Drabble Series - To Make an Heirloom

[curiouswombat]

This is a short set of drabbles written over the past few weeks for tolkien_weekly.

They could be set in the future of the Retunverse - but they don't have to be. They are certainly set after Legolas and Gimli sailed West.

Author: Curiouswombat
Characters: Legolas
Rating: G
Source: LotR

Disclaimer: The characters in this story do not belong to me, but are being used for amusement only, and all rights remain with the estate of JRR Tolkien.



The Right Tool For The Job

Back in his father’s house there was a family one; but that was beyond reach, now, and so he must begin anew.

Carefully he chose well-seasoned wood, harvested from this plenteous newly settled forest.

Then, axe in hand, he paused. “The spirit of the smith is always remembered by the metal,” Gimli had told him.

Glancing at the cairn, that marked the only resting place of a dwarf in Valinor, Legolas murmured aloud, “therefore it is meet that I use your axe, old friend, so that your spirit joins me as I begin fashioning this cradle for my un-born son.”


To Shape the Future

Legolas spoke to the wood before he raised the axe and cut the length he needed; now he ran his hands along the chosen piece, stroked it gently as if it was a familiar pet, and continued to speak.

“I will shape you, hollow you out, carve you so that you are beautiful. You will be the cradle for our son; you will shelter him and sooth him so that he is rocked, here within our new forest, in a cradle carved from the forest itself. You will be a symbol of the bond forged here between Elves and trees.”


It Takes Two

Gimli had been very old, and no longer in good health, when he took Legolas into his ‘workshop for small craftings’ and presented him with a number of small leather bags. Now the betrothal ring (which linked father and friend; stone from one, set by the other) was in use, as were the mithril binding rings. One or two bags remained full, as yet.

But there had also been a full set of new woodworking tools to be used for the task now in hand, making every stroke of chisel, gouge, or blade the work of both dwarf and elf.


Father and Son**

Shaping the cradle for your firstborn was a private thing, almost a ritual. His people knew, of course, the task their Lord had undertaken; and rejoiced in this blessing with him. But they left him to work alone.

Not even his wife would interrupt him although he would tell her of his progress when he sat, at night, with his arms around her.

Legolas looked at the emerald on her finger, catching the starlight, yet thought he really understood, at last, what his father had meant by his true wealth being the trees, the people… and a most beloved son.


Job Done

The cradle was complete.

Legolas caressed the smooth wood with its traditional carvings of branches and leaves. He knew where to find the hidden butterflies, beetles and tiny mouse.

Then he ran his fingers over the other hidden symbols, remembering Gimli’s words.

“Our cradles are wrought from metal; our decorations different. But every one contains a blessing. Your children will be elves – no need to wish them health. They will be of a Royal house – no need to wish them wealth…”

Legolas traced the carved dwarven runes.

“But carve these in. For what greater blessing for your children than happiness?”

.......................

**That drabble also contains a shout out to Azalaisdep's Far Brighter Than Gems Without Measure.

Comments

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I was a bit worried that they might become a bit 'twee'...