Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Warnings: Mushyness!
Chapter 18: Separations
Haldir looked over the city as he climbed the steps to the royal telain. It had been a long while since he had been summoned to the Lord and Lady for a formal audience, since he had been relieved of duty eight years ago. The messenger had arrived this morning and he had been ordered to report that afternoon. He fixed his formal robes as he entered the main hall and waited to be called.
Haldir. He looked up and stood at the handmaidens call. They wish to meet with you now. She walked down to Celeborn's study and he followed her. It was the Lord's favored place to meet with a small audience. He had been there often when he had turned in his reports as March Warden. Upon entering he saw that Celeborn's was at his desk reading some scrolls. Galadriel was sitting in an empty chair by the fire place.
Thank you Velindel. the handmaiden curtsied slightly and then left the room closing the door behind her.
Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel He bowed and straightened seeing the smile on Galadriel's face.
Come sit with us Haldir. Galadriel motioned to the chair beside her and he sat.
I hear that Zia is doing very well with her training. Haldir looked to Celeborn and smiled.
Yes, she is a fair shot with her bow, though her skill and true interest lie in the sword. The pride in his voice was an almost tangible entity and both Galadriel and Celeborn smiled.
That is good news indeed. Galadriel leaned forward and poured herself some more tea. Would you care for some tea Haldir? He nodded and Galadriel poured him some.
Is that news from the boarder? Celeborn smirked and rolled the scroll close.
Yes, do not your brothers keep you apprised of such information. Haldir grinned.
They do.
Zinnia has grown quite a lot of the past years.
That she has, she nearly reaches my shoulder now. You know this and I trust did not call me here to talk of my daughter alone.
You are right, though she does have something to do with our business today. He looked to Celeborn. She is a very capable young woman. Eight years have passed since you took a leave from your duties as March Warden. In those eight years not only has your daughter grown, but so has the threat from Mordor. It is known now that what was sensed from Dol Guldur, the Necromancer, is none other than Sauron himself. Haldir took a moment to digest the information.
Then there will be another war?
Yes. Galadriel's answer was soft. Though in the future, not an immediate concern, and not, I believe one that the elves that remain on these shores will dominate.
It will fall to humans. Haldir Looked to Galadriel.
Humans will be the main targets of Sauron's wrath, as humans will be the source of hope for this war. There was silence for a few moments.
Has orc activity increased much?
Not alarmingly. There has been a slight raise in the average number of orc attacks, Nothing that can not be handled. Nenya still protects us from Sauron's eye.
I can not go back to my full duties. I can not be gone for months.
No. Celeborn smiled slightly. We propose light duty. The main concern at the moment is deployment of the guards and training. Your duties can be fulfilled within the city. You would be in charge of training as well as the roster. Though we would ask you to personally guide visitors to our realm, as well as certain meetings between messengers. It would be guaranteed that at least one if not both of your brothers would be in the city every time you are away. As well as your time at the boarders would be limited to a month at the longest. Haldir paused for a moment. He would like to return to duty. Lately Zinnia had become more independent and not as needful of him as she once was.
My active days?
Any five of the week you wish. Haldir thought about it for another moment.
You do not have to answer now. Haldir looked to Galadriel. Speak with your daughter of this proposal. We expect your answer at the end of the month. If yes you will begin duty immediately.
~~~~~~~~~~
You shall not win! Zinnia laughed and dodged another blow.
I hope I never win Gebrir for it would shatter the pedestal I have placed you on. this time Gebrir laughed and dodged a sword strike from her.
Pedestal? It must not be very high judging from how you treat a poor old elf. Zinnia snorted and jumped out of the way of his sword.
You try to make it sound like you are a physical invalid. She dodged another strike. Physically that is not the case, though mentally . . . She smiled and ducked as he swung at her. Well that is still questionable. Gebrir chuckled and barely moved out of the way of her hit.
You wound me.
