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Title: A Custom Shattered.
Author: Sarah.
Rating: NC 17.
Disclaimer: Tolkien owns the characters. They are not mine.
Pairing: Gandalf/Gimli
Warnings: This will be slash. Graphic sex between two males.
Beta: Nefertiti. Any mistakes left are mine.
Archive: Meddling in the Affairs of Wizards. Anyone else, please ask.
Feedback: yes, please. saraharizonaanne@hotpop.com
Dedicated to Nefertiti. I could dedicate this to her for many reasons: she inspired the story, her invaluable beta work, or all the encouragement and advice she has given me both on this and my other stories. I want to dedicate this story to her for the most important reason of all: she is my friend and I'm happy to have her friendship.
This absolutely gorgeous picture of Gimli is by Ro.
A Custom Shattered
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Gimli sat by the blazing fireplace and listened while the wizard told stories to the dwarves gathered around him. This was one of his favourite times, relaxing with a good ale and listening to Gandalf's tales. He rarely asked whether the tales were true or just myths garnered from the Istar's many travels. He was content to listen to the melodic voice and watch Gandalf's face in the firelight. It was an interesting face and Gimli could not decide what feature he liked better: the beard that glistened in the firelight or the intent grey eyes. *The eyes,* he mused after a few minutes. *They are compassionate, wise eyes. Through them I can tell he is not just what he appears.*
Gandalf never paused in his narrative, yet he was aware of the dwarf's scrutiny. It was this way each time he visited Erebor. Gimli, Gloin's son, would arrive at his side shortly after his return was announced, and except for night times, he did not leave. Gandalf enjoyed the dwarf's presence and encouraged him to stay at his side. Gimli was one of the easiest dwarves to get along with that Gandalf had ever been acquainted with. Often Gandalf would draw him into a conversation, as he had quickly discovered that Gimli was intelligent and thought deeply on many matters.
Gimli's strong support had several times helped him work with a people who tended to share knowledge of their customs unwillingly. Gimli's acceptance had brought him further admission into a reclusive society. There were many times when he would be invited to share a meal with one of the families and that invitation would include, "You will be bringing Gimli along, won't you?" Whether or not Gimli had wanted the position, he was often the liaison between Gandalf and the dwarves of Erebor.
They were all grateful enough for Gandalf's aid in their regaining Erebor, but the thankfulness did not extend to explaining customs or allowing him too close to the families. Gimli, however, had never refused him information and often volunteered facts he thought might be helpful for the wizard to have about his people. Gandalf treasured the trust he had been given. He also suspected that it was the meals with Gloin's family and later Gimli when the young dwarf had his own place that had caused the rest of them to feel it was acceptable for him to be in their homes and to be friends with their women and children.
Gimli's dark eyes were fixed on him now, as they always were when he talked. Gandalf noted that Gimli had a habit of finding the seat closest to him.
Gimli poured himself some more ale and refilled Gandalf's mug, too. He sat back down, pulling his chair a bit nearer to the Istar. Gandalf was telling a saga about a place called Gondolin. Gimli preferred battle stories like this one but what fascinated him most was how Gandalf's eyes were always kind even when relating the fiercest of accounts. The wizard was unlike any of the outsiders Gimli had ever known. He truly liked dwarves.
The evening wore on and the stories ended. The gathering gradually dwindled. Gandalf said good-night to those still remaining and got up to depart. He was not surprised when Gimli started to leave, too.
It had become a habit with them. Gimli's family tended to have the only pipeweed in the area, and since that visit when Gimli had offered to share his stash, they had often enjoyed a smoke together before parting for the night. Once Gandalf had asked Gimli where he got the weed. Gimli had replied,"Balin, most of the time. Once I went with him to the Shire. I go every time my father visits Bilbo, too. I like to travel, and if I can find an excuse to journey when someone goes to see Bilbo then I also go." Gandalf was cognizant that Gimli liked having glimpses of the world beyond the community of dwarves.
"Care for some company? I have some good weed," Gimli asked.
"Yes, I would appreciate both the company and the smoke."
