Okay guys I'm placing a warning on this chapter simply because I wrote about half of it after I had drunk/eaten a homemade frappacino. (We have this mix and its really neat you just put that in the blender with some milk and ice and there ya go. But it's a chocolate mix and well, my sister and I decide to use chocolate milk so I had a large about of coffee and chocolate in my veins …. )

            So I think you got that then … silliness may ensue

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Chapter 6: Pillow Fights and Tears

The guests and the King and Queen sat in the dining hall alone, as it had become their custom. The four talked and Annadîn, like always, remained silent but she did watch them-something she had not done in many days. She studied Arwen, who she had looked upon these days but had never studied. Noting her features Annadîn decided she must have been one of the most beautiful Elves for even in her mortality there was great beauty, beauty that far surpassed any of mortal blood. It was Arwen's eyes that captured her attention though, they were bright but sadness was cloaked in them, wisdom of many years, years that passed many mortal lives, and those years of wisdom shone in her eyes.

Next, her eyes traveled to Aragorn, or Elessar, as she had heard him called. She wondered why she had never suspected him to be more then a commoner; his stature was far beyond that of any she had seen. It commanded attention and whispered a strong heritage, a line of Kings. He appeared to be about forty years old but his eyes told a different tale. They were laced with pain and love, knowledge and wisdom. She knew just studying them that he was far more then he appeared to be.

As she studied the King and Queen, she did not notice that someone was studying her. Legolas, though he knew her features well, studied her. He watched the eyes, they gave away everything, and they were the windows to her feelings, to her soul. They were hazel but tonight had turned a deep blue. And tonight the dominant feeling in her eye was wonder. He guessed it was wonder at Aragorn and Arwen they were both captivating beings. Legolas was most surprised at her sudden change.

He had but questioned her, used her name, asking her to look at him for he had wished to see her eyes, eyes that had once told him so much. And she had yielded to his request and he had suddenly been looking into the eyes of a vulnerable girl. Not the girl that they had met, who, though did not know where she was, had a strong will. No, this girl had torment in her eyes, of what he did not know. But it had been present.

Annadîn could feel eyes on her, she always could, and she turned her gaze to Legolas. And for a second they battled, but Legolas looked away. She did not like it, never did. No one looked at her more then once but here everyone always was watching her, studying her, why? Her eyes fluttered close. When she opened them, she looked right into Aragorn's. She looked at them then dropped her head and then slowly looked back up question and sadness in her eyes. It was the only way she knew how to convey what she wanted to say. She was sorry for everything. For making him worry, for being a burden, for becoming angry, for accusing him.

A smiled flittered across his face and it reached his eyes. "Of course." He whispered. And then, "But you must forgive me."

Her eyes opened wide, she was surprised at his request. She was in disbelief of such a thing. Why would he ask her to forgive him, when he had done nothing. He did lie to you though and for that he is sorry, her mind told her. Quickly she nodded, echoing his first words, of course.

In her surprise, Annadîn knocked her fork off her plate. Legolas-who was seated next to Annadîn-reached down to catch the fork. He was not worried about not catching it so his moves where made to catch it right before it hit the ground. But Annadîn moved as she had the first day that the three had met her. Quick for the race of Men. She grabbed the fork half way to the ground.

Embarrassed Annadîn put the fork down on the table and looked at her lap. She could feel her faces flushing and closed her eyes tightly willing it to go away.

"Master Elf I believe that Anna has better reflexes then you do." Gimli stated as if announcing that the sun was shining.

Legolas looked up with eyes that burned. "Master Dwarf at least I have reflexes to call upon."

Gimli snorted. "I do not care what I do and do not have. It is you who names yourself next to perfect. It is you that my heart cries for when a mortal can out do you." A grin spreading across his face no matter how hard he tried to keep a straight face.

"If your head was but a few more inches from the ground I would cut it off."

"Oh Master Elf I remember words very similar to those once spit at me and yes I believe it was you who defended me."

