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Gimli helped the younger hobbits kindle a fire of brush and fir wood, and then
assisted them in drawing water. All the while he kept up a lighthearted
chatter, trying to distract the young ones from their grief by engaging them in
conversation. He was careful to keep his tone cheerful, eventually eliciting
smiles from the halflings with tales of his life in Erebor. He patted the curly
head of the youngest hobbit, and smiling, turned away from the fire and walked a
little distance from the camp. The dwarf felt it was his duty to keep up the
spirits of the other members of the company, as too much sorrow could cripple
their mission. This was not an easy task, however, since Gimli's own heart was
weighed down with anguish over the devastation they had encountered in Moria and the tragic loss of their leader and friend. Losing the
wizard had been a crippling blow to the fellowship.
The dwarf sat on the trunk of a fallen tree, pulled a pipe from his pack and lit
it. He drew in a great breath of smoke and let the memories of the last several
days flood his mind. He recalled the horror he had felt as he had stared into
the darkness of the deep pit that had swallowed Gandalf. Before it had
registered in anyone's mind that they had lost their leader, and guide, the bridge had
cracked and fallen, and they were chasing after a new leader. Aragorn had led
them up the great stairs and into a wide echoing passage. Gimli had heard the
weeping of Frodo and Sam as they ran along this corridor until they finally
reached the shattered gates. Aragorn had slain the orc captain that had been in
their path, and the company had continued their mad dash down the age worn steps
at the threshold of Moria. They had finally reached the relative safety of the
open sky, but had not stopped running until they were out of bowshot of the
walls.
Only then had the company looked back and allowed grief to overcome them. Gimli
recalled the tears that had coursed down his own cheeks as the hobbits had cast
themselves upon the ground weeping. He remembered the stricken faces of the men
as they stood silently watching the thin black smoke coming out from the archway
of the gates under the mountain's shadow. Only the elf had remained stoic and
unreadable as he quickly set about dealing with the necessary tasks of practical
matters. Gimli drew again on the pipe and shook his head at the memory. If he
lived a thousand years, he would never understand the thinking of elves. In the
days since the loss of the wizard, Gimli felt he had grown closer to the
halflings and the men in the company, but the elf had become even more illusive
than before if that were possible. At least before, he could count on an
occasional insult or haughty look being thrown in his direction. Now it was as
if the elf did not see him, or anyone else for that matter, though he had been
indispensable in helping move the company forward from that dreadful day.
So engrossed in thought was Gimli that he started a bit when a rough hand landed
on his shoulder. Aragorn sat next to the dwarf and lit his own pipe, looking as it he has something to say, though he managed to smoke half a bowl before he actually did so and even then he seemed hesitant.
"I wanted to thank you, friend Gimli, for all your assistance in trying to
return things back to as normal as possible since that dark day we will never
forget. Your positive attitude and cheerful demeanor have been invaluable to
all of us."
"Think nothing of it, Laddie," the dwarf brushed aside the compliment. "Anyone
could have provided the same service. It takes no great skill to tell a story or make a jest or
two."
"It may not take great skill," Aragorn said, "but it takes a kind and caring
heart to bother to try to bolster others in spite of your own sorry, as you have done."
"Do not be ridiculous, Human!" the dwarf snorted, flushing at the praise. " `Twas nothing I tell you."
Aragorn smiled, teasingly, "Admit it Master Dwarf! You have already shown your softer
side. It is too late to hide it from us now. In fact it is for that very reason
I wish to talk to you. I need to explain something to you and ask a boon of
you as well."
Dwarven warriors never squirm, but Gimli felt like doing so at the man's kind words. "Get on with it then Boy!" the dwarf said,
gruffly to hide his embarrassment. "I don't have all day to listen to your flowery speech! What is it you
would talk to me about?"
"I wish to talk to you about Legolas."
"The elf?" Gimli asked in astonishment. "What could you possible have to say
about him that I need to know?"
