Cibbwin

IV ? Blacksmithing

The sounds and smells of the industrial centre of Legolas? fledgling elf-kingdom greeted the party as they entered the largest cavern in Thranduil?s halls. Smiths, carpenters, ropemakers, candlemakers and other labourers cheerfully worked the hours away. There were warehouses against the cavern-walls, some small and privately owned, some large, holding grain or stores of weapons and armour. The group?s feet, some dwarven-booted, some elven-shoed, and some bare echoed softly as Legolas pointed out the more interesting happenings around them. A tall figure in a deep, obscuring cowl lingered near one of the smaller warehouses before disappearing behind it.
?The larger storage is reserved for the King and his family, and for the various artisans? guilds,? Legolas explained to Dis, ignoring the shadow he had noticed. ?The smaller ones are owned by individuals.?
?I never would have thought that the cave systems ?ere were this expansive!? Dis said, pride strengthening her voice. ?Yer home is nothing like the Lonely Mountain kingdom, but even so, I see that Mahal has blessed ye.?
?That he has,? Legolas said, smiling. ?As have all the Valar.? He is taking Dis? comments well! Gimli thought to himself. Suddenly a loud, gruff voice met their ears. A gentler, musical voice returned Lamli?s insults.
?Ye pansy, ye think yerself a smith? Ye can?t even hold yer hammer correctly! It?s a weapon, not a butterknife!?
?Dwarf, I have been smithing all my life. My arrowheads and knives cut through spiders and goblins easily enough. I have heard no complaints from the guards.?
?Bah! That?s because most of ye pointy ears wouldn? know good steel if it pierced ye through the heart!?
?Careful, fool, that sounded like a threat!?
Lamli snorted and crossed his arms across his chest. ?Well, at least yer a smart one! Ye can fall back on that once I take over yer job.?
The elf narrowed his eyes, hammer still in hand. The air stood still for a moment, as dwarf taunted and elf glowered. Legolas groaned and ran toward the quarrelers.
?Belegol! Lamli! Calm yourselves. What is the problem??
?Lord, this dwarf threatened my work and my life!?
?Ah, calm yer whinin?, elf. I was only bein? honest with ye.?
?You called my talents sub-par.?
?The truth hurts.?
Legolas sighed. ?Lamli, adar dithen,? he said, evoking a term of utmost honour for a dwarf, ?I have no doubt that your skills are wondrous to behold, but Belegol has never failed me. Please, take pity on him.?
Before Belegol could object or Lamli gloat, he turned on the elven smith. ?You could learn much from this dwarf, Belegol.? Legolas leaned in close so only he and the still fuming elf could hear.
?He is miles ahead of your skills. Due to no fault of your own,? Legolas added quickly, noting the anger surging again in Belegol?s face. ?Accept his counsel, please. You will not lose your station, but I need you to work with him. Iesten.? Legolas looked straight into Belegol?s eyes, pleading now without words. Finally, the fire in the smith?s eyes burned out.
?Dwarf, forgive me my foolishness. Your skills are an asset that I should not squander so easily.? He held out his hand.
?Ah, elf, I never disliked ye pointy-ears, I jus? love seein? ye get worked up. No harm done.? He took the offered hand and shook heartily.
Legolas beamed at the smiths. ?Thank you, gentlemen. If there is anything you need, inquire with one of the nobles.? He took a ring off of his hand. ?Give this and they will know that you have my leave to do as you will.? Belegol took the offered jewel. Lamli and he bowed low and resumed a less heated argument.
?Legolas, ye are to be congratulated for your handlin? of that situation. How do ye know Lamli so well??
?He reminds me of Gimli when first I met him,? Legolas said, smiling fondly at the memory of his old friend. ?Who is he, Lady? I seem to recall you speaking of a debt.?
