Legolas found his way to Elrond's private chambers early the next day.
Knocking on the heavy wooden door, he heard Elrond's voice as he said,
"Enter."
Seeing Legolas walk through the door, Elrond hid a small smile. He had been expecting this visit for a few days now. Legolas walked to stand in front of Elrond's desk.
"Lord Elrond," Legolas started, "I have an important matter I wish to discuss with you."
"May I hazard a guess as to what this matter is?" Elrond asked a confused Legolas. "It would seem that you find yourself quite taken with a maiden who is as a daughter to me, though not by birth."
Legolas stood amazed. "How did you know?" he asked quietly.
"I have only to look at the two of you. It is evident in the way you glance at her, constantly seeking her out in a room full of beautiful elf maidens. It is apparent in the way that her eyes never leave you as you walk the grounds of Rivendell."
"Lord Elrond," Legolas began, "I know that you are as a father to Jindaia. I would ask you for her hand in marriage."
"Her hand I freely give to you as much as I am able, as it is her decision who she will bind herself to for eternity."
Legolas, happy with Elrond's answer, embraced the older elf. Excitedly he said, "I must return to Mirkwood in two days to ask for my father's blessing in this union. I shall return as soon as I have an answer."
Elrond, happy to see Legolas so entranced, offered, "I will write your father explaining the situation with Jindaia. You may deliver the letter as you return to Mirkwood."
"Thank you, Lord Elrond!" Legolas called as he walked out of Elrond's chambers and into the hallway in search of Jindaia.
His first impulse was to find her immediately, but he soon realized that he should speak to his father before sharing the news with his beloved.
*-*-*
Jindaia was sitting by her secret pool when Legolas found her.
She had been there since having her bath earlier. She lounged on a broad, flat boulder as she worked her hair into a braid. She was gazing into the blue waters of the pool and thinking about him when she felt eyes on her. She glanced over her shoulder to the entrance of the clearing to find Legolas leaning against a large tree watching her braid her hair. She smiled at him as he pushed off of the tree and approached her.
He sat down on the boulder behind her and took her hair from her hands. They were silent as he finished braiding her hair, binding it with a ribbon that lay beside her on the rock. He lifted the braid and placed a soft kiss at the nape of her neck before smoothing the braid down the center of her back.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back to rest against him as they sat there contentedly together, watching the water as it fell over the rock ledge into the pool.
"I will miss this place when I depart," Legolas said against her hair.
Trying to lighten the mood, Jindaia joked, "It is a relief to know that there is something that will draw you back to our fair kingdom."
Smiling, Legolas moved to whisper in her ear, "There are many things in Rivendell that hold my heart."
Turning so that she sat with her side against his chest, she looked him in the eye as she asked, "Oh really. And what might they be?"
"Well, there is Lord Elrond, an elf that I greatly respect and honor. There are Elledan and Elrohir, who are like brothers to me. My friend Aragorn and his new bride Arwen will remain here for a month more. I have many reasons to return, including this gorgeous clearing in your woods."
"Is that all?" she pretended to pout.
He raised his hand to fan gently across her neck as he tilted her head toward his. "No, I hold the most dear reason for my return in my arms, as well as in my heart," he whispered as he touched his lips to hers.
His kiss was a feather on her lips, so light and soft that she might have imagined it. She closed her eyes and leaned against him. Letting his strength support them both, Legolas leisurely kissed Jindaia.
After enjoying an hour in the sun, they left the secluded glade and headed back to the main grounds of Rivendell hand in hand.
*-*-*
The next two days passed quickly and all too soon Jindaia found herself, along with Aragorn, Arwen and Gimli saying goodbye to Legolas.
Seeing the fear and worry on her face, Legolas whispered into Jindaia's ear as he embraced her, "I shall return within two weeks. Keep close watch on Gimli. Know that I love you and will return as soon as I can."
With that, he mounted his horse and with one last wave, left Rivendell.
- - -
Time creeped by for Jindaia. With Gimli, Elledan and Elrohir out on daily hunting trips she had nothing to do but sit around in the gardens and pine for Legolas. Aragorn and Arwen spent most days locked away in their chambers, and when they did come out, it was to spend time plotting an event with Lord Elrond. There was definitely something secretive afoot in Rivendell.
