A/N: Please read and review! Thank you!
Rhiannon led Beth back to her old room. When Beth took a step into the room, she twirled around. "Oh, how wonderful it is to be back home!" she cried as she flopped on her bed.
Rhiannon smiled as she replied, "Aye, and how wonderful it is to have you back, mellon." Rhiannon watched Beth's muddy outfit smearing mud on the bed covers. "Beth, get off the bed quickly or else you will be sleeping in mud this evening!" she cried out.
Beth smiled sheepishly. "I have been sleeping in mud these past few days," she countered as she scrambled off the bed. "Oh, Rhia, no need to be all motherly towards me. You are my friend, not my mother."
Rhiannon looked at her. "I am older than you by 650 years so it makes me very close to being your mother," she said sternly, though not able to hide a smile.
Beth smiled back. "But you have the same attitude and 'carefreeness' like me, right?"
Rhiannon grinned at her misuse of words. "Right, I have the same 'carefreeness' just like you. Now come, the sooner you change, the sooner you will be able to meet your mother and father again. I'm sure they are anxious to meet you."
Beth stripped off the muddy garments and sunk into the warm bath prepared for her. She sighed. She laid there with her eyes closed as Rhiannon watched her impatiently. She had already gone to her room and prepared and came back, but still, Beth was not out of the tub. "Come on, Beth. Your parents are waiting!" she said exasperated.
"I have a week of filth and grime to soak off and you are telling me to come out in 3 minutes?" she asked, her eyes still closed.
"Come, please. Your family is waiting," Rhiannon pleaded.
Finally Beth opened her eyes. "Oh, fine," she said and climbed out of the hot bath. Rhiannon held out a pale blue dress that complimented Beth's eyes nicely.
Immediately, Beth yelped. "Oh, no way am I wearing that.that. thing!" she cried out in disgust.
Rhiannon rolled her eyes. "Oh, Beth. It is only tonight. Then tomorrow, you may go back to your boyish ways."
Beth hesitated then pulled on the dress. "See? You look positively radiant now that you don't have mud crusted all over your face," Rhiannon said, looking smug.
Beth stared at the looking glass. 'Rhiannon does have a point,' she said, admiring the way the dress hugged her figure tightly.
Rhiannon seated Beth at the vanity and started combing her hair. She placed a small blue hair clip in the front. "There, you're ready. Now come, let us see your parents once more." **************************************************************************** **************
Legolas stood next to his father's throne. He wore a dark blue tunic and dark green leggings. He had a silver circlet on his head to represent royalty. Every noble in the castle was waiting in the halls for the appearance of the Lady Bethany. Her parents were standing on the other side of the king's throne, looking very anxious to see their daughter again.
Finally the grand door opened. The first figure to step out was Rhiannon. He noted how gorgeous she looked in the maroon gown. He smiled at her when he noticed that Rhiannon was looking at him.
Then, as Rhiannon swiftly to her place next to Lord and Lady Startree, another figure emerged from the shadows. Legolas' breath caught in his throat.
The figure wore a pale blue dress and had a beautiful face. The girl broke into a smile when she spotted her parents, smiling at her. She immediately forgot about everyone else in the room and dashed into her parents' arms. "Ada! Nana!" she cried happily.
King Thranduil grinned as he watched the father and mother embrace their only child with tears streaming down their faces. Finally, she broke away and he stood up. "Let us welcome back the Lady Bethany!" Everyone erupted in a huge applause as Beth stood happily with her family once again. **************************************************************************** ************** In the dining hall, Beth sat in between her parents. Her father sat on the right side of the king. Beth looked across from her to see Prince Legolas sitting there! She smiled at him. Legolas smiled back.
Rhiannon sat next to Legolas and Elihor. During the dinner, Beth's father and mother chatted with the king. Beth and Rhiannon talked across the table while Elihor and Legolas watched.
Finally dinner was over and all the guests poured into the dancing halls. Before Legolas could ask her to dance, Elihor swiftly took Rhiannon to the dance floor. Beth watched as she watched her best friend smile with glee as Elihor whisked her about.
She sighed with content and went to sit in a chair next to the snack table at the back of the room. People seldom came to the snack table because they had just finished dinner. She enjoyed sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else dance so beautifully. She would have danced too if it was not for the long dress she wore.
As soon as Legolas walked into the room, he was bombarded with young maidens who wanted to dance with the prince. She laughed as he watched him practically swim his way out of the crowd. She averted her gaze and looked at all the young male elves who were watching Legolas with envy.
