Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
A/N: A big thanks to Mellon for being such a wonderful beta, and thank you to Cee for helping me over some blocks. Check out their stories! They rock.
Chapter 32: Ceremony
Suvel smiled softly as she ran the brush through Zinnia's hair. It had been many years since she had helped the child she considered kin ready for anything. The last had been the solstice feast, and Zinnia was even more nervous now then she had been all those years ago. At least as far as Suvel could tell, judging from her shifting and fidgeting.
Relax Zia or I shall never have your hair finished. Suvel's smile grew as Zinnia stilled.
Sorry Suvel, I cannot help it. Zinnia straightened but Suvel put the brush down and walked in front of her young charge.
I know precious. Suvel reached up and put her hand on Zinnia's cheek. I remember the first time I saw you. You were so scared and small, so alone, it broke my heart. Though now, now I am amazed at the beautiful young woman who sits before me. So strong and brave.
Zinnia reached up and took her hand. Which is why I am so thankful the Valar led me here. She squeezed Suvel's hand slightly and grinned. Without you or ada, or everyone here, I would not be alive. Even if I had survived, I do not believe it would be a life I would want.
No such thoughts on a day as happy as this. Admonished Suvel lightly. We only have but a few more minutes before your father and uncles will come to collect you. She started arranging Zinnia's hair around the circlet. You look so radiant, I am glad that you found love.
Zinnia laughed softly. I found love the moment I found these woods Suvel. Now the love I hold takes me from them. She sighed and reached out touching Baru who was sitting on the vanity watching. I miss all of you terribly, but I love my life, I would not change it.
I am glad that you have finally found your path. Suvel finished with her hair and moved around Zinnia smiling. You are ready. Laughing slightly Suvel stopped Zinnia's hand from touching her hair. That is for your husband to mess, not you.
Suvel! Zinnia flushed a deep scarlet and Suvel only laughed.
My little student, no longer so little. Suvel smiled and put her hands on Zinnia's cheeks before leaning forward and kissing Zinnia's forehead. Time passes much too quickly. She pulled back a sad look in her eyes.
Zinnia reached up and took Suvel's hands in hers. No such thoughts on a day as happy as this. They both smiled then laughed. A knock on the door calmed them slightly.
Come, that will be your Ada and uncles. Suvel turned to go but Zinnia held her hands.
I do not know if I have ever told you this Suvel, but I love you.
I know you do little one. I love you as well. They smiled at each other as the knock was heard a second time. No we must go, you know how impatient they are. Suvel wiped the few tears off her face before turning to answer the door.
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She will be late if she does not hurry. Orophin huffed slightly and pulled at his collar. Haldir rolled his eyes at his brother and looked to Rúmil who had the same reaction. They both knew Orophin was acting so impatient because of the formal robes he now wore.
She will not be late. Haldir looked back to the door and knocked once again.
Besides you remember how long it took for her to ready for the solstice feast. And that was only meeting Legolas. Rúmil laughed slightly. She must be much more nervous now.
Yes, I thought she would fret herself into sickness. Orophin joined his brothers laughter until Haldir's voice was heard.
You knew of her and Legolas? Haldir raised an eyebrow as both brothers looked to him with varying degrees of nervousness on their face.
Ah what does it matter now? It is in the past, and should be forgotten about. Rúmil gave a grin and shrugged slightly.
Any response was cut off as Suvel opened the bedroom door. She is ready, and will be out in one moment. I shall meet you all at the ceremony. Even before Suvel had shut the front door Zinnia stepped out. All of them stared at her surprised at the woman before them.
It looked better while the seamstress was making it. Zinnia shifted and smoothed the fabric down her stomach in a nervous gesture.
Nonsense my sweet. You look lovely. Haldir smiled at her embarrassed grin. We have something for you. She looked to him questioningly.
From all of us. Orophin grinned as Rúmil reached for the small wooden box.
It belonged to our mother and passed to us, to go to the first in the family to be bonded. And it seems that honor goes to you dear one. Rúmil opened the box and Zinnia gave a slight gasp.
It is beautiful. She reached out and ran her finger gently over the surface. Inside the tear shaped crystal was a delicate Mallorn tree crafted of gold and silver. I cannot take this, your mother wished it to go to one of you.
She would have wished it to be worn, not waste away in a box. Orophin smiled and took out the necklace handing it to Haldir.
And worn it shall be my sweet. He opened the clasp and put it around her neck, closing it when she lifted her hair to allow him to place the chain against her skin.
It looks so fragile and delicate. I have never seen it's equal. She lifted it from her chest and inspected it.
Our father made it for our mother long ago. It was his gift to her, on their bonding. Rúmil grinned and touched Zinnia's cheek.
Though she always said it was his bribe to get her to agree. Orophin laughed slightly as Zinnia smiled.
Ah now I see where the wit comes from. She laughed at Orophin's mock hurt expression.
Enough, we must go or we shall be late.
Yes, Orophin and I shall go retrieve your bondmate, and meet you there. Rúmil took her hand and kissed the back of it with a smile before moving back allowing Orophin to move forward.
It would not due for him to get lost on his way. Orophin took her hand but instead of kissing it used it to pull her to him in a tight hug. She laughed and hugged him back just as tight.
Go before he runs from what he has gotten himself into. She smiled as Orophin laughed.
If anything he is already there waiting for you. Orophin pulled back and kissed her hand before following Rúmil out the door.
For some reason I do not trust that they would take him to the proper place. She grinned and looked up to Haldir.
They would take him to the right glade. He smiled at her and she laughed slightly before shaking her head and taking his hand.
Then come, I will not be late to this. I wore a dress for Valar's sake!
