Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Warnings: Mentions of child abuse.
A/N: I plan on updating with the next chapter tomorrow or the next day. Have a great holiday!
Thanks to Mellon1 for looking this over for me.
Chapter 20: Preparations
Zinnia sighed happily as she sat down. She was back to her old routine of reading in the mornings and practicing with the other guards in the afternoon. Legolas was called into the negotiations simply for traditional purposes. He would attend the last of the negotiations and sign the treaty in his father's place. It was nothing more than ceremony but it was still observed. Until the feast she would only be able to see Legolas in the afternoons or nights. Smiling as she remembered the feast was only a few days away she settled down to read. As always she was lost in the writing on the page within a few words.
Have you seen the human? Zinnia's head lifted from her book at those words. Hours had passed as she had sat under her favorite tree reading her history lesson. It hid her from the path directly behind her.
Indeed how could one miss her? In a wood of such beauty she stands out as a shadow in a lighted room. The voices were unfamiliar with her and she guessed that they were some of the elves from Mirkwood. I do not see why they allow her to stay any longer, or even why they allowed her to remain under these branches in the first place.
And that she claims to be Haldir's daughter! Like any elf could sire that. There was laughter and Zinnia's face flushed red. He must have great pity for her to keep her and allow her to call him that.
I wonder if he can hide his grimace when she speaks to him.
She has been assigned to the prince as well. I do not believe this is what his father had in mind when sending him here. The king wanted Legolas to spend time away from men. Had he known there was one of those dirty beasts roaming these woods I doubt Thranduil would have let Legolas out of the kingdom.
I will never understand the Prince's fascination with the world of men. They should not be associated with. There is no point. They are only dirty and rude, some more than others. There was more laughter and tears started running from Zinnia's eyes as the voices drifted away. She stayed where she was at until she had her tears under control then left to go back to her room.
She knew she wasn't like the others. It was obvious in every way, but it had never been spoken of before. Not since she had gotten to the woods had any words of malice towards her ever been spoken. 'Not to my ears.' She thought another tear falling. 'Not to my round ears.' Fear that they were right ripped through her. As she walked she tried to remember any times when she was speaking to Haldir or any other and they grimaced at her. 'He calls me daughter though. He. . he doesn't think those things about me.' She ran up the steps and immediately went into her room when reaching the telain. 'Orophin and Rúmil call me niece.'
'Ada. . Haldir has never given me any reason to think that he has ever not loved me. He says it all the time, the very fact that I am still here. If he did not wish it I would no longer be here. He is not one to let things continue that he does not like. And he has never lied to me, not once. Not once.' The doubts still ate at her though. 'It is just them. Just those elves from Mirkwood! No one else here has ever treated me as they do. They have never called me human or. . or looked at me as they do.'
She laid on her bed for hours trying to convince herself that the elves words were false. That Haldir did want her and love her as a daughter. But she knew they were right in that she was human. No elf would have ever made her and she suddenly wondered why Haldir would want her as a daughter. She wasn't pretty like the others, she wasn't really good at anything, she couldn't sing, she couldn't paint, she couldn't draw, she was no where near the level of an elf on anything. She heard laughter and voices coming closer and figured Haldir and her uncles had returned.
Zinnia. Haldir called out. He walked back to her bedroom and knocked on the door.
Come in.
Zinnia, come dinner is approaching. Orophin invited us to his table this night, he said with a smile.
I am not hungry. Haldir paused when he heard her voice. There was sadness in it. I think I would rather just sleep. He watched her back as she curled even tighter under the covers.
Are you not feeling well? Should I fetch a healer?
No, I am just tired. Go ahead without me, I had a late lunch besides.
If that is your want.
It is. He paused for a moment.
Do not forget your appointment at the tailors tomorrow. Your dress needs fitted. He smiled at her sigh.
I will not forget ad. . She trailed off before finishing the word. I will be there.
Are you sure you wish to stay? asked Haldir.
Yes, do not worry for me. He still hesitated hearing a note to her voice that unsettled him. Go and let me sleep.
Very well, do you wish me to bring something back for you?
No, I am fine. Haldir nodded silently and left the room with a frown. He missed the tears falling down her face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I do not wish to go to the feast. Zinnia's sudden admission caused Haldir to look to her. Breakfast had been quiet when normally it was loud and filled with laughter. He knew something was wrong but he was at a loss as to find out as to what.
