Gimli surveyed his new domain happily, eyeing the shining veins of mithril running through the rocky cave walls. A small stream flowed deeper within; its sounds echoing through the vast tunnels. Glistening dewdrops adorned the walls and ceiling like spangled jewels, shining when the orange light of Gimli's flickering torch fell on them. Gimli wondered if there were any real jewels hidden within the vast labyrinth.

"Do you like it?"

Legolas' voice interrupted his thoughts. Gimli turned quickly to see his elf-friend steps behind him.

"Yes, yes. I think it will be a successful colony," he replied, sounding satisfied.

Legolas smiled. "That's good to hear. Shall we step outside for a breath of fresh air?"

"Friend elf, are you telling me that you are still nervous of caves?" Gimli scoffed.

The elf sighed. "I admit I am not completely comfortable underground, but I am mainly wanting to get fresh air. I find the cave air quite stale and constricting."

This Gimli could not argue with, and although he grumbled under his breath, he followed Legolas out of the caves and onto the rocky slope of a mountain. The sun was just setting, and the landscape was bathed in a warm orange light. Legolas breathed deeply, happy to be free of the shadowy caves.

"I asked Elen to marry me," he said quickly, before he lost his nerve.

Gimli looked at him incredulously. "Really?"

"Yes," Legolas replied, grinning.

"And I assume she said yes?" Gimli asked teasingly.

"Yes," the elf repeated, his grin threatening to split his joyful face.

"Congratulations!" Gimli told him. "I am happy for you two." Then he got a mischievous look on his face. "Were you nervous?"

Legolas scowled. "Of course I was nervous!"

The two friends were silent for a while, watching the red sun disappear behind the horizon. Legolas looked thoughtful, and then blurted out, "Gimli, do you ever plan to marry?"

Shock registered on the dwarf's face. "Well, I..." he began. "Well, it's not something I've ever thought about, no."

"So that's a no."

Gimli nodded. "There are very few dwarf-women, you know," he explained. "Only about a third of the dwarven population."

"But there will be some dwarf-women coming to colonize the Glittering Caves, won't there?" Legolas pressed.

"Yes, you can't very well have a colony without them," Gimli said grudgingly. He didn't like where this conversation was going. "So?"

"So... maybe you'll find one you like," Legolas suggested. "Think about it... a pretty little dwarf-woman, with bulging muscles of course, and a fine, neatly-combed beard..."

"I am not looking for love!" Gimli snapped, then his eyes widened. He hadn't meant to snap!

"Neither was I," Legolas said softly. "But love might find you."