Legolas wandered through the streets of Gondor, Aragon's city. The rubble and decay of war was being put back together, bit by bit. Man and woman alike, stood in arms with one another putting their home back together under the new reign of a just and rightful man.
'Wonderful, isn't it? What humans can do when a war is won. This will be no easy task to fix this city.' Gimli, his dwarven friend, walked beside him, his short legs quickened to keep in pace with his own. He had been a great source of comfort to Legolas through the war against Sauron, an irony really, to be best friends with a dwarf.
He came to a stop before looking upon the open landscape of Gondor, the bodies of countless orcs and trolls, elephants and humans lay ahead of them. 'I am sure they may find it easier to rebuild, to clear this land of its pain, if we helped.' His elven eyes cast over the landscape, lingering on the humans below, assisting in burning the bodies of the enemy.
Gimli's eyes bore into him, he could feel his stare on him.
'You don't agree?' He flashed Gimli a smile, crossing his arms behind his back, ruffling his green tunic as he did so.
'You plan to stay here? Aragon will find great comfort in that, but I always thought your plan was to return to your post in Mirkwood. Just as mine, was to return to my people.' Gimli looked forward thoughtfully.
'Was?' He cocked an eyebrow in the dwarf's direction. A glance was shared between them, before the dwarf erupted into laughter.
'Well maybe there is some time for relaxation! The fellowship may be over, but Aragon has promised me a great deal of beer! Perhaps this time I shall beat you in a drinking contest elf!'
Legolas laughed in response, 'perhaps so…' he said sarcastically, as they headed in the direction of the tavern. One of the first buildings to be up and running and supplied in all of Gondor. It was good relief for people after a hard day's work.
They received a cheer from the locals as they entered the bar, it was busy but there were able to find a table big enough for the two of them to sit on.
'The first round is on me.' Legolas exclaimed as he headed to the bar. An excited clap of Gimli's hands was his answer. At the bar he stood, waiting for the barmaid's attention.
The barmaid, a human woman, in her mid-20s had fair curled hand pulled into two plaits on both shoulders. She was an attractive woman with a tightly corseted dress that showed her assets well and made her waist appear small. She clocked him almost immediately as she walked over to him with a smile on her face.
'The great Legolas has granted our bar with a visit, what can I get for you Sir?' She had a cheerful manner to her as she spoke.
'You know who I am? Two beers for myself and the dwarf please.' He motioned to Gimli behind him who was examining the helm of his much-adored axe.
'Of course! I've heard all the stories; my favourite one was when the handsome elf prince brought an elephant to his knees in the middle of battle all by himself!' She poured the beers in front of him as she spoke.
'Ah yes, the dwarf still only let me count that as one kill. You flatter me though; the handsome elf prince is a new phrase for me.' He smiled at her, earning a bashful blush from her in response.
She passed the beers over the counter to him, smiling from ear to ear, 'Your beers Sir Legolas, I'm glad I could have been the one to be of service to you tonight.' She smiled bashfully to him once again gaining a smile in response as Legolas journeyed back to his table with Gimli.
He sat, locking eyes with Gimli who gave him a coy smile. 'That young woman was giving you the eye, elf. Did you try your luck?' He laughed as he took a swig of his pint.
'I'm afraid in my time on Middle Earth, I do not have much experience with 'trying my luck' as you say. She is an attractive woman I will give her that.' There was a smile between them as they laughed together, clinking their pint's together in cheers.