Lorien's Orphan's

They stayed in Mirkwood long enough to help clean up and let Thranduil heal. When both were done they were eager to be off. Celeborn found himself missing the little ones and his wife. Elrond wanted to hold his family close after his close call. Thranduil had apologized and reprimanded those guards. Finaly after several weeks had past the were on their way home to the Golden Wood. It would take about two days to get there. They weret aking the long way to clear it of any remaning Orc. There were suprisingly few, not that it bothered any of them.

~*~*~*~*~*

Haldir hid behind a bush covering his mouth to stifle the giggles. He could see Orophin trying to find him and the others. He wasn't having much luck so he was pouting.

"I don't like being it!" Orophin whined to himself sadly.

Suddenlly Legolas popped out from behind a statue and tried to make it 'home'. 'Home' was a large bench in the center of Galadriel's garden. Orophin easily caught the princeling, who pouted at being it. Haldir and the others came running out of their hiding places laughing and shreiking. Legolas was about to count to 100 and start the game when they saw Celebrian come outside. Smiling she called them over.

"Your father's should be back trow.row." she told the excited elflings. "And i'm sure they bring news of your father Legolas."

Legolas perked up at the mention of news from his father. "Really?" then something occured to him and he frowned saddened.

"Whats wrong Legolas?"

"I don't want to go home. I like it here!" Legolas said softly trying not to cry.

The other children were silent also. They had not thought of Legolas leaving so soon!

"I'm sure you can stay on longer. Mirkwood is dangerous right now. The battle must be cleaned up and the breaches in her defense's repaired. I am certain Celeborn will ask you to stay." Celebrian smiled vowing to talk to her dad when he returned.

All the elflings smiled at that and began talking excitedly. Celebrian told them they had one hour before dinner. So they truged inside to bathe and out on nice clothes. Nice, itchy, stifling clothes Haldir thought gloomily.

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

Early the next morning Legolas awoke and silently left the room. He didn't want to wake the others because he couldn't sleep. He walked down the hall and out onto a terrace overlooking the city. It was his favorite place to go when he wanted to be alone. He sat and thought about his mother and father. He missed them alot but he also didn't want to leave. There were no elflings in Mirkwood and it was nice to have playmates his age. Suddenly miserable he laid his head in his arms and cried. He didn't hear Lady Galadriel come out behind him. He felt warm arms embrace him so he turned and clung to the Lady. He tucked his head into the curve of her neck and cried his heart out. when he had cried all he could Galadriel pulled back and looked into his eyes.

"Whats wrong Legolas?" she asked deeply concerned about him.

"I miss my mommy and daddy but I don't want to leave." he whimpered confused.

"Oh Legolas thats normal. Your away for the first time and have found friends. And these conflicting desires have confused you. It's ok to want to stay." Galadriel said tenderly.

"It is?" he looked incredulous.

"Yes." she smiled and cuddled him close to her breast.

Together they watched Arien rise high in the sky blessing Arda with her warmth. Galadriel carried him inside and they ate together alone. An hour later Celebrian and the othe elflings came down to eat. Today their father's were coming home! After breakfast they ran to dress nicely for their father's. But Erestor made them come and take lessons saying they still needed schooling. Lunch came and went, classes were over and still no sign of their dads. They all went and sat by the mainn gate to wait. They sat talking quietly about nothing important. Suddenly they heard hoofbeats coming closer and closer. Galadriel Cel Celebrian came and joined the elflings. The gates opened and they rode in, Celeborn and Elrond in front.

~*~*~*~*~*

When they rode in Celeborn saw his wife and sons waiting for him. Smiling he dismouted and soon found himself bombarded by three happy, excited Elflings. Laughing he picked them up one by one and hugged them. Elrond was holding his sons and kissing his wife. Only Legolas stood to one side trying not to feel sad. Galadriel pulled him close as he husband kissed her hello. He held Orophin and Rumil, Haldir stood clutching at his leg. The guards were dismissed and only then did Legolas see Saelbeth. Saelbeth had come back with them to tell the prince that he was to stay for awhile. Smiling Saebeth picked up Legolas and held him close. Legolas clutched at the one familiar elf, beside his parents, in all Arda.

"I must tell you something important young one." Saelbeth told Legolas.

Legolas was scared that Saelbeth would take him home for good.
TBC.