I Will Be Here
by Rei hime

The sobbing was soft and subtle in the deep blackness of Moria, but Gimli could hear it. And he couldn't ignore it anymore.

"Legolas? Come, stop that."

The Elf turned a tear-streaked face to him, eyes wide and haunted. "It's heavy... "

"It's only darkness. It cannot harm you." A soft whimper was his only reply. He frowned thoughtfully then reached out, drawing Legolas to him.

"Gimli? What... ?"

"Sleep," Gimli instructed, guiding the Elf's head to his shoulder. "I'll be here."

"But--"

"I will be here, Legolas. Sleep."

The soft rhythm of the Elf's breath told him he had been obeyed.