"I have a favor to ask of you in regards to him, but I need to explain a few
things first." Gimli eyed Aragorn skeptically, while Aragorn took a deep breath and began to explain. "Legolas is very dear to
me. We have been friends since I was a mere babe in Rivendell. He is a
formidable warrior and his fighting skill is unsurpassed anywhere on Arda."
"That is clear to anyone with eyes who has seen him fight." Gimli replied. "Get
to your point."
"It is just this:" Aragorn continued. "He is still very young, and he needs more
care than I am able to provide alone."
"You just said you have known him since your childhood. How can he be young?"
the dwarf asked, intrigued now.
"He is centuries older than either of us, Gimli, but as you know different races
mature at different rates." The man explained. "The Eldar have the opportunity
to live forever, which means childhood and adolescence lasts much longer than it
does among mortal races. By the laws of the elves, he has not even come of age
yet."
Suddenly the dwarf was filled with regret at his former treatment of the elf, who now, it seemed was
only an elfling. Just a child, and the dwarf had not been kind. If only he had known...
. "You should have let me know this sooner!" , he expostulated. "It would have made a difference in how I've treated
him thus far. Exactly how old is he anyway? And tell me in terms I can
comprehend."
"There are many factors to consider, so it is hard to say exactly," Aragorn
answered, "in human terms perhaps around fifteen or sixteen years."
Gimli widened his eyes in shock at this information, and felt almost ill at the thought. Did all elves send there children off to war? It was appalling, that's what it was. "He is nothing but a
precocious child then! Why he should not even be here!"
The man looked anguished at the dwarf's words. "Believe me, Gimli, I have spent
many nights having that exact thought. However, his presence in the fellowship
has proven to be invaluable. It was not a mistake to bring him."
"Perhaps," the dwarf said doubtfully, "I can't say that I think much of his
father, for allowing it, however. This is possibly the most dangerous quest
ever to go forth in the history of Middle Earth."
"I have not asked him for certain," the man admitted, "but likely his father was
unaware that he had decided to embark on this journey."
"He is here without leave then?"
"Aye, I believe so. For a certainty I would not wish to be in his shoes when he
returns home."
Gimli felt oddly protective of the one whom he had considered almost a rival a
few minutes ago. "If he is only a child as you say, he can be forgiven such
foolishness. He has behaved in a way that would be expected of any lad. But, I would not wish to be in YOUR shoes when his father discovers you
allowed him to accompany us!"
Aragorn winced at the censure he heard in the dwarf's voice. "It was not a
decision that was made lightly or by me alone. Lord Elrond, Mithrandir, and I
discussed this at great length. We decided that his arrival at just the precise
moment when the company was being formed was not a mere coincidence. My father
felt that the Valar may have had a hand in it."
The dwarf was still unconvinced, but did not wish to add to Aragorn's burden by
heaping more guilt upon his shoulders. "It matters not," he said, "the fact is
he is here and there is no turning back now. What favor did you wish to ask of
me then?"
"As I've already said, he needs more care than I can provide alone. Now that we
no longer have Gandalf, it falls to me to lead this quest. Of course my primary
concern must be for the ring bearer so I am no longer able to keep close enough
watch on Legolas. He should not be left entirely to his own devices."
"You are asking me to act as his guardian?" Gimli asked in disbelief.
"Exactly so!" the man exclaimed.
"Why me? I have not a single clue about the needs of elflings."
"I ask you because it has become clear that you have a caring heart and the
ability to fulfill this assignment. You have already done so with the others of
the fellowship in these last days." The man pointed out. "As for his needs,
they are the same as a youngster of any race. He needs encouragement and
affection. Someone to talk to and to confide his concerns in. Someone to
monitor his behavior and call him to account if necessary…"
"Hold on a minute! You don't expect me to…"
"He needs someone, who can watch out for him and there is no one else I could ask," Aragorn implored the
dwarf, "Like all young ones, he does not always recognize his own limitations.
He needs someone watching out to make sure he doesn't become a danger to
himself. I would not ask this of you if we were not in such dire straits."
"He would never agree to such a thing!" the dwarf pointed out.
"He will do as I bid him, Master Gimli," the man said evenly.
