Disclaimer: I own nothing from Lord of the Rings...

Author's Note: It's been so long! Stay tuned at the end of the chapter for details...


Chapter 6: Party Time

Legolas left his sister to ponder on his words. As soon as he was gone, Anna began pacing the room. Should I just tell him already? Maybe Legolas is right, I will feel better and I don't plan on staying longer than a few weeks. But what if Beinion thinks it's just a joke. Why am I thinking about this! The answer is no, I will never tell him. End of discussion.

As this was happening, Beinion was talking to some of the palace guards. "How is life here, boring as usual?" he inquired.

"Of course, did you expect something exciting?" one of them, Vandalin, replied.

"Ah, but don't forget about the banquet King Thranduil is planning to celebrate his daughter's return," another, Megildur, added.

"I forgot. I hear everyone of decent status is attending," Vandalin said, "and we are even invited. Are you coming Beinion?"

"I don't k--"

Megildur cut him off, "surely you will join us for some wine and a good time."

"Well I suppose I could since I'm already here and don't really want to return to the borders yet."

"Good," Vandalin cheered, "It starts at dinner time."

"I will see you then," Beinion bid farewell and made for the gardens for a short walk. This feast was his chance to tell Anna how he felt about her before he was sent back to the borders and she disappeared again, Valar only knows when she'd return if ever. He decided then that he'd make sure to tell her the truth. I could send her a note, no, too cowardly. What about...? Oh, I give up. It's hopeless anyway, I'm just a guard and she's the princess.


At the Banquet

Beinion and the other guards stood towards the corner admiring the elf-maidens, who were all dressed in their finest.

"Look Beinion," pointed Vandalin, "there's a beautiful elleth over there looking at you."

"Vandalin," he replied slighty agitated, "I have no interest in these rather pretty elleths."

"Oh, I see," he grinned.

"See what?" Megildur chimed in.

"That Beinion's got his eye on some elleth."

"Now wait!" Beinion quickly put in, "I never said that!"

The others just laughed. "We can see love shining in your eyes," Vandalin stated.

Beinion opened his mouth to retort but at that moment the doors opened and Thranduil appeared, behind him were his children. Legolas and Eruanna had their arms linked and were putting on their 'royal smiles' s they called them. Both looked like the royalty they were. Legolas donned a blue and silver tunic with matching leggings and the silver circlet atop his head. Eruanna, however, looked gorgeous in her light green with silver trim dress. She too wore a circlet atop her head, only hers had small green jewels placed inside.

"Do you realize how ridiculous I feel?" Anna whispered angrily to her brother.

He smiled, "Oh dear sister, look how many eyes on you though."

"Thanks for the reassurance."

"Anytime."

"This is the whole reason I left. All these people see is the stupid circlet on top of my head and the money our father has. For once I wanted someone to see me for Anna, just Anna."

"There are people who see that."

"Like who?" she inquired.

"Like me."

"Oh that's comforting," she rolled her eyes.

"Well... what about Beinion?"

"Legolas, you know it's jus--" Anna wasn't able to finish her sentence because they had finally reached their seats. Thranduil stood up to greet his guests.

"My lords and ladies," his loud voice echoed through the now silent dining room, "I thank you all for coming to celebrate the return of my beloved daughter, Eruanna. May she find the same happiness she once found within this realm."

Anna knew she should feel something during her father's heartfelt speech, but she felt nothing except emptiness. That was the realization she needed, she couldn't stay here, it was that simple.


As the banquet ended, Anna headed for her room. Beinion watched her leave and sighed. Well, you did it again. You had the chance to tell her and you didn't. I blew it again. Wait! What if I romance her like the stories my mother used to tell me? Go to her room with flowers and confess everything. That would never work. I should just go home and forget it. And so the love sick elf trudged home to sleep. However, Beinion would find no rest.

In the royal quarters

Anna was changed into traveling clothes and packed, ready to be on her way once again. First, though she had a few letters to write. A few minutes later, she neatly set the letters on the nightstand and quietly headed out the door.

Meanwhile with Beinion

Soon after returning home, Beinion made his way back to the palace. He made his way quietly through the royal quarters. Of course, he had made up some bizarre excuse to get that far. He noticed Anna's door was slightly ajar and suspiciously entered the room. He crept over to the bed only to find it empty. Panicking, he frantically searched the room for any sign of the princess. It was in his panic that he noticed three letters on the nightstand. One was addressed to the king, one to Legolas, and the other was addressed to... him? He picked up the letter and slowly opened it.

Dear Beinion,
I wish I could have stayed but this is not where I belong. Take care of my brother and tell him not to worry for me, I shall be fine. I hope we meet again. Until then, farewell.

-Anna


Author's Note: I haven't updated in so long... Life was definitely getting in the way... my gram got sick and the family was fighting... gram still isnt much better so with all this going on, not to mention school stressed the hell out of me... finals and ap exams and all that shit! ugh! but now it's over for the summer and i finished the year with a 3.71 gpa! woot woot! and next year i will be a junior! hell yea! 2 more years! so yeah, i got new inspiration for the story and i decided to write more...
only now i have a slight problem, i can't decide which way i want the story to go... should Beinion follow her and confess or should something happen between them to give the story a twist? Review and let me know what you think! much love!