Not yet, but do not doubt my lack of sincerity for trying. He smiled at her and she returned it as they circled the other.
I would never doubt you. they met in a flurry of blows that left Zinnia on the ground at the end of Gebrir's sword. He pulled his sword back and was about to say something when she moved suddenly knocking his feet out from under him and brought her sword down on his chest. Gebrir let out a breath. I never taught you that.
Ada showed me.
Remind me to thank him.
You are most welcome. they both looked up and saw Haldir grinning at them.
Hello Ada. Zinnia stood and helped Gebrir up before going to give Haldir a hug. You are very finely dressed for the practice field.
I had a meeting this morning. He looked to Gebrir who was dusting himself off. I trust I can steal her back for the rest of the day.
Yes, it is almost lunch besides.
Lunch! I said I would meet the others for lunch. Haldir laughed at her tone.
It is more than half an hour away, you have
Half an hour! Zinnia's surprised outburst cut him off. I have to go get cleaned up. Here. She handed Haldir her practice sword and ran off. Bye lord Gebrir!
Bye young one! Gebrir laughed at Haldir's confused expression.
Who is she meeting for lunch?
Some of the guards. Gebrir's tone was dismissive though he had a grin on his face.
I do not see why she must rush, it is only guards.
No you would not. Now my friend let us go have lunch. We have not spoken in a long while.
What do you mean by I would not? Gebrir only laughed and took the Zinnia's training sword from Haldir.
Its nothing, I have been meaning to come see you. I would like to discuss Zinnia's training.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Zinnia ran down the path braiding her hair as she went. She would have been on time except that she had changed her tunic three times. As she approached the meeting place she slowed down and smoothed out her shirt. She had chosen one of her better ones but not her best. It was a deep blue with bell sleeves and a high collar, though the neckline came down a little lower than any of the other tunics she owned.
'Calm, you must calm. He might not even be there.' She took a deep breath and smoothed down her tunic once again. 'Valar I am over dressed for a simple lunch.' Sighing she wiped some imaginary dirt off her dark gray pants. 'I should go change.'
Zinnia. she jumped slightly and looked back.
Hello Endil.
You look very nice. her face reddened.
Th. . thanks. You. . She cleared her throat. You look good as well. Endil's smile grew slightly.
I trust you are on your way to lunch with us.
I. . uh. . was. . yes. 'Great you stupid orc!' She hissed at herself. 'Just act a fool in front of him.'
Then allow me to escort you. Zinnia's face grew more heated as she took his arm before he led her down the path. After lunch many of us return to training, though you must go to lessons.
Yes. . well. . only for a few more years. Then Suvel says that it will be my decision to continue my education.
And are you?
Am I what? Endil laughed softly.
Going to continue your education. Zinnia blushed and cursed her stupidity again.
I. . I have not yet decided.
You have years. She nodded. Your lessons end the same time training does correct?
Usually yes.
Perfect, then you can join me for a walk after? The redness of her face doubled.
I would enjoy you. . that. . the walk. Endil only smiled and nodded as she stammered.
~~~~~~~~~~~
One moment! Rúmil sighed and put his latest attempt at a meal in the wash basin. He sighed and wiped his hands on a small towel as he made his way to the door. Good afternoon dear one. Not that I am complaining of this unexpected visit but are you not supposed to be at lessons? Zinnia smiled and nodded.
I asked Suvel if I could come see you for a while. She agreed as long as I promised to agree to double the work for the next time. I smell that you have tried to cook again. Rúmil chuckled as he moved out of the way to allow her in.
Yes. Unfortunately it did not go as planned.
Not many of your meals do uncle. she walked into the kitchen and looked at the pan. What did you attempt this time? Rúmil sighed and looked into the pan as well.
It really does not matter now.
Well. . . it is thoroughly cooked. She looked to him and grinned.
That is a nice way to put that it is charred.