Dis? brow furrowed in puzzlement as she related the fiery dwarf?s tale. ?I am not rightly sure. My da would never give me all the details, and Lamli refuses to talk about it. All I know is that Ironfoot dismissed some crime from Lamli?s person in exchange for his services. I do know that the two were good friends before Lamli?s fall from grace.
?He can be well pleasant once ye get to know him and he decides ye are worth respectin?. Ye can rest assure that he won?t let Belegol use that ring for his own betterment, much less use it himself.?
Legolas nodded. ?I figured as such. I just hope that he and my smith will find some common ground.?
?Ah, I don?t think ye need to worry about that. Any being who uses a smith?s hammer is about two notches higher on his chain o? respect.?
The group turned a corner into another cavern that served as a forum and a marketplace. A young elf-maid nudged passed them, carrying a tall tray of sweet-smelling bread. Sellers hawked their goods, servants shopped for their noble masters? and mistresses? banquets, minstrels played and danced for weary shoppers. Gimli smiled inwardly as he watched the elves go about their daily business. This is why so many have fought and died. This is why we rally to our lords when the time calls us to.
Alora, however, always felt at unease in large groups of people, and her empty stomach begged to be filled. The elves? height around her did not exactly ease her anxiousness, either. ?Meleth nin,? she said, tugging on one of Legolas? billowing sleeves. Gimli marveled at how innocent she looked doing so. ?Could we stop for a drink and some food soon? You know there is that wonderful little restaurant nearby.? Alora turned and noticed that the offices of her past etiquette teacher, Ninde, were near. She shuddered in remembrance of that tedious conditioning, done almost a lifetime ago.
?Now, perhaps??
?I am rather famished, Ada. They even serve dwarven ale there!? Gimli exclaimed, glancing at Dis.
?Well, what are we waitin? for, Legolas?? Dis said, her interest peaked. Legolas nodded and waded through the crowd until they came upon the tavern, a small business owned by Voronwë, an elf once known as Halraun. His name was appropriate even now, for he held a fiery temper and a boastful tongue. His tavern was well known for its potent beverages and its contests of song.
They were welcomed by the clattering of dishes, the quiet conversations of elves and the sound of an odd, earthy melody wafting from a lute. ?Ah, I guess Hakoldef found ?is place!? Dis said approvingly. The seated dwarf was surrounded by young, awestruck elves, who were drinking in every note that poured from the strings of his instrument. He looked up and smiled as the royals walked in. He looked around him and handed his lute to one of the elves, a girl with soft, grey eyes.
?Take care of that!? he said, taking on a grandfatherly tone. ?That used to be part of the great Smaug?s horde!? The girl?s eyes grew wide as she regarded the instrument.
?Lady Dis! I?m glad that you stumbled upon this place!? Hakoldef said, running up to her and bowing low. He nodded his head toward the Greenleafs. ?They serve dwarven ale here! Iron Hills ale!?
Dis? eyes grew wide. ?It has been a long while since I have tasted the brew of our brothers in the east. Legolas, may I??
?Of course, Lady. Drink your fill and do not worry about price.? Dis thanked him and ran off with Hakoldef, who was relating all he had seen that day. Legolas followed shortly behind.
?Well, I am just happy to know that he is not mute!?
?No, just selectively mute.?
Gimli laughed and handed Alora a mug. She looked into it and furrowed her nose.
?What do you suppose it is, Alora-mum??
?Who knows?? she said, and took a deep swig.

