Disclaimer: They do not belong to me and I can only hope that I will be forgiven for misusing Tolkien’s world for my own amusement…

On the Road Again

By Cat

He found Gimli where he had expected him to be. On one of the balconies of the white tower facing towards the north. From here it was possible to overlook the surroundings of the White City as far as the eye might see. And Gimli was looking into the direction someone would come from if he came from the Lonely Mountain. Or from Mirkwood.

‘Are you looking for someone, son of Gloin?’

Aragorn smiled at the startled dwarf, for Gimli had not heard him come.

‘I just like to see this land as it lays in peace now.’ He answered, turning away from the sight and towards the King of Gondor. For a moment he had thought him to be Legolas, for the elf seemed to take great delight from appearing right behind him and startling him like that.

‘Ay.’ The king said, remembering very well the war that had raged here not that long ago, soaking the ground with the blood of friends and foes alike. Dark days it had been and they both had been there, as well as a certain elf.

Gimli and Legolas had both left Gondor after Aragorn’s wedding to visit the Glittering Caves and Fangorn and finally return home. Both had planned to meet here again as soon as winter turned to spring. True to his word Gimli had returned a few days before the first trees had started to bloom. Twelve days had passed and there was no denying that spring had come to Gondor. It was a beautiful sight, taking away the last remembrance of death and darkness that had come too close to the white city. But the elf had not yet arrived and Gimli had started to become restless, spending more and more time on his lookout.

‘And I did not look for someone.’ The dwarf added as if an afterthought. ‘If you think I am waiting for this annoying elf, then you are wrong.’

Aragorn nodded, not believing a word. His head held high Gimli moved to leave the balcony, but could not restrain himself from taking one last quick glance towards the North.

‘How soon will you leave Gondor when Legolas has arrived?’ Aragorn asked, amusement glittering in his eyes as he followed Gimli inside. The friendship between elf and dwarf was an unique one and indeed a strange one. He had heard them trading endless insults, looking as if they would be at each others throat any moment but still the bond between them seemed stronger than any he had ever seen.

‘If he ever arrives!’ the dwarf sputtered, indignation in his voice. ‘He probably got lost in one of his beloved treetops and lost all feeling for time. I should have asked him what year he was talking about when we agreed to meet in spring. For elves time may be of no worry, but I am a dwarf and I am not used to idle sitting around and waiting. If he does not make his way here soon, I will leave without him!’

But to Aragorn the undercurrent concern for his friend was clear to hear in Gimli’s harsh words. The beginnings of spring were never missed by an elf and in truth he had expected the elf to show up even before the dwarf.

‘I do not think he would like to risk that.’ The king answered lightly. ‘He will arrive soon, but until then there is no reason to stay hungry. Come, master Gimli for a meal is to be served.’

@@@

They had just started their meal when a messenger rushed in. The young man stopped in embarrassment when he found several pairs of eyes turned on him. To disturb the king during a meal with only his closest family and friends was nothing he usually would have done. He bowed his head in respectful greeting to Aragorn and his queen.

‘A rider has arrived, my king. Legolas from Mirkwood.’

He knew very well this news would excuse any disturbance. Legolas the elf, one of the nine and a close friend to the king was well known in Gondor.

Gimli was on his feet in an instance, his eyes shining with relief.

‘Then I will go and welcome the prince. He should not feel too guilty for his late arrival.’ The dwarf had already made his way around the table ere Aragorn could react.

‘As this is my palace, I better accompany you, my friend.’ He smiled apologetic and received an understanding smile from Arwen. She was close to coming with him, for she had missed Legolas too. But at least one of them had to keep some dignity she decided.

King and dwarf left the room as quick as they managed without appearing too hasty. The queen of Gondor exchanged an amused smile with Faramir as the two remained behind.

Gimli managed to stay one step ahead of Aragorn as they made their way to the hall where newcomers used to wait to be greeted. Entering they found a lone figure standing there, looking towards them as soon as he heard their approach. A dazzling smile greeted them.

The dwarf had stopped but Aragorn quickly closed the remaining distance and grabbed Legolas’ forearm in a heartfelt greeting.

‘It is good to see you again, Legolas.’

The elf returned his grip.

‘It is good to be back here.’

‘Did you finally find your way here? I never thought an elf could get lost or forget a way.’ Gimli’s voice was gruff and his face stern. There was no smile, no welcoming warmth in his eyes.

‘I apologize for my delay, friend Gimli.’ Legolas answered. The smile had left his face as he looked at the dwarf. Aragorn noticed the slightest hint of uncertainty in his eyes, as if he was not entirely sure how to take this gruff greeting. ‘But matters in Mirkwood took longer than I expected them to. But I assure you I did my best to arrive here as soon as possible.’

He did look weary, Aragorn noticed as if he had gone too long on too hard a pace. Bow and quiver were strapped to his back as always and the hilts of two elven blades were barley visible next to them.

A guard had stepped in quietly giving his king a questioning glance. Having acquired his king’s attention he asked.

‘Shall I show your guest to his quarters?’

‘Take a good look at him! He does not need a room, he needs to sit and have a good meal and some ale. Come, Legolas.’

With this words the dwarf turned and lead the way without even checking if the elf would follow. Exchanging a look with Aragorn the elf only shrugged, a soft smile on his face. With one quick movement he loosened the straps that kept his weapons on his back and shrugged them off. Quicker than his eyes could follow the elf’s movement the guard found himself laden with Legolas’ travel stained tunic and weapons.

‘I do not think it suitable to carry them during a meal.’ The elf explained adding his wrist guards to the pile. ‘If you could show them the way to my quarters. I will follow them later. Right now I need to follow a certain dwarf’s orders.’ And with soft laughter he quickly followed his friend.

The guard raised his eyes to his king, slightly confused.

‘Do as he said.’ The king ordered, suppressing a sigh. He had forgotten just how odd these two used to behave when together.

@@@

‘Legolas!’ Arwen beamed at him as he swept her in his arms, not caring if this behavior suited a queen of men or not. Releasing her he could not help but notice that the evenstar’s beauty had not been marred by her mortality. Quite the opposite. She seemed to radiate even more.

He could only exchange a short greeting with Faramir before Gimli called out to him.

‘Now sit down my friend! You look starved and even if you are not, I am for sure.’

‘Why would that be? You have been obviously here for a few days, I am sure you took great delight in the meals offered. Or have you been missing me too much to enjoy your food?’

‘Miss you I did? As much as that horse of you, if not less. The beast at least does me the courtesy not to indulge in endless chatter about trees and stars. Quiet days I have spent here, which I will miss solely now that you have finally arrived.’

But now the stern façade had slipped and Gimli’s eyes sparkled as he looked at his friend.

Aragorn could only shake his head as he retook his seat next to Arwen. He cut of the elf’s answer with a question of his own.

‘Is all well in Mirkwood, my friend? You do not look as if you had gotten much rest since I saw you last.’

The dwarf decided to stay quiet, wanting to hear the answer to that question himself.

‘All is well, Aragorn. But my father chose to leave for Lothlorien and I could not leave Mirkwood ere he had returned.’

His eyes turned to the dwarf, knowing this news would interest and sadden him.

‘The lady Galadriel will leave for the Gray Havens soon. She decided to leave with Lord Elrond, they feel that their time has come to leave Middle Earth. The time of the rings is over and the elves are fading.’

He looked sad but the king knew his words to be true.

‘My father and brother accompanied my sister to the Golden Woods for she lost her heart to one of the Galadrim and will leave with them.’

‘Your father will not leave yet?’ Aragorn asked.

‘No for he still feels bound to Mirkwood and wishes to remain in Middle Earth for some time longer. No ring was wielded in Mirkwood and so not much has changed there since the destruction of the one ring. And the sea does not call to my people yet.’

As small stab of fear pierced Gimli’s heart. For he knew that the sea called at least to one elf of Mirkwood. He had seen the hold it had over his friend from the first time he had seen it and heard the cry of the gulls. The sea longing was nothing an elf could withstand for long, that much he knew.

‘They returned later then expected and I had to stay in Mirkwood.’

The slightest hint of disgust was in the elf’s voice and Gimli grinned. He had been to Mirkwood only for two days before continuing his way to the Lonely Mountain. But even during that short time had he noticed two things: Legolas was well loved in Mirkwood, and he loathed any duties his noble status forced on him. Ruling Mirkwood during his father’s absence must have been a torture for him.