You were so excited before, what caused you to change your mind? She shrugged as she continued to wash the dishes.
I am no longer interested. I would rather do something else. Haldir frowned and stood walking over and taking the dish from her to dry.
Will you tell me what is wrong?
Nothing is wrong I just no longer wish to go.
I do not believe this sudden change in you happened without a cause.
Cause or not I no longer wish to go.
You begged me for months. He set the dish down and went to touch her and frowned even more when she shied away from him.
I simply do not wish to go! She walked away leaving a very confused and unsettled Haldir behind. He finished clearing the dishes before tracking her down intent on finding some answers. She was curled up under her favorite tree looking over the small glade.
It would help me if you would make me understand this sudden change. She didn't startle as he had made sure to make some noise approaching.
I have simply decided that. . that I would rather not go. Why can you not just accept that?
Perhaps it was because you would not speak to me for over a week because I told you that you could not go.
I was wrong. Haldir raised an eyebrow at that. It usually took much persuasion to get that statement out of her.
Were you? Then I was not wrong? You are too young.
Yes.
What happened to the argument that if you were in a human city you would already be receiving marriage proposals?
I am not in a human city. He sighed as she was using his own words against him as he used hers against her. Though perhaps I should be. He looked at her a moment before responding.
Do you wish to visit a city? If you do I will speak with Lord Celeborn and see if we can accompany the next.
You are not listening to me! Haldir quieted at her rather uncharacteristic outburst. I wish to do more than visit.
Another sudden change.
The hearts of mortals are unreliable and shifty are they not.
Who said that?
I read it in a book. Haldir moved forward and put a hand on her shoulder, which she immediately moved away from.
Aier please. . I only wish to understand. His tone was sad as he pulled his hand back.
Why did you let me stay with you? The question took him off guard and he wondered why she would ask it.
I took you in because you needed a home and I had one to share.
Because you pitied me.
No, because I wished to protect you. She was silent and sat down her back facing him. Where are these questions coming from? He heard her sniff and saw her wipe her face.
Maybe it is time that I found my own place.
You are only a child aier I can not allow you go alone.
I. . I am old enough for my race. They were right I should not stay here anymore and. . and I should just leave.
Who was right?
It does not matter.
It does, said Haldir softly. He heard her sniff again and moved closer. Tell me what has you so troubled.
Do you mind that I call you father?
Never. He was slightly surprised she would even question that and put his hand on her back.
I would never have come from an elf. He moved next to her and put his arm around her pulling her closer to him.
No, you would not be you if you had. She looked to him and he wiped a few tears away. You would not be so full of life, so vibrant, so unique.
I am only that because there are no other humans here.
You are special even among other humans.
Why? She sniffed again and looked away. I am not special in any way. I can not do the things you can or. . or anything. . . I do not even look as an elf why should I remain among you?
Do you believe that matters to any here?
It matters to some. He frowned and automatically thought of the Mirkwood elves. It was no secret what Thranduil thought of humans, his thoughts and those of his kingdom did not extend to all elvin Lands. Thranduil blamed humans for his father's death, as he blamed Elrond and Gil-galad.
It does not to me. At one time. . I will not lie in saying that I have always thought as such. I have been to human cities before and my opinion has always been low. He felt her tense at try to move away but he held her closer. My opinion has changed, it changed the night a small child threatened me with a stick protecting a loved one. He pulled back and tilted her head up to make sure that she was looking at him. It kept changing the more I was with you. The more you became a part of me, the more you became my daughter. I do not care what race you are, I do not care what blood flows through you, for above everything else you are my daughter.
It is wrong for an elf to love a mortal or a mortal to love an elf. You should not love me and I should not lo.
It is not wrong. Haldir pulled her closer and she went with him almost clutching. Love is never wrong.
None would love me besides . . . they say I am dirty.
You are not, said Haldir fiercely. You are not dirty, you are not soiled, you are not anything less than any elf.
Then why did they say it? Why do they think it? She looked up to him and a few tears ran down her cheeks. It must be based in truth for them to think it valid.
No, no my sweet none of their words held any truth. He wiped the tears away and pulled her closer again enveloping her in a hug. They are. . close minded and biased. I believe they are frightened of humans. Our time here is ending and all know that ultimately it will be humans who remain. You will inherit the earth that we have held on to for so long. Many of my kind do not like change. We fear it after living for many endless years. You represent change in a changeless land.