III ? Treasure

?Fangon, you do not have to join us, if you wish not to. You can explore on your own ? most of my kin shouldn?t bite.?
?My lady, do ye want us to stay??
?Do what ye want, Narendy. I?ll be all right with these fools,? Dis said, motioning towards the family Greenleaf and their guards. Again, Alora could since Varno?s displeasure.
Narendy?s eyes lit up. ?Well, ye don?t have to tell me twice!? Narendy groped for Lamli?s hand and ran off, Hakoldef trailing behind.
?Maré, you can go, too. Take the day for yourself.? Maré nodded his thanks and started off.
?Someone is in a good mood! Can?t well remember when last you did that.?
?It seems like Dis and your father want to be alone. Besides, there is no danger in their company.?
?Still, Maré is your favourite accessory! He compliments your dresses so well.? Maré shot around and glared at Gimli. Gimli raised an eyebrow at Maré?s mock challenge.
?Careful, elf! Be sure to respect your betters.? Maré laughed and threw what was left of his apple at Gimli. It landed square on his nose.
?Hey! Damn you, I?ll get you!? He shouted, and attempted to return the favour as the elf ran off.
?Cibby,? Alora scolded, ?Remember what I said about swearing in my presence??
?Yes, but I thought you also said that I was old enough to do as I pleased.?
Alora struck her son on the cheek. ?Don?t be daft, boy!?
?Mother! Varno swore last night, clear as crystal, and you did not reprimand him!?
?He used a deity?s name in vain. I could care less about that.?
?But -? Gimli started, but Dis shook her head. ?C?mon, cousin! Obey yer mother! She is right, ye know ? swearing is not exactly eloquent.?
Gimli sighed. He knew that Dis was right, but he resented being treated like a child. Nevermind that he was a child in dwarf years ? he was older than Alora in truth. He rubbed his humiliated cheek.
Legolas ignored his wife?s discipline and cleared his throat. ?Come, Dis, let us be off.? He led the group down a hall towards the makeshift dock that serviced Thranduil?s halls. ?Do not forget, we have a council to hold later this eve.?
?Oh? Is Dis joining us, Ada??
?That she is, Gimli. She has a proposal for some trade agreements, among other things.? Gimli nodded his understanding. He stopped short as Legolas passed the tunnel that led to the docks. He ran after his family when they did not do likewise.
?Ada, where are we going??
?Fret not, Gimli! I have a detour that will get us their quicker.?
?We are giving her a tour, are we not??
?Of course, child, but she shall see the docks first.? The party entered a smaller cavern that served as a treasure room. Dis? eyes lingered over the small piles of treasure heaped here and there.
?We did not have much that glitters before your father?s cousin and my sire met some hundred and fifty years ago. Their gifts were generous beyond my father?s dreams. Although, to be honest, we haven?t much need for it all.?
Dis? eyes lit up at this bold proclamation. Gimli winced slightly, but Dis? address to his father was not a reprimand. ?Are ye launching any war campaigns or some such, Legolas? Surely this great wood isn?t clear of evil jus? yet.?
?No, Lady, the south of this wood is under Celeborn?s lead, now.?
Again, Dis? eyes shown with opportunity. ?Legolas, can I speak to ye in private for a moment??
?Of course, good dwarf. Alora, Gimli?? Legolas looked at his family, who smiled back reassuringly. He nodded and walked ahead of them with Dis at his side.
?Well, Mum, what do you think??
?Of what, Gimli??
?Of Dis, Alora! What else??
Alora looked past her son at the royals walking ahead of her. ?Sorry, Cibby. She seems capable, but I?ve still to learn about who she is, exactly.
?Why, do you fancy her??
Gimli laughed uneasily. ?She is a sculpture in her beauty and a sage in her intellect, but I have no wish to wed her. I have no wish to be a King.?
?And yet that is what you will be, once I die and Legolas tires of this world.?
?Mother! Do not speak of such things!?
?My son, it is pointless to hide the inevitable. What will you do, leave your father?s throne to the squabbling nobles??
?I don?t know,? Gimli whispered, suddenly uncertain. Attempting a more confident voice, he said ?I will know what to do when the time comes.?
Alora looked at her son for a minute, and shrugged. ?I wonder what Dis and Legolas speak of??
?Who knows? Probably something utterly boring and political. Maybe about Celeborn??
?Well, if it is Celeborn, I hope it is nothing ill. Despite your father and others? opinions, I have nothing but respect for him.?
?Well, for what it?s worth, I see nothing unlikable about him besides his somewhat ungracious behaviour.?
?Whatever do you mean??
?Mother, I know you saw his hesitation at acknowledging me as Prince when he first laid eyes upon me.?
?I think he was just a bit surprised, my son. I was just as surprised when your father suggested it.?
?I be- wait, Father suggested it??
?Of course! Why, is that important??
Gimli smiled a bit, a relieved look crossing his face. ?Not really, it just pleases me to hear that.?
Alora smiled and patted Gimli?s stomach. ?He loves you.? That was all they had time to say as they were swepped up by a smiling Dis and Legolas.
?I know,? Gimli said to himself. He smiled, feeling much better about his parents than he did just a moment ago.

