Sins of the Father

A soft nuzzling against his neck stirred Orophin from his sleep and he shifted against the hay bales in which they had taken to rest. Instinctively he pulled the warm body that clung to him closer ,burying his face in the familiar fragrant copper froth that he had come to adore.

Another wet rub and a pinching nibble against his neck caused the young Elf to swat blindly at the amorous nose that tickled his nape, this time connecting abruptly with a curling soft muzzle startling them both in the dim light of the barn. Skittering hooves and a plaintive baaing set the entire stable in an uproar and Orophin scrambling unsteady to his feet as he stood ready to defend himself against.....

Blue bulging eyes nervously peered out from behind a stall gate as the Galadrhim leveled his bow, his own glittering gaze sizing up the brazen nipper.

" Baaa----aaaaaa-----aaaa" The interloper ducked back into the stall, its tiny belly clanking as it scooted in search of a safe corner.

Orophin still stood his ground, oblivious to the soft laughter that floated up from the warm hay pile at his feet.

" My champion.....," mocked Aislin, stifling a giggle as she pulled bits of straw from her hair.

Orophin quickly lowered his bow and pulled Aislin up into his arms, silencing her taunting lips with his own.

" Say it again....", he purred, slipping a free hand beneath the warmth of her bodice.

" Make me , " she squealed, as she tried to squirm out the Galadrhims embrace.

In one fluid motion Orophin swept Aislins feet from under her pinned her quite easily to the soft ground.

" Alright sir Elf, now that you have me, what shall you do with me?" Aislins nose crinkled with the effort to quell her enthusiasm.

" Baa--aaaaa-aaaaa...!" Orophin dipped his head and nipped playfully at the younglings dress, removing the loosened lacings with his teeth.

Snorts of laughter errupted form the hay and both lovers rolled together into the golden grass.

A sharp clatter of buckets and the banging of the barn door froze them both mid tickle.

" Linny!!!!....... Linny!!!!! are you in here? " mallmall voice echoed through the dim shadows, and padded through the doorway.

" Linny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Orophin rolled off the young girl and silently gathered his bow as she quickled laced the front of her garment.

" I know you're in here! " The youngster began to light the lanterns that hung near the stalls, dropping his buckets with a resounding thud.

" You have to go.......tis my brother.......," Aislin brushed the haybits from her skirts and tried to sort herself in the dark.

" Shall I shoot him?" , smirked Orophin, quickly donning his quiver and yanking on his boots.

' You shall do no such thing....he is just a baby!!" Aislin grasped Orophin by the jaw and kissed him firmly.

"I will see you soon...........meleth ", she whispered and slid her hand over the Elf's backside.

" Soon......" echoed Orophin before slipping quickly behind a nearby loft.

" Hanath!!!......I am here......", chirped Aislin trying her best to distract her brother's attention.

" Do you need help with the goats?"

Orophin watched as the young girl steered her protesting brother in the direction of the skittish nibbler and took his leave as soon as the way was clear.

Once outside, he slipped quickly behind the barn and made his way towards the well.. Even though he should care less, he did not want to return to Lorien smelling like a sheep. Rumil would never let him hear the end of it.


Rumil rode in silence at Haldirs side as they crossed over the edge of the borders to the human village. It was early enough that they would have the best chance at intercepting Orophin as he returned to the fences and the darkness would still allow them safe escape.

Haldir stopped near the edge of a clearing and pulled out his waterskin. Taking a long draught, he handed it over to Rumil who shtooktook the offered liquid.

" Im sorry Haldir....", he stated softly, idly worrying the neck of the skin . " If I had just known what danger there was to Ori I surely would have tried to stop him"

Haldir wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and shifted on his mount. He had to admit that he was angry that his brother's went behind his back, but he also had to take much of the blame for this himself .They were no longer Elflings and he had harbored this information far too long.

" Let us just find him and get as far from here as possible", he replied, his manner slipping back into the cool distance he chose for others to see.

" Do you think he will come willingly, " asked Rumil, taking a quick drink.

"I highly doubt it," replied Haldir flatly, his hand dropping to the length of elven rope he had draped at his side.

Rumil corked the skin and tied it to his belt. Orophin was going to kill him.


Orophin splashed the cool water on his face, and washed his arms and hands in the wooden bucket, but despite his best efforst he still feared he smelled of barnyard.

He was just about to try a second rinsing when he was startled by a sharp intake of breath and a stiffled squeal.

" Your....your ............." The youngster stood stock still, his mouth in an " O", and his eyes as wide as saucers.

" Your an ELF!!" The youngling blurted the remark and then turned and made an attempt to run towards the cottage.

Orophin reached out quickly and grabbed the boy and covered his mouth with his hand. At first the child struggled, but when he realized that his efforts were just exhausting him he stopped and gaped at the Galadrhim in awe.

"Please......don't........." Orophins words were gentle and soothing. " I wont hurt you..," he continued, "I simply want to leave and go home."

The boy relaxed and Orophin let his hand slip to the youngsters shoulder.

" Were you in the barn with Linny?"

The boy's direct question took Orophin by surprise and he smiled at the youthful bravada.

" Aye..I was......"

"Whats your name.....ELF....? " Orophin cocked his head and hoisted his bow back onto his shoulder.

" And who wants to know, " he replied, lacing his vambraces in preparation to leave.

" Hanath.... I am Hanath, Son of Thibauld...., and Linny....is my sister....." The youth pulled himself as tall as he could.

" Well, Hanath......I am Orophin...of Lothlorien.....and I intend your sister, nor you any harm......, but I must leave now before it gets too light."

" I want to come with you Oro....." the child stumbled over his tongue. " Elf.."

" Nay I don't think that wise, young Hanath...." replied the Galadrhim, fastening his cloak.

" The journey to my home is not safe, many things hunt with in the wood, and I fear that you may come to harm"

" I am not afraid....not of you . or anything....." blurted the youngling, his mouth set in a firm line.

" Of that I am sure...." , chuckled Orophin.., " but I still must make this journey on my own."

With that Orophin nodded to the youngster and headed toward the garden. It was later than he had ever left before, and as it was, he risked much by lingering.

Hanath waited until the Elf had a good head start, and then took off after him staying carefully out of sight.

He was going to see the Elves first hand.

TBC