Title: Of Fire and Stars (Part 12b)
Author: Ro
Warnings: Some angst and dirty humor.
Disclaimer: I'm not making any profit off this. With the exception of a few of the original characters, all characters belong to J.R.R. Tolkien (who's probably spinning in his grave as we speak).
Summary: Gandalf finds out what happened to Gimli in the year while he and Thorin's company were away on their Quest. Takes place during "The Hobbit", don't like Dwarves or Gimli then don't read this fic!
Notes: This is based on the books, NOT the movies. I also dedicate this chapter to Little My, my wonderful acrobatic beta!
More notes: Again, this chapter has not been beta-read yet. So yes, there are LOTS of mistakes. Please bare with me.
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"Reunion"
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Oddly enough, that very same day as his father and others mourned his loss, found the very much alive Gimli walking through the large camp of Dain's Army, still camped at the foot of the Mountain. At the moment he walked with Lady Frar and Kaya, the three of them making their way to the King's large tent, where all the lost Dwarven weapons found on the battlefield had been brought and laid out.
Gimli had ended up staying several days and nights with the small eclectic group of exiles and Wanderers camped behind the old stone watchpost. During that time only those in Dain's army and those with permission from King were allowed in, as the soldiers secured and cleaned out the worst of the Dragon's foul occupation. So during those days he and most of the other able bodied Dwarves and Men of the various camps had gone down into the valley to help clean up and remove the bodies.
It was a morbid race to burn and bury the many bodies before they began to rot, the fear of disease a very real threat to all. For though the Elven bodies if left out would simply fade into nothingness within a day or two, and the bodies of the Dwarves would not begin to decompose for many days to come, the many bodies of the orcs and goblins however seem to begin to bloat and rot within hours. The bodies of the Men where not much better, the warm sun over head was also not helping maters. The mourners of all races hurriedly searched and tried to identify the corpses of loved ones amongst the many dead, some managing to find the body of their spouse, parent, son or sibling, taking it away to hold their own cobbled together funeral arrangements. Unfortunately many bodies could not be identified, these poor beings along with the many severed limbs and larger bits of various bodies where interned in a large mass grave.
With the help of the Elves a grove of trees would be planted over the sight, in time the trees and vegetation would become wondrously lush and fruitful, full of flowers and singing birds. The valley too would become lush with green once more, but for now it was grim business, picking up the cold bodies of various Dwarves, Elves and Men and loading them onto the many over burdened death carts that rattled slowly around the desolate battlefield.
The following day Gimli, Bruni, Nyrad, scarred Draupnir and his brother along with the FireBeard brothers helped carry and toss the many foul orc and goblin bodies into the two massive pit fires that had burned continuously since they had been lit days before. Gimli had been greatly surprised to even see a few elegant Mirkwood Elves helping them out, pulling their share of the foul and tiring labor, when most of the other Wood-elves seem stay in their own camp, letting the Men and Dwarves clean up. The four long-limbed beings stood shirtless, like the rest of them, uncaring of the grim and gore, working side by side with the Dwarves and Men, their pale faces set in a grim mask like everyone else's. Gimli still didn't like Elves, but these few elegant beings had definitely earned some of Gimli's grudging respect after a long day of tossing and burning the seeming endless bodies.
Old Vestri during those days had spent his time helping out in the healing tents, where the ancient healer's skills were most needed. Of the camp Gimli was staying at, only Har the small cook, Lady Frar's daughter Kaya and the younger Dwarves like Skafid, Nur and a few others had stayed behind in camp. And though Gimli was young and not that much older then many of them, the older Dwarves recognized him as a proven warrior, the look in his large burning almond-shaped eyes spoke of a soul forged in fire and shaped by hardship. Still young, but no child. The same went for scarred and mute Draupnir, who was the same age as Gimli, like him, he and his brother had seen and lived through much already.
The dog was also kept in camp, the younger Dwarves looking after him for Gimli. Who after the first day had officially adopted the rangy mutt as his own. They younger Dwarves rough-housed, played games and kept each other occupied, when they where not busy doing their assigned chores. Har and Kaya made sure to keep an eye on the boisterous group as they cooked and mended clothes, until the rest of the camp returned in the evenings. The dog, now named Huo, which was Quenya for dog, joyfully greeted Gimli's return with happy wines and tail wagging, the copper-haired Dwarf affectionately giving him a few pats and a scratch behind the ears. Though the dog was friendly with everyone and would come when call, the brown dog never strayed far from Gimli, staying at his side and sleeping with him at night. And though he wouldn't admit it out loud, Gimli was greatly enjoying the mutts warm company.
The Men of Bard's army and the rest of the survivors of the town on the lake had already begun the long process of rebuilding Lake-town. As Bard set up an agreement with Thranduil for a steady supply of lumber and to get permission to go through their forest to set up trade with the reclusive Wood-men south of Mirkwood. He had also pulled aside several of his advisors and they had begun to draw up plans for the rebuilding of Dale even as they set about pressing matter of rebuilding Lake Town.
Bard also freely shared the wealth of his share of the treasure, with plenty left over to rebuilding both towns. Luckily the old plans for Dale had been saved from the destruction of Smaug's fire and brand new ones were being drawn up as Bard and the town's folk eagerly awaited the coming of Dain's army of builders. King Dain promising that they would arrive within the week, until then Bard's people busied themselves by beginning to lay down the ground work and securing their temporary camp by the Long Lake. Unfortunately the Master of Esgaroth turned out to be less then deserving of Bard's generosity, another victim to fall under the dragon's gold.
The army of Wood-elves where still camped in the shadow of the Mountain, Thranduil's force would be going back to their dark forest as soon as their more critically wounded soldiers had healed enough to be safely moved. For now though there was a strange giddy type of peace and even some sporadic and tentative intermingling with the various camps.
It was also during the course of those two days that Gimli found himself a new pair of trousers, which were snug fitting brown leather that hugged his slim hips and muscular legs, allowing him to finally discard his old ripped ones. He also wore one of Griff's spare shirts, which was dark green and sleeveless, it was also a bit big and hung off Gimli's thinner frame. Kaya said she would alter it for him later so it would fit him properly. The large gruff warrior had given it to him after he and Gimli had gone a few sparing rounds one evening, he had been quiet surprised when the younger Dwarf defeated him easily. Lady Frar had also tested his skill, along with Nyrad, who was incredibly fast with his lance, followed by massive Buni who had promptly wiped the floor with everyone (except Nyrad). Griff had been so impressed with Gimli's fighting skills, both with and without weapons, he though he should be rewarded.
At the moment however, Gimli found himself trailing behind Lady Frar and her daughter, seeing if they could find his missing axe. Scruffy Huo trotting happily at his heel as they walked through the city of tents and camp fires. His long thick hair trailing down his back in a thick rope as two thick locks of hair hung loose in front of his ears, framing his handsome tanned face as he looked around in interest.
They was a cackle from above and Gimli momentarily squinted his eyes as he looked up into the sunny sky and watched a pair of Ravens fly over head, both the dark birds apparently in the middle of an argument. It was a clear day, not a cloud to be seen though a November chill was in the air, the smell of coming winter on the wind.
Gimli had turned his focus back to his immediate surroundings and gave a yelp when he nearly collided with a dappled gray mountain pony. Startling not only him, but the thick necked pony that tossed its head, it's ears back as it dance on it's lead, having been startled out of it's previous dosing, having been tethered outside on of the many tents.
"Whoa! Easy there, easy…." Gimli soothed, putting his hands out to the snorting mount. He immediately felt a surge of embarrassment at his own clumsiness and looked about nervously for the animal's owner as he tried to calm the mount. Luckily the pony quickly got over it's momentary fright, its ears perking up again and came over for some attention.
"Sorry about that, lad. Wasn't look' in where I was going there," he apologized as he rubbed its neck and gave it some good scratches around the ears, the pony half-closing it's liquid brown eyes in pleasure. The large muscular pony stood just a little smaller then a regular sized horse, it's coat freshly washed, it's long dark tail and mane brushed out and shinning, the animal was clearly loved and well cared for. Gimli continued to pet and admire the animal, rubbing it's broad cheek and along it's neck. He couldn't help but chuckle when the pony turned and began to butt and rub it's large head against his chest.
"This used to be a clean shirt, I hope you know," Gimli snorted good-naturedly, as the pony continued to use him as a rubbing post before eventually stopping with a shake of it's head. Seeming to give a satisfied snort and swish of it's long tail as it shifted on it's large feathered hooves. The pony's pointed ears then swiveled foreword in interest, it's wide nostrils flaring as it took notice of Huo. Gimli watched in amusement as both dog and pony intently sniffed at one another, their noses no more then a few inches apart before Huo lost his courage and nervously skittered behind Gimli, the young Dwarf reaching down to give the dog a reassuring pat. The pony continued to watch the dog in seeming fascination before eventually losing interest in the smaller creature and began to dose again.
Gimli gave the bored mount a final pat then ducked under the pony's lead rope and hurried after Kaya and Lady Frar, Huo trotting after. Gimli's long copper hair thumping down his broad muscular back, while his two axes clinked comfortingly on his thick belt as he past various tents, carts and Dwarves. His large almond-shaped eyes looking from side to side at all the activity taking place in the busy camp, his ears filled with the sounds of many deep Dwarven voices and the rhythmic clinking and banging of metal being pounded. More then once he past by a group of Dwarves gathered around to watch a pair of Dwarves sparing or wrestling and one was just a flat out brawl. Most of the camp of course was full of Dain's soldiers, but Gimli did see quiet a few Wanderers like himself and other tag-a-longs, he even saw some of Bard's Men every now and then.
Ahead of him Kaya and Frar leisurely walked, both of them talking with one another. The dark-haired Kaya was no warrior, though she knew how to fight when cornered, her only weapons were the big Dwarven knife on her belt and a smaller knife hidden in her boot. Unlike her warrior mother, her skill lay in sowing, weaving and embroidery, she had even made most of her own clothes as well as her mother's. Her mother, like Gimli, was going to Dain's tent to see if she could find a missing weapon that she had lost during the battle, which was a throwing hatchet.
When they finally made it to Dain's red tent, they saw that a large crowd had gathered around the massive display of weapons found on the battle field. Gimli once again saw that many of those that milled about or searched through the weapons were soldiers from Dain's army, he did however spot quiet a few Dwarves that where clearly not part of the army. He even saw round faced Litr, who he had marched to the Mountain with, smile and waved at him from where he stood near a large cooking fire with a few other Wonderers. Gimli waved back at the friendly Dwarf holding the big ornate axe over his broad should.
Gimli even bumped into Bavor, the soldier who had been snidely ribbing him about his name several nights before. Seeing him, the brown-haired soldier came over and gave Gimli a friendly punch in the arm. Apparently in a much better mood then the night they had first met.
"Oy, Star! No hard feelings about that whole Elfish-sounding name thing earlier, eh?" he asked, chuckling at the copper-haired Dwarf's answering glare. But eventually Gimli shook his head and promptly punched the bigger Dwarf back in the shoulder with a smirk of his own, signifying "yes", no hard feelings. Bavor only laugh and gave the younger Dwarf a friendly whack on the back, wishing him good luck in finding his weapon before wandering off.
Gimli then turned with Lady Frar to the serious business of searching through the many weapons for his missing axe, Star Smasher. As he squatted down and diligently searched for the unique and single-bladed axe, Huo sat patently next to him panting, his big tongue lolling out the side of his mouth, his ears perked and his tail up and wagging at all the activity around them. Lady Frar and Kaya meanwhile had wandered further down to his left as they looked for her missing hatchet.
There was loud whoop of happiness from his immediate right as a dark-haired Dwarf squatting next to him finally found what he was looking for. Gimli looked over and watched the happy Dwarf, who was clearly a soldier, pick up a heavy broadsword and give it a loud kiss. Not seeming to care about it being covered in dried blood and mud.
