Captured Heart

by Maeluiril

Haldir and his brothers find a child in the woods.

19. Visitors

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Warnings: Mentions of child abuse.

A/N: I know that I said there would be no romance between elves and my oc but she is growing up and she is surrounded by elves. Who is she going to have a romance with a tree? Let me just say that though she may have a relationship with an elf, it won't be a romantic love. Deep friendship and love of a sort, but they are not going to run off and get married. I hope you understand but I had to write this because I think this is something that would happen.

Thanks to Mellon1 for looking this and the next couple of chapters over!

Chapter 19: Visitors and New Friends

I do not understand why Ada has to be so difficult in this. It is a feast, I am old enough, and Galadriel even personally invited me. One would think that your ruler, a ruler that you have sworn an oath to would hold sway over such a thing. No, I am too young, I do not understand, I do not. . well fill in whatever you would wish. Zinnia sighed and dipped the pen in the ink well again.

Though I will admit that he has accepted it to a degree. It only took two weeks of not talking to him to accomplish that feat. I was prepared to go at least a month. The dress he commissioned for me is going to be very beautiful. Even if it is a dress. I am sure you have guessed that it is white, but there are going to be many layers to it. I have asked for some color but I guess that goes against tradition. My crown will be red; I will have to be satisfied with that. Of course I will probably spill something all over me and will have my color then.

Truthfully Erestor, I am excited to go. I feel that I am ready, I am eighteen, I am old enough. Though sometimes I do not feel that way. I feel young and small, not unknowing, but simply, she thought for a moment and refilled her pen with ink before continuing, confused would be the proper word I believe. But it is not a confusion I would be able to ask questions to clarify. I am confused as to why I am confused and so do not know the questions to ask to not feel as such.

Only three more years! Three more years before I can see you again. To one of my age is three years supposed to feel as a lifetime? I know the past seven have. I hope the Summer Solstice feast in Imladris is as joyful as the one here. We are having visitors from Mirkwood this year. The crown prince and some other advisors. They should be arriving today as well as Ada. He is escorting them. They are staying for almost three months, leaving a week or two after the feast. I wish I could visit Mirkwood. Ada would never let me. I trust this letter will find you well and happy. She signed her name at the bottom and blew on the ink to let it set.

Once the letter was sealed and addressed she put away her writing supplies, grabbed a book, and left the telain. It was late morning and she would have just enough time to drop off her letter to the messenger then find a suitable spot to sit and read her book waiting for the party to arrive. It had become a tradition of a sort to both her and Haldir. She would greet him at the gates and they would go have a small meal together to catch up on missed events. Already reading she sat in her customary place to wait for her father.

One would hardly have to know the rotations to be sure Haldir was returning. Simply watch and look for you to know if the day is the correct one. She looked up and smiled at Celeborn.

Good afternoon my Lord. She went to stand but he put his hand on her shoulder and sat on the bench next to her instead. They will most likely not be here until later in the day. Are you going to wait until they show?

Manners would dictate that I be here to welcome a visiting Kingdom's party. He looked down to the book. I see you have come prepared.

Suvel has suggested some more books for me to read as I have decided I wish to know more.

The quest for knowledge is the most monumental for no matter how valiant one is that quest will never end. She smiled and nodded.

That is a statement I believe with no reservation. Celeborn looked over the city and Zinnia shut her book. Would not a prince from another realm also dictate more than a single greeter?

Am I not good enough to meet them alone? He looked to her offended and she only smiled more.

That was not my meaning and you will not scare me into thinking I have offended you. He chuckled.

You have grown, that worked many a time.

That worked on my father, I was always blissfully ignorant of such occurrences.

Ignorant or uncaring?

Mostly ignorant. He grinned at her.

To answer you yes, there will be many more here. An advanced scout will announce their arrival time. Haldir would have sent one as is required for visitors of such importance.

Ah, so my vigil at least this day is not required. She smiled. Though if I did not read here it would be elsewhere under the sky.

And that is a statement I find no reservations in believing. She smiled at him. I have actually come to seek you out.

Oh? What have I done to earn the honor of such lofty company? He laughed again.

