Shooting in Starlight Chapter 26 Mordor Cheer
With every step Gimli fekt himself fall deeper and deeper into the thick layer of snow that had covered Osgilith. Gimli had prided himself that he hardly ever felt cold. He was built like a tank, short but bog boned with layers of muscle and a thick leather skin. His entire family was known for being quite weather proof. But despite this handy family trait, Gimli had learned that here that didn't matter. He had never thrown on this many layers a warm clothing and yet he was still chilled to the bone. He was currently a miserable bastard, knees deep in snow on the saddest New Year's Eve he had ever witnessed. In Osgilith , everyone, civilians, troops and doctors alike had tried to bring some Christmas spirit to the place. They all needed some distraction and motivation to keep going.
Thankfully the enemy forces had kept quiet lately, especially after their losses at Pelagir. But Gimli knew that it was only temporary, and this silence could mean even more danger to come in future. The enemy had time to regroup and prepare for their next attack. Osgilith was expecting it to come every day. So while their camps tried their best to set up some miserable Christmas trees, the air was thick with tension. In order to cheer more people up, all the forces came together to try and provide a New Years Feast with the rations they could spare. Gimli had been meaning to head to one of those tents to help wherever he could. He was by no means a cook, but he could chop the odd vegetable.
After the Pelagir mission Gimli had experienced a bit of fame among his men. But with some more battles and the recent silence, that fame and excited quickly wore off. So now he was back at the camps, chopping wood and vegetables and feeling useless once more. At least the strenuous labour kept his mind off the worst boredom.
He chopped what seemed like for hours, and even with gloves, his fingers had completely frozen up. The winter sun had already started to set, colouring the sky in hazy oranges and reds. It seemed as if Morder was smouldering from fires. Gimli knew he could never get used to this sight. He missed the steep mountains, the fresh and clear skies and dark green trees. Here life came in shades of grey. What wouldn't he do for his mother's home cooked roasted pork and a pint at the Green Dragon with his mates. Suddenly he felt a strong hand on his shoulders, tearing him away from his daydream. Surprised he shook it off and raised the axe in his hand.
"Gimli relax, it's only me." It took a second for Gimli to take it the long blonde hair.
"Don't do that Legolas, I could've hit you. We're all on edge here."
"You'd have to swing that axe a lot quicker and harder to scratch me." Legolas teased.
"Careful, me and my axe cut fairies like you up for breakfast." He grumpled back, holding his axe across his body. Legolas rolled his eyes.
"I am sure you'll try dwarf."
"You know what? Next time those bastards attack, we'll have a wee competition. See who kills the most." A competitor by heart, there was no way Legolas could refuse such an offer.
"Alright, deal. But don't cry afterwards."
"Oh, I'll only be celebrating my victory laddie."
"We shall see."
"Aye we will. Now, what did you want anyway?" Legolas relaxed, reminded he actually had happy news to share.
"Glorfindel asked me to find you. The party at the hospital is about to start." Gimli grunted.
"I don't understand what he's expecting us to celebrate. We're in a goddamned miserable place, surrounded by Mordor forces, and it's bloody freezing."
"That's exactly why. Everyone needs some cheering up from this depressing place. Glorfindel wants to rally the forces."
Gimli needed some time to think about it. He understood that the forces needed some time off and get their spirits up. He himself had been incredibly focused since he arrived here. He found it hard to disconnect sometimes and not always anticipate a new threat. Perhaps this could help him.
"Alright, I'll go." He said finally and Legolas smiled brightly, clapping him on the shoulder. Together they trekked back through the snow to the camp.
"So… is that pretty nurse also attending?" Gimli asked nonchalantly but sly eyed his friend, and felt some triumph seeing the blush rising in the cool blonde's neck.
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"My arse you don't." Legolas simply smiled. He knew his attentions to her wouldn't go unnoticed, especially by his newest and dearest friend.
Back at their boarding rooms, Gimli quickly washed up in the ice cold water and pulled on a somewhat decent sweater, it was New Year's Eve after all. He did feel a pang of jealousy knowing that Aragorn was back in Dale, with his loved ones. But he also knew the man deserved it wholeheartedly. He couldn't wait for his own leave in March. He was counting down the days. He ran a quick brush through his red mane and beard. Feeling presentable he followed Legolas to the Hospital Hall that had been decorated with candles, pine trees and cones. All hearths had been lit and warmth radiated through the otherwise chilly room. This wasn't half as bad as he expected it to be. And if all else failed he would use this time to finally feel warm again. Everyone had dressed as best they could. Legolas appeared to have taken some extra time braiding his hair. Gimli knew the light grey sweater was more luxurious than it appeared and really shouldn't have been allowed into Mordor. He himself had put on one of Dis' Yule sweaters. The maroon and golden tones highlighted his red beard.