Gimli gave a wistful sigh as he turned his attention back to his own search, occasionally picking up a heavy weapon for a closer look. Like most Dwarven weapons, the collection of swords, axes, war-hammers, lances, spears, clubs, and all other manner of weapon where of exceptional quality.
Some more then others, he thought to himself as he looked at the broken sword he held, even dirty he could see the flawed alloy that had been used, with a disgusted snort he tossed it back with the others. It was then that another loud voice cried out.
"Vitnir, come look at the axe I found!" called a deep voice.
"A prize indeed, Yngvi," said another voice.
Gimli glanced up for the group of axes he was looking through to see a soldier standing nearby with two others, further down the line. The one called Yngvi, stood proudly in his armor and heavy hauberk, with many thick braids in his dark hair and beard, Gimli guessed by the rough texture of his hair and beard that the soldier hailed from one of the StiffBeard clans. As for the other two, the much larger one stood shirtless, his large hairy chest bare, yet he oddly still wore a heavy cap of steel on his head, no doubt a personal quirk. The other soldier that was about the same size as Yngvi, had long unbraided blond hair and was also without armor, wearing instead a simple brown under tunic. Both Dwarves stood around the first, admiring the weapon he had found. Gimli quickly surmised that the big Dwarf was from one of the FireBeard clans by his flame-red hair and the other had to be from one of the northern StoneFoot clans by his light golden colored hair (4.). However a closer look at the axe the first soldier held made Gimli's eyes go wide in recognition and he immediately jumped to his feet.
"That's my axe!" He yelled, shoving his way through the moving crowd, Huo galloping behind.
"That's Fire Reaper, that's my mother's axe," he said coming to stand before the larger armored Dwarf, who turned to look at him. He was quickly dismissed however when the three soldier's only saw a copper-haired young Wanderer, clad in a overly large green shirt that clear wasn't his and brown leather pants with a scruffy brown dog. Like some of the larger and more skilled warriors in Dain's army, they didn't give much thought or care to Dwarves of lowers casts.
"And a beautiful axe it is," The soldier agreed, turning his admiring gaze back to the fine weapon he held, his two friends that flanked him gave agreeing grunts.
Gimli gave an agreeing nod as well, keeping his posture open, even as he internally growled at the stuck up soldier's casual dismissal. With a deep breath he then stepped forward with an outstretched hand for the weapon-- but was brought up short when the Yngvi suddenly moved the axe back out of his reach. Gimli watched the soldier slowly turn and look back at him again, only now his dark-grey eyes were narrowed, clear annoyance written on his face.
"Hold up now! I found it, so it belongs to me now, pup." he stated matter-a-factly.
Gimli was understandably stunned by this and was barely able to hold back an angry retort, but he quickly managed to rein-in his temper and tried a different tactic. Keeping his body language respectful- even though he wanted to snarl and simply snatch his rightful property back.
"But it's mine, see?" Gimli said earnestly, taking out his other axe and showing them, it was clear that the single-bladed axe the other Dwarf held was the twin to the one Gimli now held. Fire Ripper, with its stylized flame pattern on its crescent blade and Star Smasher with its stylized star patter, clearly both had been forged by the same smith.
However, when the soldier just looked back at him with a dismissive snort, clearly refusing relinquish his axe, Gimli was through being polite.
"It's mine by birthright!" he now yelled, his posture straightening up in clear challenge as he glared back at the unimpressed Dwarf, his two friends smirking.
Yngvi however only raised an eyebrow as he watched the pup's clear agitation, the obvious change in posture. Looked like someone need a lesson on watching his manners around his higher peers.
The almond-eyed Dwarf noticeably blinked in surprise when Yngvi suddenly held out the axe for him to take. Gimli, understandably, now had a look of confusion on his tan face, having been prepared to take the dark-haired soldier on just moments before, he now stood there dumfounded at Yngvi's odd change of behavior. Unthinkingly he dropped his defensive stance and automatically began to step forward to take the out held weapon.
Gimli was so intend on taking Star Smasher back, that he didn't notice many of the other soldiers that had paused to watch, shake their heads and grumble, knowing what was going to happen, including Bavor who began to walk over to the gathering crowd. For though Yngvi was not a very large or strong Dwarf, he was consider a very skilled fighter, he was also a notorious bully, having come from one of the higher clans of noble blood from the Iron Hills, his two friends were not much better. Most of his fellow soldiers had nothing to do with the three if given a choice, and none had willing stood up to Yngvi after he had broken the arm and three ribs of the last person to challenge him over something. But Gimli didn't know any of this as he automatically put Fire Ripper back in it's holster on his belt as he again stepped forward to take the Star Smasher back.
So intend was he to take back his mother's weapon, he was completely blindsided when Yngvi suddenly stepped forward and socked him right in the gut with his other fist. The strike driving all the air from his lungs, the heavy blow physically lifting Gimli momentarily off the ground.
With a loud 'Oughh!' Gimli immediately fell to his knees clutching his abdomen as he tried to get his breath back, taken totally by surprise by the sudden sucker punch. As he knelt there in the dirt, hearing the murmurs from the watching crowd, Gimli cursed his own foolishness while a small voice in the back of his head laughed nastily that he'd clearly forgotten what it was like to be hit by his own kind. It was then that his abused stomach violently rolled and he proceeded to throw up the contents of his meager breakfast. While Yngvi continued to glare down at him, his two friends stepped back from the growing mess as they laughed at the naive young exile. Fool!
Huo who had been cowering behind Gimli, came out and began to loudly bark at these scary strangers who had hurt his two-legged companion. The noise drawing the attention of more Dwarves nearby, including some other Wanderers that had paused to look up or come over to see what was happening. Lady Frar and Kaya, had also come over, the big female shoving her way through the gathering crowd before she and her daughter stopped and silently watched with the rest. Though Kaya watched with worried eyes, her mother looking on stone-faced, watching him still kneeling there in disapproval as many others in the crowd watched in clear sympathy, none moved to help him. It was the Dwarven way, you fight your own battles, win or lose. Only one's blood or one's mate had the right to step in and fight another's battle.
Unnoticed, except by the soldiers that quickly lowered their postures and made room for her, another large armored Dwarrow-dam stepped forward to silently watch the action. Ruby-colored eyes watched in interest as she calmly waiting to see where this confrontation would go.
Gimli's dog continued to bark until Yngvi finally tired of the noise, with a growl he kicked at the mutt, causing Huo to yelp in fright and dash away with his tail between his legs. Luckily the armored Dwarf's kick didn't connect. Huo would have gone back to hiding behind Gimli, but Kaya reached out and snagged the brown dog by the scruff and dragged it over to her, keeping the animal safely out of the way with her and her mother.
"Stop it, Yngvi!" Snarled Bavor from where he now stood behind Gimli's kneeling form, the young Dwarf's retching finally over. Bavor might like to rile people and stir-up a little trouble now and then, but he was no bully. The larger soldier also had a great dislike of Yngvi and had seen the other Dwarf pick on other weaker soldiers in the past. Like most Dwarves he was a firm believer in letting others fight their own battles, but this was not Yngvi picking on another soldier or mature warrior.
"He's just a Wanderer! Leave the pup alone!" he growled, from where he stood. Bavor had no idea of Gimli's parentage or past, so thought him a simple peasant that had tagged along for the battle.
"Shut your mouth, Bavor!" The other soldier snarled back, glaring at the other brown haired soldier in annoyance.
"It-It's-n-not yours!" Gimli finally managed to wheeze. Wiping his mouth on the back of arm before turning his face up to glare at bully, his white teeth now bared. The soldier and his smirking friends looked down again at the young Dwarf still down on his knees, a puddle of vomit before him, clutching his abdomen.
"I wasn't asking, boy!" The dark haired soldier growled, ignoring the glaring Bavor who stood back with the rest of the watching Dwarves, including the still silently watching Lady Frar and Kaya. "You should learn to take better care of your weapons," he laughed before simply walking away, Gimli seething as he watched the armored soldier attach Star Smasher to his thick belt.
In Dwarven society it was a common practice to challenge someone to a fight over something. If you could not prove yourself and best your opponent, then whatever the challenge was over was automatically forfeited to the winner. Though this practice was far more common with the Warrior cast and those in the higher end of the Dwarven hierarchy. King Dain himself had even had to defended his rule against challengers in the past, killing both of them. But aside from possible death and maiming when it came to challenging someone over leadership, there was also another catch to a challenger, just because you might win, didn't mean that others would willingly follow your lead. Most fights however where usually over simple insults, questions of honor, retribution over something and just plain bad tempers.
A deep growl rumbled up from Gimli's chest as he watched Yngvi and his friends walk away. The ever burning flame in his being flared into a sudden inferno. He had been laughed at by Men and Elves, but he would be damned to Mandos' Hall if he was going to put up with it from his own kind! Fuck- proper hierarchy! With a deep breath he forced himself up again, his muscular arms down at his sides as his chest heaved and his broad fists audibly tightened. His smooth handsome face darkened with anger, his brown almond-shaped eyes narrowed and flashed dangerously as a breeze played with his dark copper hair. Gimli glanced over to where Lady Frar and Kaya stood, making sure Huo was still safely out of the way, sharing a final look with the now smirking Frar before turning his burning gaze to the three smug soldiers. Poor Yngvi had no idea of the trouble he just gotten himself into.
Unfortunately for Yngvi, this particular young Dwarf had been taught under Lady Nei's harsh tutelage and had lived the hard life of a Wanderer since he was born. He had also been holding his own and winning most of the brutal drag-out fights he got into before he had even killed his first warg. He had even taken part and won a few purses at the savage back-alley fighting competitions held occasionally by various gambling dens and by the darker more unsavory originations in the rougher towns in the Blue Mountain area.
So it was that right before Yngvi was going to shove his way out of the makeshift ring of onlookers, he paused at the sound of running feet behind him. He turned around, a snarl on his lips, just in time to see the copper-haired pup charging at him, right between his two friends before jumping up and plowing both of his booted feet into his chest, knocking him back. Causing him to crash into a few bystander before falling heavily to the ground, his wind knocked out of him. Luckily for Yngvi the heavy hauberk he still wore protected him from the worst of the normally devastating blow.
Gimli meanwhile was back on his feet, ready for action when he turned to Yngvi's two friends, who stood there stunned as many cheers went up from the circling crowd. Gimli let out a deep rumbling growl as he looked at the other two, deciding that he would teach them both a lesson about laughing at him! The watching crowd quickly saw that while the three soldiers might be older and bigger then him, the young Wonderer clearly had greater agility and all around fighting ability as the crowd watched Gimli turn his main focus on the blond soldier wearing the simple brown tunic.
Seeming quick as lightning Gimli gave the StoneFoot an insulting open-handed slap across the face, causing the other to let out a curse. Then before the blond warrior had a chance to raise a fist, Gimli popped him twice with his right fist then smashed he left elbow into his face, knocking him back into the ring of onlookers.
The other warrior, finally jarred into action, growled and stepped forward to punch him, but Gimli easily blocked the powerful blow with his forearm. The red-haired soldier then received an insulting slap to the face as well before Gimli gave the large FireBeard a vicious upper-cut, causing the shirtless soldier's heavy helmet to fly off.
As Gimli nimbly danced away, he noticed with satisfaction that the large shirtless Dwarf stumbled back holding his now bloody mouth. That will be a reminder to watch who he laughs at!, Gimli thought with a grin.
