Lorien's Orphan's

Elrond, Celeborn and the elves reached the outskirts orkworkwood within the night. They could hear the battle still many leagues away. Close to the town, to close. Thickeicked up the pace hoping that they were not to late. Mirkwood must not fall. As they approached they saw hundreds of elves figthing but they were outnumbered. Elrond could see Thranduil himself fighting among his men. He hoped that he would not be offened that he was here. The elves quickly dismounted and began to plan how to enter the battle.

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There were to many. It was as simple as that. To many Orcs and not enough elves. At least his son escaped, at least he hoped Saelbeth has got Legolas out. Thranduil grimaced as the sword point of his enemy grazed his shoulder. He quickly dispatched his enemy and he turned when a flash caught his eye. The Orcs began attacking hundreds of new elves that had just joined the fray. He could see that most wore the colors of Lorien. Thranduil felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Saelbeth had succeeded Legolas was safe and he had brought help. He could see Saelbeth fighting his way to his king. Thranduil ducked a flying arrow and he pulled his mind to the present. He began to kill every single foul being in his path. This was his realm! His land! He'd be dammed if these monsters would take it from him! Suddenly he was knocked off balance and he fell on his back. His sword flew out of his hand and he saw an up raised sword. He was going to die.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Celebrian watched the boys trying to convince Legolas to play with them. But the elfling adamantly refused to move. Celebrian sent the boys on their way as she pulled the young prince into her arms. He was worried about his mom and dad. He didn't understand why he couldn't stay and fight the Orcs. Celebrian sat there and whispered stories to Legolas as she watched her sons and brothers play. She hoped Elrond was doing ok.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

Galadriel sat trying to run the business of Lorien. Everyone knew of they fabled Lady of the Wood but what no one knew was that the real power in Lorien was it's Lord. He ran the day to day aspects, kept the borders well patroled, fed the people, made sure they had enough water, mad sure that everything was taken care of. And everytime he left Galadriel had a hell of a time keeping the place running. She was in his study trying to figure out exactly how much grain to send to Gondor in return fur furs and leather. Sighing she placed the parchment on the table and walked over to the window. She wondered how he was doing, how Mirkwood was faring. She loved him with her entire soul and being and she knew that if he died she could not, would not live without him. She would fade and eventually die. He was her everything.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Thranduil watched as the sword in the Orcs hands began it's final deadly downward swing. He braced himself for death and all it's finality. Suddenly the Orc was knocked off balance and killed in the space of a few nds.nds. He stared up at Elrond trying to regain his wits and equilibruim. Elrond stood with his back to the king killing any Orc that tried to get by. He stood guarding the king so he could regain his sword and footing. Thranduil quickly grabbed his sword and stood. The elves quickly encircled the remaining Orcs and began to kill them without thought. Thranduil fought against two Orcs but they were getting the better of him. Everytime he thought he would be overewhelmed Elrond came to help him. That in it's self was confusing. Once they had been good friends then bitter enemies. Now Elrond had a death sentence on his head. Thranduil decreed should the half elf or any of his house or family soil Mirlkwood borders they were to be killed immediatly. But here he was defending not only Mirkwood but her king as well. Thranduil was so distracted by his thoughts that he did not hear Elrond's warning yell. Sharp, burning pain raced up his arm as a dagger was embedded in his shoulder. Crying out Thranduil fell to his knees grasping his injury. Immediatly Elrond was there dragging him away from the fight. Elrond carried Thranduil back to the Mirkwood camp and laid him on a bed. He ignored the stares of the healers and wounded. He knew of the death sentence. He didn't care. His long time friend was injured, and he was going to help him. Elrond cut away the fabric of Thranduil's tunic and bathed the wound. He then packed it with healing herbs and salves, then he bandaged the wound. He then brewed a tea to get rid of the pain and made the king drink it all. Before he could do anything else three guards rushed in and grabbed Elrond. One held the half elfs arms behind hick wck while the other grabbed his hair and pulled his head back and placed a knife at Elronds throat. The third knelt next to his king.

"Milord. This on has a death sentence here. Shall we kill him?"

TBC.