A/N: Okay now the stories become AU. I know nothing about Gil-Galad's early years or if Gandalf was there or not so I decided to bite the bullet here and say it's AU.

Since my last ch. was so short I made this one longer if you want to you can blame that as the reason to why it took me so long to update.

Review Replies:

-Hyperactive Forever- (Hugs) you're the only one who reviewed my last ch. thank you

U really do care. Anywho back to the reply: glad U like. Little Jay's one of my favorites too, but then again I like all of 'em. Hehe U locked your clones in the closet. I understand I keep mine locked in the cellar. (psycho look in eyes) they don't like what I do to them in my stories and they keep trying to escape. Well anyway Review again Pleeeeeeeeee (breaths) eeeeeeeeaaaaassseeeee! I love to here from readers. What can I say reviews are an addiction.

On With The Fic.

Chapter 14: They All Come Home

Elrond sat in his study staring blankly out a nearby window; his mind was wondering to where his sons and Legolas might be and what they were doing at this moment in time. He was worried and interested at the same time, with thoughts about what the discovery of these werecats could mean and what exactly they were capable of. Gandalf sat in the balcony adjoining the study Elrond was in. The wizard was staring off into the distance weather he was actually looking at something or lost in thought Elrond never knew.

Both jumped up at the sound of an elven horn.

Erestor finally completed his search for information on the creatures, only able to turn up the same old rumors. However he found it interesting that the rumor of their end had only been such. No record he found actually said they had died out; the most he could gather was that they simply disappeared or went into hiding. There was only one piece of information he found to be interesting was in one of Gil-Galad's earlier diary entries.

It had stated a similar situation:

'A group of men along with their families had been passing through our camp a few nights and days past. They were tired, dirty, malnourished, and a few of the young ones were very ill. Believing them to be in great need of assistance I offered to share our camp and healers to the weary travelers. They took it, grateful for the chance and aid they surly would not had found otherwise. They stayed with us for a day or two. In that time I found their leader to be most interesting, for a human, we became fast friends. He was a young man looking only to be in his twenties with long white hair. He told me they were heading westward to their home, by the sea. His mother was the head of the council and she had offered to take him, his clan, and those loyal to him to live there and that they had been traveling for many a year in trying to get there. The place they had lived in before hand had been invaded, by what enemies I never knew. The way he spoke of his history and the destruction of his village made him sound like he was one of the eldar. I kept looking at his ears to see if they were pointed. It could not be helped most of the second born never spoke with intelligence and wisdom of one who has seen many years, unless they were old and gray. After a few days, when the healers saw that the children were in fact well again and most were with bellies stuffed to bursting, though still seemed too thin in their loose fitting clothes for a few elves liking. After a few days we provided them, our new friends, with as much food as we could spare and then they were off.'

Had it not been for the next passage Erestor would have passed this over without a second thought. The next entry was obviously hurriedly rushed as if it was important enough to stop and write at that moment in time

'It has not been even a full two days later after we met with the group of humans, when we were attacked. A group of werewolves mixed with orcs had come from nowhere. We easily eliminated the orcs, but the werewolves were another matter entirely. We fought fiercely with the weredogs and all would have been lost if it weren't for the group of men, women, and children we had met with not long ago. I had yelled to my friend amongst them telling them not to get involved, saying they were weaponless and had families to consider and children were not capable of fighting such monstrosities. They came down in a flood, despite our warnings for them to hold back and run away from here. Soon the werewolves backed down and left running and yelping with their tails between their legs.

When the fight was won I went to my new friend's side and was shocked to find that the being that now stood before me was no longer the white haired man I had met with not long ago, but rather a catlike creature with white fur and cat ears sat at the top of his head while a tale snaked behind him. He was bigger in size and mass, taller on animal legs. White fangs jetted out slightly passed his lips and his eyes were narrow with slits.