Just then, she saw the maidens chasing Legolas around the room. She watched as Legolas eyed the table next to her and ran as quick as he can toward her. She watched with amusement as Legolas dove under the table to get away from the maidens.
The girls arrived a few moments later and looked around. They spotted Beth sitting all alone laughing hysterically. They pouted and approached her.
"What are you laughing about?" Naleese snapped coldly.
Beth wiped away her tears of mirth as she answered, "Why nothing! I was just watching you young maidens running around the room in these big heavy dresses and thought of how I would look running around like that! You ladies run a lot better in those dresses than I do!" she said.
The ladies looked pleased. "Well, have you seen the prince, Lady Bethany?" Naleese asked in a nicer tone.
"Of course!" Beth replied to Legolas' horror, who was listening to every word being said.
The ladies squealed in delight. "Well, where did he go?" Naleese asked, eager to be the first to dance with the prince.
"He headed towards the gardens. He told me that he wanted a breath of fresh air and went for a walk," she said calmly.
The ladies dashed off without a farewell towards the gardens. As soon as they disappeared, Beth said, "You can come out now."
Legolas stepped out of his hiding place with a long of relief on his face. "How can I ever repay you?" he asked the obviously amused maiden sitting before him.
"Well, you brought me to this palace and that is quite thank you enough," she said, smiling brightly. "Now, um. what are you going to do when the maidens come back?" she asked.
"I would make sure that they see someone else in my arms on the dance floor," he replied. "I have always done that."
"Ah, well, I would hate to disappoint you but here they come now," she said with glee as she pointed to the maidens who looked ready to ravage anything in their paths.
She watched with amusement as fear flickered across Legolas' face as he turned around. Upon seeing that she was right, Legolas did the only thing he could think of. He grabbed Beth by the wrist and dragged her to the dance floor.
Beth was surprised at this sudden action and yelped in pain as Legolas held a strong grasp on her wrist. Legolas led her to the dance floor and let go of her wrist. Before she can escape however, Legolas fit his right hand in her left hand and put his other arm around her waist, pulling her close to him.
Beth started to struggle and fight but she noticed the fury etched in the ladies' faces. She was amused and was curious to see what else would happen. So she played along and placed her hand on the prince's shoulder and allowed herself to be swept across the dance floor. King Thranduil and the Startrees watched with amusement.
Legolas looked shocked at this action but when he looked down to see Beth looking at the fiery maidens, he understood. However, Legolas' eyes did not leave Beth's fair face nor did her eyes leave the maidens.
Rhiannon and Elihor, who were dancing and watching the event take place, smiled as they watched the couple before them.
Finally the music stopped and the couples curtsied and bowed to each other. Beth realized that she had just danced with the prince turned a bit pinkish. She dashed away from the prince towards Rhiannon who was next to the snack table waiting for her.
When Rhiannon saw Beth's desperate look on her face, she started to laugh. "Oh, Beth! I thought you said you would never dance in a dress so long as you lived! My! You should have seen the look on your face!" She gasped between laughs.
Beth glared at her and said, "He dragged me there against my wishes!"
Rhiannon said, "Yes, but you could have refused like you have always done!" She raised an eyebrow. "I believe the great Beth is going soft!"
Beth scowled and argued, "I am not going soft. I just felt sorry for the little princey and decided to do him a favor. After all, without him, I wouldn't be here right now!"
Rhiannon nodded, "Whatever you say."
Just then, Elihor approached them. "Would you excuse us, Lady Bethany. I would like to speak to Rhiannon privately," he said as he bowed.
Beth nodded her consent as Rhiannon took Elihor's arm. Elihor led Rhiannon out of the room towards the gardens.
As the couple walked away, Beth took her normal spot. Usually, the elves did not ask her for a dance, knowing her temper. But after her little dance with the prince, hoards of elves approached her for a dance. She squealed in horror and ran towards the gardens. **************************************************************************** ************** Elihor took Rhiannon into the middle of the gardens. "We need to talk," he said seriously, stopping to face Rhiannon.
Rhiannon nodded solemnly, the laughter that was there moments ago were gone from her eyes. "Yes, we do," she whispered softly.
Elihor took a deep breath and started. "I am truly sorry about what happened earlier today. I should not have pushed you towards Legolas."
Rhiannon looked deeply into his eyes. "No, it is I who is sorry. I should not have yelled at you and make you feel uncomfortable."
Elihor breathed a sigh of relief. "Then, I forgive you and you shall forgive me."
