Eternal= Legolas and Gimli
"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."
The battle is about to begin, we have been surrounded by thousands of Orcs and other dark creatures. My axe itches to start the confrontation though I know we won't win. I'm nervous and jittery, the exact opposite of you. I don't know how you can just stand there with that annoying contemplative look on your face. I may not appear nervous, after all, I'm a dwarf, we never look nervous. But I know you know I am. Yet, I can't even tell if your nervous, is it just an elf thing?
Curse it, I would not wish to die here. There's too much to live for. Too much I've hoped for.
I'm staring at you again, you still don't notice, or you're pretending not to. I wonder if your reason for not fearing death is that you've already lived so long, or perhaps it's because you know where you will go.
I look at the battle again still contemplate my death. I don't really know where I'll go when I die. Perhaps to Mandos' halls? Or maybe I'll just return to the earth from which I was made, my soul fading into oblivion.
You're still staring ahead with that darned enlightened look. I decide to tease you; maybe it will evoke something other than contemplation out of you.
"I never pictured myself dying side by side with an elf." My voice is deep and husky, clearly from worry. I curse my weakness and swear not to let it show again. You give a slight start and turn towards me. For a moment you look confused, but then that contemplative look returns with a vengeance. Though it's now accompanied with a look of love, the brotherly love that we have found.
"How about dying side by side with a friend?" Your question throws me for a loop, which you knew it would. I just stare back at you, fighting a tear as I think.
Friend.
What a word that is. How clear its true meaning has become the last few months. Never would I have pictured this. Me, a self respecting dwarf, becoming a friend, yes I admit it, for we are indeed friends, with an elf! What's more, you have become my dearest friend. I didn't tell you but it broke my heart when you heard the seagulls call. I tried desperately to keep you from walking to near that beach, yet even my friendship couldn't drown out the sea's calling. I hate the thought of seeing you sail away for an undying land. It's selfish I know, but I hate the thought of you leaving me, leaving me and forgetting me in your undying land.
You still stare at me with that contemplative look. Now though, I fear its disappearing. It's with a heavy heart that I answer your question.
"I… I can do that." I will do that. I would rather die on this field than lose my dearest friend to the sea. You give me a last smile and face the front again. A peace settles over me as I join you and we ready for the impending battle.
For I know even death shall not end our friendship. For I will follow you in death as I would have in life.
"Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien, and sailed down Anduin and so over Sea; and with him, it is said, went Gimli the Dwarf." Return of the King Appendix A
A/N: The gruff dwarf has a heart! I love the friendship of Gimli and Legolas, I think they have a really great story.