If there was one good thing about fighting his own kind Gimli mused to himself as he continued to fight, it was that he didn't have to hold back his punches and kicks. When fighting Men he had to be careful, unless of course he was out kill or badly injure. He had found out early on that human bodies had tendency to break more easily. When he was younger before he and his family moved to Black Hollow, he had gotten angry at a foolish Man that had thrown a bottle at him outside of a rundown tavern. The drunk and ranting Man had then drawn a knife on him, after Gimli told him to "go fuck himself" and gave the human a rude hand sign. Barely having avoided getting a knife in the back, Gimli had angrily retaliated by punching the Man in the face, unfortunately in the heat of the moment he didn't hold back. It was purely by accident that Gimli killed the Man, having inadvertently fractured the Man's skull and broken his neck. But now he was once again able to unleash the true power in his thickly corded arms, not fearing that a solid punch or kick would accidentally rupture an organ or shatter bone.
Aule had built the Dwarves for durability, giving them a strong framework of heavy bones, dense stone-like muscle and tough sinew, with more reinforced joints and thick skin. With their oversized upper bodies, thick and seeming massive arms and big powerful hands, Dwarves where capable of awe-inspiring feats of strength. That same strength also made them capable of delivering truly devastating blows. Even without weapons, not many sentient beings wanted to tangle barehanded with a creature that was capable of literally ripping your limbs off.
Playing unashamedly dirty, Gimli blocked the blond soldier's left hook and punched him squarely in the gut, causing him to bend over and hold his abdomen. Seeing the opportunity to dish out some humiliation, Gimli then reached over the warrior's back and grabbed the hem of his brown tunic, tugging it over the soldier's head. This left the blonde's broad chest bare and effectually blinded him as well as trapped his arms over his head. There was a cheer and bust of laughter from the encircling crowd when Gimli reached out and gabbed one of the blond Dwarf's pierced nipples and gave it a vicious twist, causing a muffled yell of pain to be heard. Gimli then kicked the soldier in the ass as he cursed and struggled with his tunic, accidentally falling down in the process.
He then turned and ducked the swing by the big FireBeard that came at him again, but instead of jumping back up, he allowed himself to fall forward catching himself with his outstretched hands on the ground then whipped his lower body completely off the ground as if he was doing a strange cartwheel. With devastating affect he slammed the back of his booted heel into the side of his large opponent's head before continuing forward with his rotation. It was an uncommon move, meant to take an opponent by complete surprise. Unfortunately it could only be used affectively once when one was fighting another experienced fighter, for without that element of surprise it left one open for attack. It was also next to useless when was dealing with taller species.
This had all taken place within a matter of seconds for with a heavy thump, his feet were back on the ground and he was back in a fighting stance, ready to dish out more. That final blow however was apparently enough for his opponent, for the large soldier held out one of his big hands in supplications, his other clutching his still ringing head and submissively dropped his posture as he backed away from Gimli. Who continued to menacingly advance on the much larger warrior until the older Dwarf finally dropped his eyes.
Satisfied, Gimli turned to the other soldier who had just stumbled up again, once again free of his tunic, launching off into a combination of wicked jabs and punches to the blond Dwarf. But by the fourth punch the blond was down and stayed down, also dropping his eyes in defeat. Allowing Gimli to finally turn back to Yngvi, who was finally back on his feet, his breath back, some of the cheering spectators shoving him back into the makeshift ring.
"Give me back my axe, shit-breath!" Gimli demanded, his fists tightly clenched. But Yngvi only growled in rage, his sharp teeth barred and came at him, his face red with humiliation.
They traded blows, Gimli managed to dodging and counter most of Yngvi powerful strikes, but the larger Dwarf was able to land a lucky right-hook that made Gimli stumble back and his head snap to the side. However he was able to quickly recover and came back at the bigger Dwarf with two hard hitting body shots, one to the kidney and a kick to the gut. The brown-haired soldier felt the painful blows even through the layers of the thick hauberk he wore as he gasped in pain.
Then in a moved that his mother had loved to use, Gimli grabbed Yngvi by his long braided hair, then yanked his head down as he smashed his knee up into his opponent's face. With some satisfaction he felt Yngvi's nose brake, then watched the other Dwarf cry out as he fall back to the ground, clutching his bleeding face.
It was then that a large older male stepped forward, shoving his way through the tight press of onlookers. His bearing and heavy armor was that of someone of importance in Dain's army, in fact he was one of Dain's a battalion Commanders. The older silver-haired Dwarf, who was called Moin, was of medium height with a hard grizzled look about him, his long braided beard tucked into his wide belt.
He didn't particularly care if anyone decided to kick Yngvi's ass, but after watching the young Wonderer easily defeat and knock down his third soldier he decided he had seen enough. The exile-pup was making his troops look bad and in turn was making him look bad, since it was he who had helped train the three soldier's getting thoroughly trounced. No matter how good a fighter the ragged pup was or how much Yngvi and his friends had needed to be knocked down a peg or two, Moin decided to put a stop to the fight.
Gimli at the moment was standing triumphantly over Yngvi, his broad fists clenched, waiting to see if dark-haired soldier would concede defeat or get up again. He was preparing to demand for his axe back again when he sensed movement behind him. Whipping around, he saw, what he though was another soldier reaching out to grab him, Gimli was no fool he didn't want to get in a grappling contest, knowing all the soldiers here outweighed and where far stronger then he.
Instantly he side-stepped and gave his new opponent a closed-fisted back hand, back on the defensive, fists up as he bounced on the balls of his feet. Unfortunately he didn't know that when the older Dwarf was reaching for him, he was only going to grab him by the arm and pull him away from the still down and glaring Yngvi.
Gimli's sudden maneuver and strike caused Moin to stumble back in utter surprise, he then stood there for several moments, motionless, a broad hand to his now aching jaw. Seeming stunned that this scruffy pup, not even eighty summers yet, had managed to land a blow on him before his temper flared and his head snapped once again in Gimli's direction.
From where he stood Gimli saw the look flash over the silver-haired Dwarf's face and instinctively knew that that this game had changed. And as he waited for the Moin's next move, something was nagging at the back of his mind, something about the manner and dress of this soldier-- something different. But Gimli didn't have the luxury to contemplate the nagging voice, for he was soon on the defensive as Moin launched himself over the space between them, his long silver hair swinging out behind him. Gimli was able to block the first strike and avoid the nasty kick that had been aimed at his knee, but was unable to avoid the third blow as Moin punched Gimli in the face in retaliation.
Gimli cursed as he stumbled back, the metallic taste of blood in his mouth as his untouched axes clinked merrily on his thick belt, but he was able to shake it off before Moin could land a follow up punch. Ducking low and swinging out one of his strong legs, he knocked the older Dwarf's legs out from under him. This gave him valuable room as a now seething Moin rolled to his feet, the soldier's chain mail and various weapons clattering together.
Gimli spit out some blood from his now split lip as he glared at of his armored opponent, then with a growl of his own he managed to dodged Moin's next move before whipping around and landing a heavy blow with his elbow directly to the older Dwarf's face causing him to stumble back in pain.
The soldiers watching around them could only stand there wide-eyed, many with their mouths now hanging open as they watched the two fighters go at it, trading blows at a furious pace. They all knew who Moin was and were simply dumbfounded that here was their battalion leader fighting with some scruffy copper-haired pup-- and this pup was actually holding his own! Moin himself was also greatly surprised at Gimli's fighting skills, for not many of his own men and peers would have been able to stand up to him for this long, let a lone this ragged underweight Dwarfling!
Kaya watched nearby with concern, still holding onto the wining and fidgeting brown dog that sat at her booted feet, the young Dwarrow-dam making sure he wouldn't be stepped on by the other Dwarves crowded around to watch. Her hulking mother still watched in silence, her dark eyes following the fight as she stood with her thick muscular arms crossed over her broad chest, every now and then she would snort in amusement of shake her head at certain hits or moves. Twice she raised her voice to yell something to Gimli, "Tighten up that stance!" and "Watch your right!"
Gimli didn't hear any of it though as he traded blows with his bigger opponent, his thick copper-braid whipping about and snapping behind him as he danced and dodged, hard pressed to defend against the older Dwarf's attacks. From the other side of the watching crowd, which had stepped back to allow the two opponents more room, the other armored Dwarrow-dam silently stood, her sharp eyes missing nothing, a small pleased smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she watched.
Unfortunately for Gimli, who was simply defending himself against what he had thought was just another of Yngvi's friends, still had no idea that the silver-haired Dwarf he had just knocked back again and given a black-eye to was one of the five high ranking battalion Commanders in Dain's army. It was also greatly unfortunate that Moin was an extremely prideful Dwarf and took Gimli's strike as a personal attack on his position and decided to teach this Wanderer a harsh lesson.
Again they clashed together, Yngvi, his friends and the silently watching crowd forgotten. The two traded rapid hits and blocks, but as good as Gimli was, the older and bigger warrior simply had more experienced then Gimli. He was also relatively fresh, while Gimli had the handicap of fighting three previous opponents, and while Yngrvi and his friends hadn't been much of a challenge, he was still recovering from long weeks of not eating well and exhaustion from his long journey to the Mountain.
With a devastating hit to Gimli's ribs, that drove the air from his lungs and heavy strike to the cheek that caused Gimli's head to snap back and his vision to momentarily blackout, he found himself falling back.
He crashed to the dirt with a groan, but before Gimli had the chance to get up he found an unforgiving Dwarven boot on his throat and his right arm twisted and held in a painful hold. It was only now that Gimli was able to look up at his opponent that he realized his mistake, seeing the specifically tooled armor and the beads in Moin's long beard and why he was in the position he was in now. The onlookers that had gathered to watch had become deathly silent, this fight had gone from a regular brawl for the rightful return of a axe, to something very serious.
The harsh looking silver-haired Dwarf stood above him, breathing heavily, his boot still on Gimli's neck as he slowly pulled on the young Dwarf's captured arm and in turn increasing the pressure on his neck. If he kept going the pressure and angle would eventually brake the young Dwarf's neck.
"You fight well, but know your place, pup. Yield!" the older warrior barked, glaring down at the struggling youngster, his right eye already beginning to swell and darken from Gimli's previous hit.
Gimli however, not thinking clearly, his heart still burning with anger and frustration, just growled through his clenched teeth and redoubled his struggles. Why should he yield!?
"Yield!" Moin barked again, looking down at the young Dwarf incredulously as Gimli continued to struggle. Watching him clawing futility at the cruel hobnail boot chocking him with his one free hand, his short bearded face set in a straining grimace as he struggled.
A long tense silence followed, only the sounds of Gimli's boots scrapping for perches in the dirt and his struggling gasps broke the hushed quiet, but still he did not yield. Gimli's vision was beginning to darken and he knew he was about to pass out from lack of air, feeling like the Dwarf standing over him was going to pop his arm out of it's socket at any moment when he distantly heard Lady Frar's loud voice speak up.
"Back off, Moin!" she growled, shoving aside a few watching Dwarves as she finally stepped forward, fearing that this had gone way too far. She knew Moin from previous battles, though with his high rank in Dain's army, they where both about equal in the Dwarven hierarchy, it was only in a few matters that she was higher then him. This matter was not one of those and the silver-haired Dwarf only turned and looked up at her with a glare, but otherwise did not stop what he was doing. Lady Frar growled deep in her throat and was about to physically back up her demand, when another voice suddenly spoke up.
Frar and the other Dwarves turned and watched another big Dwarrow-dam stepped out of the crowd, the powerful Matriarch wore gilded armor, her long brown beard hung from her chin, braided with intricately carved mithril beads. The heavy helmet she wore cast her face into shadow, leaving only her plump lips and her burning ruby-colored eyes to be seen. Gimli however didn't notice as he continued to struggle, his handsome face now twisted into a pained grimace as the pressure on his arm was becoming unbearable.
"You made your point, Moin," The Matriarch said as she walked into the improvised ring, the sound of creaking leather and the heavy clinking of her many weapons accompanying her steps. She stopped not four feet from Moin and his still struggling captive, yet still the grizzled male looked reluctant to stop, his pride badly sting.
