AN: Dear readers, if you have any questions regarding this tale please do feel free to leave a review. It makes my day to hear from you and answer your questions. I hope you continue to enjoy this story, I have many ideas yet that I still wish to share…
Tauriel POV
The trio entered the great hall of the elven King and not for the first time, Tauriel studied the back of Gimli's head as she followed him and Legolas to greet Thranduil.
The son of Gloin. He called me dwarf-friend. I did not know that Thorin's company thought of me as such. To be honest I did not expect them to remember me at all.
Tauriel lowered her eyes, deep in thought before pausing with the others at the base of the great antlered throne. Thranduil rose and peered down at Gimli in moderate surprise before shifting his gaze to his son. Tauriel's keen elven eyes noticed the slight frown nestled between Thranduil's eyebrows under his golden crown. She also noticed Gimli wore the same expression and mentally braced herself for what might transpire at this greeting. Dwarves were still a sensitive spot for their King.
Although the races of elves and dwarves were mostly reconciled after uniting to fight the darkness, Thranduil had never personally interacted with the dwarves after the Battle of Five Armies except in trade agreements. Even then, he would send envoys on his behalf or conduct matters through parchment.
I think it will take a long time for him to lose his distrust.
'Ionneg…' Thranduil's voice was low and flat but Legolas only smiled and placed his hand familiarly on Gimli's shoulder.
At least Legolas has more of an open mind. His friendship with Gimli will help to heal the rift between our peoples faster.
'My Lord, may I introduce Gimli, son of Gloin, member of the Fellowship and one of my dearest friends. He has saved my life many times I am sure.'
Tauriel could not help but smile at the companionship that clearly ran so deeply between the two. Thranduil did not appear to share her sentiment.
'At you service, elf-King.' Gimli had a gruff voice as he inclined his head and Tauriel suspected that he was doing this out of love for Legolas.
Thranduil descended from his throne as gracefully as a mountain cat stalking its prey. 'I knew your Father, Gimli son of Gloin.'
'Aye. That you did.' Gimli lent on his axe and looked up at Thranduil who was now towering directly in front of him. Tauriel was glad that the King's mesmerising blue gaze was not staring straight through her as it so often had in the past when she was under his scrutiny.
'Ada…Gimli helped to save all of Arda and for that we shall hold a feast in his honour tonight.' Legolas was not to be stopped.
Thranduil darted his gaze up and gave Legolas such a look that Tauriel involuntarily straightened her spine. Legolas however, just gave an innocent smile worthy of any elfling and added 'I have already made the plans.'
Thranduil visibly exhaled before sliding his gaze back to Gimli. 'By all means, make yourself at home in my halls. I do hope you enjoy your stay in Eryn Lasgalen.' He droned.
'Thank you, Thranduil, King.' Gimli harrumphed and Tauriel made her move. Thranduil was already ascending the steps back to his throne in a swirl of haughty midnight robes.
'Please, master Dwarf, I would like to hear tales of your adventures with Legolas.'
'It would be my honour lass, but please, call me Gimli.'
They both turned to Legolas who was watching his Father's retreating back with a bemused smile. Tauriel caught his eye and they both shared a look that seemed to say well that went well.
The three spent the afternoon in the shade of an old oak and Tauriel found herself laughing at the good-natured argument between Legolas and Gimli as to who scored higher at the battle of Helm's Deep. It seemed to be a recurring theme between the two and it made Tauriel happy to see Legolas so at peace with his friend.
At one point, Legolas was summoned to oversee a few final details about the feast and so Tauriel took Gimli on a walk through the trees that now grew strong and healthy surrounding the keep.
'Strange to think that many years ago, my own father walked these paths in the company of Thorin Oakenshield.' Gimli raised a busy eyebrow at the Captain. 'Though the situation may have been different back then.'
Tauriel gave a forced smile; she had put the past behind her and did not like to linger there.
After a while, Gimli spoke again. 'You know, we have songs about you.'
Tauriel paused and raised her own delicate eyebrows in surprise. 'Really?'
'Aye, well more ballads really. Lassie, I don't think you realise just how much you served the line of Durin. Dwarves do not easily forget those loyal to them.'
Tauriel paused and considered a leaf that fluttered to the ground before her. For a moment it caught the light of the sun and was illuminated in all its golden glory before passing once more into shadow and lying upon the floor amidst its other fallen brothers.
'Would you like to hear one?'
Lost in the past, Tauriel turned her head and whispered. 'Please.'
Gimli straightened. 'I will have to translate but here we are.' Tauriel eyed him keenly as he began in a deep, resonating voice.
Fire maiden, warrior elleth of battle
She weeps now upon her shattered bow
Alas! Son of Kings, you are lost to this world
Never shall you sit upon our mighty throne
She weeps now with daggers lost from her hands
For fire forever mourns her stone
Gimli finished and noticed Tauriel was looking at the forest floor with a troubled expression.
