It seems to me that most of my time since I came to Gondor has been taken up in waking up …
I cannot recall a time when I have needed so much sleep. I have indeed been ill for there is no other reason for me to require to be slumbering all the time.
I turn my head expecting to see as I have done every other time I have awoken the stout form of Gimli Gloinson either sitting, or standing at my bedside.
I blink for my dwarven minder seems to have metamorphosed into a much more slender figure with large eyes and as I look downwards very hairy feet.

"Frodo!"

He smiles that sweet, rather sad knowing smile of his the one that tells those that know that he is still suffering and possibly always will suffer from the wounds both physical and emotional he endured during the quest.

"I am happy to see you awake Legolas and I understand looking better than you have been, although you look very pale to me."

"I am fine." The look he gives me is so like that of a father observing a somewhat recalcitrant child that I find myself adding "that is I am getting better every day."

Frodo laughs at this and I am happy to hear his soft chuckles even if they are at my expense.

"I am surprised to see you here," I say to him "I would have expected the ring bearer to be in much demand and I am sure you must have much more agreeable places to be here keeping me company, though I am very grateful for it." I hurry to add realizing that my words could be construed as less than gracious.

"I am happy for a brief respite if I am truthful" Frodo tells me with another of his gentle smiles, "I find I tire very easily these days and the noise and bustle of the city is too much for me. So when Aragorn said that you were now fit for visitors and that if someone was willing to come and sit with you for awhile Gimli would be able to take part in some of the celebrations that are going on I was the first to volunteer, although it was a close run thing."

My brow wrinkles as I listen to this "Close run thing?" I query.

"Oh yes," Frodo plumps up my pillows for me and offers me a drink of cool sweet cider. "there was a positive rush to offer to come and keep you company. Sam wished to accompany me but I persuaded him that the people at the entertainment today would want to see one of the ring bearers and that I was too tired to go. He wasn't happy about it but I managed to get him to agree in the end. Of course Merry and Pippin were desperate to come with me as well, but I knew that Gimli would not be happy with that idea." He grins, "They are not the most restful of companions and while I knew you would enjoy seeing them again I had to agree with Aragorn that maybe they should go at the end of the list of sitters. They argued about it, quite loudly I have to tell you, but then Faramir and Eowyn offered to take them into the city and they were diverted at least for now."

"Sitters?" I ejaculate, ignoring the last part of his conversation and blushing hotly at the thought of my friends believing I need a baby sitter.

"Oh I did not mean it in that way" Frodo assures me; although I am not fully reassured. Still I cannot deny that my recent conduct has earned this encomium.
"Anyway, Sam is next of the list. He said he would be bringing one of his special soups, the one you enjoyed so much on your visit to the Shire. He also said he was quite prepared to storm the Citadel kitchens if needed so he could make it for you. He doesn't trust all of those fancy cooks, although Arwen assured him that would not be necessary.
Faramir and Eowyn are next. Elladan and Elrohir we would not allow to put their names forward. As Pippin pointed out they will see you anyway since they are helping with your recovery although they were not happy about it. Then there is Eomer and Lothiriel and of course Arwen and …"

"Stop, stop" I have to laugh, it seems to me that half of Minas Tirith is lining up to come and keep me company. If anything was needed to reinforce all that Gimli has been trying to tell me in the last few days it only took this, and I am very grateful.

The next three days prove Frodo's words to be true and a positive stream of visitors come through my chamber door. Most just seem happy to see me 'on the mend' as Samwise puts it. The Elrondionnath of course give me a thundering scold when they first come to help me with exercising the muscles in my legs telling me that I am a complete 'idiot' and a 'fool'. I take their lecture in good part as far as I am able, and it is left to Gimli to tell them that enough is enough and that he will not have me admonished in such a fashion since it is not at all seemly.
Elladan and Elrohir grin appreciatively at this knowing full well that I will have heard much worse from Gimli himself.

During this time I also find my full strength returning and my frustration growing at my continuing restriction. Yet having given my word to Gimli I do my best to keep my frustrations to myself.
I fail needless to say for he knows me so well and on the third day he and Aragorn finally give me permission to leave my bed and sit in a chair by the window.