Child I would be much more apt to believe your sentiments should the sarcasm not enter in your tone.

Do not doubt my respect for you my lord. She grinned at him and he smiled.

I would never, my wife would like your company for lunch. It seems she enjoys the company of witty children.

My lord she asked for my company not yours.

Go you cheeky little sprite. She tried but failed to dodge the hand that ruffled her hair. He laughed at her expression as she tried to smooth what he had messed.

I. . do you know when they will return?

I do not. He saw her hesitation and smiled warmly. If you are still absent when they return I will tell him that you were here. She smiled and then stood.

Do I have time to change before Lady Galadriel is expecting me? She wished to as she had only put on one of her training outfits hoping to have a chance to do so a little later.

If you do not tarry. Now off with you. She bowed and then took off at an easy jog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Haldir never showed it to the others but he had been slightly disappointed when Zinnia had not been there when they arrived. Celeborn had told him that Galadriel had requested her presence but it was still a disappointment. He had been required to stay until he was dismissed, which meant he had to escort the Mirkwood elves to Galadriel even though Celeborn was there as well. Really all he wished to do was return to his home and listen to Zinnia tell of her month. He glanced to Galadriel and the smile on her face as well as her eyes directed at him told him that she knew of that as well.

Legolas Thurandillion, It is good to have you in Lórien once more. Legolas smiled and bowed to Galadriel before taking her hand and kissing the back of it as was customary.

It is good to have returned. He righted himself. The beauty of these woods never fades. It brings hope to my heart for my own realm. Galadriel nodded as Celeborn moved up to her side.

I trust our main business can wait until after you and your company has rested.

That has been my hope since we have entered your boarders. Legolas smiled again. The road was not as easy as it once was.

You have met with the enemy then? Celeborn frowned slightly.

Aye, a small company of orcs. Nothing that we could not handle. None were injured in the skirmish but orcs.

At least that is some good news. Legolas nodded in agreement with Celeborn.

Then we will not keep you from your rest. I will have you shown to your rooms. At her words a few handmaidens appeared at the door and waited patiently.

Thank you my Lady. She nodded and the Mirkwood elves followed the handmaidens leaving Haldir with Celeborn and Galadriel.

I also trust that your time in the boarders was uneventful.

Yes my lady. She smiled at him.

Then I see no reason why we must have a report until tomorrow afternoon. Have a nice evening.

Thank you. He bowed to both of them before leaving to his own home. The door was barely open before arms were thrown around him.

Sorry I wasn't at the gates but Lady Galadriel asked me to do a few errands for her and then I set up dinner. Are there many elves from Mirkwood?

About twenty. Mostly some soldiers. There are five advisors and the Prince. What errands did Lady Galadriel have you do? She took his sword and bow from him going to the weapons cabinet to put them away.

She had me go to the kitchens and have trays of food prepared for a few of the rooms. That is how I sneaked some of the meal they had made. The cook gave me a tray for helping her. He walked over to her and she took his quiver with a smile. Tomorrow Galadriel wishes for me to be a guide for one of the visitors. If that is acceptable to you.

Of course.

Good because I already agreed. Now go wash up so we can eat. He chuckled.

Yes my sweet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zinnia hummed to herself lightly as she made her way up the steps to her destination. It was exciting to do something other than the normal routine of lessons or practice. Though she hoped she could fit in some practice. 'Perhaps she has assigned me to one of their warriors.' The thought thrilled her. She would be able to not only ask them questions of Mirkwood but perhaps learn a new style of fighting as well.

Hello. She smiled and nodded at two elves that passed her. They were obviously some of the Mirkwood advisors that Haldir had spoken of. Their robes were in dark reds and greens. Most in Lórien wore lighter colors. That coupled with the fact she did not know them made it even more obvious. They gave her a strange look and she stopped. Did you need directions to a certain place?

No. There was a tone in the elf's voice that she could not place.

Well then have a good day. She bowed slightly and continued on her way. Before she turned around the corner she looked back and saw they were whispering to each other with frowns on their faces. Shrugging slightly and pushing it out of her thoughts she continued. A few more steps and a couple of turns led her to the door Galadriel had sent her to. Knocking quickly she straightened her tunic waiting for a response. She wasn't forced to wear her nicest but she had decided to dress in something other than her normal wear.

