Chapter 5: Sibling Reunions

Beinion and Anna walked through the night and arrived at the castle the next morning. Beinion was the first to notice.

"Anna, we're here." he said with a hint of sadness, he knew what she was planning after talking with Leoglas and the king and he didn't want her to leave again.

"Right. I guess it's time to face the music, as they say." Anna looked up at the place she called home for most of her life until recently.

"Are you okay?" Beinion brought her back to reality, "You don't have to do this yet if you're not ready."

"Thank you Beinion, you are a good ellon, but I must do this so I can get out of here and move on."

"Whatever makes you happy. Come on, let's go," he smiled.

"You're coming with me?" she asked baffled.

"If you want me to. I haven't seen your brother in a few weeks anyway."

"I don't mind at all. Off we go."

So they walked inside and Eruanna was overjoyed to be back, though she'd never admit it. She missed this place, especially when her mother was alive. She admired all the tapestries and decorations adorning the walls, they were still the same. Beinion watched her with a smile, he knew she was happy to be back. Just then, Legolas came walking around the corner from the wine cellar with a glass of the potent liquid in his hand. Ever since his sister left and he returned from the war, he'd always been seen drinking it.

"Legolas! Mellon-nin, it's good to see you!" Beinion greeted happily.

Legolas had not noticed his sister and was not in the mood for happy people. "I'm sorry Beinion, but I'm not really in a talking mood today."

"You never are anymore. Don't you remember when you'd tell me what was bothering you?" he frowned at his friend's rejection.

"I do, I also remember when I'd tell things to my sister That's when Beinion knew he hit a touchy subject.

"I apologize, Legolas, it was not my intention to upset you further."

"It's alright my friend, perhaps I should just give up hope of her returning," Legolas' face turned sorrowful.

"Don't ever do that!" Benion yelled.

"Why ever not?" asked Legolas increduously.

"Because I'm right here," Anna stepped out from around the corner and looked at Legolas. What has happened to fun-loving brother I remember? Surely my leaving has not affected him this much.

Legolas stood frozen in his tracks. He could not believe that after all these years his little sister was back home. Look at her, she's so grown-up now. Legolas ran as fast as he could towards her and hugged her close to him. "My heart has never known so much joy until now. I have missed you so much little sister."

Anna was a bit shocked at his words and his hug, but she was elated to see him again. "As have I, brother."

Legolas turned back to Beinion to see him smiling. "Thank you so much for bringing her back."

"On the contrary, she brought herself back. I simply accompanied her hither." He then looked toward Anna, "if you don't mind, I'm going to retire now." He bowed and left.

"We have a lot of catching up to do," said Legolas breaking the akward silence.

"I suppose we do," she replied. Legolas noticed the solemness in her voice since Beinion left and pondered on it.

"So, where all have you been to?" inquired Legolas.

"Aren't you going to take me to Adar or ask me why I left?"

"No, you'll go see him eventually, of this I know. About why you left that is your choice if you want to share that with me."

"When did you become so wise?" she laughed. Legolas was grateful to hear that laugh again, it had been a very long time since he had last heard it.

"You were gone quite a long time. Perhaps it was then."

"I guess you're right. Legolas, can I ask you something?" she looked at the floor.

"Anything."

"Did... well, Beinion... did he..." she stuttered.

"Yes, he did miss you. That's why he immediately joined the search party." Anna's face lit up at the statement. "So you do still like him don't you?" laughed her brother.

"I think it's still just a crush, I've been away a long time and I still see the old Beinion. This one could be different."

"He is different, in a good way. He is now both wise and brave. Not only that, he's compassionate and knows what is important to him. Like helping his best friend find the missing princess."

This wasn't exactly what she wanted to hear. Beinion helped 'his best friend find the missing princess' not Beinion 'went looking for Eruanna.' Did she mean nothing to him. But the thing he said, surely he was hinting at something. How many times are we going to go through this? she thought You only think he was hinting because you adore him. And you're just Leoglas' sister and the princess to him.

"Sister, are you alright?" Legolas asked.

"Huh? Oh yes, I'm fine I suppose..."

"Anna," he said moving to sit right next to her, "I have a feeling that you don't plan on staying here for long. I'd say a few weeks at most." He tilted her face so she could look him in the eye. "Get this off your chest, tell him about your crush. Then it won't be as hard to move on without him. What do you think?"

"I think you're crazy!" she laughed. "I could never come right out and tell Beinion how I feel!"

"You don't know the new Beinion too well then, for he is very easy to talk to."