They have to justify their fear by making you less than them. They have to be able to tell themselves that they are not frightened of you by trying to degrade you. Their words are not truth daughter. They are not but lies. Do not listen to them and do not be affected by them. He tightened his hold on her and kissed her head. Besides I love you and since I am the best elf in these woods, aside from the Lord and Lady of course.
Of course, she said in a sniff with a smile on her face.
As I was saying since I love you obviously all your doubts are groundless.
Ada. He looked down to her upturned face. I love you too. He smiled.
Then I am the luckiest elf in all of Arda as well as the best in these woods.
Except for the Lord and Lady of course.
Oh of course, he said with a nod. She smiled then laughed and he smiled hearing the sound that had brought him such joy over the years. No more tears today? She shook her head slowly and wiped her face. Now truthfully do you wish to go to the feast this year?
I. . I do not know. She sighed and sat up straight. I want to but I do not wish to be a joke to them. Maybe it would be better if I go next instead.
You are not and will never be a joke. Haldir took her hand in his. Do not let them influence you. He tilted her head up until they were looking at each other. Show them they are wrong.
How?
Do not let them control your actions my sweet. They are wrong and let them know that by ignoring them. Show them by going and having the fun you would have without them there.
I will. He smiled at her and she returned it.
Good, now I believe we were supposed to practice our archery this morning as Legolas is in meetings and I am not. She nodded. Then we shall until your tailor appointment.
~~~~~~~~~~
That night Haldir ended up being called to a meeting after dinner and Zinnia decided to stay at Orophin's for a while. Zinnia was sitting on a chair reading a book and Orophin was sprawled out on the couch doing the same. It worked out for her because she had some questions she intended to get answers to. Answers she needed to help her decide something that had been on her mind for the past weeks.
Uncle?
Humm Orophin's tone was distracted.
How do I know if I want to have sex? Orophin spluttered his wine and started coughing and wiping it off his tunic and book he had been reading. He looked over to Zinnia who had a serious but amused look on her face.
Perhaps you should ask your father about that. Zinnia sighed and rolled her eyes.
He has told me about sex. If I asked him he would only repeat what he has already told me. All he talks of is the act itself. Besides after all that he would simply say I am too young then leave it at that.
Rúmil?
He would start spouting poetry. I love him but his poetry is slightly . . . boring. No if I wanted to know more of the physical specifics of sex I would go to Ada. If I wanted to learn about love poetry and songs I would go to uncle Rúmil.
Though I get the other questions. She nodded and smiled at him.
I have heard some of the other elves talking and you are well liked in that area.
Oh?
Yes. The first Summer Solstice feast is usually when elves take their first lover.
That is true.
And I think why Ada was so insistent I not go.
That is true as well. He sighed and sat up turning to her.
Galadriel specifically invited me this year. I think that means I am old enough.
Blossom . . . He sighed again. Yes, for men you are old enough. Your age would be the equivalent of an elf who first attended this feast.
But for elves I am still a baby. She looked down to her hands and sighed. I will always be a baby.
No. She looked back up to him. You will not, you are no longer despite Haldir's obvious refusal to see with his eyes and not his heart. He looked to her for a moment. Perhaps we should have this conversation over cake. They settled at the kitchen table. A generous slice of well iced cake was in front of both of them before their conversation resumed.
So how do I know?
Well, when two people care about and respect each other. She looked to him and raised an eyebrow and he couldn't help but laugh. She could have been Haldir's daughter. She was Haldir's daughter he corrected himself and smiled at her fondly. Covered?
Ada.
Ah. He took a small bite of cake. Do you have a specific person in mind? She nodded. And what do you feel when you think of this person?
I like him. He is fun to talk to and. . . and I like him.
You trust him. She nodded slowly. You must be sure. Trust is one of the most important factors in any relationship.
I trust him. He has never been anything but nice and caring towards me since I have met him. Though it has only been a short time . . . it is like. . I know he would never hurt me. I. . . I even told him everything and he. . he did not pity me. Orophin digested this information for a moment. Her past was very tumultuous for her and she hated telling anyone. She would have had to trust this person with her very being to speak of it at all.
Do you like him in that manor?
I find him attractive. She fidgeted slightly. I count moments to see him again. He smiled and took another bite of cake as she did.
Love?
