Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Warnings: Again, mentions of child abuse. If you don't like don't read.
Chapter 11: Reunions
Orophin watched as Haldir carried Zinnia back to his telain. News of his brother walking to the healers with the child had spread easily as all news did in an elvin city. He frowned seeing the blood on Haldir's shirt and the bandage around his arm, knowing that the girl had caused it somehow. Haldir would never hurt himself, especially in his own home. The girl laughed at something Haldir whispered into her ear and put her head on his shoulder wrapping her arms around him.
Brother all is well? He stood as they climbed the steps and Haldir raised an eyebrow at him.
Yes, an accident. Was all Haldir said as he set the child back down on the stairs.
This as well? asked Orophin holding up Haldir's tunic he had found hanging off a tree branch. It looked like it had been thrown from the window.
Yes, said Haldir taking the clothing from him. Zinnia's small hand gripped his tighter and he looked down smiling at her to reassure her. What is the status of the weapons cabinet? Orophin looked to the girl and then back to Haldir.
The furniture is done, they await someone to pick it up. Orophin looked to the bandage on his brother's arm and Haldir sighed. Something she did.
She knows no better Orophin. Haldir walked past him taking Zinnia with him. Zinnia looked to Orophin and gave a small smile that he did not return. Instead he looked to the retreating form of Haldir and frowned.
Perhaps it would be better if Suvel took charge of her, said Orophin.
Suvel does not know common.
Then find another who does. Orophin followed them into the home.
I will not hear of this, I have made my decision brother. She is in my care until she no longer needs it, said Haldir his tone getting annoyed. Zinnia looked up to him and he smiled at her. "Aier you must sit right here and do not move." He picked her up and sat her on the chair putting the bandages he carried in her lap. "I will retrieve your dolls for you but do not move from the chair." She nodded and started pulling out the bandages. If you wish to argue do not do so in front of her. Haldir looked to Orophin with an angry glint in his eyes though his tone was light. Orophin sighed and followed him back to the bedroom.
At least tell me what happened to make you receive your injury.
She is confused and grieving for her brother Orophin, said Haldir angrily going into his room.
What happened here? asked Orophin seeing the mess.
She thought if she angered me enough I would hit her. The fact that I didn't had her very upset, she had hoped I would kill her. Haldir pulled off his tunic and shirt pulling a random replacement from the ground.
What? asked Orophin shocked as Haldir pulled the shirt over his head.
Yes, she had hoped I would hit her enough to send her with Alar. I believe those were her words. Haldir went over the basket Suvel had dropped off and looked for the dolls.
And your wound?
She knew I would get angry if she touched the weapons. It was my fault really. I should have made sure they were away from the edge. It would have fallen on her and probably injured her severely. I pulled her out of the way in time. It is nothing more than a scratch. He sighed and stood the two small dolls in his hand. Orophin I do not know why you have had such a sudden change of heart but I can not abandon her. Not now, the Lady thinks I can help this child and I am going to.
It is not your duty Haldir. Orophin walked over and took the dolls from him. What do you know of raising a child?
What do any first time parents? He took the dolls back and sighed. Orophin, you are my brother. I respect your opinion, but I will not follow it this time. Orophin watched as Haldir left the room and frowned before following him again.
I am not saying to abandon her completely. Visit her yes, just do not become her primary care giver.
And why should I not? asked Haldir handing the dolls to Zinnia with a smile. She took them confused and tossed them to the side returning to the bandages wrapped around her arm.
Haldir I am only concerned for what this will bring.
Tell me of your concerns for I do not understand them. Haldir sat in the couch across from the chair Zinnia was sitting in and Orophin sat next to him.
She will bring change Haldir. A. . a very profound change, I sense it.
Is that necessarily a negative?
It is not necessarily a positive. Haldir sighed and looked to Orophin.
I think it will be. He looked back to Zinnia. I know it will be. Something tells me to watch her Orophin. To keep her close and protect her. I have never denied my instincts in the past and I will not do so now.
And what will happen with she has another misunderstanding? What if next time one of you is injured more severely?
That will not happen, said Haldir darkly. I was at fault not her. I should not have left her alone as of yet. It was foolish of me. Zinnia stopped wrapping herself with the bandages and looked up to Haldir when he spoke. She didn't comprehend his words but his tone was enough to draw her attention.
"What are you doing aier?," he asked to change her focus.
"I'm practicing," she said slightly hesitant. "Do you want me to get anything for you?"
"No," he said with a smile.
"Oh." She sighed and started pulling the bandages from herself. "Do you want me to sit on Orophin's lap?" She didn't look up to him only kept pulling off the bandages.
"Do you wish to?"
"No, but if you owe him money I can."
"Why do you believe I owe him money?"
"He was here when we came back, and he's arguing with you following you around. People only do that if one owes the other money. And if you can't pay I can sit on his lap until he tells me to go away." She set the bandages on the chair and slid off it standing.