It is rather . . . burnt. She put her hand on his shoulder. One day uncle Rúmil. . one day you will cook something wonderful. Just imagine the look on Ada's and Orophin's faces. If the Valar is with me perhaps I will be there to see it as well.
I trust you came by to do more than console me over my latest disaster.
Yes. She walked over to the table and sat watching as he started cleaning the mess he had made. You can come over to dinner with Ada and I tonight. Unless you would want to darken more of your cookery. She laughed at the look he gave her.
I may have to. He started scrubbing the pan and looked back to Zinnia as she started putting food items that were on the counter away. Now does something bother my niece or did she smell the fire coming from my telain and decide to be of some help?
Perhaps a bit of both. She grinned at him and he chuckled as he continued to scrub the blackened flakes of burned food out of his pan. I think I am in love. He stopped scrubbing and looked up to her.
I hope you told Suvel you would most likely not be back for the remainder of the day. Zinnia smiled but nodded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I thought you went for lunch. Zinnia looked up and saw Haldir sitting on the couch looking at her. A book was in his lap but he was obviously waiting for her.
I. . well some of us went for a walk after. . Well a while after lunch. Were we supposed to be doing something? I do not remember any plans.
No, we had no plans. He smiled at her. Will you sit for a moment there are some things I wish to speak to you of. She moved over to the chair and sat in it pulling her boots off.
Are you making dinner tonight? I stopped by Rúmil's and invited him. He tried to make lunch and burnt whatever it was into his pan. I think he is a little depressed over the incident. She looked up to him when he didn't answer. There was a smile on his face that was hard to place. I can make it if you wish.
We can both make it. She nodded.
What did you wish to speak of?
I had not planned on this for a few more months, but I had a talk with Gebrir today after you ran off. She gave him a lop sided grin. If you would like, it is about time your training turned to other things besides weapons work.
Such as what? He could see the excitement in her eyes though she tried to hide it.
The ways of the forest, tracking, hunting, as well as stealth, and some simple herb knowledge. The excited glint in her eyes only grew. I have arranged for us to be gone two weeks this time, and if it is an avenue you would like to pursue we or you and another of your choosing can go again in a few months.
Ada you are the best! She moved over and hugged him. He laughed and returned the embrace. When are we leaving?
Tomorrow morning.
I have to ready a pack! And my sword. . and I have to check my arrows. She went into her room and Haldir chuckled as she continued to list things that had to be done.
I can make dinner. He stood and went to the kitchen.
~~~~~~~~~
Ada I can put on my own cloak! He chuckled at her outrage that he knew was more embarrassment than real anger.
Yes but the look on your face is most humorous.
Ada! He missed the glance she shot to some of the guards that were readying for their own patrol.
Fine my sweet I will cease dressing you.
Ada! This time he was confused as to what embarrassed her. Others can hear you.
Yes. He was still confused and she sighed rolling her eyes before going to pick up her pack. Haldir looked over to Gebrir who chuckled. What is so amusing?
Nothing Haldir, nothing.
Very well. Haldir reached into his own bag and pulled out a small map. This is going to be our route. We are not passing much beyond the Celebrant, and will be going no where near the first patrol post. Gebrir nodded taking the paper and looking it over.
I have already informed the patrols besides. They will know you are out there. Gebrir looked to Zinnia when she moved up next to Haldir. Ah, you seem ready.
I am. The excitement in her voice couldn't be masked though she tried to hide it from her features.
Of course she is! She is my niece. Zinnia turned and smiled at Orophin.
Thank you uncle. Rúmil cleared his throat. Uncles.
That is better. We came to see our niece off. Rúmil glared at Orophin a moment before smiling at Zinnia. I have made some Lembas for your trip.
You are not trying to kill them are you? Orophin raised an eyebrow at the offered food.
That is kind of you Rúmil but we have plenty of supplies. Though Haldir's tone was pleasant Rúmil's face did slip some. All of them even Gebrir looked down to the small bag with a sort of apprehension.
