A/N: Zinnia is not really in love with Legolas, and Legolas is not in love with Zinnia. I just wanted to make sure that everyone understands this. They are good friends, at least I hope I established that as that was my intention. The author note at the end of the last chapter explains a little more about elves themselves. She chose him for this because at that moment she felt ready. She was attracted to Legolas, as well as comfortable with him and trusted him completely. They do love each other, as friends, really close friends, but they are not in romantic love with one another.
Zinnia will find romantic love, and marriage is in her future. But neither is going to be with an elf. I know that crushes some hearts out there, but I hope the end result will repair some of the damage ;-) Just see. . I can't have her fall in love with an elf or the ending just doesn't work. You'll meet the lucky man in the next chapter. . or should I say Zinnia will meet him in the next chapter. . bwahahahahaha.
Chapter 21: The Feast
Zinnia took a sip of her drink and watched the others dancing around the court. Many of the females had already given their crowns to males. Orophin already had one on his head and was dancing with the one that had given it to him. She sighed and looked over the crowd seeing Legolas. He was almost resplendent in his formal robes. They were of a dark green and silver. He was dancing with a very beautiful she-elf.
'They are all beautiful.' She thought with an eye roll. Fidgeting she looked down to her dress and sighed. There were so many colors in the room, the dancers looked like a swirling rainbow. They were all there from the palest of yellows to the darkest of blacks. She was the only one wearing white though. To symbolize that it was her first feast. Normally there would be others, but she was the only one of all in attendance that had never been to a Summer Solstice feast before. Reaching up she scratched her head under her crown of red roses. Again, she was the only one wearing a pure red crown.
Looking back to Legolas she almost sighed again but held herself. Taking another small sip of wine she put her glass down and grabbed a few grapes to wet her mouth instead. Ever since she had gotten drunk on finding some of Rúmil's wine when she had been younger, she lost her taste for it. She almost choked on the grape in her mouth when she saw the elf Legolas was dancing with offer him her crown. He smiled widely and kissed the back of her hand before placing the crown back on her head. The elf bowed to him then left looking for a new partner. He met Zinnia's eyes from across the dance floor and his smile grew a little larger as a blush ran across her features.
Will you dance with me?
Valar Ada you are trying to kill me! She slapped her hand over her chest from the sudden jolt of adrenaline. He chuckled and leaned down looking to where she had been but saw nothing but dancers.
What has your attention so captured?
Nothing, just watching the dancers. Her stammer and her blush told him otherwise though.
You should not be watching aier you should be dancing. He held his hand out to her and she grinned before taking it.
But ada you have already danced with me this night.
Then I shall dance with you some more. He answered with a grin taking her out to the dance floor. She laughed as he spun her around.
Should you not be looking for your own partner? They came back together.
My own partner? She grinned at him.
Yes, I am sure you would get offered a crown if you danced with one other than your own daughter.
I enjoy dancing with my daughter. Her grin turned into a smile as they continued dancing to the music. As another song was to begin Galadriel walked up to them.
May I cut in?
Of course my lady. Zinnia bowed to Galadriel and Haldir kissed the back of her hand before Galadriel took her place. As she turned to walk back to the table she faced the one person she had kind of been avoiding.
May I have this dance my lady? I have not yet had the honor this eve.
I. . do not. He took her hand.
It is only a dance, nothing more. Your decisions are yours, but know I will wait for it.
I would love to dance with you. He grinned and pulled her to him as the music started. Why did you not accept?
Accept what lirimier? She blushed lightly.
Her crown. She is beautiful, even for an elf.
She was fair, yes. He agreed. There are many types of beauty in this world; you are young yet to have seen many of them. Know that not all beauty is without; the most stunning beauty is found within. One may have to look a little harder for it but when it is uncovered you will find it was well worth the effort. The dance turned from an almost lively tune to a slow dance and they transitioned easily as the other dancers did. Besides hers was not the offer I wish to accept. Zinnia blushed again. Let us not worry for that now, for now, he spun her around with the music, let us dance.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Zinnia looks stunning tonight. Haldir smiled widely at Galadriel.
She does. I tried to tell her that and she only rolled her eyes. Galadriel laughed.
You are her father Haldir. Of course she would.
Yes, she took compliments from her uncles easily enough.
She has grown into a beautiful woman, though she was a beautiful child, it should not come as a surprise. Haldir smiled slightly.
She still has many years to grow yet.
She has many years to learn, she is done growing in the sense that you mean Haldir. She should have guessed that Haldir would not have been prepared for tonight. Her hope had been that the invitation itself would have been sufficient.
Done, I do not think so; she is young yet for such a statement.
