Same everything – disclaimer, plea, rewrite. Also – I do hope I'll be getting more reviews than the first time I posted this thing up. Heh.

Warnings: AU, Slash (much later in the fic)… and completely incomplete. snort yeah. Incomplete. I need a Haldir and a Legolas. Or at least a Haldir. … That is, I need one if you guys want me to ever finish this sucker.

The trio was led by the raven-tressed being into the small main house - three tiny bedrooms, a kitchen and a gathering room - where a spread of a chowder-like stew made of the rabbits Silathil had brought and a loaf of bread, along with milk and mead as drinks was set. It was quaint, nothing near extravagant, but it was rather homely and Silathil seemed to relax ever further as he greeted the family, kissing the woman the children called "momma" on the cheek and giving their papa a light grin in greeting.

"Lorianna and Brionthir, may I introduce Legolas Greenleaf of the land once called Mirkwood, and Haldir of Lothlórien, Marchwarden and Emissary of the Galadhrim..." He introduced his guests as they'd introduced themselves only hours earlier. At least his ability to retain information had not diminished with his amnesia.

Brionthir offered a light bow to the two, for they did appear quite regal for mere travelers, glancing between the pair. "My wife and I have heard of Mirkwood and the Golden Wood, though to most of this village they are but myths. Welcome... both of you." It was as kind a greeting as the two would get here, before all were gestured by two very hungry children to "please stop with the adult talk and come eat?" And so began supper.

Bread was broken and passed around, stew dished into bowls for each person at the slightly crowded table, and drinks poured to each person's taste before the idle chatter began, starting with another basketful of questions from Aram to Legolas, whom he deemed more than willing to talk of what it was like to travel and see sights. First on the youth's list was what King Aragorn was like when he wasn't being king, to which his mother tried to hush... and failed when both children cast pouts in her direction.

Dinner continued as such, and hints that Silathil wished to speak with the entire family were dropped whenever possible till his meaning could not be clearer. The dark-tressed elf only hoped he would be able to keep down the filling food with his stomach in knots as it was!

Haldir was mostly quiet at dinner, only speaking when spoken to, whereas Legolas chattered along with the best of them. He was more than happy to answer the children's' questions, animating his words as much as possible with gestures and tones. He was a very capable story teller, and seemed most fond of talking about the Aragorn he knew as Estel, and of how he grew up in Imladris under the care of his foster father, the Lord Elrond. While tales he wove often involved the twins, he did not give away that one of them sat with them at dinner this night.

Haldir, for his part, watched everyone there with quaint curiosity, all the while his gaze always returning to the brunette elf across from him. He could see the nervousness in him, could sense it in his voice when he spoke, even as the humans gave no notice to it. Absently, as his eyes returned to the bread he broke carefully in his hand, he wondered what would be said about it, and if all would go well. He really didn't see why it should go badly. Elrohir...Silathil had an entire family out there. If he did choose to go, it would seem that this family would send him off with blessings. Then again, they were men, and Haldir was never really very fond of them, nor would he ever be. He just could not bring himself to trust in them the way Legolas did.

The children gave squeals of delight at the tales Legolas told, eyes wide and ears open to all the elf told them. While Legolas entertained the children, Silathil's attention was upon the two parents... or more accurately, on what he would have to tell them. He knew they would not be mad... that much was certain. Perhaps sad? And definitely short-handed in the stables.

But of Haldir... and Legolas? They knew him, or at least knew his personality and who he was before he wound up in this village. He could even feel the bond between them all... whispers of friendship... of larks and teasing, of visits and warm emotions. But that's all that came to him.

Whispers.

Intangible sensations that only hinted at what once was, never giving a memory or an inkling of recollection. He wanted to remember them, though! To call them by name and have that feeling of calling them thousands of times before. To be able to say "do you remember when ..." and tell some wild tale as Legolas did, eyes bright and welcoming.

