Disclaimer: I do not own Legolas, Gimli, or any other recognizable characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. I merely wish to play with them a bit and put them back in (more or less) one piece. :) I'm not making any money off this.

Author's Note: So I wrote this a long time ago. Like…a really long time ago. I recently uploaded a new story, and I realized there was a fic out there in the interwebs that I never finished. And it started to bug me. So, I revisited this story and its sequel in an attempt to finish it. I didn't rewrite anything, (no matter how much it needs to be re-written) I just went through and fixed some formatting weirdness and some typos.

Archive: Please ask.

(*) Indicate thoughts

A rustling of leaves alerted Legolas. He paused, listening to the approach of heavy steps. It was not Gimli; he would know Gimli's tread anywhere. No, these movements were different. The breeze held no warning, so he felt no need to conceal himself. Legolas waited calmly for the walker to appear. A short figure exited the bushes in front of Legolas and came to an abrupt halt. Dark eyes bore into Legolas' own from under a hood. The being was dressed in mail and travelers' clothes. Sunlight flashed on the axe held in one hand.
*Strange*, thought Legolas. *I would almost say this was a dwarf, but there is no hair on its chin...at what point do dwarves grow beards? Perhaps this is a young dwarf...but I recall something about them always having whiskers ... what do I know of dwarven beards...*

"Hail, Traveler," greeted Legolas, bowing slightly. "A fine day, is it not?"

"Indeed," came the short reply. "I am looking for someone." The voice was deep, but not so deep as Gimli's. It had a quiet, melodious quality. Not the speech of any male dwarf...

"Can I be of some assistance?" Then, as clearly as the sun shone in the sky, Legolas realized what he beheld. A female dwarf! Lady dwarves were the things of story and debate. No one, other than dwarves, had ever seen one. Gimli had always declined to satisfy questions on the matter. The dwarf before him threw back her hood, revealing a long, golden red braid and dark blue eyes.

"I was told the dwarf Gimli, son of Gloin could be found in these woods. Is that true?" Legolas struggled for a moment to find his voice. A dwarf maid! The elf prince had seen many things in his many years and yet, he had never thought to see this.

"Aye, my lady, I can take you to him. If you wish." The dwarf lifted her chin slightly, and regarded him with her sharp gaze. She nodded curtly, then bowed.

"I wish." He swept his arm in the direction of his and Gimli's camp, motioning her to take the lead. She smirked, ever so slightly and bowed again. "After you, Master Elf." Legolas paused for a moment, and then set off in the direction of camp.

She followed quietly, never getting too close but never falling behind. Every time Legolas turned to check her progress, he found her eyes ever on him. It did not surprise Legolas she did not trust him; no dwarf would, with the exception of Gimli. His curiosity was burning, but he doubted this she-dwarf would answer his questions. Legolas would have to wait until they reached Gimli.

Gimli looked up as Legolas entered the clearing, carrying naught but his bow.

"Well my friend, it seems your hunting was unsuccessful. Luckily, my hunting skills greatly surpass yours, we will not go hungry." Gimli gestured to the rabbits roasting on the fire.

"True, I caught no rabbits, but I feel as though I bring you something far more interesting that dinner," laughed Legolas as the dwarf maid emerged from the woods behind him. Gimli's eyes widened at the dwarf before him.

"Gaila?" Gimli's voice was but a whisper. A huge smile broke across the maid's face.

"Gimli!" she cried as she ran toward him. Gimli let out a booming laugh as he swept her into his arms, her lighter laughter combining with Gimli's, filling the trees. Legolas watched this with a slight smile, but a worry was in his heart. Who was this dwarf? Gimli's wife? Daughter? Gimli had never mentioned a family, other than his father. Was Gimli needed at home by a household Legolas knew nothing about? Were their journeys together over so soon? Legolas steeled himself against this as Gimli finally turned to him with a broad smile.

"Master Elf, you have indeed brought me something more interesting than rabbits. Gaila is better than dinner any day, come high water or hobbit!"

"As I thought my friend, but I fear we have not been properly introduced."

"Did you not tell Legolas who you are?" asked Gimli, turning to the dwarf at his side.

"Forgive me Gimli, if I found it unwise to divulge anything to this...elf," murmured Gaila, her eyes glittered coldly as she gazed at Legolas.

"Gaila!" snapped Gimli. "Legolas was one of the Fellowship, a brave warrior. More than even that, he is my dearest friend."

"Legolas? Son of Thranduil? Imprisoner of Gloin? This is your friend?" Gaila's voice was awed and puzzled.

"I will not hold against him the crimes of his father. He has proven himself time and again as a loyal friend to me. That should be enough for even you." Gimli's voice was low and held a note of warning. "Or do you no longer trust my judgment?" Gaila held Gimli's gaze for a long moment and then turned to Legolas. Her sapphire eyes examined him closely, looking for something. Her stare was nothing to one who had stood beneath the examination of the Lady Galadriel, but still Legolas felt as though he was being weighed.

"Well Elf, if Gimli says you are worthy, than I shall defer to his decision. I apologize," said Gaila, bowing low. " A friend of my brother is a friend to me, or so I would have it."

"Brother?" Legolas could only hope he did not look so confused as he sounded, even to his own ears.

"Aye my friend," said Gimli with a grin. "Gaila is my sister."