The old ways

It took Haldir some more persuasion to get Legolas to take a walk with him through the city. From Aragorn they had heard about Theoden’s death and that his body was to be laid in state in the thrown room the following day. This would give Legolas and Haldir the time to do as they pleased this day and Haldir was trying to make the most of it.

The town of Minas Tirith was in a terrible state. The lasting war had many houses destroyed or damaged, especially the outer rim that was heavily damaged. It got better the further they came to the other end of the city, towards the mountains.

But what disturbed both elves most, was the lack of plants and trees among the town. Legolas shook his head and decided that moment that something had to be done, and that he would, should they survive this war, call upon his woodland kin to brighten this town with gardens and parks.

They had walked not for more than two hours, when suddenly a cry coming from their left stopped them.

It was Gimli, who was overjoyed to see them.

"Haldir, Legolas! So you have found your way out of those fluffy pillows at last!" He beamed and folded his arms across his chest.

Haldir cleared his throat and tried to glare at the dwarf.

"So, dwarf" he growled slightly "since you have been on your feet for a considerably longer time than we have, did you encounter a tailor by any chance, while you were roaming the city?"

Gimli cocked his head and looked quizzically.

Haldir couldn't help a grin and nodded towards Legolas and put one of his hands against the growing body of the blond prince.

"I think we might need some new clothes soon." The marchwarden smiled.

"Oh!" Gimli laughed "Oh yes! Of course. Let me see. I think there was one down there somewhere. Come let us try and find him." He turned and started marching down one of the smaller lanes.

"Did you see the poor state those building are in?" the dwarf asked without turning his head.

"Yes," Legolas replied. "and there are no parks, no green. There is nothing to lighten your heart here."

"Oh, I forgot. I am talking to elves!" Gimli grumbled. "I was talking about the stone work here. No finesse, no art. It is all so plain. And did you happen to see the great gates? Terrible. As soon as this war is over I am going to let some of my folk come here and work on them. I think we could make some of the houses look better than they do now. And I’ll bet you two are already thinking about planting some trees, right?"

Haldir’s rich laughter told the dwarf that he had guessed right on the spot.

"Look, here it is." Gimli beamed proudly.

He was standing before a small house, with only a sign that indicated that a tailor was housed here. Haldir looked sceptically. He could have sworn that Legolas was used to something a little more presele tle than this, but his husband took a step forward and knocked at the door.

After some time it was answered hesitantly. A young woman peered out in fear and her eyes grew large as she saw the elves.

The door was opened fully and her emerald eyes shone with glee "You are elves! Oh my mother told me about them, but I have never seen with my eyes your kind before. Please, what can I do for you?"

Haldir, who had noticed that her eyes were glued on Legolas, placed a possessive arm around his husband and answered her. "We are looking for a good tailor. My husband" Haldir stretched the word probably more than necessary "is in need of some new clothes."

The eyes of the young woman grew even larger, but she caught herself quickly and bade them in "I see. Why don’t you come in? I normally am specialised in gowns for women, but I do men's clothes as well."

Gimli chuckled "That seems the right place to me."

They were surprised how light it was inside the tailor's shop. The house had large windows that led to the back into a little garden and provided the necessary light for the work.

Gimli stood looking at different dresses and robes, hanging down from a wooden beam, ready to be picked up by their future owners.

"My name is Eliana. So, you said that your husband need some new clothes?" Eliana looked quizzical.

Haldir nodded and felt Legolas tense up beside him.

"Yes,. This might a bit diflt tlt to explain," The silver haired elf started but was immediately interrupted by the dwarf.

"Now, before either of them starts to tell a long tale, listen.s los lovely one over here" Gimli pointed at Legolas "is the bonded of that proud one." Gimli’s hand swung around to Haldir. "The fair one, who is in need of new clothes, is carrying a child. No, don’t ask any questions. Yes, you may be shocked and confused, believe me so was I, but those are the facts and he is kind of growing out of his old stuff, so he needs something new."

Eliana had blinked a few times in confusion and looked at Legolas her brow furrowed. Yes, that elf was definitely growing rounder around the middle.

Legolas blushed and felt embarrassed.

Gimli on the other hand laughed and took one of the dresses from the wooden beam and held it out towards his friend. The dress was surely made for a rather large woman and could have housed both elves without difficulty.

"How about this one my friend?" the dwarf chuckled.

The other three looked at the dwarf and the oversized dress and all of them burst into laughter. The tension left them and Eliana took her measure and moved over to Legolas.

"If you don’t mind" she smiled shyly at him "I would like to take you measurements."

Haldir stroked his husband once more over the small of his back and leaned over to whisper in his ear. "I don’t think Gimli and I will be needed here for a while. We will go outside and look at the town for a bit more. I believe you are in capable hands here, my love. We will pick you up later."

He straightened and bowed curtly to Eliana and took Gimli by his sleeve pulling him out of the shop along with him.