Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

Dwarf Women

As the Rohan people continue their journey around the lakes, Gimli rides a horse led by Éowyn. The conversation is lively.

"It's true, you don't see many Dwarf women," Gimli says. "And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance that they're often mistaken for Dwarf men."

"It's the beards," adds Aragorn with a grin.

Éowyn glances back at Gimli, her smile widening. "This, in turn, has given rise to the belief that there are no Dwarf women, and that Dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground."

Gimli chuckles. "Maybe that's why you can never get a girlfriend, Gimli," says Liv with a teasing tone.

Éowyn and Gimli both laugh heartily. "Which is, of course, ridiculous," Gimli says, throwing his hands up in mock exasperation. Suddenly, the horse rears up and gallops off unexpectedly, sending Gimli tumbling to the ground.

Éowyn and Liv exchange quick smiles before rushing over to help him. "It's all right. Nobody panic," Gimli calls out, trying to keep his composure. "That was deliberate. I meant to do that."

Aragorn and Théoden ride side by side, grinning at the scene. Éowyn looks back at Aragorn, her laughter still bubbling. "I haven't seen my niece smile like this for a long time," Théoden says, his tone softening. "She was just a girl when they brought her father back, dead—cut down by orcs. She watched her mother succumb to grief, and then she was left alone, tending to her king in growing fear. Doomed to wait upon an old man who should have loved her as a father."

Liv nudges Gimli, who is brushing off dirt with a sheepish grin. "Liv, don't tell the elf," Gimli says, glancing nervously at Legolas. "He'll never let me hear the end of it."

"No promises," Liv replies with a smirk. "But you know how my brother is."

"Adopted brother," Gimli corrects with a raised eyebrow.

"What's the difference?" Liv asks with a playful shrug.

Legolas, catching the tail end of the conversation, approaches. "Liv, what happened?" he asks, concern in his voice.

"Gimli fell off the horse," Liv says, barely containing her amusement.

Legolas stifles a laugh, trying to maintain his usual composure. "Liv, you promised," Gimli says, trying to look stern. "Are you trying to make me look bad?"

"Who said I'm not?" Liv retorts with a grin.

"Legolas, where's my daughter?" Liv asks, her tone shifting to genuine concern.

"She's with David," Legolas assures her. "Stop worrying so much. Lily is safe."

"Aren't you the one who's always worried?" Liv replies, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Legolas says, feigning innocence.

"Oh really?" Liv says with a laugh. "Says the guy who tried to protect me in the Mines of Moria when I could handle myself."

"Says the girl who's a parent at fifteen," Legolas counters.

Liv narrows her eyes playfully. "I'm going to trap you in an ice-style jutsu. You saw how I trapped the guards back in Edoras with Ice Style."

Legolas chuckles, shaking his head. "You always have to one-up me, don't you?"

Liv grins. "It's what I do best."

Gimli, now back on his feet, joins in the banter. "I suppose we're all keeping each other on our toes today."

Éowyn looks at the group with a warm smile. "It's good to see you all so lively. We need more moments like these."

The camaraderie continues as they ride together, the mood lightened by their shared laughter and playful exchanges.