[Few of the many humans in these parts seemed to have any concept of it, but the lady Elf who worked these forges was a rarity beyond any treasure. It was uncommon enough to see a female Elf in the position of a smith to begin with, especially with so many of her kind having left the shores of Middle-earth, but she was a creature ancient beyond the sun and moon with years beyond counting to her name. She spoke kindly, but sadly, her heart weighed down by thousands of years of tragedies, nearly all of her kin lost to her.
Still, one person had learned how to make Nerdanel smile again, her Dwarf friend Gimli. When they spoke, the light that danced at her feet gleamed more bright, her eyes shining with the Treelight that few others held in living memory. She had told him tales of when her youngest niece, the venerable Lady Galadriel, had been a child, of the antics of her seven sons, and the joy of working directly with the Vala Aulë, while he told her what he could of his own people. He had become her dearest friend, and one of few who could abate the loneliness that haunted her.
Gimli had always maintained an almost courtly respect for her, much as he had for her niece, but Nerdanel insisted she was far too old to stand on ceremony, no longer holding any claim to nobility, for she had once long ago been High Queen of the Noldor, but a mere smith's daughter. Never would she consider herself a beauty compared to other Elves, but she was striking, especially on this day. She was tall for an Elven woman, scarcely an inch shorter than Galadriel, but her entire form rippled with muscle, made all the more evident by the fact that she had stripped to the waist in the heat of the forge. During her many years, she had gradually collected adornments of both metal and ink in her skin, most of her own design and beyond explanation, but their delicate twisting shapes enhancing her every line and curve, glittering in the light of the forge fires now that they were exposed. Her copper-red hair, unusual among the Noldorin Elves, was bound back in elaborate braids that hung to her knees and left her charms on clear display.
But yet, when Gimli entered unannounced, she made no show of modesty, smiling at him.]
Ah, Gimli! It is good to see you. Coming to see my work for today?
[ This was not the first topless female Gimli had seen. As a youth, he'd been tossed into the bath with cousins of either sex. As a young dwarrow, he'd gone swimming with a dam or two in his time. But an elf, and and elf of such nobility - the aunt of Lady Galadriel! Oh. His heart couldn't take it.
Especially not at the sight of her. She looked as if she had been made for those forges. Her muscle and build unlike any other elf. If not for her height, she would be mistaken for a dwarrowdam by the sharpest of eyes. His own go wide as his cheeks turn red as both their hair put together. She looked-- She looked-- Well, she-- He shouldn't be thinking of such things. Not of her, not of an elf.
Quickly he turns to try and gain some semblance of propriety back. ]
You should have warned me of your state of undress!
[ At least he views her enough of a friend to gently scold her. ]
[She just laughs and mops some soot away from her arms, exposing her freckles.]
My apologies, Gimli, but you know how hot the forges can be! And I fear modesty has never been my strongest suit, especially not after seven children. It bothers me not, but if you would rather, toss me my shirt there by you and I can redress.
[She has that look, that look that says she knows exactly where his mind went, if only for a fleeting moment, and is amused by it.]
[ He stiffens, bristles like a dog caught sifting through that night's dinner. But he made no impolite gesture towards her! He was innocent in this. Yes. Completely innocent. ]
It- It wouldn't be decent t'do otherwise.
[ Yet he hesitates in reaching for her shirt. What harm is it if she herself doesn't mind being looked at? Oh, but he knows the answer. Mahal help him. ]
Sweet Gimli, unless I am sitting, you tend to be looking me right in the stomach as it is. It cannot be helped.
Believe me, I have spent my entire life surrounded by men. I am well aware of their natures. If you want to look, then look. I do not believe I have shown you much of the art I wear. I understand if you have curiosities. And if not, no harm done. I assure you, the last person to give me such attention was my husband.
[ A few sputtering, offended noises at talk of where his eyes usually lay as he turns around. Truly, his eyes fall there. Or just north of there. The only thing that snaps him out of it is her comment on lack of attention. Were they daft? ]
And how many have seen you in such a state?
