I dont own Lotr or Natsume...or XXXHolic. I'm not happy about this chapter...but i couldnt put it down right for some reason, thankfully i have a clear idea of how i want to continue it, so at least im past the hard bit.

The whole room was in an uproar. The news that orcs had been sighted not too far from the borders of Rivendell had the entire room buzzing with protests and exclamations. Orcs had not been sighted this close to the last homely house in many years. Although they had already gone through and were now at least several days away, the majority agreed it was best to go after them, and get rid of them if necessary. Despite that most were reluctant to volunteer their services, not wanting to go so far from home just to get some orcs already leagues away. Once the clamor settled down, a heavy silence fell. Who would be the ones to go? An elf at the east end of the room finally stood, "Elladan and I will go! Too long have orcs skirted our borders and caused havoc. They shall not get away with it any longer!" he seemed overly passionate about what he was saying. His brother, (for he could be no one else, he was too similar in looks) stood as well and gave a firm agreement, he also seemed much troubled by the news of orcs. Another second of silence and then another rose, "I will go as well, I am used to tracking a trail several days old and the trip will go much faster if I come along," the twins looked at him gratefully and the three sat back down.

After the brief meeting was finished and everyone was dismissed, the trio dispersed to gather the supplies needed for the trip, it would not be a short journey. The orcs already had a lead of several days and were most likely moving swiftly. Estel shook his head as he gathered his belongings, almost every time orcs were nearby it was he and his brothers who went out to look for them. His brothers hated orcs with a passion, although their hate was reasonable. Orcs were responsible for the death of their mother many years ago, and the old anger would flare whenever they were mentioned in their company. He swiftly finished packing his things, shouldered them and went to find his Ada to say goodbye before their journey. His father wished him well and he head to the stables, where his brothers were most likely waiting for him. He glanced back once before they began their journey, he loved the peace of Rivendell, it was his home and he was always sad to leave. They then mounted their horses and rode swiftly in the direction the orcs where last spotted, neither of his brothers seemed up for much conversation. Their minds seemed elsewhere, and Estel was fine with that. He concentrated on the movement of his horse and on the forest floor, keeping an eye out for tracks. After the first couple of days the elves finally seemed to relax, they were once again smiling and laughing. They pulled small jokes and the three companions playfully argued about the share of food and better sleeping arrangements. It relieved Estel to see them in higher spirits; a somber mood didn't suit them at all, they were the jokers of the family.

It had rained since the orcs had passed through and all tracks on the floor had disappeared, despite that orcs weren't cautious creatures and when such a large company moved through the dense woods they instead had a trail of broken branches and trampled grasses to follow. Wherever they went the forest seemed more disturbed and they were making fast time with their horse's swift pace. Estel suddenly gave a signal for them to stop, seemingly without reason, but the twin brothers knew to trust their brother when it came to tracking. Despite the fact he was mannish he was a far better tracker than most elf-kind, his skills honed after many years in the forest and he never led them astray.

"What is it Estel?" Elrohir asked cautiously, keeping quiet while his youngest sibling looked closely at the forest floor. He shook his head and started to walk further into the forest, Elrohir gestured to his brother to stay by the horses and quickly followed the younger man, who seemed to be focusing intently on something only he could discern. "Something has passed through here, just recently, something small," he finally said softly, Elrohir made sure to keep his guard up as the younger man searched the forest floor. After a few more short minutes Estel came to a sudden stop in front of a large tree. He pulled out his sword gracefully and swung it to point at the tree he had stopped in front of; Elrohir didn't hesitate to copy him. "Come out and show yourself!" he called in the common-tongue, as whatever in the trees was most likely not an elf. Half a second passed and a sudden rustling came as a small creature clothed in green slowly scaled down the tree, his movements hesitant but steady. The small thing slowly turned around, little hands raised in the common gesture of meaning no harm.

And his breath stopped in his throat, for he was now staring at a little human child, eyes bright and full of fear and uncertainty. The air in his lungs came out in a sudden rush, "a child" he breathed softly in elvish as he lowered his sword. The small child looked at them in panic, he looked to have been abandoned in the woods, for no guardian could have accidentally left their charge in such a condition. It was amazing he had survived at all with orcs tromping around the woods! He was full of a cold rage, no child should be abandoned in a forest and left to die! Before he could go and reassure the child that he was finally safe, the child leaned forward and then fell into a dead faint.