No. . . I do not think so. He is a good friend and. . . . no it is not love. Something less but something more. She sighed. I do not know, but I feel I have known him much longer than any other here. I feel comfortable with him. And. . and I think that he would . . he would make this enjoyable for me. He was slightly relieved that it was only harmless infatuation.
I can not answer your question my blossom. She looked up to him her mouthful of cake and he smiled. Only you will know if it is right. The question you have to be asking yourself is do you have any doubts? If you do, it might be best to wait. I will not lie to you; sex can be a wonderful thing. Between two people who care for each other it is . . almost beyond description. Something uniquely shared between you and your partner no matter how many times one engages in it or with however many partners.
But it can be bad. She started squishing the cake with her fork and he watched her. He knew of her past experiences. The ones she had at the hands of the monster that had her before she was with them. Haldir had spoken to him of it when he could no longer hold it in.
It can be used to dominate and control. Agreed Orophin. Though no elf would ever use sex as a weapon over another. It is against everything we stand for, everything we are. Sex to us, is something to be shared and treasured. Something of beauty and magnificence, something of nature both physically and mentally. It can only be as such when all are willing and even eager participants.
Will he want me like that? I mean after everything. . he knows. . not the details and all but.. . She trailed off and slouched slightly.
Zinnia, if he is the right one to share your true first experience with then your past experiences would not matter to him. Not in regards to being with you. Perhaps how he approached you. Your past will have no sway in his decision to share this with you. It should not. He should be honored you have chosen him. She sighed and put more cake in her mouth. There was silence while she chewed.
How do I let him know?
Traditionally, at the feast the female offers the male she is interested in her crown.
I know that, I have read the books, she said with an eye roll. I do not wish to do it so publicly. I will not be made a fool of in front of the other Mirkwood elves. There was an edge to her voice he understood and accepted. He knew it had to be hard for her to live with elves as she was a human. Even harder now that some of the more biased Mirkwood elves were here.
Then my advice to you, would be to ask him before the feast. Tell him that you would like to choose him.
What if he says no?
Then he was undeserving of your gift.
And if he says yes?
I will try to enlist Rúmil to help me keep Haldir from killing him. She looked up to him and smiled. You think I am joking? She laughed as he did.
What if he says yes and. . and I end up not being able to. . She trailed off again and he looked to her.
It is your decision. Simply because you have chosen him does not mean that you must complete the act. Sex is. . sex is more than just sex. She looked to him confused. There is more to it than what Haldir told you I am sure. He clarified. Perhaps you will not be ready to fully participate in joining but that does not mean you are unready for kissing, touching, or any of the other various activities that sex entails. Your partner will respect that and if you wish to stop or not continue at any time just tell him. You do not have to do anything you do not wish to.
He will not think me weak for not being able to go through with it then?
No. There was a moment's pause. If you do not mind me asking . . . who are you thinking of choosing?
Legolas, she said quietly. Maybe, I have not decided if I should even try. She looked up to him. Do not tell Ada.
I will not. Orophin smiled. He wasn't suicidal there was no way he would be informing Haldir of this conversation. If I may offer some more advice. She nodded. Ask him. If you feel that you wish for this, ask him. You will never know if you do not try. It will be better to look back at this moment and know for certain what his answer would be than look back and wonder. There was another pause. And if you ever tell Haldir I said that I will deny it beyond the end of Arda.
~~~~~~~~~~
After reading the same sentence for the fifth time and still not knowing what it said Zinnia shut her book and laid back on the bench she was sitting on with a loud sigh. She had been thinking of her conversation with Orophin since last night but still couldn't come to a decision. 'Do I want to?' She had been asking herself that question for days now. It was common knowledge that many elves took their first lovers the night of their first feast. Though she had never met anyone she had ever thought of in that way seriously, until she saw Legolas. 'Will I be able to let him touch me like that? Would he even want to?' She sighed loudly again.
What troubles you friend? She jumped into a sitting position opening her eyes. Legolas only smiled at her and sat down on the ground. I would have heard your sighs even if I were a dwarf. She looked to him and then smiled.
Perhaps just a lesson. He looked to her book and plucked it from her fingers.
I do not think that a history of Rohan would be that vexing. There are but a few battles between all the horse grooming and breeding. He thumbed through it.
True. She reached over and took the book back from him. He only looked to her and grinned.
Is that all you do the days you are not forced to lead me around? Read. Do you not have a feast to ready for?