He hadn't even noticed that he'd finished his supper - as had the rest of the family - until Daine stood by his side, tugging lightly upon his hand, hissing playfully that Legolas had promised to tell them stories tonight, and that papa had the fire going to keep them warm while he did so. It was then that Silathil cleared his throat, glancing between Lorianna, Brionthir, Legolas and Haldir worriedly before speaking up.

"I have news to share with you all firstly. Or I should say: I was brought news that I think ought to be shared with you all... for it concerns our future... and my past." There. He'd said it. And he felt quite faint for doing so! Silently he prayed that someone had the sense to get them all to sit 'round the fire before he tumbled there!

Legolas seemed to freeze at this announcement, his eyes instantly darting to Haldir who sat up straighter, seeming to come to life before their very eyes, as he'd been so still beforehand. He was looking at them all, gauging their emotions, seeming to be reading minds and whispers of fears, for as he looked upon the face of the woman, his own features softened slightly.

She knew. She was the intuitive one, and he could tell by the way she averted her eyes to her plate for just a moment that she'd been expecting some sort of announcement since she learned of their arrival. Why else would two elves appear out of the blue? A Prince and an Emissary, above all? That was her logic. It would seem to be the truth, despite that their presence in the woods had been innocent of any other intention than to be heading home. Even as he'd been looking for Elrohir, he'd already given up by the time he was found.

Legolas was the first to speak up, ending the moment of slightly thick silence with a gentle voice. "Come...let's sit near the fire where it is comfortable," he encouraged, standing and placing a comforting hand on Silathil's shoulder. Haldir nodded his agreement, standing with the softest clearing of his throat, his eyes ever on Silathil's face.

Oh, Silathil could bless Legolas and his kind heart! He'd moved to the popping fire without even thinking, sitting down with less grace than usually became him. He hated that he had to tell his family, and the fact that they would more than likely support him even through this had his stomach churning. It was heartbreaking, really.

But it had to be done.

He swallowed thickly a moment, glancing between those he called family for as long as he could remember, and then spoke once more. "You know the story of how I came here as well as I do. The village men, nearly three centuries back, fought off orcs nearing the town... and in the spoils of the orc camp, they found me. Your great, great grandparents took me in and nursed me back from death's door, for without them I know I would have died easily... I almost didn't make it as it was."

He paused here, knowing some of this was new to the two elves and would take some processing, as well as keeping his emotions in check for now.

"When I regained my health, it was quickly known that my memory... everything I ever knew, had been lost save for a portion of a language your people had never heard before. From that language came a name I felt comfortable with: Silathil. For many of your people's generations, I was the hired stable keeper, and I enjoy very much being so. You welcomed me when I've seen the village shun outsiders of their own kind. I will be grateful til the end of my long days, if there ever be an end. But... while I was returning from my hunt today, I discovered these two were following me. When we finally introduced ourselves, it became apparent that they knew me from somewhere, though I did not recognize them."

Silathil took a deep breath here, releasing it softly as his grey eyes darted over each of the faces that focused upon him. "But as these two know much more than I do about what was told to me, I'll let them explain, though I wish I could. I know it is something you'd be better off hearing from me, but ... I know so little of this, and of my past, where they know so very much more."

He sighed then, leaning back slightly, though he had naught to brace himself against, eyes closing for a few worn moments. He felt so heavy, like lead was running through his veins rather than blood. His only wish was that this end as quickly as Haldir and Legolas could speak, and that no tears would be shed this eve.

As Silathil began his story, Haldir moved gracefully to stand beside the fireplace, an elbow easily rested on the mantle piece as he stared into the flickering flames. The fingers of his left hand were twined with the right, his face emotionless as he just took it in, curious as to what happened.

Legolas had been regarding the regally tall warden quietly from the seat he'd taken near Silathil, momentarily entranced by the play of light in his silvern hair. He knew he looked much the same, and offhandedly wondered if the sight of them unnerved their hosts at all. It was true that most men were slightly off put at their flawless countenance and grace, and while he knew they were used to Elrohir, Legolas and Haldir were completely different.

