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Chapter 9
THE LAST DEBATE
The morning came after the day of battle, and it was fair
with light clouds and the wind turning westward. Legolas
and Gimli were early abroad, and they begged leave to go up
into the City; for they were eager to see Merry and Pippin.
‘It is good to learn that they are still alive,’ said Gimli; ‘for
they cost us great pains in our march over Rohan, and I
would not have such pains all wasted.’
Together the Elf and the Dwarf entered Minas Tirith, and
folk that saw them pass marvelled to see such companions;
for Legolas was fair of face beyond the measure of Men, and
he sang an elven-song in a clear voice as he walked in the
morning; but Gimli stalked beside him, stroking his beard
and staring about him.
‘There is some good stone-work here,’ he said as he looked
at the walls; ‘but also some that is less good, and the streets
could be better contrived. When Aragorn comes into his own,
I shall offer him the service of stonewrights of the Mountain,
and we will make this a town to be proud of.’
‘They need more gardens,’ said Legolas. ‘The houses are
dead, and there is too little here that grows and is glad. If
Aragorn comes into his own, the people of the Wood shall
bring him birds that sing and trees that do not die.’
At length they came to the Prince Imrahil, and Legolas
looked at him and bowed low; for he saw that here indeed
was one who had elven-blood in his veins. ‘Hail, lord!’ he said.
‘It is long since the people of Nimrodel left the woodlands of
Lórien, and yet still one may see that not all sailed from
Amroth’s haven west over water.’
‘So it is said in the lore of my land,’ said the Prince; ‘yet