One moment. The door opened and she smiled instantly relieved. The elf in front of her was wearing a simple tunic and leggings not robes of state. He also wore a variant on the warrior braids that Haldir always wore.

Good morning my lord. Lady Galadriel has sent me here to be your guide if you would like. I believe she said that she thought you would appreciate one.

Did she? he asked with a laugh. Zinnia nodded. Well the last time I was here I would have only reached your knees. A guide would be most welcome. He stepped back and pulled the door a little wider. Come in, I must retrieve my boots.

We do not have to go now. I am to be at your disposal. . well during the day. The nights are mine. Zinnia walked in the room and looked around. She looked back to the other when he laughed again.

The nights are yours. I will remember that. So does my guide have a name?

Zinnia Haldirtinu. May I have your name?

Of course. It is Legolas.

Now that we have that settled Lord Legolas wh.

Please just call me Legolas. She smiled and nodded.

Where would you like to go first? He pulled on his last boot and looked to her.

Any daughter of the march warden should be able to hold her own on the archery range.

~~~~~~~~

It is not the same defending against two blades compared to one. You must keep your eyes on both hands. Zinnia nodded and moved back into a defensive stance. Now try to keep up. She smirked but he attacked not giving her time to respond. It was the second week of their visit, Legolas and Zinnia spending many of the days together sparing, practicing archery, or Zinnia leading Legolas to wherever he needed to be. She had asked him about his fighting knives and he had showed her. The sparing naturally progressed as she continued to ask questions and for demonstrations.

Very good! They moved apart circling each other. This time unlike all of the others Legolas had not managed to score a hit. Shall we try again?

Unless you are tired. He smiled and this time she attacked. She was trying to cut down the effectiveness of his daggers by closing the distance between them. Unfortunately it also left her sword just as useless. Had her strength been more than his she would have won the match.

Your tactic would work had you a dagger or a small knife. Before he even finished speaking he moved around grabbing her and bringing one of his blades to her throat. Perhaps you should attempt with one. He let her go and she took a step away before turning.

Well at least that time I did not end up in the dirt. She sighed and wiped her forehead with the back of her sleeve.

Do you have a knife?

No, I have never trained with one. Though perhaps I should borrow one of Ada's if it will let me win at least one match before you leave.

I know your trick now though and can combat it.

Perhaps. She gave him a sly grin and then sighed. Shall we go again?

Of course. He smiled. They circled each other attacking when they saw an opening. Legolas could have had her down a few times but he pulled back and told her how to correct herself.

Perhaps you could show me some basics with your choice of weapons later.

We do have a while yet together. He blocked her sword strike but not her fist that connected to his cheek.

Valar I did not think I would hit you! Are you all right? They both lowered their weapons and she reached forward touching his cheek. He laughed and pulled her hand away from him.

I do not know, you are much stronger than your appearance would suggest. She blushed slightly and pulled her hand from his.

Yes, well, I have been training for years. I am sorry.

Do not be. He laughed. You surprised me I will admit.

I really did not mean to hit you.

Then why did you swing as though you did? He smiled when her blush grew darker.

Prince Legolas, I have been searching you out for the past hour. They both looked over to the dark robed elf that entered the training grounds.

Prince? Legolas looked back to Zinnia and shrugged slightly still smiling. You are the Prince? I thought you were a soldier.

The dinner with the Lord and Lady is less than two hours away. You must ready. The other elf walked closer and then his eyes narrowed seeing the growing redness on Legolas' cheek. What happened? His tone was almost a hiss and his eyes fell to Zinnia in a glare.

I accidentally hit.

You attacked him! Zinnia took a step back surprised at the vehemence in his voice.

Enough Noran!

It is enough. If she attacked you then you should bring it forth to the Lord and Lady. You are here to represent your father not to play human.

What in Mordor does that mean! Legolas stepped between them and looked to Noran.

I will be ready in time for dinner Noran. You can leave.

Sire you.

I said you are dismissed Noran. Noran's mouth snapped shut and he nodded. Before he turned and left he shot another glare at Zinnia. Legolas sighed and turned to face Zinnia.