"Moin!" she barked this time, the steel in her voice unmistakable and immediately the battalion Commander released the stubborn young Dwarf. Who quickly rolled away and forced himself up into a low crouch even as he gasped and coughed, his chest heaving as he glared daggers at Moin. Who only glared down at him and step away as Kaya and Huo darted out from behind Lady Frar to help Gimli up.
It was then that the group of spectators began to brake up, some like Bavor stopping long enough to praise and give Gimli a rough pat on the back or a punch in the arm as the copper-haired Dwarf bounced between embarrassment and pride as he knelt down and patted Huo's brown fur. The regular sounds of the large busy camp around them returning to normal as people went about their errands and business. Kaya growled and tisked at him from his other side, chiding him for his foolish actions, even as she kept a comforting hand on his arm and tucked some of his now lose hair behind his ear. To which Gimli could only rub the back of his neck in embarrassment and give a helpless lopsided smile, which only made her narrow her eyes and scowl.
"Lad, you got balls of solid rock!" Lady Frar finally barked in laughter as she came over, giving Gimli a whack on the back- nearly knocking him over.
Gimli gave her a small smile before he wiped his bloody chin on his arm, but otherwise said nothing as he then reached up to rub his sore throat. All in all he knew he had come out of this confrontation very lucky, with only a split-lip, some bruises, a sore arm and neck to show for it. If nothing else he had earned himself a lot more respect by standing up the three bullies he thought as he rotated his sore arm. Kaya however just shook her head at both him and her mother's behavior as she stood there watching Gimli spit out another wad of blood.
Huo during this time was busy sniffing interestedly at the now cold pool of vomit on the ground, then began to happily lap it up before Gimli noticed and pulled the dog away. Kaya wrinkled her nose in disgust as Gimli just shook his head at the oblivious mutt.
Meanwhile the high ranking and heavily armored Matriarch with the massive axe strapped to her back and broadsword at her hip moved over to where Yngvi and his two friends stood nursing their wounds. The big shirtless FireBeard was whining about a loose tooth and was bent down holding his mouth open, pointing a thick finger to a particular tooth, while the much smaller blond soldier looked up to see what the other was trying to show him. Yngvi meanwhile stood there, his face bloody, his nose badly broken, braided hair in disarray, positively fuming as he glared in the direction of the young Wonderer. However both he and his friends immediately snapped to attention when they noticed the powerful Matriarch standing before them, their posture submissive.
"Pride be the warrior before the fall," quoted the Dwarrow-dam as she glared down at the Yngvi and his friends. It was during this time that the rest of Yngvi's company, that had been watching from nearby, come over to stand behind the humbled three. Without a word the commanding Warrior held out her big gloved hand for the single-bladed axe with the star fall pattern that still hung from Yngvi belt, the cause of all that had just transpired. Yngvi wisely handed it over with out a word, he and his friends quietly waiting for what she would do.
For the next few moments she felt it's balance and looked the wonderfully crafted weapon over, marveling at the skilled forging that had clearly gone into such a weapon. It was no wonder that the young one had been so willingly to fight for it, she thought to herself. She gave satisfied grunt before she turned to speak once again the group patiently waiting before her.
"Congratulations, Yngvi. You and all your company are now officially on shit-shoveling duty. And they have you to personally thank for it. Report to Commander Ondri for duty-- NOW!" she ordered with a bellow, jabbing a gloved finger at the Mountain.
The company of twelve immediately gave her a deep respectful bow before they moved off with many a grumbled "Thank you very much, Yngvi!" and "Yah! Thanks a lot, shit-face!" Poor Yngvi and his two companions also had to put up with the many glares and shoves by their fellow soldiers as they reluctantly trudged to the Mountain. It must be said, that there are fewer things fouler then Dragon shit, and Smaug had been using a large chamber off the main hall in the Mountain as his personal toilet since he moved in. Needless to say their was quite a lot of it.
The dark-haired Dwarrow-dam watched them go before she motioned for Moin to come over to her. The silver-haired battalion Commander came to a stop before her and gave her a respectful bow, he was about to open his mouth to explain himself when she stepped closer to him. He jumped and his eyes flew open as a yell of surprised and pain caught in his throat as a cruel hand suddenly grabbed his genitals through the thick material of his trousers.
"If I ever see or hear about you doing something like this again because of your hurt pride. I'll kill you," she growled into his ear, Moin let out a chocked gasp of pain as she mercilessly tightened her grip on his balls.
"Understand?"
"Yes, my Lady Ai!" Moin managed to say with a hurried nod of his head, his mouth set in a grimace as he winced over her broad shoulder, respectfully not meeting her flashing eyes, showing his submission.
"Good, now be gone from my sight!" she snarled, her ruby-colored eyes flashing dangerously. She was hard on her troops, weakness was not tolerated, but she was fair and knew the difference between proper discipline and simple abuse when she saw it. She didn't like what she saw today and planned to take up her observations with Thekk that evening as she watched the silver-haired battalion leader hurryingly limp away.
Thekk, son of Thrikk was Dain's top general of the army, higher in rank than even the Lady Laina, Dain's second in command, Ai herself in turn was second only to General Thekk in the army. She then turned her attention the handsome young Dwarf standing with the two females.
When she had first come upon the fight she had immediately recognized him as the same scruffy young Wanderer that wanted to join their force as it made it's way to the Mountain days before, angrily watching from the side of the road as the troops march past, ignoring him. She was quite pleased to see him still alive. She was even more pleased after watching the confrontation between Yngvi and his friends, as well as the following fight with Moin, that her initial observation of him had proven correct. This ragged young pup was far more then he appeared and now that she knew his name, she immediately recognized him as having to be one of Lady Nei's offspring. Which explained much in her mind, Nei had named her son well, Fire indeed! What a fine soldier he would make, she mused to herself as she walked over.
"Well, lad. I see you didn't disappoint me. Well done! Congratulation's on surviving your first battle," she said, not bothering to hide the pleasure in her deep voice.
Gimli looked up from talking to Kaya and turned in surprise to see the powerful Matriarch he had first met days before as Dain's army marched to the Mountain. Still clad in the armor he had first seen her in, the big battle axe strapped on her back and the long broad sword at her hip, walk over, his axe in hand as she came to stand by him. Once again she seemed to tower over him as he immediately dropped his posture in respect, Kaya beside him also did the same, only the hulking Lady Frar stood there, her unimpressed dark-eyes watching the new arrival.
"And congratulations in teaching Yngvi a lesson about taking things that don't belong to him," Lady Ai continued with a humorous snort, handing the handsome young Dwarf his axe back.
"My deepest thanks, my Lady!" He thanked her sincerely, eagerly taking Star Smasher and giving the Dwarrow-dam a deep respectful bow, the end of his copper braid sweeping the dirt.
When he straightened up again, he immediately checked his mother's old weapon for any damage, aside for needing to be sharpened and a thorough cleaning, the axe was fine. With that he closed his eyes with a final sigh of relief, resting his head momentarily against the back of the weapon before standing up again and firmly shoving the axe back in it's holster at his side. The heavy added weight of it instantly soothed the last of his lingering anxiety.
When he finally turned back to the Matriarch he saw her reach up and remover her helmet, revealing a high cheek boned face and thick brown hair held back in a long braid just like his own. Now that he had a unobstructed view of her tan face, he was surprised to see by her almond-shaped eyes and striking features that she too was clearly from one of the IronFists clans like his mother. In fact, what Gimli didn't know was that she was actually a second cousin from his mother's side, the silently watching Kaya noticed the similarities as well as she looked from Gimli to the large Matriarch. Ai had only recently realized herself after she had learned of his name, but for now she said nothing, only smiling at the look on Gimli's smooth handsome face. Internally marveling at how much he looked like his mother…
"Well! If it isn't Lady Ai, the Lighting Hand," Lady Frar suddenly snorted, interrupting their thoughts. Sounding particularly under whelmed as she stood there with a big hand resting on her now cocked hip.
"Frar!" Lady Ai said sarcastically, instantly recognizing her voice. The mithril beads braided into her beard flashing in the sunlight as she tucked her helmet under her arm and turned to the larger female standing behind Gimli and the dark-haired Kaya.
"How did I know a big bitch like you would come out of this battle without a scratch?" she asked, pushing her way past Gimli and Kaya. Both young Dwarves now watched nervously as the two females stopped before one another, flashing eyes locked in challenge.
"Your too ugly to kill!" finished Ai with a booming laugh as both she and Lady Frar began to circle one another. Gimli and Kaya glanced at each other, both knowing that this could get ugly and wisely stepped further back, Gimli's dog seemed to sense their unease and stayed close, his tail down as he leaned against Gimli's leg.
Lady Frar was bigger then Lady Ai, but Ai was a well known fighter, her skills legendary in Dain's army, having literally fought her way up the ranks. So it was that after a few tense moments of sizing one another up, Lady Frar stopped and averted her eyes, showing her acceptance of Lady Ai's higher standing. Yet because she was a high ranking Matriarch in her own right as well as a seasoned Warrior, Lady Frar did not need to lower her posture.
Seeing this the brown-haired Dwarrow-dam stopped circling as well, then they both stepped back, their postures relaxed once again.
"So Frar, where are you headed, I don't imagine you are with those camped by the supply train," Ai said, tossing her head in the direction where many of the Wonderers and tag-a-longs had camped on the outskirts of the Dain's camp.
"Kaya, Gimli! Go on ahead, I'll catch up," Frar suddenly ordered, watching them reluctantly begin to move off in the direction of the Mountain, Gimli glancing over his shoulder a few times at Lady Ai.
"We where camped up near RavenHill, behind the old watch-post," Frar finally answered, turning back to the other Dwarrow-dam. Her voice was noticeably deeper then Ai's smoother tones, her features were also much broader and rounded compared to Ai's more angular and refined features, her long beard and hair more simply braided them Ai's.
"We are going over to join the group waiting to get into the Mountain, then we'll be off to do a little exploring… as well as to see if the lad there can find that saw-tongued father of his," she continued, motioning with her chin in the direction of the two young Dwarves moving away.
"Good hunting then!" Ai said, a smile on her plump lips as she watched Gimli and Kaya walk ahead.
The dark-haired Kaya was fussing again with her purple hood, while Gimli rubbed at his sore neck, the scruffy brown mutt happily trotting along beside them, tail up. When she was sure they were out of hearing, she stepped conspiratorially closer to the larger Dwarrow-dam.
"If you can not find Gloin or his brother, bring the lad back to me," she said in a lower voice, her flashing eyes never leaving Gimli retreating back. "I will take him into my clan, we are IronFists and will look out for Nei's remaining child. Besides, his skills and Warrior spirit is wasted with those two LongBeard jewelers." She snorted in derision, Frar giving her an agreeing nod before moving off to catch up with her daughter and Gloin's son.
Lady Ai stood there and watched them go, a smile coming to her lips again.
-------------------
It was not long after that the three of them had walked up the Mountain, past the outer walls and had joined the large group already amassed outside of the main gate of the Mountain. The massive impenetrable doors that had once barred the way where long gone, ripped off their hinges and tossed down the Mountain side. Catching sight of big Bruni through the large crowd they moved over to join him, his blue-haired mate and most of the others from their camp waited near some boulders the Goblins had thrown down during the battle.
The fiery-haired Finn and Ginnar where busy arm wrestling one another, their massive war hammers on the ground next to them, while the big warrior Griff, sat cross-legged on the ground reading a beat up book. The small brown-haired cook Har, stood behind him, reading over the big Dwarf's shoulder. Notch the story teller lounged in the shade of one of the larger boulders with the rest of his family, the young teen with the brick-red stalking cap boredly perched atop the boulder his family shaded under, seeing how far he could throw pebbles down the Mountain. Old Vestri and Lady Rin where still busy helping out in the healing tents and none had seen Thrin since the hollow-eyed warrior had wondered off into the darkness that first night.