The walk through the halls was silent, as both were busy with their thoughts.
Gimli was thinking of how much he loved Gandalf's visits. They were none too close but when Gandalf was around, Gimli felt he could have a view into another world besides his own. He sighed to himself. In truth, he found the wizard exciting. There were days when he wished he could have an adventure. He didn't care to admit that to anyone. He just felt restless, sometimes.
That wasn't what was annoying him now, and it wasn't why he considered Gandalf exciting, either. He sighed. He was beginning to have a powerful yearning for Gandalf. Gimli sighed again, more heavily. He probably shouldn't dwell on that. He didn't relish scandalizing every dwarf in Erebor. Not to mention Gandalf's reaction. That did not bear thinking of at all.
Gandalf noticed the sighs and frowns. Dwarves may have a reputation for being grumpy but Gimli was normally cheerful. A good smoke and perhaps Gimli would confide in him the trouble he was having.
More thoughts, equally unpleasant, came to Gimli. It was likely that all of Erebor would be shocked by such a relationship with an outsider, but quite possible some would not be particularly surprised. He was the first person to be told of Gandalf's arrival. When Gandalf was visiting, everyone, including his father, sought the wizard out if they were searching for Gimli. It would be horrible if they believed he was lying with Gandalf when he couldn't even find enough courage to hint of his longings to the wizard. Gimli tugged on his beard in frustration.
The cavern that was reserved for Gandalf's dwelling during his stay was one toward the outer gate. It had a small entry for hanging cloaks and a front room with low chairs, a mirror, and a table. Lamps stood in various places. There was a painting of a mountain stream following its course through rocks and crevices. There were white stone floors throughout. It was not big, but it was the best guest room. A pitcher of water had been placed on the table, along with a bowl of fruit.
After lighting the lamps, they settled into their favourite chairs. Gimli got out his pipe and the precious weed from a pouch.
Gimli's ponderings continued. He glanced quickly at Gandalf. The wizard was bound to see that something was wrong, and being a kindly fellow, he might inquire what it was. Then what could he reply? 'I want to stay here with you tonight. I'd like to touch you and...' It would not do and the tightening in his loins warned him not to pursue such reflections. He had watched Gandalf closely during his last stay in Erebor, and the wizard had never given the slightest indication that he was interested in dwarves in that fashion.
Gandalf observed Gimli. The dwarf seemed to find the floor very enthralling, judging by how he kept his gaze there. Occasionally, he would glance over at the wizard only to look away again. He was displaying no enthusiasm for smoke rings. Gandalf had only arrived in Erebor that afternoon. Perhaps some event had taken place since his last visit that was upsetting Gimli. He would have liked to ease whatever was vexing his companion. He studied Gimli. A very handsome dwarf and an excellent friend. Indeed, he could think of one very enjoyable way in which he could draw Gimli away from his worries. There was no point in thinking along those lines, though.
They sat in silence for awhile and then Gandalf said, "Tell me, Gimli, what is bothering you?" He began to put his pipe away.
Gimli knew he would have to give some kind of answer. A 'nothing is wrong' would be an obvious lie. He was never dishonest. "I've a friend. Lately, I've been wanting to explore the possibility of being more than friends. I know his heart isn't involved, but I have no problem with that. He is not my one. My heart stubbornly refuses to find that one. Yet I do love him." Gimli put his own pipe aside.
"If I understand you correctly, you want to become lovers with this dwarf. Am I right?"
Gimli focused his eyes on the wall. He wasn't going to be able to avoid a full disclosure, but if all he requested was a kiss, than that was the only thing he could be rejected for. "He has a beautiful beard. I'd like to know what it feels like. I desire a kiss. Then we'd see how we both feel about more."
Gandalf wondered who the lucky dwarf was. Gimli never looked straight at him and that was puzzling. Probably the nature of the conversation but a nagging realisation seemed just at the edge of his consciousness. He was missing something. "I take it you haven't told him?"
"No. I haven't told him. I am aware that things aren't always easy for him. I don't want to add to his burdens. I just yearn to be part of what brings him joy while he is here." Gimli felt the time for a complete confession had come. He stood up. "I realize he probably has lovers elsewhere, and I don't care. I'll have my own while he is gone."
