Legolas put the last of the supplies on his horse. Then he paused to look at the other 4 horses that Arwen had told the attendants to retrieve. Why 5? They didn't have much luggage, so it couldn't be that. And there were only 4 people setting out for Mirkwood. Himself, Arwen, Zerameth, and Laesien.

Arwen walked out of the castle, Zerameth and Laesien following her. "Did they pack everything I asked?"

Legolas nodded. "Yes, I saddled the horses and strapped on the supplies. But… why did you ask for 5?"

"Oh, I apologize. I forgot to tell you… Yrinvan is coming with."

"Yrinvan?"

Arwen nodded. "Yes, he has no parents and he stays with us and does a few chores here and there, and helps Zerameth practice. He does a little bit of everything, I suppose."

"And he is coming?"

"Yes, I asked him to. I apologize if it is only more trouble, but he is already packed. He is in fact on his way down here now."

It was at that moment that Yrinvan came rushing out by the horses. "Dreadfully sorry!" he said, holding a medium-sized bag over his shoulder. "It was such late notice, I needed to retrieve a few spare clothes and…" He looked at Arwen. "Are we ready?"

She nodded. "Mount your horses, we can maybe reach Mirkwood in only 3 days if we hurry."

Legolas smiled. "3 days? You must not travel much anymore, Arwen. It will take us at least 5, 6 depending on when we reach the river."

"But… this is Anorien, and we can reach Dol Guldur in 2 from the river Limlight, can't we?"

Legolas laughed. "Oh, no. First we must cross Rohan, and that alone will take one day. Then Wold, then we cross the river, and from there it is still 100 miles."

"What about the Mouths of Entwash?" Yrinvan asked.

Legolas smiled. "He knows his geography, no doubt. We will cross the Mouths of Entwash this afternoon if we can make fair time. Now," he got on his horse. "We set out."

~*~

When they arrived in Mirkwood they did not hear the joyful trumpets nor the feast being prepared or see any decorations indicating celebration. They received greetings on their way to the palace but nothing more, for no one was expecting their arrival and were unprepared. Many of them looked at Isildur's Children (as descendants of Isildur were being commonly called) and Yrinvan in awe, wondering what they were doing in their Lord's company. But no questions were asked until they entered Legolas's home once again and Anywien and Galia rushed up to their father.

"Father! Father!" Anywien cried as she ran to him. Legolas got off of his horse and opened his arms for his daughters to run into.

"My children!" he said and laughed. "How splendid to see you again. Where is your mother and brother? Are they not here?"

"Ohtar is out with Nónd training. He says that Nónd is going to kill him. Mother is…" Anywien looked to Galia. "Where's mother?"

"Maybe in the garden," Galia guessed. "But father, we've missed you so. How long are you staying this time? A day or so?"

Legolas was saddened at the thought that they assumed he wouldn't be around for very long. But it was partially his own fault and he knew that and took responsibility for it… he knew very well that he was usually only home for a day or two before setting off again… he knew his army better than he knew his own family.

"I don't know, Galia," he replied. "I pray I can stay longer, but things are happening… horrible things." He stood and motioned to Arwen, her daughters, and Yrinvan. "I bring with me an old friend and her daughters. Arwen, Lady of Gondor and her daughters Lady Zerameth and Lady Laesien, and Yrinvan. These are my daughters, Lady Anywien and Lady Galia. And somewhere near I have a son Ohtar and a wife, Gwilith."

Arwen smiled and dismounted. "Then it works out perfectly. My daughters can play with your daughters, and Yrinvan with Ohtar."

Legolas also smiled. "Yes, I suppose it does." He looked to Arwen's daughters. "I leave you to get better acquainted. Yrinvan, if you wish you may come to see my son Ohtar."

Yrinvan nodded and also dismounted, then helped the 2 princesses do the same.

"I would like to meet Ohtar as well, if you do not mind," Zerameth said. She did not want to spend her time getting to know these two girls… she usually preferred to be with boys.

Legolas nodded. "Come."

A/N: from now on I'm only updating on Saturdays because I don't have time during school days. On a rare occasion, I might update during the week, but usually it's every Saturday. Please review!