Virginia woke a few hours after sun rise and she rubbed the sleep from her eyes gently and then smiled at Pip and Eric, who were slumbering still.
She wondered what would happen to them and the other little girl that had survived the slaughter.
Virginia stood up and stretched out her muscles and loosened the tension in her body.
She quietly walked over to the window and looked out. Despite the slaughter of last night, the beauty of the morning was refreshing and soothing.
Virginia leaned her forehead on the cool window and sighed.
"Your dreams didn't trouble you?"
Virginia turned and saw Lord Elrond.
She shook her head and said, "No, My Lord, they didn't. I believe I was too exhausted to dream."
He nodded and looked at Pip and Eric.
"What shall become of them? And the other child?"
"They'll stay here until we can find a suitable foster family. Though I think that these two would prefer to stay where ever you are."
Virginia had to agree, those two were close to her, and now she was sure they'd be stuck to her more so than before.
But then what about...she mentally shook her head and dislodged that thought.
"Virginia, you have spent your life among us and now the time has come to tell you what we know of your parentage."
Virginia swallowed, more out of shock than fear, she was not sure she wanted to know.
"I thank you, but I don't believe I want to know it."
Elrond had expected that, Virginia had asked questions when she was young, but as she grown up, she'd stopped asking. He couldn't blame her, he understood that for her it was easier not knowing why her parents left her than knowing.
"For now we'll leave that unsaid, but I do need to speak to you. Come. We'll let them rest a bit longer."
Virginia nodded and followed him out.
"Going to Loth erian?" Pip asked.
Virginia smirked at her friend and said, "Lothlorien. It is the home of Lord and Lady of the Wood. Lady Galadriel wants to speak to me."
"What about us?"
"You'll be coming with me, for there is going to be a Council here, and Lord Elrond wishes you two to be away. For the matter is not for your ears."
"I'm 18!" Pip said.
Virginia laughed at the indignant looks she got from both Pip and Eric and when her laughter subsided, she said, "I know this. He knows it, as well. But Lord Elrond is wise and knows whets best for young children such as you two."
"Vee..."
"No, Pip. You'll both come with me. Besides, I thought you wanted to see other Elven strongholds."
"I do. But I don't want to be treated as though I'm a child."
"Compared to us, you are still a child." Virginia said.
"But you're mortal." Eric said.
"And yet I have seen many more moons and winters than the two of you put together. Now please, just do as I ask and get ready. We leave tomorrow."
Pip and Eric nodded and Virginia continued to pack.
He knew she was to be leaving, and plans for some time together had to be revised. He knew that she'd be in the garden, it was her favorite place to go after sunset.
Sure enough, she sat on the bench facing one of the streams.
"I know you are behind me, Legolas." Virginia said.
"I know. I am sorry about your friends' family." Legolas said as he sat beside her.
"Thank you. I don't think it has it them fully yet."
"It will."
Silence filled the air and that was fine, both had learned a long time ago that just being together was enough.