Haldir raised his gaze, feeling eyes on him, not surprised to find that they were Legolas's. It seemed to be their turn to speak, and Legolas, apparently, had no intention to tackle this tale. It was up to him.

"I am not certain where to begin," he admitted, the low and velvety tones of his voice soothing, helping to ease a little of the worry that faced him. "So I suppose I will begin where any story should. At the beginning." He gave a pause, taking a moment to glance over all their faces, making sure he had their attention.

"Upon the union of Elrond, Lord of Imladris, and the Lady Celebrian of Lothlórien, daughter of the Lord and Lady of that land, identical twin son's were begotten. They were called Elladan and Elrohir. Elladan, the eldest, was the more serious of the two, taking after his father with patience and study. He excelled in the art of the blade, whereas his younger twin, Elrohir, brought within himself a love for the bow. Elrohir was more carefree, seemingly more innocent, although more of their hair-brained scams were in fact thought up by him."

Haldir cut Silathil a slightly mischievous look then, as if having a memory of something done to him. "Such as putting honey on the combs of visitors to their land, and other things that do not need mentioning. To see one twin without the other was a rare occurrence indeed, as they spent every moment in each other's company. They were worshipped by their mother, the pride of their father, and looked up to by their younger sister Arwen Evenstar, future Queen of Gondor.

"The day came that the times began to change. Their mother was waylaid in a mountain pass, and overtaken by orcs. Elladan and Elrohir saved their mother, only to have her sail to the Undying lands shortly later, for she was unable to find happiness in Middle Earth again. They made it their personal mission to hunt orcs from there on out, avenging their mothers honor, and for sport. They fought side by side with Elessar, King of Gondor, foster brother to them in the war against Sauron, and bid their father farewell after that - when he too left for the Undying lands.

"It was a few centuries ago, when the youngest twin became missing, just north of Minas Tirith. A search began for him, over most of Gondor, and nothing was found..." He paused then, taking in everyone's faces, before he looked to Silathil. "That is, nothing was found until now." He gave a soft reassuring smile to the darker haired elf before again focusing his attention on everyone.

"Your beloved Silathil is this twin. His name is Lord Elrohir Peredhil, Son of Elrond Half-Elven, brother of Elladan, and Arwen, Queen of Gondor. Grandson to Lord Celeborn, and Galadriel, Lady of Light. Beloved to us all." The last he said with deep affection, something that he'd not shown until then. Legolas was watching Elrohir quietly, and then the members of his newest family to gauge their reactions.

Elrohir... or Silathil had actually blushed full-out at the mention of pranks. He was known, even here, for teaching the children to learn their lessons by tricking them into enjoying it all, making games of things... and of course the occasional prank was made, such as a child might wake with a toad upon their chest, instructed to remain there until the startled shriek would be emitted by the victim. But it was all in good fun, and no one got hurt! In truth, it was usually a good source of entertainment for the entire family over meals. Even Lorianna and her husband could not deny the similarities there, and the woman could not hold back a faint choke of laughter as she saw Silathil's cheeks turn bright pink.

As the tale extended, Silathil found Brionthir beginning to cast curious glances at him. By the end, the couple was gripping each other's hands both in joy for Silathil for finding his past and fear of losing someone who had been family since they were children - who had been a loved member of their group for decades. The children, on the other hand, were beyond excited.

Aram bounced up and scampered to Silathil, quite literally barreling him over in a fierce hug for a five year old. "You're a Prince, Silathil!!! A real Prince!" he squealed, rendering the elf beneath him quite speechless, grateful for the more level headed Daine who yanked her brother 'round the waist and pulled him off the poor, newly discovered royal.

"Aram, you shouldn't smother people... imagine if you'd actually hurt him! We'd have to muck out stalls all month!" Well, nothing had changed between he and the children, at least... except they knew he had some new title to him. Their parents, on the other hand, regarded him with mixed emotions before Lorianna finally spoke.