- - -
Legolas rode Arod hard until he reached the borders of Mirkwood. He marched into Thranduil's hall to be met by the king himself. Bowing slightly, Legolas raised and embraced his father.
"Legolas! I received word of your coming yesterday. I have missed you greatly over the past months. Word has reached my ears of the victory of Gondor and of the joining of Arwen and Aragorn. Come, you must eat with me and tell me of your travels."
Legolas followed his father into the dining hall and sat with him at the table. As they ate, he told King Thranduil of all his adventures since leaving on the quest of the one ring.
"I am well pleased with you, my son. You have made me proud." Thranduil beamed as he gazed at his son. "But, I know you better than you think. I can tell that something still burdens your mind. Tell me child, what worries you."
"Father, I have met a maiden while I spent time at Rivendell. I have come to ask your blessing for our marriage." Legolas said nervously, handing Thranduil the letter from Lord Elrond.
Thranduil looked deeply into his youngest son's eyes as he reached for the paper Legolas handed him. He leaned back slightly in his chair as he read the missive.
After what seemed like hours to Legolas, Thranduil motioned for the page that stood just outside the door of the hall. "Pack for travel Nuniel. We shall travel to Rivendell for the marriage of my youngest son Legolas."
Legolas sat staring at his father, barely believing his words until Thranduil turned his eyes back to Legolas and smiled at him. "Be happy in your life Legolas."
Legolas embraced his father once again before leaving to pack for the journey back to Rivendell.
*-*-*
Legolas and Thranduil's party moved fast across the distance between Mirkwood and Rivendell and they found themselves on the outer borders of Rivendell just eight days after Legolas had left it previously. They made their way into the kingdom and were welcomed by Aragorn, Arwen and Lord Elrond.
"Where is Jindaia?" Legolas asked impatiently as he jumped off his horse in front of Aragorn.
Arwen answered, "I imagine she's at that secret pool of hers. She's spent every spare moment there since you left. What news, Legolas?" she asked.
"My father has given his blessing and plans will proceed quickly." Legolas smiled.
Turning to Elrond and Thranduil, Legolas said, "Forgive me for my manners, but I must find my future bride." And with those words, he took off through the gardens of Rivendell.
Elrond and Thranduil merely smiled at the disappearing Legolas before turning toward Elrond's chambers to finalize plans. Elrond could be heard as he walked off, "Two weddings in less than a month. It's enough to drive any elf crazy." Thranduil laughed at his old friend as they retreated.
- - -
Legolas walked softly to the entrance of the clearing when he heard a light humming noise. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the sound before realizing it was Jindaia. She was humming an ancient sindarin song. The song was a song that elven maidens sang to entice elves to them. Legolas found himself being drawn toward her as she finished the tune. Legolas cleared his throat and applauded lightly.
Jindaia jumped and turned, surprised that anyone had found her secret spot. Her breath left her as she saw who it was that had invaded her privacy. "Legolas! I did not expect you for at least another week." She said as she stood and ran to him.
He caught her in his arms and embraced her. "I hurried as fast as I could to return to you."
He pulled her to him and kissed her passionately. She returned his kiss with every fiber of her being.
He led her over to the boulder near the pool. As he lowered her to a sitting position, he kneeled on the ground in front of her. He took both of her hands in his left hand and raised his right hand to cradle her face. "Jindaia, I must speak with you about an important matter," he started, looking into her eyes.
Jindaia relived the last time he spoke to her so seriously. It was when he told her of his impending departure to Mirkwood. Sadly she looked at him and said, "Yes, Legolas?"
Nervously, Legolas ran his fingers along her jawline. "I have pledged my love to you already. You are more important to me than the air that I breathe. Would you bind yourself to me and be my wife?"
Jindaia was shocked by the words from Legolas' mouth. She stared at him as she tried to comprehend what he had just said.
Legolas watched the emotions flit across her face. When she failed to answer, his face dropped. "It is too soon. I should have known."
His words were stopped by her mouth as she pressed herself against him and kissed him. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Legolas, I would bind myself to you tomorrow if that is what you wish. I love you too and I want nothing more than to be your wife."
"Thank Elbereth. That is where I have been for the last few days. I traveled to Mirkwood to receive my father's blessing on our union. Elrond has also given his blessing to this joining. Plans have been made to bind us in three days."