Comprehension reached Gandalf with sudden force bringing a rush of longing to his body.
Gimli walked to Gandalf's side. Keeping his eyes fixed on the wizard's, he put one hand on Gandalf's shoulder, and with the other hand, he reached out stopping just short of the Istar's beard. Then he leaned forward, his lips almost but not quite touching Gandalf's. He whispered and Gandalf had to strain to hear him, "I wish to know how your beard feels. Is it different from mine? And your lips, how would they taste?"
Gandalf had not expected this, yet now that the desire was out in the open, he realised that the signs had been plain. If Gimli had been any other race instead of a dwarf, he would have been aware of the attraction long ago. Dwarves were a private race. Once, a very long time back, when he hinted to a dwarf that he wouldn't mind being more than good friends, he had been very firmly informed that dwarves shared intimacies only with each other.
The brown eyes that held his were steady but showed clearly that a rejection was expected. Gandalf had to admit that he also felt distinctly curious, and he was extraordinary fond of Gimli. He had been acquainted with many dwarves but none had matched Gimli in his loyal friendship.
Gimli regarded his silence as a rebuff. The wizard appeared to be very surprised. *The idea has never occurred to him and he probably doesn't appreciate being given a problem when he hasn't even been in Erebor for long.* He sadly turned, with his gaze lowered, to get his pouch.
Gandalf said quietly, "I'm not declining you. I care a great deal for you, and I am curious myself."
Now Gimli's eyes met and caught his. *This,* Gimli thought, *is quite hopeful.*
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Part Two.
Gimli moved up against Gandalf's chair, the hope he felt reflected clearly in his eyes for the wizard to see. Gandalf put his arm around Gimli, his fingers stroking the dwarf's back. Gimli buried his hands in Gandalf's beard. He bestowed light caresses on it and muttered, his voice deepening, "Aye, it is a bit softer than mine. Very pleasurable."
The tender touches and gently uttered words were provocative, hardening the wizard instantly. Their lips came together, and Gimli's desire soared through him, causing his cock to swell in need.
Gandalf's light kisses sweetly pressed against his lips made Gimli realize that the wizard was letting him determine the pace. The idea sent more excitement racing through his veins. Sucking gently on the lips offered him, he savoured the taste. He ran his tongue carefully across them before sliding it between the welcoming lips.
Gandalf sighed with pleasure as Gimli's tongue slipped into his mouth, tentatively caressing. As their tongues met and entwined for the first time, Gandalf barely noticed Gimli's gasp due to his own sharp inhalation. His fingers made their way to Gimli's beard and he decided the dwarf was wrong. His beard was not softer than this one that not only was thick but warm as well.
Gimli put his hand behind Gandalf's neck, fingers massaging, as he intently pursued the kiss. Exploring the hot cavern, sampling and enjoying before he pulled away and went back to kissing Gandalf's lips again.
Tugging Gimli closer, Gandalf outlined the borders of the dwarf's mouth, asking for entrance. Sighing happily, Gimli allowed Gandalf to delve and discover.
Breathing heavily, they paused. Gimli's fingers found Gandalf's hair, and he began to comb it. Following Gimli's example, Gandalf slid his fingers through hair that was thick and velvety in texture. He discerned at that moment that he had wanted to do this for a long time. "You have beautiful hair." he muttered huskily.
Gimli moaned and Gandalf's body trembled in anticipation of what might happen during the hours of the night to come. Gimli was tracing his chin and mingling their beards with his hand.
Dark brown eyes consumed with longing met Gandalf's grey ones. Gimli smiled. His hand touched Gandalf's beard and with gentle fingers he played with the silky strands.” Do you think we could possibly retire to the bed?"
"Gimli, are you sure about this? You will be breaking a custom of your people."
"I'm sure. I'm aware of what I'm doing." Gimli's voice was firm and certain.
The walk to the bed was, thankfully, very short. Gimli squeezed Gandalf's hand. "I'll be back shortly."
