Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Warnings: Again, mentions of child abuse. If you don't like don't read.
Shameless plug: I wrote another story that goes along with this called Ailment. You can find it by going to my profile page and then my stories.
A/N: Everyone reading this chapter should give a big thank you to Mellon1. Without her I don't know how long this would have taken to get out. Thank you so much! You are a wonderful beta. Even if you think I have issues. ;-)
Chapter 20: Imladris
So how do you like the open road so far? Zinnia looked at Haldir's questioning face and frowned. He knew full well that she was sore from the horseback riding. She had never done so much in her entire life.
"My ass is sore." He chuckled knowing she had answered in common so the others they traveled with would not understand her. "Other than that, I am enjoying it."
We are almost there. A few more hours.
The joy will end. I am saddened.
You wished to travel, I must say that most of the road is just saddle sores. She looked over to Haldir, giving him a glare that had no problems putting others in their place. Haldir only smiled and looked back toward the road.
The sun was high in the sky by the time they neared the boarders of Imladris. Zinnia was only mildly surprised when the guards stopped them. She had not seen or heard them but had been expecting them for a while. Unlike her party they were dressed in deep browns and reds. Colors that would hide them easily in the area they patrolled. They were welcomed and then led the rest of the way into the city.
Astonishment was the only word that Zinnia could use to express her feelings at first seeing Rivendell. The sight of the main house made her smile. It was everything that Erestor had ever told her. The waterfalls were also magnificent to her. The only rushing water she had seen before was the fast water currents of the celebrant. Large waterfalls were new to her. She found the sound they made oddly pleasing to her ears. Her eyes went to Haldir who was smiling watching her.
Breathtaking is it not? She could only nod. It is much different from home. before she could respond they entered the courtyard and she smiled seeing Erestor as well as the twins and Arwen. A few others had gathered that she did not recognize. She assumed the tall dark elf with the circlet was Elrond. Another blonde haired elf stood behind him as well. Her guess was that it was Glorfindel, but she could not be sure. She followed her father's lead as he dismounted from the horse.
Greetings Lord Elrond. He bowed slightly.
March Warden Haldir. It is good to see you in Imladris once again. Elrond's gaze turned to Zinnia and she looked back unashamedly. He smiled then. Haldir motioned her forward and she walked up to stand at his side.
May I introduce my daughter. Zinnia. She bowed.
Lord Elrond, it is a pleasure to finally see your land. He smiled and nodded as she straightened.
Your journey must have been long. Especially for those not accustomed to such travel. Zinnia blushed slightly but shifted her weight to relieve the aches for a few moments. Please rest and relax tonight. There is much time for formalities tomorrow. With that he turned and left the blonde elf following him.
The little warrior has grown! She looked over to one of the twins who walked forward with a large smile.
It seems you have not. He laughed then but hugged her which she returned.
Not at all. He moved back and looked to her. A warrior grown, I shall endeavor not to upset you this time. My heart could not take another of your mocking drawings. She blushed then and the others laughed.
Both of you deserved that.
We did, neither Elrohir or I will ever say anything different. Elladan walked over and hugged her as well. So you have forgiven us.
I have, it was long ago. As your brother so deftly pointed out I have grown. Haldir cleared his throat and they looked to him.
If you do not mind, the horses need to be stabled before I or my party can rest.
Of course, I shall lead you. Elladan smiled at Haldir then took the reins of Zinnia's horse. And leave you with time to catch up with others. Zinnia smiled and looked back to Haldir.
I shall see you later. He smiled and walked off following the twins, the others in their small group following their captain.
I see you still dislike dresses. She laughed and hugged Arwen.
More with each passing year. Arwen laughed and pulled back then.
Then you will be happy to know that you will only have to wear one once during your stay at the feast tomorrow night.
I did not bring one.
I had one made for you. Zinnia looked to Erestor. Though you will not like it, it is a gift. Zinnia laughed and moved over hugging him.
I will like it well enough if it comes from you. Even if I have to wear it. He laughed and pulled back so they could look at each other.
You have grown. She smiled at him.
I hope you took that into account when you had the dress made. He chuckled then and hugged her again.
I knew I was forgetting something.
I shall go make sure that your dinner will be delivered to your room tonight.
Thank you Arwen. She smiled and nodded at Zinnia before leaving. So, what has happened since your last letter? Erestor laughed and took her hand placing it on his arm.