‘So you played king while I was waiting here?’

For once the elf ignored the insult in Gimli’s voice and answered in earnest.

‘You could say that. My father decided to use the moment of weakness in the dark powers and sent troops into the forests of Mirkwood to rid them once and for all of the dark creatures lurking there.’

It had been hard weeks but he did not need to mention this. A smile lit his face as he added.

‘I dare say we were successful. For Mirkwood it no longer is, Greenwood it may be called again.’

‘Let us drink to this.’ Lady Arwen softly said. ‘Hard times it were for Thandruil’s folk, may they be over now.’

They raised their glasses and after the toast Aragorn refrained from asking any more questions to give the elf time to eat and rest for a moment.

Gimli stayed quiet as he watched his friend. He had not said if he would stay in Middle Earth or leave for the Gray Havens. It was a fear Gimli carried with him since that fateful day as they had ridden the Paths of the Death. Galadriel had warned Legolas but still he had gone with them. And the longing was in his heart now and would torment him until he set sail for the undying lands.

After the meal Legolas soon excused himself. He had ridden from Mirkwood only with a few breaks for his horse to recover. Gimli decided to feel tired too and accompanied him.

Each of them had been assigned a large room and they were connected with a door that until now had stayed open. Just in case Legolas would arrive during night when Gimli was already asleep.

A fire burned in a corner of Legolas’ room and water boiled. With a content sigh he found the small door leading to a bathroom and a tub.

@@@

They stayed in Mirkwood for only a few days, both of them eager to get on. Long and sometimes quite loud discussions had filled the usually quiet wall of king Elessar’s castle as the two never could agree were to go to first.

The day before they would leave Aragorn found Legolas alone for once, sitting on a balcony very much like the one Gimli had so often used. But this one faced another direction the one Aragorn knew to lead to the sea.

‘Did you agree where to go, yet?’ he asked not trying to mask the amusement in his voice. They wanted to leave tomorrow and as far as he knew had not been able to find a direction that pleased both of them.

The elf shook his head and rolled his eyes.

‘Somehow any place Gimli seems to know in Middle Earth and wishes to see is down under some mountain.’

He sighed and a wistful look entered the elf’s eyes. Aragorn laughed softly.

‘And how many forests did you offer in turn?’

‘I do not know. Lothlorien I thought a good idea but Gimli refuses to go there. He does not wish to see it again for he fears he would not find the strength to ever leave again.’

Something made the king ask.

‘Is there any place you long to see? It seems to me you are holding back your wish and still can not bring yourself to agree to anything else.’

A wry smile formed on Legolas’ face.

‘You know me too well, Aragorn. Indeed there is one place I would love to see once more, before it will be deserted and lost forever. But long is the road and I fear there is nothing there to lure a dwarf the long way towards it.’

‘Rivendell?’

‘Ay. I have spent many days there and my memories are only fond and last time I left I did not realize it might be the last time I have ever been there.’ Sadness tinged his voice.

‘Then it is decided.’ A calm voice said from behind them.

Both turned in surprise to see Gimli standing there. For once he had succeeded in sneaking up on them even without trying.

‘To Rivendell we go. And do not say there is nothing there for me. Is it not, that our little friends live not too far away?’

Legolas just nodded surprised on how easily the dwarf had agreed with that. He had realized not the sadness that had been in his voice and on his face, making it impossible for Gimli to refuse or ignore his wish.

@@@

‘There is one thing, master dwarf I have for you.’ Aragorn addresses Gimli after their meal in the evening. ‘One of our best horses bore a foal last year but it was born too early. Arwen was able to save it’s life but it never grew to full height, making it impossible for a man to ride. Fast it is and beautiful but only slightly taller than a pony.’

A suspicion dawned in Gimli. He cast a glance to Legolas but only received a smile.

‘I wish to give it to you, my friend.’ Aragorn smiled at the look of near panic on the dwarf’s face. He feared horses and only ever rode behind Legolas.

‘It is time you got your own horse. You have grown to be a fine rider.’ Legolas announced cheerful.

A deadly look was his answer.

‘I can not accept a gift like that, Aragorn. It is too much.’

‘Nay my friend, the horse is not of much worth I must confess, at least not to a man.’

Not finding another reason to decline the offer Gimli bowed.

‘I thank you, Aragorn.’

But the king’s sharp ears could make out the mumble under the dwarf’s breath. ‘A horse. This is going to be the death of me.’

Legolas laughter told him he had heard it too.

‘Do not fear, friend Gimli, for I will always be at your side.’

‘Ay.’ Gimli replied. ‘And laugh your head off each time that horse does exactly the opposite from what I told it to.’

‘Only because you tend to tell the horse three different things to do at once. Of course it chooses to do the one most to its likening.’

‘Of course. As if it even understood what I was saying. This is a strange obsession of elves to talk to anything be it horse or tree and claim that they understand you.’

Shaking his head in disgust he walked away, ignoring his friends’ laughter. A horse indeed. No-one would get him to mount it and ride it on his own. No-one.

@@@

‘Do not tell me you are scared, my friend! You faced orcs and worse without fear and do not dare to mount a horse?’

The dwarf shot Legolas a deadly glare. The elf’s hand were petting the silver fur of Gimli’s newest possession.

‘A beauty she is.’ He said admiringly.

‘You can have her.’

Gimli had still not stepped any closer. He had gotten used to ride with Legolas and Arod was the only horse he had ever mounted. And although this new horse was definitely smaller than the elf’s it was still a horse.

‘Look at her. Look into her eyes.’ The elf whispered. He had asked Aragorn to keep everybody away, knowing very well that a lot of persuasion would be needed to get Gimli on a horseback on his own. He knew very well the possibility that all his tries might fail and they would once more set out together on one horse.

Reluctantly the dwarf glanced at the mare’s dark eyes for a moment.

‘So what?’

‘No, not like that Gimli. I mean really look at her. You can see her soul in her eyes, a gentle being she is and will never let you fall.’

‘She told you so, elf?’ but despite his mocking words he looked at the mare again.

‘I trust this elf too much’, he thought ‘somehow he always gets me to do things I really do not want to do.’

But then again the elf had never led him wrong.

He found himself looking into the almost black eyes, huge they were and held his stare without a blink. For long moments they remained like that until the dwarf forced his gaze away.

‘Well, Gimli? Give her a chance. You could overcome your mistrust of elves and found a great companion to wander Middle Earth with. You should overcome your mistrust of horses to find an easy and comfortable way to do so.’

‘Maybe you are right.’ The dwarf grumbled. ‘It should be even easier for horses are said to be gifted with some amount of intelligence.’

Gimli expected and saw the blow coming and ducked it easily. But to his surprise the horse moved and even before Legolas had finished his failing attempt to knock him on the head her head prodded his back and the unsuspecting elf stumbled a step forward. Turning to face the mare the elf met her eyes and suddenly grinned.

‘Well, she knows who she belongs to. You are gifted highly my friend.’

The horse snorted and it sounded to the dwarf’s ears suspiciously like laughter. He must be loosing his mind. He did not just see a horse defend him.

‘I am spending too much time with crazy elves.’ He mumbled. But he looked at the horse with different eyes now. For the first time he really considered the possibility to try and ride a horse on his own. But not today, maybe tomorrow, he decided.

Before he could tell his friend so Legolas had decided to use his moment of distraction. One swift movement and before he could react the dwarf found himself lifted and placed firmly on the horse’s back. Too surprised he was even to cry out, only a gasp escaped him. Legolas let go of him, but stayed close not wanting to have harm come to his friend should he really fall off.

Gimli’s first instinct was to grab for something to hold on. There was no saddle for the elf hated to see a horse restricted like that. So the dwarfs hands clutched the horses long mane, his legs instinctively tightening around her torso just like he had done so many times before when sitting behind Legolas.

To his utter surprise he did not fall. Slowly he opened eyes he realized only now that he had closed and swallowed once before slowly looking down. He was not as high up as he had feared. The mare was small and even smaller compared to Arod and Gimli found he liked this height a lot more. Looking up he met the elf’s eyes, concern and amusement shining in them. He was close enough to catch him should he fall and this assured the dwarf further.

‘You enjoy this, do you not?’ he grumbled.

The elf cocked his head as if thinking hard for a few seconds before breaking into a wide grin.