Gimli headed to the innermost cavern. He stopped in the doorway, glancing around. A big wooden tub, a rack for heating towels, and a huge fireplace to heat water. There was a stand beside by the tub, and it was here that Gimli went. Towels, soap, and...finding the object he was searching for, he grabbed the small bottle. He moistened a few of the towels in the buckets nearby and with eager steps went back to Gandalf.
Gandalf had lit the lantern. He was sitting on the bed, removing his robes, when Gimli arrived. The dwarf deposited the items on top of the chest of drawers by the bed.
Gimli never quit watching Gandalf, but he pulled the ties out of his braids, freeing the rest of his hair to fall over his shoulders. Gandalf took in the sight with appreciative eyes.
Gimli started to work at his own clothes. His hands shook and his eyes were alight with excitement. "I have dreamed of this for many years," he stated. Gandalf slipped his under tunic off and Gimli quit taking off his garments to run his thumb over a now exposed nipple. Pleasure suffused the disc at the fondling.
Gimli lifted his last tunic off and waited to see what the wizard's reaction would be. Reaching out Gandalf ran his hand over the dwarf's chest. More hair than most humans but not as much as he would have imagined. What was surprisingly delightful was the softness. It was almost like down. Soft chest hair with very strong, firm muscles.
Both were anxious for the bed and yet hungered to examine and discover. Hands fluttered over each other's chests. Gimli's fingers repeatedly grazing and circling nipples.
Gandalf shuddered under him, and his own digits sought out already peaked nipples. Gimli's skin was very warm, almost hot, under his touch, and he wondered if this was normal for dwarves or if it was due to Gimli's state of arousal.
Moaning, Gimli yanked at his leggings until they were off. He treated the loincloth the same way. Gandalf removed the last of his under garments. All activity ceased as each paused to take in the sight of the other. Gimli broke the silence, grinning he said, "You didn't warn me that you were dangerous."
Gandalf smiled, "I believe it is you who should have cautioned me." He swiftly jerked the sheet and they fell into bed together.
Instantly Gimli's hands began travelling here and there over Gandalf's body, touching everywhere but where Gandalf most yearned for him to, returning always to wander through the beard.
Lingering across the hardened nipples and then over Gimli's shoulders, Gandalf slid his fingers down Gimli's spine, stopping at its end to massage. "You are a new delight to me. One that I have not known in all my long time here."
Gimli groaned as Gandalf's fingers roamed over his back, rubbing the solid muscles. "As you are to me."
Fingers covering Gandalf's throbbing erection, Gimli took joy in the wizard's moan. Detecting the dense moisture at the top of the taut erection, Gimli spread it over the swollen head, feeling it jerk in response. Grasping firmly, he began to pump slowly.
Sliding his hands over Gimli's muscular thighs, Gandalf was thrilled with the thick wide fingers that gripped him.
Spreading his legs wide for the wizard's questing fingers, Gimli stopped moving when those digits arrived at and began investigating his heavy sac. His breathing increasing, Gimli remained still, his legs open for Gandalf to inspect and enjoy the sensitive area. Long fingers enveloping his aching erection wrung a small cry from him. His respiration came in gasps as the wizard's fingers roamed over his hot flesh searching out his secrets.
"May I taste you?" Gimli managed to pant.
His erection throbbing at Gimli's words and his breathing too laboured now to make talking easy, Gandalf nodded.
Leaning over Gandalf, Gimli muttered, "Where should I start? Here?" Kissing Gandalf’s ears and neck, he sought out the most responsive spots to suck and nip, or lap with his tongue. One hand remained in Gandalf's beard, caressing and moving as he worked around and under it. Each whispered "yes" from Gandalf earned a place prolonged suckling and kissing.
Gradually Gimli eased downward, laving a nipple with his fervent tongue, making a moist path around it. Licking and sucking the nipple, he felt Gandalf tremble from his attentions. Flicking his tongue over the tip, he made a trail of kisses to the other nipple. "Here, perhaps." he whispered, his hot breath blowing the waiting disc. Circling the nipple his tongue swirled across the nub.