Estel dropped his sword to the forest floor and moved swiftly to the side of the exhausted child, quickly propping him up and checking for injuries. Elrohir rushed forward to help, but was quickly shooed away by his younger brother and was told to go and get Elladan and their supplies in case the child had need of them.

Estel p.o.v

He couldn't believe the state the child was in, he looked like he hadn't eaten a proper meal in weeks, he had no provisions and his clothes were worn. He had little bruises and scars that also pointed to along time alone in the forest. I was worried what my brothers would do when they saw the state of him. Elves were so, so protective of children, regardless of race, and it would almost hurt them to see a child in this condition. They were approaching now, no longer caring about being quiet, Elrohir must have told Elladan what had happened. The child began to stir in my arms, and I put my hand on his forehead comfortingly, the child was burning up! I stroked back the child's hair in an attempt to calm him. The movement woke the child and I was greeted by the child's honey colored eyes, though they were muddled by confusion. With a closer look I realized how eerily beautiful the boy was despite his obvious malnourishment and cursed those who had done this to the poor child. Again I moved to stroke the child's hair back but the child flinched as if expecting to be struck and so I froze, praying that my suspicions were wrong, that it was delirium from fever that made the child fear touch. Finally the elves arrived back in the clearing and the child squirmed trying to get away from my hold. Reluctantly I loosened my hold on the child, but made sure that he was close enough to steady the boy if it was needed.

Elladan and Elrohir didn't move any closer, probably trying not to scare the boy further although it didnt matter much as the boy teetered to and fro before collapsing for a second time. He had to have been on the last reserves of his strength, and must have been incredibly brave to survive the forest on his own at his age. Thankfully I caught him, and set him down once more."We should probably make camp here, the child is burning with fever and needs rest, we will head back to Rivendell tomorrow and send others after the orcs. The child has suffered long and needs medicines and bed rest. We will figure out his story when he wakes," I told them, although there was probably no need, they would coddle the child to an unbearable level if I would let them. They both nodded in agreement, and began to gather supplies to help aid the child, or at least make him more comfortable.

A bit of an extra sort of thing...not really important for the story but it was in my head...

The chime of the bell announced that the guest she had been expecting had finally arrived. Maru and Moro were already at the door, waiting for his arrival so she did not bother to get up, they would come to her. She stayed where she had originally lain, sprawled on the couch like most days. Watanuki was in the corner muttering away as he was prone to do, though he stopped complaining about the dusting and his grumbles were quickly cut off as he stilled, his instincts were just as good as usual. He knew this was an important customer. A young boy was escorted in by Maru and Moro, he looked like Watanuki did the first time he had entered the shop. Wary and untrusting, he looked as if he had no hope left in humanity, but his instincts were just as good if not better than Watanuki's and he did not ask any questions. He met her eye, and she sensed he had a great power in him and though he had suffered needlessly by both humans and spirits alike, had not used it for any evil purposes.

He was a kind-hearted soul, who should have had a joyful life surrounded by loving people but was instead dealt an awful hand. There were a few moments of drawn silence, his gaze didn't waver as he spoke, "I wish to find a home where I can be loved." He surprised her, she knew he was powerful but to know exactly what the shop was here for, and to be at such a young age…she lit her kiseru pipe and smiled. It was a difficult wish, with a high price. But his powers were so strong that it became a possibility if she added a couple other small tokens, his inheritance, which he never wanted and caused him much pain and his aid in the place she would send him to. He would help bring balance to what was once a peaceful world and in doing so would gain a family, a family that didn't just loved him, but would treasure him above all else. She explained it all, clearly to him. He was young but she was sure he would understand with a maturity most would never possess. He accepted. A trust that wasn't previously there filled his face, and she locked eyes with him again. She drew from her pipe, "Consider it done, Natsume," was all she said and began. She took his offered price and used her powers she had used not so long ago, and he was gone. Hopefully he would find peace; it would be a long difficult road for the boy but he also burned with determination, she was sure he would succeed on his quest.

Later on in the day Watanuki approached her, quiet and drawn, "Who was that?" he asked softly filled with curiosity. He still had much to learn, but he could tell easily enough that what had transpired earlier that day had been very important. But it was not her story to share, nor was it the time to, "Someone not all that different from you," was all she could bring herself to say. And to be honest it made her feel a bit smug, she loved to have that mysterious air about her and Watanuki always, always ate it up.