Hey, my Centaur fiction plot bunny wandered in for a visit! It's timing really sucks, but hey. So here's a new Jaisia and Legolas story…I give Jc credit for the bunny's return by the way. Kudos for reading the whole Centaur chronicles in one sitting! Enjoy!

Disclaimer--Tolkien's, not mine except the Centaurs of course…

Homecoming

Chapter 1--Home, sweet home

The weeklong journey back to Jaisia's tribe had been uneventful and the closer they got the more excited Jaisia got. "Mother and father will be so glad to see us!" she said.

"Or they will run screaming in terror," Legolas muttered.

Kai snickered though he tried to stifle it.

"Why would they do that?" Jaisia asked then she got it. "Ohh, you brat! I ought to dump you in the river again!"

"That is not very original. You have done it twice already," Legolas pointed out.

Jaisia snorted then brightened. "I could have you teach me how to use a bow!" she said.

"I would not do that unless you want to risk your life, Legolas. Dear baby sister's lack of aim is legendary in our tribe," Kai warned.

"I just missed with a spear! I was young and they would not let me try again!" Jaisia protested.

"They might have if you had not hit Tyon in the butt," Kai smirked.

"You are mean, Kai," Jaisia complained.

Legolas and Kai just laughed, ignoring her ire. Eventually she gave in and laughed with them. Another several hours passed and finally the village came into view.

"There it is, Kai, Legolas! We are home!" Jaisia cried. She burst into a gallop. "Race you, Kai!"

"You are on, imp!" Kai whooped and charged after her.

Legolas held on as the two Centaurs charged for the village as fast as they could go.

Jaisia beat Kai just barely. They came to a sliding stop in front of Kai and Jaisia's parents' shelter. Legolas slid off Jaisia's back.

"Mother? Father? We are home!" Jaisia called.

Isolanthe emerged from the shelter. "My children! I am so glad to see you!" she cried. She hugged Jaisia then Kai, who returned the embrace eagerly. She turned to Legolas and swept him into her arms.

Legolas was used to his foster parents exuberant greetings by now. He quickly turned his head sideways so his face wouldn't be shoved into his foster mother's breasts. "It is good to see you too, mother," he said.

After a long hug Isolanthe released him I have missed all of you," she said.

"Where is father?" Kai asked.

"It was he and Tyon's turn to lead the hunt. They will be back at dusk," Isolanthe said. "Kai, you should hurry home to tell your mate you are back. She and your twins have missed you terribly."

"Yes, I have missed them too. I will see all of you later," Kai said and galloped off, eager to see his family.

At dusk Tyon and Valinar returned to the shelter. The minute they arrived Jaisia charged out of the shelter to greet them. "Father! We are home!" she cried and hugged him.

Kai, Lissa and the twins Aine and Chaz, now fourteen and beginning their weapons training, arrived shortly after. There was a long interlude of hugging and chatter before they settled down.

Jaisia filled in everyone on what had happened while they were gone. It was silent for a long time after she was finished.

"Our sympathy on the death of Gimli, Legolas. He was a brave warrior and he died most honorably," Valinar said.

"Thank you," Legolas said. He still grieved for Gimli and he supposed he always would.

"So do you actually plan to stay with your tribe like you should be?" Tyon demanded.

Isolanthe scowled at her eldest son. "Tyon! That is rude. Show some courtesy to your brothers and sister!" she chided.

"I have only one brother and a sister, not two. I will never call a two-legger kin," Tyon said. He left the shelter in the uncomfortable silence that followed his words….

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Touchy, isn't he? Nice to be doing Jaisia again. It's been a long time. Thanks again Jc, I was flattered that you read the whole Centaur Chronicles in one sitting. I hope you enjoy this one….Please R/R!