Title: "Coming of Age"

Series: Finding A New Life

Spoilers: None, as yet. This does borrow characters from The Hobbit movies, but there are no spoilers herein.

Feedback: Keeps me writing!

Disclaimer: If I owned any of Tolkien's work, would I really write fanfiction? However, Linilya, her history and such are mine.

Author's note: This story follows "A History To Tell" in the Finding A New Life series. I'm working my way up to the point in time where "Finding Love" happens and may continue beyond that if inspiration allows.

Conceptual Note: According to my beta-reader from earlier installments, there is some question regarding whether Elves celebrate their the date of their birth or of their conception. Since I can't find anything definitive, and "anniversary of conception" seems a rather long term for a casual discussion, I have left this as originally written. I have since been reading that Elves carry for approximately a year anyway, so it hardly matters. Though they may call it something else, "birthday" will have to serve. You get the idea, right?

Chapter 1: Surprise

Legolas was rather proud of himself. The next day was Linilya's birthday, and all of the plans for her celebration were complete. It had taken a lot of work, but this would be the largest celebration Mirkwood had seen in centuries.

For a normal coming of age celebration, this much planning was not usually necessary. For one thing, an upcoming 100th birthday was usually known to all well ahead of time. Legolas had needed to spread word around that he wished to have such a celebration for Linilya, because though she had never had one she was well past the age for it. But nearly everyone had understood his meaning and agreed that it would be a nice surprise for her and a way to make her feel welcome among her own people.

Everything would be set up in the clearing he had told her about, the one where many a celebration had been held in the past. Legolas, himself, would keep her occupied in the morning while everything was prepared. And he would see to it that she was appropriately dressed before he took her to the celebration; no need to embarrass the poor child by letting her dress inappropriately for an event she did not know was in her honor.

Mid-morning the next day, Linilya was awakened by a quick knock on the door of her small suite of rooms. She hurriedly slipped on a dressing gown and ran to answer the door. She need not have hurried, though, because sitting outside the door was a tray with a sumptuous-looking breakfast, a single golden rose, and a note. Taking the tray inside and closing the door, Linilya couldn't help but smile.

The note resting beside the flower was brief, but pleasant. It wished her a happy birthday, bade her enjoy her breakfast, and said that Legolas should be appearing to spend the day with her. It was signed by one of her acquaintances, also living in the palace. An Elvish lady, one of the ones who had been introduced to her in an effort to help her feel comfortable and help her integrate into society.

As instructed, Linilya sat down to enjoy her meal. She ate slowly, enjoying the sweet pastry and other lavish foodstuffs. One thing that she had learned in the past year: the Elves had quite a way with food. Everything they made, from the richest meal to travel-rations, tasted wonderful. When she had finished, she sat back and closed her eyes. She tried to envision her day and decided that she must stop in at some point to thank Lorosil for the breakfast.

With that decided, and realizing that Legolas would likely be along in a short time, Linilya got to her feet and went to her wardrobe to find clothes for the day. She studied the garments hanging within and chose a soft green tunic with a pale gold sash and loose, flowing sleeves and a matching pair of leggings. It was light and comfortable, but warm enough for the cool temperatures of early spring. The clothing had all been made for her not long after being accepted by the council of Elders. Legolas had asked some of the Elves who made clothing for the royal family to spend some time making her "proper clothing," as opposed to the more human garments she had been wearing at the time. She had to admit that the Elvish styles suited her more than any of the dresses she had ever owned, even those she had made herself. The colors and materials seemed to be made for her pale hair and paler complexion, which they actually had. They were colors often preferred by the fairer among the Elves, of which she was one.

Fully dressed, she sat at her vanity and began to brush and braid her hair. Her preferred style was to wear her long hair loose, with a pair of braids on either side to keep the silky strands out of her eyes. A small butterfly clasp held the braids at the back of her head, forming something of a crown. It was simple, kept her appearance neat, and others seemed to like it. So she continued to keep it that way.

She heard a knocking on her door for the second time that morning while her fingers were twining her hair into the third braid. Rather than get up, she simply called, "Come in!" and was not at all surprised when Legolas came to the door of her bedroom.

"Good morning, tithen min," he said with a smile.

"Good morning, Legolas. It certainly seems to be a lovely day. How shall we spend it?" This being her first birthday spent with her own people, Linilya had no idea what they did on such days.

