Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Warnings: Again, mentions of child abuse. If you don't like don't read.
Chapter 25 – Matchmakers
Are you sure I do not look. . strange? Arwen smiled and finished the small braid she had been working into Zinnia's hair. She had been surprised when the girl had sought her out a few hours before dinner. Shock could only be the word used to describe how she felt after Zinnia had asked her to help her ready.
You look lovely Zinnia. Arwen could tell that her friend was still a little hesitant though.
I never wore lip shine before. Zinnia pressed her lips together looking intently in the mirror. Nor any of this other coloring.
Then I thank you for trusting me to help you with this. Arwen turned and sat on the bed as Zinnia kept regarding herself as though she was a complete stranger. Will you tell me why you have suddenly decided to change your normal style of dress. Zinnia froze before looking to Arwen in the mirror. You do not have to.
No. . I. Zinnia cleared her throat and shifted so she was facing Arwen. I received a flower today.
A flower? Zinnia nodded slightly. A red rose, the thorns had been removed. . and. . well there was a note.
What did it say? Arwen's interest only heightened as Zinnia turned a shade of red.
It. . well it . . it said that my beauty was beyond the stars and sea, then something about the dress I wore the other day. Zinnia's face only turned redder as she spoke, Arwen's grin only grew.
So you thought to wear another? Zinnia looked up to her then away with a sigh.
Yes, it must sound stupid to you.
Why would it sound stupid? Zinnia shrugged and looked back in the mirror. Zinnia, you maybe a warrior but you are also female. Zinnia looked back over to Arwen who was smiling softly. It is a nice affirmation of that fact when you receive tokens that only speak of truth. Is it not?
It. . it feels nice. Agreed Zinnia. Though I do not know, if I should do this. She picked at one of the layers on the dress.
Why should you not? You look beautiful, feel beautiful, it is what you are. Zinnia gave a small smile and looked up to Arwen.
Will you sit with me? I can only guess at the others reactions but I know your brothers will tease me beyond all hope.
Let me take care of them. I'll make sure they sit at the furthest side of the table. They will not bother you at all. At least tonight. Arwen smiled and stood. Come let us go to dinner. Zinnia nodded and stood as well.
Are you sure it is not too much?
It is perfect. Do not worry for how you look. Worry for how you are going to figure out who sent the flower. Zinnia grinned as Arwen took her arm and led her out of the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
What has your heads close together in such conspiratorial whisperings? The twins looked over to Glorfindel.
Nothing. The blonde haired warrior only raised an eyebrow at the chorused answer.
Yes, the picture of pure innocence sits before me. They grinned.
We are not planning anything that would interfere with your life. Glorfindel chuckled and took a sip of his wine.
Ah, but now my curiosity is peaked. What has your mischievous little hearts all atwitter?
We should not tell him brother.
He could be useful.
Should he agree to help us. They looked back to Glorfindel who only smirked and took another sip of his wine. He had known the twins since they were born, they would tell him.
We wish to help. . two of our friends. Glorfindel laughed and leaned forward putting his glass down.
Somehow I think that your definition of help is more along the lines of everyone else's definition of interfere.
Not interfere only nudge what nature seems to be doing. Elladan nodded emphatically.
Nature? Glorfindel raised an eyebrow once more.
Megilindir and Zinnia. Glorfindel's other eyebrow raised and he looked down the table to where the subjects of the discussion were sitting together talking of something.
They are friends. Besides, they will handle themselves if they wish to be anymore than that.
Friends. Elrohir scoffed.
She is wearing a dress. Pointed out Elladan.
Yes, maidens do that occasionally I am told.
Most, but not Haldir's daughter. You should have seen how livid she was when we stole her clothes and replaced them with dresses. Actually one she is wearing right now. Elladan looked back to Zinnia.
I must say we have good taste. I think that dark blue suits her best. The twins looked to each other and nodded. Glorfindel cleared his throat and they looked to him.
Stole her clothes?
You are missing the point of this discussion entirely.
Then please refresh my aged memory. Glorfindel's tone was nothing if not sarcastic.
