Chapter 30 – Questions
Warnings: None for this chapter per say. Overall story, mentions of child abuse.
Haldir ignored the curious glances of the others as he paced back and forth near the main gaits. Today was the day that his daughter was due home, a very awaited date. It had been two years since he had last seen her.
Two long years, of trying to build a life without his daughter in it. At first he had thrown himself back into his work. Tried to go on as though she had never entered his life or touched his heart. In the end it had been futile. There was no way he could go back to that solitary life. It no longer held any attraction to him. Not after knowing what else was out there.
Instead he had decided to become a more traditional March Warden. He would still patrol, though now that was tempered with weeks in the city gathering reports, making schedules, and helping with the training of other wardens. Before he had loathed those aspects of his position, but now he seemed to embrace them. Laughter greeted him as he turned again, and he looked up with a scowl.
Do not even start with me. Either of you. He stopped pacing and faced the gates smoothing his tunic. Both Orophin and Rúmil grinned at one another.
We will start nothing brother. Rúmil smiled and stood next to Haldir.
Yes, he will not at least, he is just as excited to see her again as you. Orophin grinned.
I am not the one that baked three cakes and over four dozen cookies Orophin. Rúmil smiled at his brother's blush.
Thank the Valar. Mumbled Haldir under his breath.
I wish both of you would help me rather than hinder on that issue. Rúmil sniffed indignantly and crossed his arms over his chest. At least Zinnia made an effort. You both simply irritate me further on it. Haldir and Orophin both chuckled.
It is too much fun not to dear brother. Haldir grinned at Rúmil but his attention soon went back to the gates when the opening bell rang. Before they were even fully separated Zinnia squeezed through and ran to her father's arms. He laughed and picked her up as he hugged her. Her arms around him just as tight as his were around her. You have returned!
As I promised! She took a step back when he set her back on the ground and grinned. Uncles. She moved and hugged them as well. Oh, I have missed you.
We have missed you as well. Rúmil kissed the top of her head. She pulled back from them and smiled more.
You are back now, though. Orophin grinned.
For a number of months. Three perhaps four. She smiled and looked back. It was the first time any of them noticed the other figure that stood far enough away to give them some space but close enough to show he was waiting. She moved away and went to the man bringing him up in front of her family. Ada you remember Megilindir, Megilindir this is my uncle Rúmil and my uncle Orophin.
Mae Govannen.
Megilindir, it is a surprise to see you here, your letter did not mention you were bringing a friend. Haldir turned his attention to Zinnia who only had a small unreadable smile on her face. She shrugged slightly before hugging him again.
He has agreed to join me this visit. She pulled back another grin on her face.
Then we are most happy to meet you. Rúmil grinned and took Megilindir's arm in a warrior's embrace. Come we have quite the feast prepared. As Rúmil lead Megilindir off Zinnia hesitated and looked back to Haldir.
The rolls and the glazed sweet potatoes. He answered knowing she wanted to be informed on what Rúmil had contributed.
You let him make the potatoes! You know I love those.
Orophin chuckled and put his arm around her shoulders. At least he did not make the desert. Now come, we must make sure your friend gets a nice helping of those potatoes and at least one roll on his plate.
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Do not be such an orc. Zinnia chuckled at the expression on Megilindir's face.
You could have warned me.
I could have, but then I would have missed the shock on your face.
That was not shock it was disgust. The disgust still evident in his tone.
You hid it well. She laughed and leaned forward giving him a quick kiss. You have not had to live with it for most of your life. Besides had I warned you Orophin would have suspected something. And you wished to ask my father before any others in Lórien knew.
I do...but how should I approach him?
I would say before we go to sleep in the same bed. She smiled as Megilindir chuckled. I do not know, perhaps now? Just ask him, I am getting impatient.
Oh, Valar forbid. He dodged her playful slap on his arm but moved around and pulled her close to him in an embrace. It is your first time home in years meleth. I do not wish to intrude on that time.
Do not think like that. She kissed him pulling herself back before she deepened it. You will be part of this family from now on. The sooner you ask the sooner we will not have to be only friends to them. I want them to know.
He smiled and kissed her cheek before letting her go. You are right. I will ask at the first available moment. She arched an eyebrow at him and he laughed. Before we retire to bed tonight.