[ That could give such attention of course. Even he and his folk had no cause to toss out a close cousin or relative over something as small as this. ]
Hard to say. Over the course of more than three Ages... Not including family... Perhaps a few hundred? I cannot be certain. Mostly those who have come to see me while I am working, as you have.
[ Pardon his incredulous look. No, do not pardon it. He doesn't hide his eyes as they roam as he does have to look over her to be sure. Yes. Every bit of lovely as he thought. ]
Not that I am aware of. But, most were not Elves. And those who were could see that I was a woman wed, and thus beyond such thoughts for them. And even were they willing to overlook that, I fear by Elven standards, I am rather plain to look upon.
But, you do me kindness, Gimli. Thank you.
[She crosses over toward him to put away a tool, and drops a casual kiss on top of his head on her way past him.]
[ The kiss meant a very, very pleasant eyeful. It was not the heat of the forge that caused his brow to sweat and cheeks to heat again. When was the last time he saw a lady in such a manner? ]
Save for height, you would be a true dwarrow beauty.
[ It is no compliment - not directly. Only fact. If not for her pointed ears and long legs she'd have a hundred or more dwarves at her heels and presenting gifts. ]
And are you wed still?
[ Perhaps he simply wasn't present or they had some type of strange arrangement. Who could tell with elves, really. ]
[She sighs and fingers the golden ring that hangs on a chain around her neck. After more than 10,000 years, the metal is worn and covered with a heavy patina, and too delicate to remain upon her finger, but it is the last thing she has of Fëanor.]
I suppose by the laws of Men and Dwarves, I would not be. My husband died in battle over seven thousand years ago. And before that, he... he was affected by a madness from which I could not sway him. We had become estranged, living apart. I followed him to Middle-earth for the sake of our children, less so the folly of his Oath. And the things he did in the name of that Oath... [She shakes her head.] I am certain he will remain in the Halls of Mandos until the unmaking of the world. I will not see him again, even if I, too, should one day make my way to those Halls.
But, with Elves, we join so completely when we wed, and the union strengthens with each child born... The bond can never be undone. Not entirely. And every Elf can see and hear plainly whether or not another has been wed before. The Valar do not take the severance of Elven marriage lightly. In truth, only once have they ruled it so, with my husband's mother and father, and Fëanor never did forgive his father for remarriage.
And... so... Fëanor has been the only man I have ever known that way.
[ A simple yes or no would have done. Elves. Leave it to the elves to make something so simple so complicated. Yet, the depth of such a binding struck a chord deep within him. He'd grown up watching his mother and father - two who were deeply in love and devoted for as long as he could remember. To know someone who could love that deeply, to have that many children when it was such a rarity, and then to lose them... Gimli could never imagine such heartache. His own stung with sympathy.
He reaches for her hand to take gently in his, patting it with his other. His eyes manage to make it all the way up to hers and try to say what his words will inevitably fail to do. ]
Elves and dwarves are more alike than you know, Lady Nerdanel. Though we may seek another out of loneliness, it's less so than Men.
[ Who almost inevitably did. Could they be blamed with such short lives? He grins up at her, hoping to cheer her up with a change in subject. ]
And I have never had a wife to know.
[ Oh he'd been ... swimming. Many times. But to complete the act, as it were, was strictly forbidden. Even for the dwarrow without the dam. Only with marriage could such a thing be tried. And Gimli had never been married. ]
...it has been a long and lonely seven millennia for me, that is undoubtedly true. But I have sought out no one, nor they me.
And Gimli, I have not been worthy of the title in a very long time. I am but a smith's daughter. My name alone will suffice. But, you are kind to call me such.
How is it that a fine, charming dwarrow like yourself has not been snapped up by someone so lucky to call you theirs?
[She laughs at that and kisses the hand she's holding.]
Oh, Gimli. Surely that is not so hard to find. Indeed, you may well find it right in front of your very nose, if you only care to look.
