Having finished his story, Gimli looked to his new friend, who appeared absolutely spent. "I am sorry, Malenfín," he murmured regretfully.

The fair Elf sat stiffly in his chair, his shoulders slumping as he stared at the tabletop, his long fingers absently tracing over the swirled patterns of the grain. Tears glittered in his downcast blue eyes, but did not fall. "You tried to save him. What need have you to apologize? You did everything you could to ease his passing, Gimli, and for that I am very thankful. He did not suffer alone."

"Nor did he suffer long."

Malenfín thought for a moment, then straightened his posture and answered politely, "Thank you, Master Dwarf, for your honest retelling. I suppose that is what I came to Aglarond for, and between hearing the story and finding out just why my father adored you so, my trip was not wasted."

Gimli smiled, patting the Elf's knee. "This may well be the weakest consolatory remark in history, Malenfín, and I apologize if it comes across as trite, but at the very least, be proud that your father died a hero. Aye, it was hideously untimely, but he died fighting for the things he believed in and the people he loved."

Malenfín nodded with a sigh. "I wish I could have known him. I do not have any memories of him."

"Perhaps it would help to meet your grandfather. We could take a trip out to the kingdom of Thranduil, if you would like. He would love to meet you."

"I doubt it," the Elf countered, shaking his head. "He never knew of my existence for a reason."

"Your mother was only trying to protect Legolas. His father's temper is legendary."

"He would be furious to know that Legolas had lied, and I am quite certain he would not be happy to find out from me, his son's illegitimate son. Besides, if I resemble him as much as you claim, it might only hurt him."

"He lost his son, but he would be thrilled to know that all of Legolas is not lost," Gimli told Malenfín softly. "He would be beside himself with joy to know Legolas bore a son almost exactly like him, regardless of the circumstances of the birth. You might fill in the void your father's passing left in his heart. The Elven-King will welcome you with open arms, Malenfín. Of that, I am certain."

"I believe he would not cast me aside. Naturally not. We are family, after all. I just fear suddenly appearing out of nowhere and saying, 'Greetings, Grandfather Thranduil! I am the only son of your only son!' might only serve to tear open old wounds."

"Or it might help to heal them closed once and for all," the Dwarf offered gently. After a pause, he chuckled and thought out loud, "He will be too busy glaring at me and trying to intimidate me into leaving his lands to even notice you for several days, most likely, so you will have plenty of time to formulate a plan for introducing yourself."

Malenfín chuckled. "Surely he does not despise you so."

Gimli arched a bushy brow. "Would you care to make a wager on that?"

The Elf laughed. "No. I just cannot imagine my father's father being so capable of holding a grudge that ought to have ended centuries ago."

"Ah, but remember that he is known not only for his reckless temper, but his astounding ability to hold grudges. Remember, Legolas and I were not always friends either. We were not even friendly; indeed, not even civil. We tried to avoid and even ignore each other for the entire first leg of our journey. It wasn't until we came upon Lórien that we acknowledged that our hatred of each other was petty and unfounded for reasons of our own. It was the Lady Galadriel who made us see that we should be stronger than our fathers, and forge an alliance rather than continue the estrangement."

The young Elf's smile reached all the way to his sparkling eyes. "Well, perhaps I can make you see that you and my grandfather should do the same."

"Let us hope so," Gimli sighed. "Otherwise, we are both in for a very awkward visit with the Elven-King." He placed a hand on the Elf's thin shoulder. "I must say, you are so very similar to your father. He also thought only of others. He never concerned himself with how things affected him; rather, he went out of his way to avoid doing things he would have enjoyed in order to protect the feelings of the people he cared for. I know that you are afraid you will hurt your grandfather, and that is very admirable of you to think of him first even in your excitement to meet him at last, but I want you to understand that he will accept you no matter what, because you are his closest tie to his son. Do not fear for his sake."

"It is rather far out of the way on the journey to Greenwood," mused Malenfín, "but I would rather like to visit my mother and King Elessar in Gondor first, if only to seek their advice as to how to approach my grandfather after so very many years."

"I think that would be very wise. The King has had many dealings with Thranduil, and knows his temperaments and how best to negotiate through them."

"Perhaps I could join you in Thranduil's realm later," he suggested, ignoring Gimli's subsequent wince.

"It is actually in the other direction," the Dwarf pondered, fighting back a much more irrational hailstorm of protests, "but I would like to go as well, if you wouldn't mind a bit of company. I have not visited with the King and Queen in at least a year. Besides, there is absolutely no chance that I would be able to enter the Greenwood without an Elven escort."

"They would love to see you," the Elf replied, "and I would very much enjoy riding to Gondor with you. We will travel together after to my grandfather's home."

"Then it is settled." Gimli clapped his hands together firmly. "We ride tomorrow after breakfast to Gondor, then in four days we are off to Greenwood." He barely resisted the urge to grimace.

Off to Greenwood...Aulë help us...