Good. She put her hand in his arm and started leading him towards the glade the small gathering was going to be held in. Let us go before one of my family comes to look for us.
They walked sedately to the small party that had been set up in honor of Zinnia's return. It was to be held in a glade on the forest floor, and already music could be heard. Zinnia didn't doubt that wine was already being drunk as well. She smiled as they walked happy to be in her childhood home, and happy to be there with Megilindir. He smiled at her as if he knew her thoughts as they entered the glade.
They had barely taken three steps before Zinnia was surrounded by elves. Megilindir smiled as he watched them. The deep caring and love for her obvious in all of the hugs and kisses. He was surprised when a group was suddenly around him speaking and pulling him over to the wine. They were mostly wardens that had escorted both him and Zinnia back to the city.
As the hours past he met many in the clearing, though he hadn't a chance to return to Zinnia's company. By the time he could work his way to her she had moved to another area. His eyes moved from her to where her father was sitting talking with Lord Celeborn and a few other guards. They were all grinning and he swallowed nervously, still remembering Haldir's reaction in Imladris. He heard Zinnia's distinct laughter and looked back to her a small smile on his face seeing her expression so open.
Megilindir! As Endil threw his arm over Megilindir's shoulder he felt the human jump and laughed. Come meet Gebrir! He is to blame for many of Zinnia's successful punches.
Megilindir laughed as he let himself be led by the slightly drunk elf. I thought that blame rested on her father's shoulders. Endil shook his head animatedly in the negative.
No, no the punches are Gebrir's fault, the kicks are Haldir's. Endil walked to the other side of the glade and up to an elf who was sitting by himself. Gebrir, this is Megilindir, the ranger that took fair Zinnia from our forest.
Thank you for clearing that mystery up for me. Gebrir smiled and looked to Megilindir. I hear that you have been taking great care of our young charge. I thank you.
I hear that you are to blame for her punches. I am not sure to thank you or not. Megilindir laughed as Gebrir did.
Having been a recipient of her sparing, I would not either. Endil grinned. Though I do believe I was lucky enough to not have the full brunt of any of her punches.
Then you trained with her? Megilindir was curious to know which elves she considered age mates. Having grown around them himself, he knew of the dynamics that could develop.
Yes, she was part of my training unit while we were in the city limits. Gebrir our teacher for hand to hand combat. Endil smiled as if lost in memory and his eyes rested on Zinnia talking to others further away in the clearing. Ah young love, a glorious thing is it not?
Love? Megilindir wasn't sure if they had been found out or if Endil was speaking of something different.
You know she has only grown more beautiful. It is a shame nothing worked out between us. Endil gave Gebrir a wink causing the other elf to chuckle.
Go get us more wine Endil. Gebrir had seen the frown on Megilindir's face and if anything it had only caused him to smile more. Once Endil was out of ear shot Gebrir leaned back a little more. You look jealous ranger.
I am not jelous.,,simply…simply surprised. Megilindir looked to Zinnia who caught his gaze and gave him a small smile before returning to her conversation. She never mentioned Endil.
Ah. Gebrir finished his wine before sitting the glass back down on the table. I believe that is because the love Endil spoke of was no more than an intense infatuation with awakening feelings and she was barely 16 at the time. He is drunk, details tend to get forgotten. Gebrir smiled more hearing the ranger's relieved sigh. You do plan on telling her family of your love correct? this time Megilindir did look surprise. I hope so, for Haldir will only be blind to it for a while.
We plan on marrying, bonding. Megilindir swirled his glass slightly. I must admit that it is I who am holding up the announcement. I wish to ask his permission, though I am afraid how the answer will be given. He looked up when Gebrir laughed loudly.
You mean you have enough respect for life you do not wish yours taken from you.
Megilindir smiled. Yes, that would be it. He sighed again. Though Zinnia has given me a deadline of tonight.
Most wise of her. Haldir will notice when you try to sleep in the same bed as her. The elf was silent a moment and then a wide grin broke out over his features. I have a way that will not only guarantee your success in at least a bet, but also it will be public enough that you will at worst loose a limb before someone can stop him.
Megilindir was about to ask what the elf had in mind when he was practically dragged over to the area Haldir was at. By now the table had gotten slightly loud for elven standards and he guessed that most if not all of the merry makers were drunk. He himself was a little tipsy, but nothing that would hamper him severely should he have to run for his life.