"But who is here now Gimli?"

"You would die before your stroke had fallen." Aragorn remembered, saying it out loud, the mirth visible in his voice. He looked up to see Annadîn staring at him confusion in her eyes. He winked at her and bid her listen to the rest. "All we need is Éomer to pretend he is me and all would be complete." As he finished, a chuckle escaped his lips.

Annadîn and Arwen looked on the Man, Dwarf, and Elf as if they were crazy. Arwen knew the story and found it rather amusing that they should bring up such a thing at the table, but she still worried about their sanity. Annadîn on the other hand was complete lost and confused. Though she could feel a chuckle wishing to escape her lips, rather a smile fell on her face, one of pure enjoyment.

"Oh stupid Elf doesn't even realize that he is saying other people phrases. And then makes the whole company become wild." Gimli muttered to himself. "But I do admit it is pleasant to see a smile on Anna's lips." He said louder.

Everyone around the table nodded and looked at the young woman. She rolled her eyes, but the smile did not leave her lips. Cocking her head to the side, she looked at Aragorn questioning him.

"See Annadîn the three of us were trying to rescue our friends Merry and Pippin from Uruk-hai." Everyone noted as her eyesbrows knitted together at the mention of Uruk-hai. "And we were passing through Rohan. Éomer and his men were riding back from duty when we-alright I- called out to them." Aragorn had seen the looks on Legolas and Gimli's faces.  "They surrounded us and that Dwarf," He jerked his finger at Gimli, "angered Éomer who told him he would cut off his head if it stood but a bit higher from the ground. And Legolas here, the ever protector, told Éomer that he would die before his stroke fell and so on and so forth. But that does not matter and I believe I have just confused you."

Annadîn looked at Aragorn and nodded. She bit her lip keeping herself from laughing with none of their knowledge pushed her fingernail into her arm to distract herself from the laughter bubbling inside.

"I believe that is enough tales from the wanderings of these three. It is time for bed." Arwen rose from her chair and left with Aragorn.

Legolas, Gimli, and Annadîn left together.

"That was a different time Anna," Gimli continued. "There were foul things about, some still linger but most have been killed. The War of the Ring is something that I do not wish to relive even if I do get to relieve those happy moments. But I have them here," he tapped his head. "And can call on them any time I wish. Good-night, Anna, Legolas."

"Good night Gimli." Legolas told his friend.

Annadîn nodded.

"You do not know of the War of the Ring do you?"

Annadîn looked at Legolas the confusion of the name had been evident in his eyes. She shook her head, not knowing what to feel or think about such a thing.

"Is war unusual to you?"

Annadîn looked at Legolas and shrugged, her face half in confusion half in acknowledgement. She did not know how to communicate to him the meaning of war to her. By the weapons that the three had carried when they had found her, she knew that war to them was very real, very different from war to her.

As they continued to walk, Annadîn noted the thoughtfulness on the Elf's face. She went to her door and was half in her room when Legolas called her name. Turning around she found him but paces from her door.

"I believe I have something I wish to show you tomorrow, if you do not mind."

Annadîn smiled and nodded her head.

"Good. Good night Annadîn."

She nodded her good night and closed the door behind her.

"See I told you it would not be that bad. I heard the laughter and Legolas is going to show you something tomorrow!" Serina exclaimed helping Annadîn with the dress.

Annadîn looked with her friend with a cocked eyebrow and a serious look on her face. But it slowly cracked and she began to smile.

"No I wasn't spying I swear! I was just checking up on you."  Serina added dully.

After pulling the nightgown on, Annadîn threw a pillow at Serina and hit her smack in the face.

"Ow that was hard you wench!" She screamed picking up the pillow and through it back at Annadîn who side stepped away from it.

The two young woman ran around the room throwing pillows at each other, Annadîn hitting Serina, and Serina hitting air most often then not. There was one time when Annadîn slightly leaped trying to get away from a flying pillow when she bashed her leg with the healing bruise into the bed. She could feel it throb and knew that the healing had been reversed.