"Silathil... or Elrohir, I suppose I ought to call you now... I can't begin to understand how you must be feeling right now. I can't say we won't miss you sorely if you leave because of this new information, but we could no more ask you to stay than we could try to cage the wise owl. It simply wouldn't be right. But we will allow you to stay - and your friends are welcome as well - for as long as you'd like or need."

Legolas, and Haldir both were smiling at the same time for once. The relief they both felt that the telling was over was so very welcomed. Legolas couldn't imagine how relieved Elrohir felt, to have it all out in the open. There was no one left to tell. Now the acceptance could begin. And hopefully, with their help, he would begin to remember who he was. He had no doubt that if he got his mind back, he would want to go home. He understood that he loved these people, but not even that could compare to almost 3 millennia's worth of fond memories of family, and friends.

Haldir felt the same way. There were other matters of importance that Elrohir had to know, but he could be bothered with those later. Right then, Haldir remained quiet from his perch by the fireplace and listened to the fond exchange between Silathil and his family. He was glad they seemed to be taking it well. That they were glad for him, and not making an attempt to bribe him with something to stay. He supposed these people weren't so bad - not that he would admit that to anyone, mind you. He arched an eyebrow at the thought, looking to Legolas, who was looking back, eyes slightly narrowed as if he were trying to figure out if he were up to something.

/What?/ Legolas thought to the other. /Are you up to something? You're arching your eyebrow./

Haldir slowly smiled at his meddling, flaxen-haired friend. /Is it? So is yours...are you up to something, Prince?/

Legolas let out a silent laugh. /Is it?/ He reached up then to touch his brow as Haldir only nodded, and then looked back to Elrohir quietly.

Despite all of the times the new-found Lordling prayed there would be no tears, he found himself close to them for the second time since he'd been at the village, staring at Lorianna as if she'd just told him that the world was made of old bread.

Incredulous.

But so sorely grateful. He shifted away from Legolas and the children and walked the few steps to the two adults, leaning in to kiss Lorianna's cheek for what he deemed some of the bravest words he'd heard from her. Few people he'd met knew how to let go like that, and it amazed him.

"Thank you... both of you..." And then he returned to the place he'd been at, swamped by two tiny forms that clung to his sides like tree-sap.

"Silathil, you're not gonna go right away, are you?" It was as if the news just hit Aram, and he seemed more worried than anything. A glance was given by Silathil up to Haldir, raising both brows before returning a sad smile upon Aram.

"No... I won't be leaving right away... there's still a lot I don't understand, and I still don't remember anything. I don't think I could leave any of you right now. But eventually, I think I'll have to." He chose his words carefully then, somehow seeming as if he'd had weeks to think this over instead of only a handful of hours. But it all turned into laughter with his next sentence.

"But I'm not going anywhere till I make sure that the two of you can take care of the horses properly." The kids just gawked at him for all of ten seconds before groans erupted from their little selves and laughter trickled in from the direction of their parents. It was a good arrangement, for at least this way the family would still be able to keep the stables, which was a good source of living, along with the father's choice of occupation - wood working and carpentry - without disrupting anyone too greatly.

Finally, Aram broke the complaining and chuckling by quite literally pouncing on Legolas, curling into his lap like a tiny pup. "You said you'd tell us a story and show us that map!" Leave it to Aram to recall everything needed to turn a mood around.

Haldir knew Legolas was impatient, and that he felt that Elrohir needed to make some sort of decision about his fate right now, but the Marchwarden knew better. Elrohir had many, many years left before he had to travel that path. When the elves finally left the Middle-earth for good, the children in this room would be old and grey, perhaps even passed, depending upon their fate. And he intended that the twin know this, despite the pleading look he was being given by his companion.

/It will be alright Legolas. He has many years left to make that choice. He deserves to know what time he has left, mellon./ To this Legolas had no reply, looking from Haldir's face and to the floor before a tiny body bounded into his lap.