We are trying to figure out ways to get Megilindir and Zinnia alone together.
Without weapons. Stressed Elrohir.
A worthy challenge, said Glorfindel drolly.
Yes.
~~~~~~~~~~
Even if he was interested, Elladan, I am not interested in one who must work through friends to ask such silly questions.
He was just curious of you; he wanted to know about you. I told him I had met you when you were but a child.
Oh? And what exactly did you tell him. He heard the accusation in her voice.
Only that you were inquisitive and adorable when you were shorter. Zinnia rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her book.
Is there a specific reason why I am being tortured with your presence or are the Valar just with me in that respect?
I do feel the touch of the Valar today. Elladan grinned and reached to take her book from her. Even if you feel you are tortured. He shut the book and pulled it back from her grabbing hand. Come with me for a walk and then lunch. The day is too nice to sit in the library and read.
Will you give me back my book if I say no?
Chances are not good. He smiled and she grinned at him.
Very well.
That was much easier than I thought it would be. She chuckled and took his offered hand.
~~~~~~~~~~
She did not say that.
She did Megilindir. She asked of you. To know if you had a wife or betrothed. Megilindir smiled and shook his head.
A shy little maiden from a village would ask a friend and beg for gossip. Zinnia would ask me directly. She would not use others to find out something so simple.
She was embarrassed.
That. . . I do not believe either. Elrohir managed to keep the smile off of his face. Megilindir's tone was enough to suggest that he was thinking of it.
Then you are not interested in such news?
I would not. . . say that. However, I do not need you or your brother meddling in this.
Meddling? Elrohir took an offended tone. I never meddle in anything.
Then it must all be your brother.
Most defiantly. He laughed and took the brush from Megilindir's hands. You can groom you horse later, come join us for lunch.
Us?
As far as I know it will only be myself, my brother and you. 'Unless Elladan does his job and manages to persuade Zinnia out of the library.' Megilindir sighed and looked to the elf not really trusting his word but hungry just the same.
Very well. He would never admit it but he was looking forward to seeing Zinnia besides.
~~~~~~~~
You did not mention that there would be more than us for lunch. Elladan looked to Zinnia and smiled.
I did not know.
Somehow I doubt that statement.
Zinnia what a wonderful surprise. She looked to Elrohir and raised an eyebrow then looked to Megilindir. There was a knowing smirk on his features and she grinned.
Yes, a surprise. How is your day so far Megilindir?
It is better now I am sure.
Thank you Elladan, I would never have found words to answer her.
You are welcome. Zinnia laughed and shook her head leaving Elladan's side and going to Megilindir.
You would be less annoying company. She grinned at Megilindir before looking back to the twins. Besides I am hungry. Where is the food I was promised for being in your company?
~~~~~
This is not going as we planned. Elrohir sighed and looked over to where Zinnia laughed as she flipped Megilindir on the ground. He landed with a loud grunt.
I told you it would be easy enough. Megilindir stood and wiped himself off as he smiled at Zinnia's words.
Let us try that again.
If you wish. Elladan sighed as they started fighting again and looked back to his brother.
They are spending time together.
But he is not romancing her. There was another grunt and they looked over to see Zinnia on the ground this time.
That does not count. Zinnia's tone was joking.
Oh? Megilindir laughed. And why is that? He helped her up.
It does not count because I said it does not count. She grinned and they circled each other again.
Perhaps that is his way. Elladan shrugged his shoulders slightly, his motions showing his confusion more than his tone.
Then perhaps, Megilindir threw Zinnia back down again, we should have a talk with him. Elrohir saw his brother nod his agreement as they watched Zinnia trip Megilindir causing him to join her on the hard earth.
~~~~~~~~
Zinnia opened her door and immediately looked down. She was not disappointed as she found another flower and a note attached to it. Over the past week one had been there every morning. She had a thought to stay up one night and catch the person, but not knowing was too exciting for her. A smile formed on her face as she picked up the rose and smelled it before opening the note.
