The Sea Calls Us Home

Several weeks later Gimli found himself crossing the Ford of Bruinen on the approach to Imladris. Legolas had said nothing to him about going with him, but the dwarf was still of the sullen opinion that his friend tricked him into accompanying the elf on the journey.

It was long since the stouter warrior had given up riding behind the tall, lithe Legolas on horseback. The Rohirrim had gifted him a large, sturdy pony for his use in gratitude for his part in the salvation of Helm’s Deep and Gimli finally broke down and learned to tolerate riding the placid beast.

Or perhaps plodding was a better description, for the pony took his own sweet time regardless of the wishes of his master. Gimli saw his friend getting smaller and smaller ahead of him on the path.

“Don’t mind me!” he shouted ahead with thinly veiled sarcasm. “I’ll catch up to you when I’m ready!”

Blithely Legolas glanced back at his friend and responded, “Stop grumbling, my friend, and take a little gallop! It will do you both good!”

Never able to dismiss a taunting challenge from Legolas, Gimli urged his mount to move faster and grudgingly the pony eased into a canter at least.

“If I remember correctly we should be almost there,” said the dwarf archly as he drew his mount beside Legolas’ beautiful steed, trying not to pant from the quicker pace.

Legolas agreed, “Indeed, it is not much farther.” Then added with a smirk, “But perhaps you would like a brief rest before we go on?”

“It would serve you right if I did,” Gimli snorted good-naturedly. “Don’t think I don’t know how eager you are to reach Rivendell, my friend. It’s been awhile since you’ve been among your own people…”

Turning suddenly wistful, the elf prince replied, “There are few enough of us left…”

They fell silent for a time, each alone with his own thoughts until Legolas was finally startled to hear movement ahead of them in the forest. He reined his mount to a stop and Gimli did likewise with a raised eyebrow in question.

“What’s the problem?” he asked.

“There is someone nearby… someone waiting for us,” answered the elf.

“Why is that so surprising? It’s probably one of your rarefied kinsmen who you’re longing to see.”

“No, he is no elf…”

Impatiently, Gimli said, “Then what are you waiting for? You are too cautious. Ask him to show himself!” When Legolas did not immediately call out to the stranger, he took it upon himself to do it instead, “Hey there! Stop lurking and let us see you! We are fierce warriors and we will gladly whet our weapons on your neck, sir!”

He gave Legolas a self-satisfied nod while the elf merely rolled his eyes and sighed.

“No need for that, my good Gimli,” spoke a raspy voice as a tall form dressed in muddy brown robes stepped onto the path from the curtain of dense trees.

“Who are you, sir, that you know my name?” asked the dwarf with alarm.

A pert robin swooped down to land on the stranger’s shoulder as he replied, “No one to threaten you, to be sure. I am Radagast the Brown and I have been waiting for your friend here.”

Gimli turned to look at his companion and saw his expression was unusually startled. “Humph… another troublesome wizard,” he groused.

“What do you want of me, my lord?” Legolas asked the Istari.

“Word has it, good prince, that you are preparing to go over the Sea.”

“That is true,” he replied with wonder, “though I do not know how you should have heard of it. I have only told Gimli my intentions for the journey.”

The robin hopped lightly to Radagast’s proffered finger as the wizard said, “Oh snippets of news come to me from many sources. This little fellow just stopped to tell me that Masters Elladan and Elrohir have only just returned from riding, so we have a few moments to spare here to chat together before seeking their hospitality at the Last Homely House.”

Still a little unsettled, Legolas asked, “What is it you wish to chat about?”

“As I mentioned, it was heard that you intend to sail to the Undying Lands so preparations must get underway. I’ve only been asked to confirm your plans.”

“I don’t know that I would say that my plans are confirmed, only that I’ve decided I am ready to take the ship,” the elf prince replied. “I have much to do before I leave Middle-earth.”

“Ah… no rush, my good prince…” the wizard assured him with a casual wave. “I must be off on another errand. Don’t tarry in Imladris too long, Legolas. Your father will be anxious to see you. Farewell, my friends. We will meet again!”

Before either the elf or the dwarf could respond, Radagast tromped back into the woods and seemed to disappear all at once. The two friends looked to each other with astonished expressions and Gimli said, “Well, there goes a strange bird. I don’t know that I like him knowing all our business.”

“He’s very like Gandalf, I suppose, and yet…” Legolas left his thought hanging as he pondered the strange encounter with the Istari.

Urging his pony forward, Gimli said matter-of-factly, “Nevermind him now, Legolas. Surely your friends have gathered themselves and know of our imminent arrival. Let’s go see what they have to eat.”

The elf prince chuckled at his friend’s customary comment and fell in beside him, but the wizard’s appearance still left him somewhat unsettled.


-end of Chapter One-