Rhiannon smiled. "It's a deal."
Elihor grinned as he took Rhiannon's arm and led her back to the halls. **************************************************************************** ************** Beth ran as fast as she could. She tripped over her dress several times but she got up again without any trouble. When she was far, FAR away from the halls and deep into the gardens, she stopped running to catch her breath.
She collapsed on a stone bench and panted heavily. Then she heard a voice calling her name and stiffened. She had absolutely no more energy to run and waited for the owner of the voice to emerge.
To her surprise, she found Legolas running towards her. "Prince Legolas! What are you doing here?"
Legolas gasped for breath then straightened again. "I am also dodging 'admirers' and decided to join you. I did not want you wandering around in the dark alone."
Beth laughed. Many people believed the stereotypes noble ladies set. "My prince, I am far from the helpless, defenseless lady!"
Legolas muttered, "Yes so you had shown in the forest earlier today."
"I am sorry for my behavior I set earlier today. I did not know you were a royal from Mirkwood," she laughed. "Believe me, I do not normally attack friends that way."
"It is quite all right." A silence filled the air before Legolas asked again, "Lady Bethany, can you please not mention the events that happened earlier today to my friends. I doubt they would every forgive me for being taken advantaged by a lady."
"Taken advantaged? I did not take advantage over you! You took advantage over me!" Beth yelled as she stood up angrily.
"No, as I clearly remember, you slapped me across the face when I approached you," he said, feeling anger rising.
"Well, I had no idea you were so close to me. If a stranger approached you in a forest full of spiders and orcs, you would slap them also," she screamed.
"So you admit to slapping me on purpose?" he yelled back.
"No! That was an accident!"
Legolas rolled his eyes. "I don't have to put up with this," he muttered, walking away.
Beth, not satisfied with the outcome of this argument, screeched, "Come back here! I am not finished with you!"
Legolas turned back around. "I am, however, finished with you," and started back towards the palace.
Beth watched his retreating form. "Argh!" she yelled at the diamond studded sky. "Why do men have to be so arrogant?" and stomped her way back to her room. **************************************************************************** ************** Rhiannon watched as Legolas returned with a scowl on his face. However, Beth was not with him. 'Where is she?' she thought.
She started walking towards Legolas. Legolas smiled when he saw Rhiannon approach. However, she did not return the smile. "Where is Beth?" she asked.
Legolas frowned at this greeting. "Oh, I left her in the gardens when she started losing her temper. Honestly, does she always act that way?" he muttered.
She sighed. She turned around and headed for Beth's room. Legolas watched Rhiannon walk away with a tired look in his eyes. Legolas was about to follow her but saw the group of maidens quickly approaching him and started to make his way through the crowds towards Elihor. **************************************************************************** ************** Rhiannon knocked on Beth's door softly. "Beth, are you there?"
"Yes, I am here, Rhiannon. You may enter," a soft voice called from the other side of the door.
Rhiannon entered the room and saw Beth sitting on her bed. "Mellon, why are you sitting here all by yourself and not enjoying your welcome-home party?"
Beth sighed. "When you spoke of a prince who was nice to everyone, I could not wait to come back. But now, that stupid airhead titled prince is a disappointment. What do you see in him?" she cried out in distress.
Rhiannon smiled. "Yes, I know. When I first met him, I thought he was an arrogant airhead too. But once you get to know him, he really isn't that bad," Rhiannon explained.
Beth smiled back. "Yes, I should give him time, shouldn't I? I just arrived today so I can't be so quick to judge someone."
Rhiannon sighed, glad that her friend understood.
Beth looked up slyly. "So, what did you and Elihor talk about in the gardens?"
Rhiannon stiffened. "Nothing. Nothing at all," she said quickly.
Beth rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Rhia. It is so obvious you like him. Does he like you back?"
Rhiannon smiled. "Is it that obvious?" she asked sheepishly. Beth nodded her head vigorously.
"It is about as obvious as the fact that I hate men!"
Rhiannon laughed. "Oh, I love him so much! I wish I had the courage to tell him how I feel!" she sighed, mournfully.
Beth said mischievously, "Maybe I can hook you up?"
Rhiannon looked at her in shock. "Oh, Beth. You must promise me not to utter a word about this to anyone, especially Eli!"
Beth laughed. "Do not worry, mellon. I promise that as long as I am alive, I shall not utter a word about this to anyone."
The two girls spent the rest of the night in Beth's room chatting happily, all troubles forgotten.
A/N: So what do you think? I really REALLY want more reviews!