Coming over they saw that they had clearly just missed another scuffle as a thoroughly exasperated Nyrad now stood trying to hold the struggling and snarling Nur and Skafid apart, every now and then one of the two would try and lunge around Nyrad to get at the one another. Bruni just stood nearby holding most of their heavy travel-packs over his broad shoulders, looking up as if beseeching the Valar for guidance.
"Well, I see we haven't missed Nur and Skafid's daily row," sniffed Kaya in annoyance, a dark eyebrow cocked. The entire camp after the first night had come to know of the two young Dwarves seeming never ending series of fights and yelling matches, that were usually sparked over the strangest things. Like saying something, throwing something or simply looking at one another.
"Joy." Gimli deadpanned next to her, giving a big yawn before wincing at the sudden pain in his jaw.
The three new arrivals came to stand by the watching Draupnir and Dolgthrasir. The dark-haired brothers gave them a silent greeting, Draupnir giving Gimli a friendly bump, which Gimli returned. The two had become quick friends and tended to gravitate towards one another, being the same age and male. Both being kindred spirits, having seen and been through far to much in their young lives.
"So how long has this one been going on?" Gimli signed in Iglishmek (5.) before crossing his arms as he watched the show.
"Nine minutes now. You missed the best chase yet," Draupnir signed silently back, his one black and amber colored eyes sparkling in silent laughter, the rest of his badly scarred face covered by his red scarf.
"Stop it! By Mahal, what is it now?" Nyrad was growling, the slender Dwarf finally managing to shove them apart before turning to glare down at his brother.
"He farted!" yelled the messy haired Nur, pointing an accusing finger at the smirking and equally messy haired Skafid now standing behind his older sibling.
Nyrad groaned, feeling a headache coming on as he reached up to rub the bridge of his nose, seeing again why his mother insisted he and take both Skafid and Nur along. The damned evil Woman wanted them out of the house!
"We all must do this once in while, little brother," Nyrad sighed, as he looked at his brother with an eyebrow now cocked. His long straight hair was braided into many thick ropes with delicate blue beads, the multiple silver loops piecing his ears flashing with his movements.
"But he farted on my head!" Nur bellowed in outrage, causing many of those around them to stop what they were doing and look in his direction. Needless to say, this was followed by many snickers and snorts of amusement. Nur seethed, visibly bristling, his long blue-hair was lose, having lost his hair tie in the previous scuffle, while Skafid tried to look innocent as Gimli, Draupnir, his brother, the two FireBeard brothers, Lady Frar, Griff and many around them flat out laughed.
It was finally to much for Nur, when he saw the light-haired Skafid lean around Nyrad and make a face at him.
"Why you!" Came the following snarl, needless to say the fight was back on.
This time, after seeing the pleading look on Nyrad's face, Gimli and Draupnir helped brake up the fight, both of them coming over and grabbing hold of Nur and hauling him a few feet away before dumping him growling to the dirt. Bruni meanwhile, after catching the hard look his blue-haired mate was giving him, that promised 'no nooky for you night' if he didn't do something, finally dumped the many packs he had been holding and simply stepped forward and grabbed his cursing younger cousin by the back of his clothes, lifting him off the ground like a squirming puppy.
Gimli tiredly plopped down next to the grumbling Nur, wincing at the dull ache in his ribs before resting his arms on top of his raised knees, his baggy green shirt hanging off one scarred shoulder. Draupnir sat down next to him before laying back with his eyes closed, a few moments later Kaya also came over and flopped down next to them, putting her purple hood up to keep the sun out of her eyes as she brought out some embroidery she had been working on. For a few moments Gimli idly watched her fingers nimbly push the needle up and through the small hoop of stretched material, watching a delicate pattern of water lilies take shape on the sky-blue material, that was destined to become the pocket of one of Kaya's long skirts.
Huo meanwhile had also come over and was giving the grumbling Nur some wet dog kisses, his long tail wagging, and it was not long before the younger Dwarf was laughing and squirming under Huo's attention. His previous anger quickly forgotten in the face of the dog's simple affection. Finally calmed he briskly rubbed the scruffy mutt's brown fur, a smile back on his young face.
From the corner of his almond-shaped eye Gimli watched, internally wondering if he had ever been like that, shaking his head at how easily Nur's and Skafid's moods could change. Had he ever been like that? Was that the reason why his Da and others would get so exasperated with he and Ulfr? Had they really ever been that bad?
But the more he thought about his best friend and some of the stunts they pulled, including their ill planned drunken fist fight on the tavern roof back in Black Hollow, that had only ended after he fell off the roof. With an embarrassed internal groan he came to the quick realization that yes, they had been. In fact they had worse!
"Oy, Star. Ya look like shit!" chirped a cheerful voice next to him.
For a moment Gimli didn't say anything, just turned to look drolly at the now smirking Nur, who was looking back at him, taking amused notice of Gimli's mused hair and new bruises.
Whap
Nur's grin was understandably gone after Gimli promptly smacked him on the back of the head, causing the younger Dwarf to yelp and rub the back of his head as he now glared at the silent copper-haired Dwarf next him.
"Twit," Gimli grumbled under his breath as he turned back to look at the milling crowd around them.
Nur continued to grumble to himself before his elder brother came over, Bruni now growling something to the apologetic looking Skafid, who hung his head at the hulking cousin's tongue-lashing, still dangling off the ground.
"Nur!" Came an angry yell and they both turned to watch Nyrad stalk over to them. His many long blue braids snaking around his shoulders, clad in a fetching sky-blue tunic and black hose, his muscular legs clad in tall brown boots, he and Bruni no longer wearing their armor. Bruni wore a simple sleeveless brown shirt and trousers, with a thick belt and heavy boots.
"I am sooo telling Mother of what a little shit you've been!" Nyrad hissed, a scowl on his beautiful face, watching his shorter sibling stand up to confront him.
"I'm telling Mother!" Copied Nur in a smarmy imitation of his brother' smooth voice, even mimicking his motions as he rolled his eyes at the threat.
He barely managed to dodged the swat by his now growling brother in the next moment and was about to give a mocking 'Ha, ha! You missed!' When he gave a yelp instead, not being quick enough to avoid his brother's next move and received a swift kick in the bum.
Nyrad promptly grabbed his now cursing younger sibling by the ear, who was now hold his sore bum.
"Sit over by the packs and don't move until I tell you, ya bloody Brat!" he snarled, sending Nur firmly on his way. With his hands on his slim hips, he watched the grumbling Nur scuttle over to the massive pile of packs that Bruni had set down before flopping down to sulk, his arms crossed and his smooth face pinched in a childish pout. Satisfied the blue-haired Warrior turned to glance at the copper-haired Dwarf still sitting on the ground behind him, taking notice of his split lip and fresh bruises.
"What happened to you?" Nyrad asked, coming over and peering closer at him.
"Long story," Gimli snorted, waving him away and watching the beautiful indigo-eyed Dwarf give a shrug before moving off to join his hulking mate, who had just set Skafid back on his feet.
With a tired groan Gimli flopped back to lay on the ground, his hands behind his head like the dosing Draupnir next to him. Huo came to sniff around him, Gimli closing his eyes as the dog sniffed his face, but he let out a squawk when Huo decided to lay down too. Which meant laying himself across Gimli's face (6.)
After a few long moments and coming to the realization that the dog wasn't going to move any time soon, Gimli gave a muffled snort before he slowly sat up again. Huo rolled into his lap, his tongue lolling out of his mouth and seeming far to pleased with himself.
"Dumb dog!" Gimli muttered with a laugh, as he gently smushed and stretched the dog's face into various comical expressions (7.). The happily panting Huo seeming to love every minute as he lay lazily flopped over Dwarf's lap as Gimli now played with his floppy brown ears.
Over the next half hour Gimli waited with the others, Draupnir dosing and Kaya still quietly sowing next to him as he played with his dog, waiting for the guards to let them go in. The sun was starting its late afternoon decent as a chill breeze reminding them of the coming winter. It was almost time when Kaya, Draupnir and he finally got up and waited with the others of their camp, Notch and his family also getting up and joining the rest of the milling crowd.
It was during this time as they all anxiously waited in silence, excitement fluttering in their stomachs as they restlessly shifting on their feet, gazing longingly at the massive dark entrance to the Mountain. That the sweet notes of a soulful Dwarven flute suddenly cut through the air.
Brushing his long hair out of his eyes, Gimli looked over to his right and saw an older Dwarf, his rangy form clad in humble clothes of cheep weave, his long gleaming brown hair held away from his careworn face in a simple long tail down his back. A playful breeze gently tugging at it as he stood there atop a large boulder to the side of the entrance, his eyes closed and his face serene as he held the long wooden instrument to his lips. Filling the air with the haunting notes of his flute, it's familiar song full of sadness.
For long moments only the singing of the flute was heard, many of those that had been sitting or lounging got up to silently listen while others closed their eyes and turned their faces up into the sunlight, allowing the music to flow through them. It was not long before the first few voices began to sing, others joining them and soon the air was filled with many deep voices raised in harmonious song as the flute player played on, casting his spell.
Traveler, you must not look back.
Wander on where the wind takes you
The steps you take will guide you on your way
Journey on into the unknown
Yet there are memories you cannot forget
Though they may bring you to tears
Yet you must live on with all your might
Just think of the honor of your people and all your grief will vanish
Throw old notions by the wayside
Go, go, until you've touched the sunset
Look up towards those distant stars
Go, go, until you've smashed through the horizon
Most of the heavily armed guards and soldiers remained silent as they listened, including many of the other Dwarves that waiting to get into the Mountain, for only the Exiles and Wanderer's lifted their voices, for only they knew the words to sing it. The song sung by those remaining survivors that had fled the Mountain so long ago, a song they had created to comfort their weary spirits and steel their resolve as they wandered forth into the harsh world of arda, their fate uncertain.
Without even realizing he had, Gimli began to sing with those around him. Next to him Kaya, her mother, the FireBeard brothers, Draupnir and his brother had also raised their voices, though poor Draupnir could only hum through his red scarf. As Gimli sang, his deep smooth voice rising harmoniously with those around him, it felt as if a long used to and bitter ache slowly began to unwind it's self.
Was this not what so many of them had for so long wished for? What this not what so many here had truly fought for? Let the Elves and Men think what they will, let them think that the only motivation in their Dwarven hearts was that of gold or the Arkenstone, he cared not! For he and all those here knew the true reason… A home!
Traveler, I want to hear what you saw on your wandering
Someday, maybe we'll go home
Once you and I have fulfilled our dreams
Let our song ring on throughout the ages
Let the snow fly until the end of time
Search on for a golden season
Be as the color of twilight, a wondering dragonfly
Throw old notions by the wayside
Go, go until you've slashed through the sunset
Look back towards those distant memories
But live on to see another day
In the camps of the Wood-elves and Lake Men it had also became quiet as many stopped what they were doing and looked towards the Mountain where the strange melancholy song was coming from, the sound of it pulling on their hearts. Never had they heard this song and as they listened they came to realize that this song was unlike any Dwarven song they had heard before, and many where surprised to find themselves moved by the many raised voices. For they sang not of wealth or the deep places of the world, but of bitter longing, of loss, of steeling ones heart and continuing on.
There's a voice you can't forget
Though it may bring you to tears
Yet you must live on with all your might
Forget not their memories
Towards the unknown tomorrow you must go
Wonder on, traveler
Wonder on
As the song finally came to an end and the last notes of the flute had faded, the armored guards stepped back with a bow and motioned the crowd in. And so it was that the many Exiles quietly began to walk into the Mountain, looking about with eyes wide and faces full of wonder. Their hearts, pounding excitedly in their chests with the exalted realization that they where finally home. They were Exiles no longer.
