DISCLAIMER: Professor Tolkien’s wonderful characters don’t belong to me, I just get to think about them day and night.
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Part 1:  The Secret of Khazad-Dûm

“That’s an eye-opener, and no mistake,” breathed Sam, awestruck.

“Indeed,” agreed Legolas. “The height of these columns rivals those of any structures created by Men or Elves.” He eyed Gimli curiously. “How did your people manage it? The scaffolding for each column alone must have meant a long and perilous climb.”

Gimli had just grunted, and Gandalf had quickly changed the subject. Gimli had no intention of revealing the most closely guarded secret of his people to an Elf.

But young Peregrin… There had been that one night, on the long journey south, when Gimli had eased out of his concealing upper garments (for just a moment, mind you, and in a well-hidden place), and had looked up to see Pippin staring at him, eyes wide as saucers, before the young hobbit scuttled away with a startled squeak. Gimli had been even more careful after that, even after realizing that Peregrin had not told anyone what he had seen. How the talkative, irrepressible youngster was managing it, Gimli could not imagine, but the lad seemed to understand that he was guardian of a great secret.

The Dwarf knew that he owed the young hobbit a great debt; he only hoped that one day he would get a chance to repay him.

** TBC **

Part 2:  A Debt Repaid

Gimli fed Pippin more broth, almost giddy with relief. The young hobbit was stiff and sore, and still dizzy from the concussion, but he was at least able to eat something now without being sick.

“I don’t know how you did it, lad,” the Dwarf said softly. “If the Orcs had found out, or that villain Sauron read your thoughts…”

“I know,” Pippin nodded. “It’s been dreadfully hard not telling anyone.” He opened his mouth for another spoonful, like a baby bird, and Gimli chuckled.

“I suppose everyone knows, by now,” Pippin sighed.

“Just Aragorn, Legolas, and myself,” Gimli reassured him, putting down the mug and spoon. “And I wouldn’t put it past Gandalf to have known all along.”

“That’s all right,” Pippin said sleepily.

“You kept my secret,” Gimli said softly. He tucked Pippin back into bed, ensuring that the blankets concealed every feather on the bruised wings. “And we will keep yours.”

** END **