Rhiannon led Beth back to her old room. When Beth took a step into the room, she twirled around. "Oh, how wonderful it is to be back home!" she cried as she flopped on her bed.
Rhiannon smiled as she replied, "Aye, and how wonderful it is to have you back, mellon." Rhiannon watched Beth's muddy outfit smearing mud on the bed covers. "Beth, get off the bed quickly or else you will be sleeping in mud this evening!" she cried out.
Beth smiled sheepishly. "I have been sleeping in mud these past few days," she countered as she scrambled off the bed. "Oh, Rhia, no need to be all motherly towards me. You are my friend, not my mother."
Rhiannon looked at her. "I am older than you by 650 years so it makes me very close to being your mother," she said sternly, though not able to hide a smile.
Beth smiled back. "But you have the same attitude and 'carefreeness' like me, right?"
Rhiannon grinned at her misuse of words. "Right, I have the same 'carefreeness' just like you. Now come, the sooner you change, the sooner you will be able to meet your mother and father again. I'm sure they are anxious to meet you."
Beth stripped off the muddy garments and sunk into the warm bath prepared for her. She sighed. She laid there with her eyes closed as Rhiannon watched her impatiently. She had already gone to her room and prepared and came back, but still, Beth was not out of the tub. "Come on, Beth. Your parents are waiting!" she said exasperated.
"I have a week of filth and grime to soak off and you are telling me to come out in 3 minutes?" she asked, her eyes still closed.
"Come, please. Your family is waiting," Rhiannon pleaded.
Finally Beth opened her eyes. "Oh, fine," she said and climbed out of the hot bath. Rhiannon held out a pale blue dress that complimented Beth's eyes nicely.
Immediately, Beth yelped. "Oh, no way am I wearing that.that. thing!" she cried out in disgust.
Rhiannon rolled her eyes. "Oh, Beth. It is only tonight. Then tomorrow, you may go back to your boyish ways."
Beth hesitated then pulled on the dress. "See? You look positively radiant now that you don't have mud crusted all over your face," Rhiannon said, looking smug.
Beth stared at the looking glass. 'Rhiannon does have a point,' she said, admiring the way the dress hugged her figure tightly.
Rhiannon seated Beth at the vanity and started combing her hair. She placed a small blue hair clip in the front. "There, you're ready. Now come, let us see your parents once more." **************************************************************************** **************
Legolas stood next to his father's throne. He wore a dark blue tunic and dark green leggings. He had a silver circlet on his head to represent royalty. Every noble in the castle was waiting in the halls for the appearance of the Lady Bethany. Her parents were standing on the other side of the king's throne, looking very anxious to see their daughter again.
Finally the grand door opened. The first figure to step out was Rhiannon. He noted how gorgeous she looked in the maroon gown. He smiled at her when he noticed that Rhiannon was looking at him.
Then, as Rhiannon swiftly to her place next to Lord and Lady Startree, another figure emerged from the shadows. Legolas' breath caught in his throat.
The figure wore a pale blue dress and had a beautiful face. The girl broke into a smile when she spotted her parents, smiling at her. She immediately forgot about everyone else in the room and dashed into her parents' arms. "Ada! Nana!" she cried happily.
King Thranduil grinned as he watched the father and mother embrace their only child with tears streaming down their faces. Finally, she broke away and he stood up. "Let us welcome back the Lady Bethany!" Everyone erupted in a huge applause as Beth stood happily with her family once again. **************************************************************************** ************** In the dining hall, Beth sat in between her parents. Her father sat on the right side of the king. Beth looked across from her to see Prince Legolas sitting there! She smiled at him. Legolas smiled back.
Rhiannon sat next to Legolas and Elihor. During the dinner, Beth's father and mother chatted with the king. Beth and Rhiannon talked across the table while Elihor and Legolas watched.
Finally dinner was over and all the guests poured into the dancing halls. Before Legolas could ask her to dance, Elihor swiftly took Rhiannon to the dance floor. Beth watched as she watched her best friend smile with glee as Elihor whisked her about.
She sighed with content and went to sit in a chair next to the snack table at the back of the room. People seldom came to the snack table because they had just finished dinner. She enjoyed sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else dance so beautifully. She would have danced too if it was not for the long dress she wore.
As soon as Legolas walked into the room, he was bombarded with young maidens who wanted to dance with the prince. She laughed as he watched him practically swim his way out of the crowd. She averted her gaze and looked at all the young male elves who were watching Legolas with envy.
