Lorien's Orphan's

It took Elrond and Celeborn hours to calm the hysterical elflings. They told them that what they saw was their worst nightmare, Elladan and Elrohir's vision, the dreams, Haldir's vision, or simply fantasy, Rumil and Orophin's version. After these explination the boys calmed down and went to sleep. Celeborn and Elrond retired to the study to talk about the images. They both knew that this was a possible future and seeing how old the twins were in them was a good sign. If this did come to pass then Celebrian would get to see her sons grow up first. Sighing they hoped that these images would not happen but only the Valar knew. They decided not to tell Galadriel unless she to saw the same things. They soon went to bed and everyone in the house was asleep but one. Legolas lay in his bed wide awake. How come he didn't see anything about him in the mirror? Was he not special? Rumil wasn't even there and he was in one of the images. Legolas sighed and knew he would ask Celeborn tomorrow. Legolas snuggled under his covers and fell asleep in no time.

~*~*~*~*

The next morning when the boys went down to breakfast they saw Rumil sitting at the table. He was pale and tired looking but he was alright. Haldir and Orophin raced forward and almost knocked their brother down as they hugged them. As they ate Galadriel told them that a small talan just a few feet away had been cleaned out for their use. Smiling they went to see it after they did their chores. It was a small one room talan, lush carpets and pillows graced the floor. Wall hangings, plants, and their toys completed the decorating. Squealing the played inside all day long.

~*~*~*~

While the kids played in their new clubhouse the adults talked. Elrond had to go back to Imladris soon as he had left Glorfindel in charge to long. Erestor would leave also but he would send Glorfindel until a permanet tutor could be found for the kids. Celebrian would stay behind since their sons had made several friends here. She didn't know how log she'd stay and he assured her that she didn't need to hurry. He would come to her if she stayed to long for his liking. Celebrian smiled and hugged him. He would leave in the morning. Saelbeth also had to go, he had to return to Mirkwood and let his King and Queen know about their son. It was settled tomorrow Elrond, Erestor, and Sealbeth would set out together for safety sake.

That night at dinner it was annouced to the kids what would happen on the morrow. Elladan and Elrohir were saddened that their father was leaving but glad to be staying. Legolas however got angry when he learned that Saelbeth was leaving also. He shook his head and ran away from the table crying. When Saelbeth went to him later he found Legolas holding a scroll and a small box.

"Legolas?" Saelbeth made himself known.

"I am sorry I was angry." Legolas sniffled.

"It's alright young one. What have you got there?" he asked.

"A letter and something for my parents. Will you take it to them?" Legolas asked shyly.

"Of course I will." Saelbeth took the note and box from the prince.

Legolas smiled and hugged Saelbeth before he went to bathe and then bed.

~*~*~*~*~

Early the next morning Elrond, Erestor, and Saelbeth were ready to go. Elrond hugged his wife and kids goodbye, and Saelbeth hugged Legolas and bid him goodbye. Erestor mounted his horse and waited for the others. He had never felt comfortable because he had no family, hardly any friends. Soon they all mounted and rode off. Celeborn, Galadriel, Celebrian, and the boys watched untill they couldn't see them anymore. Smiling they headed inside to eat.

TBC