Title: Allow Me To Introduce Myself 1/1

Series: The Elf Children

Author: Mayetra

Rating: G

Disclaimer: All things Tolkien belong to his estate; I only borrow them on occasion and always return them in good working order. I write fan fiction solely for my own enjoyment and do not claim any copyright or ownership of his works nor do I have intent to make financial gain. All original concepts and characters are from my own twisted plot bunnies and remain my property. Hwest is all mine!

Timeline: Early Third Age - AU - After Arwen Cleans House

Author's Note: Thank you to all my reviewers for the wonderful feedback. Gollum Girl: There won't be much Legolas though he and Rúmil have a few adventures together. Thranduil makes appearances now and again. My Muse has decided that Orophin is to be the lead child in the series and Celeborn the lead adult. I've learned long ago not to argue with the Muse. Blue Flame Angel: Strange question to ask, but I'm 33 and my son is 2.

Summary: Hwest introduces himself.

*~*

68 Hrívë* 170 T.A. - Caras Galadon, Lórien

The room is dark and three of the four occupants are deep in reverie. Three little beds are filled with three little blond Elflings. The fourth occupant of the room is sharing a bed with the smallest of the Elves. It is a black, stuffed cat.

The cat sits up and stretches, before looking around the room.

"Oh, hello. Fancy meeting you here."

Silence.

"Yes, I am talking to you, the reader of this story."

The black stuffed cat drops from the bed and shuffles up to get a better look.

"Please, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hwest*. I am very pleased to meet you." Hwest looks back over as the youngest Elfling stirs in his bed. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation on the balcony. I do not want to disturb my Orophin."

The little stuffed cat walks out of the small bedroom, through the large living area, and out onto the balcony.

"I am very glad that you stopped by for a visit. I do not get many visitors, mostly they come to see Orophin and Lord Celeborn."

Hwest sits on the edge of the balcony and looks out over the city. "It is nice this time of night. I like to come out here and reflect on the day's events."

"Take today for instance, Orophin and I had a lovely time playing in the gardens."

Hwest looks over and cocks his head to the side.

"What was that? When did Orophin and I first meet?"

A faraway, dreamy look fills Hwest's shiny button eyes.

"I remember it like it was yesterday. The Lady Galadriel, at the bequest of Lord Celeborn, made me. I was so excited as he wrapped me in that brightly colored piece of cloth. I was to be a gift."

Hwest seems to become lost in his memories for a moment, but then looks back over.

"Where was I? Oh, yes, a gift. I was presented to Orophin at his first birthday party. I must say, Orophin was the cutest little Elfling I had ever seen. He had a head full of white-blonde hair and bright, blue eyes. His smile boosted two little teeth jutting proudly from his bottom gum."

Hwest sighs before continuing.

"He shrieked with delight and grabbed me. I was immediately hugged to his chest. Of course, I could have done without the drool filled kisses, but I loved him, nonetheless."

Hwest stops for a moment as the lilting melody of elvish voices passes nearby. Then he continues.

"Orophin and I have hardly been parted since. He cut most of his teeth on my little ear."

Hwest points to his slightly mangled left ear.

"I did not mind one bit. It did not hurt and made Orophin feel better."

Hwest leans over and his little stuffed face takes on a conspiratorial look.

"I could do without his eldest brother, Haldir. Can you believe the nerve of that Elfling? He took me from my Orophin and threatened to burn me up. I tell you, Orophin's sobs and pleas nearly broke my poor stuffed heart. It all worked out in the end, but Haldir made me very angry that day."

Hwest sits back up.

"Still, Haldir is not all bad. He does love Orophin dearly, even if he does not show it much."

Hwest looks over once again.

"My favorite adventure with Orophin? Well, that is a tough question to answer. I should say it was my part in the Haunted Talan episode. I think my portrayal was very good; it sure convinced the other Elflings that something horrible had happened to my Orophin. But, I must admit that I love nothing more than the feeling of being clutched to my Orophin's chest. It makes me feel so loved."

Hwest looks up at the sky.

"My, my, how the time has flown!"

He stands up.

"I would love to stay and chat with you all night, but I must return to my Orophin. I would not want him to wake and find me missing. It has been lovely to meet you. May the stars guide you and bring you good fortune."

The little black stuffed cat turns and ambles back into the talan.

The End

68 Hrívë* 170 T.A. - Jan 27th Hwest - Sindarin for Puff