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Return to The Lonely Mountain	By : skon Category: -Multi-Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 4043 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Title: Return to The Lonely Mountain
Chapter 4.
Author: Sarah
Pairing: Legolas/Gimli
Rating: PG this chapter.
Beta, helpful suggestions, advice and wonderful encouragement: Vinni. She tossed ideas around with me, and graciously shares her own ideas. Thank you! Any mistakes left are mine.
Disclaimer: Tolkien owns them. I make no money. The Legolas and Gimli I write belong to Tolkien. They are not related to the movie characters.
Archive: Axe and Bow. Others please ask.
Feedback: Please.
Thank you to Spirit Melody and Jen for the wonderful reviews.

Dinner finished, Legolas and Gimli got the dishes in to soak; then they headed for the bed chamber, taking with them a chair from the kitchen so the bedroom would have two.
When Legolas was settled in a chair in front of the dressing stand, Gimli began brushing the glossy hair of his elf, and sighed happily. Gimli was worried over visiting his father, but first he wanted to put right what he felt he had done wrong. He slid locks off an elven ear and said �One of the things I learned to love about our place in Eryn Lasgalen was the thick carpet on the floor.� Gimli paused when Legolas laughed. �I am serious, my elf. I have rugs over the floor here, but to sink one�s feet into soft carpet is far better.�
Gimli commenced to braid Legolas� locks, working small white stars made of moonstones and gold streamers among the strands of silken glory. �And the mirror and the bed that I fussed over! I love both of them and want it exactly that way in our new homes. A huge bed, a mirror to reflect it, and my elf to grace the sheets: there can be nothing better in life!�
Legolas smiled. He was aware of Gimli�s motives and felt fortunate to be so loved.
Gimli went on; �I was tempted to pack the comforter with the moon�s cycle that we slept under. It is lovely.�
�I love the painting above the desk in your study. Perhaps it takes an elven perspective to create such art, for I have never seen so many details in a drawing.� He continued with his task, and stated �I love very much our bath chamber there with the steps and the mirror that gives me a perfect reflection of your chest.� He halted, his hands stilling.
Legolas could tell with a glance that Gimli�s musings were straying into paths that were best not taken, unless they wanted to delay their visit to Gloin. Legolas cleared his throat jerking Gimli�s attention back to the present.
Smiling, Gimli said �I love your nipples.� His hands went back to the task of decorating Legolas� hair. �I would like to arrange our baths in that fashion in our new places. That way you can have deep water, and I can relax on the steps to enjoy the view. Not to mention�� Gimli stopped again.
Legolas guessed that Gimli was trying to not arouse both of them. He grinned.
�Those steps are useful!� Gimli exclaimed.
Legolas laughed. �Indeed they are! I want to build the house in Ithilien with wide steps to an upper level. Thickly carpeted stairs.� He rubbed Gimli�s shoulder.
�Aye. I like that idea. Wide steps and a private chamber upstairs with an open ceiling, made so my elf can see the stars while we love.�
�I always see stars when we make love, but that would be delightful! To gaze into the heavens while you�� Now it was Legolas who brought himself to quick stop.
Gimli selected two fire opals that had been crafted as circlets with connecting swirls. Using them as clips to keep the braided work fastened in, he said, �These are love knots and signify that you have found your one. And that your one loves you.� He caressed Legolas� neck gently. Finished with his task, Gimli said, �Gaze into the mirror, mir n�n, and behold a gem with no flaw!�
�I love you, too.� Scooting down, Legolas looked eagerly into the mirror. His happiness and their bond were reflected back to him. His hair sparkled with white stars. He comprehended why Gimli had selected these gems; he had noticed Legolas� attention drawn to them at first glance. Legolas fondled the jewellery and beamed his joy at Gimli. �They are wonderful, though not as wonderful as you!� He leaned down to place his head on Gimli�s shoulder, his arms enclosing the dwarf.
After a moment, he let go of Gimli. �Now for my gift to you.� Eyes shining, he got up and went to their packs. Opening one, he pulled clothes out of it, then unfastened the second bottom. Cradling against his body a chest ornamented with green jewels, Legolas located a key in another pack. He went back to Gimli and settled in the chair next to the warrior. Legolas unlocked the coffer and placed it on the stand next to Gimli, then lifted the lid. �These are yours.�
Gimli gasped. The box was filled with jewellery and gems of all types. Six small diamonds sparkled back up at him; three white and three of different colours. There were beads of lapis lazuli for the hair, green garnets, a ring of platinum with a pearl set into it, a zircon, a bracelet of burgundy coral, a red sapphire, an emerald pendant, a gold chain necklace, brown jasper buttons, ruby earrings, silver dangles, and other treasures.