"How would you spend it if it were any other day?" he asked, an indulging smile appearing on his lips.

"I would likely spend most of the day out in the forest, enjoying the peace and the surroundings. Though I think I would stay out late today, to watch the sun set and the moon rise." Springtime sunsets always seemed to Linilya to be the most beautiful. And even after 700 years, she never got tired of watching the sky paint itself in beautiful colors because no two were ever quite the same.

"Then we shall certainly spend time out in the forest today. But if you would not object, I should like to have dinner tonight with you. It would mean we should choose more formal attire, however; you know enough of life here to know that. But if that does not daunt you..."

With a light laugh at his droll tone and amused expression, Linilya nodded her acceptance. "We can return this afternoon to change clothes, perhaps? I shall not mind at all; I would be most honored to share a meal with you."

"Wonderful. I am most happy to hear it. Until then, shall we perhaps take a walk and look for some of your scout-friends?" Legolas knew there were several who would be on assignment during the celebration; they had asked him if he could bring her to them during the day so they could wish her well.

"That sounds wonderful," she agreed. With a final twist of her hands she fastened off the fourth and final braid. It only took a moment to find a clasp to hold the braids behind her head before she turned away from her vanity and got to her feet. "Shall we go, then?"

"Indeed we shall." With a smile and a hand held out for her to take, he led the way across the room and to her door.

"The forest is lovely today, is it not?" Legolas asked when they were a few minutes down the trail to the way-station that marked the place where all patrols began.

"Spring is always a lovely time of year," Linilya spoke with a gentle smile. "Everything growing anew, life beginning to return to the ground and the trees. Even the animals are more alert and active. It's wonderful." They lapsed into silence as they walked, each absorbing the feeling of renewal that lit the air of the wood. Yet the silence was comfortable for both; the kind of silence that grows when two friends have learned to enjoy each other's company without the need to fill the spaces that occur.

"Happy birthday, my lady," came a voice from the trees above as they walked past. A graceful figure dropped to the ground beside them and Linilya smiled and nodded her acceptance of the greeting. "I had hoped you would pass by today so I could give you this." So saying, he handed her a package wrapped in soft beige cloth.

Opening the package revealed a delicate silver clasp for her hair. Tiny crystals dangled in strings from the elaborate traceries, and even on the cloth they sparkled in the light of day. "Oh, Meryth, how beautiful! Thank you so much." With another smile, she embraced her friend in thanks.

"A beautiful lady needs not these things to shine; but ever do they seem appreciated. I am glad you like it," Meryth replied as he returned her embrace.

"Oh, indeed, I will be the envy of all the court for a time." A touch of laughter lit her eyes and her voice at her response, and both Meryth and Legolas smiled in response.

"I look forward to hearing what the other ladies have to say, then. For now I must return to my patrol but I will see you again soon." Meryth placed a gentle kiss on her wrist in parting, then returned to the path in the trees that he followed in his turn.

"Fare well, Meryth," Legolas called with a wave for their departing friend.

And so the morning continued. Legolas casually guided Linilya along the route he had carefully traced, which would take them near the locations of all her friends who patrolled that day. Greetings were exchanged, gifts given and received, and a general air of merriment lit the usually dark forest.

As noontime approached, Legolas noted a glow in his companion as well as in their surroundings. Perhaps, he mused, she was finally realizing just how many friends she had made in the three quarters of a year she had lived in the Woodland Realm. Despite the usual reservation of his kin and kind, she had drawn people to her and made many friends quickly. Perhaps it was her early years spent with the humans that made her such a bright, open, giving soul. Perhaps it was that she had lost so much, so now she sought to build herself a place in the society she had returned to.

Regardless of the reason, Legolas was glad to see her so obviously enjoying her special day. He hoped she would continue to do so.

Their next stop was at another way-station; this one much closer to the verge of the forest. Such places always kept a store of supplies for hungry scouts and the two availed themselves of what was available as a mid-day meal. While they ate, another pair of scouts came in to find their own repast.

"Good day to you Tainar, Sherith," Linilya greeted with a smile.