I did not mean to hit you. I thought you would move, Ada always moves.

Then we have seen that I am not as great a warrior as your Ada.

That is not what I meant, I only.

Zinnia. He laughed and shook his head. We were sparing. Do not worry for it. I must go though for that much Noran is correct.

Of course, I am sorry Prince Legolas. Legolas sighed.

Please, only Legolas. Will guide me tomorrow still?

Unless you do not wish it I will be there at the normal time.

Then lirimier, I shall see you then. She blushed at the endearment but he only smiled before leaving.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Zinnia walked the same path she had each of the days she had on her way to Legolas' room. Only this time her head was down and she watched her feet as she walked. Her thoughts centered on not only Legolas but also the elf that had yelled at her the day before. She had been trying to understand why he would have thought she would attack Legolas. It wasn't like she had a reason. She had almost asked Haldir about it but something in her didn't want to bother him about something so trivial. Sighing she looked up and nodded at the two Mirkwood guards by the stairs.

You can not go up there. She looked to the guard who had grabbed her arm holding her back and frowned.

I am sorry. She took a step back and he let go of her arm. Perhaps there has been a misunderstanding I am to escort the prince. The lady asked me. The other guard cut her off.

There has been a misunderstanding. We have been given orders that you specifically should not pass. Your services as guide are no longer needed. She frowned.

I told Legol

Prince Legolas. She looked to the guard that spoke.

I told Prince Legolas that I would meet him. He is expecting me.

You can not pass.

I have been doing this for the past weeks.

Our orders were clear.

What were your orders if I may ask?

You may not human.

I do not understand. Why am I not allowed to do what my Lady asked of me?

You would not understand. Now leave, you are not even to be near our Prince. She looked at them confused as to why they would not let her up there.

I know humans do not hear as well as elves but should we speak up for you. The guard sneered.

No. . no I. . I will leave. She turned and walked down the path feeling their eyes on her the entire time.

~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas was becoming concerned when Zinnia had not showed up. For the past days she had never been late. It was almost an hour past their meeting time when he decided to search for her himself fearing that something serious was wrong. He left his room and started down the steps frowning when the guards came into view.

My Prince. They bowed slightly and his eyes narrowed even more. They were the body guards that had been assigned to Noran.

Good Morning, should you both not be with Noran at the council?

We were ordered to stay here Prince.

By Noran?

Yes my lord.

What were your orders?

We were ordered to stay here and make sure that you were not bothered.

I am not stupid Morin.

No prince. . I would.

Tell me your exact orders.

Sire we were not to let the human pass us. She was not to see you. Noran believes that.

I do not care what Noran believes. He is the King's advisor not mine. The guards both quieted at the anger in his tone. You are to go back and give him this message. I will choose whom I will and will not associate with. I am very disappointed in him for what he has done and I expect him to apologize to Lady Zinnia if she finds that it is required of him. The two nodded. I also want it known to all of the others here that she is not to be harassed by any. The first one that is brought to my attention doing so will be punished severely. Is that understood?

Yes sir. They both answered as one.

Where did she go when you turned her away?

Down the path sir. He looked down and spotted her trail easily as they were the heaviest footsteps on it.

Why are you both still here? I believe I gave you orders. He glared at the two guards and they took off after bowing to him. Sighing he started down the path hoping that Zinnia had not been hurt too badly.

~~~~~~~~

'Why would they not let me go see him?' She let another stone go counting each time it skimmed the surface before sinking. 'And why did they call me human? I am. . but. .' She let out a breath with a small growl and threw another stone. 'Do they think that I actually attacked him? Maybe I should go back and explain.'

What do I care for them besides. She threw her last rock harder than necessary causing it to just sink instead of skip. She sighed and frowned thinking of the words that were spoken to her. Slowly she reached up and traced the shell of her ear frowning more at the roundness of it.

You are late. She turned and looked to Legolas who was standing there.

I am not late, I was not allowed to pass.

That has been taken care of. It was a misunderstanding.

