Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Warnings: Again, mentions of child abuse. If you don't like don't read.

A/N: If there are any mistakes in this I'm sorry. I was in kind of a rush to get this out to make up for my long absence. Please read the notes at the bottom because I need your help in deciding which course of action to take now. Enjoy and don't forget to review!! Oh, also my elvish is just about as good as my Russian. In other words I don't know anything! I'm kind of guessing but it works for me and I hope it does for you too.

Chapter 7: Caras Galadhon

"We have a long way to go today. I am going to carry you for a while." Haldir kneeled down in front of Zinnia and she nodded walking to him. He stood taking her with him. She still held onto the flowers that Orophin had given her. Rúmil and Orophin walked behind their brother. Haldir shifted her so she was against his shoulder and she looked back and watched the brothers as they walked. Rúmil caught her eye and smiled slightly. Zinnia blushed and smiled back but quickly turned away. A few minutes later she looked back again. This time Rúmil stuck his tongue out at her and the girl giggled at him. Haldir turned to look at his brother who just gave him a confused look. Zinnia smiled at Rúmil when Haldir turned back around. Orophin watched and smiled too, then grinned mischievously.

He leaned over and snatched a flower like the girl had in her hand. He waited until she looked over at him and then held it up. She held hers up and he nodded smiling. Then he put it in his hair and pointed to Haldir. The child looked at him confused for a moment but then a bright smile broke out over her face and she nodded. She reached up and started putting the flowers in Haldir's hair. Orophin was laughing silently, when Rúmil saw the exchange he started laughing as well.

"What are you doing child?" asked Haldir feeling her putting something in his hair.

"Making your hair pretty." She said continuing to put the flowers in his braids. Haldir didn't know what to say to this. He momentarily felt outrage. He was the March Warden, not some maiden. He was a warrior, and warriors did not walk around with flowers in their hair. His anger vanished when he saw the smile on the child's face. She was happy so he would allow it.

"Thank you little one." He said and tightened his grip on her for a second in a spontaneous embrace. He turned around and looked at his brothers. Orophin quickly pulled a flower out of his hair and tried to look innocent. Though both were laughing. He glared at them. I will get you for that. They didn't stop laughing though. He continued walking and ignored them. It was a while later when the little girl sighed and started fidgeting.

"Is something wrong?"

"I have to go."

"Go where?"

"You know." She wiggled a little more. "Go." She emphasized the word and he suddenly understood.

"Ahh." He smiled at her. We are taking a rest. He informed his brothers before leading the girl into the forest. As she relieved her self he searched the surroundings smiling at the beauty of his forest. When he looked back the girl was gone. His heart felt like it momentarily stopped.

"Zinnia." There was no response and he looked around the clearing. He remembered how light her footsteps were for a human and cursed. "Zinnia we have to go back to the others." He let out the breath he was holding when he saw her head pop out from behind a tree a little further ahead of him. As he walked over to her he tried to calm down.

"Look I found a thing." She held up a small toad with a large smile on her face.

"It is a toad," said Haldir correcting her. "Zinnia, you have to make sure I know where you are at when you leave." She looked up at him confused. Then frowned.

"I'm sorry."

"There is nothing to be sorry for. Just, from now on you do not wonder alone." She nodded and then looked back down at the toad in her hands. Slowly she put the toad on the ground.

"Go home mister toad." She pushed his bottom until it jumped away. She clapped watching it go, a smile on her face. Haldir smiled and turned back towards his brothers. Zinnia grabbed his hand again and started walking.

Rúmil and Orophin had gotten out the water skins and the lembas, each eating a small piece. They smiled when the two returned. Orophin held out a small piece of lembas to Zinnia. Zinnia looked up at Haldir unsure. "You should eat." He said and let go of her hand. She took the food from Orophin carefully as if afraid something would happen. When nothing did she took a bite and smiled sat down as she chewed her food.

I must say that your hair looks stunning. Both Orophin and Rúmil started laughing. Haldir tensed and looked at his brothers angrily. Before he could say anything Zinnia spoke.

"What did he say?" Haldir looked at his brother and smiled widely.

"They were admiring the fine job you did with my hair. Though I think they feel left out. Perhaps you could decorate theirs as well." He smiled down at the girl.

"Yes!" she said happily and ran collecting some more flowers. Rúmil and Orophin stopped laughing watching the girl's excitement.

What did you say to her brother. Rúmil's tone was wary.

I simply told her that you were commenting on my hair. Zinnia ran over and grabbed Orophin's hand. She pulled it until he leaned down, he smiled at her not sure what was going on.