Just then, she saw the maidens chasing Legolas around the room. She watched as Legolas eyed the table next to her and ran as quick as he can toward her. She watched with amusement as Legolas dove under the table to get away from the maidens.
The girls arrived a few moments later and looked around. They spotted Beth sitting all alone laughing hysterically. They pouted and approached her.
"What are you laughing about?" Naleese snapped coldly.
Beth wiped away her tears of mirth as she answered, "Why nothing! I was just watching you young maidens running around the room in these big heavy dresses and thought of how I would look running around like that! You ladies run a lot better in those dresses than I do!" she said.
The ladies looked pleased. "Well, have you seen the prince, Lady Bethany?" Naleese asked in a nicer tone.
"Of course!" Beth replied to Legolas' horror, who was listening to every word being said.
The ladies squealed in delight. "Well, where did he go?" Naleese asked, eager to be the first to dance with the prince.
"He headed towards the gardens. He told me that he wanted a breath of fresh air and went for a walk," she said calmly.
The ladies dashed off without a farewell towards the gardens. As soon as they disappeared, Beth said, "You can come out now."
Legolas stepped out of his hiding place with a long of relief on his face. "How can I ever repay you?" he asked the obviously amused maiden sitting before him.
"Well, you brought me to this palace and that is quite thank you enough," she said, smiling brightly. "Now, um. what are you going to do when the maidens come back?" she asked.
"I would make sure that they see someone else in my arms on the dance floor," he replied. "I have always done that."
"Ah, well, I would hate to disappoint you but here they come now," she said with glee as she pointed to the maidens who looked ready to ravage anything in their paths.
She watched with amusement as fear flickered across Legolas' face as he turned around. Upon seeing that she was right, Legolas did the only thing he could think of. He grabbed Beth by the wrist and dragged her to the dance floor.
Beth was surprised at this sudden action and yelped in pain as Legolas held a strong grasp on her wrist. Legolas led her to the dance floor and let go of her wrist. Before she can escape however, Legolas fit his right hand in her left hand and put his other arm around her waist, pulling her close to him.
Beth started to struggle and fight but she noticed the fury etched in the ladies' faces. She was amused and was curious to see what else would happen. So she played along and placed her hand on the prince's shoulder and allowed herself to be swept across the dance floor. King Thranduil and the Startrees watched with amusement.
Legolas looked shocked at this action but when he looked down to see Beth looking at the fiery maidens, he understood. However, Legolas' eyes did not leave Beth's fair face nor did her eyes leave the maidens.
Rhiannon and Elihor, who were dancing and watching the event take place, smiled as they watched the couple before them.
Finally the music stopped and the couples curtsied and bowed to each other. Beth realized that she had just danced with the prince turned a bit pinkish. She dashed away from the prince towards Rhiannon who was next to the snack table waiting for her.
When Rhiannon saw Beth's desperate look on her face, she started to laugh. "Oh, Beth! I thought you said you would never dance in a dress so long as you lived! My! You should have seen the look on your face!" She gasped between laughs.
Beth glared at her and said, "He dragged me there against my wishes!"
Rhiannon said, "Yes, but you could have refused like you have always done!" She raised an eyebrow. "I believe the great Beth is going soft!"
Beth scowled and argued, "I am not going soft. I just felt sorry for the little princey and decided to do him a favor. After all, without him, I wouldn't be here right now!"
Rhiannon nodded, "Whatever you say."
Just then, Elihor approached them. "Would you excuse us, Lady Bethany. I would like to speak to Rhiannon privately," he said as he bowed.
Beth nodded her consent as Rhiannon took Elihor's arm. Elihor led Rhiannon out of the room towards the gardens.
As the couple walked away, Beth took her normal spot. Usually, the elves did not ask her for a dance, knowing her temper. But after her little dance with the prince, hoards of elves approached her for a dance. She squealed in horror and ran towards the gardens. **************************************************************************** ************** Elihor took Rhiannon into the middle of the gardens. "We need to talk," he said seriously, stopping to face Rhiannon.
Rhiannon nodded solemnly, the laughter that was there moments ago were gone from her eyes. "Yes, we do," she whispered softly.
Elihor took a deep breath and started. "I am truly sorry about what happened earlier today. I should not have pushed you towards Legolas."
Rhiannon looked deeply into his eyes. "No, it is I who is sorry. I should not have yelled at you and make you feel uncomfortable."
Elihor breathed a sigh of relief. "Then, I forgive you and you shall forgive me."