I enjoy being with you for not only your company, but what I am when you are near. She blushed as she read the note but smiled at the same time. Slowly she twirled the flower under her nose sniffing it even as she walked back into her room. As she sat on her bed she tried to think of who would be leaving her the flowers.
It was a mystery that she wanted to solve but also one that she enjoyed. The flower tickled her nose as she waved it around but her mind was too deep into the thoughts of who was leaving the flowers to care. There was a knock at the door and she pulled the flower down setting it behind her.
Come in. She smiled when she saw Arwen. I received another.
As I can tell by the smile on your face. Zinnia blushed again as she pulled out the flower. And what does this note say? Arwen sat next to her and took the offered flower. A lovely note. Arwen handed Zinnia back the flower with a grin.
Yes. Zinnia stood pulling the note off the flower. I am still at a loss as to who is giving them to me. If it were not for the notes I would suspect ada. Though with the notes he would not be the culprit. As she spoke she added the flower to the vase holding the others she had received.
Culprit? Arwen had to laugh at the word. You speak as though the one leaving such tokens committed a crime.
Yes. . well, Zinnia shrugged and ran her fingers over the other flowers, perhaps it is a jest.
The one leaving you such gifts would not do that. Arwen's tone turned serious as she spoke. You have an admirer, it is not a jest.
Just the same, I believe I would rather not know if it was or was not. I am enjoying this too much. She sighed as she put the small note into her journal with the others. Are we still going riding today?
Of course mellonamin. Let us go.
~~~~~~~
Arwen slammed the doors open to Elladan's room. She had already been to Elrohir's and knew that they would be in there. Both of them jumped as she entered the room and a grin settled on her features because of it.
Eru! What has you storming through the house like an orc with a whiff of fresh meat? Elrohir had jumped hard enough to knock over chess board on the table.
I want you both to stop. Did you not learn your lesson the first time? Normally I would not care for you to get caught again but I do when it means that one of my friends will be hurt in the process.
What are you speaking of Arwen? Elladan started picking up the pieces.
I am speaking of Zinnia and Megilindir. Both of the brothers looked away at that. They were unable to hide anything from Arwen.
We have done nothing obvious.
Nothing obvious? You try setting them up every day. At dinner you maneuver so they are sitting together, indeed I am surprised that you haven't made up a story so they must share the same room. The twins looked at each other and she slammed her hands down on the table. Haldir would kill him first. Listen to me and take my words to heart. She waited until they were looking at her.
If you hurt her again no one will be able to stop her father. And no one would wish to. Stop sending her the flowers. Stop trying to put them in situations together. Just because they are mortal does not mean that they do not have time for courting. Let them go at their own pace.
We are only trying to aid. Arwen cut Elladan off with a sigh and an eye roll.
You are meddling. If their fates are tied to each other you will not aid anything. It will happen when they are ready not when you are. Is he interested in her beyond friendship?
Well. . we. .
You do not know! She looked at Elrohir accusingly. You are playing with her heart and you do not even know if he cares for her in that manor?
We are not playing with her heart! Elrohir looked at Arwen just as angrily. They are both our friends we only wish to help them.
I know Elrohir. I know. She sat down in one of the chairs her anger fading. Just stop. Let them find their own way. The oldest may only be 32 but neither of them are children. They are adults, neither needs guidance in this matter. Stop forcing them together and stop sending her the flowers. The twins looked at each other and sighed.
Very well sister. Agreed Elrohir. We will stop.
Just one thing. Arwen looked to Elladan. What flowers are you speaking of?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
So you are the one that has been mangling the rose bushes.
Sauron's balls! Megilindir jumped about three feet and Erestor smiled. Erestor, how fares your evening. He pulled the now bloody finger to his mouth. The thorns had cut him.
Much better than yours it appears. Especially since I shall have to tell Elrond you have been butchering his lovely rose bushes..
I have permission for the flowers.
Elrond gave you permission? Erestor raised an eyebrow.
Yes, and he swore he would not tell another. This time Megilindir raised the eyebrow and Erestor pulled his hands up in a placating gesture.
He did not tell me. Megilindir only looked back to the rose he was cutting off the bush. Any particular reason?