After a while, she looked up and met his gaze. 'Hannon le, Gimli. That was a beautiful lament.'
Gimli took her hand and Tauriel stiffened in surprise at the contact.
Tauriel spoke with a level voice that was surprisingly strong. 'He was my friend. I am sorry I could not have prevented his death but it is in the past now.'
The dwarf looked at her with compassionate brown eyes. 'Aye lass, that it is. I just wanted you to know that Kili will not be forgotten. And neither will you.'
Tauriel smiled at her new friend before glancing at the golden light that was slowly filtering down upon them.
'Come, the hour is growing late. I expect we should prepare for your feast. Legolas will no doubt be awaiting us.'
Together they strolled back to the keep to change into more appropriate clothing from their respective travelling and hunting garbs.
Legolas POV
Legolas was sat next to Gimli at the High Table but Tauriel was nowhere to be seen.
I wonder what is keeping her.
The King rose to greet those in attendance for the celebrations.
'I welcome you, my people. Tonight we hold this feast to celebrate Gimli, son of Gloin. He was companion to the Prince on his mission and played a part in the defeat of the Dark Lord.' Thranduil raised his glass and his elves followed suit, although some wore slightly confused but friendly enough expressions.
Gimli accepted the greetings of several elves who approached him for introductions. Ranadir was one of the first bravest enough to approach after the King's speech.
The chestnut-haired elf practically appeared before them. 'Mae g'ovannen Gimli son of Gloin! I am Ranadir, son of Faenir, at your service.' He bowed gallantly.
'At your service' Gimli replied curiously.
Legolas watched Ranadir eyeing Gimli's axe with an almost child-like wonder.
'Dwarves are well renowned for their forging of mighty battle-axes. Perhaps master dwarf, one day you would not mind showing me how one is mastered?'
Gimli chuckled and eyed Legolas. 'Ha! So there are at least some elves with an appreciation for a true weapon.'
Legolas simply raised an eyebrow.
'I'd be happy to laddie. Now on with you, I have mead to sample.'
Legolas watched Ranadir beam and give another of his gallant bows before walking away with his head held proudly in the air.
He glanced over to his Father who seemed to be happy enough watching the feast before him, sipping away at his glass of Dorwinion.
A flash of auburn at the back of the feasting hall caught his eye. Tauriel wove through the crowd, leading Serilla into the waiting hands of a happy Ranadir who began to excitedly talk, no doubt about meeting Gimli.
Legolas could not take his eyes off her as the Captain continued on her meander towards the high table. She wore a gown of deepest blue; waves of gauzy material hung from her shoulders and flowed about her slender form. Her hair was braided back from her eyes but two locks of purest auburn hung in front of her shoulders to lay against her sea-coloured bodice.
'She is beautiful. It looks as if she is clothed by the very Sea itself.' Legolas said to no one in particular.
Gimli heard and followed the direction of his gaze. 'Aye, that she is. Even my people have songs about her beauty.'
Legolas did turn to look at Gimli then and was about to enquire further when Tauriel reached the King. She bowed at Thranduil, who gave her a small smile and motioned for her to take her place at the High Table. Tauriel lowered herself onto a seat on the other side of Gimli before greeting them.
'Goheno nin. I had to help Serilla with her dress.' For Gimli's benefit she added 'the babe she is carrying makes some things slightly harder for her to manage by herself.'
She smiled at them both and began helping herself to fruit and vegetables.
'My Lady, I had better say it before this young princeling loses his mind. You look very beautiful tonight.'
'Yes Tauriel, but then you always look beautiful.' Legolas had to add for it was the truth.
Tauriel paused in eating and turned her stunning forest green eyes upon the Prince and gave him a loving smile.
'Hannon le. You both look very handsome this evening as well.'
Somehow at one point in the evening, Legolas was witnessing a drinking contest between Ranadir and Gimli whilst Tauriel and Serilla sat nearby deep in conversation and laughing occasionally.
'I will not lose for a second time to another pointy-ear!' Gimli exclaimed after draining yet another cup of Thranduil's honeyed ale.
'I keep telling you, elves are just not that easily affected by mortal drink!' Ranadir replied for the fourth time.
'Ye just can't handle your little….' Gimli swayed from the table and Legolas rushed forward and caught him in his arms. Ranadir hiccupped but showed no other real sign of effect.
'You just do not learn, do you mellon.' Legolas sighed as he hoisted his friend to his feet.
'Legolas…tell him….he's not a dwarf…' Gimli belched and swayed.
Serilla looked over to the table and gave Ranadir a disapproving look. 'I think that is game over.'
Tauriel gave Legolas an amused expression as him and Ranadir led a wobbling Gimli back to his chambers to recover.