Jindaia looked happily into his eyes before grabbing his hand and pulling him to stand. "Let us go and tell everyone our news. I also wish to meet your father."
Seeing Legolas walk through the door, Elrond hid a small smile. He had been expecting this visit for a few days now. Legolas walked to stand in front of Elrond's desk.
"Lord Elrond," Legolas started, "I have an important matter I wish to discuss with you."
"May I hazard a guess as to what this matter is?" Elrond asked a confused Legolas. "It would seem that you find yourself quite taken with a maiden who is as a daughter to me, though not by birth."
Legolas stood amazed. "How did you know?" he asked quietly.
"I have only to look at the two of you. It is evident in the way you glance at her, constantly seeking her out in a room full of beautiful elf maidens. It is apparent in the way that her eyes never leave you as you walk the grounds of Rivendell."
"Lord Elrond," Legolas began, "I know that you are as a father to Jindaia. I would ask you for her hand in marriage."
"Her hand I freely give to you as much as I am able, as it is her decision who she will bind herself to for eternity."
Legolas, happy with Elrond's answer, embraced the older elf. Excitedly he said, "I must return to Mirkwood in two days to ask for my father's blessing in this union. I shall return as soon as I have an answer."
Elrond, happy to see Legolas so entranced, offered, "I will write your father explaining the situation with Jindaia. You may deliver the letter as you return to Mirkwood."
"Thank you, Lord Elrond!" Legolas called as he walked out of Elrond's chambers and into the hallway in search of Jindaia.
His first impulse was to find her immediately, but he soon realized that he should speak to his father before sharing the news with his beloved.
*-*-*
Jindaia was sitting by her secret pool when Legolas found her.
She had been there since having her bath earlier. She lounged on a broad, flat boulder as she worked her hair into a braid. She was gazing into the blue waters of the pool and thinking about him when she felt eyes on her. She glanced over her shoulder to the entrance of the clearing to find Legolas leaning against a large tree watching her braid her hair. She smiled at him as he pushed off of the tree and approached her.
He sat down on the boulder behind her and took her hair from her hands. They were silent as he finished braiding her hair, binding it with a ribbon that lay beside her on the rock. He lifted the braid and placed a soft kiss at the nape of her neck before smoothing the braid down the center of her back.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back to rest against him as they sat there contentedly together, watching the water as it fell over the rock ledge into the pool.
"I will miss this place when I depart," Legolas said against her hair.
Trying to lighten the mood, Jindaia joked, "It is a relief to know that there is something that will draw you back to our fair kingdom."
Smiling, Legolas moved to whisper in her ear, "There are many things in Rivendell that hold my heart."
Turning so that she sat with her side against his chest, she looked him in the eye as she asked, "Oh really. And what might they be?"
"Well, there is Lord Elrond, an elf that I greatly respect and honor. There are Elledan and Elrohir, who are like brothers to me. My friend Aragorn and his new bride Arwen will remain here for a month more. I have many reasons to return, including this gorgeous clearing in your woods."
"Is that all?" she pretended to pout.
He raised his hand to fan gently across her neck as he tilted her head toward his. "No, I hold the most dear reason for my return in my arms, as well as in my heart," he whispered as he touched his lips to hers.
His kiss was a feather on her lips, so light and soft that she might have imagined it. She closed her eyes and leaned against him. Letting his strength support them both, Legolas leisurely kissed Jindaia.
After enjoying an hour in the sun, they left the secluded glade and headed back to the main grounds of Rivendell hand in hand.
*-*-*
The next two days passed quickly and all too soon Jindaia found herself, along with Aragorn, Arwen and Gimli saying goodbye to Legolas.
Seeing the fear and worry on her face, Legolas whispered into Jindaia's ear as he embraced her, "I shall return within two weeks. Keep close watch on Gimli. Know that I love you and will return as soon as I can."
With that, he mounted his horse and with one last wave, left Rivendell.
- - -
Time creeped by for Jindaia. With Gimli, Elledan and Elrohir out on daily hunting trips she had nothing to do but sit around in the gardens and pine for Legolas. Aragorn and Arwen spent most days locked away in their chambers, and when they did come out, it was to spend time plotting an event with Lord Elrond. There was definitely something secretive afoot in Rivendell.
- - -
Legolas rode Arod hard until he reached the borders of Mirkwood. He marched into Thranduil's hall to be met by the king himself. Bowing slightly, Legolas raised and embraced his father.