Though one can never have enough food on a trip outside the city. Zinnia took it with a smile. I am sure that none will return with us. The gates started opening signaling that the time for departure was close.
We will be back in two weeks. Haldir shouldered his bag as Zinnia put the Lembas in hers. Orophin, Rúmil and Gebrir watched as the two along with the patrol left the city. Once the gate closed Orophin sighed and looked to the others.
I am off to practice, care to join me brother?
I will be there in a moment there is something I must speak to Gebrir of.
More likely you are wishing to delay your eminent embarrassment when I best you on the field.
No it is so you can warm up. I would not want an unfair advantage over you. Orophin snorted but left heading to the practice field.
What is it you wish to speak with me of?
You know all of the guards correct?
Yes, I have taken your brother's position until he returns to duty.
Then it will be no trouble to point out Endil.
~~~~~~~~~
It has almost been a week should we at least not try his Lembas?
If you are feeling adventurous please, eat your fill. She smiled and shook her head but opened the bag and smelled it.
It smells like Lembas. Haldir chuckled and watched as she broke a small bit off and then put it in her mouth. She had barely started chewing before making a face and spitting it out. How can one that has been alive for thousands of years not be able to cook?
It has been a mystery that haunts Lórien for centuries.
I can make Lembas. Haldir laughed again and sat back from the fire where a rabbit was roasting. She tossed the bag to the side and took a sip of water wanting to get the taste out of her mouth.
His cooking is lacking, though on patrol he is the first to be asked to cook when it is permitted. His fire roasting skills are beyond that of even mine. There was silence for a few moments.
Is it like this on patrols?
Depending on how deep you are in the woods. We are still near the heart of Lórien. Nothing would get by here without word being sent first. The closer one is to the borders the less is permitted. It is all for safety. He looked over to her as she laid back and put her hands behind her head looking into the canopy of trees.
So none know you are there.
Yes. It is best to blend into the trees when you are close to the boarders. Trouble is rare, but there is no reason to take chances.
It is peaceful here, not like the city. The city is peaceful but I mean, this quiet. She looked over to him. Do you miss it? He smiled at her.
I would miss it if I did not have something else to occupy my time. Truth be told staying at the boarders for months does not hold the same attractiveness that it once did. She smiled at him and looked back to the sky. Haldir sighed and straightened deciding that this was the moment he had been waiting for to tell her of the proposal by the Lord and Lady. I have been asked to return to duty. He heard her let out a breath.
Are you going to?
I wished to know of your opinion on the matter before I gave my answer. She sat up and looked to him across the fire. It would be only light duty. The only times I would leave the city is to escort important guests or to meet with certain messengers. Both Galadriel and Celeborn have assured me that my time out of the city would not exceed a month. One of your uncles would be with you as well. She gave him a small smile.
I am old enough to be able stay alone for a few weeks. It is not . . forever.
No. A month at the most.
Then. . if you wish to I think you should do so.
I have not yet decided. Silence fell back between them.
~~~~~~~~~~~
It had been days since he had spoken to her of the proposal. Those days were filled with more silence than he was used to. She paid close attention to what he would speak to her of. When he would point out a new plant or give some advice on life in the trees. Her attention in her training never faltered. It was when they would set up camp that she became almost distant. They were camped at the top of a small hill and she had moved sitting next to a tree looking out into the forest.
What is on your mind my sweet? He sat next to her and she looked over to him with a small smile before looking forward again.
A few things. She sighed and put her head on his shoulder but kept her eyes to the distance. Do you realize this is the furthest from home I have ever been?
I know that fact but I did not realize that it would hold such meaning to you. I have been further for longer, perhaps I have forgotten of my feelings the first time my father took me out to the wilderness.
Part of me wants to keep going. Part of me does not want to go back but to go on. To see all of the places that I have read about. He put his arm around her but stayed quiet. The other part wants to run back and never leave. To stay where I have never felt anything but safe and loved.
I believe that is natural.
You chose to stay?
