Gimli's pov Epilogue
As we reach the top of the tallest of the hills of Helm's Dike I call for the first halt of our journey. We have been on the road for several hours now and it is my desire that we take things very slowly and carefully. Of course Legolas is quick to object, though I suspect it is more out of habit than anything else for he has already drawn his horse to a stop.
"We have plenty of time to make it to Ithilien before the weather turns," I tell him, handing him a bag full of food supplies packed for us by my esteemed sister. "There is no point in undoing all the progress we've made in your health in the last couple of months is there? Besides I need a smoke."
We both dismount and stretch a bit before settling on the ground to relax a little before moving on. I am happy to see my lad begin searching through the supplies with interest, for it is a great relief to see his appetite returned almost to normal. With some encouragement from me, I expect he will be up to his normal weight very soon, something I feared would never happen this side of the sea. In fact only someone who knows him very well would notice the slight tremor of his hands and the slightly dimmed glow of his complexion to realize he is not just as he has always been. How long this will prevail is questionable, which is a big part of my reason for moving. I intend to begin campaigning for him to at least consider that he needs to sail before too much longer, or at least begin making preparations to do so. He has survived this episode of the sea longing, but this one opened my eyes to the fact that his time in Middle Earth is coming to a close. He must make a move before he has no strength left to make the trip. For now I do not mention any of this, for it would only cause him stress, and it is difficult enough for him to finally admit to needing me by his side full time.
Instead I light my pipe and look out into the distance where I can just see the top of the tower of the Hornburg. I let my mind wander back to the first time I set my eyes on my beloved caves and how struck I was by their natural beauty, and of how I had to practically drag my elfling to look at them with me later on. He was nearly as impressed as I was, even with his dislike of the deeper places of the earth. What an honor to be able to make such a place my home and the home of many of my folks for so many years. I never dreamed to have the chance to hold dominion over such a place or to have the opportunity to enhance and shape it to the glorious place it is today. I shall miss it always, I suppose, but it was the right decision to choose to leave
Besides it was it was a joy to be able to bestow Lordship on my nephew and to get to personally hand over the symbolic axe. Greirr had looked serious and regal as he bowed before me and swore an oath to care for Aglarond and its denizens, and then turned to raise the axe to the cheering crowd. The celebrations had lasted until the wee hours of dawn, with songs being sung in my honor, besides the traditional songs of Durin's folk. One thing I had insisted on was that we wait for the ceremony until my elfling was recovered enough to attend the entire event, for it was important to me to have him by side for such an emotional and significant occasion. Once I convinced him I would not change my mind, Legolas turned his attention toward being as supportive as possible. I was more than a little proud to walk beside him as he escorted me toward the raised dais where Greirr's oath was to take place while Dorbryn and the others looked on from the top table. Such occasions are meant to be shared with family.
Greirr's first order of business as Lord was to organize arrangements for my move. My furnishings and personal items have been sent ahead of us, so that everything could be made ready for our arrival. Greirr had done his best to convince me to bring an escort of guards, but I preferred to journey alone with my lad. There is little to harm us between here and there these days and with just the two of us traveling he is more likely to admit to needing to slow down or take a break. And it is a wonderful opportunity for it to be just the two of us before he returns to his role as Prince. A role that will most certainly be changed from what it was before, for I intend to watch closely and act before he gets in such a poor condition again.
I am still blowing smoke and staring out at the tower when a voice interrupts my musings.
"Gimli?"
I turn to see Legolas watching me, and beginning to look concerned, no doubt worried that I am looking back and repining in my heart. I smile reassuringly and wink, to show him that I am content.
"We've already been over this lamb," I tell him. "This is what I want to do."
He smiles back and nods without commenting again seemingly at peace as well. I reach out to pat his knee and he leans his head onto my shoulder, and I think we both know this is the right choice. My place is with my heart son. Where he is will be my home from now on, even if that means that there is another great adventure ahead for the two of us.
I will not regret my choice.