Yes child? His smile faltered when she put a flower in his hair. She laughed and then put another one in. Orophin could hear his brothers laughing. When the girl was done he stood. I do not see what you find so funny. He said raising his head highly.

Nothing at all brother. Said Rúmil laughing. He stopped when he felt a tug at his hand. He looked down at a smiling child with a handful of flowers. She held them up to him and he sighed. I guess there is no getting out of this. He said kneeling down to let the girl have better access to his hair. When she was done Haldir gave her some more water and then they started moving again. This time though Zinnia was holding on to both Rúmil and Orophin's hands as they walked. Every couple of steps Zinnia would lift her legs up and the two brothers would swing her forward causing her to giggle.

"Can I hear another song?" she asked looking up to Orophin. He smiled at her and waited for Haldir's translation.

She would like another song brother. Orophin's smile got wider.

Sure child. Again he mostly sang child's rhymes and songs. They walked like that for a while before Orophin once again fell silent.

A large yawn broke out over Zinnia's face after a few more hours of walking. Haldir didn't say anything as he leaned over and picked her up then continued walking. Zinnia rested her head on his shoulder and relaxed. Rúmil and Orophin smiled at the two. "How much longer before we get to your home?" she asked tiredly.

"Just a few more hours walk." He felt the girl nod.
"I'm tired."

"Then sleep child. I've got you." He placed his hand gently on her back.

"M'kay." She relaxed completely in his embrace. Haldir felt her breathing even out a few moments later. She was fast asleep. He pulled his cloak around her a little without breaking his stride.

They reached the city a few hours later. Zinnia was still fast asleep on Haldir when they entered the gates. The guards nodded to Haldir and his brothers though they looked at them with confusion and a few hidden grins. Haldir shifted his thoughts to the child as he wondered what would happen to her now. Whatever the decision regarding her he was not going to send her back to where she came from, she would not go back to that abuse. He walked up to one of the sentries before the home of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel.

"Please tell my Lord and Lady that I request and audience with them on a most urgent manor." Haldir bowed slightly as the guard looked at the child in his arms then nodded before disappearing. He took this time to wake the girl in his arms.

"Zinnia, we are at my city. You must wake up to present yourself to my Lord and Lady." She slowly opened her eyes and rubbed them. Then looked around in wonder.

"This place is beautiful." When she noticed the others looking at her and she tensed and grabbed harder on to Haldir.

"No one will hurt you here Zinnia. You are safe now." He put her down and kneeled to face her.

"Do you promise Haldir?"

"I promise Zinnia." She smiled and hugged him. He quickly returned it hearing the sentry return. He could feel Zinnia push into his leg and grab his hand as the sentry returned.

"They will see you." Haldir nodded and started up the steps. After only going up a few he lifted Zinnia and they continued on their way. His brothers were still following behind him. They entered the hall and he placed Zinnia down on the ground in front of him. She stood and looked up at him but wouldn't let go of his hand. The doors opened and the Lord and Lady entered the hall. The noise of the doors frightened her and she jumped back into Haldir. Before he could do anything she scrambled around behind him and clutched onto his leg pressing her face into him. She was hidden in his cloak. He could do nothing now and bowed to his Lord and Lady.

You have returned early from your watch Haldir. Galadriel smiled knowingly at him.

And it seems you have grown an extra pair of legs. Continued Celeborn looking down at Zinnia's feet.

My brothers and I found this child in the woods. She was well within our borders.

There was another with her. Haldir met Galadriel's gaze.

Yes, her brother. He is dead. Haldir looked down to Zinnia who had poked her head out from behind him and relented somewhat on her grip. Lady Galadriel looked down at Zinnia and smiled widely. Haldir felt her move even more behind him.

Where is the group that she traveled with?

There was no group my Lord. They were alone. Celeborn looked shocked at this. The boy was bleeding on the inside. Perhaps if we had gotten to him sooner we would have been of some help.

It was not your fault Haldir. Nor are this child's wounds, said Galadriel looking at Haldir. Haldir swallowed heavily and nodded. Galadriel looked at him a moment more then down at the child. She knelt down at Zinnia's eye level.

"Would I see the face of the one that has captured my March Warden's heart." She smiled slightly when Zinnia's face peaked out from around Haldir's leg. "I will not hurt you." Zinnia glanced to Celeborn then back to Galadriel. "He will not either child. You are safe as Haldir has said." Zinnia slowly came out from behind Haldir but kept a tight hold of his hand.