Haldir! Much of the table fell silent at Gebrir's outraged shout. Haldir do you want to hear what this upstart of a ranger just said? Megilindir swallowed heavily unsure of Gebrir's intentions.
I wish to hear! One of the other guards yelled with a slight slur. Garan put his hands on the table and leaned forward.
He said that he did not believe that a Lórien archer could fire and hit their target with a distraction. This time all of them fell silent and looked to Megilindir. I told him that our training covers that but he said that he would have to see it with his own eyes before he would believe such a thing! There was a general chorus of jeers.
You doubt the training of the Galadhrim. Haldir raised an eyebrow though he had a slight smile on his face.
Not doubt so much as curiosity. Garan quickly covered for Megilindir who was standing there an expression of unease on his face. I told him that we would have to give a demonstration then. Of course our March Warden would be the one to perform, as he is the best of us gathered.
Of course, I would be happy to clear up any confusion. Haldir stood and swayed slightly but other than gave no indication of his drunken state. Let us go to the archery range and we shall sate your curiosity ranger.
When the others got up to follow Haldir, Megilindir grabbed Garan by the arm. What are you doing?
Giving you the perfect opportunity to ask him. Garan laughed and moved so he had Megilindir by the arm. Come, he will not harm you. I do not see why you are so hesitant. You are not hurting his daughter but loving her. Though I can understand not just walking up and asking him, you should not fear him. Rúmil's cooking yes, Orophin's wit yes, Haldir's temper in regards to this question, no.
Very well. Megilindir sighed and started walking with Garan to the archery field. I guess I shall have to trust you. Garan only smiled in response.
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Zinnia's attention drifted from the conversation going on around her and to Megilindir as she saw Garan lead him over to her father. She smiled to herself knowing that Garan had figured it out, though she was surprised others had not yet. Galadriel had, she knew that much for sure, though nothing really passed the elf queen's knowledge. Her curiosity got the better of her and she excused herself to follow the loud crowd of elves as well as her husband to be.
I thought you held me in some affection. Should I assume your not speaking to me tonight is born of malice or neglect? Celeborn smiled as she turned around and grinned at him.
Neither. She moved forward and hugged him still smiling. He wrapped his own arms around her and chuckled.
It is good to have you back under these trees again aier.
It is good to be back. Even if it is temporary. A loud laughing sound caught their attention and they looked back over to the group leaving. I was about to make sure Megilindir did not get himself into anything he can not get himself out of. Would care for a walk?
Celeborn grinned and held out his arm for her to take. So this is the one that took you from us to begin with.
Please I have heard enough of that from Orophin. Zinnia rolled her eyes and Celeborn laughed.
Then I do apologize, I shall try my best to be original.
It is all one can ask. Zinnia laughed and looked forward seeing everyone gathered around her father. He was given a bow and an arrow. Do you happen to know what this is all about? She gestured toward the others and Celeborn chuckled.
It seems your friend has questioned the Galadhrim archery ability under distraction. Haldir is going to give a demonstration. Celeborn looked to Zinnia confused when she started laughing.
Poor ada, he does not stand a chance.
You question your father's ability? Celeborn watched as Zinnia clamed slightly but was still smiling broadly.
Never, no I do not do that. I just believe in Megilindir's ability to distract him.
I highly doubt that your ranger friend can sufficiently distract Haldir.
I do not. She looked to him and raised an eyebrow. I would even place a wager on it.
A wager? This time Celeborn's eyebrows rose. What would this wager entail?
Whatever you wish for winnings, but when you loose whatever I wish for winnings. She turned back to watching her father still joking with Gebrir and the others.
I would then make your payment the agreement that you would return more than once every three years. Celeborn smiled as she looked to him.
You do not have to wager that in a bet. I will get back as much as I can.
Yes, but now you are bound to it when you loose. Now what would you ask of me?
Zinnia laughed. You must host the wedding ceremony. She laughed more when the realization struck him.
Haldir does not stand a chance.
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The rules are simple. Everyone listened as Gebrir spoke. Haldir will fire a single arrow, and Megilindir will provide a distraction without touching Haldir..
By this time a rather large group had gathered. Most everyone that had been in the glade when the challenge was issued was now there, including Rúmil and Orophin. Looking around Megilindir caught sight of Zinnia laughing with Lord Celeborn. She looked back to him and grinned giving him a wink. He laughed and focused his attention back on those around him.