For what Anthaer. Erestor grinned at the use of the endearment. Megilindir had been his student when he was younger. At first the boy had used the name as an insult but soon it settled into an endearment.
I would not have to be so watchful if you were not so reckless.
I am never reckless. Argued Megilindir as he carefully started cutting off the thorns.
No? Erestor moved and sat on the near bench watching his former student. You know the only reason she does not know it is you is because she has not tried to find out.
Megilindir paused a moment. Of course he should have realized that Erestor would know. Erestor knew everything that went on around him. He did not become one of Elrond's chief advisors simply because he was knowledgeable. The fact that he could be cunning, crafty, and very observant helped.
How long have you known?
Since she wore the dress to dinner. Of course I only found out about the flowers the day after that. Megilindir sighed and finished striping the thorns.
Yes I know that is why the one giving her the flowers is still a mystery. She is Galadhrim, and I have spared with her. I know her skill level. There was a silence as Megilindir joined him on the bench and looked down to the flower. Perhaps she does not care to know. Megilindir looked to Erestor sharply when the dark haired advisor let out a bark of laughter.
She wishes to know, she just does not want to find out.
The wisdom that comes from you is stunning. Erestor only smiled.
I may have only been with her for a few months, but I have been in contact with her for much of her life now. If I were to guess, and it would be a guess as I have not spoken to her on this matter, I would be inclined to say that she was scared.
Scared? She does not seem to be one that would frighten easily.
Fear can take many forms. Erestor looked down to the flower pausing for a moment. You have to understand that she was . . raised in Lórien. With and surrounded by elves. It would be hard for her, all would see her as a child. She has no real peers within her city. No one that she played with as a child that grew with her. No one that was younger than her.
She has that somewhat now for the twins and Arwen are young. They were not with her when she grew. Though they saw her when she was younger they see her now as a grown woman. They treat her as such. All here see her as such. You see her as such. Lórien sees her as a woman, but a child at the same time.
They treat her as a child?
No, but all who look on her see a child. Do you understand my meaning?
They see her as their child.
Yes. All have watched her grow into the woman you see. They helped raise her to some extent or another. It is how a mortal child would be treated were one to be brought here. Haldir is her father but Lórien is her family. Do you understand?
I think so. Megilindir sighed. I do not want her to be scared of me.
She is not scared of you. She is scared that it is not you. Megilindir looked up to him confused. She wore a dress for you. That is a sacrifice for her.
She wore a dress for the one giving her the flowers. Erestor gave a small smile.
Perhaps. He stood. Though I did not see her looking around the hall. I did not see her trying to find out who would have given her the flowers. I did not see her smile at another as she did at you.
Maybe I am the one that is scared. Megilindir looked back down to the flower. What if she does not wish it to be me. Erestor sighed.
You are blind Megilindir. I would suggest you show her it is you before she finds out. The twins are investigating this now. It will not be long until their curiosity is satisfied. They already had to be warned off trying to play matchmaker.. Megilindir chuckled slightly.
I shall have to remember to thank Arwen for that.
Tell her, I for one do not think you will be rebuked. Though I would make sure she is unarmed when you reveal yourself. Megilindir looked up and grinned.
I will take that into consideration.
She leaves in but a few weeks. Tell her with this one. Megilindir looked up to him. Besides I do not think the garden can take anymore of this game. They smiled at each other before Megilindir looked back down.
I. . will think on it. Erestor nodded and silently left the garden leaving Megilindir looking at the flower.
~~~~~~~~~~
Mellonamin= my friend
Megilindir = bladesinger
Anthaer = watchful one
A/N: I still can't believe all of the wonderful reviews I keep getting. Thank you so much guys! You really know how to make an author swell with pride and joy at her baby!
Also the curse, Sauron's balls, I think it is original. I do read a whole bunch of fiction though and it might have been put into my head by another author. I didn't mean to steal it. I honestly though a few moments before writing it. So if I did take it, the act was completely unintentional. If anyone has any cool middle-earthy curse words they would be willing to share I am all ears. ;-)