Gimli gently touched and examined various items: an onyx ring, a black jet pin in the shape of a bear, white beryl ornaments for the hair, a brooch set with pearls, several opals of white, blue, and yellow, a garnet bangle, black marcasite buttons, a mithril anklet with black sapphires, and a sunstone pin. He fingered a blue sapphire carved into the shape of a mountain that was designed to adorn a belt. He muttered �Lovely!� several times over a white gold ring with an alexandrite gem. The stone changed colour, flashing from green to red to blue. He paused to stare at and enjoy a carnelian gem, his birthday�s colour. �Beautiful!�
Legolas smiled, and shared the story his father had told him of how he had tasted that one as a toddler and got his Lord into trouble for not tending to him more closely.
Gimli laughed. �Always you were my elf; loving that which is related to me.�
Legolas reached for the brush and said softly �Now it is my turn: I love how even the most casual touch from you conveys your devotion to me. The way you have shared my happiness and sadness binds my heart to you. In you I become complete.�
Legolas brushed Gimli�s luxuriant hair and said, �When I look into your eyes, I behold our love, and I rejoice. I love you, and knowing you are at my side is all I need. After that first attempt at love long ago, I always believed that even if I found love, I would never be secure in it. Yet with you I am secure, and my heart rests.�
He began to braid Gimli�s tresses, clipping the white beryls into them. �I treasure expressing our love in the most intimate way. My knowledge of your body, and yours of mine, is something that is beyond all my experience. Holding you close brings me joy and contentment.�
Gimli answered �I want to know you Legolas, better than I know myself. I hope one day to be able to decipher the slightest nuance of thought or feeling from you, so there will no more inconsideration on my part. My heart belongs to you and forever will I love you.�
�I will love you beyond time.� Legolas answered. He reached into Gimli�s treasure chest and said, �My people do not have love knots but these are similar.� He showed Gimli some golden swirls embellished with small diamonds and emeralds.
�Those are perfect! They look very much like dwarven love knots.�
Legolas fastened them into Gimli�s locks. �Remember, Gimli love. No matter what happens with your father, I will love you.�
�Aye, Legolas, nothing anyone says or does will change my love for you.�
They clasped hands. Legolas said �Now, my one, behold yourself in the mirror and see true beauty!�
Gimli turned to the mirror. The jewels glistened back at him, a reflection of the elf who loved him. He touched the beryls and the golden swirls. Gimli laughed for the sheer joy of their love. �Oft I have looked in this mirror and never once did I think I would see the wonders I have beheld today. An elf and a dwarf wearing visible evidence of their union! Love so strong I feel I could touch it, if only my hands were gentle enough.�
Legolas kissed the palms of Gimli�s hands. �Your hands are just right and every touch from you bestows love upon me!�
They hugged, and then Gimli sighed. �Might as well call on my father now. No point in delaying, I guess. I�d rather face Helm�s Deep all over again!�
�I would not! Seeing you injured was the worst moment of my life!�
Gimli leaned over and placed a kiss on Legolas� chin. �I understand, love. I just wish I could avoid this visit altogether. I fear he will say something against your father, and I shall get angry. Or he will not understand how much I love you, or he will think you don�t love me. Or�I do not know, Legolas.�
Like a wind growing stronger with an impending storm, Legolas could feel the anxiety rising inside him. �We cannot predict it, my dwarf. I am aware that you love him, and I want you to have his blessing. And I comprehend that you are mortal and do not have an eternity to wait for approval. Nevertheless, meleth, remember what is said and done today is not written in stone. If he cannot accept us now, perhaps the future will grant us acknowledgement.�
�Aye, my lover.�
They were almost to the door when Gimli halted. �I want the contract. I doubt it will make any difference, but I wish to have it.�
�Very well.�
They headed back, and Legolas stopped by the front room. �Gimli, it is almost at the hour again. Would you mind if I stayed and watched the clock?�
�Go ahead, loved one.�
Legolas was in the chamber, observing the water stream through the pipes. Despite his reassuring words to Gimli, his own apprehension over the upcoming meeting was racing through him faster than the fluid raced in the clock. The rap on the door startled him from his attempt to reason out why he was so uneasy over seeing Gloin. He turned toward their bed chamber and then sighed. Gimli was nowhere in sight, and Legolas doubted the dwarf heard anything from the front rooms.
Another tap at the door, and Legolas debated whether to answer it. He tried to imagine how the person was going to feel when an elf opened the door. Still, they would have to get accustomed to his presence.
Legolas was in the hallway when the thought occurred to him that Gloin might be on the other side of the door. He started to call for Gimli and then indignation surged through him. He would not yell to be rescued. He had faced Moria and many battles in his lifetime. He was not going to let one dwarf scare him. With a firm grip upon the handle, he opened the door.
