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Gimli bent closer to the wall, studying the stone for signs of imperfection. “If you’re asking for my opinion, we should take the afternoon off all this rebuilding.”
“I don’t recall asking for your opinion,” Legolas said, eyes twinkling.
“Doesn’t matter. You haven’t actually lifted a finger to do any real work today, so my opinion is the one that counts.”
“I have been working.” Legolas skimmed a hand down the wood of his bow. “I’m keeping watch, since no doubt you would not hear the approach of enemies over all your ceaseless hammering.”
Grumbling vaguely, Gimli tightened his grip on his hammer. He had been all over Minas Tirith lately, helping with repairs to the city after the siege. Today, he and Legolas were inspecting the outer walls.
More like he was inspecting the outer walls, while Legolas lounged sleepily in the warm sun beside him. “Aye, and you’re no doubt doing a fine job of it with your eyes closed!”
Legolas smiled, not opening his eyes. “Even with the din of your hard work, I can hear many things that escape the ears of Dwarves.”
“If you’re going to be all superior, I wish you’d go all the way and put those Elf eyes of yours to good use.” The field of Pelennor provided a good, clear view of any enemies approaching, but Gimli had never believed in letting his guard down. Even more after all their travels, with all the beasties they’d seen. Enemies could spring out from anywhere.
But despite his grumbling, he was content to turn his back to the fields so long as Legolas was beside him. There was no trustier companion, no one else he’d rather have at his side.
And this was an honorable job, rebuilding Minas Tirith. Many of Gimli’s kin were here now, hard at work, doing what they did best. None could rival the craftsmanship of the Dwarves.
Still, it had been endless labor, laying stone, checking the remaining walls for weakness, planning repairs. The clear afternoon sun and warm, gentle breeze called for a break.
When Gimli reached a good stopping spot in his work, he set down his hammer and straightened. “Aye, that does it for now. I need a stout drink and a change of scenery before I do any more.”
“If there was not such a great distance from the walls that crave your attention, I would bid us travel to the woods of Ithilien,” Legolas said thoughtfully. “There is much that needs healing there as well, after so long under the dominion of evil.”
“One thing at a time, Legolas. And right now, that thing is ale!”
It only took a brief trip into the city to gather ale and enough food for a hearty mid-afternoon meal. With an amused smile, Legolas touched Gimli’s shoulder and steered him towards the stables. “Come, let us fetch Arod. My feet tire of walking.”
“As if you’ve done anything but sit and rest those feet! I’m the one who has been on mine own feet all day.”
Legolas ran a light, affectionate stroke across his hair. “Then you should be glad of the ride.”
“I walked right into that statement, didn’t I?” Gimli muttered.
“You did.”
Before long, they were on horseback trotting out of the city. Gimli wrapped his arms tight around Legolas’ middle, resting his cheek against the soft fabric of his shirt.
In a way, it was strange not to be in armor. They had traveled together for what felt like an entire Age, and had almost always been ready for battle. Today, Gimli carried his axe, and Legolas his bow. But they wore no armor, for there was no danger.
Still, Gimli kept a sharp eye out as they rode. The area around Minas Tirith seemed safe, with only Gondor’s inhabitants moving through the fields as they sought to reclaim the land from the aftermath of battle. No signs of any threat at all.
“Here is a spot that is free of trouble,” Legolas said as Arod trotted up a hill to a clear patch of grass. “Perhaps we could sit here to eat and drink. Unless you wish to press on to Ithilien.”
“No, not today. Soon, though.”
And how strange it was, to want to go to the woods for a reason other than chopping firewood! But Legolas loved the woods, and the joy on his face whenever they walked below the boughs of thriving trees made up for Gimli’s lingering feeling that all the trees were whispering behind his back. He loved to see Legolas happy, and would gladly go to any far off land if it brought a smile to his fair face.
The clear hill they’d dismounted on was free of trouble indeed, and Gimli let out a satisfied sigh as he patted Arod’s neck. “An excellent choice of spot for our repast. Ah, I’ve a mighty thirst.”
“Then it is a good thing that we’ve brought an entire barrel of ale.” Legolas, who was tall enough to reach the back of a horse from the ground, pulled down the bag with their supplies.
“Pah. A very small barrel, at that.” Especially for the two of them, who could more than hold their liquor.
They settled down on the grass, and Gimli prepared their drinks. He tapped his cup against Legolas’, and they leaned comfortably against each other’s sides as they drank.
Taking the whole afternoon off wouldn’t happen, not with all the work that remained. But for now, at least, there was naught to do but enjoy the simple pleasure of each other’s familiar company.