I have been to all of the Elvin kingdoms on Arda, as well as a few of the men's. My position as March Warden allowed me that on various diplomatic missions over my service to this land. I have always returned though. Lórien is my home; it is a place I do not think I could leave unless it was for the undying lands. My family his here, my memories, my heart. He pulled her a little closer and she put her own arm around him.
What if I wish to do the same someday? What if I wish to travel?
We are going to Rivendell in a matter of years.
Five. Was her automatic response. Haldir smiled slightly.
In five years we will leave. Perhaps you will find that traveling is not suited to you.
And what if I find that it is?
Then we will make sure that your maps are correct and your travel paths clear and as safe as possible to wherever it is you wish to go. They stayed quiet and watched the forest for a while before she spoke again.
Have I ever thanked you?
For what my sweet?
For loving me. For keeping me safe. For giving me everything I never knew that I longed for.
You gave your thanks every day. You still do. She looked up to him a questioning in her eyes. You thank me every time I hear you laugh, every tear I have ever wiped from your eyes, every question you have ever asked and all of the answers you have so readily asked more questions of. She smiled and he returned the gesture. Every smile that has ever touched your lips.
Well, anyway, thank you. She turned her attention back to the woods. Have you decided yet?
I believe that I have. I would like to answer them with a yes.
Then you should tell them yes. They stayed there for a while longer watching the distance and enjoying the peace around them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Orophin that is ridiculous!
So my niece thinks that because she has gone to the wilds of Lórien and back that she should not be subjected to rules? Zinnia raised her eyebrows and put her hands on her hips.
Rules? Not even Ada, not even when I was ten did I have to be back to the telain before the sun set.
Your Ada has given me the duty of making sure that you are looked after while he is gone. I will take that duty seriously.
Valar Orophin! Besides I have been asked to dinner with some of the guards and I have already accepted. I was not expecting to have to stay in the house the moment dark fell.
Then you can tell them that you can not make it.
Why do I just not ask if they will rescue me from an overbearing relative!
You could ask but I doubt they would.
I will not ask them that because I will not have to. I am going to dinner with them as planned. Then, most likely I will take a walk in the gardens as I have done many nights before and as I will do many nights in the future. Orophin went to open his mouth but silenced at the look that Zinnia gave him. After my walk, if I feel so inclined to do so I may go to the library, or I will go back home, or if I am feeling very adventurous I will go for a swim.
Who will you be eating with?
Relian, Vaorn, Lianra, Morna, and Endil I believe. Orophin's own eyes narrowed when he realized that there was the same number of females to males should Zinnia show. Rúmil had told him of what Zinnia had told him of Endil. You act as though I have never done anything on my own before. Rest assured I have been accomplishing many difficult tasks without aid of another for years now. Just yesterday I walked to Suvel's without any to lead me or hold my hand.
Zinnia.
Orophin. Orophin sighed.
Are you this willful with Haldir? She smiled.
Only when necessary. I do not understand it is just dinner. Had they asked me to join their patrol or something dangerous I would understand and would be giving up with the argument soon.
Then I have no chance of winning?
No.
Be back after dinner.
Uncle.
Be back after your walk. She only raised her eyebrow again. Let me know before you return home.
Yes uncle. She moved over and kissed him on the cheek before leaving to go to her practice. Once she was gone Orophin sighed and sat on the couch.
Thank the Valar that Haldir raised her else I would most likely be the one with the curfew.
~~~~~~~~~~
Zinnia sighed as she dipped her feet into the water. Dinner had been fun as it always was with the guards. Haldir would probably not let her go if he knew some of the stories and songs that they shared but he didn't know and she was not about to tell him. She felt like an adult with the guards. Not once did they ever call her child, little, or any of the other names she had been called over the years. All were said with love and affection but they were childish all the same.
