'Stunning'
'Beautiful'
'A Goddess'
So many words flooded the dwarf's mind, drowning all other thoughts in its wake. Never before had Gimli felt like this- so vulnerable and yet so on edge- he was dumbstruck by the sheer beauty of the elf maiden standing before him. Her gaze was not directed at him nor were her words, yet they pierced him as though they were. He was completely drawn to her silver gaze, her voice like silk and yet still gave off an intense aura of power despite her evident grace and purity- it was electrifying.
He watched, mouth slightly agape, eyes wide and mesmerized, as she inspected each member of the small company until she came to him. She stood at least a head taller, but somehow that didn't put Gimli off. Her skin was pale, yet shone like moonlight, her hair rolled from her head down to her feet in gentle waves and glistened like precious metal. She was clad in dress of white silk, the combined colors of her features combined with that of the clothing she wore made her seem otherworldly- a goddess bound to earth.
She smiled softly- a smile which burned itself into the dwarf's mind, which he would remember fondly until the end of his days.
"And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?" Her voice paralyzed Gimli for a moment, he was captivated by her presence before him.
"None, my lady." He replied, his voice cracking with every syllable that left his tongue. "It is enough for me to have seen the the Lady of Galladhrim, and to have heard her gentle words."
It took Gimli but a moment to release what had been said on his behalf; the Lady herself looked taken back, and he wondered for a moment if he had upset her. He was comforted when she smiled at him, and a quiet laugh left her lips.
"Hear all ye Elves!" she spoke, "Let none say ever again that Dwarves are grasping and ungracious! Yet surely, Gimli son of Gloin, you desire something I could give? Name it, I bid you! You shall not be the only guest to leave without a gift."
Gimli let out a shaking breath- yes there was definitely something he wished for, but it would be a sin to ask. 'Ask her' A small voice at the back of his mind urged him, 'You will never get another chance after this.'
"There is nothing my Lady," he breathed, breathing had suddenly become very hard for the dwarf, "Nothing, unless it is permitted to ask, a single strand of your hair, which surpasses the gold of the earth as the stars surpass all gems of mine."
The surrounding Elves murmured among themselves, "I do not ask for such a gift. But you commanded me to name my desire."
Galadriel smiled fondly at the stammering dwarf before her, "It is said that the skill of Dwarves lie in their hands rather then in their tongues, yet it is not true for you Gimli son of Gloin. None have ever made a request so bold and yet so courteous. And how shall I refuse, since I commanded you to speak? But tell me, what would you do with such a gift?"
"I would treasure it," He answered, as boldly as he could muster, "in memory of your words to me, and if I ever return home it shall be an imperishable crystal to be heirloom of my house, and a pledge of good will between the Mountain and Wood until the end of days."
Galadriel Smiled
For a brief moment, Gimli was detached from the world-his mind caught up in the memory of his and Galadriels meeting. He fondly stroked over the three golden strands in his gloved palm. Slowly, he was brought back from the fantasy, and his mind pondered on his feeling that he so often denied. Behind him, Legolas guided the elven boat they sat in down the winding waterway with grace only an elf could muster.
"Legolas," Gimli said, turning his head to glance up at the elf, "Would you think me mad if I called myself in love?"
At that moment, Legolas' head snapped downward to meet the dwarfs gaze- his eyes were wide and his mouth was slightly agape as his sharp mind processed the odd question. For a moment, there was silence between the two, until Legolas' mouth spread into a joyous smile, his eyes filled with friendly happyness.
"No Mellon nîn, I would be happy for you."
At that moment joy soared through Gimli, he could hardly do any more then smile.
"Then I declare that I, Gimli son of Gloin, am in love with the fair Lady Galadriel! I shall never again call anything beautiful, 'less it be her! May it be spread throughout all kingdoms without shame!"
Gimli clutched tight the golden strands and the two friends smiled fondly at each other. At that moment, Gimli came to realise- even if he should never gaze upon her, feel her presence, stare into her awe- inspiring eyes or return her loving smile- he would always remember fair Galadriel and hopefully one day he should see her again.
*Cries Happily*
A/N: I'm unashamed to say how much I enjoyed that, even though it's only a short little thing. I've pretty much fallen in love with this one-sided pairing even if it is only on Gimli's behalf- poor Gimli, I hope you do see each other again. Anyway please R&R, I'd love to know how i did since I'm a pretty new writer. Thank you for reading :]