I am also allowed more visitors and things occasionally become quite lively. I begin to plead with my carers to be allowed to at least take part in some part in the last of the One year Celebrations.
Gimli tells me that I need not try to wheedle him. He is made of far sterner stuff than that. And what is more, I will be going nowhere until Aragorn gives me permission.

I sigh and roll my eyes but resign myself to the fact that he is in the right and all I can do is give him one of my most beseeching looks and reply docilely. "Yes Gimli."

Gimli's pov:
In spite of my hesitation to leave the healing ward, I have managed to find the evening quite tolerable. The entertainment was pleasant, the beer brought in from the Shire was exquisite and the company was very satisfying indeed. I have enjoyed myself much more than expected and yet I am anxious to return to my vigil, for I have felt just a twinge of regret that my elfling was unable to be with me. He would have taken great pleasure in such an event.

I am happy to find on my returning that Legolas has enjoyed his quiet visit with the Ring Bearer. The lad is still a bit peaky and quite pale, but his eyes are clear and his smile is genuine. It is easy to see now that he will likely make a full and rapid recovery. I wish I could say the same about poor Frodo. His smile is also genuine but his eyes are still haunted and I doubt that he will ever return to his former robust health. He has literally carried the weight of the world on his wee shoulders and though it was done with courage and dignity, he will ever bear the scars. As always I am awed in his presence. I do not say this of course for he would only find it awkward and embarrassing so instead I thank him kindly for his assistance, even as he insists that the pleasure was his entirely.

After Frodo's departure I spend a few minutes talking to Legolas who insists on hearing all the details of my evening at the celebration. I am hesitant to talk of it fearing he will regret having to miss it even more, but he is adamant that I tell him everything. Before long though, much to his consternation, he is having trouble keeping his eyes open. I know he is finding this weakness and constant need for rest frustrating, but I assure him that Aragorn says it is to be expected and should improve very soon.

"Ye must be patient with yourself, Lad. Healing takes time and it has only been a few days."

"I am tired of being patient," he protests even as his eyes drift closed again.

If he is tired of being patient already, then I had better prepare myself for the days to come when he truly begins feeling better. I resign myself to the fact that I will have to harden my heart to his pleas and put up with a lot of sulking and complaining.

However, that turns out not to be the case at least in the beginning. He is trying his best to be cooperative. After all he has made a promise to do so and the many visitor that come by serve as a distraction for a while as well. Legolas is quite pleased to see them all, though at times I have to drop broad hints to get them to leave at a decent time. This is a healing ward, not a banquet hall and he must have an opportunity to rest if he is to improve. Most of them are quite pleasant and do a remarkable job of keeping the lad entertained and his spirits chirked up, but those identical offspring of Elrond seem to think it is their duty to rake my elfling over the coals in quite a distasteful fashion! I tolerate their chiding him for about two minutes and then let them know in no uncertain terms that it is quite enough. They are here to aid in his recovery and nothing more. If any further rebuking needs done, I shall be the one to do it and if they cannot manage to remain pleasant while they are here then we can easily find someone else to take over their job. They seem to find this amusing, but it successfully shuts them up at least while I am present; and I make sure I am always present when they are around.

Legolas get stronger as each day passes and I can see that the restrictions we are placing on him are beginning to chafe, though he tries his best to hide it. In spite of his best efforts, I still have to remind him with a stern look or even a word or two that he must remain in bed. I am adamant about this in front of him, but when Aragorn comes I find myself pleading the lad's case and I manage to get permission for him to sit in a chair by the window. More visitors are allowed to come and sometimes it feels like the festivities are taking place right here in the healing ward. It is around this time when Legolas is finally sent back to our own chambers. This is accompanied by a warning that it is not license to do whatever he pleases, for he has not yet been released from the care of the healers. He is being moved strictly for the sake of the other patients in the healing ward that our rather rambunctious visitors not disturb them.

The warning falls on deaf ears however, for it seems like the Lad's patience has finally come to an end. He no longer tries to behave but openly pleads to be allowed to attend the last of the celebrations. It becomes difficult to continue denying him, especially when he offers me his most winning smile.

"Elvellon?" the voice is as honey.

"Yes Lad?"