Groaning his assent Gandalf arrived at the pleasing conclusion that dwarves were more heated than any other race as the fiery tongue bathe his nipple with licks and nibbles while hot digits fondled the other. Gimli's beard was rubbing against his chest in soothing motions.
Slowly easing down, Gimli probed Gandalf's navel with his tongue, brushing his beard across the firm stomach. Arching upwards slightly, and moaning softly, his legs falling apart, Gandalf encouraged Gimli to go farther.
Placing a kiss on Gandalf's stomach, Gimli was overwhelmed with happiness. Eagerly he took his lover's arousal in his hand and, drawing his tongue along the underside with long laps, he gained a breathless whimper from Gandalf. Prodding the slit with his tongue and then swirling it around the head of the throbbing erection, he feasted on the sweet drops that coated it. Plunging his mouth down the firm length and opening his throat he took the stiff shaft in deeply. His beard covered the tightened sac underneath as he swallowed and sucked. Pushing on Gandalf's back, he urged him to thrust. Needing little persuasion, Gandalf began pushing rhythmically into him. Slowly at first and then faster as Gimli's hand pressed harder against him.
Gasping for breath, Gandalf felt as if engulfed with the flames of their passion, as his engorged cock was relentlessly sucked and swallowed and the soft beard rubbed his scrotum gently in time with the humid mouth.
Suddenly, Gimli stopped, easing off the needy flesh. He looked up at Gandalf and asked, "What do you desire?"
Gandalf's shaft swelled painfully at Gimli's words. "Do you have a preference?"
Gimli smiled and nuzzled into Gandalf's side, "Aye. I wish for whatever pleases you."
Gandalf tried to think beyond the aching in his groin and its demand for instant relief. He had been journeying a lot and it had been a long time since anyone had offered him such a gift. Turning to his side and embracing Gimli, he said, "Would you permit me to take you?"
Gimli lay back, pulling Gandalf over him, and gazed into his eyes. "Aye."
Requesting entry to Gimli's mouth, Gandalf was granted access to the sultry recesses.
Loving Gandalf's back with sure strokes, Gimli moaned. The wizard's slimness was new to him, but he loved how he could easily wrap Gandalf in his arms. Gandalf's light weight over his body teased in its promise of more delights to come soon.
Joy and heat flooded through Gandalf with such power that he was left quivering. Gimli's arms enclosed him and another unfamiliar sensation arrived: strength. Dwarven strength encompassed him and it felt marvellously good.
Gandalf paused to study the flushed heavily breathing dwarf underneath him. Gimli's auburn hair lay across a pillow and his dark eyes had a melting intensity.
They began to kiss intensely again, passion rising with every moment. Gandalf, feeling Gimli rock against him, reached between them to graze Gimli's erection with his fingertips. Slipping his palm over the silken flesh crowning the rigid desire, he felt
his own erection jump in answer to the feel of Gimli's cock twitching and pulsating beneath his hand. Gimli's aroused passionate need was lengthier than Gandalf had expected but the plentiful width did not surprise.
Quietly moaning as Gandalf's fingers brushed over his cock, Gimli slid a hand between their bodies, enticing Gandalf to wrap his fingers as much as he could around their shared need, and then Gimli did the same.
A soft gasp escaped Gandalf at the shockingly exhilarating enjoyment of torrid, silken flesh and roughened fingertips against him simultaneously, and for a moment he could think of nothing else. Then he began moving his hand slowly and firmly, Gimli's hand joining him in the movement. Pinching and playing with Gimli's peaked nipples until they became harder still, Gandalf continued stroking them both, revelling in the shivers that ran through his lover's body with each caress. Gimli was soon panting softly, need burning higher in the two of them.
Gandalf found it difficult to release the fevered flesh he held against his own arousal, but he did so with one last stroke. He reached over and grasped the oil.
Opening his legs even wider, Gimli signalled that he was ready. Gandalf eased down between the willingly parted thighs. Kneading taut buttocks, his longing to sink between them and drive in deeply sharpened and became painful. He poured the oil over his fingers, sealed the container, and then dipping his head, he engulfed Gimli's swollen flesh.