The individual blinking up at him was, Legolas reflected, extremely beautiful. �Please come in.� he said, moving aside to let her into the chamber.
She entered the room, continuing to stare at Legolas. �Oh!� she said softly.
This dwarf was certainly a �she�. More specifically, this had to be Gimli�s sister. An almost perfect living image of her mother, with long red tresses and beard the shade of Gimli�s hair. The only difference was in the eyes which were currently studying his braids. Those were the dark brown that belonged to Gloin.
*Gimli has vanished completely for some reason.* Legolas thought. He wondered if Gimli had decided to sneak another smoke. Memories of how he and his lover had struggled to communicate at first raced through his mind. This lady could not be expected to know how to speak with an elf. Bowing, he said �Legolas, son of Thranduil, at your service. I believe you are Aalin, the giver of that lovely quilt that beautifies our bed.�
She smiled now and bowed. �Aalin, daughter of Gloin, at yours and your family�s. I am glad you like the quilt. Naur told us that Gimli had found his one, but I had trouble comprehending how an elf could love a dwarf. I made the blanket in hope that it was possible, since Naur was so certain of it.� Her eyes searched his.
Legolas discerned that a dwarf might not be capable of seeing the bond between him and Gimli, but he thought of his love for the warrior, wanting her to view within his eyes the devotion he felt for his mate.
After a moment Aalin said �I almost fancy that�� She halted, joyfully saying �Gimli!" as her brother entered the room.
They met in an embrace in the middle of the room and clung to each other. Gimli�s soft mutters of �My sister!� mingling with her exclamations �I was so worried!�
Legolas wondered if he should leave the room and let brother and sister have a private reunion. Just as he was about to depart, Gimli clasped his arm and declared �Aalin, this is my one!�
It was asserted with pride and possessiveness, and Legolas� heart swelled with love.
Gimli said to Aalin �I did not know you were here. I did not hear the bell.�
�I did not use it. I thought if you were not ready for company�� Aalin shrugged. �You wouldn�t hear knocking from the inner chambers and therefore would not be disturbed.�
�Aye, I understand. Let us go into the kitchen and talk there.�
Once at the table, Legolas concluded that the best thing he could do was sit slightly back from it and keep his legs snug against Gimli�s. It might not be the most comfortable position, but he hoped it would prevent him from looking overly tall.
When they were all sitting around the table with a cup of mead, Gimli said �Thank you for the quilt! How did you know to choose a beech tree for Legolas?�
�I did not. Does the beech have special meaning?� Aalin addressed the question to Legolas.
Legolas sensed that his answer was very important to her. He replied �Yes, my name means green leaf. My parents named me after the beech beneath whose branches I was conceived. It is my people�s favourite tree. Mine, too.�
Aalin�s dark eyes filled with tears, and she said �So Mahal has blessed your love for my brother! I will not argue with him!� She took a sip of her drink and then explained. �When a quilt is begun for a baby or for a couple, it is tradition to ask Mahal�s blessing on those who are to receive the gift. As I started the design, I asked his blessing with much worry in my heart.� She sighed softly. �Naur�s judgement is always excellent, but how an elf could love a dwarf��
Legolas placed his hand over Gimli�s now. �I do love him.�
�Aye, I believe you do, or Mahal would not have given his approval. It is obvious to me that he did, for I was going to place an evergreen on the quilt.� She glanced at Legolas. �We rarely represent trees on bedding, and when we do it is an evergreen to symbolize lasting love. I thought, as Legolas is a wood elf, there should be a tree on the blanket.
�Yet the evergreen just did not seem right. I kept thinking of that beech tree in the courtyard.� She grinned now. �Over and over. I even dreamed of it. I could see it in the spring with its fresh leaves�� Aalin smiled. ��and the way it looks in the winter with new snow, in the autumn in its colour, and in the summer with full foliage. I became tired of seeing that tree in my mind constantly! I hardly ever go upstairs, but I made the trip just to look at it. The instant I saw it, I knew. The blanket had to have a beech on it. And so it does! That had to be Mahal�s will. He did not find it so easy to communicate with me! I was resistant to the idea. I saw no reason to create my own design and feared that doing so would mean I would not finish before you arrived home. Never again will I question even an impulse when I make a quilt for someone!�
Gimli gripped his sister�s hand. �Legolas, would you get Lastand�s gift, please?�
Legolas nodded. He was grateful for the chance to stretch his legs. As he left, he heard Gimli say, �Legolas has two older brothers. The eldest is Celduil, and he is married to Lastand.�
Once in the bedroom, Legolas paused. It looked like Gimli had had a quarrel with the packs. One of Gimli�s leggings covered the mirror where his dwarf had tossed it. Several of Gimli�s tunics had been dropped in front of the bed and clothes were scattered across it. In the middle of the bed, snug in its glass case, sat the book Tasar had given Gimli. Next to it was the long jade cylinder that held the contracts: a copy for Gimli�s King and one of their own. Legolas laughed when he saw that while Gimli had been careless with his own attire, the elf�s garments were stacked neatly on top of the brass chest of drawers.