"You are very bright." Galadriel laughed lightly.

"I am known as the lady of light. I am Galadriel and this is my husband Celeborn." Celeborn nodded and smiled at the girl. She smiled hesitantly back but leaned further into Haldir. "What is your name child?" she asked encouragingly.

"Zinnia." She answered. "Arel would have liked you. You look like stars." She said gazing at Galadriel and Celeborn. Galadriel looked up to Haldir.

Her brother. Haldir answered the unspoken question.

"Thank you child." Zinnia blushed at Celeborn's comment but didn't move. "You must be very tired after your journey."

"Haldir let me sleep on him." Zinnia smiled up at Haldir, he smiled back down at her.

"Then would you like to join us for dinner?" asked Galadriel.

"I would not know how to serve." Celeborn frowned and looked at Haldir. He had a pained look across his face.

"You would be eating with us." Galadriel glanced at Haldir but gave no other reaction. The child still seemed confused and leaned back on Haldir. Zinnia squeezed his hand slightly. "Haldir and his brothers are also invited."

"We would be honored to accept your invitation." Haldir bowed slightly and Zinnia smiled nodding her head yes at Galadriel. Galadriel smiled and stood taking Celeborn's hand. As they entered the dinning hall Haldir could feel Zinnia tense more and more. He looked down at her and frowned. "What is wrong child?"

"I. . I don't know what to do." She trembled slightly and Haldir knelt down in front of her.

"You have eaten before." He smiled at her hoping to calm her nerves.

"Not at a table," she said quietly. "I will mess up. I haven't been trained." Her eyes were filling with tears. Haldir looked over to the table and then back to the girl.

"You will be next to me. There is nothing to worry over." She looked at him and smiled then hugged him. Haldir stiffened slightly, but then relaxed and hugged her back. He went to stand up but she wouldn't let go. He picked her up and continued to walk to the table. The others had reached the table and there were only two empty seats left. Galadriel and Celeborn sat at the heads of the table while Rúmil and
Orophin sat on the same side. Haldir noticed that the chair closest to Celeborn had another stool on it. He placed Zinnia in that chair and sat in the other.

"Please help yourself." They started filling their plates at Celeborn's words. Zinnia only watched for a moment then looked to Haldir. He wordlessly started putting small amounts of the food on her plate.

It is strange for children to be out on their own. Celeborn looked down at Zinnia curiously. Especially human children.

I think that they have run away from their home my Lord, said Rúmil.

Yes, I heard her telling her brother that they were free. The poor child repeated it many times before he died. Haldir started filling his plate. Zinnia still hadn't eaten anything, but was watching everyone else. After Haldir picked up his fork she looked at hers then grabbed it. She held it in a tight grip and looked at it curiously. I believe her and her brother were slaves that ran away. She smiled up at him and he returned it.

Slaves, a nasty human invention. Zinnia's eyes flashed to Orophin at his angry tone. He calmed down and smiled down at her. She looked back to Haldir still gripping the fork and watched as he used it then she attempted the same motions with hers.

She has suffered at the hands of her kin. Haldir spoke softly as he watched Zinnia struggle to get a small amount of food in her mouth with the fork. She had to hold it there with her other hand but she smiled triumphantly at her success.

Yes, though I think she will find healing within these woods. Galadriel smiled at the girl's grin.

Yes, but what is to be done with her? asked Celeborn. Someone must take on responsibility as her caretaker. He watched as Zinnia attempted to use the fork again. Perhaps Fantil will be up to the task. Celeborn looked to his wife impassively. Though she saw the mirth that was in her husbands eyes.

Yes, she knows westron. She would be one with the language skills to communicate with the child, said Galadriel going along with her husband. Everyone at the table saw Haldir tense silently.

I do not think that it would be wise to remove her from Haldir's company. Argued Rúmil. He knew what his Lord and Lady were doing. They had to get Haldir to suggest staying with the child, otherwise they would not take him from his border duties.

She can not go along with him on watch. We will have to find someone who can watch her constantly, said Celeborn.

I would volunteer my Lord. All but Zinnia looked to Haldir when he spoke.

This would mean you would be removed as marchwarden of these Woods Haldir. Galadriel's tone was serious, though she smiled inside. Even if it were until the child is old enough to be left alone.

Yes my lady I understand. Rúmil and Orophin smiled.

Very well Haldir. You are relieved of duty until such time as your responsibilities allow you to regain your post. Celeborn smiled slightly at the girl. You have taken on a greater responsibility that I think you know my friend. May the Valar be with you. Galadriel smiled at her husband. By this time Zinnia had eaten most of the food on her plate.