"How will I ever repay you for your kindness to me?" His voice becomes thick with gratitude as he takes my hand and continues, "Without your constant help, no doubt I would not now be feeling so back to normal and in perfect health." He blinks a few times giving him an innocent appearance, but I know better for I have heard this all before.

"No need at all to repay me and I am happy to know you are feeling better." I pat his shoulder and turn to leave, but he does not yet release me.

"Since you have already agreed that I am better, don't you think it possible that I might be allowed out, just for a little while? I would only stay a short time and come back as soon as you say I must, I promise." This time he turns large pleading eyes on me, "Please?"

I frown and pretend to be unaffected by such doings.

"Ye need not try your wheedling ways with me, Elfling for I am made of sterner stuff than to be swayed by such wiles. We will not speak of this again and what is more you will be going nowhere until Aragorn says you may. Is that clear?"

He sighs and rolls his eyes at this but I can see the true disappointment on his face as he meekly replies, "Yes Gimli."

Damn it! If he would have protested or complained I could have held my ground, for I am used to prevailing in any sort of scrap but this docile compliance just makes me feel guilty and cruel.

Over the next couple of days he stops asking about the events that have been continuing to run, though he insists that I go to them when I can. He is true to his word and does not ask again about attending himself, though I can see the longing whenever any of his many visitors happen to mention it.

Finally the event that all the celebrations have been leading up to arrives. The climax of the festivities will be held tonight. We do not discuss this, though I am certain he expects to be alone tonight for he knows we could never ask anyone to stay with him on this special evening. He is standing looking out the window of his bedchamber when I enter. He turns toward me looking surprised that I am there.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready to go?" he asks.

"Actually, Lad, I just came to let you know I will be spending the evening with you." I inform him. His becomes suddenly alarmed at my saying this.

"You cannot!" He insists.

"I will decide what I can and cannot do," I rumble. "Ye didn't expect that I was going to leave you all alone tonight did ye?"

"Yes, Gimli that is exactly what I was expecting!" he splutters. "You cannot possibly mean to stay with me. I will be fine on my own and I would feel terrible if you were to miss the celebration tonight."

"Who said anything about missing the celebration? It is rumored that the best ale has been saved for tonight's events. Wild horses couldn't keep me away!"

His brow wrinkles in confusion, "But you just said…" I can see the moment when it dawns on him what I might be saying. He looks at me suspiciously through narrowed eyes, clearly wondering if he has misunderstood me. I do not leave him to speculate for long, though.

"Come, Lad, don't let's stand about arguing. Ye have just enough time to get ready."

Legolas' pov:

I stand on the raised dais that looks out of the Fountain Court and the White Tree below us and listen to Aragorn as he speaks to his people.

The evening has been wonderful, even more so after my long incarceration in the healing wards and then in my own chambers. I am fortunate to be here.

I glance down at my companion, Gimli Gloinson. He has a tankard of ale in his hand, his dark eyes are alive with laughter as he and Eomer exchange insults with each other. They are the best of friends but they love to argue over the relative beauty of their favourite ladies.

A lump comes to my throat as Gimli gives that roaring laugh of his and slaps Eomer on the arm. How much I owe my friend, not just for allowing me to attend this final event in the One Year celebrations, although I do thank him for it. I had quite resigned myself to a long evening alone when Gimli came to tell me he was spending the evening with me. I argued with him for I am very aware how much I am already in his debt and how much he has sacrificed for me since we came south, and did not wish him to miss this final night of remembrance and could hardly believe my ears when he told me I was to be allowed to attend after all.
I hurried to dress appropriately, I did not even complain about the fact I was required to wear my circlet I was so grateful to be back among my friends and free of the healers ministrations.

Had it not been for Gimli of course I may not have survived to see this celebration, for the poison was insidious and difficult to identify. If I ever doubted how much he cares for me the fact that he was prepared to kill to get the answers he needed to ensure my survival wiped such doubt away.
He has not wished to speak very much of what actually happened, although Faramir and Aragorn have been more forthcoming when they have come to sit with me during my recovery.
It seems the young female I saw in the Black Swan came to Gimli with information about the man Hador. It was a brave thing for her to do and I was anxious to see that she was rewarded for her courage and that she did not suffer from any of Hador's friends taking revenge on her.
But when I asked Faramir told me that Arwen had already spoken with Maellenn and learned from her that she had once been a seamstress. Arwen has given her sufficient gold to be able to set herself up in business once more and has said she will patronize the little shop Maellenn intends to open. I know well enough that where the Queen of Gondor goes other ladies of the court will follow and I hope that with Arwen's patronage Maellenn will be able to begin a new life for herself.
I intend to thank her myself as soon as I am given permission to leave the Citadel, although that may not be for a few more days yet.