Legolas retrieved the gown from its glass case. When Legolas returned he gave the item, wrapped in its soft green cloth, to Gimli.
Gimli held it for a second, saying to Aalin �I would not trade this for any amount of mithril.� He tenderly unwrapped the gown declaring �Not just Mahal�s blessing, but Eru�s, too!�
Aalin gasped as the antique garment was revealed. She gently traced the star on it. �Legolas, has Gimli given you his true name?�
Legolas said �Yes, and I recognise the destiny on that gown. I was meant for Gimli, and he was made to be with me.� He watched as she tenderly touched first the star and then the tree.
�Oh, Gimli! Do you realise? This means that Eru cares for our people, because Mahal does not determine the fate of elves! Even before you were born, Iluvatar knew who your one was to be! Have you told Lastand the importance of this gift?�
�No, because Lastand left after she gave it to me, and I saw what it was afterwards.�
�Our secret names are very private, but I think you could find a way to tell Lastand what this means to us without outright sharing your designation. Don�t let her leave for the havens, Gimli, without telling her!� Aalin pleaded.
�I won�t.� Gimli reassured his sister. He carefully enfolded the little gown back into the cloth. �I have other things you must see soon, when we have time to sit and talk. Tasar is a very talented artist, and I have his renderings of Legolas and myself also. There is much I wish to share with you!�
�You were happy there?�
�Aye, Aalin. I was happy in Mirkwood. Very much so. They are calling it Eryn Lasgalen now the Shadow is gone. A much more appropriate name, since it is dark no longer.�
Aalin said �My heart is glad!�
�Is father angry?� Gimli suddenly asked.
Aalin sighed. �I would not say he is angry. He is very worried and upset though. I deem he has been to every pub in Erebor to listen to the talk. At first people quieted in his presence, but when you delayed your homecoming, folk felt free to gossip.�
She looked at Legolas now and said softly �I fear most of the chitchat questions your motives. I�ve heard everything from: the elven King is using you to spy on us, to the horrible hearsay that declares that you have taken Gimli�s spirit against his will. Father has fretted over each one. If it had not been for your letters to us, Gimli, father would have left to bring you home.�
Gimli exclaimed �All of that is nonsense!�
�Aye, but people love to chatter. For my part, I am sorry that I doubted your love for my brother, Legolas. And I stared at you when I came in the door! I hope that we can be friends.�
�I am aware that you are not used to having an elf open the door and was not offended by your surprise. My own family had doubts, too. I would be honoured to be your friend.�
Aalin smiled and stood up. �Aye, I imagine your family had trouble believing a dwarf could love an elf.� She went around the table and hugged Gimli. �It is so wonderful to have you home!�
�It is good to be home! I love you, Aalin.�
�I love you, too. Will you have dinner with us tonight?�
Gimli glanced at Legolas who nodded.
�Aye, thank you for our meal here and getting some light in the place. Is the bed your gift, too?�
�That was Naur�s doing.� She looked Legolas. �Naur has never wavered in his support of you.�
Aalin headed for the door. She paused at the archway and turning said �Gimli, you should get Legolas a foot stool or some pillows.� She directed her next statement to Legolas �You cannot be at ease with our tables.�
Gimli put his head on the table. His shoulders shook.
When Legolas heard the front door shut he said �Go ahead and laugh. Or perhaps you�d like to tell me that you told me so?�
Gimli no longer held back his laughter, letting it flow from him. After a time he said, �Aye. I did say that our people would think of your comfort!�
�You did.� Legolas grinned. �What took you so long, and why did you not come back with the contract?�
�The contracts are in a locked case that belongs to my elf! An elf that hid the key so well that his dwarf cannot find it!�
Legolas replied �I am sorry. You watched me pack, and I assumed that you would remember where I put it.�
Gimli grinned. �I watched you, but I�ll admit that my mind and body were concentrating on the grace of your movements. I have no memory of where that key was hidden. I thought it would be easy enough to locate�� Gimli shrugged.
Legolas smiled. �I will get it. There�s a hidden compartment in the lining of the green pack. It�s there.� He picked up the gown to take it with him.
Legolas came back to the kitchen with the contract resting snug in the inside pocket of his tunic. Taking a deep breath, he said �I am ready to visit your father.�
�Aye, but I�m not so sure�� Gimli got up and walked to Legolas to hug the elf. The dwarf was rigid in his arms, and Legolas could sense his lover�s dread of the visit. They stood silently for a few minutes with Legolas rubbing Gimli�s back. Then Gimli tapped Legolas� chest. �I guess this uncomfortable thing on your chest is the contract.�
�Yes.�

The door bell pealed. �Most likely that is father this time.� Gimli said.