It was not a misunderstanding Legolas. They do not like me. Do they think I attacked you?

No. He took a step forward and sighed. They do not think you attacked me. Legolas knew that she had never been treated poorly because of her race. He did not want to be the one to inform her that was why they had not let her pass. Nor did he wish to be the one responsible for her to find out that such a thing existed.

I would not have. The last person I attacked was. . well I thought he was hurting someone. And he was the only one I really ever meant to harm. . I apologized. She blushed and looked down to her hands. I was only fourteen then and I did not mean to injure you yesterday.

Zinnia you speak as though you maimed me. He chuckled and she looked to him. A bruise nothing more. Nothing that is unexpected while sparing. The mark is mostly gone already, by tomorrow no one will know it was there.

Have I done something to offend them or you then?

No Zinnia. You have not done anything to offend any. She looked back to the pond with a frown.

There is something. There has to be a reason.

Since I have healed from my grievous injuries we can spar before lunch.

Ada would not give me a dagger since I have not trained with one properly. He suggested that I get a wooden training one from Gebrir or one of the other guards.

Then let us do that.

Are you sure that you do not have anything that is more pressing to attend to today? He smiled at her.

I am sure, now I believe you are my guide. Please, guide me to the practice fields.

Very well. As he watched her walk he frowned a little knowing she was still worrying over the incident.

~~~~~~~~~

Zinnia shifted on her feet slightly nervous. After spending the day with Legolas and getting a little more information from him she had found that it was Noran who had ordered the guards there. Though she felt she should have known as he was the one that suspected her of attacking Legolas. Not that she could blame him, Legolas was his prince. She reasoned that she might have reacted the same way had she been in his position and had Lord Celeborn or Lady Galadriel been in Legolas's. Reaching up she adjusted the desert tray in her arms and knocked on the door. The cook agreed to have her deliver it.

Enter. She opened the door and entered seeing Noran at the main desk. There are some clothes to be taken to the laundry and I wish to have my room cleaned tomorrow. She walked in a little and set the tray on a nearby stand.

I will make sure that it is done Lord Noran. His eyes shot up from the letter he was writing and to her when she spoke. He frowned and she swallowed nervously

What are you doing in my room?

I. . I brought your desert that you had requested. . and I came to explain about what you saw between Legolas and I on the practice field the other day. His eyes narrowed and he stood.

If you touched the tray then take it back for I do not wish for anything on it. Send another for my laundry.

Lord Noran I swear to you on everything that I am that I meant no harm to your prince. We were sparing and when I do so with my Ada, Haldir, he moves when I throw the punch. I was not thinking and.

Enough! She stopped talking at the outburst. I do not wish to hear your excuses human. I know what I saw and you hit him on purpose.

We were sparing! Of course I hit him on purpose, well I did not wish to hurt him but I damn well meant to hit him yes. Neither noticed Legolas at the door way. He smirked at Zinnia's comment. It is what one does when you spar. You try to best the other.

Do not speak to me in that tone. Zinnia balled her fists to hold back her answer to that comment.

I am sorry if I have offended you in any way. I do not know what I have done to provoke such a response from you. My intention tonight was not to upset you further.

Your very presence upsets me.

May I at least know what it is I have done to offend you so?

What of you does not offend me? Your look, your smell, your ears.

Noran, you have said enough. Legolas walked into the room with a frown. You have let this go on long enough.

My ears? Noran looked to her and she suddenly realized what it was in his eyes that she recognized. It was disgust, the same look that had been in her master's eyes so long ago. I have not wronged you then!

Of course you have. You feel as though you have the right to speak with me. Anger filled her at that.

The right! At least I can say that I have never disliked another because of their race. You are more human than I am. The years of training with the other guards, along with the fact that Noran was himself not trained as a warrior were the only things that allowed her to stop his hand from connecting to her face.

Noran! Legolas moved forward stepping between them pushing him back and causing Zinnia to release her grip on him. That is enough.

You were going to hit me! They both looked back to Zinnia at her outraged shout. You were going to hit me! None will ever hit me again! Guest or not, elf or not, if you ever raise a hand to me again I will strike you first. I would rather face Celeborn and Galadriel's wrath than ever be hit again!

Zinnia. She slapped Legolas' hand away before it could touch her shoulder.

