Notes: If you haven't read the books, the Fellowship members were not decided until the scouts had come back. Frodo and Sam are the only members chosen thus far. And a fun little fact: a furlong is equal to 220 yards.

Chapter 3: Tensions Tighten

Twang!

Legolas let another arrow fly and it hit his mark like his other arrows. He was growing restless. He had nothing else to do except practice his archery. He did not care to mingle with the Rivendell Elves. The Mirkwood Elves considered them an odd sort of bunch. He could have some more fun with Boromir but the man's outburst made him feel a little guilty. He decided not to bother the man no more.

Wishing for some excitement but receiving none, he reached for another arrow. Just as he fitted into his bow, he stopped to see a small figure approach him, "Wishes come true in unusual forms. From now on, no more wishing."

Gimli settled himself a few feet away from Legolas, "Ahh, so it is true that Elves are the masters of archery, but Dwarves do not need such puny weapons to hit their mark in long distances."

"Is this Dwarf trying to start a fight in a land full of Elves? Not the brightest of his horde." Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Legolas ignored Gimli and shot another arrow at the target. Maybe Gimli was a figment of his imagination and he'll eventually go away if he paid him no mind.

TWOCK!

The Elf's eyes shot wide in amazement when the axe split one of his arrows in half and landed at the dead center of the target. He turned to look at Gimli, who was nodding slowly admiring his work, "It seems as if this Dwarf has beaten one of the Elves's finest archers." Gimli started to walk off the field, "It will be alright, Elf. You can console yourself by climbing a tree and, while you are up there, have an intriguing conversation with it."

Legolas eyes bore hard into Gimli's back, "And what are you trying to prove?"

Gimli met Legolas's eyes, "I thought I just proved my point."

"Oh, yes, you have proven much, "Legolas's voice dripping with sarcasm. "Let me throw my axe, say some insulting things, and leave. I think you have proven something. The Dwarves' courtesy is non-existent but they are an embodiment of midget neanderthals!

A low growl escaped Gimli's lips, "You will pay for those words, Master Elf!"

With that spoken, Gimli hurled himself at Legolas's torso and he knocked both of them to the ground. Legolas whacked Gimli on the head with his bow but he would not let go. Gimli pounded his fists on Legolas's stomach and jaw. They spun on the ground, exchanging blows and cursing colorfully but neither of them let up.

Gimli managed to grab a handful of earth "Eat dirt!" yelled Gimli and shoved it into the Prince's mouth. Mumbling, Legolas grabbed Gimli's beard and yanked hard, pulling out a handful of hair.

"GAAAHH!"

From the side of the field Erestor, head of Elrond's counselors, noticed a dust cloud had emerged from the middle of it. He had never seen a dust cloud in Imladris, especially one with streaks of blond, green, and red. " . . .Uh, oh," was the only coherent thought Erestor could form. With a shout he ran towards the sprawling figures, "My lords! Stop this madness!"

The two did not even hear the hysterical elf and continued to pummel each other into mince meat. Wildly, Erestor searched around, hoping to find something useable. His eyes landed on a very large stick. He dashed for it, lifted it over his head, and striked Gimli and Legolas's heads.

Both of them ceased their brawl and rubbed their sore heads like little children. Their eyes turned to Erestor with a menacing gleam but the advisor did not waver, "My lords, I do not know your quarrel but I am quite sure there is another solution than physical means."

"At this point, I quite doubt that," said Gimli.

"Of course you would since you are the one that started this mess," cut in Legolas rubbing his jaw.

"Do not place all the blame on me, you insolent Elf!" Gimli proceeded to charge at Legolas but Erestor stepped in between the two.

Erestor knew that he was in immediate danger being in close proximity by these two but he had to keep the peace, "Please, if you would listen to what I have to say, I can save you much pain but still make use of your anger and strength."

Legolas and Gimli eyes each other and the Dwarf spoke for both of them, "We're listening."

…………………………………………………..

Night fell over the Elven home and all was usually quiet except for the Hall of Fire, but tonight Boromir heard jeers and cheers emitting from one of the porches. He was about to investigate when Aragorn called out to him, "What can I do for you, Aragorn?"

"The plans have changed." said Aragorn.

"Are we leaving earlier?" inquired Boromir. He had been excited about leaving Rivendell and scouting. The earlier he left, the better.

"Actually, I want you to stay here."

"WHAT?"

Passing elves stopped in their tracks to give Boromir a look. When the man said no more, they left Boromir to stare at Aragorn like he was a madman. The Ranger was unsure if he was going to attack him or pass out since he appeared to stop breathing.

After an eternity, Boromir took in a breath, "Why are you asking this of me?"

"Elrond is still choosing who will accompany Frodo on his journey. Since Minas Tirith is on the way to Mordor, he was thought you might be interested in being a part of the company." explained Aragorn.

Joy actually spread across Boromir's face, "It would be an honor to take part in this important mission, but I still do not understand why I have to stay here."

Aragorn had a feeling Boromir would not believe his words, "Elrond also thought about having Legolas and Gimli joining the company. He wants you to stay here and learn more about them."

Boromir's joy soon dissipated, "With all due respect, but is Lord Elrond crazy? They would kill each other before we traveled a furlong."

