I would like to give a shout out to my friend Smith who helped me come up with the plot and other things for this story, his name on here is Manic Archmage.

Legolas's presence is a discomfort. A single wrong word and he could execute me with a snap of his fingers.

"What is life like...as a commoner, of course" Legolas suddenly asks breaking the silence that had stretched on for a few minutes. I was pleasantly surprised at the Prince's boldness, and with those words my worries were gone.

"We do a lot of work, your highness. Something I'm sure you aren't very accustomed with" I answer him as bluntly as I dare, glancing up to see his amused reaction.

"There is plenty of work to be done as royalty" he scoffs

"Such as what?" I ask, stifling a laugh.

"We must make difficult decisions, handle wars, and perhaps the scariest among them all, we have lives depending on our every move" he states, more serious this time. Considering his words, I nod my head in agreement.

"You're right, your highness. I think I am much better suited for life as a commoner" I finally say

"You do realize that you are not required to call me that" Legolas chuckles.

"Call you what?" I question, peering up at him.

"'Your highness'. In fact, it's almost bothersome to hear that name at all hours" he explains.

"Well I don't think it would be fit to call you something else, but if you do insist what shall I call you instead?"

"Legolas would be fine, thank you" he answers, glancing down, and seeming to observing me.

"Well you told me what you do in the castle, so I only find it fit to share what we do in the village" I begin, "my father works as a blacksmith. He makes beautiful hand made swords, shields, and everything in between. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you had a few in the castle. As for me, I can usually be found scavenging for food...mushrooms in particular"

"What do you do for fun?" Legolas inquires.

"We often go to the pub just down the road from my home, mostly in the evening. In fact I was just there. I am sure there is much more fun in the castle" Legolas stops to contemplate what I had said.

"Actually, I can't think of a time since I was a child when I have had honest fun, although I do enjoy the horse stables. I can usually slip there in the early morning, or evenings." he smiles.

"I have always dreamt of having a horse!" I exclaim "the only animals I own is my cat and a lousy old goat" Legolas' face lights up with excitement "I could always bring you riding". I enjoy the thought of spending even more time with Legolas, whom i hadn't even talked to until this very evening.

"I would very much enjoy that, Legolas...I think that we might be nearing my road, so I best be on way. Will you be alright on your own?" I wasn't sure if Princes were fit to walk the woods on their own, Mirkwood especially.

"Of course I will, I do have a sword" he says, placing a hand at the sword handle on his hip, "and I swear I will be back to take you on a horse ride" He drops the hand at his sword and gently picks up mine, pressing it to his lips. He chuckles as blush creeps up my cheeks.

"Goodnight, Lethuin" he mutters, smiling down at me.

Before the sun had the chance to rise the following morning, I had already risen and gathered my baskets to bring to the woods. I spent a great deal of time wondering if Legolas' mind is clouded with thoughts of the prior night like mine is, causing my chores to be done clumsily. Throwing a cloth bag over my shoulder and a basket in my hands, I make my way to the east where I pick windell-berries. My cat follows behind hoping to catch a few mice in his journey. As I fill the bag my hands take on a purple color like the hue of the berry's juice, and after it is filled with the pink fruit I hang it from a branch so no creatures can reach it. Dipping a foot into the river's edge, I find that the temperature is perfect for swimming and I look around before carefully removing my long day dress. I already feel cooler with the garment gone, and plunge into the water. My cat jumps in after me before realizing Im in no danger and paddles back to the shore looking wet and helpless.

"Well look what we have here!" someone shouts from the trees. I cover my chest and scream, turning to see who is watching me.

"Elessar! How long have you been watching me?" I ask, exasperated. He laughs and steps from the forest's shadow.

"Long enough" he smirks.