The feast is more than ten hours away. Even with all of the hair twisting and other tortures Suvel will inflict on me it should only take an hour to ready myself. Perhaps your time would be better spent primping.
I do not primp.
Of course not. Her tone was nothing but sarcastic as she set the book next to her.
I do not.
I agreed with you. She looked to him innocently.
Of course you did.
We are together in this then, she said with a nod and a smile. Should you not be off with some of your many advisors or some such?
Nay, the meetings are done, the treaty signed. Now all I must fulfill is my appearance at the feast. All of the other items of business are being taken care of through said advisors.
Ah, so you decided to come bother me?
I decided to take a walk and found you, and then decided to bother you. He grinned cheekily at her. Who decides your lessons besides? Rohan is rather boring.
That would be Suvel; I should tell her you said that. Prince or not you would most likely hear something over it.
That I am right. Have you learned of Gondor yet? Of their line?
Yes, Suvel thought I should at least read a book of Rohan. I have no plans of ever going there though. There was silence for a moment and Legolas cursed himself for bringing that up.
You have plans of going other places?
I would like to see Rivendell, perhaps Gondor. Mirkwood has ever fascinated me but I doubt I will ever travel there.
No? Is there something against my homeland? She looked down and he tilted his head.
Well beyond the fact that Ada would never allow such a dangerous journey I doubt I would be well received there.
Oh, and what makes you say that? he asked with a smile.
My ears are not pointed. She sighed at his change in expression. I heard. . some others talking. They do not wish for me here I can only imagine should I be in your forest.
Who? His tone was cold and harsh causing her to look to him.
It does not matter.
It does, tell me who they were and I will deal with them.
I only heard their voices, honestly I. . . I have dealt with it. Ada has helped me to understand.
Not all from Mirkwood feel as they do Zinnia, said Legolas in a sigh. I have never understood my father's or the others feelings towards other races. Most of the humans I have met were no different than any elf. Other than physical appearances and capabilities one would not know the difference. He shrugged slightly. I have never met a dwarf, but I hope that should I ever I would try be open minded and courteous.
To a dwarf? The scandal. He looked at her and smiled.
I did say try, my success is another matter. She chuckled and his smile grew. If you ever wish to visit Mirkwood you are more than welcome. That is should your father allow you, you would be my guest.
I thank you prince. She sighed and stretched her legs out. But Ada would never allow it. Perhaps further in the future.
The invitation is for when you wish to claim it. He stood suddenly. Let us walk; it is too nice of a day to say in one spot for long. She smiled and took his hand so he could help her up.
They talked for most of the afternoon, even having lunch together in a small clearing. He actually helped her with the lesson that she was supposed to be studying by telling her of Rohan. He had been there once when he was younger. As the day passed he noticed that she was becoming slightly more agitated and more introspective. His suspicion that something was bothering her was only proved when he asked her the same question repeatedly.
I am sorry what did you say? He smiled at her and pulled the blade of grass from her fingers.
What I had said is of no importance. What bothers you? His eyebrow rose slightly when she blushed.
I. . have been trying to make a decision.
It must be terribly important if it is taking up so much of your thoughts. Perhaps talking through it would help.
I have spoken to someone of my thoughts.
And?
And he said that it would be only I that would know how to decide.
As most decisions are. There was silence for a few moments as she started playing with the grass again. If you do not wish to talk to me of it I will not ask again.
No, it is not that. . just. . She sighed and blushed a little more. I am no good at this so I will simply say it. She sat up and looked to him. This is my first Summer Solstice feast and I wish to know if you would consent to being my first lover. She couldn't look at him and started fidgeting with her hands.
Traditionally one would ask by offering their crown.
I know. . I know but I . . I can not do that if you will say no. Not in front of the others.
You are so certain my answer will by no? She missed the tone of his voice and thought that he had answered. Her shoulders slumped slightly and her face reddened more.
Of course. . I mean I am human and young. Not to mention it is not really my first expe. She was cut off when he grabbed her hand and pulled her chin up gently.
Never think that it is not. He let his hand drop from her chin and placed it on top of her hand which he was still holding with his other. Do not take those experiences as what lovers share. Those were a warped perversion of what it should be between two people. She looked up to him and he smiled softly bringing her hand up and kissing the back of it. You honor me. He kissed her palm. Should you offer me your crown tonight lirimier I will accept it with pride and affection. She blushed and he smiled at her.