But, ah, I have gotten us well off topic, have I not? You came to see my work, yes? Or was it merely the pleasure of my company that brought you here today?
[ He hopes it is a blush. And the kind that he can bring about her again. He gives a deep chuckle anyway. If she were offended, perhaps she would take it as teasing.
To say he's amazed is putting it mildly. The work on this piece! Truly it's something to be envied! ]
Some of the best metal work I've seen.
[ He tilts it various ways to see the detailing. Close, far, light this way and that. His mind was already working to think of how he might replicate it ].
[ It is another sincere compliment spoken without thought. After all, his eyes are still examining the piece in question. To see such a work of beauty sold... Well, one did have to eat.
He gladly accepts the honor and places it gingerly around her neck, as if she were made of spun glass. His hands rest on her shoulders to get a good look at her at eye level. ]
Ah, my dear Gimli... It seems you have chosen me. Before anything happens, I would ask that you do something for me.
I have lived a very long life, my dearest dwarrow, and seen countless sorrows and countless joys along the way. I ask that you take time to think about the direction you see this path taking. And then, be truly honest with yourself through the wisdom you have gained if the likely reality will go the same way. Only if you genuinely believe it shall will I allow you to take such a journey. I would wish only joys in your life through me, never regrets.
[ He may seem to act like it at times, but Gimli is no fool. He may appear to have no wisdom, but that is not the case. He has seen his on heartache and turmoil and thought long and hard of what would really happen should this come to fruition.
Gimli takes a steadying breath and brings one hand up to her face, thumb running along her ruddy and dirty cheek, and offers a much more sobering smile. ]
Our kind may enjoy peace, aye, but we will not be accepted. Those that matter, however, will.
[ His dearest friends and with luck some dearest relatives. Those may. Those were all that truly mattered. Those under his lordship would not desert such mines over who he may be with. Not with the precious metals to be had. ]
The real question is whether or not you wish to be with someone who has not but a century left. And whether you will have happiness with all that in mind.
So did Eru decree from the beginning, that our two peoples would find great difficulty in understanding. And far too many years have passed for me to give any great mind to whether or not I am approved of. Still... I believe Aulë would be pleased to see a Noldo and a dwarrow thusly paired, especially the daughter of his most favored pupil.
Gimli, from the moment that wretched Oath first was spoken, I have learned to accept that my time with those I loved would end eventually. It is bittersweet, yes, but my joy is in keeping their memories bright in the world. To remind people of how they once shone. I would do so for you, one of the finest and bravest to come from the line of Durin.
I would offer to you all the wealths I possess, in wisdom and skill. I... am uncertain whether I could bear any further fruits, since I do not know if the dwarrow and Eldar are close enough in make to permit such things.
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For Gimli~
Still, one person had learned how to make Nerdanel smile again, her Dwarf friend Gimli. When they spoke, the light that danced at her feet gleamed more bright, her eyes shining with the Treelight that few others held in living memory. She had told him tales of when her youngest niece, the venerable Lady Galadriel, had been a child, of the antics of her seven sons, and the joy of working directly with the Vala Aulë, while he told her what he could of his own people. He had become her dearest friend, and one of few who could abate the loneliness that haunted her.
Gimli had always maintained an almost courtly respect for her, much as he had for her niece, but Nerdanel insisted she was far too old to stand on ceremony, no longer holding any claim to nobility, for she had once long ago been High Queen of the Noldor, but a mere smith's daughter. Never would she consider herself a beauty compared to other Elves, but she was striking, especially on this day. She was tall for an Elven woman, scarcely an inch shorter than Galadriel, but her entire form rippled with muscle, made all the more evident by the fact that she had stripped to the waist in the heat of the forge. During her many years, she had gradually collected adornments of both metal and ink in her skin, most of her own design and beyond explanation, but their delicate twisting shapes enhancing her every line and curve, glittering in the light of the forge fires now that they were exposed. Her copper-red hair, unusual among the Noldorin Elves, was bound back in elaborate braids that hung to her knees and left her charms on clear display.