Ah, but done she is Haldir. She will grow no more, and soon her nurturing will pass beyond your complete influence. The song ended and Haldir frowned looking at Galadriel.
What do you speak of my Lady? His tone was thoroughly confused as he was. Her only response was to smile at him.
My lady may I have this dance? She smiled at the young guard and then looked back to Haldir.
She is a woman Haldir, you must remember that. Treat her like a child and all progress you have made will slip. She turned to the guard and took his hand. Haldir bowed to her though it was more reflex than thinking on his part. His mind was still trying to unravel her meaning behind her last statement.
Haldir. Haldir turned to Celeborn. I trust your evening is going well. I see that Zinnia's is. Haldir followed Celeborn's gaze to the dance floor and saw Zinnia blushing heavily at something that Legolas whispered in her ear. A surge of pure protectiveness washed over him. The only thing stopping him from walking over and separating the two was Celeborn's hand that went to his shoulder. I remember Celebrían's first feast. Haldir looked to Celeborn. I glowered at any that approached her until Galadriel distracted me.
She . . she is too young. He is taking advantage of her youth.
Haldir. Celeborn handed him a glass of wine. She is of age.
She is eighteen!
She is human.
She. . she is too young. She does not understand what she is doing. He will hurt her.
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I remember when I would stand on my father's feet in order to dance. Legolas smiled at her.
Then you have much improved.
I am nervous Legolas.
There is no reason. He pulled her a little closer and she blushed. Her eyes flickered over to some of the Mirkwood elves who were scowling and he felt her stiffen. Lirimier do not worry for them. They are inconsequential. What matters is you, your feelings, your wants and needs. Not theirs, not their prejudices or biases. She smiled at him though she was still nervous.
You are a good friend. He smiled at her.
I am.
I especially enjoy your modest nature.
I am at times a bit too unassertive of my character. Perhaps I should work on it.
You should, I am surprised that one would find such bashfulness in a prince.
It can be a deficit, but I find that my charismatic personality makes up for such failings. She chuckled. Not to mention my highly above average looks. Though none has said so directly to me, I know I outshine even the Evenstar.
I think Arwen would have something to say about that.
Oh she would titter in agreement I am sure. He smiled then laughed with her.
Though I was only eleven last I saw her, I can assure you that Arwen does not titter.
You are correct. Perhaps I was thinking of her brothers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haldir, she is of age. You knew that she would age faster when you took her in. He sighed when Haldir's eyes narrowed as Zinnia laughed openly and freely at something Legolas had said. Do you have that much doubt in her? He understood what Haldir was going through having had to let go of a daughter himself once. It had come as no surprise when Orophin and Rúmil had come to them asking for help.
Her I have no doubt in, it is the one that is deceiving her that worries me. Haldir sharply looked to Celeborn when he laughed.
I am sorry Haldir, but those were close to the same sentiments that I spoke when Celebrían gave away her crown the first time. Celeborn sighed again but smiled knowingly. Have faith in her Haldir. She more than any of us will know when she is ready. If she feels that now is the time and Legolas is the person, who are we to say anything against it. You have raised her well, if she trusts Legolas than you must trust her decision.
I. . Haldir looked back to the dancers spotting the two he wanted to see. I do not wish for her to be of age yet.
No parent ever does when faced with the fact that their child is no longer a child. Celeborn looked over just in time to see Zinnia hold her crown out to Legolas. He smiled when Legolas bowed and allowed her to put it on his head. Come my friend. Celeborn put his arm over Haldir's shoulders. Let us share a drink together. He thought for a moment Haldir was going to ignore him and charge forward to rip the two apart. The moment passed and Haldir sighed.
Perhaps more than one.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Haldir looked up from the drawing in his hand when he heard footsteps climbing the stairs. He had left the feast shortly after finishing of a bottle of wine between him and Celeborn. If he had stayed he knew things would have probably only grown worse for him. He couldn't stay and watch the others now that he no longer had a child.
Zinnia?
Hello ada. She closed the door and dropped her dress from her arms. I swear, how can one wear dresses all of the time? Impractical inventions no matter their beauty. She paused a moment and looked to him before smiling. What are you looking at? He looked back down to the drawing as she moved around and leaned on the chair looking over his shoulder. Valar, she laughed and he smiled at the sound, that is hideous.
It is not. It is beautiful.
Ada, that is the ugliest bird I have ever seen. I think it is a bird.
It is a bird, one you drew for me when you were ten. She smiled and looked to the wooden box that was sitting on the floor. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw all of the papers in there.
My drawings? You kept them. She moved and sat next to it pulling out a few and looking through them.
Of course I did. I could never throw such away. You loved to draw.