"No, no you do not. . . he." Haldir looked to her questioning gaze and resisted putting his fingers on his temples feeling a very rare but very strong headache forming. "I do not owe him money, and you are not to touch or allow any to touch you unless you wish it."
"He won't be mad anymore then." She took another step towards Orophin.
"Zinnia." She looked to him at the commanding tone. "That is wrong. That kind of touch is wrong." She bit her lip and looked down. "You are not wrong, do not think that, never think that. Those that touched in that manner are wrong."
"Why? I. . I was told to do it." She looked up to him slowly.
"And there was no way for you to stop it," he said calmly. "You can stop it now. Your body is yours aier, you no longer have to let anyone touch you or hurt you." He wanted to reach out to her but held back.
"How?"
"Tell them not to touch you in that way, that it makes you feel bad . . or confused." She looked to him and then Orophin who was watching the exchange between them quietly.
"Then why is he mad?"
"We are having a discussion on a matter we disagree on. He is not mad, we are not arguing." She tilted her head slightly, processing new information.
"Okay." She turned back to the chair and grabbed the bandages. "Can I practice on you now?"
"Yes," he said with a small grin. She sat down at his feet and started pulling one of his boots off.
What is she doing? asked Orophin amused.
She wishes to bandage me now, said Haldir smiling and holding his foot up so she could pull the shoe off easier. She will be a large responsibility. Larger than any I have ever had before. You are right I will not be able to help her. Orophin looked up from Zinnia inspecting Haldir's foot and to Haldir's eyes. I will not be able to help her alone. I could use your help.
You will have it. Haldir smiled at him and put his hand on Orophin's shoulder.
You could start by helping me with the furniture.
Why is it that anytime you ask for help it requires Rúmil or I to perform some kind of heavy lifting. Haldir's smile only grew.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Zinnia, I must go. Suvel will take care of you. It is only for an hour at most." Zinnia gripped onto his hand tighter.
"No."
"Aier, we must retrieve your furniture."
"I can help."
"And what could you do?" he asked with a small smile.
"I. . I could. . make sure you don't trip on anything."
"A very worthy job when carrying heavy items." She nodded her head at his comment. "Though if you were doing that who would pick the colors for your sheets?" She bit her lip thinking.
"I don't know."
"That job is just as important. If I have you as well as Orophin and Rúmil to help me, I will have none for that. I was hoping that you would help me by picking the colors of the sheets for your bed." He still saw her hesitation. "When I return you can show me what you have chosen, it will be a surprise for me." She looked to him and her grip slackened some. "I will return to you."
"Promise?" she asked quietly.
"Yes, I promise you I will return to collect you and then we will have dinner." He pulled away from her slightly and she let him go. "I told you I will not lie to you."
"I remember." He smiled at her and she returned it.
Do not fret child, I will make sure he comes back to you without much injury, said Orophin with a flourished bow to her. He stood and grinned pulling a flower he had hidden behind him. May I place it in your hair little one? She grinned at him and reached for the flower.
"Aier I believe he wishes to repay you for the wonderful hair decorations you gave him on our walk to the city." She looked from Haldir and then back to Orophin's smiling face. Smiling she stepped forward waiting for Orophin to move.
There, do not allow Suvel to boss you too much, he said with a grin placing the flower behind her ear.
Be gone you elflings, said Suvel with a small laugh. We will have her proper bedding when you return. Haldir and Orophin laughed and bowed before leaving. Come little one, we have many things to do before they return. Zinnia looked to her at the familiar word but didn't take her outstretched hand. Suvel only smiled and dropped it. Will you follow me? She walked down the path and though Zinnia looked back for Haldir she slowly walked forward following Suvel. He will come back to you.
"You are very pretty." Suvel looked at the girl and grinned recognizing the word 'pretty.'
"Thank you." Zinnia smiled and reached out taking the elf's hand. You will be good for Haldir and his brothers. Valar knows they will never settle down. Perhaps when they go to Valinor. She sighed and shook her head slightly as they entered the storage area. Even then I can see them remaining the same, running over the forest and shooting things. You would think that they would have grown out of that after roughly two thousand years. They are boys, and boys only grow to males, males never grow further than that. The entered the storage area as Suvel sighed again.
She smiled down at the child who was looking around all of the colored fabric in wonder. They were going to choose what colors she would have for her sheets and comforter as well as pillows and other necessities for her room. Haldir had thought it a good way to keep her occupied while he was busy moving the furniture. They stopped in front of the large rolls of fabric that were used to make sheets and Suvel laughed at the expression on the girl's face.
Go child, you can touch. Find the ones you like. Zinnia looked up to her and blinked clearly not understanding. Suvel walked over to the nearest roll and touched it gently pulling the child to the roll as well. You must find the kind of fabric you like best, then choose the color. She moved Zinnia's hand down the silky material and the girl's eyes widened even more.
