Legolas's Rose

Legolas moved quietly down the hall. Suddenly his sharp ears detected voices around the next corner. Legolas flattened himself against the wall, then slowly peeked his head out from around the corner. He saw that the voices belonged to Lwyn and Galafwil.
Legolas slowly moved his head back out of sight and began to listen.
“Father, you have to admit, now, that I am not like you!” He heard Lwyn say.
Father? Legolas thought.
“Now, now, Lwyn-” Galafwil began.

“-Father, please, just accept it! I have the mannerisms of a human being, because that’s who I am!”
Legolas’ brows became knit with confusion, and he eagerly listened for more.

“You’re only half human, remember.You are part elf, as well.”
“I know, I remember everytime I look in the mirror.

She’s half human?! Legolas screamed, mentally.
“But,” Lwyn continued, “what’s the good of having elven features, if I can’t act like one, as well? It’s like a constant masquerade. The only thing I can do that is remotely elvish is use a bow and arrow, but humans can do that too! So, that doesn’t really count!”
“Lwyn, pardon me if I change subject, why did you run from the dining hall?”

“Didn’t you see what happened in there?” Lwyn yelled. “I pulled half of the banquet onto the floor AND, worst of all, I caused a pitcher of water to drench THE KING OF RIVENDELL! Now, if that’s not a good reason to flee, I don’t know what is!”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, dear, it was just an accident. King Elrond is a very forgiving, good-humored man-I mean elf-he won’t be severe on you because of a little accident.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I am.”
Lwyn looked at him with wet eyes, but a grateful smile shone on her lips.
“Thank-you, Father.”
Legolas watched the two share a hug, then stepped into the shadows as Galafwil swept past him. He waited for Lwyn to follow, but she didn’t. Legolas peeked around the corner again. She was still on the balcony. Legolas watched her stand there. She was leaning on the railing gazing at the outside world.
“Oh, Lwyn,” he whispered, “even if you are half human, I don’t love you any less.” Then the prince suddenly checked himself. Did he just say ‘love?’ He did! He was in love with Lwyn. All those feelings suddenly made sense to him. Legolas leaned against the wall and closed his eyes, enraptured, by the thought that the woman he loved was only a few feet away. He would tell her now, the time was perfect.
He turned back around to see if she was still on the balcony, and was startled to find her standing right before him. He had been so wrapped up in his thoughts that he did not hear her approach. Legolas looked down at her, he did not know what to do.

Lwyn looked at him, her eyes full of fear and despair.
“You heard!” She cried.
“Lwyn, I-”
Lwyn did not stay to hear him out.