Lorien's Orphan's

Rumil ran through the gardens laughing and chasing his shadow. Orophin, Elladan, and Elrohir watched him wanting to apologize yet again. When he saw them his smile disappeared and he regarded them suspiciously.

"Rumil? Can you forgive us? We are sorry." Elladan said for the three of them.

Rumil brightened and nodded as the smile returned. "Wanna go exploring? I found a little creek her here!"

The boys smiled nodding and when Rumil took off they followed him.

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

Galadriel smiled when four sweaty, dirty little elflings came running. She held up her hand a smile playing on her lips.

Orophin danced as he looked at her. "Is Haldir really leaving the healing quarters?"

"Yes. But if you want to see him you'll need to take a bath." Galadriel smiled at them.

Orophin's face fell. "Who will bathe us? Ada used to bathe us..."

Galadriel died a little on the inside at his small, hurt voice. For once she didn't know what to do. Thankfuly Celeborn and Elrond were in the room and they heard the question.

"May we help?" Celeborn asked them kneeling in front of the boys.

Rumil and Orophin brightened and nodded eagerly. They alowed Elrond and Celeborn to lead them away along with Elladan and Elrohir. When they were gone Galadriel sat on the bed next to Haldir. She did not notice that he was awake. What was she to do? Everytime she thought they were getting past their parents death they were reminded of yet another ritual that would never be again. She shook her head and sighed. She hoped they would accept her and Celeborn eventually. Haldir noticed her forlorn expression. Was she just as uncertain as he was? Had he been to hard on them? Haldir sighed and vowed to go easy on her, for now. He smiled and crawled into her lap. Galadriel opened her eyes and smiled at him.

"Feeling better?"

"Yes. Sorry I ran away."

"Oh Haldir that was days ago. Your forgiven. Your brothers can't wait to play with you." Galadriel idly stroked his hair. Haldir smiled at her. Galadriel sat him on the bed and she went to get robes for him to wear. HE scrunced his face at the sight of the robes. She laughed at his expression.

"I know you hate robes but you must tke it easy for a day or two. And I know that wearing robes will keep you from running and climbing."

Haldir frowned then shrugge, he could always climb trees later. Galadriel helped him into the robes.

"How about we walk outside? Your brothers and Elladan and Elrohir shall join us shortly." Galadriel combed and braided his hair.

"Elladan and Elrohir?" he parroted.

"My daughters sons. They came to play with you. My daughter Celebrian, your sister, wants to meet you as does her husband Elrond."

"Oh."

"Come then leets go outside."

They walked out into the crisp night air, Haldir enjoyed the feel of the wind on his face. Suddenly they heard riders approaching at a fast rate. Galadriel grabbed his hand and they hurried toward the front of the city. Haldir saw his brothers, Celeborn, and three unknow elves standing there. Galadriel pointed at the elflings.

"They are Elladan and Elrohir. Thats their father Elrond."

Haldir nodded looking scared as the sound of riders came closer. Several horses stopped in front of the gate. They wore dark forest green leggings and tunics. The elf in front was blonde and he held somone in front of him. Many of the other elves were bleeding from various wounds.

"Saelbeth! What happened?" Celeborn asked worried.

"Orcs attaked Mirkwood. We were take unawares, Queen Nimenial begged us to get the prince to saftey. We didn't know where else to go." Saelbeth looked at Celeborn hoping he had done right.

"You did the right thing Saelbeth." Galadriel reassured him. She saw big, frightened blue eyes peek out at her. "Hello Legolas. Are you hungry?"

The elfling in front of Saelbeth nodded slowly.

Galadriel held out her hands. "Would you like to come with me?"

Legolas nodded again and reached out toward her. Galadriel took him into her arms, tears misting in here eyes as she gazed at her sons also. Why must the innocent suffer so? It tore her heart up.

"Come Rumil, Elladan, Elrohir, Haldir, and Orophin you must be hugry as well." She turned toward the Mirkwood elves. "You are welcome to join us."

"Thank you milady but nay we ride back to Mirkwood." Saelbeth said determined.

Celeborn looked at Galadriel and she nodded understanding. Celeborn turned back to the elves.

"We will join you. We shall give you fresh horses while I round up my sentries." Celeborn turned and walked to ward the forward garrison. Elrond and Saelbeth followed him. Celeborn ordered 200 sentries to accompany them back to Mirkwood. Elrond said he and Glorfindel would come. Celeborn nodded and within minutes they were ready for the trek to Mirkwood. Saelbeth and his men were given fresh horses, Celeborn, Elrond, and Glorfindel also rode horses. The sentries walked behind them, battle ready and willing. Elrond knew Galadriel would tell Celebrian that he was going but he was saddned that he could not tell her goodbye.

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

Celebrian walked into the dining room and saw not five but six elflings eating. The sixth was a small pale, blonde headed, blue eyed cutie. He looked at her with wide eyes.

"Nanna? What has happened?" she asked sensing dread around her.

"Saelbeth rode here from Mirkwood bearing the Prince Legolas. Miekwood was taken unawares by Orcs. They managed to get him to safety." Galadriel explained in a low voice so she did not scare the elflings.

"Elrond and Ada left to help right?" Celebrian knew the awnser even as she asked.

"Yes. They took 200 sentries and Glorfindel as well. Erestor is in charge of their schooling for now." she smiled at her daughter. "Do not worry they will be alright."

"I know. But I didn't tell him...and if he dies..." Celebrian felt tears roll down her face.

"What? Whats wrong child?" Galadriel embraced her only daughter.

"I'm pregnant again. And I haven't told him." Celebrian hugged her mother back.

Galadriel gasped and pulled back. "You are expecting another baby? Thats wonderful! Oh do not worry Elrond faced Sauron and came back alive." but not unscathed she thought.

"I know."

"Come child help me with these boys they all need a nap. Do you think we could squeeze another bed in the nursery?" Galadriel asked as she began to wash faces and hands.

Celebrian smiled and nodded. "Yes and we have an extra bed in storage. I'll have some sentries help me move it."

Galadriel nodded and watched her daughter leave. "Come now elflings time for a nap." Six groans erupted at her words but they obediently followed her. When she stepped into the nursery she saw a a hand maiden making up the sixth bed. Galadriel ushered them all into bed and left the room. She knew Celebrian would be resting for she always rested at this time of the day. Galadriel walked out onto a balcony that overlooked Lorien. She stood there hoping, praying to the Valar that Celeborn and Elrond would come home.

TBC.