Rhiannon smiled. "It's a deal."
Elihor grinned as he took Rhiannon's arm and led her back to the halls. **************************************************************************** ************** Beth ran as fast as she could. She tripped over her dress several times but she got up again without any trouble. When she was far, FAR away from the halls and deep into the gardens, she stopped running to catch her breath.
She collapsed on a stone bench and panted heavily. Then she heard a voice calling her name and stiffened. She had absolutely no more energy to run and waited for the owner of the voice to emerge.
To her surprise, she found Legolas running towards her. "Prince Legolas! What are you doing here?"
Legolas gasped for breath then straightened again. "I am also dodging 'admirers' and decided to join you. I did not want you wandering around in the dark alone."
Beth laughed. Many people believed the stereotypes noble ladies set. "My prince, I am far from the helpless, defenseless lady!"
Legolas muttered, "Yes so you had shown in the forest earlier today."
"I am sorry for my behavior I set earlier today. I did not know you were a royal from Mirkwood," she laughed. "Believe me, I do not normally attack friends that way."
"It is quite all right." A silence filled the air before Legolas asked again, "Lady Bethany, can you please not mention the events that happened earlier today to my friends. I doubt they would every forgive me for being taken advantaged by a lady."
"Taken advantaged? I did not take advantage over you! You took advantage over me!" Beth yelled as she stood up angrily.
"No, as I clearly remember, you slapped me across the face when I approached you," he said, feeling anger rising.
"Well, I had no idea you were so close to me. If a stranger approached you in a forest full of spiders and orcs, you would slap them also," she screamed.
"So you admit to slapping me on purpose?" he yelled back.
"No! That was an accident!"
Legolas rolled his eyes. "I don't have to put up with this," he muttered, walking away.
Beth, not satisfied with the outcome of this argument, screeched, "Come back here! I am not finished with you!"
Legolas turned back around. "I am, however, finished with you," and started back towards the palace.
Beth watched his retreating form. "Argh!" she yelled at the diamond studded sky. "Why do men have to be so arrogant?" and stomped her way back to her room. **************************************************************************** ************** Rhiannon watched as Legolas returned with a scowl on his face. However, Beth was not with him. 'Where is she?' she thought.
She started walking towards Legolas. Legolas smiled when he saw Rhiannon approach. However, she did not return the smile. "Where is Beth?" she asked.
Legolas frowned at this greeting. "Oh, I left her in the gardens when she started losing her temper. Honestly, does she always act that way?" he muttered.
She sighed. She turned around and headed for Beth's room. Legolas watched Rhiannon walk away with a tired look in his eyes. Legolas was about to follow her but saw the group of maidens quickly approaching him and started to make his way through the crowds towards Elihor. **************************************************************************** ************** Rhiannon knocked on Beth's door softly. "Beth, are you there?"
"Yes, I am here, Rhiannon. You may enter," a soft voice called from the other side of the door.
Rhiannon entered the room and saw Beth sitting on her bed. "Mellon, why are you sitting here all by yourself and not enjoying your welcome-home party?"
Beth sighed. "When you spoke of a prince who was nice to everyone, I could not wait to come back. But now, that stupid airhead titled prince is a disappointment. What do you see in him?" she cried out in distress.
Rhiannon smiled. "Yes, I know. When I first met him, I thought he was an arrogant airhead too. But once you get to know him, he really isn't that bad," Rhiannon explained.
Beth smiled back. "Yes, I should give him time, shouldn't I? I just arrived today so I can't be so quick to judge someone."
Rhiannon sighed, glad that her friend understood.
Beth looked up slyly. "So, what did you and Elihor talk about in the gardens?"
Rhiannon stiffened. "Nothing. Nothing at all," she said quickly.
Beth rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Rhia. It is so obvious you like him. Does he like you back?"
Rhiannon smiled. "Is it that obvious?" she asked sheepishly. Beth nodded her head vigorously.
"It is about as obvious as the fact that I hate men!"
Rhiannon laughed. "Oh, I love him so much! I wish I had the courage to tell him how I feel!" she sighed, mournfully.
Beth said mischievously, "Maybe I can hook you up?"
Rhiannon looked at her in shock. "Oh, Beth. You must promise me not to utter a word about this to anyone, especially Eli!"
Beth laughed. "Do not worry, mellon. I promise that as long as I am alive, I shall not utter a word about this to anyone."
The two girls spent the rest of the night in Beth's room chatting happily, all troubles forgotten.
A/N: So what do you think? I really REALLY want more reviews!