Bearded

Chapter 27

Gimli had already finished speaking when Gloin thundered into the throne room. He had pushed past the crowds, shoving indignant Dwarrow to the ground then planted himself squarely behind Gimli. Gloin's hands were on his hips and he had a look on his face which spoke clearly that if anyone looked at him the wrong way or interrupted Gimli, they would be facing the business end of his axe. There was some murmuring and the sight of Gloin, bristling with true wrath was one most were not familiar with.

"See here!" he cried. "If you think the Elf has killed him and enchanted him then you've all got no sense! It's a pity some folk are willing to take and enjoy the freedom won for them, in part, by an Elf who was willing to lay down his life fighting, then separate him from his One!" His huge chest heaved like bellows as he breathed hard and continued to glare at the assembled Dwarrow of Erebor. His eyes held Gimli's then Legolas' with guilt and apology shining out. He did not look at the Elvenking.

Mili gave him a brisk nod.

Tears prickled in Gimli's eyes and he gently squeezed his father's hand as it rested on his shoulder. I love you Gloin's hand signed, then squeezed his shoulder again, more briskly, as if in embarrassment.

"Patience!" said Thorin, but without anger. "Do not speak so before your king. I do not need any to teach me of the need to seek out the whole truth before offering judgement. Even so, I spare a brief time, in order to judge justly in a hard matter. Were I as hasty as you, I might have slain the Elf and been done with it, for I am charged to defend my kingdom against all foes, even those who have been invited in as guests. But I do not slay any needlessly, and not gladly even when it is needed. Neither do I talk in vain. So be comforted. Stand by your son and be silent until you are bid speak!"

Thorin stood again to address his nation. "The assembly has been shown evidence that an orcish arrow did cause injury to Gimli. A dead orc was found, confirming what the arrow told of the true attacker. Gimli himself gave an account of how he came to be injured and none here shall say the Elf enchanted the orc to do Gimli harm. Had they that power, to command the actions of orcs, would the Elves have permitted so many of their number to be slain by orcs recent wars? The orc alone did injure Gimli. Of this charge the Elf Legolas is hereby acquitted."

Gimli sagged in relief, and exhaled, almost a moan, but came to attention once again as a new voice cut into the silence.

"Now tell me of the enchantment, Gimli, son of Gloin," said Thranduil, half kindly, half mockingly. "For the words of one whom my son has so befriended will be welcome indeed."

Gimli would never forget standing under the piercing eye of the Elvenking, stabbed by his shrewd gaze. It felt as if it would be foolish to attempt any deceit before him and dangerous to try; and all while he was conscious of the Dwarrow in the room, watching and seeking for signs of enchantment, listening, and holding in check a rising wrath and impatience.

"Legolas is of great worth!" Gimli bellowed to the assembly. "Yes, Inbul-hibir fundhamâd-ublag. a pointy-eared lembas-muncher."

This was met with jeers, but he pressed on.

Gimli could not bear to see Legolas in chains. That creature of the air, of the wind and of open skies. He needed desperately to hold him, to release him, to rub the numbness from his wrists.

Gimli gathered together the last of his reserves to address the crowd. "He is not only my friend but also my husband."

This time, the engineers amongst them feared for the structural integrity of the chamber at the stomping of boots, thudding of axes on the ground and roars of amazement, surprise, anger and general excitement all mingled.