I still do, I just. . am not very good. She pulled a few more out and smiled at them.
Not that I mind you are here, but should you not be with. . He trailed off not wanting to say it in fear that she would leave.
Legolas? I am meeting him tomorrow for lunch and then most likely archery practice. Then maybe dinner. He is here for a few more weeks. She looked up to him with a small smile. I. . well I needed to make sure that you were . . that you did not think I was making a mistake. Her expression grew serious as she watched him. Do you think I am making a mistake?
I. . I think that what you feel is more important. He looked to her meeting her eyes. I do not wish for you to hurt anymore.
Thanks to your help I do not. She reached over and took his hand. You, Rúmil, Orophin, Suvel, Galadriel, Celeborn, the list would include most of Lórien should I continue. He smiled at her. Legolas can help me in a way that none of you could though. I feel that I am ready, I feel that. . that I need to know this to be complete. To . . take back what is mine. I want a positive memory of intimacy, one that I helped to create.
Then you are ready to do such. I only wish I had more time with you.
I am not leaving. She moved up and hugged him, which he gladly returned. I am still your daughter. You are still my father. That will never change. You have given me so much I will always treasure. So much I would never have had without you.
Such wisdom from one so young. She pulled back and gave him a cheeky grin.
Do not worry, in a few years you will catch up with me.
I did not give you your mouth. She chuckled and he smiled.
I blame Orophin and Rúmil for that.
As do I. He sighed and pushed some of her hair behind her ear. You have grown so much.
I have, though I did not think you had noticed.
I tried my best not to. She smiled at him and he returned it.
Well even the oldest of us must sleep. She stood and leaned over kissing his cheek. Good night ada. Do not stay up too late looking at ugly drawings.
They are not ugly. She laughed again and went into her room. They are not ugly. This time he said it more to himself as his eyes traced the lines of the drawing once more. He looked back up when she came back in and put a small book in his lap.
These will go well with your collection.
Your sketchbook?
It is full. These are slightly better, at least many of the forms can be named without a guess. He opened it and then looked up to her. And a few of the portraits are close enough to be recognizable if you squint. He chuckled. I love you and you are the best ada that any child could want. I am lucky to call you mine.
I am lucky to call you daughter my sweet. She smiled at him before hugging him again.
Say that name in front of Legolas and I will have to do something horrid to you as retribution. He only smiled and held her a little closer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Goodbye Legolas. I will miss you.
And I you lirimier. The months have passed too fast. She smiled and then hugged him.
I have . . I wish to give you something.
And what would you give one that has everything? She rolled her eyes and he chuckled as she held a cloth bundle. You should not have. Red is not even my color.
Do not be an ass Legolas.
That is a royal ass. . that did not work as I had planned. He unwrapped the cloth and smiled. Vambraces.
Yes, a real leather worker made them but I etched the design on them. I thought you would like them.
They are almost as beautiful as you are. She laughed and shook her head. He smiled but touched her cheek. They are beautiful, thank you. He leaned forward and replaced his fingers with his lips.
You are welcome. He pulled back with a chuckle.
I am glad you got me something so you do not feel awkward when I present you with this. She looked down at what he had pressed in her hand and her eyes widened slightly when she realized what it was.
I can not take.
You are not taking anything. You are accepting a gift.
This is your Warrior Knife. You received this when you were accepted into the guards. It can not be replaced.
No, it can not. The knife you hold is one of a kind Zinnia. When showed to any Mirkwood guard it would be recognized instantly. The one who holds that knife will be recognized as my friend, as one I have given leave to enter Mirkwood's boarders at their will. Besides, a warrior such as yourself should be trained in the use of a small knife coupled with your sword. Your father has agreed. She smiled then laughed hugging him again.
Thank you for everything.
Thank me for nothing Zia. They pulled back and he kissed her gently on the lips. Except the knife. It is irreplaceable.
You are shameless Legolas. She laughed and took his arm in a warrior's embrace. You better write or I will be showing up in your woods sooner than you would hope.
It is only a threat if one fears the consequences. Though I will write you even if it postpones your visit. He smiled at her.
I will not lie to you Legolas. I may never see your kingdom.
We shall see, but I have a feeling this knife will be returned to me.
Then I hope your feeling is true.
~~~~~~~~
I told you we had nothing to worry over. Rúmil looked to Orophin with a poignant stare.
I believe that you were the one who was worried brother. Orophin just grinned and looked back to where he saw Zinnia and Legolas walking to Legolas' horse. Let us hope she did not ask to bond to this one.
Let us. They both turned and saw Haldir standing there.
I'm sure she did not. She was young then, she is not so young now. Rúmil smiled at the expression on his brother's face.