"Good day, and happy birthday, Softfoot," Sherith returned when she paused for a gentle embrace. Linilya smiled and shook her head at the nickname; a handful of the scouts had taken to calling her that after she startled two who were unaware of her approach. Living all those centuries with the Ents and wild creatures of Fangorn Forest had taught her to be one with the wood at times and that skill served her well here too. If at some time she were needed to take a place among the scouts, she would be well capable.

"How has patrol gone?" Legolas inquired as Sherith settled herself at the table with them. He turned his attention to the scout, hoping to draw Linilya's attention away from their fourth companion. Sherith saw this and her eyes twinkled in response.

"Oh, well enough. We found an owl with an injured wing a little ways back, but were able to help him," Sherith began, spinning her tale. "The poor creature seems to have had a bit of trouble with his hunting. He's a yearling, by the size of him, and probably worn out from the long winter. But he'll be well enough in a little time. We'll be keeping him fed until the wing heals."

Tainar, meanwhile, had assembled a meal for himself and his partner while news was exchanged. When he returned to the table he set a portion of food in front of Sherith and an oddly-shaped, wrapped package in front of Linilya. The pair couldn't help a smile when crystal-blue eyes widened in surprise. Her innocence of their ways was endearing to many, and at times helped them to recall so long ago when such things had been new to them as well. There were few enough young elves in these times to remind them of the joys to be found in small things.

With fingers that shook ever so slightly, Linilya picked up this new package. She scolded herself for displaying her surprise while at the same time wondering why so many had apparently chosen to make much of this year's anniversary of her life. It was not an even century for her, and such times were the only real celebrations held by most Elves. Turning 723 truly wasn't an event of importance. Perhaps because it was her first among her own people?

Her hands went about unwrapping her gift even as her thoughts spun about in her mind. When the laces were undone and the cloth unfolded, nestled in the folds was a delicate creation of wood and crystal. A large piece of quartz had been carved into an opening sized for a single slim candle. The outer surface of the stone bore a field of stars etched finely in a constellation pattern that heralded the dawn. The crystal itself was encircled by the form of a cat, carved from a gnarled piece of wood. It was creatively done, using the grain of the wood to form the lie of the pelt and subtle shading to give the form depth and life. Linilya had never before seen such work and could only stare in awe for a few moments.

"Well, Softfoot, what do you think?" Sherith finally inquired when the silence spun out for what seemed to her more than long enough. As if her voice had broken into a trance, Linilya looked up at her friend and gave a bright smile.

"Lovely. I've never seen such craftsmanship before. It's almost too beautiful to touch," she finished in a much softer voice. But despite her description, she passed the candle holder over to Legolas to study for a few moments.

"I recognize your carving skills, Sherith," Legolas noted as he handed Linilya back her gift. "I've seen you use grain in that way before, though not quite like that."

"We worked on it together, Tainar and I," Sherith explained. "He has a finer eye than I, from working with gems as he does. That piece has a bit of us both in it."

"I cannot imagine anything more appropriate," Linilya commented softly. "Thank you both so very much. The words hardly seem to convey enough, but 'tis the best I can do."

"The words are enough, mellon nin," Tainar answered gently, patting her hand across the table. "May its use bring you as much joy as the creation brought us. And happy birthday."

"Happy birthday," Sherith repeated. "And with that done, we'd best get back out there." The scouts cleaned up the remnants of their meal quickly and with a smile and wave they left the way-station.

After regarding her gift a few moments longer, Linilya wrapped the precious creation back into its cloth and tied the laces carefully. Legolas walked over to a niche in the far wall and removed a small bag. He handed it to her with a smile and, when she stared at it blankly for a moment, helped her to place her various gifts within it.

"You planned this out quite carefully, I see," she said after a moment of quiet. Legolas' eyes widened slightly when she caught on, but simply smiled in response. "How many more little surprises are being planned for me today?" she asked lightly.

"If I answered that, where would the surprise be?" Legolas answered. "The trip out to see the scouts today was planned, but I did not have names or a number of those who wished to see you. I was asked to bring you out this way; once the scouts knew it would happen, I expect many made their own plans."

No matter how many times she asked or ways she phrased her questions that was all the answer he would give her. After a short time she determined that she would not learn more from him and the pair fell into a comfortable silence; his watchful, hers thoughtful, but still a comfortable silence.

TBC...

Elvish translations:

'tithen min' = little one

'mellon nin' = my friend