Gimli made his way over to the food and drinks table. Along the ways he saw many of the nurses, also donning their best outfits. He knew these women were tough as nails, dealing with horrific wounds and deaths on a daily basis. And yet their presence was also calming and gave a distraction from all the horrors. Gimli wasn't one to look for love, not least in this place. But he didn't mind seeing a kind face from time to time, especially when given a hot drink during a medical check-up.
"What troubles your mind Gimli?" He turned around hearing a soft singing voice. The tall, beautiful maiden looked at him with her large turquoise eyes, surrounded by dark lashes. She has a very pretty face accompanying her intelligent eyes. She has released her hair from its usual braided bun. Now the dark chestnut waves tumbled around her.
"Nothing troubles me Caledien. I was simply admiring the crowd." Caledien gave an unexpected snicker.
"There's nothing to admire, we still look miserable." Now it was Gimli's turn to laugh.
"My thoughts exactly. But at least there are some more smiles. Look even Legolas is!"
Caledien had being nodding along in agreement until Gimli mentioned Legolas.
"Gimli Durin, will you please stop your match making." Gimli feigned disbelieve.
"Me? Match making? You must be confusing me with one of my cousins."
"Unfortunately I have only had the pleasure of meeting you."
"Is that sarcasm I'm hearing?"
"No, what makes you think that?" Gimli laughed again.
He had met Caledien early on during his Mordor stay. She hailed from the Rivendell valley and had instantly charmed Gimli with her humour. And before he knew it, they had become friends. When he got to know Legolas, he thought they would balance each other out. Caledien was far more outgoing than Legolas and could pull him out of his serious brooding thoughts. So far Gimli had felt victorious in his people's skills.
"You are the most sarcastic fairy I've met thus far. Really, it would do the blond prince some good." At this Caledien sighed, her sparkling turquoise eyes dimmed.
"I know you mean well Gimli, son of Gloin, but your efforts are in vain. I enjoy his company as much as yours. But as good as I am in healing wounds and setting bones, I cannot mend broken hearts." Gimli's cheeks reddened.
"Well, it's more bruised than broken lass." He spurted back but she gave him a sharp look.
"Nevertheless, I will not do it. I did not come here for matters of the heart and quite frankly, I am busy enough with more important things, such as keeping you two fools alive. Perhaps love will find when I am back home in Rivendell…" She stopped when one of her friends beckoned her over. "Excuse me Gimli, I will join you again soon."
He watched her leave, chestnut waves dancing behind her slim frame. Why was he surrounded by idiots who thought love would only come at the most convenient and cosy time? One of those idiots' hand patted his shoulder and pressed a tankard in his hand.
"Was that Caledien? I almost didn't recognise her." Legolas said, trying to appear nonchalantly but Gimli let out a snort in his ale.
"Yer both idiots." He muttered darkly. Legolas choose to ignore him.
"So, have you heard from the home front?"
"Aye, all is well. Thankfully they didn't describe all the amazing Yule food, though I can only imagine." He yearned for the tender meats and delicious stews. "I did hear Tauriel surprised them all by beating Thorin in chess. That must have been a sight."
Gimli often tried to avoid mentioning both Tauriel and Kíli together to his new friend. But both the holiday and New Year celebrations were making it difficult. To his surprise however Legolas merely smiled proudly.
"I bet you lot all underestimated her, including Thorin." He scoffed lightly. "Tauriel might be brash but she always has a plan and strategy. Possibly lacking some patience, but that comes with age." He paused slightly before looking at Gimli.
"I heard Aragorn is having a great time being back. Arwen naturally is delighted." Gimli grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.
"As long as his mind is still in place when he come back, let him have his lady. But we will need him sharp the next few months…" His mind drifted back to the darkness at hand. "It's rumbling out there Legolas, I can feel it in my bones."
"Yes, you are right about that. Glorfindel wants to see us both tomorrow. I believe another scouting mission in on the horizon."
"Sign me up!" Gimli grumbled happily. "Finally something to do." Legolas smiled in agreement.