Legolas led them through various tunnels and back caverns that Gimli had never found on his various exploring missions. I need to get me a copy of those keys! Gimli thought. He grinned to himself, imagining the pranks he could play with such power. He quickly wiped such thoughts out of his head, at least for the moment ? he knew the mischievous gleam his eyes took on at such times.
?Dis, is Lamli proficient in locksmithing??
?Oh, aye, cousin ? he can make a replica of any key just by holdin? it in his hand for a minute or two. It is a wonder to see him at work! Why do you ask??
?No real reason; I was merely curious.? Gimli stored this information for use at a later time as they reached a final, unmarked door. He just barely noticed the keyhole that his father utilized. Legolas opened the door and ushered them in. The smell and sound of running water met the party as they stood in the small chamber that served as a harbour for Thranduil?s halls. Other than a few small boats moored here and there and barrels lain neatly against the cavern-walls, there was no indication that the area was trafficked much, if at all.
Legolas seemed embarrassed as he explained the scene in front of them. ?The only traffick this place receives is a few times a year, when we send our wine down the river to Lake-town.?
?Aye, I heard about that from my grand-da?s cousin. Ye send it down in barrels? Seems a little haphazard!? Dis scanned the cavern with her keen eyes. She had an affinity with the earth and the rocks that few elves could understand and fewer dwarves could master.
?Are ye ever gonna expand this place, Legolas? Ye could have a thriving harbour here ? it could be a waypoint for merchants sailing from Lake-town and the Dalelands to the Anduin.?
?I have been thinking the same. My father was not an ambitious individual, as I am sure your fathers noticed. He felt no need to expand or meet with other kingdoms. But I am not so blinded by old grudges as he was. I want to establish an elf-kingdom here in Middle-earth, Dis. I desire for my people to thrive here, in the material world, not just on an island that no one can reach.? Alora looked up in shock at Legolas? ill praise for Valinor.
?What about Lothlórien, or Imladris??
Legolas laughed. ?Those kingdoms exercise little real power. No, I do not wish our home to become like those elf-realms. I do not wish for these halls to fade into legends that parents recite to their children as they chide them to bed.? He turned to Dis. ?We need to work together in this, for both our benefit. This world would be a sorrowful place without our grace and your strength.?
?I agree, milord. We need to stake our claims!?
?Exactly. That is the reason I asked you to bring Lamli here ? I wish a trade of not only goods, but of information ? of knowledge. There is much we could teach each other, and I believe that this trade is the only way your people and mine could prosper.?
Dis nodded her agreement. They started off again, all the while discussing trade agreements and the like. Their words went unheard by Gimli, who was imagining the excitement that such communication could bring. If the elves accept me, maybe being King of this place wouldn?t be so bad! Gimli mused. Imagine ruling at such a fateful time!

