Guess who's coming to dinner...

[arrowpoint]

Who: Legolas, Gimli, Thranduil
What: Homecoming, with a Dwarf friend in tow.
Where: Eyrn Lasgalen & Thranduil's Palace
Open/Closed: Closed
Notes: After the destruction of the ring and visits to the Glittering Caves and Fangorn Forest. (Tag Order = Legolas, Gimli, Thranduil? Is that cool?)



[Once they were in sight of the newly named Eyrn Lasgalen, Legolas had lost his interest in conversation. Much of the Wood he called home was now charred and covered in ash, and it hurt to see it. Despite this, the Battle Under the Trees was over, and the Wood was safe once more.

Many of the pathways the prince remembered were blocked off or turned off in odd places now, but with his intimate knowledge of the Wood, he managed to continue steering Arod on paths open enough for a mounted horse to pass through.
The only thing that lightened his heart was to see the occasional small green sprouts forming, as the forest did it's best to heal itself. It would become green again, as it should have been.

It wasn't until they had reached the main bridge that he spoke again, mood lightening a touch at the familiar sight.]

Beyond this gate lies the Halls of the Woodland Realm; my home.

[The guards at the gate exchanged a few words with each other, then opened it's doors. Legolas dismounts and waits for Gimli to do the same (offering assistance, only if needed.) before handing Arod off to be sent to the stables. The other Elves seemed uneasy around Gimli, and though they tried not to stare, a few distasteful glances were flashed the Dwarf's way.]

Comments

[tossme]

[The silence between them makes Gimli feel a bit awkward, yet he's not quite sure what to say at the moment. As the continue on, he opens his mouth several times, but nothing follows.

Finally, he decides to not attempt conversation anymore. The destruction of the Wood is heartbreaking to see, and even Gimli knows there are no words suitable to console his friend.

As they approach the gate, his expression changes from solemn to annoyed. Gimli doesn't like the stares he is receiving. Even after all that has happened, he still feels like an outsider among the elves. Perhaps things will never change.]

They act as if they've never seen a dwarf before.

[Gimli huffs, and rejects Legolas' assistance. He slowly dismounts. No need to give the elves another reason to laugh at him.]

/sneaks in once more before you reply, then Thranduil.

[arrowpoint]

[He smiles a bit as the Dwarf resists assistance.]

You know they have, my friend, yet the last time Dwarves came to our lands, our peoples were not on friendly terms.

[Which you should well know, Gimli, if your father told any stories.

Legolas walks towards the gate and speaks to someone in Elvish, before the one Elf leaves to hurry inside. He turns back to Gimli and gestures for him to follow him inside.]

I have sent word to the king of our arrival.

[Legolas sighs, and appears to have mixed feelings about that - he hoped it went over relatively well, at least. Not locking Gimli in the dungeons would certainly be a good start.]

[tossme]

Aye. But that was a long time ago.

[Gimli sighs. He wants to point out that it was the elves who imprisoned his kin, but now is not the time to start an argument.

He follows Legolas slowly, watching the other elves and making sure no one tries anything funny.]

I'm sure he's eager to meet me. [A laugh.] We'll have plenty to talk about.

[elf_king]

[Thranduil had long been waiting for this moment. He sat upon his throne, perfectly still, but no less eager to see his child returned home from so far afield... Even if word had come that an unexpected guest was to arrive.

And when they finally reached his throne room, Thranduil stood gracefully, placing his hand over his heart as he inclined his head to his son.]
Mae tollen na mar, guren linna le cened.

[Those words were meant for his son only, to the dwarf he straightened up standing tall and merely nodded as he spoke:]

Welcome to the halls of the Woodland Realm, may no troubles find you here.

[arrowpoint]

[While Legolas would prefer to use the common speech for Gimli's comfort, he understood that the message had been a slightly more personal one. To protect the privacy that the king wished for, he greets his father in Sindarin, gesturing likewise.]

Glassen an achened le. Anann le ú-gennin.
(it is my joy to see you again. I haven't seen you for a long time.)

[He glances at Gimli with a subtle apologetic look, before introducing him.]

My lord, this is Gimli son of Glóin, one of the Fellowship of the Ring, and my companion in our travels.

[tossme]

[Gimli stares at Thranduil. Memories of his father's stories flood his memory, and he frowns. It is difficult to let go of the past sometimes, and Gimli is about to remind everyone about certain events, but says nothing. Instead, he nods slightly and his frown disappears.

He'll be civil for his friend's sake. This time.]

Grand the Woodland Realm is. Not quite as grand as Erebor, but impressive.

[He smiles. Niceties are not his specialty.]

[elf_king]

[Thranduil stiffens, and his expression starts to become cooler.]

Not surprising since most of Erebor's wealth came from within the halls. After all who do you think did most of the mining and quarrying? We elves do not care for working with stone nearly as much as your people seem to do.

[He descended the steps then, walking over to his son, and quietly looming over the dwarf.]

There shall be a feast in your honor and many of our people will wish to hear tell of your adventures.

[arrowpoint]

[Legolas can sense the growing tension, and though he did not expect his father to be particularly warm with Gimli - in truth he was hardly warm with his own son - he hoped that things would not escalate further. The last thing he needed was his loyalty to be torn between them. At the king's words, he replies;]

There is much for the telling, yet I am not sure I have the heart to do so. Much we have seen was full of sorrow.

[He makes sure to use "we" instead of "I," to show that Gimli and he stood together.]

Though, I would be glad of the feast. It has been some time since I have felt truly at ease, and I wish to taste of Dorwinion wine again.

[A small smile as he turns to his friend.]

I would be careful, Gimli. The drink of these halls is strong.

[tossme]

[Thranduil's remarks causes Gimli to snort, but he doesn't not answer him out of respect for Legolas.]

Careful? [He chuckles a bit.] Laddie, you forget who you're talking to. I can handle any drink you hand me!

[Gimli stands a bit straighter, carefully watching the elvenking's expression. He's determined not to show a sign of weakness.]

[elf_king]

Nevertheless, the people will wish to know of the events their prince took part in, as would the king. But I will not press you to tell your tale twice. A few words at the feast shall suffice, but in private then I will demand a longer telling. [He glances from son to dwarf calmly assessing the creature dwarf.] Your boast shall be put to the test then Gimli son of Glóin. It will be my pleasure to have you dining under the stars with us tonight out under the bowers of my cherished realm.

[His words were kind, as kind as he could make them, but they were said slightly forced. Still for the sake of his son, he would make an effort to remain civil.]