#28 Waybread
With a grumbled curse the dwarf slid inelegantly from the horses back, landing with a loud thud and clatter of metal. His companion followed swiftly, lightly leaping from his perch with an indulgent smile.
"I thought you would be glad to stretch your legs friend Gimli." The elf lilted with a raised eyebrow. "You seemed to be in need."
"Humph!" Gimli expelled. "I don't know why you should think that." With a glower he turned away ostensibly to bend and examine at a small rock beside the path but revelling in the pull of muscles as he flexed his back.
Riding was definitely faster than walking but you could not beat the feel of firm earth and stone underfoot. Bracing his hands upon his spine he straightened, leaning slightly backwards as he did so as to stretch muscles unhappy at being jolted in an unnatural position for so long.
"Aye, well." He gruffly stated turning back towards the elf who had been watching him with an amused smirk on his lips.
"I suppose we could take a wee break, laddie." His eyes glinted. "That poor, skinny thing you call a behind must feel every bump in the road."
It was Legolas' turn to expel a noisy huff of air.
"Talking of which, how about a bite to eat." The dwarf continued, ignoring the glare aimed his way. "Is there any of that cold venison left? Now I come to think about it a little red meat would go down a treat right now."
The elf tutted and spun around to retrieve a pack from their mounts back, contemplated throwing it at the dwarfs head then stopped as a sudden thought crossed his mind. Making a great show of opening the pack and delving through its contents he sighed dramatically before bringing out a small, leaf wrapped parcel and holding it out to Gimli with the biggest, sorrow-fullest eyes he could summon up.
"Aie, Gimli." He mourned softly. "There is but only one parcel left." He blinked, trying to control his features. "Here."
The dwarf took the parcel slowly, disbelief colouring his face as he turned it over in his hands.
"But where is the meat?" He blustered. "We could not have finished it all." He stared up at the elf. "Nay. We did not." He nodded in emphasis. "I myself saw you wrap the remainder and stow it within the bag. There was at least enough for one more meal left!"
It was all Legolas could do not to laugh at the expression of disbelief and confusion on Gimli's face. He knew the dwarf secretly hated Lembas but was determined to get his own back for the remark about his behind.
"Well," the elf said slowly, taking a step forwards. "If you are not hungry after all…"
"I never said that!" Gimli retorted, backing away clutching the small parcel as if Legolas was about to wrest it from his fingers. "It's just that I was not expecting this…" he paused briefly. "This delightful treat."
"Ah." Legolas beamed. "It does my heart good to hear you call it thus, friend Gimli." He reached for their second pack and removed a water skin. "Then it is all yours."
Moving away towards a grassy knoll he folded his long legs beneath him and sat beaming brightly as he pulled out a pale cloth bound bundle from said pack.
"I shall content myself with the poor, cold leftovers from last night's meal." Unfolding the cloth bundle in his lap he revealed the portion of cold venison Gimli had been so looking forward to.
"But! Hey!" Gimli could hardly speak for indignation. "You said…you said there was no venison left!" he fumed, staring at the meat in the elf's lap.
"Nay." Legolas replied jauntily. "I merely stated that there was only one parcel left." He pointed to the waybread still wrapped neatly in its leaf binding within Gimli's grasp.
"That is the last parcel of Lembas my dear Gimli." Lifting a piece of venison to his mouth he grinned widely from ear to ear.
"Why you!" Gimli growled and launched himself at the elf sitting so smugly before him. "Pointy eared, slippery…"
Quick as lightening Legolas was up and dancing away, laughter pealing merrily from his lips as he danced just out of reach of the irate dwarf. All thoughts of food forgotten.
"Never trust an elf!" The pair shouted simultaneously and Gimli's gruff laughter raised to join that of his friends.
A/N Many, many thanks to all you wonderful readers out there and special thanks to those of you who have commented. It really does help keep me going :)
Lord Illyren - I must admit that Legolas was far more attentive than I would have been too. It doesn't take long for my mind to wander off in a little world of its own in the middle of boring speeches. Like you, I think I would have been inclined to keep the news to myself and let Elrond know quietly rather than shout it out to the whole meeting. Maybe that's because I'm not an elf... ;)