Grabbing the bed sheet and pulling his knees up, Gimli couldn't prevent the low keening cry as Gandalf took him in deeper. A hesitant finger was flitting across his opening and he moaned his permission. As the single digit pushed into him, the pressure on his cock increased and he groaned at the rapturous sensations of being probed and sucked while Gandalf's beard massaged his sac. A second finger entered him and twisted, bringing pleasure. The fingers were swirling slowly in and out of him, stretching and teasing him as he yearned for more.
Rotating his fingers cautiously, his leaking cock begging to be embedded in the warmth that closed tightly around his fingers, Gandalf caught his breath. He had encountered some resistance but he judged he could sheath himself without causing undue pain. He shifted his hand until he felt the small rise and nudging the sensitive spot, he was rewarded with a strangled cry. Gimli's body jerked under him.
Withdrawing from Gimli and seizing the oil once again, Gandalf drained some of the contents on his shaft. Gimli patted his arm to assure the wizard of his desire to be taken as Gandalf put the top back.
Sliding up and positioning himself at Gimli's entry, Gandalf slowly moved forward, the tight ring of muscle giving, until he was halfway in. Gimli trembled, his shaft expanding with want as he waited for completion.
Gandalf moaned straining not to shove far into the hot tight channel until he was certain that Gimli was handling well his rigid flesh's invasion. His hands roamed Gimli's belly and hips, going from light to heavy caresses, tracing and massaging. He paused a moment to gaze at his lover, his eyes darkened with desire.
Gimli's breath came raggedly, yet he managed to utter, "More." He had wanted this for so long that the discomfort seemed distant and not worth noting. Filled. He yearned to be filled by this man that he had admired so much for many years.
Sliding in a bit more, Gandalf shifted, trying to hit that one spot. Suddenly Gimli cried out, shuddering under the wizard. Understanding that Gandalf was concerned about hurting him, Gimli bore down, impaling himself and wrenching cries from both of them.
Both paused motionless. Having himself suddenly enclosed to the hilt in a fiery, tight heat, Gandalf's cock stiffened and enlarged beyond what felt bearable, and he fought to keep from spending.
Gimli was adjusting to a greater length of unyielding penis than any he had ever experienced. He felt an unbelievable wave of pleasure and happiness at finally having what he had craved for many years. Struggling for air, Gimli moved up and commenced to gently rock, hinting that he was able to continue.
Beginning to thrust, Gandalf slowly increased his pace. Gimli huskily whispered, "Aye, that's it," reassuring him and building his need at the same time. The wizard's hips flexed and relaxed as he moved within that taut space.
Propping himself on his strong arms, Gimli joined Gandalf's vigorous thrusting, lifting his hips forward. Gandalf felt overwhelming rapture at such an enthusiastic response from the friend he was enjoying so thoroughly.
Capturing Gimli's aching hardness, Gandalf stroked firmly.
Gimli's breath came in harsh gasps, for his passage felt impossibly stretched and filled. Each forceful shove brushing that ridge within him sent tendrils of scorching bliss surging through him.
Pumping Gimli's rigid penis, with one hand, Gandalf skimmed his other hand across the downy hair of his lover's thighs, maintaining a steady rhythm inside the deep recesses that seemed to know exactly when to grip and when to relax.
The pleasure was building to a feverish high within Gimli, each thrust nudging him closer to the edge. His belly and thighs tightened, tension growing and spreading throughout his body. He began to lose their shared movements.
Drawing up on the erection he was pleasuring and pushing over that rise, Gandalf felt Gimli stiffen and saw the rapture that came over his face. Gimli gave a low cry of Gandalf's name as his essence spurted between them, over the wizard's hand and onto his own flat, heaving stomach. His snug channel clamped tightly around Gandalf.
Tension built in his loins and with a final flexing of his hips and one forceful thrust, Gandalf spilled his seed deep within Gimli. He moaned out Gimli's name as currents of ecstasy coursed in every part of him.