"All right, truce! I call for truce!" Serina gasped between giggles and breaths.

Annadîn nodded firmly and stuck out her hand. The young woman shook.

"Let me help you with that hair." Serina sat Annadîn down at the vanity, took the pins from the auburn hair, and untwisted the small pieces. Eventually she combed the hair and then smiled at Annadîn. "I am done Anna, I need my rest so will leave now."

Annadîn nodded she could feel her eye lids drooping as she stood.

"I will be back to wake the wench up before Mr. Pretty comes." And Serina quickly left. But before she had taken five steps from Annadîn's door, it opened and a pillow was hurled at her.

"Anna!" She shrieked picking the pillow up turning to her friend.

Joy danced in Annadîn's eyes when she looked up Serina. She enjoyed being with this young woman. But she shrugged a grin on her face and stuck out her tongue.

"Oh I am going to…." Serina mumbled. "Don't think you are getting this back!" Serina exclaimed and then walked off with one of her pillows as a hostage.

After closing the door, Annadîn went to her bed and lay down. But her dreams were not filled with the happiness that her night had held.

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Legolas heard the laughter and the shouts from his room. He went closer to the door to listen to the words.

"I'm going to get you not matter what, I swear!"

Then seconds later.

"You wench! I have not hit you but once and you have hit me ever time you threw one!"

The yells continued but always in the same voice. Serina's voice. Legolas knew it was the maid; it was the maid who spoke, the maid who laughed, the maid who called for truce. He was waiting, waiting for the sound of another voice, Annadîn's. But he knew he would not hear it.

His thoughts about the girl were jumbled. He knew that she had intrigued him and worried him with the silence. But why did he want to know the reason? It must be that it is unusual, he thought.

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The young Annadîn-who was in the other dreams-stood before a closed door. Carefully she placed her hand on the knob. The door swung open revealing a little boy's rooms, no older then 10. Toys littered the floor and a blanket was carefully placed on the pillow of the hastily made bed. Small clothes hung in the closet whose door was ajar. Tears fell down her cheeks as she looked at the room. It looked as though someone had just left it, but yet there was no dirty clothes, no cups of juice, it had not been touched in many days. She walked into the room slowly, tears gliding down her cheeks. A step would be taken and then a few seconds later another but they were faltering steps.

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A knock on the door woke Annadîn.

"Anna you need to get up now!" Serina came into the room, her face stony as if something was wrong. "Anna come on! I don't have time today."

Annadîn rose from the bed and the morning ritual began as it always did. She washed herself as Serina straightened the room and picked out an outfit. Coming back in the room Annadîn saw the plain white dress and slipped it on. The sleeves reached her wrists the skirt of the dress going to her ankles. There were no designs of extra fabric on this dress; it was plain and simple white dress. After putting it on Serina helped comb her hair, but all the while the maid was distracted.

Annadîn turned and looked at her. Her eyes confused her head tipped.

"Nothing's wrong Anna."

Annadîn stared hard at Serina.

"Really I am just tired."

There was knock on the door and Serina hastened to open it. Gimli stood outside the door; he always came to get her for breakfast. Annadîn stood and walked towards the door but as she went past Serina, she gave her friend's hand a squeeze and then left.

During breakfast, Annadîn thought about her dream and the odd way Serina had acted this morning. All the while her fingers played with the ring in her ear. She picked at her food not interested at all in it.

"Annadîn?" It was Aragorn's voice.

She looked up at him her expression was tired and questioning what he wanted.

"Your eyes are green today." He noted.

Annadîn nodded and plucked the shoulder of the dress telling him it was the color.

He nodded. "Does anything ail you?"

Annadîn paused for a moment thinking of her dream and of Serina and then shook her head.

"Are you sure?" It was Legolas this time.

"Pay these worry warts no heed Anna if you simply wished to be left alone."

Annadîn gave a small smile. Then turned back to her food and ate some of what was on her plate. She did not want them to worry anymore then they already did about her.