‘Yes.’

‘Is there a way I could persuade you to get me down again?’ he asked without much hope as he saw the grin widen.

‘You are doing well, my friend. Just tell her what to do and she will do it, trust me.’

‘I do not talk to horses.’

The elf shrugged, giving him an innocent look.

‘You might just think aloud then, master dwarf. And a light touch should be enough to tell her what direction she should go.’

Touch her? He needed his hands to hold on. There was no way he was going to let go. The horse would know exactly and move to get rid of him.

But horse and elf did not move and finally the dwarf lost his patience.

‘Well, if you say so, master elf… I’ll try it. But if you dare laugh you will regret it. Walk, horse.’

‘Her name is Selena.’

‘Very well, anything else I should know?’ By now he did not feel fear anymore, only annoyance. When the elf did not answer he sighed.

‘So show a dwarf how much you understand. Take me outside, Selena.’ He said without really expecting a reaction. He gasped as the horse moved for the first time since he had mounted her. Slowly as if feeling her rider’s insecurity she moved forward and left the stable, stopping as soon as he called out in near panic. ‘Stop!’

Legolas was still by his side, one arm raised, but not touching him. Long moments passed and the elf wondered what was going through the dwarf’s mind. He sat on the horse, looking down on her as if deep in thought.

Finally he raised his head and looked at Legolas.

‘She will not let me fall?’

‘Not if she can help it.’

The dwarf sighed once more.

‘Very well then, you win, my friend. I will try to ride this horse. If you could hand me my axe and bag. I guess it is time to leave.’

With a relieved smile the elf handed him his belongings and hurried away to get his own horse. With envy the dwarf watched him lightly mount Arod.

‘Are you finally finished so we can leave, master elf?’ he asked politely.

With a soft laugh the elf called something in his own tongue and Arod rushed away and Selena decided to follow his lead. Holding on with all his might the dwarf was only grateful that Legolas did not go with his usual speed, for words had left him and he would not have been able to command his horse to a slower gait.

@@@

This time it was the king of Gondor who was found on a balcony, staring into the distance. He heard Arwen approach but did not turn his eyes as he felt her presence next to him.

‘Why did you not go with them? I know both of them asked you to join them.’ Her soft melodious voice asked.

‘I can not. Long have I traveled Middle Earth and much have I seen, but not longer am I free to go where I wish.’ His voice was calm and she could feel the sadness in his eyes.

‘You are king. Your duty lies here, in Gondor. Maybe you will never again have the freedom to do as you wish but right now you have. The war is over and the lands of Middle Earth rejoice in their new freedom. Right now there is peace and quiet and it will hold for some time. You could afford to leave the white city for some time, my beloved, and it would not be wise to loose this opportunity, for I fear it will be the last one you will have.’

He did not answer and she did not say more, only watching him. She knew that part of him was still the ranger that knew and loved the land like hardly anyone else. She understood better than he thought his longing to once more be ‘Strider’ , the man that roamed the land, free of the duty and the burden of the crown.

‘Knowing Gimli’s fondness of riding they have not gone far yet. It would not take you long to catch up with them.’ She finally added softly. ‘Faramir will stay here in the city of Gondor until you return.’

Now he turned to look at her, a wry smile on his lips.

‘You have thought of everything already.’

She bowed her head to hide her smile.

‘I know the yearning of your heart. You should not deny it this chance.’

‘So I should just leave Gondor, only a year after the war and for purely selfish reasons?’

‘You will go to Imlradis to take your farewell from the elves that aided Gondor during the war. I do not think Elrohir and Elladan have been forgotten yet by the people of Gondor. And you will have the chance to rest for once for the last year was hard and you never had the time to recover neither from the hardship of the fellowships’ quest nor from the war. Even a king needs to rest.’

They fell silent again. Arwen knew the war going on in his heart and hoped he would choose to follow his friends. He needed that one last adventure, she knew. Not to save the world but to rest his spirit.

Finally she retreated silently leaving him to his thoughts.

@@@

They rode side by side, sometimes talking, sometimes in silence. Gimli was getting more and more comfortable and sure of himself, although he never let go of Selena’s mane.

The first hours had been tense, the dwarf too scared to even look up or answer to any of Legolas’ questions, his whole being focused on staying on the horse. But his tension had eased slowly and by now he dared looking around from time to time. Legolas kept the pace slow and stayed close to him, his sharp eyes hardly ever leaving his friend during those first hours. He hated to see him uncomfortable like this and hoped with all his heart Gimli would overcome his fear and find only a small part of the pleasure he himself found in riding.

‘What about a break, master elf? You might not feel anything but I can not tell what cries out louder – my stomach for lack off food or my backside for lack off a nice comfortable seat.’

‘Ask your horse my friend, if she is willing to stop.’

‘At the mercy of a mare. If my father knew this, he would deny me!.’ The dwarf grumbled and ignored the soft laughter coming from his friend. ‘Very well then, my dear horse, would you do me the courtesy to stop so I could get some soil under my feet and some food into my stomach?’

The sarcastic question was answered with a snort from his horse and more laughter from his left but after a few more steps the mare stopped, turning her head and looking expectantly at him. Arod had stopped next to him and Legolas had lightly jumped from his back.

Looking down Gimli wondered for a brief moment if it was really worth the risk, but he was not going to ask the elf for help. Legolas knew him well enough to pretend to ignore him, although he kept watching from the corner of his eyes while he scanned their surroundings.

Taking a deep breath the dwarf swung his left leg over the mare’s back and slowly slid down. When his feet touched the ground he let out a sigh of relief and took a quick step backwards.

The horse looked at him for a moment before lowering her head and nibbling on the grass at her feet. Ignoring him for now she started to feed.

With a shrug he turned away, not bothering to secure her in any way. If she got away so be it.

Growling at the smiling elf he knelt to light a fire.

@@@

Through the Gap of Rohan their way led them, for none of them wished to go the way the fellowship had been forced to take. Gimli had gotten more used to riding on his own and their pace had quickened although they did not haste. Both enjoyed their companionship and did not want to have it end too soon.

To Gimli’s relief he was spared another trip to Fangorn although they passed quite near to it. But Legolas did not ask and Gimli did not offer to go there. Once was more than enough.

They had been warned of danger on their way but even after eight days they had encountered no threat whatsoever. Rivendell was getting closer.

‘How many days more do I need to endure this torture?’

Gimli sighed as he once more slid from his mare. He might have been able to mount and ride a horse by now, but he did not posses the easy grace with witch Legolas did so.

To tell the truth he envied the elf maybe a little bit but all together he was proud of his newly learned abilities. Although he took great care in not showing this, grumbling when he had to get up on Selena in the morning and complaining whenever he could about crazy elves that forced a poor dwarf into situations no dwarf should find himself in.

The elf only smiled at that most of the time and once Gimli had been close to throwing his axe at Legolas when he started to sing a merry song about a dwarf facing the many difficulties of riding a horse.

He had gotten annoyed enough to urge Selena to a quicker pace to catch up with the half laughing and half singing elf. It was the first time he ever did that and it took Legolas by surprise. Only narrowly did he escape the blow that would most probably have taken him from Arod. He quickly took himself out of Gimli’s range but at least he stopped singing.

‘It is a four day’s ride, so I would say we need six or seven.’ Legolas answered.

The dwarf nodded, taking no offense. They had no reason to rush and so they did not.

@@@

It happened this night ,shortly after Gimli had settled down to sleep. He could not tell what had awoken him. Looking around for the elf keeping watch he found his friend standing upright and staring into the dark wood surrounding them. Gimli held his breath as he saw a flicker of light from the dying fire lighten his friend’s face. A look of concentration and apprehension was on the fair features and a familiar tightening of his stomach told Gimli of fast approaching danger.

‘Something is out there.’ Legolas whispered, having acknowledged that he was awake. ‘And coming closer fast. They are too many too fight.’

‘Can we outrun them?’

‘We have to. But you still lack the skill to ride at night and with high speed and we will need to be fast.’

Understanding the elf’s meaning he gathered his belongings and secured them to Selena’s back, adding Legolas’ light pack to it. By now he could hear the danger approaching. The trampling of countless feet and the guttural voices he had hoped never to her again.

‘Orcs.’

‘Yes.’ Legolas confirmed. Hurry.’