Does everyone agree? Gebrir's question was met with a chorus of agreement from all those around. Good, when you are ready Haldir.
You should admit defeat now ranger. Orophin laughed and took another drink of his wine. Many of the others laughed as well.
I think I shall go through with it. Megilindir smiled and nodded slightly to Orophin.
Then I shall wait until you are ready. Haldir notched the arrow and raised the bow. He was taking slightly longer to aim than normal from the alcohol he had ingested.
I am ready.
Then please proceed to distract me. Haldir smirked even as he lined up his shot.
Haldir of Lórien I request your permission to marry your daughter.
The shot went wide as Haldir released the arrow as he turned his head to look to Megilindir. All of the others fell quiet looking from the target to Megilindir as well. Haldir calmly handed Rúmil his bow, who took it automatically not really thinking of his actions. Crossing his arms over his chest he looked into the ranger's eyes.
You wish for what? Haldir made the most arrogant face he could.
Your daughter and I wish to marry.
Marry? Haldir raised his eyebrow a little further. Then I am to assume you are in love?
Very much. Megilindir met Haldir's eyes unflinchingly. He would not be intimidated, not on this matter.
Then you leave me no choice. Haldir sighed and paused a moment before smiling. I have a son! There were loud cheers. I believe this calls for more celebrating. Haldir threw an arm over Megilindir's shoulder. Where is my daughter?
Here ada. Zinnia smiled as he pulled her into a hug though he didn't move from Megilindir. She laughed realizing how drunk he really was.
And you did not tell me…us! Rúmil moved forward as well.
We wished to make it a surprise. She grinned.
Surprise. Megilindir grunted as Haldir slapped him on the back.
Let us return to the music. I wish a dance with my daughter. Just as they started to move out Orophin spoke up.
Wait! Everyone stopped and turned to him. We hardly know him how are we sure that he is good enough for our Zia?
Uncle Orophin.
No..he is right. Haldir smirked.
Ada!
Orophin said it first I was merely agreeing. Pointed out Haldir.
He's brave to ask you while you had a weapon in your hand! Shouted out one of the elves in the crowd causing much laughter.
He's handsome! yelled another though this time the voice was female.
Zinnia laughed and looked to Megilindir who was blushing slightly. Very much so. Agreed Zinnia as she wrapped his arms around his waist.
Thank you for agreeing. Megilindir laughed and hugged her as well.
He ate my cooking with a smile. Rúmil laughed as there were shocked gasps through the crowd.
It must be love! Exclaimed Orophin. More laughter ran around the crowd.
That is a good thing for our lovely Zinnia has tricked me into hosting the ceremony. Celeborn crossed his hands over his chest.
That was your own fault. Zinnia laughed as he smiled.
True. I do believe more celebration is in order though. Celeborn smiled warmly at her.
There were cheers through the crowd as they once again started moving back to the glade. Zinnia and Megilindir stayed behind as the others slowly left after congratulating them. When the final elf left Megilindir pulled Zinnia to him and kissed her passionately.
I have been waiting to do that since we arrived at the party.
She chuckled softly but didn't move away from him. Was it as bad as you had thought?
No, quite easy in fact. He smiled and kissed her again.
Wait until we must start planning.
You foresee trouble?
Not if you can withstand my family and friends.
At least I will not be bored. He smiled at her laughter and leaned in to kiss her again.
Come you two! They looked up to see Gebrir. It is not the wedding night yet. He laughed as they both flushed scarlet. Chuckling he returned to the music Zinnia and Megilindir following after a few more kisses.
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Ada = Father
Megilindir = bladesinger
A/N: Wow..i can't believe this story is as long as it is. Very soon you will see how I plan on all of this corresponding with the book and the movie..bwahahaha..very soon. Next chapter soon to be mater of fact, well for those of you who know book cannon. Otherwise you will either have to do some research or wait a few more chapters.
Thank you all for sticking with me through this. I hope you are still enjoying this as much as I am. The story featuring Zinnia/Megilindir is still in the works. I'm really focused on this story, and another I am coauthoring right now. In case any of you missed it I also put out another one shot. I hope to do some more of those as well.
Thank you for your reviews and support!