I shall tell you as we walk. He led her towards her room.
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Hold still ada. He laughed and relaxed.
This is a change. Normally I am telling you to hold still. She smiled but continued to braid his hair.
True. You may do so tomorrow. He smiled and shook his head. Ada. Her tone was a warning and she put his head back into position.
Do I have the honor of escorting you to the feast tonight or will Erestor be here shortly. This time she laughed.
Erestor is escorting me tonight.
Will I be at a bonding any time soon?
Ada. Her tone was enough to betray her embarrassment. Arwen is still available if you wish to witness a bonding. He smiled and she tied off his braid. There as handsome as ever. Perhaps if you ask nicely she will accept. As he stood, he turned around and smiled at her.
Perhaps. She grinned at him. You look lovely tonight.
You do as well. She brushed some non-existent dirt off his shoulder. Red is most suited on you, though perhaps a brighter shade would look even better. There was a knock at the door.
Go, I shall meet you there. She smiled and walked to the door.
Ada. He looked to her. I forgot to tell you that I told Arwen you would escort her. She is expecting you shortly. She grinned widely at his expression. I would not mind a mother. She laughed and closed the door leaving him alone in the bedroom before he could react.
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You look lovely. Zinnia smiled at Erestor.
The dress is lovely. Thank you. He smiled at her and nodded.
I had hoped you would like it.
Ada was wondering if I was going to ask you to bond to me again. Erestor laughed.
And are you?
You were right all those years ago. I know more now, I am finally old enough. You are a great friend Erestor, and I do love you as such.
Then what more do I have to ask for? She grinned at him as they walked into the dinning hall. He led her over to the table and helped her to sit, pushing in her chair then sat next to her.
The dinner passed pleasantly for Zinnia. Mostly she was in conversation with the twins, Arwen or Erestor. Though occasionally she would speak with Glorfindel. He had been the blonde elf that had been next to Elrond when she had arrived. He was actually quite funny.
Once dinner was over she went with the twins and Arwen for a walk while Haldir and the others talked some more. She had wanted to go back and change but the twins wouldn't let her. Insisting that if this was the only time they would get to see her in a dress she wouldn't be allowed to cheat them out of any of their time. She had blushed scarlet at that and they had laughed making fun of her. Arwen had come to her aid yelling at her brothers and leading Zinnia up ahead of them.
They talked pleasantly as they walked through the various paths and gardens found in Rivendell. Zinnia had stared wondrously at the waterfalls. The others had smiled at her expression before starting to head back towards the house. As they made their way up the path, horse hooves could be heard and all looked back. A dark figure approached them, the horse in a slow trot. It slowed down to a walk then stopped in front of the four.
Megilindir! the name was said with much affection from Elrohir as he walked over to where the rider dismounted. You return early. The figure laughed a hearty rich sound.
Yes, there were not enough orcs to keep me as busy as normal. He dismounted and Zinnia pointed him out as human as soon as his fit the ground with a loud thud. No elf would ever be that noisy coming off their horse.
I hope you are here to stay for a while. This time Elladan spoke.
Yes. The figure pulled back his hood grinning at the twins. I could use a rest from the wilds.
'Defiantly human' Zinnia's suspicion was confirmed when she saw his round ears. She judged his clothing and his ragged appearance that he was a ranger. The fact that he knew the twins so well only and his answer to Elladan's question only helped to support that assumption.
You remember our sister Arwen. They turned toward Zinnia and Arwen at Elrohir's words.
Of course, my lady. he bowed slightly and Arwen nodded with a smile.
And this is Zinnia, daughter of Haldir March warden of Lórien. They are visiting as well.
Ah Haldir, yes I met him once, delivering a message to your realm. He smiled and bowed. Good evening my lady. I am known as Megilindir to the elves. She raised her eyebrow slightly.
Bladesinger, does the name fit you? She could tell he was taken back slightly by her question but Arwen laughed and put her arm through Zinnia's.
A nickname my brothers gave him when he was but a child.
Yes, when he was but three he almost bested Elrohir with his toy sword. Elladan laughed.
That is a lie! Elrohir sighed then shook his head. Megilindir has since grown to his name though, now he can best Elladan with but a single moment.
Brother, you know she believes me over you.
I doubt she believes either one of you. Zinnia smiled at the ranger nodding in agreement with his words.