But yet, when Gimli entered unannounced, she made no show of modesty, smiling at him.]
Ah, Gimli! It is good to see you. Coming to see my work for today?
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Especially not at the sight of her. She looked as if she had been made for those forges. Her muscle and build unlike any other elf. If not for her height, she would be mistaken for a dwarrowdam by the sharpest of eyes. His own go wide as his cheeks turn red as both their hair put together. She looked-- She looked-- Well, she-- He shouldn't be thinking of such things. Not of her, not of an elf.
Quickly he turns to try and gain some semblance of propriety back. ]
You should have warned me of your state of undress!
[ At least he views her enough of a friend to gently scold her. ]
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My apologies, Gimli, but you know how hot the forges can be! And I fear modesty has never been my strongest suit, especially not after seven children. It bothers me not, but if you would rather, toss me my shirt there by you and I can redress.
[She has that look, that look that says she knows exactly where his mind went, if only for a fleeting moment, and is amused by it.]
...if that is your preference, of course.
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It- It wouldn't be decent t'do otherwise.
[ Yet he hesitates in reaching for her shirt. What harm is it if she herself doesn't mind being looked at? Oh, but he knows the answer. Mahal help him. ]
I wouldn'ta be able to look you in the eye.
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Sweet Gimli, unless I am sitting, you tend to be looking me right in the stomach as it is. It cannot be helped.
Believe me, I have spent my entire life surrounded by men. I am well aware of their natures. If you want to look, then look. I do not believe I have shown you much of the art I wear. I understand if you have curiosities. And if not, no harm done. I assure you, the last person to give me such attention was my husband.
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And how many have seen you in such a state?
[ That could give such attention of course. Even he and his folk had no cause to toss out a close cousin or relative over something as small as this. ]
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Hard to say. Over the course of more than three Ages... Not including family... Perhaps a few hundred? I cannot be certain. Mostly those who have come to see me while I am working, as you have.
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Were they blind?
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Not that I am aware of. But, most were not Elves. And those who were could see that I was a woman wed, and thus beyond such thoughts for them. And even were they willing to overlook that, I fear by Elven standards, I am rather plain to look upon.
But, you do me kindness, Gimli. Thank you.
[She crosses over toward him to put away a tool, and drops a casual kiss on top of his head on her way past him.]
you did that on purpose
Save for height, you would be a true dwarrow beauty.
[ It is no compliment - not directly. Only fact. If not for her pointed ears and long legs she'd have a hundred or more dwarves at her heels and presenting gifts. ]
And are you wed still?
[ Perhaps he simply wasn't present or they had some type of strange arrangement. Who could tell with elves, really. ]
MAYBE. :D
[She sighs and fingers the golden ring that hangs on a chain around her neck. After more than 10,000 years, the metal is worn and covered with a heavy patina, and too delicate to remain upon her finger, but it is the last thing she has of Fëanor.]
I suppose by the laws of Men and Dwarves, I would not be. My husband died in battle over seven thousand years ago. And before that, he... he was affected by a madness from which I could not sway him. We had become estranged, living apart. I followed him to Middle-earth for the sake of our children, less so the folly of his Oath. And the things he did in the name of that Oath... [She shakes her head.] I am certain he will remain in the Halls of Mandos until the unmaking of the world. I will not see him again, even if I, too, should one day make my way to those Halls.
But, with Elves, we join so completely when we wed, and the union strengthens with each child born... The bond can never be undone. Not entirely. And every Elf can see and hear plainly whether or not another has been wed before. The Valar do not take the severance of Elven marriage lightly. In truth, only once have they ruled it so, with my husband's mother and father, and Fëanor never did forgive his father for remarriage.
And... so... Fëanor has been the only man I have ever known that way.
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He reaches for her hand to take gently in his, patting it with his other. His eyes manage to make it all the way up to hers and try to say what his words will inevitably fail to do. ]
Elves and dwarves are more alike than you know, Lady Nerdanel. Though we may seek another out of loneliness, it's less so than Men.