I looked around at all the others and took notice I was not the only one struck in aw and wonder and a touch of fear at what the people they had called friend become. All the others that were once human were now in the same or similar state as the one before him. These were no ordinary humans, I'm not even sure if I should call them human any more. When my eyes traveled back at the creature he had once again become the man I knew. That night the werecats, as we found out later, sat down with us and explained what they were and why they had helped. They said the had helped us because we had helped them, and the code, which I am never to repeat to any living being or dead ones for that matter, was what made them come back. Part of the code stated: That if any do you a selfless favor then you in return must aid them when they are in need of you. I found these to be wise words to live by, while others I figured came from past issues. I would explain what was said, but those words are never to be repeated. All I can say is that I have an understanding of these creatures I would not have thought possible. They are a fairly honest bunch that for now are just trying to get by in the world. I promised their leader that should he ever have need of me or my house then he could come to me and I would open my doors for him. I have yet to see him and his pack again.'

Erestor looked up when he heard the sounds of horn blowing signaling the patrols return.

One elf had run ahead of the patrol group, taking the steps up to the main house in twos, sprinting down the hallways heading towards Lord Elrond's study.

Elrond and Gandalf were rounding one corner and nearly collided with the messenger elf.

Breathless from running most of the way he tried to relay the message Glorfindel had trusted him with. Seeing the elf trying to catch his breath and talk at the same time Elrond motioned to a nearby bench and for the other to sit so he can catch his breath easier.

"Lord Elrond I have a message from Glorfindel." Elrond nodded encouraging the elf to continue hoping all the while the news was not unpleasant. "They are on their way back. In their tour of duty they came across the twins, Estel, and Prince Legolas." he gasped for more air before continuing. Elf Lord and wizard waited patiently for him to continue. "But they were not alone."

"Was the girl Jayna with them?" asked Gandalf in worry for the young one.

"There were two girls. One was younger and the other was older, but I could be inaccurate in assuming their ages. But that is not why I am here. Glorfindel has requested you take audience and council with them. They wish to stay for a brief period of time."

Elrond nodded and was about to leave to meet with the new arrivals. The elf quickly took hold of his sleeve. Smiling sheepishly he continued, "I am not yet finished my lord. Glorfindel request to bring them to you in your study away from prying eyes and ears. There is also one more thing you should know. These others are werecats and they have fought with your sons." Elrond's eyes widened in panic, the messenger saw his mistake. He should have known better, it was no secret that Lord Elrond was fiercely protective of his children and Legolas when it came to their health, happiness, and general well being. "I did not mean it that way, hir nin. They are uninjured and only slightly scuffed."

Elrond sighed in relief and nodded, "Thank you. Inform Glorfindel I will await him and the others in my private study."

With that the elf left.

Walking back to the study Gandalf spoke, "What do plan to do about this Elrond? Will you allow them to stay?"

"I'm not sure yet. It is unclear to me as to what should be done with them."

Erestor entered the study behind them. Elrond turned to face his trusted advisor, "Ah Erestor there you are. I was about to send someone to collect you. Tell me did you find anything regarding the werecats?"

Erestor sighed, "Nay, my lord. Nothing is written on anything about them. If it was it was briefly mentioned. However I did find something I believe you would find most interesting."

Erestor then place the diary containing Gil-Galad's encounter with the elusive creatures. Removing the silk ribbon holding the page in place he allowed Elrond to read the yellowed pages.

Elrond's eyes grew wide at what he read. Gil-Galad had made friends with these animals?! Even more surprising was the description used on the man was very similar to Jayna. Now that could have one of two possibilities. One these traits were very common amongst them or two the man and Jayna were related in some way.

Gandalf looked over the nolder elf's shoulder and smiled at what he has read. "I had forgotten about that." he said.

"You knew?" questioned Erestor.

Gandalf straitened "Oh yes, what this book doesn't say is that I had meet with the werecats not to long before and after. You see they were in a most terrible state and I could do very little for them at the time. They had children with them and even if they would have made it to their new home they would loose many of their pack. So I convinced the leader to get help from Gil-Galad who was nearby at the time. He refused at first, preferring to remain hidden. Something about a great war was being waged against them at the time and had made them leery of strangers. Well obviously I managed to convince them to go to the elves to receive help and well you know the rest. There is one other thing you should know mellon nin." Elrond nodded, "The child, Jayna, is the daughter of the man Gil-Galad befriended."

It was then the door opened letting in the elves and werecats.

"Please sit." Elrond motioned to the seats in front of him.