I turn my attention to the speech that Aragorn is making. He is talking of the sacrifices so many made to bring about this day.
Of those who died in this just cause. I am pleased he mentions both Boromir and Lord Denethor and I can see from the proud smile on his face that Faramir very much appreciates it also. The citizens of Minas Tirith cheer lustily when Aragorn raises a goblet and toasts the family of Hurin and our present steward and his lady.

Aragorn then speaks of those who came to the aid of his people, Eomer now king of Rohan, Lady Eowyn, Prince Imrahil and the swan knights of Dol Amroth and the rangers of the north. There are more cheers, and Eomer and Lothiriel stand to receive the applause of the crowd as do Faramir and Eowyn. More names are mentioned the living and the dead, the mighty and the lowly all played their part.
He calls on the people to remember as well that it was not only in Gondor that fighting took place, he speaks of the scouring of the Shire, and I can see the Hobbits eyes fill with tears as they remember the devastation that met them on their return. He recalls the burning of the West fold and the storming of Helms Deep. Then he speaks to them of the war in the north of the battles in Lake Town, the Lonely Mountain, and Erebor and finally the battle under the trees in my own land.

'Old enmities were laid aside' he says 'and new alliance forged. Together we are strong, only in division can we be defeated...'

I look down at Gimli and he beams at me, clasping my arm in the traditional way of the warrior. There are no words needed between us for we know how true those sentiments are and how much we have both benefited from our friendship, although I believe I may be forever in debt to my dwarven minder, for I certainly had the better of the arrangement while poor Gimli's reward has been a great deal of trouble and worry over his 'flighty pointy eared princeling'.

When I made my appearance tonight at the private feast Aragorn had arranged for family and friends I was unaccountably nervous, but everyone welcomed me warmly, all seeming happy to see me out and about once more, although there was also much gentle scolding and advice for me as well, to ensure I keep myself well and out of mischief.
I was quite moved by my reception, and it served to remind me once more on how fortunate I am and how much I owe to both my mortal and elven friends and in particular to Gimli.

Aragorn has gone on to speak of the sacrifices made in war reminding us that that it is not only the warrior who suffers during conflict. His voice gentles as he speaks of the widows and orphans, of those left behind their lives shattered, all victims of the evil that almost engulfed Middle Earth. He calls upon us all to note to the healers, and lore masters the farmers and fisher folk, anyone indeed who stood in some way against the Shadow. All have contributed to our freedom today in some fashion he tells us then finally he calls upon us all to raise our voices and acknowledge the pair who made all of what we achieved possible Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee.

The crowd below us erupts, cheering and clapping, even here on the dais we are all stamping our feet and shouting while Frodo and Sam blush and smile and wave their thanks. Just as I think Frodo is beginning to look uncomfortable with all the praise and attention, the sky is lit with a truly wondrous firework display and everyone looks up to the sky allowing the ring bearers to regain their equilibrium.

The fireworks can only have come from one source I decide they must have been left by Gandalf for no one else is capable of producing such a magnificent display.

As the firework display goes on those of us on the dais get the opportunity to toast each other and share our own memories and thoughts of the last year of so.
Tears are shed but there is laughter to and many smiles and embraces as we all give thanks for our success and look to a brighter future for all of Middle Earth.

My thoughts go to Eryn Lasgalen and Erebor where my father and my adopted dwarven family will be thinking of us this night and I send them my love and greetings.

How happy I am to have been given permission to attend the last night of the celebrations. It is more than I deserve and I make a promise to myself that I will not cause Gimli any more trouble on this visit.

This has been a truly momentous evening and I am feeling quite fatigued by it all, not that I intend to say anything.

Of course I do not need to. Gimli has noted my growing exhaustion and immediately says it is time I am tucked up in my bed.