Collapsing on top of Gimli and panting heavily, Gandalf enjoyed the welcoming embrace and the lingering feelings of pleasure. Gimli's trembling told him that the dwarf was still recovering, too.
Eventually, Gandalf carefully eased out of the passage that had brought him such bliss and moved over to get the cloths, setting the oil back on the chest. After the cleaning, Gimli shifted to his side to face Gandalf, his fingers lazily touching the wizard's chin.
Remembering the strength and warmth, Gandalf moved against Gimli and was received by a strong arm tucking him into a still heated body. "Gimli, I want to keep you here for the night but will it cause trouble for you?"
"I don't reckon so. We've had breakfast together often enough, and no one has ever questioned it. Although I usually try to leave you alone in the morning hours. You don't need a dwarf underfoot at all times."
"Actually I like having you around. More than ever, now! I don't know where you learned so much, but you are as wonderful a lover as you are a friend."
Gimli chuckled. "So are you. In my case, though, it wasn't experience you enjoyed. It was an I finally have my way bliss."
Gandalf laughed. "I've wanted to ask you this for awhile: why did you decide to befriend me as you have?"
Gimli grew serious. His fingers caressed Gandalf's beard and he said quietly, "You will understand that my motives those many years ago are not what they are today."
"Yes."
"It started with a towel rack and an unreasonable dwarf."
Gandalf leaned up on his elbow to look at Gimli, "What?"
"The first time you visited Erebor after we had settled in, we had company, and father sent me up to check that you were being treated with proper respect. I got chosen as I was comfortably sitting doing nothing and therefore not busy. I could tell you were tired and just desired a bath, a good meal, and rest. It was all being taken care of, and I walked through the guest rooms you have been given to see if the water was being heated. It was but I saw something I felt could be done better. On our journey to Erebor, a few of us had gone into Brae to replenish supplies. A storm came up, and we stayed in the inn instead of going back to the wagons. They had a towel rack and heated towels and scented soap and bath oil. "
Gimli paused. He leaned up and kissed Gandalf. "I stood there in that bath chamber dwelling on how weary you looked," his fingers moved through Gandalf's hair. He continued, "I concluded that you were entitled to a towel rack and anything else we could provide for your comfort."
Gimli smiled now. "Most of us are not in the habit of warming our towels. Even had I hunted, I might not have found a rack. So we used chairs to place towels on that night but I made sure you had one for the next visits."
Gandalf recalled the visit. He remembered eating and Gimli giving quiet commands from the other room but he hadn't known what was being done for his ease. He had been too weary to pay attention, and he had longed for that bath. It had been soothing to him. Warm towels, hot water, and soft soap. They had started a fire in the fireplace in the bed chamber and warmed blankets for him. *Gimli's doing, also, though he isn't saying so.* Gandalf thought.
Gimli continued, "When I got home one of those visitors said to me, 'You do know that he doesn't care for dwarves. His only concern is for Middle-earth and mayhap those elves he spends so much time with'."
Gandalf started to say something but Gimli shook his head. "You don't need to defend yourself to me. Not now. Never. And not then either. It's an ignorant statement. Of course, your concern is Middle-earth. Why did the fool think you are here in the first place? To help dwarves with their every concern? And are we not part of Middle-earth? And I don't feel your only care is for elves. I couldn't understand why he wasn't more grateful." Gimli grinned now. "I felt like thrashing him but I've always believed that you can't beat sense into senseless people."
"I agree completely."
"Aye, but you are far more even- tempered than I am. I did consider that while it might not help him, it could aid me immensely. You don't need to ask. I didn't. Besides, my father gave him quite an interesting earful. He declared that as far as outsiders go, you are the best friend we dwarves ever had. I spent a lot of time pondering what my father had stated and your exhaustion that night. I thought about how difficult it is for my people to accept others and how you were alone in these chambers while we are among our families." Gimli paused. He had now reached the part in the story where he was fearful of causing hurt feelings. "I'm not all that different from the rest of my race. I don't give trust easily. I decided that I'd start with friendship and I'd watch you and see if trust could be built. It was done because I was thankful, but I also felt you deserved something more from us. It didn't stay that way. It wasn't all that many years before I was willing to help you simply for friendship's sake."