Kanu sat in the offered seat to relieve weight from him injured foot. Locon stood in the center of the room standing tall with his shoulders thrown back his and face locked in a look of unwavering seriousness. He reminded Glorfindel of the small Rivendell army; he had to admire the man for his sincerity in the situation. Rish stood off to the side and in the shadows as a silent guard.

Gandalf looked at the three that stood before them. Yes these were them alright. These were the lost cats he was to meet with.

Elrond sat at his usual place at the desk with Erestor to his right, Gandalf to his left and Glorfindel at the door with the confiscated weapons on the floor behind his feet. The twins sitting on a two person bench on the side of the room between Erestor and the chair Aragorn had sat in. Legolas standing near by.

The young girl with white hair walked in. It was then Locon turned to Jayna, "Jayna we must speak with the elves why don't you go play outside?"

Jayna rolled her eyes, but did as she was told. She left closing the door behind her, recognizing their need for privicy.

After everyone was settled Elrond spoke, "I have been told you wish to stay here for a short amount of time, is this true?"

Rish looked at Locon outrage written on her face, "Locon you can't be serious. These are elves we can't stat here."

"You came along." Locon said simply

"I didn't think you were serious." she lowered her voice. But what was said was enough to make Elladan annoyed and he made his views known.

"What is it you hate about us so much?!" yelled Elladan jumping to his feet

"It's not you I hate it's the human I despise." said Rish pointing at Aragorn

"You despise me?" asked Aragorn surprised at the sudden turn in topic.

"Yes, and I'm surprised you haven't turned Jayna over to Helsing yet."

Aragorn's eyes flashed in warning, "I would never."

Locon rolled his eyes, "Rish." he said in warning

"Locon he was with Helsing that night in Bree. They could be allies for all we know if that's the case he won't hesitate to send us to him. In fact we wouldn't be in here if it weren't for Helsing." said Rish defensively

"Helsing has nothing to do with this." said Aragorn. While thinking, 'How do you know about that?'

"Is that so?" said Rish in an annoyed tone placing her hands behind her.

Locon rolled his eyes; sometimes his second in command really took things a little too personally. 'Even if the man had spoken with Helsing does it really matter Rish?' He mentally asked.

"Did he by any chance tell you what he does with those he captures alive?" asked Rish her hands still behind her back. But what really caught Locon's attention was at the tips of her fingers stroking the end of throwing knife before slowly winding around it.

"Ashita Rishyca!" Locon yelled in the foreign tongue as he grabbed Rish's arm before she sent a throwing knife into the human's heart.

Rish looked at her leader, clearly not happy about that he had stopped her from her kill for the second time that day. She started to protest his actions, but Locon cut her off before she made so much as a sound.

"Go outside Rish." he said in the common tongue, "I will speak with you later." Rish made to walk off, but Locon held her arm tight, he was not done yet, "You are to do nothing to no one. Understand?" Though all in the room heard the low slight growl in his voice, only the changelings could understand its meaning.

Rish quickly shut her mouth she didn't realize was still open and turned on her heals marching out, leaving behind her coat, knives and staff.

Elrond sat at his desk one hand looking to be sitting in his lap was resting on the hilt of a dagger that was hidden on the underside of his desk ready to use should the wild female make an attempt on the life of his youngest or any of his children for that matter. When the girl left taking nothing with her Elrond still didn't relinquish his hold on the dagger.

Once again calm Locon spoke, "I apologize, Lord Elrond. She is tense and though she will never admit it, anxious to return home."

"I understand. I do however wander why it is you wish to stay here, when you have else where to go." it was not a direct question, but the meaning was clear.

Locon answered, "We do not mean to be a burden and will live outside your borders if you wish it, but we are waiting for the others of our kind to arrive. Then we will forever leave you."

"Why are you here exactly Locon?" asked Gandalf.

'Mithrandir!' thought Locon he had not expected to see the istari. Why didn't he notice the wizard before. Letting no indacation as to his surprise he continued. "We came northwards to freely explore the lands outside our own borders and to get away from the monsters that plague our lands. However on our way back a storm caught us and we somehow became turned around in our directions."

"How could you get turned around?" asked Elrohir.

"Rish lead us. Obviously she has no sense of direction." said Kanu lightly laughing.