After the meal was finished, Legolas took her and began walking down strange corridors. He was talking but Annadîn did not notice. She was lost within her own mind, her fingers still playing with her earring. It was not until she felt a gentle hand pulling her fingers from her ear that she realized that she had even been touching it.

"You will make quite a large hole in your ear if you continue that Annadîn."

Annadîn gave a sheepish smile.

"It seems that you are distracted today, and by the looks of your face not a good distracted. Let me trying and keep you from the thoughts if that is all right with you?"

She nodded her head, anything to stop her mind from plaguing her.

Legolas then helped her memorize the passage from the dining hall to her quarters. Then from the gardens and to other places she may need. Finally, before lunch he took her down a corridor telling her to remember it but would not tell her where they were.

"Close your eyes."

Annadîn looked at him reluctantly.

"Please?"

She rolled her eyes and then closed them tight. He led her into the room they were before holding her hand. They stopped just inside and he closed the door.

"Open them." He whispered.

Annadîn opened her eyes, they went wide, and she dropped his hand. A large smile spread across her lips and her eyes twinkled. Books, thousands of books, surrounded them. She heard Legolas chuckle next to her but she ignore him walking up to one of the shelves. Her fingers trailed over the bindings, some of the titles she could read others were in strange languages.

"Can you read?" He questioned.

Annadîn nodded. Rolling her eyes at him saying, why wouldn't I be able to read?

"Good because I though you might want to learn about Middle-earth."

She looked at him quizzically.

"This is where you are. This world is called Middle-earth."

So close to Earth, she thought, yet completely different. She continued to walk about the room her hands trailing across any book she came across. This was a sanctuary in this strange place. There were books-things she loved, and the smell of ink and leather mingled together in the air. These were smells she loved.

"Annadîn come here."

She obeyed Legolas and went to the table where he had set down two books.

"These are in the common tongue, I assume that is what you can read."

Annadîn looked down, yes they were in English she could read them, but why did he call it the common tongue. She looked at him for a moment closing one eye slightly, then her face returned to normal, and she nodded.

"Good. These are the history of Middle-earth*. The beginning," he pointed to a book with about two hundred and so pages in it, "and the War of the Ring." He pointed to another larger book. Two maybe three times the size of the other. Legolas took another book of the shelf and placed it with the others. "This you should read before the one on the War of the Ring. It shall explain quite a bit."

Annadîn nodded and she began to pull the first book towards her. But Legolas placed his hand on it.
            "Annadîn."

She looked up at him questioningly.

"I must tell you before you read these. I am mentioned in these, but not necessarily by my name."

Annadîn noted he looked flustered but kept to herself.

"I should have told you when you found out about Aragorn. But I do not like the title………it is useless………sets people apart."

She took a step back, confusion on her face.

"I am a prince Annadîn. A prince of Elves … well what else would I be a prince of … but I am sorry I did not tell you. I thought perhaps that you would get mad or would not trust me or do something else." He finished lamely.

Annadîn looked thoughtful. /At least he told me and I did not have to figure out by guessing and hearing people call him highness. But why didn't he tell me before. Oh but look he's flustered by it. It is rather humorous if you think about it considering he was babbling on about how it's a pain. Oh but he still was not honest to begin with. I wish they would tell me these things before … actually he did tell me this before I found out another way, there is no way I can get angry at him about it./ Inside Annadîn smiled knowing her mind was going on about who knows what just talking to itself. She nodded her head to him, shrug slightly, showing him it was okay, at least he told her.

He gave a small grin at her reaction. "I think we should go it is about time for dinner."

The two went to the dinning hall. Legolas had waited a few minutes to leave after Annadîn so that she could find the way on her own. She had gotten there rather easily and grinned when Gimli had let a small cry of surprise when seeing her alone.

"So you figured out the winding corridors then!" He exclaimed.

She shrugged, more or less she had.