Tell the lord and lady, I do not care, but if you come near me again you will regret it. She gave a last glare at Noran before leaving the telain. Both heard her footsteps fall into a solid run after she left their sight.

Zinnia!

Let her be gone. You saw how she reacted. The typical human threatening violence. Legolas turned back to Noran and growled.

You were the one that was going to hit her.

Regardless, she threatened and insulted me, you heard it. I will report her and have her punished for that. Legolas took a threatening step forward causing Noran to take another back.

If you so much as think of trying to get her into trouble I will send you back to Mirkwood tomorrow. Legolas kept walking forward and Noran kept taking steps back. The only time we will appear in front of the Lord and Lady to speak of this is if she decides to bring you up on charges for almost striking her. Had that hand connected you would be in serious trouble as not only would I have punished you, the Lord and Lady would have, not to mention her father would have something to say of it.

Her father. Noran scoffed. Haldir is not her father, he is her victim.

SILENCE! Noran's knees hit the back of the desk chair and he fell back as Legolas leaned forward putting his hands on either side of the chair trapping Noran. If I hear one more derogatory word said about her from your mouth you will not like the consequences. Legolas' tone was low and quiet. His eyes were alive with the anger that he felt though. This time it was Noran's turn to swallow nervously. You have your opinions and I can not dictate how you should think. However, as your prince, I can dictate how you behave on a diplomatic mission representing my land.

My prince.

Never interrupt me again. Noran shut his mouth silencing his next words. You have shamed me and you have shamed Mirkwood. Not only could you have caused a diplomatic incident but also you would have hurt an innocent. That woman did nothing but try to resolve what she thought was a problem. She proved herself to be much better than you tonight no matter her race or yours. From this point forward I am holding you personally responsible for the others. If they mistreat or even look at her wrong I will be punishing you. Is that understood Noran?

Yes my Prince. Legolas straightened glaring down at the elf in front of him.

Do not doubt my word on this Noran. I know my father allows such things but I will not.

I do not doubt you.

See that the others feel the same on that matter as you. With that he left following after Zinnia. It veered off into the forest and though her path was harder to find he was able to track her to a tree. Looking up he spotted her high within the branches and started climbing. She looked down to him but seemed content to ignore him and looked back to the sky. Saying nothing he found a branch next to her and settled himself down. They sat in silence for long moments.

If he wishes me to go in front of the Lord and lady I will without protest.

He does not. You are the only one that have any reason to bring charges. She glanced over to him and then away. He followed her sight once again and looked to the stars.

The gazing platform is just over there. Ada always takes me there because I like the stars. I found this spot . . a while ago. Everyone has allowed me to think that I am the only one that knows of it.

I did not mean to intrude on anything so private. She sighed and wiped the evidence of the few tears she had allowed to fall away. I will leave if you wish it.

I do not wish you to leave. You can stay if you like. I would have brought you here besides. Silence fell again.

Zinnia I am sorry that you had to experience that.

I have had others hate me, despise me even. But never since. . never since I came here. I forgot what it felt like.

If you wish to bring him up on charges you should do so. I would be the one with no protest.

I do not wish for any more trouble.

Then I release you from your guide duties. She looked to him. Though I would miss our time together.

I do not wish to stop, I have fun as well. She sighed and looked down to her hands that were in her lap. I suppose you would like to know why I reacted as I did.

He was going to strike you, you defended yourself. That is all I need to know of the situation.

You are not curious as to how a human came to live here? He looked over to her and shrugged.

Curious I may be, but I do not need to know the story. You are here now that is all I need to know. She dropped her eyes and he reached over taking her hand in his. Though lirimier if you wish to speak of it you can. I do not mean to silence you only to make sure you know that it is not necessary for me to know of it. I know that sometimes the past can be hurtful, to speak of it only brings back pain.

Or help heal. He gave a small smile as she looked back up to him.

That as well. He squeezed her hand gently.

I just do not wish you to think of me any less than you do now.

Zinnia I do not think less of you. I think less of Noran. He is the one that is wrong. He is the one that should be ashamed.

Thank you for those words.