'I am a child.' She kicked at the water watching the ripples the action caused. 'It is just for three weeks. He will be back in 21 days. 20…today is over.' She sighed again and closed her eyes. The fact was that she didn't want to go back home. She didn't want to walk in the door and be alone. It was the first time she had ever been away from her father and she was scared. To admit that would have hurt her pride though so she told no one. Not even her uncle.
I thought you were returning home. She looked back and smiled at Endil.
The water looked inviting. He watched her as she turned back to the water to stare at her feet. Rúmil had told him of her feelings toward him. Then her uncle had threatened him that if he hurt her Haldir would be the least of his worries. He pulled his boots off and joined her sticking his own feet in the water.
Very inviting. Endil had known of course. One would have had to been blind not to see it. Blind or her father, though he was thankful that none had brought it to Haldir's attention. He doubted that he would have gotten a warning had it been Haldir. They sat quietly together for a few moments.
I. . He looked over and saw her blush. I thought I loved you. She looked over to him. I am sorry. He smiled at her.
For what? She shrugged and looked back to her feet.
For not, for thinking that I did, for telling you. I do not know. I feel as though I should apologize.
There is no reason. He looked down to the pond. When I was your age I was positive I was in love with another as well. At least you did not try to win my affections by singing me an awful love song that you had written.
You did not.
Yes, I even had some of my friends playing the music. Rather embarrassing.
It sounds as though it was.
My point is that we feel towards others what we do when we are ready. One day you will find love and you will see that what you felt toward me was nothing but a candle flame compared to that of the sun.
That is almost the same thing Rúmil told me. I thought it was real though.
I am not saying that it was not. It was only . . fleeting. At times that is all that we are ready for. She nodded and they sat side by side in silence. May I walk you home?
Actually, would you walk me to my uncle's?
Any where you wish.
~~~~~~~~~~
I see you have decided to at least allow me the illusion that I have any authority. . Orophin trailed off as Zinnia walked right over and hugged him. He put his own arms around her. Blossom?
I do not want to go home because Ada is not there and I miss him. It does not matter to me if you think I am a baby anymore I just do not want to be alone. Orophin smiled and put his hand against her cheek making her look up to him.
Blossom I do not think you are a baby, and though Haldir is not here you are not alone.
I am scared to go home because Ada is not there. I know I should not be but..
Why should you not be scared? Orophin cut her off.
I am old enough to realize that. . that.
That it is the first time you have ever been parted from him and such feelings are only natural. He smiled at her then led her over to the couch. I am sure he misses you as well. It is the first time either of you have been away from the other.
He would not feel as alone as I do. She sighed and put her hands in her lap.
I believe he does. He smiled at her again. If you wish to stay here tonight you may. Or I can stay with you.. A faint red tinge touched her cheeks.
I. . you do not have to.
Of course I do not. So it is lucky for you that I wish to. She looked up to him and smiled. Do not worry blossom, you will find that though you still miss him what you feel now will ease. We will even wait for him when he returns. Perhaps surprise him with a nice lunch that consists of more than Lembas and whatever game they could catch.
I would like that. He smiled at her.
Then we shall do it. Now come join your uncle in a game of chess.
~~~~~~~~~
Haldir sat back against the tree with a sigh. He had taken the others joking that he had gotten soft with ease. Especially as it had been them that had been trying to keep up with him. It had taken another to ask what the rush was before he had slowed his pace. The rush had been to return to the city sooner. To return to Zinnia. He hadn't realized he had been practically running until they had pointed it out to him.
'21 days my sweet.' He pulled his Lembas out and frowned when something fell out of it. Picking it up he saw it was a small folded piece of paper. Writing was on it and he smiled. If it is night when you are reading this then already a day has passed. One less in the time that separates us. I love you Ada. He chuckled and refolded the paper placing it in his pack. '20 days then.' He admitted to him self that he would be counting down each and every one.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Ada = Father
A/N: ROTK ROTK ROTK! Oh in only a little more than 17 hours I will be watching it!!! Can you tell I'm excited?
Thanks to all of my great reviewers!