A smile at the joke played at Locon's lips, but he quickly masked it seem how no one else appeared to be humored by the tease. Clearing his throat he continued. "Yes, well we also weren't very anxious to get back then either. You see, we don't get much as far as holidays go and welcomed the opportunity offered even if we did get lost along the way."

"You still haven't told me why you are here." said Elrond

Kanu shifted uneasily in his seat the look and tone in the elf lord's voice made him nervous.

Locon however wasn't phased in the least bit, being used to this sort of screening back home where it was forbidden to present reports with other members of your pack or clan for they can have unwanted influence on what you say, this was completely different from what he was used to. Kanu watched his older brother in aw because of this and Locon could sense it.

"We have come to you at the request of Lady Jayna, who you have housed for a little over a week, hoping you would extend your hospitality to us as well."

'He's dancing around the question.' thought Erestor

"To answer your question, we have come here on accident and word to my Lady's brother has been sent. He along with three others are coming to escort us home and have been told we are near Rivendell. If we were to leave here now we chance missing them and becoming even more lost than we already are." Locon finished and waited for what the others had to say.

Gandalf was the first to speak, "But that is not the main reason you wish to stay here is it Locon?" Gandalf smiled slightly, "I know it not in the nature of your kind to be fully honest with those that are not of your kin or kind, but I do request your honesty."

Locon was shocked by this statement, but answered anyway "You have my word Mithrandir I shall make no false truths. The other reason we request sanctuary for a short while is because of the threat one Van Helsing brings to us. He will stop at nothing to get his hands on us. He will torture us to no end bringing us within an inch of our sanities. I would not mind if it were just me he was after, if that was the case then I would leave my pack and seek him out, but sadly this is not so." He looked at Aragorn, who was now interested in the man's every word. "He wants Jayna and he will stop at nothing to get to her. It would be easy on us to stay here and wait for her brother and go back with them as a defense for her."

Gandalf now understood everything and would let the pack stay, but that was not his decision to make. It was Elrond's

'What is your decision Peredhil? Will you turn them away along with the child practically handing them to the hunter? Or will you accept their apologies and allow them to stay for this short while?' He thought eyeing the elf lord, awaiting an answer.

Authoress: Well that was fun.

Elrohir: Nice cliff hanger

Legolas: Well it can't really be considered a cliff hanger.

Elrohir: Yes it can, it's called a nice cliffy

Elladan: No such thing

Legolas: Yeah most good cliff hangers have something bad and evil happening to the characters. Mainly us.

Authoress: … You guys suck the fun out of everything you know that. Here I am being nice to you and this is how you treat me?

Elladan: (hugs Kat) We're sorry. Call it tough love.

Elrohir: It's your mom's fault. She told us if you're going to be a better writer then we can't always pamper you with complements. We have to criticize you on occasion. And then you'll get frustrated and work harder to prove us wrong

Legolas: That and you have a paper to write by Monday at midnight and we know for a fact you haven't started on it yet. And your mom said if you mess up at school again then shell take us and all your cloning supplies and computer away until school's over.

Authoress: (dizzy from lengthy exclamations) It's late give me a break. You guys should be happy I've updated and it only took me… (Counts fingers) Uh…a long long time. I really must talk to my mother on these things. To solve my mother problem well move away.

All Elves: Where?

Authoress: (Thinks for a min.) I have no idea. (Pulls out map of the world and turning it every which way but up, looks at it.)

Elrohir takes map and puts it in the right direction.

Authoress: Oh… That's how it goes.

Legolas: Are you sure you graduated high school?

Authoress: I passed.

Elladan: With what grade?

Authoress (annoyed) a passing one.

Elves look at each other and laugh knowing full well all her grades.

Authoress: Hey i made it to college.

Legolas: and how are doing there?

Authoress: Not too bad actually.

TILL NEXT TIME. I KNOW THIS STORY IS TAKING FOREVER AND A DAY TO FINISH, BUT MOST OF THIS IS BEING MADE UP AS I GO.

ANYWAY REVIEW PLEEEEEEAAASSSEEEEE. I'LL GIVE YOU A COOKIE.

Okay enough begging. Review and I'll post the next chapter sooner.