Do not thank me for the truth, as that is what those words are. There is nothing in your past that would make me think otherwise either.

That I am not so sure of. Though, I. . for some reason I wish to tell you. I want you to know.

Then tell me and know that I will not disappoint you.

Before here, before Ada, before my uncles, before Lórien I lived in Rohan. I think it was Rohan as it is the closest to here. I was a slave, treated as such. She closed her eyes lowering her head. Legolas squeezed her hand in comfort again. Many things happened there that. . that I would choose not to remember. The beatings and other abuse. She pulled her legs to her chin wrapping one arm around them but letting Legolas continue to hold her hand. I had a brother then, Alar, one night. . one night we ran. I do not remember why. She opened her eyes and looked to Legolas when he moved to the tree branch in front of her. He took her other hand and nodded at her to continue.

We ran forever. It seemed like it anyway. We were only children. A few tears started falling down her face.

How old were you?

Eight I think. His hands tightened on hers and she sighed. Alar was younger by two years. I remember that clearly. We ran, we ran and ran but he still found us. He found us and. . and well he. . Alar tried to stop him but master just turned on him and kept hitting him. Over and over and over yelling and screaming. She looked up to him. I found a rock and hit him as hard as I could. After that we ran into the woods. Haldir and my uncles found us soon after.

What of your brother? He knew that she had no brother now and could guess at his fate, but he also knew that she needed to speak of it.

He did not last past the night we ran into the woods. His. . his wounds were too serious. Ada said he was bleeding internally, I was too young then to understand. So. . I know why humans are not liked.

It is unfair to think of a whole race poorly for what one or a handful of others have done. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. You possess a strength that passes my capability to comprehend lirimier. He moved back and she looked into his eyes. To have survived such torment and still become the joyful spirit that you are. Do not let someone as trivial as Noran dishearten you. With a small smile he let go of her hands and wiped the tears from her face. She leaned forward and he wrapped his arms around her as she put her head on his shoulder.

You are the first person I have told other than family.

Then I can only hope I prove myself worthy of your trust and friendship. She closed her eyes with a sigh and pulled him into her own embrace.

You already have Legolas. Legolas smiled and held her a little tighter. He pulled back after a few more minutes of holding her and smiled even more. It has been a long time since I studied the night sky. Will you help me remember my constellations?

Would you rather go to the gazing platform? The view is slightly clearer.

If you would not mind, I would like to stay here.

I do not mind. She smiled at him and he returned it.

Then we must resituate. Expecting him to sit on the limb next her he surprised her by motioning her forward. As she moved forward he moved around behind her sitting back against the tree trunk. Much better, now which is your favorite? She laughed slightly.

Favorite. I do not know if I have a favorite. I always see the trees of Silver and Gold first. Though I believe that has more to do with their easy shape than the fact that they are a favored of mine. A small thrill ran through her when he laughed and his arms settled around her waist.

Then show me that one. She did not believe that he did not know such a simple constellation but she did not call him on it. Instead she pointed it out and told him of it. He seemed content to listen to her and she was content to have something to keep her mind off her nervousness of the position that they were in now. When he asked for another she leaned back into him relaxing but wary that he would push her away. His only response was to move his arms tighter around her and prompt her to answer. She smiled and did as he asked relaxing fully in the process.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Haldirtinu = Daughter of Haldir (see below for more information)

Lirimier = Lovely one

Language: I took the form of Haldirtinu from the LOTR dialogue in which Haldir refers to Legolas as Thranduilion. I realize now that the elvish I have been using is Gray Company Elvish. I did not realize that anything was wrong with that until I was reading another fan fiction that had the information on it. It seems that Gray Company elvish is a butchered form of elvish and Quena with most of it made up to suit their purposes. They are a role playing game so they made it easier for them to use, which is completely understandable.

I have decided that I am not going to fix any of the past chapters for the simple reason that I feel it is not necessary. I am going to keep using the Gray Company language for the rest of this story. If I ever have anymore stories I will use proper Sindarin though.

Thank you for all of the reviews! I get all warm and gooey inside every time I read one.