Love or Duty

Disclaimer: I do not own the LOTR Characters. I do own the characters Kyra and Alasse.

Rating: R

Chapter 1: The Farwell

Kyra was sitting on her bed in her room within the palace. She was grateful that the elves took her in when a group of them found her wandering in the forest. She still received the stares from the elves, being that she was human. However she had made a lot of friends during her stay in Mirkwood, including the young prince. They were best friends and even though no one knew it, she had fallen hopelessly in love with him. She had decided not to tell anyone because he had been betrothed to an elf maiden and their wedding was to take place once he arrived home.

Kyra had made the decision to leave before Legolas returned. She was in the midst of packing a few of her belongings when a there was a knock at her door.

"It's open." She yelled. The door opened and the king walked into the room. "You're Majesty." She bowed before him.

"Please, Kyra, how many times have I told you not to bow to me? You are a guest here; you are not one of my subjects." He just stood there while she got up off her knees and resumed her packing. "Are you leaving, child?"

"Yes." "Why?" She stopped and looked at him. She couldn't help but see the pained look in his eyes. "It has nothing to do with you. You and everyone here have been very nice to me." "Then what is it?" "Please, you're majesty, just let it be." "Does this have anything to do with my son? I am not blind, Kyra. I see the way you look at him when you think no one is watching." "I didn't think anyone would notice." "I am very observant when it comes to Legolas." "I just think that it would be better if I left. That way when he gets home from the quest, I won't have to be kicked out by his wife."

"Is that what this is all about? Did Alasse say something to you?" "Not to me directly. I accidentally overheard her and her friends talking. They consider me to be a lower class being and she said that when she and Legolas get married that she will have me expelled from the palace."

"Well I will have to talk to her about that." "No, you're majesty, please don't. It would be better if I just left." "But where will you go." "There is a small village of humans by the sea. I will go there." "I know of that village. Shall I inform Legolas that you are there?"

"No." She had finished putting her things into her saddle packs and backpack. She took out a small wooden box that had intricate designs on the top. The king knew this box well. He knew that she never that box out of her sight, for it had held her most precious things. "You're majesty. May I ask two favors of you?"

"Anything, my child." "One, can I barrow a horse?" "Of course. Take any horse that will suit your needs." "Thank you. The second one is if you can give this to him when he gets back?" "I will see that he gets it." "Thank you, you're majesty, for everything."

She bowed to him and then gracefully left the room and her home for the last ten years of her life. She tried not to tear up as she got on her horse and rode away.

Authors Note: This is my first attempt at LOTR fanfiction. Please be kind.