Aragorn only nodded solemnly, "That is why we must put faith in the time we have here in Rivendell. Faith that in this place, everyone can at least learn to tolerate each other."

Boromir was about to continue his objection but a loud cheer roared from the porch followed by a sounds of dismay. One voice rang clear, "How long must this go on?"

The man of Gondor dashed out the door to what the commotion was about. Gandalf, who had been puffing his pipe and observing the scene, walked along side Aragorn, "Lord Elrond never said anything about Legolas and Gimli joining the company."

Aragorn just smiled at the old wizard, "He has not said anything about that yet."

Gandalf smiled in returned, "What are you planning?"

"It is not what I am planning, it is what Arwen has planned. She should be in council with her father as we speak."

"I see that it is not only wizards who are cunning," said Gandalf. "Come, I would like to see what has grabbed all of Rivendell's attention."

With that said, Aragorn and Gandalf strolled onto the porch to see a most interesting event. A circle of Elves and a few hobbits were shouting and cheering in a circle. In the center of this circle sat Legolas and Gimli, face to face with a table in between the two. Their arms were entwined and each of their faces were tightened with fury and agony. They appeared to be focusing all their strength into forcing the other's arm to fall onto the table. On the side of the table stood Erestor like he was to moderator of the two.

"What is going on?" asked Aragorn, bewildered that Legolas and Gimli were in the same place and still alive.

Sam and Merry left the circle to fill in Aragorn and Gandalf. Merry was really energized about the event, "Erestor has come up with a competition for Legolas and Gimli to solve a quarrel that had earlier today. He said it was some kind of 'arm wrestling' game. Whoever can slam the other's arm onto the table wins."

"That is quite interesting," said Gandalf thoughtfully, "But the loser will not take his defeat lightly. I believe this could cause another quarrel, probably larger than the one before."

"I had not thought about that," said Merry now worried.

"Maybe they will be too tired to fight," said Sam. "They have been going at this for a long time."

"How long?" asked Aragorn.

"About an hour"

Gandalf sighed, "I do not think that any amount of time could keep them from fighting each other. Though a normal man would have been worn out by now, their endurance is the product of their hate."

Sam started to worry too, "So, what do we do when one of them loses?"

This time Aragorn sighed, "I would suggest you and Merry run for cover. Gandalf and the rest of us will try to hold them back."

The group's attention came back to Legolas and Gimli. Gimli had beads of sweat running down his face and he was cursing under his breath.

"What's wrong?" taunted Legolas, who also bathed in sweat. "Is the strength of the Dwarves failing you?"

"A Dwarf's strength always surpasses an Elf's, no matter the conditions. It is best that you give up now," snapped Gimli.

"Never in my lifetime would I give up to such an obnoxious being," replied Legolas, who was short of breath.

Erestor held his hand out above them, "Now, now. No more insults. Just focus your energy into the game."

Aragorn shook his head. For being one of Elrond's advisors, he certainly did a foolish thing. He wanted to pull Erestor to the side to explain the outcome of this game when something caught the corner of his eye. Boromir stood half concealed in the bushes with a small rock propped on the top of his fist. Aiming carefully, Boromir held the rock at eye level and flicked the rock with his other hand. Aragorn followed the path of the rock, which ended squarely on the back of Gimli's head.

"YAAA! . . . What was," Gimli began, lifting his concentration from the game.

PLOP

Legolas slammed down Gimli's hand in triumph and stared down the dwarf, "Game over."

Before Gimli could reply, Legolas jumped out of his seat raising his fists in the air. Most of the Elves cheered, some were downcast. Elrohir whispered to Elladan, "Personally, I wanted the dwarf to win. I cannot stand those Mirkwood Elves."

"Wait just a minute!" bellowed Gimli, "Something hit me! I was distracted!"

Legolas looked down on Gimli crossing his arms, "Part of this game is mental. You lost because you lost your concentration."

"So that's your game, huh? I bet you had one of your Elven friends on this! Hit the Dwarf then run! You are nothing but a cheater!"

"Cheater? I think not. I am sorry if you are a sore loser but you have to face the truth. Elven strength overcame Dwarven strength."

"Why you pointy-eared. . ." Gimli started to charge again at Legolas but was interfered by Erestor and a couple of other elves holding him back.

Aragorn watched as Legolas coolly walked off the porch and Gimli was being dragged away into the house. Gimli's cursing could still be heard after they were deep into the corridors. The hobbits did not run off but stood with awed expressions as they watched what was happening. Aragorn bade them inside and turned to Gandalf, "Boromir, he . . ."

"I know, I saw him," said the wizard. "He is gone. He fled as soon as the rock hit Gimli."

"I do not understand that man," exasperated Aragorn. "He only made things worse."

Gandalf suddenly looked grim, "You do not know how worse. Suppose Arwen does convince Elrond to have Boromir, Legolas, and Gimli join the Fellowship. This could be the downfall of Middle-earth."

……………………………………………………………………….

A/N: I love the extra scene in the extended version of "The Return of the King" of the Gimli and Legolas drinking game, but when Legolas said, "Game over" it just bothered me. It felt out of place to me but I thought it would be funny to use that line in here.