This meal Annadîn again sat in thought. But instead of the dream and Serina, she thought about Serina and Legolas. She sighed inwardly, why am I here? And what is going on? She thought.

When the dinner finished, she got up from the table and made her way to the library. She sat at the table where the three books had been left and opened the first one with the history of Middle-earth. How long she read she did not know. But a throat clearing made her look up. An older woman probably near her fifties stood before her. When she looked at the woman, she immediately curtsied.

"Hello Lady Annadîn." She stumbled across the name, making Annadîn frown. "I am in charge of all the maids here. And I shall be your new maid. That filth who was your maid before has been released and I hope you do not judge us all on the wench's account." The harshness in her voice as she talked about Serina startled Annadîn.

But the shock soon wore off and she became angry, very angry. She closed the book in her hand, trying to hide her anger. But this older woman went on about how inappropriate and inconsiderate Serina had been. Annadîn gripped the book hard and stood quickly. She did not want to her the woman's words. Flying from the library-book in hand-she paid no heed to the woman's yells and ran to her room.

She threw the door open and slammed in shut. Then she stood and seethed for a moment but the anger did not ebb. She put the book down rather roughly on the vanity and kicked her shoes off. One hit the wall another the door. Then she swept her arm across the vanity making everything save the book fall to the floor. Bottles broke sending different things on the floor. The bed sheets she ripped off the bed, the pillows she threw. And then she fell on the bed. Her head on her arm and angry tears escaped her eyes. Silently they rushed down her cheeks falling onto her arm and the bed beneath.

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Legolas quietly knocked on Annadîn's door. The head maid had told him that she would not answer and the old maid would not enter the room. Aragorn was busy and Gimli was down with the other Dwarves, who were still in Minas Tirith helping restore the city. Again, he knocked lightly but received no reply. Silently he opened the door and was astonished at what he saw. He slipped in and shut the door before anyone passed seeing the damage.

It looked like the wind had moved everything from its place. Bottles, a comb, a brush, ribbons and other things littered the floor near the vanity. Shoes were at odd places. He had almost tripped over one when he entered the room. The sheets from the bed where strewn across the floor, the pillows were here and there. On the bed Annadîn lay, her head resting on her arm. Dried tear marks on her face.

Cautiously, so not to disturb her, Legolas picked the pillows up from the floor and put them back on the bed. He moved Annadîn's head from her arm to a pillow. Immediately her body curled on her side. He put the sheets over her as they should be and then turned back to the room. 

The shoes he picked up and put back into the armoire. The hair things he placed back on the vanity. The broken bottles he picked up without any noise. And disposed of them. Coming back into the room with a rag he whipped up anything that had spilled. The room now in order he left, wondering what had caused her do such a thing. His fingers trailed across the book on the vanity as he passed it by. Then, he was gone.

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*The history of Middle-earth I'm thinking kind of like The Simarillion.

            Thanks to all my reviewers as usual!! And here we go

            Andreah-Thank you like always. :::: rolls her eyes and then points and laughs as muses take her away in the straight jacket :::::

            Sunrunner of Summer- ::: scratches her head and walks away . . . ::::

            MaverickGirl-no offense or anything but I think you just summed up my last chap with that review. Anywho glad you liked it. Personally, I thought it might be kinda confusing but I don't know.

            Cassie-bear01-Glad you liked it. And as for your questions: never thought about it, working on it, and I'm not telling. (Wow I feel like a seven year old ::: shrugs and goes to next reviewer ::: )

            Kiki-The-Random-Maiden- Thank you for reviewing, I am glad you like it (or so I assume since you keep reading it). :::: walks away shaking her head and trying not to wonder about Loko and Kiki and the whole hurting thing :::::

            Skye-Glad ya liked it and maybe.

            Sunrunner of Summer- ::: walks back no longer able to ignore her while mumbling about how weird she is ::: Here's your next chapter and I um half of your ideas came true …. I guess well um thanks for reviewing.

                Oh yeah that little button in the left hand corner isn't just there to look pretty!!!!