The elf had covered the fire and only the light of the stars shimmered through the treetops. A soft whistle called Arod and Gimli felt strong arms go around him and lift him up. He was used to riding behind Legolas and did not quite understand why the elf put him up first. But before he could ask he heard him call out in elfish, not even trying to be silent anymore.

The orcs seemed to know exactly were they were, there was no use in hiding.

The mare snickered once and broke away, a silver flash hardly to be seen in the dark.

Orcs were breaking through the underbrush all around them as Legolas finally mounted up behind him, wrapping one strong arm around the dwarf to keep him on the horse. With the other hand he touched the horse’s side.

‘Go, Arod! Go!’

The big horse reacted in an instant. But the orcs were too close and Legolas knew they would most likely not get trough this unscathed. It was the main reason the dwarf was in front of him, shielded by his body. Together on the horse none of them could wield a weapon successfully, their only chance was Arod’s speed and the orc’s slow reaction time.

But they had smelled the elf and their hate for his kin made their attack the more fierce. Using his free hand to draw one of his long knives Legolas was able to block one attack from an orc blade while the horse instinctively shied away from another, trampling one of the approaching creatures. Then it had passed the ring of attackers.

Resheathing his blade and bending over to make them as small a target as possible Legolas could hear the singing of bowstrings. One arrow passed his head only narrowly missing him. He hoped that the horse would not be wounded. The thought had barley formed as something hit him in the back.

No cry left his lips, only a soft gasp that he hoped Gimli would have missed as his hand tightened in Arod’s mane to keep himself on the horse as a sudden dizziness made his head spin.

It lasted only for a few moments then he had himself under control again. A slow pain started to spread from the point in his back were the arrow had hit him and he tried his best to ignore it. Straining his ears he could hear the enemy falling behind them as Arod made his way through the wood with lightening speed. Somewhere to their left he could hear Selena keeping up with them.

Gimli had not heard the gasp but had felt the impact when the arrow hit Legolas. Sudden understanding dawned as he realized why he was sitting in front of the elf instead of behind him. Anger flared up as well as concern. He could feel Legolas arm around him, tightening for the briefest moment, as his body reacted to the impact and then his other hand came up to grab Arod’s mane.

They seemed to go on like that forever. The pain became sharper with every movement of the horse but Legolas knew they could not stop for some time yet. First they needed to be far enough away to not be overtaken again.

‘Legolas?’

He did not respond and it scared Gimli, despite the grip the elf still had on him. But it had grown weaker ad he feared for his friend.

‘Legolas?’

‘Yes?’

‘You are wounded.’

So Gimli had noticed.

‘It is nothing.’ He tried to assure his friend as well as himself.

But there was a strain to his voice and Gimli knew it to be not entirely true. But he knew well that they could not stop and all he could do was hope he was not too badly injured.

@@@

The elf’s grip was slipping and finally the fear for his friend won out over caution.

‘Arod, stop.’ He called out, not really sure if this horse would listen to him. But Arod had started to slow down on his own, feeling something was wrong with his master. He knew the dwarf well enough to obey him if he saw a reason too and so he stopped at the command.

Legolas was only dimly aware that the movement under him had ceased. It had become harder to fight the pain and darkness had started to well up around him.

‘Legolas? Can you get down?’

Gimli felt Legolas’ arm fall away from him and turned to look at his friend. In the dim light of the stars he could barely make out his pale face. Slowly the elf moved and slipped down from the horse, no sign of his usual grace evident. Fear for his friend who stood swaying won out over his fear of heights and Gimli closed his eyes as he let himself fall down from Arod. Landing securely on his feet, he noticed Selena was still with them.

He focused his attention on Legolas.

‘Legolas?’

Stepping next to him he could see the arrow for the first time. It was embedded in his friends back, just between his quiver and his knives.

‘You need to sit down.’

Before he had even finished this words the elf had already sunk down.

‘Stay here, I will make a fire so I can tend to you.’

Legolas did not reply.

Dry wood was easily found and a fire quickly kindled.

The elf had slowly gotten his nausea under control. Sitting and not moving helped a lot and when Gimli had finished he was a lot more alert.

Legolas met the dwarf’s concerned gaze as he started to undo the straps that held his weapons on his back. A hand reached out to carefully remove his quiver and knives, careful not to jar the dark shaft.

‘I need to get it out.’

The elf nodded again, fighting the urge to close his eyes.

Gimli was relieved that Legolas seemed more aware now. Maybe it was not as bad as he had feared. He found the small bag with bandages and herbs Aragorn had given them and returned to his friend. A pot with water was already simmering over the fire.

He stepped behind his friend, looking at the black shaft. He did not wish to do this, knowing how much pain he would inflict on his friend.

He took off his cloak and paced it on the ground.

‘You need to lay down.’

Legolas obeyed without a word, moving slowly. He lay down his face turned away from Gimli, his hands by his side, balled to fists.

He did not want to do this. But knowing there was no other choice Gimli carefully closed the fingers of his right hand around the shaft, placing his left hand on the elf’s back.

‘Ready?’

A short nod was his answer,

Taking a deep breath the dwarf waited for a moment, feeling the muscles under his fingers constrict for a moment before Legolas forced himself to relax. The moment he felt him loosen up Gimli acted, using all his strength to rip the arrow out with his right while his left firmly held the convulsing body down.

A cry of agony was torn from the elf as the already painful wound was ripped open even further.

With a snarl of disgust Gimli throw the black arrow away and turned back to his task. Quickly he removed Legolas’ cloak and helped the elf into a sitting position to remove his green tunic. The elf was trembling slightly and the silver shirt beneath was already drenched in blood welling up from the deep and ugly looking wound.

Bare-chested the elf sank back on the cloak, his eyes focusing on the dancing flames of the fire. Gimli was as gentle as possible as he cleaned the wound and applied herbs he knew that would stop the blood flow. But he could feel the slight body tense up in pain at his ministrations and he was almost as relieved as Legolas when he was finally finished.

‘Can you sit up?’

As a response the elf gritted his teeth and forced himself into an upright position, careful to not jar his wound.

‘Thank you, Gimli.’

‘Thus is nothing. You should rest now.’

There was a question on Gimli’s mind that he dared not to ask. He knew of the elven healing abilities and had seen it before. Legolas had never been seriously wounded before, merely some scratches that had been disappearing within a few hours. But Gimli knew of the orc’s habit to poison their weapons and as far as he knew not even elves were immune against it.

Uneasiness making his heart heavy he got to his feet to look for the arrow he had thrown away. He found it quickly and turned to the fire to examine it carefully.

Legolas watched him do so. He did not need to look at the arrow, for he could feel the answer to that question. The removal of the arrow should have relieved most of the pain, but it had not. The poison that had remained in the wound, despite Gimli’s tries of cleaning it still burned on. It could not be removed with normal herbs, but Legolas had no way of knowing witch kind of poison had been used. He simply had no idea which herbs would counteract it. The only thing he could do was wait and hope.

Gimli cleaned the tip of the arrow from blood and stared hard at it. The usually black metal gleamed in the light, looking almost blue. It confirmed his deepest fear. Looking over at the elf he was meet by a calm and steady gaze, telling him Legolas already knew.

‘What can we do?’ he asked, his voice hoarse. He could barley contain himself to flung the arrow into the fire.

‘Nothing.’ Was the calm answer.

‘What do you mean? To every poison there is an antidote. Just tell me what you need, I will find it!’

‘I do not know, Gimli.’

He stared at his friend, a sudden feeling of fear welling up. It could not be.

‘There must be something.’

Legolas looked at him, seeing fear and pain in his eyes. He could not bring himself to tell the dwarf that he had no knowledge of what to do.

‘There is a herb you might find here.’ He finally said. ‘it grows in the shadows of high trees. It has only few small red blossoms and the underside of its leaves is almost white.’

The dwarf quickly lit a branch to use as a torch and went away to look for it.

Closing his eyes Legolas fought the guilt at not telling him the whole truth.

It seemed to take forever as every stupid plant seemed to look alike in the dim light of the torch. Twice he had thought he had found it and twice he was disappointed. One had pink blossoms, the other one completely green leaves. But finally his patience was rewarded. The blossoms were tiny and he had almost overlooked them, but looking closer they were a bright red. Turning the leaves he found them to be white. Quickly he gathered as much as he could find and returned to the fire, almost giddy with relief.

‘I found it, Legolas. What to do now? Boil them or apply them as they are?’