"Then let us enjoy tonight." They made their way through the hall and refilled their tankards.
As the evening went on and more ale was consumed, the happier and warm people felt. Music started to be played with more vigour, and the dance floor filled up. Housing citizens from all over Arda, various dances and customs were shone. Laughter filled the draughty stone hall and Gimli could honestly say he was enjoying himself. He joined a singing contest with others from the Iron Hills. It went on for a merry while as applause came from onlookers. Shire folks took to the tables and started to dance to chipper Rohanian flute tunes. The dance floor seemed to extend ever hour and Gimli found himself spinning around with a Shire nurse, her blonde curls and full skirt bellowing around them. He didn't realise his friend had quietly slipped out of the hall.
Several fire pits were lit outside and people had crowded around them. The sky for once was clear and bright, stars sparkling above. It almost felt like home. He breathed in the cool winter air with the comforting smell of burning wood. It was as if he had lit the fireplace in Mirkwood during happier times with his parents and Tauriel. There was a pang of sadness in his heart at the thought. He missed those times. More than once he has wished to go back in time. To see his late mother's smiles, his father's proud looks and the play banter with Tauriel. He missed his family. He wondered if he would ever be able to find that peace in his heart again. To put an end to the ever present feeling of wanting to run away from everyone and everything.
"Calming aren't they? Cold but soothing." A faint smile ghosted his lips.
"It is memory, precious and pure. There is nothing cold about that." He said as he turned to Caledien. The starlit sky complemented her well, sparkling on her pale skin and dark hair. He knew he could never lie to Gimli and say he didn't find her beautiful. No, she radiant, like the stars above them. She came to stand beside him by the fire. He thought he had wanted to be alone but now that she was here, he really preferred it this way.
"That would depend on your memories, I would say. Not all of them are warm ones." She stated, her eyes quickly darting to him. He felt very exposed. He always felt that way whenever she looked at him with those ever changing eyes. They could never seem to decide which colour to be. Some days they appeared more green. Tonight in the light of the stars they were a startling blue. But usually they hovered in between, the colour of a tropical sea and he often felt himself drowning in them. Was it normal to think about eyes that way? He had never done so before. But before he could dwell on it further she spoke again.
"But I guess we all have memories we'd rather not have." She said softly, as if to reassure him there was nothing wrong with him. He wasn't sure if he liked to look of pity she was giving him.
"No, I guess that is true." He answered simply. Normally he would have asked her about her darker memories. But that meant they would also examine his, and he didn't have the energy to do that tonight. He decided to change the subject.
"It is fortunate the stars have revealed themselves on this festive night. Are you enjoying yourself?" She nodded softly.
"Oh yes, as much as we can anyway. But it is nice to see so many in happy spirits. It will get us through this winter." She pulled her cloak closer together.
"Caledien, if you are cold, we can go back inside." Legolas offered but she waved it away.
"No, thank you. I was just remembering the celebrations at home." Without looking at him she continued her tale and he smiled gratefully.
"Several years back during the Feast of the Northern Star, the sky was so clear and cool it seemed to be filled with diamonds. Our house is rather close to the Rivendell Falls. The reflection of the water was absolutely magnificent. Such a spectacle! My niece was still very young at the time and was convinced there were starts in the water. She almost fell in trying to take one out, poor thing. She still thinks the water is magical." She chuckled happily.
"Isn't it?" Legolas asked cheeckily, and she turned to him, eyes sparling with mirth.
"No, but it does have wonderful healing properties, as well in the hot springs near by, so perhaps there is some truth in it."
"Or you are just a very skilled healer." He said softly, his own eyes didn't leave hers.
"Perhaps."
"I do mean it Caledien. You really are very good."
"Thank you Legolas, that's nice to say." She lay a cool hand on his cheek. His heart made a violent lurch in his chest. "Come, now I am quite cold. Let's go inside. Or would you prefer to stay here?"
Her hand fell away and she gave a soft smile as she turned back towards the hall. It didn't matter to her what he chose and he was very glad for it, to be given such space. But now he too felt chilly, He nodded his head and followed her steps.
"Inside would be great. I need something warm to drink." He said and again found himself looking into tropical turquoise depths. He wasn't quite sure how his next words had come out but was glad they did.
"Perhaps after a drink we can show those amateurs some more sophisticated dances."
Another heart lurching smile followed.
"That would be nice." And they were greeted by the rowdy sounds of celebration.
Gimli had looked very smug for the rest of the evening.