I do not know if I will be able to fully. . He only smiled a little more.
There is no set. . course of action one could say. She looked up to him. Nor is there any time limit. Nothing will ever be forced upon you again. He leaned in closer and brushed his lips across hers in an almost chaste kiss. Almost but not quite. He continued moving his lips brushing against her cheek before settling near her ear.
If you decide to offer me the crown I will accept it. If you feel you are not yet ready do not rush things. They will come in time. She leaned into him a little more and her eyes closed. He pulled back slowly and they looked at each other. Either way you decide I will be your friend, always.
Will you kiss me again? He grinned at her but complied. This kiss was more solid and lingered a little longer than the first. His hands reached up and cupped her face before he pulled back.
The hour grows late and we both must ready. She nodded and he pulled further away from her before standing and offering his hand to her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The prince?
Yes Rúmil the prince! Will you pull the muck from your ears and listen to me.
Well, she is old enough, why are you telling me this Orophin?
She is old enough yes, but only to us. Haldir looks to her and still sees a ten year old hanging upside down from a tree branch.
Well in all fairness she still does that.
Rúmil. Orophin sighed. Rúmil, what will Haldir's reaction be at seeing his daughter, his daughter that he thinks still a child, his daughter that he thinks still needs his absolute protection, offering her crown to Prince Legolas.
Ah, yes we will have a problem.
That is a mild statement to war between Mirkwood and Lórien when their prince is killed by Lórien's march warden. Rúmil laughed at his brother.
Do not fret so. He put his arm over Orophin's shoulders. It will be fine. Haldir will understand. Orophin looked to his brother and raised an eyebrow in obvious disbelief at the statement. She must grow to his eyes at some point. Do you remember your first feast?
Yes. Orophin said with a fond smile remembering.
Mother almost locked you in your room before we left. Lamenting that her baby was to young to participate. Orophin reddened slightly at that.
Yes, well I was fifty. Mother had fifty years of having me grow under her love and guidance. Of her protection and she understood that I did not need it all of the time. Haldir has had only ten years Rúmil, ten years. Though I believe that every day of those was filled with as much love and protectiveness as mother filled my thousands. He will not understand because he does not see her as human. She is his daughter and as such she is still a baby to him. She is only eighteen to him, not fifty, not of age. He even went to the lady to protest her invite.
What? Rúmil was surprised at that news not having heard it before.
You were away at the boarders. He marched up to them and said she was too young. Our cheeky little niece wouldn't talk to him for two weeks after that. Not until he agreed to let her go.
Oi, we have a problem. Should we tell him? Warn him of it.
That Rúmil is the stupidest idea I have ever heard. Why do we not go knock on Mordor's gates and see if Sauron will play a game of cards with us. That would involve less risk of our meeting Mandos than telling Haldir his daughter plans on bedding the prince of Mirkwood!
You make an excellent point. Perhaps I should just tell him that you helped her decide to do just that.
You do that and I will tell him that you were the one that gave her the idea to dye all his shirts pink when she was twelve.
You gave her the dye.
How was I to know she would dye her hair as well? Besides that would not matter as I would already be dead.
Perhaps we should involve the Lord and Lady. Orophin thought about that for a moment.
It is a private matter they should not be involved.
It will not remain private if we are pulling our brother off the prince.
True.
Perhaps we should try to get him to a high level of drunkenness.
His aim would be off then. Legolas's chances of survival could only improve.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aier = Little One
Lirimier = Lovely one
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays! I hope everyone is having a great time and got everything they wanted!
You could always spread the holiday cheer and review! Thanks bunches!
A/N: I just wanted to explain a little of my views on elves and sex. Maybe clarify anything if you are confused. I think that elves, as mature and old as they are wouldn't have the same views on sex we would. They would simply see it as another expression of emotion as well as friendship. That said I don't think they just run around having sex with everyone they meet. I think that they must have a strong relationship with the other person, but they wouldn't wait until marriage.
In my world, to elves sex is just another step in growing up. Another thing that all adults do that is part of their lives. I hope that came through in this chapter and that this explanation was unnecessary. I just want to make sure that everyone knows that this isn't just some light decision between either Zinnia or Legolas. They formed a deep friendship. One in which Zinnia is comfortable enough to tell him of her past and also to trust him enough with this part of her future. Everything gets wrapped up in the next chapter! It will be up within the next couple of days.