Disclaimer: I only borrow Tolkien’s world… I return all when I’m done playing.

A/N – Please note that I have TWO SEPARATE series! They are NOT connected in any way! This story falls under the Elves and Dwarves Series which includes these stories in chronological order: (1) A Dragon Among Elves (2) Before The Sun Rises (3) Choose Your Battles Wisely (4) Surprises In The Greenwood (5) Shocks In Erebor (6) Chaos In Gondor

Shocks in Erebor

By Nieriel Raina

Chapter 1

On Friendly Terms With The Dwarves

The elf made his way toward the looming shape of the Lonely Mountain. He was humming softly to himself as he walked, glad that he had been able to get away from his duties in such a short time. Legolas could not believe it had been two months since Gimli and he had parted. Seeing how he missed his friend, his family had shooed him on his way with instructions to tell Gimli to visit again soon.

Legolas looked forward to seeing the dwarf again. A message had been sent to Gimli through the men of Laketown, who were on friendly terms with the dwarves. A reply stated the dwarf would be expecting him and looked forward to the elf’s visit.

Being expected, the elf made his way up the slope following the map Gimli had sent. Suddenly his senses screamed to him of danger and the elf froze in his tracks. In the ground before his feet, where he would have been if he had not stopped, was a dwarven throwing ax, imbedded deeply into the ground where it had just been thrown.

Legolas looked up from the ax to find a group of four angry looking dwarves approaching him. Each dwarf was heavily bearded and was wearing chain mail over a different colored tunic. All were armed with axes as well. The elf was concerned about the expressions on their faces. He had learned from watching Gimli that if a dwarf looked like that, there was going to be big trouble. Not knowing exactly what to do, the elf stooped and picked up the ax. Straightening, he faced the advancing dwarves and smiled.

“Greetings dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. I am Leg…” A booming voice interrupted him.

“We know who you are, elf! And you would be wise to stay where you are and toss away the ax!” A black haired dwarf wearing a red tunic called out. Beside him stood a brown haired dwarf in blue, next to a dwarf that looked very much like Gimli must have when he was younger, sporting red hair and a black tunic. Lastly was another brown haired dwarf in yellow. All were glaring menacingly at the elf.

Legolas complied with their wishes, tossing the ax forward a few paces, not understanding what was happening. He had no desire to cause any trouble. He was expected, was he not? Surely Gimli told the others he was coming. The elf was getting nervous. The dwarves continued coming closer and stopped a few yards away. One of them, the dwarf with brown hair and blue tunic picked up the ax and slipped it back into his belt.

“We know who you are,” the dwarf in red spoke. “And you are not welcome here. We don’t know how you enchanted our brother, but you won’t be enchanting anyone else! We will find a way to release him from your foul spell.”

Legolas blinked. These were Gimli’s brothers? Oh bother, this was not going to be fun at all.

“I assure you, I have done nothing to Gimli, other than befriend him. I do not understand why you would think such things, but perhaps if you would call him, he could explain…”

“And let you ensnare him even more?” the dwarf in blue asked.

“He’s lying,” another snarled.

“Wants to enchant us, too!” the red headed dwarf murmured.

“How do you explain that foul creature? Huh? Do you have any idea what followed our brother home? Almost killed Grayn, it did!” The brown haired dwarf in yellow spoke up.

Foul creature? What did he have to do with that?… Oh, no. Tell me she did not…

“I beseech you, please listen to me. I know not of what you speak. Please only fetch Gimli, and I am sure we can put whatever has happened behind us.” Legolas was starting to question why he had ever thought visiting his friend’s home was a good idea.

“Do you think we are so stupid? You sent a warg after our brother! It found Grayn first.” The dwarf in yellow said, pointing at the dwarf next to him that looked so much like Gimli, who was bobbing his head. “Luckily we were able to fend it off. Only, whatever you did to our brother, has his brain so addled he took the thing into the mountain with him! The darn thing sleeps on his bed at night! And you try to say you did not put him under a spell?”

All the dwarves looked at each other and nodded. “Get him!” The black haired dwarf yelled, and they all rushed towards the elf, who was still in shock at this news. Legolas had wondered where Draugolë had wandered off to, but she was prone to such things. If he was not being rushed by four angry dwarves, he would have laughed that she had followed Gimli home. The female warg, who he had raised from a pup, had taken a shine to his friend.

Legolas quickly leapt back to avoid the onrush of angry brothers. It was an unnecessary move. Before they could reach him, a voice called out and all four suddenly stopped in their tracks.

“What is wrong with you idiots? Do you wish to dishonor your family by attacking Gimli’s best friend?” The speaker stepped into view and Legolas gazed upon another dwarf. This dwarf had reddish brown hair and wore no mail, just a plain brown tunic.

Now Legolas was an elf who had much experience with females, and not how some people would think, after all he had a wonderful wife, a beautiful daughter, a mischievous granddaughter and numerous nieces, not to mention his mother. Legolas had always been one to charm the ladies. And even though this dwarf was mostly built like the others, had a beard like the others, and spoke gruffly like a dwarf, the elf picked up on little things that assured him this one was different. This dwarf was female.

“I don’t know what you think you are doing! Mother is going to kill you! She told you to leave the elf alone.” The female dwarf crossed her arms across her chest, tapped her foot and glared at the four brothers who had turned towards her. They were looking guilty… and afraid.

Legolas just stared. He had been shocked by many things in his life, but never had he anticipated this visit to be so eventful. And he had not even seen Gimli yet! The female met his eyes and smiled. She uncrossed her arms and walked up to him. Holding out her hand, she said, “Galin, sister of Gimli, daughter of Gloin at your service.”

Legolas took her hand but did not know whether to shake it or kiss it. His royal blood stirred and reminded him that Gloin was a dwarf of high position, so Legolas opted for the latter, bending low to bring her fingers to his lips. Galin giggled slightly, he had not known dwarves could giggle, and pulled her hand back as a red blush crawled over her face.

“Now, Master elf! Gimli told me you were married. You should not be flirting so with unwed females.” Galin spoke teasingly. Legolas flushed in embarrassment.

“Forgive me, my lady. It is the custom of my people to greet a lady in such a manner. Legolas Thranduillion, at your service.” This time he bowed to her. “Is Gimli expecting me? I do hope Draugolë has not caused any problems. I apologize for her running off.”

“Draugolë is a dear and has been no trouble except when she sat on Grayn and washed his face repeatedly! Seems she mistook him for Gimli.” She grinned. “I would have paid handsomely to see such a thing! Gimli is expecting you and is being notified that you are here, as we speak. Forgive the rudeness of my brothers. They do not understand how it is possible for Gimli to have befriended an elf.” Galin spoke with amusement.

As elf and dwarf walked towards the entrance to the mountain, Legolas noticed Gimli’s brothers had slipped away. For some reason, he did not think he had seen the last of them… or trouble.

TBC