Over head many of the remaining Ravens that had stayed to peck out a living in the surround Desolation of the Dragon, flew through the massive entrance and into the first hall. Many eagerly exploring the abandoned holes and nests honeycombing the walls of the first long hall. A few of the other Ravens that had followed their Dwarven companions from their various colonies and settlements, rode quietly upon their companion's shoulders or flew over head. Gimli made sure that Huo stayed close, not wanting the dog to get accidentally stepped on as they moved along with the crowd.
As Gimli and the others of his camp passed through the second entrance and into the first great hall, still dark and foul with the smell of Dragon, they began to spread out. Many stopping altogether to look about the massive echoing chamber. Bits of rotting furniture, tossed about wooden beams and rubble still cluttered the dirty and dust covered floors and walls. The massive windows which should have allowed the bright sunlight in had been blackened and incrusted with dirt and filth, the Dragon wanting his layer as dark as possible.
"Come, young ones! Let us do a little exploring," Frar barked to Kaya and Gimli as they looked around in wonder.
Gimli mutely nodded his head as he trailed after the two females, his large brown eyes darting around the cavernous room, searching for his father and uncle in the sea of bearded faces, but saw none of Thorin's motley company. He happened to glance at a group of soldiers working near a wall, partly hidden behind several massive pillars, still busy picking up what looked to be more charred debris to be carted away. It was then that one of the large soldiers stood up carefully holding something he had just picked up, a closer glance at the particularly weary looking soldier revealed that he held a blackened hollow-eyed scull in his hands.
Gimli quickly looked away, not wanting to see anymore as he realized what he had first thought was debris, was in fact a large pile of old charred bodies. As Gimli moved on, turning his back on the grizzly reminder of Smaug's occupation, he and his dog began to wander away from Lady Frar and the rest of his fellows from camp, determined to find his father and uncle.
Scarred Draupnir and his brother, along with Har, Griff, Bruni, Nyrad and the others began to disperse and explore on their own as well. Those Dwarves that had called the Iron Hills home looked around in appreciation, while the many Exiles and Wanderers looked around in open mouthed awe. The darkness, smell, destruction and filth could not cover the awesome grandeur that lay beneath. The many soldier continued to work, ignoring, for the most part, all the new arrivals as they went about opening all the many vents and doors to help air out the stink of the Dragon and the dank scent of mildew and old death. A particularly large group of soldiers was busy constructing some scaffolding so that they could begin the task of cleaning off the filth on the gigantic windows that allowed the sun and starlight into the Mountain.
It was unfortunate that in his impatient haste, Gimli had already wondered down one of the massive adjoining halls, for he just missed the arrival of most of Thorn's company from an opposite hall, coming out to greet the many new comers. Many stopping to give the members of Thorin's company their thanks and congratulation, giving the motley group respectful bows or asked them excited questions. This went on for a time until dark haired Nori and Ori fell quiet as the rest of their group continued to talk and laugh when they saw a hulking Matriarch approach them.
"Are you all of Thorin's company?" Lady Frar demanded standing before them, clad in her armor and weapons. The two big BlackLocks gave a simple nod after giving her a respectful bow.
"Good! Star, get over here and ask them about that sour father of yours!" She barked over her shoulder, a smug look on her face as she watched the Dwarves standing before her look back at her in blank confusion. But after a long pause and still no Gimli, her thick brows furrowed in irritation and she turned around expecting to see him right behind her, but saw only her daughter (who was not paying attention). Nei's son no where to be seen.
Kaya, feeling the prickle of eyes, finally looked up from fiddling with her sleeve, then also looked around. Not seeing the tanned copper-haired Dwarf nearby she looked back at her mother and gave a shrug of her shoulders.
"Where did he get to?" Frar snapped, looking around in annoyance for the handsome young male in the crowds of Dwarves nearby, with no luck. Ori and Nori shared a long look, but stayed respectfully silent before this large and clearly eccentric Dwarrow-dam.
"Wondered off to do a little exploring on his own," Har then said from nearby, the small cook stood with the now arguing Finn and Ginnar, pointing across the massive camber. "Saw the lad go down that hall over there."
"Well never mind then!" Frar snorted in irritation, throwing her hands up before turning to Thorin's motley group again with a glare. Ori and Nori took a cautious step back in the face of her irritation. Yet just as she was going to march off in disgust-- her attention fell on the newly arrived Dori, who at the moment was telling the others that he and a few volunteers were going to go help the soldiers out in clearing some of the heavier debris.
Kaya gave an internal groan and crossed her arms as she recognized the sudden hungry glint in her mother's dark eyes. Watching her mother appreciatively look the large ink-haired male up and down, her eyes roaming over the many black tattoos that covered Dori's massive muscular arms. Greatly liking what she saw, Frar then shoved both Ori and Nori aside and stalked over to the large BlackLock, the ink haired Dori being bigger then she, standing just short of Bruni's hulking size.
Dori, feeling the prickle of staring eyes, turned to see a large armored and rather unattractive Dwarrow-dam suddenly beside him, pressing rudely into his personal space. His dark-eyes went wide at the forward advances of the large predatory female, giving a panicked look around as Frar coyly batted her eyes at him and ran a teasing finger up his bare arm.
Seeing that none of his watching fellows, nor his two now snicker cousin's would offer him any help. He respectfully bowed to her, then he took a step back and averted his eyes, his posture stiff, Dwarven body language for not interested.
Frar's eyes narrowed dangerously at Dori's brush off, but she dropped her hand and silently stalked past him with a haughty sniff. Clearly agitated as she rudely shoved her way through the group, an apologetic Kaya silently trailing after her.
Perhaps because she was still annoyed at Gimli's disappearance and angry at Dori's brush off or perhaps she was just in a bullying mood, she then zeroed in on the only female member of Thorin's party. Who at the moment was laughing about something with her two cousins.
Upon seeing her, Frar walked over (shoving past the other members of Thorin's company) and made a point of knocking the smaller Dwarrow-dam with her broad shoulder.
Poor Bifur stumbled in surprise before she turned around to yell angrily at whoever had hit her, but upon seeing the much larger Warrior and the challenge in her eyes, the BroadBeam quickly scuttled back to huddle against her two cousins, her posture submissive. Bifur was much smaller then Lady Frar, being a few inches shorter the Kaya, who only rolled her eyes again at her mother's behavior.
On the scale of the female hierarchy Bifur was on the lowest end, being only a simple cook and trader and was no Warrior or Craft-Master, nor did she have any noble blood in her family. In the overall Dwarven hierarchy, she was little higher then that of an average fully grown male, it just so happened that she was also the lowest ranking female in her family, being the youngest daughter of two sisters, her mother and two aunts ruling their family.
Bifur continued to cautiously watch Lady Frar, her wide light-brown eyes weary, her bruised face blank as she pressed against her two cousins. The other members of Thorin's group also watched warily, waiting for the large Dwarrow-dam's next move, both Bofur and Bombur had also adopted the same posture as their cousin, their eyes dropped to the ground in a show supplication.
Apparently satisfied with her dominance, Lady Frar gave a satisfied snort and moved on, Kaya trailing after her. Bifur let out a deep sigh of relief as she turned and leaned heavily on Bombur who patted her back reassuringly, while the others watched Frar move on. Dori, Ori and Nori came over a moment later to offer their support before they wandered off to go help the soldiers.
-----------------------
Gimli meanwhile had been wondering through the Mountain with Huo faithfully at his side for the last two hours, with still no luck. Though he did get to see the pleasurable sight of watching Yngvi and his friends shoveling and carting away dragon shit with their unfortunate fellows in one of the large side chambers down one of the main halls. He also past a few dark corners where soft moans and gasps could be heard, more then once a quick glance revealed two lovers taking advantage of the darkness for a quick and heated encounter. Eventually though some of the older soldiers from Dain's army pointed him back in the direction of the upper main halls, promising him that if Thorin's company was anywhere, it was there.
He just so happened to be strolling through one of dark halls, looking around at the massive freezes and statuary in open-mouth appreciation, Huo padding next to him, his nails clicking on the stone floor. When he saw a familiar gray-robed figure with a tall staff and wearing a pointy hat, hurrying down the other way muttering to himself. He stopped and watched the figure walk past him, catching the being's unique and familiar scent of pipe-weed and the sharp smell after a lightning-storm.
"Gandalf!" he finally called out, a smile on his face, his heart gladdened to see the old Wizard hale.
The grey Istari instantly froze in his tracks, having been on his way to the throne room to discuss something with King Dain and his advisors.
"Gimli? He asked, whirling around, his one arm still in a simple sling. Sure enough standing in the middle of dark hall behind him was a scruffy looking Gimli, son of Gloin, bruised, skinny, wrung-out and grinning like a fool.
For long moments the Wizard looked him over before he gave a great sigh of relief as he leaned heavily against his tall staff, followed by a whispered "Thank the Valar!" How ironic that over the last few day he had hoped to talk to Gloin, but being so busy with the three armies and their respective Kings, he had been unable to find either he or Oin. After four days of looking through the various camps and the many wounded and still not seeing the young Dwarf, Gandalf had begun to fear the worst.
Unfortunately after a long beat the Wizard suddenly straitened to his full height and his countenance become stormy as he speared Gimli with a furious look in his ancient storm-grey eyes.
Gimli watched the Wizard loom over him and gave a audible gulp, suddenly feeling very small and rather scared.
"GIMLI, SON OF NEI AND GLOIN! WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!" Came the thunderous roar as the Wizard's grip tightened on his twisted staff and he began to advance menacingly on the now wide-eyed and frozen young Dwarf.
Being the sensible Dwarf he was, Gimli promptly turned tail and ran as fast as he could, leaving the fuming Wizard behind. Quickly deciding that he would find Gandalf again and properly apologize for his actions after the Istari had plenty off time to cool off. Huo raced along with him, whole heartedly agreeing with his two legged companion's sensible plan to run away from the strange gray monster behind them.
It was a good thing that non of Thranduil's people had been present to see, for they would have been shocked to just how fast a Dwarf can run; with the right kind of motivation. Gandalf meanwhile could only angrily watch for the second time in a row, as the young Dwarf, his long copper hair flying out behind him, race away at top speed with what appeared to be a dog right behind. And though he was quite angry, the Wizard couldn't deny the joy in his heart at knowing Gloin's son was alright and clearly not badly hurt; judging by his speed. For in truth, he had begun to think the worst and dreaded to tell Gloin that his son had managed to survive under such incredible odds, only to die in the battle later.
Gimli could hear the angry Wizard's litany of threats and bellows get further and further away as he raced down various passage ways, dodging past other Dwarves and obstacles.
He had been racing down one hall when, what could only be a Hobbit, came around the corner. The poor curly-haired creature froze at the sight of the charging Dwarf, giving a loud squeak of fright. Seeing that he had no time to stop Gimli simply leap-frogged over the small cringing halfling and continued on without missing a beat.
"Comm'in through!" he called over his shoulder, the brown dog that ran next to him gave a few happy barks.
"Well I never!" Bilbo said indignantly, standing up again and glaring after the very rude Dwarf. "I shall most assuredly not put this incident in my book!" He huffed as he turned to brush imaginary dust from his vest, one of his hands unconsciously going to his pocket to make sure his hidden ring was still safely within.
As Gimli continued to run, he got to thinking that maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to have gone against Gandalf wishes and knock the Istari on his bum days before. But even as he thought about it, he knew he would have done it anyway-- just maybe not the whole knocking Gandalf off his feet thing…
It was only after he was sure he was far enough away, that Gimli finally slowed to a walk again.
In all his running, he just so happened to find himself in one of the smaller passageways near the secret entrance that Thorin and the rest of his party had used many days before to sneak in into the Mountain, thanks to the Thrush and Bilbo's quick thinking.