His guilt won as he saw his friend’s happy expression.

‘Neither of them, my friend, just give them to me.’

The dwarf handed him the herbs and watched as he carefully plucked a few leaves from them and handed the rest back to him.

‘Keep them for now.’

‘This will help?’ It could not be so easy.

‘Not for long.’ Legolas confessed. ‘I do not know the poison, Gimli. There is naught that I can do. I do not know enough of healing.’

He started to chew the leaves, feeling its slightly bitter taste fill his mouth.

The dwarf could feel his heart sinking again.

‘Then we need to reach Rivendell as soon as possible.’ He quietly said. ‘Lord Elrond is a healer, he will be able to help you.’

No protest came forward and quickly Gimli gathered their belongings. A four days ride Legolas had said it to be. He only hoped the elf would last that long.

Pushing away gathering dark thoughts he found a second shirt in Legolas’ pack and handed it to him. While the elf painfully slipped into his clothes Gimli secured their packs once more to their horses.

Without a comment he watched Legolas slowly mount Arod, a moan escaping him as he pulled himself on his horse’s back. There was compassion in the dwarf’s eyes as he handed him bow and quiver along with his knives.

‘Alas they day has come when a dwarf mounts a horse more easily and graceful than an elf.’ Gimli teased.

Legolas kept silent until Gimli had mounted Selena.

‘More easily maybe, but more graceful? Even in death I would hold more grace than a dwarf climbing on a horse!’

‘You better get moving if you do not wish to put proof to that last statement of yours.’

And although Gimli’s voice was light his eyes were troubled.

@@@

They had not stopped but once to let the horses drink. They were riding fast, faster then ever before but still Gimli wished he was a better rider.

‘Maybe I should ride with you, we could go faster that way.’ He finally offered.

Legolas shook himself out of the trancelike state he had been in when hearing Gimli’s voice. His back throbbed, the pain shooting from there along his whole body. His skin was aching, the touch of his soft clothing against it almost too much to bare. It took all his willpower to keep on riding and he had not the strength left to argue his friend’s suggestion.

He cried out in pain as helped the dwarf up on Arod, swaying for a second. But Gimli was seated behind him now and for once his arms held the elf on the horse instead the other way around.

Without asking Gimli offered the herbs he still carried and Legolas accepted them, chewing on some of the leaves once more. The pain lessened a bit and he found new strength to keep going.

@@@

He started out five days after his friends and had not expected to catch up with them before they reached Rivendell. But he found they had been going even slower then he had thought and each day brought him closer to them.

A days ride after the Gap of Rohan Aragorn found signs he did not like. They screamed of orcs to him and fear for the well being of elf and dwarf further spurred him on. Following their tracks he soon reached the place they had been attacked.

Dismounting his horse he studied the tracks, reading with keen eyes the story they told. He found no blood and the hoof prints of two horses leaving.

Mounting swiftly he followed them.

@@@

Gimli was woken from a light doze when the horse stopped.

‘What?’ he mumbled. Looking around he found no reason for their halt.

‘We need to stop.’ Legolas said.

‘We need to reach Rivendell.’ Gimli answered with a stern voice, not ready to let them waste precious time.

‘The horses need food and water and some rest if we want to keep this pace.’ The elf carefully lowered himself down.

Accepting the reasoning Gimli followed him down, inwardly glad for the rest. He took in his friend’s pale and weary face.

‘Sit down Legolas. I will see to the horses.’

For once the elf did not resist but obeyed. Even more worried now Gimli took quick care of the animals, offering them water.

Legolas forced himself to move and collect some wood. His hands were shaking, he realized as he tried to kindle a fire. A great weakness seemed to overwhelm him and resting his chin on his up drawn knees he closed his eyes for a moment. The herbs still worked, for the pain was dull. But somehow his strength had left him.

Gimli joined him and took over the task of building the fire. Then he sat back, looking at his companion. He looked worse, lines of pain and exhaustion marring his usually flawless face. He was pale and his eyes were closed.

A sudden memory welled up of another night, many days ago, in Lothlorien. Haldir had warned him then that closed eyes were a bad sign.

‘Legolas?’

The eyes fluttered open.

‘I would like to take a look at your wound.’

The elf straightened, lifting his head from his knees.

‘There is no use in doing that, my friend.’ He softly answered. ‘Better take some rest.’

Gimli knew when there was no use arguing with him and changed the topic.

‘How many days to Rivendell?’

‘If we could keep up this pace I would say two.’

‘You need the rest more than I do.’

‘I would not be able to find sleep.’ Legolas softly answered and looked away into the darkness. For a moment Gimli watched him before getting up to get his blanket.

‘Wake me if you change your mind.’

A nod was his answer.

Legolas remained where he was for some time before getting to his feet. It was painful to move but he kept going, leaving the ring of light the fire formed and stepped into the dark. His fingers touched the rough bark of a tree and he sighed, pressing his palm against it. He could feel it’s strength, the life pulsing through it. For a long time he stayed like this, listening to the life surrounding him, feeling it. And at the same time he could feel his own life slowly fading as the poison in his blood moved trough him. The tree felt it too, for it’s voice was sad.

He was afraid.

He was an immortal, death nothing he was used to deal with. He had faced it time and time again in battle but had never dwelt on the thought what it would feel like. And he had expected a warriors death, quick and sudden. Not like this. To slowly fade and being unable to stop it. It scared him.

Was it like this to be mortal? To know it would happen one day and there was nothing to stop it? Was it like this to age, to lose strength and health and slowly whither away? How could someone live with that knowledge and not despair? For the poison in his veins there might still be a cure but a mortal had no such hope. How could they exist like that?

The fire died behind him but it took a long time before the elf moved again. He slowly walked around, looking for the herb to bring him some relief hoping it would be enough to keep the darkness that crept closer with every breath he took at bay for some time longer.

He had to keep going if he wanted to live.

He woke Gimli before dawn. At the dwarfs insistence he ate although it was the last thing on his mind. They set out again in silence.

@@@

They had been going for only two hours when he felt the elf go limp. Holding on with all his strength and calling out to the horses to stop Gimli managed to keep the silent body in front of him up.

‘Legolas?’

No answer came and frantic fingers searched for the spot on Legolas’ throat. A sigh of relief escaped as he felt the soft pulsing that signaled life.

But what now? Could he risk simply going on? What if he lost control of Arod? But everything was better than wasting time.

‘Arod go, but slowly I beg you!’

How he did it, he had no idea but somehow he managed to keep them both on the horse as it slowly continued its way towards Rivendell.

@@@

His arms were tiring and he was afraid to loose his hold on Legolas. But if he got down, there was no way he would be able to get them both back up. His eyes strayed to Selena. Would she be strong enough to carry them both?

He had no choice Gimli decided, he could not hold Legolas like this much longer.

‘Arod, stop.’

The horse obeyed once more. Slowly and carefully Gimli lowered his burden to the ground, hoping to inflict no further damage to his friend. He followed more quickly and lifted the silent body in his arms to carry him away from the horse. It was unexpected how light the elf was. Placing him on the ground he pondered what to do. Legolas did not stir and he decided to take care of the horses, unloading Selena.

He ate a few bites without appetite and turned back to his charge. Kneeling down next to him he lightly shook his shoulder.

‘Legolas?’

He did not react. He was breathing and his heart was beating but other than that he gave no sign of life. Fear welled up as Gimli realized that his friend was fading and fast. His eyes were closed, dark lashes a harsh contrast to too pale skin.

It was a fear he had never expected to feel. He had been afraid to loose Legolas to the sea, that one day he would set sail and never return, but never to death. He was an elf, after all, supposed to be immortal. He was not supposed to die.

Getting to his feet with grim determination he burdened Arod with their belongings. Lifting Legolas in his arms once more he called for Selena. She came at once and he lifted the elf on her back, mounting up behind him. Wrapping his arms once more around the slender waist he leaned Legolas’ body against his torso, keeping him in an upright position.

‘Go Selena and fast.’

His legs gripping the horse he held his position as she sped away, Arod following them without the need to call for him. He would follow his master even if the dwarf ordered him not to.

@@@

The tracks he found at the next camp told him that one of them was wounded and it seemed to be Legolas. Riding as fast as possible Aragorn followed the tracks that seemed only a few hours old.