"That may be so, but I will do this thing on one condition," the dwarf declared,
"he must agree to it. I will not bully the lad into heeding me against his
will."
The man patted Gimli's shoulder and smiled in relief. At least the dwarf had not
refused altogether. "I will talk to him then," Aragorn said. Gimli nodded,
rose from his seat, and returned to the fire. From this spot he could see the
man call the elf to sit next to him. The two heads bent together and Gimli
could see Aragorn was speaking, though he could not hear what was being said.
Legolas' face remained unreadable. After a while, the man pulled the elf into a
one-armed embrace and then came to stand next to Gimli near the fire, leaving
Legolas sitting on the fallen log.
"What did he have to say?" the dwarf asked.
"He did not refuse," Aragorn replied, "though he didn't agree either."
"What do you suppose that means?"
"It means he wishes to think it over perhaps. Or it could mean he is too
distressed to come up with a proper answer. I'm afraid that grief over the loss
of Mithrandir is eating at him even more than I suspected. He has not been able
to mourn properly and that can be as dangerous to an elf as a festering arrow
wound," the man explained.
"I could not tell that he was affected at all. He seems to be entirely unfazed
to me," Gimli observed.
"It is not a custom among elves to give voice to grief, except with close family
members. I alone among the company am close enough to help him, and yet I have
not had the opportunity to do so," Aragorn explained anxiously, " Even now it is
pressing on me to tend to Frodo. I cannot have my attention drawn away from him
for too long." His eyes drifted to the ring bearer.
"What would you have me do?" Gimli asked helplessly.
"Try talking to him. Say whatever feels natural to you."
"Nothing feels natural when it comes to conversing with elves," Gimli grumbled,
"but never let it be said that a dwarf is not willing to try new things."
Gimli observed the elfling from his place near the fire, and was surprised to
find that his heart twisted a little in sympathy for the lad. The child should
be at home with his family to comfort him over the great loss he had endured,
but instead he was on this broken path in the middle of this wilderness trying
to deal with the staggering responsibility of continuing on with the quest.
The face that had earlier seemed stoic and expressionless now appeared to look
merely lost. Gimli wondered why he had not noticed this before. Gathering his
determination, the dwarf walked over to sit next to the elf, though he was
careful not to touch him. He started to say something jovial, but under the
circumstances it didn't seem appropriate so he tried a different tactic, "It's
been a rough few days eh Laddie?"
Legolas' only response was a single nod of his head. Gimli sighed. So much for
talking, he thought. Perhaps he should begin with a peace offering. "Look Lad,
proven to be a capable warrior and you have my utmost respect. I wish to call a
truce if you are willing."
"I appreciate the sentiment, Master Dwarf," the elf replied bitterly, "but I
doubt you would be saying such things if Aragorn had not revealed to you my
humiliating secret."
"Humiliating secret?" the dwarf was puzzled, "do you mean that he let me know
your true age? I admit I wish I had known earlier, but it is hardly something
to be ashamed of. You have no reason to be embarrassed of your youth."
"Sometimes it seems so," Legolas sighed, "I have made many mistakes on this
quest."
"Don't be absurd, Elfling," Gimli said, patting the pale hand, "everyone makes
mistakes occasionally, and we were all young at one time you know. Why even the
old wizard had to have been a child at some point, though I admit it is hard to
imagine that!"
Gimli saw the elf stiffen at the mention of their fallen leader. He cautiously
put his hand on Legolas' shoulder and was pleased when the lad did not pull
away. "We shall all miss him, Laddie, but he would wish us to continue on," he
said, giving the narrow shoulder a squeeze.
"But Master Gimli, I don't see how I can. You do not know what I have done!"
The elf said, surprising Gimli with his desperate tone.
"Perhaps you would like to tell me about it?" Gimli softly encouraged.
Legolas searched the honest face of the dwarf and something in the dark, kind
eyes made him confide his concerns. "I saw it first, before anyone else."
"Saw what first Lad?"