Legolas felt disquiet cover him like a wet blanket. He sighed and followed Gimli out into the hallway.
The person Gimli opened the door to was not Gloin however.
The dwarf that stepped into the room had light blonde hair bound in elaborate braids bedecked with many rubies. Her beard was a much darker shade of blonde, and she was smaller in build and height than Gimli. She wore a long dress of light blue. As she stepped inside the room, her gaze fixed on Legolas� braids.
Despite the fact that she was not Gloin, Legolas� stress barely abated.
Gimli said with a touch of ice in his voice, �Gaian, this is Legolas, my one.�
She glanced at Legolas, bowed and said, �Gaian, daughter of Esgar.�
�Legolas, son of Thranduil.�
Gimli invited her to the kitchen, but she shook her head. �I just came by to see if you had really brought an elf to Erebor.� Her eyes met Legolas�. The dark blue orbs were filled with animosity and another emotion that Legolas was relatively sure he could give a name to: jealousy. Suddenly he knew exactly who this female was. She was Gimli�s former mistress.
Gaian turned her critical regard to Gimli. �The gossip circulating about you is most unpleasant. I would have thought that you�d have more sense than to associate with such as Thranduil�s folk. They are saying that you let this elf use you as a pet. I never imagined you had such�proclivities.�
Gimli reached behind her and opened the door. �You may leave! No one talks about my one and our love in such a fashion! No one! If you were male�� He left the threat hanging in the air.
She turned toward the door and then back to Gimli, �Your father has sense, even if you do not. You will never gain his approval! I am surprised they let into the city!�
�And I am surprised at your words! I thought you were a lady!�
Fury blanketed her face, and Legolas believed it quite possible that she would slap his lover. Instinct that came from being Gimli�s shield brother caused Legolas to quickly move to his dwarf's side.
Gaian glared up at Legolas and with a disgusted, �You�re an elf!� she slammed the door behind her.
Silence descended into the hallway. A miasma of emotions swirled inside Legolas. Anger and upset and an odd sense of betrayal. The last emotion brought confusion for there was no reason for him to feel betrayed. A glimpse of Gimli was like a splash of cold water to the face. His dwarf was miserable.
�Despite how it was stated, I�ve never viewed being called an elf as an insult, and I refuse to think it is now!� Legolas noticed Gimli�s continued unhappiness, and he opened his arms.
Rushing into them Gimli buried his head into Legolas� chest and said, �By Mahal, I am sorry!�
Shifting his warrior so Gimli's head was not against the contact, Legolas asked, �What for? You were perfect!�
�How could any of my people�� Gimli growled.
Legolas put a finger on Gimli�s lips. �No matter what happens they are our people. Even if they had refused to allow us in Erebor. And Gimli�that was jealous spite we just beheld. She does not like giving you up.�
Fleetingly Gimli glanced up at Legolas and then said, �How did you know that she�� The dwarf halted.
�That she was your mistress?� Legolas replied. �Perhaps because you are not the only one that can be self-centred.� Legolas caressed Gimli�s hair. �Meleth, I always thought that you could not understand what it was like for me: all those years, so much of it before you were born, the loneliness and the resigned acceptance that I would never be loved by a lover.�
Gimli began to rub Legolas� back.
Legolas continued, �When I realised who she was and noted her features there was a second of discomfort. Blonde hair and blue eyes, Gimli! Not the same shade as mine but still! Then I realised, my dwarf. You have been waiting for me all your life too, and to a mortal that span is not insignificant. I can survive having hateful words flung at me. We are together now, and that is what really matters.�
�I agree, but she never meant to me what you do.�
�I understand. We endured before each other, that is all.�
Gimli�s arms were wrapped tightly around Legolas now.
Legolas said, �Gimli, no one who knows you would ever believe that you�d allow anyone to treat you as a pet. I would have understood from the first day of the Quest that any such actions on my part would be very unwise. If such a rumour is really going around Erebor then it would be from those who do not know you at all.�
�Aye, my friend. What a comfort you are to me.�
�As you are to me. Maybe we should hurry to your father�s before another of your mistresses shows up.� Legolas joked.
�There is no one else!� Gimli protested.
Legolas laughed. �I hope not! That one, Gimli, is enough for dwarf or elf!�
�It is time to face father.� Gimli headed into the hallway and then came to an abrupt halt, causing Legolas to move aside to avoid hitting him. The archer grimaced. If there was one thing about Gimli that irritated him, it was the way the dwarf took it for granted that, as Legolas was an elf, he could easily reposition himself.