II ? Dessert

?Ye don?t eat much meat, do ye?? Dis asked, eyeing Alora?s plate. The hobbit was happily feasting herself on a medley of vegetables and rice.
?No, few hobbits do. Our stomachs aren?t strong enough nor our hearts cold enough to kill our cows or chickens. Fortunately, elves do not generally cultivate either.?
?And yet ye have the stomach to gut a human, if what my cousin says rings true.?
Alora raised an eyebrow. ?What else did Cibby tell you??
?Well, other than some personal, unpolite details, nothin? much.?
Alora grinned and looked down at her plate. She turned her eyes on Legolas, who was getting a little pink in the cheeks.
Gimli chuckled quietly into his soup. ?Forgive me, Ada, but half of your existence would not be proper etiquette to discuss at a meal.?
Lamli groaned, his mouth full of venison. ?Could ye please change the subject? We?re tryin? to eat over ?ere!? Now Legolas was a deeper shade of red. Gimli helplessly snorted back a few laughs.
?D-Dis, when were you planning to tell Gimli and Alora??
?Tell us what, Ada??
Dis wiped her mouth with a napkin and pushed back her chair. ?Actually, Legolas, none of the dwarves here know, either. Anyway,? she said, clearing her throat. ?Cousin, Queen Greenleaf, dwarves, as ye know, Dain Ironfoot is my da.?
Nodding was the reply that greeted Dis. That?s rather obvious, Gimli thought to himself.
?Well, guess who the heir presumptive is?? The room was silent. No one had any true idea who could succeed Ironfoot.
?Well? as ye may or may not know, my da really has no able-bodied male relatives? she said slowly, dragging out the words. ?My friends, look upon the first High Queen of the Dwarves!?
The small dinner party burst into conversation.
?Well well well! Good for you!?
?Ada, you never told me?!?
?My lady, how wonderful!?
?By Varda?s grace! Are you serious? How did this come to pass?? Alora shot Varno a surprised look. I did not think that elf knew how to swear! she thought with grim satisfaction. And why is he so shocked and disapproving?
Alora voiced her thoughts. ?What does it matter to an elf guard who the next dwarf-lord is??
Varno opened his mouth to retort, but quickly composed himself. ?Forgive me, Lady, I meant no disrespect.?
?Quite easily, actually!? Dis said, answering Varno?s question. ?My ma had no desire to see another child burst out of her, an? my da agreed with her. I am their only child ? why not make me the King?s heir??
?But what did the nobles have to say about this? Did they not object??
?No, cousin, not really. My countrymen were surprised, but not shocked. The vote was overwhelmingly in my favour.?
Narendy jumped up from her seat and squeezed her mistress. ?My Lady, ye will be our greatest Lord since Durin Deathless!?
?Yer father is a fool, but I have hope still in you.? Lamli held out his hand. Dis grinned and accepted the offered congratulations. Hakoldef smiled but said nothing.
?Jus? don? let no human, or elf,? Lamli said, shooting Legolas a glance, ?Tell ye how to rule.?
?Dis, this is incredible! I am so happy that the council did not object.?
?Indeed, cousin! Women were never truly denied the throne among my fathers, there was jus? never a need for us.?
Gimli was happier beyond words. ?I?m just so proud that this is going to happen in my lifetime!?
Dis walked over to her cousin and gave him a fierce embrace. ?Cousin, so am I.
?Anyway, that doesn? change anything, at least not for the moment. I?ma still a dwarf princess on a diplomatic mission, nothin? more. Legolas, can?t a dwarf get some dessert around here??
Legolas smiled. His son?s voracious dwarven appetite prepared him for such things. ?Of course, if everyone is finished.?

* * *

?What did I tell you, my love? Isn?t she great?? Legolas called from the bathroom.
?She seems nice.?
?Isn?t it wonderful? The first dwarven queen.?
?Yes, it?s very good, Leggy.?
Legolas poked his head through the door. ?That wasn?t very enthusiastic!?
Alora smiled to herself. ?I?m happy for her and Cibby, but I personally don?t see what all the fuss is about.?
Legolas nodded. ?I understand. You are not royal born, so it probably seems silly to you that we are excited so.?
?Exactly! Wait ? did I miss something??
Legolas smiled. ?No, my bite-sized love, I meant no offense.?
?None taken.? Legolas walked over to the bed and gave his wife a long, soft kiss. ?Come, Alora. Let us retire. We have a long day tomorrow! Four dwarves to entertain.?
Alora?s eyes went wide in faux shock. ?Legolas, do be careful! Their? enchanting musk might rub off on you!?
Legolas laughed. ?I think that Narendy might fancy you! Do be careful around her.?
?You know that you are the only woman for me,? Legolas said, suddenly serious.
?Oh, I know! I?m just playing around with you. I am tired, though, for once.?
?Yes, so am I. Let?s sleep in tomorrow, hmm? I?m sure Gimli wants to spend time alone with the dwarves for a while, anyway.?
?Sounds good to me, Leggy-love. Elei velui and goodnight.? She gently kissed his neck and pulled the covers over herself.
?Goodnight.?