It was past noon when he could not only see the tracks but also hear the other horses. He thought of calling out but instead spurred his horse to an even faster pace.

Only minutes later could he make out the shape of a rider less horse in front of him. Arod. But where was Legolas?

‘Gimli?’ he called out.

The horse before him slowed and he could make out another shape.

‘Gimli!’ he called again and this time he received an answer.

@@@

Only when he heard the voice a second time did Gimli realize whom it did belong to.

‘Aragorn!’

Hope that had been fading with the life he held in his arms welled up again.

Stopping Selena he turned his head and could make out the well known shape coming closer. He did not know why and how Aragorn came to be here, but it brought him great relief. He knew him to be a healer and he would be able to tend to Legolas.

Concern flashed in the kings eyes as he took in the unmoving form in his arms.

‘He has been wounded, Aragorn. The arrow was poisoned. He has been like this for hours now.’

The king dismounted quickly and taking the elf’s form from Gimli’s arms lowered him to the ground.

‘He could not tell me what poison it was and what to do against it. The only thing he knew to help was this herb.’

He held a sample out to show it to Aragorn.

‘This is no medicine to counteract a poison, Gimli. It only dulls pain and gives strength.’

The king answered while he already stripped the elf’s clothing away. The bandage was soaked with dried blood and stuck to Legolas’ skin.

‘Some water, Gimli.’

The dwarf handed him a water skin and he soaked the bandage. After waiting for a few moments he was able to peel it away without hurting the tender skin beneath.

‘It shows no sign of healing!’ the dwarf exclaimed.

‘No, Gimli. The poison is too strong, even for an elf for him to heal. Bring me my bag and make a fire.’

The dwarf moved with almost elven speed and as soon as the fire burned Aragorn put some water to boil. Adding some herbs to it he let it cool down a bit before turning back to his unconscious friend.

‘I need you to hold him down, Gimli.’

‘But he is unconscious.’ The dwarf protested while he knelt next to the prone form.

‘Just in case, Gimli.’

Aragorn told him to keep hold of Legolas’ wrists to stop him from fighting them should he awake. Settling himself on the elf’s thighs to pin them down he hesitated for a moment.

His eyes searched the wound for a few moments before he leaned forward and carefully poured some of the mixture on it. A shudder went through the elf. He cried out as Aragorn started to clean the wound and Gimli’s hands tightened on Legolas’ wrists. He never opened his eyes as he tried to buck and get away from the intense pain. Aragorn’s weight kept him down but Gimli was surprised at the sudden display of strength and resistance. Tightening his grip even more he had to use all of his not inconsiderable strength to keep the elf’s arms still. Something snapped under his fingers and in a sickening moment of clarity he realized it had been Legolas’ wrist. Shock made him let go, but all fight had left the elf and he lay unmoving again.

Aragorn was still cleaning the wound. Dark blood, almost black welled up and he wiped it away again and again until its color had slowly turned to a bright red. A few herbs were applied next and the wound bandaged again.

Wearily he looked up.

‘Do you still have the arrow, Gimli?’

‘Yes, I kept it. Do you need it?’

Aragorn shook his head.

‘Keep it and show it to Elrond. What I did only cleaned the wound and bought Legolas some more hours. Too much of the poison is already in his blood.’

His eyes wandered to the horses. Arod looked the best from all of them, his own horse was exhausted from the hard pace he had set the last two days, Selena looked surprisingly well for carrying the extra weight. But Arod would not let him mount him, he knew.

‘Can you ride Arod, Gimli?’ he asked without much hope.

‘If you help me up.’ The dwarf answered to his surprise. But his eyes never left the still figure. Bruises marred the pale skin were he had held the elf’s wrists.

Aragorn saw his look. He reached out and grabbed Gimli’s shoulder in a comforting gesture.

‘I broke his wrist, Aragorn.’ The dwarf whispered.

Gently the former ranger traced the broken bone and bandaged it tightly. He could tell that Gimli was shaken.

‘You needed to hold him down, Gimli. Had I not been able to clean the poison from his wound he would not have lived for much longer.’

‘I know. I did not really expect him to fight us. It is just… I do not know. I hurt him, and although I know it was necessary a part of me can not accept it.’

Gimli sighed again and got to his feet, there was not time to dwell on his feelings.

‘We must not linger any longer.’

@@@

They rode the exhausted horses as fast as they dared. Legolas had stirred once but not opened his eyes. He was still fading, Gimli could feel it. The forest around them seemed dark and somber, no birds sung as they passed through.

Everything had started to blur together as exhaustion caught up with Gimli. Lack of sleep and food and too much worry added together. His head was aching as was his back and the only thing that kept him going was fear. Fear of loosing a friend dear to him like no other had ever been. Fear of never hearing him laugh again or sing.

‘I would even let you sing that stupid song about dwarves and horses.’ He whispered. But no response came.

Rivendell was still a few hours away. Aragorn’s eyes wandered to Arod. Gimli looked exhausted, like someone who had long ago reached the end of his endurance. Legolas had not woken, and Aragorn had not expected him too.

The forest around them was somber, as if feeling one of it’s beloved children dying. For the king of Gondor had no illusions about the elf’s chances. He was fading with every breath, the rising of his chest barley visible anymore. He doubted they would reach Rivendell in time.

A cry rang out from somewhere before them and Aragorn’s hand went to his sword hilt.

Gimli looked up, his overly tired mind suddenly clear.

Another shout and Aragorn’s fingers left his weapon. He called back.

‘Elladan!’

Moments later seemingly out of nowhere a white horse appeared, it’s rider a dark haired elf.

‘Elrohir!’ he called out ‘I found them!’

He moved his horse to Arod’s side taking in the still form cradled in Gimli’s arms.

Dismounting quickly he stepped closer, reaching out and touching Legolas forehead.

Moments later Lord Elrond’s second son appeared. Greeting Aragorn with a short nod he joined his brother but stayed on his horse.

‘There is no time to waste. He is almost gone.’

Before Gimli had time to react Elladan had taken Legolas from him and effortlessly he lifted him up to his brother. As soon as Legolas was placed safely in front of him Elrohir called out and his horse sped away.

A cry of protest tore from Gimli’s lips. A calming hand rested on his thigh.

‘Do not fear for your friend. My brother will take him to my father faster than any of you could have.’

‘He is right Gimli. Let’s follow him the best we can.’

So they followed after Elrohir, loosing sight of him quickly. Elladan stayed with them the long agonizing hours they needed to reach Rivendell.

@@@

Never before had Gimli felt do drained and never before so restless as he finally dismounted and entered the wide halls of Elrond’s house. Elladan led them and quietly they followed, fear in their hearts warring with hope. He stopped as he reached a closed door and they found Elrohir sitting on the ground in front of it as if guarding it. He stood to greet them.

‘How is he?’ Gimli asked, concern and fear in his voice.

‘I do not now.’ Elrohir answered. ‘Two hours have passed since we arrived and my father is still with him. No-one is allowed to enter until he says so.’

Without another word the dwarf sat down on the ground, leaning his aching body against the cool wall. He would wait then.

Aragorn stayed with him and so did the sons of Elrond. For the prince of Mirkwood had long been their friend and they feared for him.

‘How did you know we needed help?’ Gimli finally asked. He had puzzled over that.

Elrohir turned his gaze to the ground, sadness filling his eyes.

‘The trees cried out.’ He softly said. ‘For they love the wood elves as much as they are loved by them. They wept as the Prince of Mirkwood fell and their anguish could be heard even here. And so my father sent us to find him, hoping he was not beyond help.’

Awe filled Gimli’s heart. Never had he understood the bond between nature and elf, never realized how deep it run.

@@@

The door opened and Gimli was wide awake immediately. The moment he had dreaded and hoped for had come at last.

Elrond looked as exhausted as he had ever seen an elf.

But there was a soft smile on his lips as he regarded the dwarf standing in front of him. Smeared he was with dirt and dried blood and lines told of long days without proper sleep. In his eyes glimmered hope and shone fear as he waited for the elf lord to speak.

‘You may enter now. He is still asleep and will stay so for some time.’

Hope won over in Gimli’s eyes.

‘So he will live?’

Elrond’s face turned grave.

‘I did what I could but too long did he carry the poison in his veins.’ Seeing the hope die in the faces around him he quickly added. ‘But he is of noble blood and his healing powers are great. If he lives through this night he will recover.’

