my grand-da's cousin. Ye send it down in barrels? Seems a little haphazard!" Dís scanned the cavern with her keen eyes. She had an affinity with the earth and the rocks that few elves could understand and fewer dwarves could master.

"Are ye ever gonna expand this place, Legolas? Ye could have a thriving harbour here – it could be a waypoint for merchants sailing from Lake-town and the Dalelands to the Anduin."

"I have been thinking the same."

"Aye? Ye could dig out the wall on the other side and build out," she said, pointing. "These cave-walls look like they could hold the pressure."

"Indeed!" Legolas said, looking at the docks with newfound interest.

"Why yer da never did so, I'd like to know."

"My father was not an ambitious individual, as I am sure your fathers noticed. He felt no need to expand our borders or meet with other kingdoms."

"Ada, he wasn't very friendly with other kings, was he?"

That is right. I am not so blinded by old grudges as he was, however," he said, tightening his jaw.

"I want to establish an elf-kingdom here in Middle-earth, Dís. I want my people to interact with other civilized folk and learn new, non-elvish ideas. I desire for my people to thrive here, in the material world, not just on an island that no one can reach." Alora looked up in shock at Legolas' ill praise for Valinor.

"What about Lothlórien, or Imladris?" she asked.

Legolas laughed. "Those kingdoms exercise little real power. No, I do not wish our home to become like those elf-realms. I do not wish for these halls to fade into legends that parents recite to their children as they chide them to bed." He turned to Dís. "We need to work together in this, for both our benefit. I am sure that you do not want your people to decline, either. This world would be a sorrowful place without our grace and your strength."

"I agree, milord. We need to stake our claims!"

"Exactly. That is the reason I asked you to bring Lamli here – I wish a trade of not only goods, but of information – of knowledge. There is much we could teach each other, and I believe that this trade is the only way your people and mine could prosper."

Dís nodded her agreement. They started off again, all the while discussing trade agreements and the like. Their words went unheard by Gimli, who was imagining the excitement that such communication could bring. If the elves accept me, maybe being King of this place wouldn't be so bad! Gimli mused. Imagine ruling at such a fateful time!

Sindarin:

Fangon – bearded one(s)