"I. . I get to pick from these?" Zinnia's attention went back to the various colors.
Yes, you choose child. It is your decision, you may pick three colors. Suvel thought for a moment. "Three." She held up three fingers just to make sure the child understood her meaning. Zinnia laughed and then ran down one of the rows her hand trailing along the fabric. Suvel only smiled and watched.
~~~~~~~~~~
Rúmil, pick up your end, said Orophin.
My end is up brother, perhaps you should train more often.
I do not need to train any more than I do. Which I might add is twice as much as I see you on the field. Rúmil grinned but shook his head.
Then you do not open your eyes wide enough to see all who are there.
Will you two quit your bickering and actually help me with this, said Haldir in a sigh as he walked by them carrying parts of Zinnia's bed as they still struggled with the mattress.
He started it.
I did no such thing!
I told her I would be no longer than an hour, said Haldir looking down to them. I will not allow you two to make that statement false.
Yes brother. The two spoke at the same time then started laughing as they climbed the steps again. Haldir sighed walking past them to retrieve the rest of the bed.
Between the three of them it had only taken half an hour to have all of the new furniture in the proper places. A small bed, a dresser, and the weapon cabinet. The cabinet locked shut automatically sealing the doors and allowing none to open it. The release was hidden on the top, perfect for Haldir's needs as the cabinet was slightly taller than he was. There was no way Zinnia would be able to open it, at least not until she was older. After Haldir placed his bow and quiver in the correct places he closed the doors and nodded satisfied with the new acquisition.
The bed should be against this wall! Haldir closed his eyes and took a breath letting it out slowly before going back to where his brothers were arguing once again.
Orophin. Rúmil sighed and looked to his brother. The sun will come in this way in the morning. She should have it on her face. It should go along this wall.
Nonsense, it will wake her in the morning if the bed is positioned there. Place it here and she will be able to sleep undisturbed. Haldir leaned against the door and watched amused as his brothers almost came to blows over where the bed would be placed.
The bed will go along the wall with the window, said Haldir. They looked to him and he grinned. She will want to fall asleep looking at the stars. It would also give her a direct view of the door and when it was open the main room. Which would mean that he would have a direct view into there as well. Orophin and Haldir moved the bed as Rúmil retrieved the basket of items Suvel had dropped off.
You will have to get her more clothes. Haldir looked over to Rúmil as he put the two remaining dresses in the drawers of the dresser.
Yes, those should last at least until tomorrow judging from the day today, said Haldir with a small laugh.
Perhaps you should put an order in as well, said Orophin with a grin.
I never liked that particular tunic.
Then she has done you a great service, said Rúmil picking up the dolls and setting them on the stand.
I believe
Captain! Captain Haldir. Haldir's comment was cut off from the shouts of an elf scout running up the stairs. The three brothers left the small room and the main room just as the elf ran through the door panting.
What is it Malhith? Haldir's concerned tone made the elf look up.
Sir, we found the child's father in the woods. He was injured, a head wound. Haldir's heart froze. It looked as though he had fallen down a small hill.
Where is he? His tone was dark and his fists balled. The young elf looked up confused thinking that his captain would be happy with that information.
Firith ordered him to be taken to the healers directly though we were able to treat him. Haldir went to the weapons cabinet and pulled a dagger sliding it in his boot as Malhith spoke. He regained consciousness just a day ago. We gathered that he was attacked as they traveled. . well from the little common that any of us know.
And Firith, asked Orophin his anger also visible.
Reporting to the Lord and lady. Malhith's tone was confused.
Brother, do not do something stupid, said Rúmil putting his hand on Haldir's chest and stopping him from storming out of the telain and directly to the healers.
Stupid? It will be justice, you saw the scars and bruises just as vividly as I.
Yes, I have. But you can not kill him without a ruling or in protection of ill intent. Not if he has been granted passage to the city as Firith has given him. It is our law, if you break it you can be punished.
He will be dead, it does not matter.
As much as I hate agreeing with Rúmil, he is right. We will bring him on charges here, the Lord and Lady will rule.
Nay. Haldir went to move anyway.
Think of the child, said Rúmil. If you are taken from her what does she have? That stopped Haldir.
He will not walk free in this city. He brings evil.
And he will be judged for it, said Rúmil.
Sir, is . . is he a danger to the girl? All three of them looked to Malhith at his comment. He never saw Zinnia.
How did you know the child was female? asked Haldir.
We met with Suvel and her on our entrance into the city. They went with the group to the healers. None answered the confused scout as all three were running as fast as they could towards the healing houses.
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Aier = little one
Ha! Another chapter done. Inspiration struck and this came out rather quickly. Don't you just hate where it ends? Again I hope to have the next chapter finished by the end of the week. I wouldn't leave you on edge for too long. Thanks for all the reviews by the way!