Enough talk here! Let us stable your horse then you can tell us of your adventures over a good bottle of wine. Elladan slapped Megilindir on his back lightly.
Good eve ladies. The ranger bowed again and so did the twins with smirks on their faces. Zinnia was about to take a step forward and voice her slight outrage at being ignored from a good story of the road and wine when Arwen tightened her grip.
Zinnia. Zinnia looked to Arwen's smiling face. You are in a dress, at least change before you track them down to yell.
Dress or not why are we excluded from that? Arwen chuckled and started walking back towards the house, effectively dragging Zinnia with her.
They are good friends, leave them their time. You will have enough time later to ask all of the questions of the ranger that are brimming in your mind. Zinnia sighed and started keeping pace with Arwen instead of having to be dragged.
I suppose you are right. She sighed. Another reason to hate dresses. Arwen laughed again as they continued walking.
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A few days later Zinnia was once again walking the paths of Imladris, only this time she was alone. The twins, Erestor, Arwen, and even her own father were involved in meetings that she did not wish to attend or had not been invited to attend. Intending to either find someone to spar against or practice her archery she headed to the practice range that had been pointed out to her in one of her earlier tours of the grounds.
She wasn't surprised when she saw the ranger there. He was fighting with another elf, one of the sentinels. Not wanting to interrupt but wanting to watch she walked over to one of the benches and sat. She had never really seen another human, other than before Lórien. He was much different than what she had remembered of her race.
Most of the men she remembered were shorter with blonde hair. The ranger fighting in front of her was tall with dark hair. Now in the brighter light she noticed more about him. He had gotten a change of clothes and she wondered if he was so familiar with this place that he had storage here. She didn't remember any bags with him when he arrived.
'That is strange for a ranger. Perhaps he has more ties to this place than it appears.' She tilted her head slightly following his movements. His fighting style led her to believe that he had been trained by elves, but then he would pull a few surprise moves that she had never seen before. 'Rangers travel. I wonder if he has been to Mirkwood.' Her lips curved into a small smile as she remembered she had to write Legolas. Sighing she turned her attention back to the two sparing.
Megilindir was holding his own well enough but she could tell that he was tiring. Not that she expected he would win against the elf he was sparing with. Though she did not doubt he would be able to hold his own against any other race. Among men she guessed he would be a top swordsman, and from his comment earlier orcs were of no problem. A few moments later the elf had Megilindir on the ground, sword at his throat. The elf laughed and helped the ranger up with a few words that she couldn't hear. She sat straighter when they started to walk her way.
Good afternoon Lady Zinnia. I trust you now found my name suited enough. She looked to him.
Yes. She gave a small smile. You handled yourself well.
Have you come to practice archery. He looked to her quiver and bow with a small nod.
If I could not find one to spar with. Would either of you care to?
I am afraid that I am required elsewhere shortly. The elf smiled and bowed. Good day Lady Zinnia, Megilindir. Zinnia watched him walk away before turning her attention back to Megilindir, who was drinking from a water skin.
What of you? Do you have time?
I would not wish to hurt you. Zinnia's eyes narrowed.
I doubt you would, your skills are of a high enough level. She smirked. I would give you time to rest from your last match. So you are not so tired. He laughed and her anger grew slightly.
I am not tired enough to stop from sparing. 'With you,' wasn't said but she heard it in his voice.
Great. She stood and unbuckled her quiver setting it against the bench with her bow.
Are you sure? Zinnia gritted her teeth at the question but walked out into the practice field.
Positive. Unless you wish to rest.
The fight lasted only a matter of moments before Zinnia had him on the ground. She knew that had he not been underestimating her and if he hadn't been so tired already there would have been no chance she would have won. It didn't stop the smirk from growing on her face as she held her sword to his stomach though.
Next time I suggest that you do not assume that one can not handle a sword because of a lack of points on their ears or dangling flesh between their legs. She turned and walked back to the bench as she replaced her sword in her sheath.
Will you not even give me the chance to redeem myself? She looked back as he stood. I would not make the same mistake twice. Laughing she slung her quiver over her back and turned to him as she fastened it.
I did not think you would ranger. However I would not make the mistake of matching with you again until you feel that you do not have to redeem something that was never taken. Good day. He chuckled as he watched her leave.
Good day Lady Zinnia. She only raised her hand not stopping to turn to look at him.
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Ada = Father
Megilindir = BladeSinger