He stepped aside as the dwarf entered at first, quickly making his way to his friend’s side. He stopped there, looking down at the sleeping elf. His eyes were still closed. His right side was propped up to keep the pressure of his wound.

Almost fragile did he look to Gimli’s eyes. The slight body concealing his strength and agility, he did not look the fierce warrior he really was. Strangely peaceful did he look, as he lay there his face showing no sign of the fight for his life that was going on inside.

His arms and chest was bare and the bruises on his wrists stood out darkly against his pale skin.

@@@

This night was the longest Gimli could ever remember. He sat on a chair someone had brought in after his refusal to leave the room again. Aragorn had been gone for times but Gimli never left. Food and wine was brought to him but he ate little and only nipped the wine. Tired he was, more tired than he had ever been and his eyes closed from time to time on their own accord. But after a few minutes he would start from his sleep and his eyes would check for the slow rise and fall of his friend’s chest.

Legolas still fought.

Elrond had returned to the room after an hour, looking refreshed. He had stayed ever since. From time to time he would lay a hand on Legolas forehead and call to him. He never responded.

Once he met Gimli’s eyes and smiled.

‘He is strong.’

When Legolas finally stirred the dwarf was on his feet in a moment but did not come closer. Holding his breath he watched as Elrond stepped to his friend’s side and once more laid his hand on his forehead. This time the dark lashes fluttered and Legolas’ eyes slowly opened. With a moan of relief Gimli stepped closer, grabbing his friend’s hand in his own. Dark eyes slowly focused and swept through the room, confusion written in them. Then they came to rest on Elrond and understanding dawned.

A firm grip on Legolas hand made him turn his head to his left and he found himself looking into a happily grinning face.

‘Gimli?’

His voice was so weak it shocked the dwarf. Casting a quick glance to Elrond he only found calm assurance there.

‘Legolas. Did you finally have enough sleep, my friend?’

A smile was his only answer as the weak grip on his hand slackened. Alarmed he noticed the elf’s eyes glazing over.

‘Legolas! You just woke! You can not…’

A hand came to rest on his shoulder.

‘Do not fear, my friend. He is merely sleeping.’ Aragorn calmed him.

Looking up from the pale face resting on the pillows he looked to Elrond for confirmation. He found the elf lord standing at the window, gazing out. Without Gimli even noticing morning had dawned.

‘The gloom has lifted from the trees and the birds rejoice in song. The Prince of Mirkwood will live.’

Feeling a stinging in his eyes Gimli looked down and his blurred sight took in the almost faded bruises on Legolas wrists. A smile lit his face as he realized that the elf had finally begun to heal He found himself laughing with relief and joy as tears spilled from his face. He found his feelings reflected in Aragorn’s face and the two embraced, laughing.

‘I suggest you to get some rest now.’ Elrond’s mild voice broke in ‘he will sleep for many hours.’

@@@

‘I assure you, my friend she will come back. It is the way of the elves…’ Legolas tried to calm his distraught friend.

‘I am no elf and neither is my horse. She is gone, who would not try to get away from a valley full of elfes?’ Gimli almost shouted.

‘It is the way of the elves to let their horses…’ he tried again, but the dwarf did not even seem to listen.

‘She has more brain than I, obviously for I am still here. To think I did agree to come here in the first place!’

‘It is the way of the elves to let their horses run free if we do not need…’

‘Run free – that she did! She is gone and no-one seems to be concerned about that.’

Letting out a frustrated sigh Legolas ceased his tries of communicating. He closed his eyes and leaned, letting the rays of the sun warm his face.

‘I will never understand elfes – is there any reason for their behavior or… are you well, Legolas?’

The elf blinked his eyes open in surprise for he had expected this tirade to go on for some time. He found a look of utter concern directed at him and assured his friend with a quick smile.

‘I am, my friend. I was merely waiting for you to finish so I could tell you where your beloved horse is.’

‘Beloved horse? I am no elf to love a beast like that. Although I must confess that I fell gratitude towards her and I would not want her to get lost in these forests and die because some uncaring elf sent here out there.’

Legolas could not help but laugh out at this. The movement sent a sharp pain through his back for his wound was not fully healed yet. He had awoken only a few hours ago and after eating he had been allowed to leave his bed and sit outside. He had settled on one of his favorite places in the green next to one of the magnificent waterfalls of Rivendell. There a furious dwarf had found him, telling him that Arod and Selena had not been kept in stables but had been set free.

His slight wince was noticed but not commented on. At least Gimli’s anger seemed to have gone.

‘It is the way of the elves to let their horses run free if we do not need them. They…’ Legolas tried once more.

‘Well, I guess she is gone then, I will not miss her. I only think she deserved better for she saved your life.’

A eyebrow climbed high at that.

‘I thought It was you who took out the arrow and tended to me.’ Legolas said with fake surprise. ‘If I had known it was her, I would have…’

The dwarf moved his hand as if to hit him but pulled back at the last moment, remembering his wounded state.

‘Crazy elf. She carried us both for I would have never been able to mount your ugly horse on my own.’

Something in his eyes had gone soft and he quickly averted them. A tender smile appeared on the elf’s lips as he realized how scared his friend had really been.

Turning his head he let out a loud whistle, making Gimli jump in surprise.

‘What did you do that for, crazy elf?’ he grumbled.

‘You have seen and heard me call my horse like that for how many times?’ Legolas asked.

‘Your horse? What do you need your horse for? I do not think Lord Elrond would approve of you going for a ride. That wound is barley healed. Are you crazy? Well, of course you are – you are an elf. But I will not let you go and do something stupid even if I have to hold you down again.’

The sound of hooves was coming closer and even before Gimli had had the time to draw breath and continue his tirade two horses came towards them. Arod let out a whine at seeing his master well again and gently nudged him. Legolas gently stroke his neck, watching as Gimli’s face lit with joy at seeing Selena.

She had come to him without hesitance and the dwarf carefully checked her over, founding her well and unharmed. Reluctantly the reached out and touched her silver fur, carefully stroking her.

Legolas voice rose softly so that the dwarf could barley hear the words he sung.

‘The dwarf who mounts a horse so tall

Must be prepared to take the fall…’

‘Not this song again! I do not wish to hear it!’ he cried, turning on the elf.

With an innocent look upon his face the elf backed away a few steps but did not cease his singing.

‘Legolas! Stop it or you will wish you had never woken!’

With gentle laughter the elf stopped for he knew that in his current condition he had no chance to escape an angry dwarf.

‘Why my friend? I remember you saying I could sing it again.’

‘You were close to death – I would have told you anything. You heard me?’

‘An elf hardly ever is completely unaware of his surroundings, my friend. I heard you although I was not able to fulfill your wish then. But I would be happy to oblige you now.’ His voice was soft as he added. ‘I thank you for what you did.’

‘I was nothing.’ The dwarf grumbled. ‘But If you must express your thank then do it in never voicing this song again that you so nicely made up for me.’

The elf only smiled and settled down again in the green grass. His voice rose again but this time it was an elven song Gimli had heard him sing before. Satisfied the dwarf settled down next to his friend, content in listening to hid beautiful voice and watching the horses wander about.

‘Strange days these are.’ Elrond commented, shaking his head as he turned away from the sight.

Aragorn gave him a wry smile.

‘You have seen nothing yet if it comes to these two.

‘I have seen more than I ever thought I would. A dwarf that rides a horse to wander Middle Earth with an elf.’

Aragorn laughed. ‘We had bets going in Gondor if Legolas would succeed in getting him to ride Selena. I dare say I would have won a fortune had I participated.’

‘Legolas is healing quickly. How long do you plan to linger here?’

‘I do not know.’ The king answered, his face turning grave. ‘When Arwen persuaded me to follow them I did not know that my decision would mean life or death for Legolas. I know they plan to go further west, to the shire. I still ponder if I should accompany them or return to my duties.’

Elrond could fell his hearts desire, he wished to go with his friends. Too close had he come to loose one of them to simply turn around now and return to Gondor.

‘My daughter is right, your presence as king can be spared for a while now that everything is a peace. Not for too long but you will feel for yourself when it is time to return.’

The elf lord left him with that. No wiser than before as it is with the advice of elves Aragorn looked over to his two companions. He thought of Frodo and Sam, Pippin and Merry. It would be good to see them once more.