[ Who almost inevitably did. Could they be blamed with such short lives? He grins up at her, hoping to cheer her up with a change in subject. ]
And I have never had a wife to know.
[ Oh he'd been ... swimming. Many times. But to complete the act, as it were, was strictly forbidden. Even for the dwarrow without the dam. Only with marriage could such a thing be tried. And Gimli had never been married. ]
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...it has been a long and lonely seven millennia for me, that is undoubtedly true. But I have sought out no one, nor they me.
And Gimli, I have not been worthy of the title in a very long time. I am but a smith's daughter. My name alone will suffice. But, you are kind to call me such.
How is it that a fine, charming dwarrow like yourself has not been snapped up by someone so lucky to call you theirs?
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It's quick to melt with a scoffing laugh. ]
Never before met anyone with the skill to take it.
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And what skill would be necessary?
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Good company. Although a skill with blade or forge wouldn't hurt.
[ He's held her hand for far too long. He doesn't fancy he'll be letting go until she asks him. ]
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Oh, Gimli. Surely that is not so hard to find. Indeed, you may well find it right in front of your very nose, if you only care to look.
But, ah, I have gotten us well off topic, have I not? You came to see my work, yes? Or was it merely the pleasure of my company that brought you here today?
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[ His eyes draw over her again. Why hide it? She can surely know of his intention now. She always seems to know everything. ]
That I can.
It was both that brought me to you.
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I... see... [Her cheeks are almost always ruddy, but... is that a blush?]
Then here, let me show you.
[She was making jewelry today, a finely-wrought, bejeweled golden piece that wraps around the neck like a serpent, the design thoroughly unique.]
What do you think?
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To say he's amazed is putting it mildly. The work on this piece! Truly it's something to be envied! ]
Some of the best metal work I've seen.
[ He tilts it various ways to see the detailing. Close, far, light this way and that. His mind was already working to think of how he might replicate it ].
Pure gold?
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As pure as will keep its shape.
I will most likely have it sold. I made it for no one in particular. But, I would be pleased to show you how it looks when worn.
[She pulls her braids aside, exposing her neck.]
Care to do the honors?
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[ It is another sincere compliment spoken without thought. After all, his eyes are still examining the piece in question. To see such a work of beauty sold... Well, one did have to eat.
He gladly accepts the honor and places it gingerly around her neck, as if she were made of spun glass. His hands rest on her shoulders to get a good look at her at eye level. ]
Quite a beauty.
[ He is not looking at the necklace. ]
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Ah, my dear Gimli... It seems you have chosen me. Before anything happens, I would ask that you do something for me.
I have lived a very long life, my dearest dwarrow, and seen countless sorrows and countless joys along the way. I ask that you take time to think about the direction you see this path taking. And then, be truly honest with yourself through the wisdom you have gained if the likely reality will go the same way. Only if you genuinely believe it shall will I allow you to take such a journey. I would wish only joys in your life through me, never regrets.
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Gimli takes a steadying breath and brings one hand up to her face, thumb running along her ruddy and dirty cheek, and offers a much more sobering smile. ]
Our kind may enjoy peace, aye, but we will not be accepted. Those that matter, however, will.
[ His dearest friends and with luck some dearest relatives. Those may. Those were all that truly mattered. Those under his lordship would not desert such mines over who he may be with. Not with the precious metals to be had. ]
The real question is whether or not you wish to be with someone who has not but a century left. And whether you will have happiness with all that in mind.
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Gimli, from the moment that wretched Oath first was spoken, I have learned to accept that my time with those I loved would end eventually. It is bittersweet, yes, but my joy is in keeping their memories bright in the world. To remind people of how they once shone. I would do so for you, one of the finest and bravest to come from the line of Durin.
I would offer to you all the wealths I possess, in wisdom and skill. I... am uncertain whether I could bear any further fruits, since I do not know if the dwarrow and Eldar are close enough in make to permit such things.
Are you certain of your choice?
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HEADCANONS EVERYWHERE
The best kind, tho.
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