Many thanks again to all who have reviewed so far - keep'em coming!
Deana ; thanks for your kind words and support
Daw the minstrel ; thanks for the hints and for finally solving the mystery of the letter accents ! glad you like the story.
Chapter Eight ; Battles and Breakthroughs
As Legolas crossed the perimeter of the camp he spotted Gimli sitting between the exposed roots of a large tree at the far side of the glade.
He wondered if the dwarf was aware that his chosen position placed him as far from the wood elves as possible without leaving the safety of numbers.
The dwarf was busy securing his tightly packed bedroll to his leather back pack and neither heard or saw the elf's stealthy approach.
"Did you sleep well friend Gimli ?" the Prince asked quietly while gazing down at his distracted companion.
The dwarf was momentarily startled by the seemingly disembodied sounds of the elf's musical voice but he recovered quickly and stood up some what stiffly as he nodded to his friend in greeting.
"Aye…well enough….and you ?" he ventured warily.
"Sleep eluded me elvellon but I am none the worse for its absence" Legolas assured softly.
Gimli nodded wordlessly once more in understanding and passed no further comment on the matter.
He still felt a little awkward and self conscious in the elf's company and decided he would speak privately with Legolas soon and apologise to him. He disliked this feeling of unease between them, even if it was all one sided, he would not leave such important matters unattended for long.
He also had not honestly expected his friend to find peaceful rest so soon after receiving the grievous news from Sindadur.
As his thoughts momentarily turned to the self assured elf, Gimli's eyes diligently sought out the Captain.
He soon marked the old warrior's position at the far side of the camp listening to Galathil, the young Lieutenant, his gaze hardening as his eyes narrowed in distain.
It seemed as though the seasoned warrior sensed the dwarf's scrutiny as he too glanced across the clearing to the dwarf's location.
Eyes locked in a battle of wills.
Legolas easily noted Gimli's stiffening posture just as his keen elven ears detected the sound of leather protesting as it was forced to stretch over the dwarf's tightly clenching fists.
He suspected he knew what had brought about this sudden change in his friend's manner but still he glanced over his shoulder to confirm his suspicion.
Sure enough Sindadur's unwavering stare was directed at the dwarf. The iciness held within those piercing eyes would have surely cooled the molten fires of Mount Doom itself.
So much for the benefit of the doubt, Legolas inwardly sighed.
He placed a pale hand on the dwarf's shoulder in order to get his attention but Gimli would not be distracted from this particular battle, his pride was at stake.
Seeing no alternative the Prince simply shifted his position until he was standing directly in front the determined dwarf.
Gimli blinked as his eyes were suddenly forced to focus on the silver belt buckle before him.
Annoyed that the contest had been interrupted he began to push his friend to the side.
"Legolas get out of the way, I am busy !", he growled while trying to move the wiry elf, but his friend seemed to have sprung roots from his toes and was firmly anchored to the ground.
"Busy ?", the elf's incredulous eyes widened and twinkled with humour, "Busy doing what may I ask ?", but his query was left unanswered.
With an exasperated sigh Gimli shifted his own position to seek out his opponent once more but to his disappointment the Captain had moved off elsewhere and was directing activities around the camp. He decided to direct his glare up at his friend.
"Do not seek to enter into a staring competition with me my friend," Legolas warned lightly, "I have learned from the very best."
In his time Legolas had witnessed his father shatter the confidence and resolve of many an emissary from various realms during trade negotiations with a simple look, a look which he could maintain indefinitely or at least until things went in Mirkwood's favour.
Knowing the elf was probably right Gimli relented and turned around to fetch his pack. The string of colourful curses muttered under the dwarf's breath were, Legolas thought, most creative.
"You know you will probably find you have more in common with Sindadur than not, friend Gimli," the Prince advised, unable to keep the humour from colouring his tones.
"Now who's being insulting !" Gimli accused as he spun around, pointing a leather clad finger at his friend. "That ….elf…..is so full of his own importance tis a wonder those scrawny legs of his can bear the burden !"
"Please Gimli give it a chance, you will find he is…".
"Rude, condescending, bad-mannered, devious, pompus, arrogant…" the dwarf interrupted, his dark eyes daring the Prince to prove him wrong.
"I'll wager you thought the very same of me when we first met my friend" Legolas challenged in return.
Realising he had been caught out , Gimli countered, "Why Legolas how could you think such a thing ?" he asked, feigning hurt, "…...when we first met I held you in much lower regard."
"Ah my friend you are in fine form this morning !" the elf laughed, "have you eaten yet ?" he asked between the chuckles.
"Nay Master elf, I was waiting for your return but now that you are here I am most eager to partake" he bellowed rubbing his hands together.
The thoughts of a good meal were enough to momentarily distract the burly dwarf from his silent confrontation with the older warrior and his need to clear things with his archer friend.
"Then come, let us join the others" the young Prince suggested.
The two friends made their way over to the dying campfire to where the boar carcass was being divided up. They were welcomed by the other elves who had gathered around the spit awaiting their portion before relieving the other warriors on guard. Their Captain was busy elsewhere taking reports from scouts.
Legolas spoke softly with the other wood elves, to some in Westron and to others in Sindarin for not all were well versed in the language of men.
In an effort to relieve any tension he introduced them all to Gimli and made a point about telling them of his many brave deeds while they sat down comfortably on the grass and broke their fast.
With the telling of each tale Gimli proceeded to steadily rise in each warrior's estimation. It would seem that this was one dwarf who could win their respect, any dwarf who seemed to be as eager to get his axe wet with the blood of foul orcs was a fierce and worthy warrior indeed.
It was a small breakthrough, the Prince thought , but then even the mightiest oak must begin its journey as a little acorn.