Slowly he walked the roads of Rivendell towards his companions, listening to the elfish tune floating on the air. He would find out what Legolas and Gimli were planning and then make his decision.

@@@

The sound of the waterfalls mixed with the voices of elves singing. A soft glow filled the valley of Rivendell although night had fallen hours ago and it was hard to tell if the dim light emanated from the buildings themselves or if they simply reflected the shine of the stars above.

From the place where Legolas was sitting he was able to oversee the whole beauty of Rivendell and he was absorbed in the sight as much as in his thoughts.

Soon they would leave and he knew he would never set eyes on this place again. For Elrond Halfelven would leave Middle Earth and with him the elves of Rivendell. Only his daughter Arwen would stay behind for she had chosen another fate. Aragorn, or King Elessar as he was named now, she had wed and with him she would stay and forsake her immortality.

A disturbing thought it was for the elf, that one of his own kind would choose the life and death of a mortal.

More than ever he had found his thoughts circling around this. Death.

A mystery for someone who was not used to deal with it. Although immortal, elves might still die but if they did they were not completely lost. To Mandos Hall their souls would travel and one day they might been reborn. But the death of someone not elven was something completely different.

It had been a shock to him, the grief he had felt, the feeling of complete loss, something he had never before been forced to endure. It had shaken him.

But his newest experience with death had been even more personal and he still struggled with the aftermath.

He had felt the cold hands of death brushing his heart.

For hours he had felt his life slowly draining away as the poison coursed through his body.

He had almost died and only Elrond’s healing powers had saved him.

He had recovered, his wounds had healed quickly but his mind had not found peace yet. It was not that he thought himself invincible, he had always known that each battle he engaged in could have been his last. The war of the ring had been hard and there had been times he had not believed it could ever be won.

But the poison had killed him slowly, weakening him ever further. If not for Gimli and Aragorn he would have never made it to Rivendell. He would have died.

And he still wondered if what he had felt then was what Arwen would feel once her father left Middle Earth.

Would she feel her strength fading away ever so slowly until she had no more?

Would she slowly weaken and feel death draw nearer until her heart no longer could keep going?

The life span of a mortal seemed so short compared to the long live she had already lived and still she was considered young amongst the elves, being one of the last born in Middle Earth.

How was it to know that every heartbeat brought you closer to death?

He had been scared.

How could a mortal not be?

How could Aragorn face each day?

How could Gimli?

But they did and never had he felt the difference between them so heavy as he did now.

For an elf could be reborn but a mortal did not face this fate. Perished once they were gone forever. The gift of man.

He did not understand it.

Arwen had chosen freely and she too would be gone forever. As would the beauty of Rivendell and Lothlorien.

His heart was heavy as for the first time in his long life he felt a deep sorrow settle on his heart. Already he could feel the light of the firstborns fade from Middle Earth.

And at the same time he could feel the call of the sea, tugging at his heart. It tore at him, paining him with its insistence.

Still he was bound to this land.

Friendship held him here, it’s bonds still stronger than the pull towards the undying lands.

Aragorn, a friend to him, noble and brave.

And Gimli. Thinking about the dwarf made him smile. The most unlikely person within the fellowship had turned out to be the one who had become his closest and dearest friend.

Stubborn he was and gruff as much as the elf was usually lighthearted. They seemed to have nothing in common and still had forged a bond of friendship like Legolas had never known before.

But Gimli was a dwarf and therefore he was mortal. That thought filled Legolas with fear and grief. He was not one to fear what the future might hold, thus was not the way of the elves. But he knew one day he would loose this dear friend to death, and there was nothing to be done to change this.

His ears caught a sound behind him and he knew someone was coming towards him. He recognized the step.

@@@

The elf had disappeared and not shown up for the evening meal. Surrounded by so many elves he missed his companion the more. He did not understand the fair folk any more than ever before, despite his closeness to one of them. Aragorn was talking and laughing with the son’s of Elrond but Gimli still felt uncomfortable without Legolas at his side.

He concentrated on the food served and the wine in his goblet only listening to the conversation. He was surprised as Elrohir turned to him. At least he thought it was Elrohir, he still could not keep the twins apart. Legolas and Aragorn did not seem to have troubles with that, but then they knew them fairly well.

‘I miss Legolas here tonight. Is he well?’ the dark haired elf asked.

‘I do not know where he went.’ Gimli answered. ‘But he was well the last time I saw him.’

At least as far as his body was concerned. What was going on in the elf’s mind was another question. He had felt the dark mood that had settled on his usually lighthearted friend. He had hardly heard him sing these last days and often he had seemed lost in thought.

Maybe it was the same sadness he had witnessed in Gondor when he had overheard Legolas talking to Aragorn about wanting to see Rivendell again. The elves were leaving Middle Earth and the places they dwelt would soon be deserted and forgotten.

And maybe the sea was calling to him again. Gimli feared this, feared that he would not be able to resist the pull much longer and would join the elves of Rivendell and Lothlorien on their way to the Gray Havens.

Although this fear paled in comparison to what he had felt when he had been close to loose him to death.

He made his excuses as soon as he could, following his sudden impulse to find his friend.

Stepping outside he once more admired the foreign beauty of Elrond’s valley. But his eyes searched for the well known figure of his elven friend.

Gimli knew him well enough to know the places he might find him and trying not to be too obvious in his search he slowly walked the paths of Rivendell. He had passed most of these places without a sign of his friend when he made out the slightest movement close to the place that would have been his next try.

He walked on and could soon make out the slight form perched on the lowest branch of the old tree. Casting a glance around to keep up the pretence of a simple after meal walk he noticed it was a good place to oversee the whole valley. He stopped for a moment, caught by the beauty of it. A wave of sadness filled his own heart as he realized how soon all this would be gone.

@@@

Movement at his side told him the elf had decided to join him. He turned to him and found him standing next to him but his eyes were turned on the sight in front of them.

For a moment Gimli hesitated before asking.

‘What is it that ails you my friend?’

For a long time there was no answer.

‘I do not know.’ Legolas finally said but his voice was tinged with sadness.

Dark eyes studied him for a long time before the dwarf spoke again.

‘If I knew not better I would say you mourn for what will soon be perished and gone, for this is what I feel when I look around. The beauty of this place will soon be gone and for us mortals who are destined to stay in Middle Earth it will be lost forever. But for you it will be found again as soon as you reach the Undying Lands, will it not, Legolas?’

‘I do not know.’ The elf repeated his earlier words. ‘Some things will be lost forever and I do not think I will ever find something equal to them again.’

He sighed as he looked up to the stars above, their soft glow reflecting in his pale features. Ethereal he looked to Gimli for a moment and unreal.

‘The Evenstar will fade’ he whispered. ‘As all things mortal are doomed to.’

‘But still she burns brightly my friend and will so for many years to come.’ Gimli answered wondering if this was the reason for his friends dark mood. That soon Elrond would leave and Arwen’s fate would be sealed.

‘I wonder if she will come to regret her decision when she feels death draw nearer. I could not imagine to choose such a fate of my own free will.’

A smile broke on Gimli’s face as he shook his head.

‘Have you ever loved Legolas? With all your heart? They say that the emotions of elves run deeper than those of any other being. If this is to be true than live a mortal life is an easy fate compared to a lost love. I guess it is not her choice to stay in Middle Earth that seals her fate but the love she feels. For if Aragon should perish the Evenstar would fade with him.’

Silence fell again for a long time. He hardly heard Legolas words when they finally came.

‘You are right my friend for although I have never known a love so great I know how much it hurts to loose a friend and can only imagine what it would feel to loose a love.’

He shook his head as if waking from a dream and turned his gaze on Gimli.

‘Forgive me my friend for my dark mood, I did not mean to burden you with my thoughts.’

‘I do not mind you sharing them with me for once. I only wonder what brought it on.’

For a moment the elf was tempted to share his feelings but stopped himself. There was no use in telling his fears. He had been warned all his life not to mingle with mortals for only pain would it bring. Friendships like this were not meant to last for long for death would break them in the end. He had forsaken this rule and would do so again if he had a choice. The prize he would pay one day when his friend would perish and leave him behind to mourn his passing.

Taking in the patient form of his friend waiting next to him, he realized for the first time that now was not the time to mourn things that have not come to pass yet. The dark seemed to lift from him and a wave of joy passed through his heart. Now it was time to cherish each moment he had left in Middle Earth so he would always remember it.