�Legolas, perhaps we should just�� Gimli looked up his lover. �Well, I do not know. Mayhap we should discuss this again.�

�Do you believe that would be a good idea?� Legolas asked.
�No, but I hate feeling as if I have no control over what is about to happen!�
Legolas placed his hand on Gimli�s shoulder. �I think we should go ahead and get this over with and put it in the past. Unless�� Legolas grinned. �You wish to live in furtive shame.�
�Now why would I�� noticing Legolas� amusement, Gimli groaned. �Did I say something like that?�
Legolas nodded.
�It is you that should tell me to be quiet!�
�I enjoy your voice as much as you do mine! Besides, you were right. If we are not willing to meet with our families then they might feel we are ashamed of our relationship.� Legolas answered, aware that Gimli was stalling. He felt very tense himself. He reached for Gimli, making sure that the dwarf rested against the side of his chest that did not have the scroll case. �Love, I understand your concerns. There is so much involved in that first discussion. Matters such as whether you will see your father differently now, because the Quest and our love has changed you, and if you�ll like what you behold. Then there is the question of how he might perceive our love and if he will ever accept us. And what you will feel if one of us dislikes the other. There are many things to be disquieted about, but dwelling on them will not help. I think it�s best we just get this done.�
�Aye, you are right.� Gimli, with Legolas at his side, left the house.
The soft thud of the front door shutting behind them resulted in increasing Legolas� anxiety tenfold over meeting Gloin. The anxiety rose like a tidal wave, and Legolas frowned. Surely he was not that worried, was he?
Gimli had already started down the street, and Legolas hurried to catch up. The nervousness he felt grew with each step forward. It occurred to Legolas that the bond might be increasing his own concern by connecting him to Gimli�s unease. That would explain why his emotions were stronger than he expected them to be over this meeting. The horrifying thought came to Legolas that perhaps his apprehension was flowing though the bond back to Gimli. If so, Gimli must be greatly discomforted. The memory of Tasar�s words was clear. �If you are angry, Gimli will feel it, and if he is unaware that it is the bond causing the sensation of ire, he is liable to be annoyed himself. That feeling will came right back to you, escalating your fury. It can quickly become a vicious cycle. This is true of any emotion that you experience.�
Legolas tried to concentrate on his surroundings and not on his feelings. He did not desire to cause Gimli to fret even more.
As they walked past Aalin�s house, Legolas noted the two statues of grey owls. The street was quiet, but Legolas� body was as alert as if he was going into battle. Sighing, Legolas whispered �Gimli, we have to control the bond. I fear I am giving you my emotions.�
�Aye, or perhaps I�m sharing mine with you.�
Taking a deep breath, Legolas willed himself to remain calm and to give a sense of peace to Gimli and nothing more. Legolas was not sure he was successful for the anxiety he was experiencing barely ebbed.
The next house past Aalin�s was Gloin�s; it had a chamber that stood completely in front of the mountain�s wall. The room took up part of his courtyard and had long rectangular windows on each side.
They walked between the two sculptures of ravens, through the gate and into the yard. Legolas noticed that Gloin�s courtyard curved around each side of the house and was protected by a low stone fence.
They were at Gloin�s door now. Gimli raised his hand to push the bell, and then paused to glance at Legolas.
Legolas nodded, and Gimli rang the bell. Legolas could feel himself tense even more. He really was going to have restrain their bond. He tried to imagine the beautiful cavern with the stream in Aglarond attempting to bring some tranquillity to them, but the door was pulled open, and there was no time.
Gloin was much as Legolas remembered him from Lord Elrond�s council, a year and two months in the past. Gimli�s father still had a long, white, forked beard. The dwarf motioned for them to come in.
Legolas had a brief glimpse of the entry room, with grey metal pegs for cloaks, a wall shelf with a mirror finished in gold, and a small dark wooden stand with three drawers, before being ushered through a round archway at the end into a living area. They were brought to the chamber with the long windows on each side. The windows were covered with white drapes. The room had a thick, fuzzy white rug covering the floor.
As soon as they were in the chamber, Gimli said �Father, I present to you Legolas, son of Thranduil. He is my one.�
Gloin�s focus centred briefly on Legolas� braids with their glittering jewels.
Legolas suspected that Gloin recognised the jewellery.
Gloin bowed and said �Gloin, son of Groin, at your service.�
�At yours and your family�s.� Legolas replied, bowing low.