"Legolas! I received word of your coming yesterday. I have missed you greatly over the past months. Word has reached my ears of the victory of Gondor and of the joining of Arwen and Aragorn. Come, you must eat with me and tell me of your travels."
Legolas followed his father into the dining hall and sat with him at the table. As they ate, he told King Thranduil of all his adventures since leaving on the quest of the one ring.
"I am well pleased with you, my son. You have made me proud." Thranduil beamed as he gazed at his son. "But, I know you better than you think. I can tell that something still burdens your mind. Tell me child, what worries you."
"Father, I have met a maiden while I spent time at Rivendell. I have come to ask your blessing for our marriage." Legolas said nervously, handing Thranduil the letter from Lord Elrond.
Thranduil looked deeply into his youngest son's eyes as he reached for the paper Legolas handed him. He leaned back slightly in his chair as he read the missive.
After what seemed like hours to Legolas, Thranduil motioned for the page that stood just outside the door of the hall. "Pack for travel Nuniel. We shall travel to Rivendell for the marriage of my youngest son Legolas."
Legolas sat staring at his father, barely believing his words until Thranduil turned his eyes back to Legolas and smiled at him. "Be happy in your life Legolas."
Legolas embraced his father once again before leaving to pack for the journey back to Rivendell.
*-*-*
Legolas and Thranduil's party moved fast across the distance between Mirkwood and Rivendell and they found themselves on the outer borders of Rivendell just eight days after Legolas had left it previously. They made their way into the kingdom and were welcomed by Aragorn, Arwen and Lord Elrond.
"Where is Jindaia?" Legolas asked impatiently as he jumped off his horse in front of Aragorn.
Arwen answered, "I imagine she's at that secret pool of hers. She's spent every spare moment there since you left. What news, Legolas?" she asked.
"My father has given his blessing and plans will proceed quickly." Legolas smiled.
Turning to Elrond and Thranduil, Legolas said, "Forgive me for my manners, but I must find my future bride." And with those words, he took off through the gardens of Rivendell.
Elrond and Thranduil merely smiled at the disappearing Legolas before turning toward Elrond's chambers to finalize plans. Elrond could be heard as he walked off, "Two weddings in less than a month. It's enough to drive any elf crazy." Thranduil laughed at his old friend as they retreated.
- - -
Legolas walked softly to the entrance of the clearing when he heard a light humming noise. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the sound before realizing it was Jindaia. She was humming an ancient sindarin song. The song was a song that elven maidens sang to entice elves to them. Legolas found himself being drawn toward her as she finished the tune. Legolas cleared his throat and applauded lightly.
Jindaia jumped and turned, surprised that anyone had found her secret spot. Her breath left her as she saw who it was that had invaded her privacy. "Legolas! I did not expect you for at least another week." She said as she stood and ran to him.
He caught her in his arms and embraced her. "I hurried as fast as I could to return to you."
He pulled her to him and kissed her passionately. She returned his kiss with every fiber of her being.
He led her over to the boulder near the pool. As he lowered her to a sitting position, he kneeled on the ground in front of her. He took both of her hands in his left hand and raised his right hand to cradle her face. "Jindaia, I must speak with you about an important matter," he started, looking into her eyes.
Jindaia relived the last time he spoke to her so seriously. It was when he told her of his impending departure to Mirkwood. Sadly she looked at him and said, "Yes, Legolas?"
Nervously, Legolas ran his fingers along her jawline. "I have pledged my love to you already. You are more important to me than the air that I breathe. Would you bind yourself to me and be my wife?"
Jindaia was shocked by the words from Legolas' mouth. She stared at him as she tried to comprehend what he had just said.
Legolas watched the emotions flit across her face. When she failed to answer, his face dropped. "It is too soon. I should have known."
His words were stopped by her mouth as she pressed herself against him and kissed him. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Legolas, I would bind myself to you tomorrow if that is what you wish. I love you too and I want nothing more than to be your wife."
"Thank Elbereth. That is where I have been for the last few days. I traveled to Mirkwood to receive my father's blessing on our union. Elrond has also given his blessing to this joining. Plans have been made to bind us in three days."
Jindaia looked happily into his eyes before grabbing his hand and pulling him to stand. "Let us go and tell everyone our news. I also wish to meet your father."