Yes. His eyes traveled to his daughter and the prince that he would be escorting out of his own woods. She is not so young. The soft expression on his face turned back to the arrogant mask. She is still young enough to require watching while I am gone.
Yes Haldir. Both Orophin and Rúmil spoke at the same time then laughed.
Do not worry Haldir, as always she will be well taken care of during your absence. Orophin grinned and Haldir only sighed and walked over to Zinnia and the Prince.
Prince Legolas. Legolas looked over to him and smiled. We must depart soon to stay on schedule.
Yes Haldir of course, I will ready my group. Legolas handed the reigns of his horse to Zinnia and walked off.
A new piece of weaponry my . . she looked at him raising an eyebrow and he smiled, daughter? He had been torturing her with that since she had warned him off it.
Legolas gave it to me. It will offer passage through Mirkwood.
It will at that my sweet.
Ada! He chuckled.
He is not within hearing range. Be good for your uncles while I am gone.
Of course. Be careful and come back to me safe.
Yes daughter. She hugged him and he smiled. I will see you in a week.
I will be waiting for your return.
My people are ready. Legolas put his hand over his heart and bowed. We are now under your command march warden. Haldir returned the symbolic gesture with a smile. The vambraces did not escape his notice. He had seen Zinnia sketch that design on paper and knew they had to be from her.
Thank you Prince Legolas. We will leave as soon as your people are mounted. Legolas nodded and took the reigns from Zinnia.
I will leave you to your goodbyes.
Our goodbyes are over. Haldir smiled. I will have the gates opened. A few minutes more are left to tarry. He walked away and Zinnia looked to Legolas.
Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet melonamin. He smiled at her words and put his hand on her cheek.
My world will be a little darker without your light. The horn sounded and the gates started to open. She leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek and he turned his head kissing her on the lips. Until next we meet Lirimier.
Until then Legolas. They moved apart and he jumped on his horse grinning down to Zinnia.
I am disappointed you would not ask to bond. Do I not rank as high as Erestor? She flushed red and he laughed.
Where did you hear that?
I have my sources. He grinned. Await my letter.
Oh yes, my world shall stop until I hear from you.
Then my work here is done. She laughed and slapped his thigh lightly.
Safe journey.
How can it not be now that I am even more protected? He smiled mischievously. It was Orophin. He whispered before moving off. She got a surprised look on her face before smiling and backing off the path of the ones leaving. Legolas kicked his horse into a faster trot and joined Haldir at the front before dismounting and walking next to him.
Do you need consoling? She looked over to Orophin and smirked.
No uncle, though you may after I get you back for telling Legolas that I asked Erestor to bond to me. Her eyes went back to the caravan leaving the city.
He told you that did he?
Yes.
I do not suppose an apology would suffice.
Nay.
A cake?
Nay.
A new bow. There was a moment's hesitation. And lessons with your knife. Her head tilted but she still did not answer.
Plus the cake.
Deal. Agreed Orophin immediately.
Apology accepted uncle. Rúmil chuckled.
Speaking of Erestor the mail came earlier today. A letter for you. The gates closed and she looked to Rúmil taking the envelope with her name in neat lettering. I am off. I will prepare dinner tonight.
I will help you. Rúmil sighed.
If you insist Orophin. Rúmil kissed Zinnia on the head. Dinner is at my telain tonight.
Yes uncle. Rúmil smiled at her distracted tone as she opened the letter.
Come Rúmil let us start arguing over tonight's meal. Orophin patted Zinnia's shoulder before leaving with Rúmil.
'Erestor, no matter how good your Summer Solstice was mine was far better.' She smiled as she opened the letter and started reading.
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Lirimier = Lovely one
Melonamin = My friend
Aier = Little one
A/N: What the hell are vambraces you may ask? Good question, I had to look it up myself! The official definition is 'armor used to protect he forearm' so says dictionary. com. Still need visualization go here. . www. geocities. com/ maeluiril/ legsarmor .html. (take the spaces out) And yes it is my intention that the ones he wears in during the Lord of the Rings are the ones she gave him.
Thank you so much for the reviews!! Just so you know it might take a little while for the next couple of chapters. I'm working on them as hard as I can.
I hope you also understood why I did not write exactly what happened between Zinnia and Legolas. My thoughts are that no matter how I wrote it, the scene itself, just the content of it would ruin the tone of this story. I am playing with the notion of writing some stand alones that would be part of this little universe I created. Filling in some of the gaps, and maybe some of the scenes that were more implied or just left out. I had this one plot bunny of her getting sick when she was younger that I'm messing with. We'll just have to see what my muse tells me to do. ;-)