"The Balrog!" he said in horror, " I saw its shadow and even strung my bow. But
when I truly realized what it was, I was petrified for a moment! I was so
frightened that I dropped the arrow! It slipped right out of my hand, Master
Gimli. Had I released that first shot, things might have turned out
differently. If I hadn't been so craven, Mithrandir might still be alive!" The
anguish was plain to see in the elf's bright eyes.
Gimli's heart broke at these haunted words, and then he was suddenly angry . What kind of world was it that required
children to experience such carnage? The elfling had not only seen a close
companion being slain right before his eyes, but had also somehow twisted the
event in his mind until he felt he was to blame for this tragedy. This was an
outrage of enormous proportions! They were indeed living in evil times. Gimli had to
blink several times and swallow hard before he could get his emotions under
control enough to speak.
"Listen to me carefully, child," he whispered, grasping a slim shoulder in each enourmous
hand, and looking deeply into the troubled eyes, "there is no possible way the
wizard's death could be construed as your fault. You have done absolutely
nothing wrong. We were all terrified, Lad. It would have been unnatural not to
be."
Legolas looked away. "I wish I could believe that," he said, his eyes bright
with unshed tears.
"You must believe it!" The dwarf's voice became sharp as he gave the elf a
little shake, "and you are one of the most courageous individuals I've ever met
and if I ever hear you call yourself craven again you will not like the
consequences! Do you understand me, elfling?"
"I…I...I believe so," Legolas said, though it was clear he was not entirely certain
of the dwarf's meaning. "Anyway, your words have eased my heart a bit. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thank you, friend Gimli."
"You are most welcome, Lad," The dwarf dared to run his hand once down the
golden hair, and was gratified when the elfling leaned into his touch. Neither
the elf nor the dwarf spoke for several minutes, each one lost in his own
thoughts. Gimli was the first to break the silence. "I suppose Aragorn has
spoken to you about the proposal he has for us?" he asked.
"He has."
"Do you understand what it would mean if you agree?"
"Yes. He wishes for you to act as my guardian. I would be agreeing to accept
you as a replacement parent of sorts, until I return home."
"I know this is a difficult decision," Gimli said, "but I promise I would do my
best for you, though I have little experience in such things. I must warn you,
though, that dwarves take their vows very seriously. I never do anything with
half a heart!"
"I do not doubt that," Legolas said, "it is thoughtful of you to agree to assist
me in this way."
"So what say you, Laddie?" Gimli asked cheerfully.
Instead of answering directly, Legolas did something that the dwarf would
recognize from that day on as the elven way of coming at a subject sideways. He
changed the topic.
"My father always likes me to braid his hair," he said.
"Is that so?" Gimli was confused by this turn in the conversation.
"He can do it himself, of course," Legolas continued, "but he finds it pleasant
when I do it for him. My naneth always did it before she died. Perhaps it
reminds him of her."
"Perhaps so," Gimli said, still unsure where this was leading.
The elf looked at the dwarf from under his lashes. "I could re-braid your
beard," he said shyly, picking up the frazzled hair from the dwarf's face, "you
look a little... untidy."
"It's true that I haven't had much time for preening of late," Gimli said,
finally understanding. "I would appreciate your ministrations, Laddie."
Later that evening, after Boromir had taken over the watch, the four hobbits
stared in amazement as Legolas sat in front of the dwarf and began combing
sections of the great russet beard. "What is he doing to you, Gimli?" Pippin asked
curiously.
"We are having a new type of competition between the two of us!" Gimli jested, "
It is to be a contest to see who is the fairest. He felt I could use a little assistance if I were to be in the running at all."
"Now Master Gimli," the elf laughed, "I'm sure when I'm finished with you, you
will have no trouble coming in second." He lifted great hands full of the
bristly beard. "I could get lost in here, Pip," he said smiling at the young
hobbit, "If you don't see me for a while, send in a search party." Aragorn
heard this last line, along with the laughter of the hobbits. He alone, though,
understood the significance of what was taking place.
"I see it is settled then?" Aragorn asked.
Legolas and Gimli looked at the man, and then at each other, and nodded. A
friendship that was to become famous throughout all of Arda had begun.
