As Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli run through Rohan after the fleeing Orcs of Isengard, they have long hours to fill with conversation. Most never appeared in the Lord of the Rings…

Legolas: “Aragorn, you have the endurance of ten men!”

Aragorn: “The blood of heroes runs in my veins. Although I will always live in the shadow of their greatness, I strive to be worthy of my birthright.”

Legolas: “Your lineage is indeed impressive. Beren and Luthien, Thingol and Turgon, and Earendil the Mariner himself.”

Gimli: “And even so Lord Elrond will not let you wed the lady Arwen?”

Aragorn: “Not until I am king, dwarf-friend.”

Gimli: “He must think her more precious than mithril!”

Aragorn: “She is, Gimli. She is the Evenstar.”

Gimli: “Yes, indeed. Now if I have my story straight, you are also descended from Elros?”

Aragorn: “I am.”

Legolas: “He was the first king of Numenor.”

Gimli: “Right. And he was Elrond’s brother?”

Legolas: “Yes, and like Elrond he was half-elven. He chose a mortal life, however.”

Gimli: “I see. So…Aragorn is descended from Elros and Arwen is Elrond’s daughter.”

Aragorn: “Yes, yes, you have it right. Is there some point you are trying to make?”

Gimli: “Well, I’ve just been wondering, doesn’t that mean that you are Arwen are related?”

Aragorn: “Yes. What of it?”

Gimli: “Nothing, nothing.”

Legolas: “Come, Gimli, speak your mind. It is clear you have more to say.”

Gimli: “I just thought humans considered it bad form to marry in the family. Some say it was such inbreeding that created the hobbits.”

Aragorn: “At least we have women! Ever seen a dwarf woman, Legolas?”

Legolas: “I have not. Nor has any elf or man.”

Gimli: “We have women. Scores of ’em. Hundreds of ’em. We have so many women…”

Legolas: “So many women, what?”

Gimli: “Never mind, Aragorn’s right. There are no dwarf women. We are a brotherhood of men.”

Legolas: “I knew there was a reason I liked you!”

Aragorn: “Both of you shut up and keep running.”