Legolas and Gimli in Lothlórien
A final fragment of the LOTR audition script
…
The Fellowship of the Ring prepare to meet the Lord and Lady of
Lothlorien.
But first, their escort, Haldir, has an insulting demand to
make of the Dwarf, Gimli.
The old feud between Dwarves and Elves rears its head.
GIMLI eyes the strip of cloth in HALDIR'S hand.
GIMLI
And what d'you think you'll be doing with that, laddie?
HALDIR
No Dwarf has ever beheld the secrets of Lorien. I must blindfold you
before we go further,
it was agreed.
GIMLI's hand moves to his side where his mighty axe hangs.
GIMLI
Not by me, it wasn't.
The other Elves in Haldir's company swiftly train their bows on GIMLI.
A standoff.
HALDIR
Don't be foolish. I see one Dwarf and many Elves.
GIMLI
Aye—well, there'll be one less Elf if you're thinking of coming
any closer.
ARAGORN steps between them.
ARAGORN
We have no time for arguing.
GIMLI
Who's arguing? I go forward free, or I go back and seek my own land,
where they trust a fellow's word until given reason to doubt it.
HALDIR
You cannot go back. Our sentinels would not let you pass.
GIMLI draws out his axe.
GIMLI
Would they not, indeed?
ARAGORN
Enough! Gimli has served this Company faithfully. We will all go blindfolded.
GIMLI
A merry troop of fools we'll look led on a string, like so many beggars.
LEGOLAS
(exasperated)
A plague on Dwarves and their stiff necks.
GIMLI rounds on LEGOLAS, a gleam in his eye.
GIMLI
Perhaps you'd like to share my blindness.
LEGOLAS
(outraged)
I am an Elf and kinsman here!
GIMLI
So, now, let us cry a plague on the stiff necks of Elves!
I will be content if only Legolas joins me.
LEGOLAS
This is folly!
LEGOLAS stares at him a moment.
LEGOLAS
(irritated)
I will agree—but only because I know you'll stand there like a lump
of stone til doomsday.
GIMLI laughs, unrepentant.
GIMLI
You have that right. Come on then—bind up our eyes.
Just as HALDIR steps forward with the cloth GIMLI grabs his hand.
GIMLI
(smoothly)
I'll claim full amends for every fall and stubbed toe. Make sure you
lead us well.