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Even before one reached the glade, most of Lórien could be seen, all gathered to witness the marriage. Inside the circular glade garlands of flowers hung elegantly from the golden boughs of the Mellyrn. The petals drifted down in a rain of velvety colors. At the opposite side of the glade Celeborn waited under a canopy of red rose vines woven together in an intricate pattern. At his side was a small table. It was covered in a flowing blue satin and on top of it, perched on a velvet pillow was a long silver cord.
Megilindir waited at Celeborn's side in a tunic of deep blue velvet. The color and sleeves were trimmed with silver matching the leggings he wore. His stomach churned with an anxiety he had never felt before as he stood before this large gathering of fair folk. Was it his imagination or had time slowed painfully down. He glanced down at his black boots and nudged a stone at his feet. A hush fell over the crowd. Megilindir jerked his head up and his breath caught in his throat.
At the edge of the glade Zinnia stood next to her father in a long silver gown of silk. The neckline was low and embroidered along the edge in a blue to match his tunic were tiny flowers twisting and looping like vines. Atop her head was a small crown of silver, simple yet elegant in it's design, and throughout her hair there were woven tiny blue flowers.
'Beautiful.' was the only thought that went through Megilindir's mind as his future wife walked closer. Haldir was at his side and smiled at the open display of awe. He had no fears or doubts on this union.
I give you my daughter to love and protect Megilindir. Haldir smiled at Zinnia as he said the words and kissed her hand. Treasure this gift always.
Forever. Breathed out Megilindir as he took her hand from her father. Zinnia smiled almost shyly and took another step forward so she was directly in front of Megilindir. Once Haldir was at his place to back and side of Zinnia Celeborn stepped up to start the ceremony.
My duties as Lord of Lórien have bid me to do many things during my time here. Though I believe I can say in all honesty that none have brought me as much pleasure as the one I am charged with today. He smiled at Zinnia as she gave him a small grin. We have watched you grow over the years, from a small child to the woman that is before us. Though Haldir is your father there are few of us that do not feel we have had some part, though perhaps small, in your upbringing. Your trials have been our trials, and your triumphs ours as well. I find it most fitting that all should be here to witness your union. He smiled and nodded slightly at Zinnia before looking to Megilindir.
Though you have not dwelt among us, Megilindir of the Rangers, your bravery and strength of character is shown in all deeds large or small.
Not to mention the fact he asked Haldir for her hand. Many laughed at Rúmil's comment and Haldir sent him a small glare.
Yes, that was an act of bravery. Celeborn smiled. Your bravery holds no ability to be called into question. Once the snickers died down he continued. Your worthiness as well, for not only has Haldir allowed you his daughter, but Zinnia has allowed you her heart. So it is with confidence and no hesitation that I now hand you one of Lórien's most precious treasures. Guard her, support her, and above all else love her.
That will never be a problem. Megilindir smiled at Zinnia.
Celeborn smiled widely. Join hands. Megilindir and Zinnia smiled as they reached out and their hands found the others. Their fingers laced, intertwining with the one who held their heart. As they did that Celeborn reached over pulling the silver cord from the table next to him. He placed one end between their palms and started to slowly wrap it around their hand in an intricate design.
Let the binding of your hands signify the bonding of your souls. May you forever be joined, may you forever be one. He tied the end off and covered their hands with his. May the Valar always bless and protect the both of you. He took a step back and smiled. Congratulations on their union. Applause went around the glade, and Megilindir and Zinnia smiled at each other. In a quick movement Megilindir pulled Zinnia to him and kissed her deeply.
Well Haldir. Orophin grinned as Haldir looked to him. You have a son. I can not wait to tell mother that you had two children and you were never even bonded. Orophin dodged the good natured slap to the arm Haldir was going to give him.
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Zinnia sighed happily as she leaned back into Megilindir. The past month had been one of the happiest she could remember. She smiled as she thought over her time. It hadn't been a lie when she told Suvel she wouldn't change her life, but sometimes taking a break from the trail was more than welcome, it was necessary. Her hand trailed down the arm wrapped around her before taking his hand and entwining their fingers again. She smiled at the memory of their wedding and laughed suddenly.
And what amuses my love so? Megilindir kissed underneath her ear.
I never once thought I would get married. She tightened her hand on his.
Ah but now you are. Megilindir kissed her again and she smiled leaning into his touch. She sighed and relaxed as she looked up to the stars. Do you wish to stay longer? We have only been here two months. Our leaving can be postponed beyond tomorrow.
No, we must get back. She snuggled a little closer to him and he tightened his arms around her. Besides, if I stay longer, I may never wish to leave again. At least not until Orophin walks in on us. Than we'll never hear the end of it!
Megilindir laughed and gave her a quick hug. No, I am surprised your father was so…serene.
Zinnia laughed and looked up to him. I believe he was more shocked than anything. She moved back facing the stars. They are so beautiful, but something here…just makes them more.
Megilindir smiled and put his head on her shoulder. It is because they are seen through your heart here and not just your eyes. He moved his hand up and started to softly stroke her arm. This place is beautiful, you must have loved it as a child, for I know your love of the stars.
Yes, I loved it, you are only the second one I have…well the first one I have brought, but the second to see the stars with me here. You are lucky.
He smiled softly and kissed her cheek. I am beyond lucky meleth-nin. So very far beyond only lucky.
She turned her head towards him and smiled. Unable to stop himself he leaned down and kissed her gently. Slowly the kiss turned more sensual and deeper. They pulled back and grinned at each other.
We will fall and break our necks. Zinnia had a grin on her face though.
True. Perhaps we should retire to our telain. He helped her as she turned to face him.
Perhaps. She grinned at him. Race you there. Before he could even agree she was making her way down the tree with much more practiced movements than he could ever hope for. Chuckling he followed her.