With a laugh Gimli reached down and gave the scruffy brown mutt panting at his side a loving pat. "Well, how's that for sayin' hello for ya?" he whispered conspiratorially to the dog, that cocked it head at him, seeming to understand.
"Bark!"
"You said it, lad," Gimli snickered, a rye smile on his short bearded face as he rubbed the dog's head before they both moved on down the passage at a more leisurely pace.
It was then, coming around a corner that Gimli spotted a Dwarf, who could only be Bombur standing on the doorstep of the open entrance, enjoying the fresh air as he looked out. Seeing him, Gimli quickly ducked back around the corner so he wouldn't be spotted.
Bombur wore his pale-green hood and he was clad once again in his dusty and faded traveling clothes, his large gut hanging over his thick belt, a handful of sweets in his hand. Bombur's light brown hair was very short for a Dwarf, who as a race prided themselves on their long thick hair as well as their beards. Bombur's hair just brushed his shoulders, held back from his round face with some twine. His beard was also a bit odd, growing only along jaw, leaving most of his fat round face bare. His beard was also rather short thanks to a bad cooking accident. By Dwarf standards Bombur was not attractive, aside from his obvious corpulence, which was greatly looked down upon in a society of workers and fighters, he also had to contend with the lowly position of a cook. With his chubby face and odd stunted beard and his winy demeanor he was considered by many Dwarves as flat out unattractive. Luckily Bombur cared more for food then he did other peoples opinions, so this did not seem to bother him in the least.
At the moment the BroadBeam cook was lost in thought as he waited for Bifur and Bofur to join him, having no idea that he was being watched from nearby.
Watching the fat Dwarf pop a butterscotch into his mouth, reminded Gimli that he had not had a single sweet or candy since he had left the House of the Red Blossoms in Ocendade many months back. His large brown eyes flashed predatorily as he hungrily ran his tongue across his top lip as he watched the cook pop another treat into his mouth. Thinking of candy also made him remember the past and think about Ulfr, who had a major sweet tooth when it came to peppermints.
Back in Black Hallow sugar was such a valuable commodity, along with salt and meat. There just never seemed to be enough of it. He could remember when there would be long periods between the food shipments brought from neighboring Shiprock by cart, there would be a mad rush by the Men and Dwarves that worked the mine to trade their meager earnings for flour, sugar, meat and salt from the various traders and caravans that would periodically past through the dreary mining town. Every now and then his father would be able to scrape a little extra together and buy a small brick of peppermint. Like a precious bar of mithril Gloin would chip off small pieces for them to enjoy, carefully portioning it, trying to make it last as long as possible.
It was with both fondness and bitter sadness he remember how many times he would save his small piece until later when he would sit with Maya and Ulfr behind the tavern or up in the hayloft in the old barn sharing the small piece of candy as they talked. The raven-haired Maya laughing that kisses always tasted better after sucking on peppermint as Gimli lazily rested his head in her lap while she idly played with the end of his braid, Ulfr lounging nearby, all of them daydreaming of better things.
As for Bombur, he and Ulfr had made it their solemn duty to help unburden the fat cook of any extra sweets during festivals or the few times the BroadBeam came through Black Hollow with his two cousins. And now as Gimli silently spied on the unsuspecting Dwarf, watching him eat, Gimli decided that he could really go for something sweet too.
Poor Bombur never knew what hit him
"BOMBUR!" Came a sudden yell from behind him. Causing the fat Dwarf to jump in surprise, his round eyes to flying wide-open, the butterscotch he was about to toss in his mouth, promptly missed and fell into his beard.
Bombur managed to turn his head-- just in time to be sprung upon by a seeming blur of flashing eyes and copper hair as a muscled body suddenly pounced on him. His assailant then proceeded to climb on him like a manic squirrel on a tree trunk as riffling hands dug through his many pockets. This was followed by, what sounded like a dog barking, which further disoriented him.
Caught completely off balance, Bombur could offer no defense against the sudden assault as he let out a yell and fell heavily back, finding himself flat on his back on the floor, his head spinning. This didn't seem to bother his assailant any as they simply hopped off and knelt next to him and continued to raffle through the pockets of his tunic and the compartments on his belt as he lay there stunned and gasping.
"Hah!" Came a triumph yell a few seconds later, as who ever it was apparently found what they were looking for. "I knew you holding out on me!"
Bombur could only stare up at the ceiling in a daze, when a familiar tanned face came into view, looking down on him with a wicked smile. Poor Bombur could only gape at what could only be Gloin's son's ghost.
"My thanks Master Bombur for the sweets!" The ghost smirked, taking a candy from the small bag it held before popping it into it's mouth. Rudely helping it's self to poor Bombur's secret stashes of peppermints and butterscotches that he had been jealously saving since their stay in Lake Town.
But before Bombur could begin to wonder what a ghost would want with his candy, he promptly began to sputter when his second attacker pounced, the overly friendly and playful dog proceeding to slobber all over his face. Unfortunately for Bombur, to add insult to injury, the dog soon discovered the butterscotch still tangled him his beard.
Needless to say this was followed by a yell of pain as the dog yanked out some of his hair as it snapped up the treat. Not understanding the dog then returned to slobber all over the now struggling and cursing cook's face.
From where he stood nearby, Gimli couldn't help but laugh out loud at the sight. Finally getting his mirth under control he decided to take pity on the fat Dwarf rolling around on the floor, his arms waving about as he tried to fend off Huo's slobbering wet tongue
"Common lad!" He called as he took a small handful of candies from Bombur's stash before synching the small bag up again and tossing it back at the struggling cook on the ground. As he jogged away, the dog immediately stopped it's attack on poor Bombur before happily racing after his copper-haired companion. The two continued down the passage way and took a left turn down a larger corridor lined with painted murals of flowering fields with smoky mountains in the back ground. As Gimli jogged past, his head turned to look at the long mural, he couldn't help be reminded of the hills and fields of his childhood.
Gimli and the dog however came to a skidding stop around the corner to the next hall, almost crashing into a startled Bifur and Bofur.
For a long pregnant pause the two BroadBeams clad in their faded yellow hoods and dusty clothes stared at him in wide-eyed shock before one of the two threw back their hood, revealing Bifur's bruised face as a big beautiful smile pulled up her plump lips.
"Gimli!" she cried joyfully, stepping forward and drawing him into a hug, which Gimli eagerly returned.
"Bifur!" he laughed, grinning like a fool as he picked up the small Dwarrow-dam in his arms and giving her a twirl. Bofur by now had also thrown back his hood, still not quite believing his eyes.
"Gimli, you rascal!" she laughed after he put her down again, reaching out to fussily brush some of his hair off his face. "We should have known nothing could have taken you down," she said with wonder as she looked him over, noticing with some concern the many changes in him since last she saw him. Bofur had by now had gotten over his initial shock and limped over to join them, laying a warm hand on Gimli's arm, like his cousin he was all smiles.
"Bofur, Bifur, it's good to see you both," Gimli said, grinning like a fool. Huo wandered around the three of they talked, the slim brown dog stopping every now and then to sniff at a particular spot or object.
"Has Bombur seen you yet?" Bofur asked, standing next to his cousin.
"Aye, that he has!" Gimli snickered as he glanced over his shoulder before looking back at the two light-brown haired Dwarves before him. "He even kindly decided to share some of his stash of sweets with me."
Hearing this caused Bofur to chuckle, while Bifur put her hands on her slim hips and tisked him.
"Really, Gimli! You know better, you shouldn't pick on him like that," she admonished, waggling a scolding finger at the totally unapologetic young Dwarf who popped a peppermint in his mouth before offering both of them the two candies he had left.
Both she and Bofur however immediately took one of the treats. Bombur might be family, but she and Bofur knew their corpulent cousin never willing shared his stash of peppermints and butter scotches with anyone. And both BroadBeams had seen in the past how Gimli and his friend Ulfr had gotten the fat Dwarf to supposedly share with them in the past. Which meant ganging up on the corpulent Dwarf and rifling through the cook's pockets, while easily dodging poor Bombur's pathetic attempts of escape and flailing defense. As much as they disapproved of poor Bomber's harassment, they couldn't deny it was one of the funniest things to watch!
Bifur and her family were in no way related to Gimli's and though they had a steady home in the Halls of Ered Luin, both she and Bofur traveled extensively. Especially to the Shire for shipments of pipe-weed and other Hobbit products, many times stopping to visit or stay a few days with Gloin's family. The two BroadBeams had also been Oin's friends before Gloin and Nei had been banished from the halls by Dis. Bombur however hardly ever left the safety of the small Dwarven city, and had only insisted on coming on the Quest after he learned of the possibility of a portion of the treasure.
"You did it! I can't believe it, your heroes!" Gimli said excitedly to them. "Everyone thought you wouldn't even make it to the Mountain."
"Shows what they be know' in!" sniffed Bofur, proudly raising his chin, Bifur next to him nodding her head.
"I, for one, never doubted," said Gimli.
"Sure ya did! Ya ain't fooling us none," laughed Bofur, punching Gimli in the arm.
"Ouch! That's quite the bruise, Bifur. Are ya alright?" Gimli then asked with a wince, finally noticing the dark bruise that cover one whole side of Bifur's smooth face.
"Right as rain!" she laughed, waving away his concern. Unconsciously raising a broad hand to her discolored face before turning her attention back to the young male.
"What of you? Thought I was seeing a ghost!" Bofur suddenly barked, Bifur quickly shaking her head in agreement.
Gimli shifted on his feet and reached up to rub the back of his neck as a very tired and weary look came over his handsome face. "It's… It's a very long story," was the only thing he said and seeming right before their eyes the wild young Dwarf they knew as Gimli seem to change into someone else. In that moment Bofur and Bifur saw not young Gimli, but the quiet vision of his fiery mother before them.
"Enough of this!" Bifur suddenly said after a long uncomfortable moment, breaking the suddenly morose mood. "Where's my head?" she snorted to herself, shaking her head and causing her long thick ponytail to whip about behind her.
"There will be plenty of time to talk later!" She nearly shouted, turning back to Gimli, who stood there looking at her confused.
"Ya must go find your father and uncle! They be drown' in in their sorrow as we speak, lad! We all thought you dead!" she hurriedly explained. And before Gimli could open his mouth to reply the two older Dwarves were already herding him down the passage way, Huo trotting merrily after.
"Be off with you! Go down that hall and to the right!" Bifur pointed out, as Bofur shoved him in the same direction. Without a further word Gimli quickly did as told, his heart once again filled with excitement at seeing his family again.
The two Dwarves watched him give them a final wave before he and the dog race down the hall, his thick copper braid snaking behind. They continued to watch until he had disappeared before they turned to collect their cousin, who they could now hear angrily cursing and sputtering around the corner.
--------------------
Down the next dark hall Gimli slowed to a jog looking this away and that, but aside from the group of talking soldier, he saw no sign of his father or uncle.
"My father, Gloin? Gloin and Oin, two of Thorin's company, are they amongst you?" he hurriedly asked some of the soldiers, after giving them a quick respectful bow.
"Sorry lad, not seen'em since Oakenshield's funeral," one large red-haired Warrior rumbled.
Gimli gave them his thanks and jogged off again, searching the rest of the large hall and then the nearby halls before finally calling out.
"Da! Da, uncle Oin!" He called, having paused before a massive pillar carved to look like a huge oak tree, its many branches retching into the gloom of the ceiling above.
Gimli continued to call out, looking this way and that, his voice echoing down the many dark halls. But no answer came, the many sculptures seeming to quietly listen from where they stood, their stony faces made sorrowful by the deep shadows.
"Gimli!" someone suddenly cried incredulously from nearby, causing Gimli to pause and look around for the speaker.
Gimli turned to his left to see Balin in his ever present red hood, step out from one of the shadowed passageway that lined the hall, drawn by his calls. Seeing that he was seeing no apparition the white-haired Dwarf let out a joyous exclamation, his bright indigo eyes wide in happy surprise and hurried over to him.
