It was not until several days after Boromir's death that Legolas and Gimli had a moment alone. It was assumed the three walkers would want separate accomidations, and neither elf nor dwarf corrected them. However, as soon as their guides had departed, the two met in the hallway, each intending to move into the other's room.
As they were closer to Gimli's room it was his bed that was unmade first. So tired they were that only half undressed, they fell asleep, curled about each other, limbs entwined, and Niben asleep curled around Gimli's nipple.
Gimli was awakened an untold time later by a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Come my friend," Legolas' sultry voice greeted him. "I have had a bath drawn up." He caressed Gimli's mass of braids. "I'd like ... to wash this," his voice was full of reverence and awe.
Gimli rose and finished undressing, noticing that Legolas had already done so. The tub was low enough that Gimli could climb in with no aid. Settling back, he drifted off again as Legolas began unbraiding his hair.
"What do you think of the Lady Eowyn?" Legolas asked conversationally..
Gimli recognized the wistful tone in Legolas' voice and didn't like it. "What about her?"
"She's lovely ... such long ... golden ..."
"Legs," Gimli growled. "Need long legs to stay on a horse."
"Of course," Legolas smiled and kissed the top of Gimli's head. "Long legs. You needn't worry that I'll stray," he assured his lover.
"Not your heart I'm worried about, Elf." There was tenderness in his growl. "Only your hands. And that infernal creature. She's got enough hair to make Niben and his family happy for an age." The little beardbug was growing rapidly and Gimli felt he - or she - was getting ready to breed. He didn't want to fathom how the beardbug had become pregnant if this was indeed the case. "You wanted to keep the little pest, you'll keep him."
"That she does," Legolas sighed. "Could I just ... maybe ..."
"No! You'll not touch a hair on her head." Gimli closed his eyes, knowing Legolas was gong to start pouting. When no further pleas came, he slit one eye, and found himself gazing at a pouting Elf. "Aargh! Alright. I'll make a deal. You keep your hands off her mane so long as I stay astride a horse - alone, with no other riders."
A smile flickered over Legoas' lips. He loved the dwarf, but Gimli couldn't stay on a horse to save his life. "You have a bargain, my love."
"Good," Gimli settled back into the bath, making plans to ask Eowyn to teach him to ride. That would kep the two of them apart.