Gimli gazed into Gandalf's eyes. He didn't seem hurt and was waiting for Gimli to continue. "I know exactly when I determined that I could trust you. You were telling this story you had got from the Shire about the pig that was stuck in a door. And I comprehended that it doesn't matter to you. Whether you are talking about humans, elves, hobbits, or dwarves, your voice is kind and gentle. I've never heard you degrade a race. Not any of us."
When Gimli did not continue, Gandalf responded, "Gimli, you haven't told me what caused those feelings to progress to this."
Gimli laughed. "Just keep in mind that you asked. It was three visits ago. We were celebrating Difar's coming of age. I had had far too much ale. I don't remember what all I did to aggravate you that night but what I do recall isn't pleasant. I have a hazy memory of almost knocking the pitcher of beer over next to us and missing the table with the bread. I know that I came close to sitting in your lap when you told me to have a seat before I killed myself."
"You recall a great deal considering how much you had to drink that night."
"I said something to you. Probably several somethings. I don't know what all. I believe I was telling you to visit the Valar and give them a list of items that dwarves would like to see done. I was speaking nonsense, and no, I don't want you to inform me of what I was rambling on about. What I can call to mind is bad enough."
Gandalf laughed. Gimli had helped himself to so much ale by that point in the evening, Gandalf had been amazed that the dwarf could talk at all. It had been no wonder that his words had made no sense.
"And you gave me that look." he reached up and tenderly touched Gandalf's eyebrows. "You shouldn't do that with me. Threaten to set my beard on fire and you'll stop me, but the eyebrows are exciting."
"Exciting?" Gandalf said in a weak voice. "That was not my intention."
Gimli chuckled. "I am aware of that. And I did shut up but silencing me only means I can think deeper. I got to thinking, it isn't just the eyebrows that are arousing," Gimli had trouble not laughing at the expression on Gandalf's face. "It's the beard. You have the most beautiful beard I've ever seen."
Gandalf said thank you, but he was so flattered it was difficult to say anything. If a dwarf says that you have the most beautiful beard he's ever seen, that is a high compliment indeed. The fact that Gimli was certainty biased did not detract from the praise at all.
"The next morning as I tried to deal with my painful head I mused on those eyebrows and the beard. And your eyes. Grey like a cloudy day, and they change colour depending on your mood. You have a handsome, friendly face, and I got to thinking about those long fingers of yours and then... “Gimli smiled, "and then I thought my father is right. I think too much. "
Gandalf smiled.”You were very quiet the following days, but I thought it was because you were embarrassed."
"I most definitely was but that wasn't the only emotion giving me trouble. I didn't want you to see any difference in my behaviour. At first because..." Gimli sighed. "I couldn't come up with any solution on how to deal with it. I was fearful that I'd do the very thing I wanted to avoid. I'd increase the burdens you carried when I longed to ease them. The visit after that I watched your every movement trying to judge if you liked any of us in that fashion. You showed no interest in dwarves. So I resolved to let it be. Now, when you arrived after a long absence and you hugged me the way you always do, I knew that it was just matter of time before you'd have to be told. Either that or I'd have to let you come to your own conclusions when I started leaving the room in a rush every time you got within two feet of me."
Gandalf laughed again. "You were, however, planning on telling me?"
"Aye. Once I understood I couldn't hide it forever. I was going to wait until you had been in Erebor for a few days and was rested. I was expecting you to refuse me but, at least, you would not be hurt when I no longer wanted to be hugged. I was confident that it wouldn't damage the friendship once the awkwardness passed."
Gandalf drew back to look into Gimli's eyes. "Now I can hug all I want. Far better than being denied embraces. I still have a matter of curiosity unsolved."
"What about?"
"Tomorrow night, perhaps, you will satisfy it by letting me experience that width of yours."
Gimli smiled. "I can happily grant that."
Snuggling up to Gimli and putting an arm around him, Gandalf felt Gimli settle in close, and together they fell asleep.
The end.
Sequel - Barriers Broken
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