"Balin!" Gimli cried joyfully, embracing his white-haired relative and feeling his embrace returned with equal force.
"I can't believe it! How can this be!" the old Dwarf whispered in astonishment, putting a tender hand to Gimli's smooth cheek.
"We heard of Black Hollow and your demise. Your father be sick from grief of it!" Balin said, stepping back and holding him at arms length, his expression serious again.
Gimli quickly nodded his head, "I'm looking for him. Bifur and Bofur said he and uncle Oin where down this hall, but they are not here!" He explained with a frown, running a broad hand through his thick hair as he looked around the dark hall again.
"Come! I know where your father and uncle be," Balin said excitedly, motioning for the young Dwarf to follow him as he quickly moved down the hall before turning left. With the exception of the periodic lit torch hanging from the wall now and then, most of the halls and passageways were dark, luckily this caused neither Gimli nor Balin any problems with their dark-adapted eyes.
Balin then lead them down another intersecting hall that was guarded over by a massive white marble sculpture of Celebrimbor that seem to softly glow in the glum. The ancient Elven-smith held his forging hammer in one hand as his other was raised, reaching out to the matching black marble sculpture of Narvi across the hall, who also reached out for the other, his chisel held in his other broad stone hand. The two massive sculptures stared beseechingly at each other across the space between them. Rendered in wondrous detail, the ancient Elf and Dwarf looked as if they would step off their stone pedestals at any moment and run to one another.
For some odd reason as he followed Balin between them, Gimli found himself compelled to slow down as he looked up at them. Like all Dwarves, he knew the story of the two star-crossed Master Smiths and their forbidden love. As Gimli continued to look up at the tragic lovers, he couldn't help but harrumph in disgust as he rolled his eyes at the beseeching pair.
Narvi, you where a utter fool! You wouldn't catch me falling in love with one of those haughty, selfish and cold hearted creatures! He sneered to himself as he glared up at the smooth white marble face towering above him. Remembering his own encounter with Elves as he sat dieing on the side of that lonely road towards Telgor a seeming lifetime ago. Falling in love with an Elf, Phaw! That will be the day an Elf openly welcomes me and treats me with respect! He bitterly laughed to himself.
With a derisive snort Gimli looked back in the direction of Balin's retreating back, he was about to continue on when there was a strange crunch from under his foot. He paused to look down, moving his boot back to see what he had stepped on. To see of all odd things, a slender green leaf partly crushed from his heavy boot. The strangest thing however, was that it was not crumpled or dried, but still fresh, seeming just plucked from a tree.
He looked around in utter confusion, how in arda had a leaf gotten down here? A green leaf at that! With the exception of his, Balin's and the dog's foot prints, the layer of dust on the floor of the dark hall looked undisturbed.
Reaching down, he picked up the delicate leaf to look at it puzzlement. As he stood there studying it, whispers seem to swirl around him in the darkness as shiver ran up his spine. Forgotten at his feet Huo too had become very still and quiet as he leaned against the young Dwarf's leg for comfort, his big ears perked as if he too could hear voices as he looked around.
It was in that moment that Gimli suddenly found himself again compelled to look up and as he did all the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Above him the massive statues of Celebrimbor and Narvi were now looking down on him, their dark stone eyes suddenly seeming to stare at him as if they had actually heard his thoughts. The slender green leaf fell from his suddenly slack fingers, forgotten as it fluttered to the floor. All Gimli could do was stare wide-eyed back up at them as his heart began to pounded in his chest as he told himself he couldn't be seeing what he was seeing.
This can't be real! He chanted to himself, as the sculptures continued to watch him in seeming amusement now. Their closed stone lips seeming to curl as their carved hair and clothing seem to move with an invisible breeze, their great bodies drawing breath. With a great effort, Gimli looked away and closed his eyes, giving his head a hard shake. He then put his hands to his head as he forced his breathing to calm, before opening his eyes and forcing himself to look up again.
The two massive sculptures were stone once more, once again staring beseechingly across the distance at one another, tools in hand.
It must have been a trick of the darkness. He told himself as he ran his hand through his thick hair as looked back and fourth between the two peaceful statues. That or I'm losing my mind!
"Gimli!" came Balin's sudden call, jolting him back to reality.
With a final confused and rather nervous look around he hurried to catch up to Balin, Huo at his heel.
As he left the two massive marble sculptures behind, he failed to notice that the strange green leaf he had dropped had vanished as if it had never been.
"There you are!" Balin said in clear relief after Gimli had caught up with him again. The white-haired Dwarf reached out to lay a reaffirming hand on his shoulder, giving it a loving squeeze.
"For a moment… When I looked behind and saw you not there. I thought for a moment you really had been a sprit, come to play a cruel joke on me," He explained with a weak smile, his dark indigo eyes full of sadness.
"Fear not Balin, I am truly here! I am flesh," Gimli reassured, laying a warm hand on Balin's arm, a lop-sided smile on his smooth handsome face.
"And so you are," Balin chuckled softly, patting Gimli's hand before turning once again to continue their journey, Gimli right behind.
After a few more turns, Balin lead them into one of the larger lower halls, this one lined with many carved pillars that looked like giant trees, their stone branches seeming to hold up the ceiling. With the exception of a simple lamp that seemed to have been abandoned in the middle of the echoing hall, the massive space remained cloaked in shadows.
By the light of that single lamp Gimli could see the depiction of rolling hills and a herd of wild horses in full flight running along the expansive walls. Unconsciously Gimli gulped at the sight of the massive reliefs as his large dark almond-shaped eyes looked up at the stone beasts that galloped along the wall before plunging into the deep shadows down the hall. Gimli could almost hear their shrill trumpeting and the thunder of their pounding hooves.
Of all the dark halls Da could have picked-- it had to be the one with monstrous horses! he grumbled to himself.
"Balin, can you watch my dog for me?" He asked quietly, finally forcing himself to take his eyes away from the stone horses and turn back to the snow-haired Dwarf now waiting behind him. Internally chiding himself for his old fear as he knelt down and petted Huo, who happily nuzzled his chest and licked his face.
"Fear not, I'll watch your friend here," Balin promised with a gentle smile on his careworn face, his many thick white braids snaking about his shoulders. The dog happily wagged it's tail and butted Balin's work-worn hand as he came over, the dog immediately sensing his kindness.
"Now go," older Dwarf urged as he knelt down next to the scruffy brown mutt. Gently holding the animal back as Gimli got up and took a deep breath before stepping out into the dark hall, his heart singing with excitement.
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Gloin sat slumped against the cold stone wall of the dark hall he and his brother had wandered into. Feeling so terribly old and lost, a strange numbness having seeped into his very being as his dark-eyes stared off into the shadows as old memories danced through his mind. He had no more tears left, no more voice left to cry, now he simply sat and stared. Oin huddled next to him, his dark-haired head resting on his shoulder dosing, his crying over. Both their long raven hair and beards where loose and unbraided, messy from their anguished rending earlier, now they both sat silently, lost in the darkness of their pain.
"Da! Da are you here?" came a sudden call.
With a sharp intake of air, Gloin's head snapped up, his dark eyes confused. Was he going mad? That sounded just like..
Next to him, Oin finally stirred and sat up, rubbing some sleep from his puffy eyes, wiping the remaining wetness from his eyes. Allowing Gloin to slowly get up and crawl the few feet to look around the massive pillar they hid behind.
After angrily brushing his loose hair out of his face, his large brown eyes grew wide with shock and he had to put a hand on the stone pillar next to him for support as he watched what could only be a ghost slowly making its way down the long hall. Their abandoned lamp backlighting the spirit's distinctive dark copper-hair, the large almond-shaped eyes, the strong beautiful featured face so like his mother's. Gloin didn't bother to turn when he heard Oin join him and look over his shoulder, a moment later he felt Oin stiffen and gasp in surprise, also apparently seeing the apparition.
"Gimli?" He whispered in a chocked voice, afraid to speak too loudly incase it might cause the vision to disappear.
He watched the copper-haired ghost continue to wonder slowly down the hall, pausing every now and then for a closer at a sculpture or a weary glance at the towering depictions of the galloping horses on the wall to the side of him, clearly searching for someone.
"Gimli!" He finely managed to cry, scrambling up. His heart hammered in his chest, frightened that the spirit of his child would disappear at any moment. Next to him he could feel Oin do the same, holding onto his shoulder with a trembling hand.
The apparition instantly snapped their way, fiery eyes wide. And both he and Oin held their breath, but the vision did not vanish.
"Gimli… Is--is it truly you, boy?" Gloin managed to get out of his constricted throat as he and the still silent and wide-eyed Oin lurched out of the shadow of the pillar they had been curled in. Still not quite believing what he was seeing, Gloin was not looking where he was going and suddenly tripped, falling heavily to his knees, but he took no mind as he threw out a trembling hand, reaching out to the spirit.
"Gimli!"
"Da! Uncle Oin!" Came the answering cry, the look of surprise melting away into pure joy as the young Dwarf raced over to them, his copper hair flying out behind him. He fell to his knees and skidded the last two feet to his father and uncle who immediately caught him in a crushing embrace.
Gimli could hardly breath, but he didn't care, his nose filled with the smell of his father and uncle as he basked in their solid warmth. After all that had happened…he was finally home!
"Bless Mahal! You have returned to us!" Oin cried joyously, kissing Gimli's cheek as he combed his hair off his smooth face.
"I thought I had lost you!" Gloin wept in joy, petting Gimli's copper hair. For long moments the three of them stayed in a tight knot on the floor. Then Gimli untangled himself long enough to give Oin a crushing embrace before returning to his father's arms.
Slowly after a time Gloin began to feel the difference in the body he held, feeling how under weight it was. He opened his eyes and happened to catch Oin's worried ones, who had just looked up from frowning at the many thick scars that covered Gimli's tanned shoulders. Gloin's eyes narrowed and he felt his anger flare as he instantly recognized them as cuts from poisoned orc blades, the longer and slimmer scars over Gimli back and forearms as healed over lash marks. As well as the many more recent cuts and bruises, including a split lip.
Gimli had miraculously survived, but had not come away unscathed.
Gloin gently pushed his son back, then reached up and held Gimli's face in his large callused hands, his once joyful expression becoming thoughtful and terribly sad.
"You have changed… You are my son yet… You are not the same child I left behind as I walked away from that accursed mining town." Gloin murmured to himself, studying his child's face.
"You look so much like your mother, now you even have her eyes… her fire."
"You are the very image of her," He said reverently. His dark-eyes roaming over Gimli young face as his son silently watched him with large brown eyes that were not the same ones he had looked into a year before.
Without a further word Gloin got up and moved them all back. Sitting back against the wall before he fiercely gathered both Gimli and Oin to him, and there they silently stayed for a long time in the dark. Their Quest, all the trials they had gone through, the treasure and the very Mountain itself; it all meant absolutely nothing to Gloin then. The only thing that mattered in all of arda was what was in his arms right now, the greatest treasure of all.
As for Gimli, he found his long journey finally over, the beginning of a new life before them and for the first time in a long time he felt safe and loved…
This chapter is dedicated to the wonderful and talented Little My.
Finally! It's almost over, just the epilog to go and this story is officially done !
(1.) The War of Dwarves and Orcs
(2.) Nuggies, the bane of all younger siblings.
(3.) The idea of Dwarves giving one another special gilded collars instead of engagement rings, was a wonderful idea I got from Soledad.
(4.) The idea that Dwarves from the Stone Foot clans would be predominantly blond, was another idea I stole from Soledad .
(5.) Dwarven sign language
(6.) My old dog would do this whenever I would lay on the ground. sniff I miss my old dog, she was such a sweetie.
(7.) If you have ever had a big dog with a droopy face, you know what I'm talking about.