Gloin reached for Gimli and pulled him into a tight embrace. Gimli hugged his father. After a moment, Gloin released Gimli and said �You are surely capable of worrying people!� He touched the golden swirls in Gimli�s hair. �Not ours.� he stated firmly. Before they could reply, Gloin turned to Legolas and asked �May I offer you refreshment?�
�Wine, please.�
�The usual, Gimli?�
�Aye.�
Gloin left the room to get the drinks and Legolas settled himself in a chair beside some shelves holding particularly beautiful vases. He pulled his knees up, hoping that he did not look impossibly tall, but assumed he did. He studied a white vase delicately painted with blue forget-me-nots, and whispered to Gimli �I have never felt so on edge. It must be the bond. Try to imagine you are somewhere peaceful. I do not think I�m doing well at shielding you from my anxiety.�
Gimli whispered back �I do not believe it is you. I cannot imagine some place peaceful, Legolas! I am too tense!�
Gloin came back into the room with three drinks in crystal glasses and sugar biscuits upon a silver serving tray. He placed it between Gimli and Legolas on a small brown stand.
Gloin took one glass and settled into a chair. Addressing Gimli, he said �There was no need at all to tell me whose son he is, besides being polite. He looks so much like King Thranduil that one might mistake him for the Lord.�
Gimli put his drink down and declared �That is not true! There are many differences if one knows both of them!�
�You cannot get to know someone who is only interested in throwing every dwarf he sees into a dungeon!�
�Perhaps if Thorin had tried to be courteous, you�d have found the elven King to be more reasonable!�
This was not going well. Legolas was beginning to be very concerned. He was not accustomed to keeping his feelings from Gimli and to try to block them now would require time he did not have. �I deeply regret that incident.�
Gloin spoke to Legolas now �I do not recall seeing you at the time.�
Legolas answered �I was not home and learned of it only after the event.�
Gloin asked �Is your Lord aware that you are here in Erebor?�
�Yes, and he gave his blessing to our union.�
�He gave his blessing!� Gloin exclaimed. He took a long sip of his mead and then said �Why would he do such a thing? Perhaps his idea was to send you both to Gloin, and see if a dwarf can correct wayward children!�
�We are both of age!� Gimli protested vehemently. �The King recognised how much we love each other!�
�That might have been his motivation, but I would not know! He probably has so many heirs from other children that he cannot count them all, but I have none from you!� Gloin answered. Sighing, he said to Legolas �I did not think you would come with Gimli.�
Gimli�s drink was set down with enough force that mead spilled over the side.
Legolas was certain that this time the emotions from the bond were Gimli�s, for he could feel anger bubbling like a boiling pot beneath the surface of unease. He tried to ignore the turmoil, and replied �My place is at Gimli�s side. I love him, and that is where I stand. At his side.�
Gloin ventured �Aye, but I am sure you�ve had many lovers before and will have others after Gimli. How could a dwarf and a mortal be important to you?� He said it hesitantly, as if searching out the truth, as he gazed into Legolas� eyes.
Legolas could sense Gimli�s irritation, almost like the rumble of thunder warning of a storm, through their connection. He did not blame his lover. He did not like having their love doubted either. �Gimli is everything to me! No one has meant what he does to me. There shall never be any one else, ever!�
Gloin took a long drink of his mead and studied Legolas, as if trying to judge whether the elf�s words were truth or not.
Legolas sensed the flash of fury, like a blazing lightening bolt across the sky, from Gimli.
Gimli declared �Legolas loves me more than anyone! I will not have our love distrusted!�
Gloin glanced at Gimli and replied in a low voice �There are those that say you have been bewitched by eleven magic, and your spirit stolen from you. And the son I had in Rivendell may not have minded elves, but he did not love them.�
Gloin directed his next words to Legolas �Your father controls that cursed river with enchantment. Who knows what his son might be capable of? Maybe that is why the King gave his blessing, he knew his son had enthralled his lover�s spirit.�
�I love Legolas of my own free will!� Gimli practically roared.
Never raising his voice, Gloin answered �Would you be aware of it if you were under an enchantment? I wonder. Bombur has never been the same since going through Mirkwood-always dreaming of food and eating too much! Or perhaps the witch in Lothlorien��
Legolas winced, predicting Gimli�s outburst.
Gimli jumped to his feet. �You will not say anything about the Lady of the Wood! She is fair beyond anything known in Erebor! I will not listen to you slander that which you cannot even imagine!�
Gimli marched out of the room pausing at door to look back and announce �Bombur was always fat!�
Legolas got up and followed. He could feel Gimli�s wrath running through their link, but it was so obviously his lover�s and not his own emotion, that Legolas had a sense of control again.
Legolas halted in the doorway to glance back at Gloin. The dwarf�s head was buried in his hands. *They did not communicate well, but he is a just troubled father.* Suddenly all the apprehension over Gloin evaporated.
Legolas made sure that he stayed behind Gimli, because in the mood his lover was in, the dwarf was liable to slam the door. He matched Gimli�s angry stride on the way home and said nothing.