I would like to object but everyone is now saying their goodnights and the party is breaking up and I am tired so I nod my agreement only asking for a moment to say something to all of my friends before I retire.

As they all look towards me I find myself blushing as everyone falls silent and looks my way, but I square my shoulders and speak. "All of you know some of what has happened to me here in the White City. Not many of you know the full story of how these things came about. Suffice it to say that my pride and overweening belief in my superior senses, led me into grave danger, and it was only the determination of Aragorn and of Gimli that I am here tonight with you all. There are no words that can properly convey my profound gratitude for all that they have done for me yet I do say thank you to them and ask their forgiveness for causing them so much trouble and grief."

It is Aragorn's and Gimli's turn to blush and demur as everyone joins me in recognizing all they have done.
When the clamor dies down a little I speak again, "and I particularly wanted to show my appreciation to Gimli for his care, yes, all of it" I reiterate as I grin at him and he chuckles knowingly. "And to tell him that while I may not always show it as I should, that I am very much aware of the debt I owe him and how much I have come to rely on his presence in my life and, well I just wanted to say, thank you Elvellon."

Everyone cheers and joins in with me in thanking 'our gallant dwarf, 'brave Gimli' 'redoubtable Naugrim' and he gets very red faced and flustered and eventually grumbles that it is time and more that I take myself off, since I am beginning to spout nonsense.

"Come along" he growls tugging my arm and marching towards the door, "You are worn out Laddie, and you are going straight to bed. Aye and there will be no sneaking out to join the revels in the city either, for I intend to spend the rest of the night writing letters right outside your bedchamber door!"

There is much shouting and laughter as we walk away but when I look down at my friend I see he has tears in his eyes and I know I was right to speak as I did, even if he will never admit it, so I rest my hand on his shoulder and he pats it fondly and we go on our way, elf and dwarf in perfect harmony … for awhile at least!

Gimli's pov:

From the pen of Gimli Gloinson, Lord of Aglarond and temporary resident of Minas Tirith

Dear King Thranduil,
I hope this letter finds you and your household well.

I sit staring at this page wondering what I should write next. Is it my duty to tell of all that has happened over the last week or so? Would it be kinder to leave out some details that would only be cause for worry? I know what I wish to do, but I am uncertain as to what is the correct thing. As I sit pondering this dilemma my mind drifts back over the events of the day.

This evening's celebration of the liberation of Middle Earth has been an outstanding success. Aragorn's speech had the crowd on their feet from the beginning to the final word. It was touching indeed, though sweeter still to me was Legolas' shyer speech given just as we were leaving the more intimate gathering of close friends. I do not need such accolades of course for doing what needed to be done and did not hesitate to tell him so. Such speech leaves me uncomfortable and tongue-tied. Yet everyone likes to be appreciated and I could not help being pleased at his gracious words of commendation and thanks. Even as I chided him for spouting such nonsense I felt a lump form in my throat and tears fill my eyes. How thankful I was and still am that he was able to be by my side tonight.

I am still smiling over this memory as Legolas enters the room and sits across the small table from me. He has removed the circlet and the formal robes, but still looks every inch a prince to me. I can see he has enjoyed the evening, for he appears very satisfied indeed, though rather worn out. I frown as I notice he is still thinner and more peaky than I would like to see him.

"Did I not send you to bed, Child?" I demand.

"Yes Elvellon, you did. But I could not sleep without saying one more time how much I am in your debt…"

I hold up my hand, "Do not say it again, Lad. There is no need."

"But there is need," he tries again, "I really must tell you…"

"Enough!" I interrupt. "Just go to bed you pesky elf."

He opens his mouth to speak again, but I merely growl and point to the door of his bedchamber. He leans quickly across the table and kisses me on the cheek.

"Thank you Gimli!" he says and laughs out loud as he leaps to his feet and heads for the door. I reach for a small pillow on the couch beside me and toss it at his retreating back. But I miss my mark for his lightning fast reflexes have returned it seems. He spins around just in time to catch it and throw it back at me before laughingly ducking inside the bedchamber. I shake my head but cannot help the smile that comes to my face as I turn back to my task. I pick up my pen and dip it into the ink and continue writing:

All is well here in the White City…

End