This seemed to bring about a smile to the fair Prince's face as he lifted his arms slightly to give him room, and then curled them around the child loosely.

"I did say that, didn't I?" he asked, his twilight blue eyes sparkling unnaturally with the flickering flames of the fire. He pressed a kindly kiss to the child's forehead, and gave him a squeeze. "You have a very good memory, pen-nin tithen," he informed Aran, pressing the tip of his forefinger to the tip of the youth's nose gently. "And what type of tale shall I weave for you, this night?" he inquired.

Aram brightened at the praise and went quite cross-eyed when his nose was tapped, before glancing to his sister. She hadn't heard any stories yet! And so he reached for her to sit by their side whispering just loud enough for all to hear - he still hadn't mastered how to keep quiet - "He's really good... better than old lady Tillman!" to which Daine's eyes went wide, staring at Legolas with some newfound respect. No one in Aram's mind had ever passed old lady Tillman's stories, and Daine was willing to agree with that assessment of story telling.

But yet, he'd told her that Legolas was better than the old crone! But the young lad was speaking up once more, begging for some tale of somewhere "really far away!"

As Legolas worked out the details of what they wanted to hear, Haldir made to move finally, and descended to the floor into a pile of gracefully folded limbs. He sat as if a child might, knees pulled to his chest, arms curled about them as his chin found a home on top of his knees. The fingers of his right hand were absently tracing paths on the skin near his left elbow as he watched them all, a look of quiet contentment on his face. He looked about 400 times less intimidating this way.

Silathil watched the trio, as did their parents, though Lorianna had risen to clean the table while she listened, and the dark haired elf slithered his way to Haldir's side, just close enough to graze his fingers in a light gesture, his whisper remaining unheard by all but Haldir.

"Thank you, Haldir... for being so patient with everything. I know Legolas, if not you, wishes to leave quite soon. You could see it in his face."

Legolas seemed to be flattered that he could tell better stories than Old Lady Tillman. In fact, even though he'd never seen or heard of Old Lady Tillman til this very moment, he seemed quite proud that his story telling surpassed hers. It left him with somewhat of a smug, triumphant look on his face. Haldir almost cracked a smile at it, but he somehow managed to keep himself in check, and let his eyes remain cast to the floor, following the patters he found there.

"If you think I can tell good stories, you should hear Lord Elrond tell them." Legolas was saying, "He's quite long winded, and he can make some very fantastic facial expressions." Haldir arched an eyebrow at this, the look of utter amusement alive on his features suddenly. It was apparent that he was struggling inwardly with a comment of some sort, as he lifted a hand and covered his mouth with it slightly, rubbing his jaw with those fingers.

The hand was still there when Elrohir approached and sat beside him. He turned his head slightly as he listened to the other elf's thanks, though he didn't fully look at him until he was finished, his hand coming to rest atop the other's knee.

"He only worries that you will run out of time," Haldir explained gently, the fingers of the hand he touched extending slightly to maintain the gentle contact. "Though we have longer to linger here than you, don't worry about that yet. Enjoy the time you have here. I think you have more than you realize you do." He smiles at him softly, tilting his head a little to rest his cheek against his knuckles.

The children seemed completely smitten by Legolas and his tales. Even the brief anecdote of Elrond had them prisoner of the blonde Prince's words. Silathil had to smile at the sight before his attention was returned to the Marchwarden beside him.

"You'll have to tell about how I could run out of time, but here isn't the place for it – It might upset the children, if they overheard." And as he spoke, he pulled himself up into a mirror of Haldir's position, whether to tease or just because it seemed comfortable he did not show, though he did grin lightly toward the elf at his side.

"I understand." Haldir assured him with a nod. "There were a lot of things I could have said, but used my better judgment against it. Things I would rather talk to you about in private. But I worry not. You have plenty of time here. The children would be old and their parents passed before I would have to press the decision upon you." Everything he said was done so quietly, his voice more like the impression of a whisper on the breeze, and he turned his head to look back to his blonde companion.