Once inside their home, Legolas let Gimli stomp to the study, while he went to the room that he was beginning to think fondly of as �the clock chamber.� He curled into one of the chairs and watched the clock. The fluid had just charted its hourly course, when Legolas felt a certain lifting of his spirit that signalled that Gimli was calmer. Getting up, Legolas went to the study.
Gimli was sitting in the chair by the fireplace and staring at a cold hearth. Legolas came and settled in by his feet, gazing up at Gimli with love.
�I cannot believe him!� Gimli declared. �Claiming you stole my spirit and blaming your father for Bombur! And speaking evil of someone who is beyond the beauty of any gem!�
Legolas rested his chin against Gimli�s knee. There was one person in all of Arda that aroused his jealousy like none other, and that was Lady Galadriel. Smothering the serpent that seemed ever ready to strike him with the poison of envy, Legolas replied gently �Your father has been listening to all the gossip and is probably overwhelmed with fear for you. Remember Surin, the dwarf we met coming down the stairs?�
When Gimli nodded, Legolas continued �He was afraid of me, and we could not understand why. It is plain that some of the rumours concerning us involve my stealing your spirit. Understandable, I suppose.�
�Understandable! I do not understand it at all!�
Legolas answered �Imagine that your best friend goes off to Rivendell. He is a good dwarf, but he has no particular fondness for elves. A war starts, and you worry for him. After the war is over, you wait, yet for many months he does not come home. Tales begin to circulate that your friend is in love with an elf. Worse, the stories claim that the elf has taken over the dwarf�s spirit. Then he is home, and his spirit is tied to the elf�s!�
�And, Gimli, I think Aalin could almost perceive our bond in my eyes. I wonder what your father beheld when he glanced in our eyes and what he thought it meant.�
Gimli sighed. �Yet to accuse the Lady of such an action!�
Legolas brushed his chin against Gimli�s knee. He could recall Gimli�s suspicions of the Lady Galadriel when they had first arrived in Lothlorien. �It is difficult to hear unjust accusations.�
Gimli�s fingers drifted into Legolas� hair. �Aye. Legolas, did I sound like my father once?�
Legolas instantly wished for the door bell to chime or something�anything�to halt this line of inquiry. He doubted Gimli�s mood would be improved by brutal truth.
Before Legolas could think of a tactful reply, Gimli said �Aye, I suppose I did. I guess I am not the same person that left Erebor.�
�You are the same good dwarf. You are just more knowledgeable about the world.�
Gimli nodded. �I don�t think I can deal with my father again just yet.�
Legolas nodded and wrapped his arms around Gimli�s leg. �I did not like your father�s scepticism about our love. I hope you do not think I am siding with your father. I believe, though, we were feeding each other anxiety, and he may have sensed that. Possibly it appeared to him that we have something to hide.�
Gimli sighed heavily. �I am sorry, Legolas. I was fretting over it and never once gave a thought to the bond until you mentioned it. I deem that none of it was you. Do you reckon� well, do you think that I made it more difficult for my father to understand that we love each other?�
Legolas rubbed the back of Gimli�s leg. �That is quite possible but, meleth, your sister will talk to him and ease his heart. Eventually, though...�
Gimli nodded, his fingers wandering through Legolas� hair. �Aye, eventually I will have to talk with my father and do so calmly. If I worry too much over it then I�ll share that with you. It is plain that it is best that you go with me. I am glad that you did so! I would have become angry even without the bond, Legolas. I cannot abide someone speaking evil of her!�
Legolas kissed Gimli�s knee. �Gimli, I think you could release some of your concerns. He is not going to disown you. I truly believe he will not. He might infuriate you but in time, I judge that he will accept us. I am not sure if we will ever gain his blessing, but I see that as a possibility also.�
�How can you be so forgiving after everything he said?� Gimli massaged Legolas� neck.
�I can, because it was stated out of fear and love over you.�
�Often I have been grateful for your kind heart. I can hardly grudge it when that kindness extends to others besides me. Nor do I want to you hate my father. I just wish he were more reasonable!�
Legolas nudged Gimli�s knee with his nose. �Gimli, love, I was very apprehensive when I had to see my Lord and explain our relationship. I do understand! Our bond was so new then though, that I did not give all my disconcert to you. I will not be so unsettled next time and that should help you.� He rubbed Gimli�s knee gently. �Lover mine, do you want all my thoughts on the matter?�
Gimli grinned. �How badly shall I suffer?�
Legolas gripped Gimli�s knee to stop his hand�s desire to move even farther up. �It should be painless: I reckon that your father has spent too much time worrying over you and wanted to hear your explanations-even if it meant causing you to be angry.�
Gimli replied �He succeeded in both! I need to see Mama. As father seems to be concerned that every report about us might be true, she must be very troubled.�
Legolas stood and extended his hand to Gimli. �Very well. I am ready.�
Once again, they left home to visit a relative.

Tbc
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