"Lady Zinnia I do have to congratulate you on your accomplishments," said Celeborn looking down at her. She looked up to him with confusion on her face.

"Yes, I have never seen such beautiful hair decorations in all my long years." Galadriel smiled openly which Zinnia returned.

'The flowers!' thought Haldir suddenly his hands going to his hair. He looked across the table and saw his brothers react the same. 'No wonder the guards were looking at us so curiously.' A small blush crept up his face. 'I'm never going to live this down.'

"Haldir told me what a toad was. They are slimy, but can jump." Zinnia's tone was quiet.

"Yes, they are very slimy." Galadriel laughed at the reactions of the three guards sitting at her table. The food on her plate was gone and Zinnia put the fork back down on the table. She glanced to Haldir. He grabbed the goblet from the table and took a drink. He saw Zinnia copy his actions. She reached out and grabbed the goblet in front of her and took a drink. She went to set it back down on the table, but the end tipped and the cup fell over causing water to spill all over the table. A soft little moan came out of Zinnia and she looked up to Celeborn.

"S. s.sorry." Her eyes were wide and full of fear.

"No harm" Celeborn reached to pick up the goblet but stopped when he saw the child flinch and recoil as if waiting to be hit. Tears had started running down her face. Celeborn frowned and looked sharply to Galadriel. Haldir reached for Zinnia and she jumped at his touch.

"It is not cause for worry Zinnia." She opened her eyes at Haldir's reassurance, still shedding tears.

"I didn't mean it. I'll be good. I will," she said brokenly between sobs. Haldir grabbed her and pulled her into his lap. She clutched onto him and buried her face in his chest.

Perhaps it would be best if the child could rest, said Galadriel gently.

Yes, we should have known better than to push her. Celeborn frowned slightly looking to the girl on Haldir's lap. You will have the necessary supplies to care for her tomorrow.

"Thank you." Haldir stood and then bowed awkwardly with the child in his arms. He quickly turned away and started towards his home. It was at least ten minutes before the child stopped sobbing and calmed down. Haldir only kept comforting her in the only way he knew. He was singing a lullaby quietly to her. He ignored the confused and curious looks from elves that passed his way. After she had calmed Haldir shifted her so she would look up to his face. "Are you okay now ai'elen?" She looked up at him, her eyes puffy and red.

"I'm sorry." He sat her down on a bench near by and kneeled down in front of her so that he was at her level. She looked down at her feet ashamed. He gently held her chin and pulled it up so she would look him in the eye.

"There is nothing to be sorry for." He wiped away a tear. "You did nothing wrong."

"But. I. . i. . spilled the drink." Tears started forming in her eyes again. Haldir only smiled at her.

"No harm was done Zinnia. Lord Celeborn even said so. Why do you fear our reaction?"

"I should be punished."

"Not for an accident." He let go of her chin and sat down on the ground still facing her. He closed his eyes silently praying. There was a pause before she spoke.

"Masters punish when you do wrong." She stated as if stating the color of the sky or water was wet. Haldir quickly opened his eyes and looked at the girl. She was looking at him intently.

"I am not your master." She looked at him for a second and then looked away.

"I wish you were. You have been kind to me." She was almost whispering.

"Zinnia you must believe me when I say that no one here is your master in the sense that you think. No one will ever harm you in that way again." His tone was harsh and it caused her to look at him. Though he saw that she was not upset, only curious.

"Are you going to send me away ?" she asked frowning.

"Would you like another to care for you?" asked Haldir hoping that she said no. Galadriel was right, this mortal child had stolen his heart in a way that no elf had ever been able to.

"I would like to stay with you." She shyly ducked her head and looked back down to her feet. Haldir smiled.

"Then you will for as long as you wish to remain." Her head snapped up and she smiled brightly at him. "Now come. You must get some more rest." He stood and held his hand out to her. She jumped off the bench and took it walking beside him to his telain.

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ai'elen = little star (elen=star and ai=little. I hope that combined in this manor it equals what I think it does.)

Okay, also here is decision time. I am debating on what to do next as far as Zinnia's master goes. I hope that by now it was obvious that he caught up to them recently. That means he could still be in the woods and the elves that Haldir sent out to scout in chapter one could either find him dead. . or alive.

Hmm. . I have a plan of what to write on either account, but I don't know which one works better. If anyone would give me some suggestions. I would appreciate it. My e-mail is dolenurya@fanfiction.net. Thanks to all my readers!!!