Legolas was going on about Mithrandir, and his imprisonment in Orthanc. His great escape, and how they all met up at Rivendell, to sit in on Elrond's council. Soon Elrohir was as lost in the tales Legolas wove for the two small ones squirming by his feet and in his lap, eyes wistful as he watched on. Even Haldir had closed his eyes half way though, just hanging on the edges of Legolas' voice. Though he did not sleep, it appeared that he might, so serene was his expression.

The more Elrohir heard of Elven lands and wild exploits, orc hunting and of wizards, the more he wished to remember those things, and the further they drew from his grasp. But he listened still, soaking in stories of those he once knew better than any other, smiling quietly to himself as both children began to nod off while the night wore on.

Legolas was smiling softly as he watched the children begin to drift asleep, and the closer they got to dreams, the more his voice changed to encourage it, lower, and softer, until it was a wistful as a leaf on the breeze in their innocent dreams.

Though it had taken near an hour in total story time, maybe even more, Aram was found sleeping against Legolas's chest, tiny fingers clutching to the soft fabric, where his sister had found a resting place upon the elf's knee, sleeping soundly. Oh, what good stories can do to human children at night! Silathil found himself standing then, stooping low to pick Daine off the tale-weaver's leg, gesturing to the door to their room, offering a soft whisper of praise to the cause of their slumber.

"Believe me, this is just proof what they said is true... only a good story teller with a soothing voice can lull either of these two asleep. Though they'll be after you tomorrow for the end of the tale..." He spoke as he tucked Daine into her bed, kissing the girl's forehead, slipping out the door once he was sure Legolas had managed to get Aram into bed. "They're very fond of you..."

Gladly, Legolas helped Elrohir put the two to bed, gathering Aram up against him as he stood and keeping his body curled the way he had fallen. And once they were in bed, covered and warm, the flaxen haired prince stood beside his long time friend as he kissed the girl, and then followed him out. He didn't speak til the door was closed.

"I am glad they are," he whispered his reply with a soft smile, "and I shall be happy to finish the tale for them, whenever they want." He raised a hand then, and kindly squeezed the dark haired elf's arm, glancing over to where Haldir still sat curled up, with his eyes closed.

Okay...maybe he was asleep. He smiled mischievously, arching a brow, and looked back to Elrohir.

"I have to admit..." he hissed softly, leaning towards him some, "That I am having ill thoughts of knocking him over, just to make him mad."

He chuckled softly, so very quiet so as to keep from waking the two sleeping forms they'd just left.

"As amusing as that would be, I fear in his anger he might wake Aram and Daine, and then their parents will have to deal with them..."

And speaking of the couple, Lorianna was approaching them both, carrying two extra blankets. Her husband had most definitely disappeared into their bedroom, not to come out till the morning.

"Legolas... here. You might need these tonight, for frosts tend to come down from the mountains, and though the stables are warm, they can still bring quite a chill when that happens." She paused for a moment before offering a more tender expression. "And thank you for telling the tales you did. I've never seen the children so content." She gave a slight bow of her head before turning and heading off to their own room, trusting that Silathil would make sure the two blondes were settled and comfortable.

The dark-tressed prince had disappeared from the other's side while Lorianna spoke, kneeling down beside Haldir and gently shaking him from whatever slumber he managed to get himself into.

"Haldir... come on... wake up, or I won't be responsible for what Legolas does," the tickle of words were whispered against the Marchwarden's ear, fingers grasping hold of the elf's wrist to aid him upward. It was strange, really. Silathil felt so at ease with the two, despite the fact they were such strangers to him only a few hours ago. It was as if he'd found best friends among them!

Perhaps they were close before he'd wound up in the village? Had they been friends back then? The questions kept flitting through his thoughts, even as he led both blondes back to the stables and up the narrow stairs to his room.

So… That's the end of that chapter. Review? Please? Plot bunnies live off of review carrots…