'But Legolas, you cannot be serious!' Remus said as he followed his companion up a stairwell to Legolas' quarters. His friend just smiled and shook his head. Remus frowned. 'She is a commoner. And of the race of men.' He said as if this were a great insult. 'I admit, she is quite beauteous, and tedious my lord. You would keep company with a woman owning such a sharp tongue?' Finally all three elves halted at a pair of old oak doors.

'Remus, you speak true, yet fail to see the point entirely.' Legolas said, a glint in his now blue eyes. 'Yes, she is beautiful and quick of wit. Which is why I wish to keep company with her.' Remus' frown deepened. And still Orthonelle remained silent, but still looking sternly at his friend. But Legolas ignored or was oblivious to these looks and continued. 'She's different. Different from anyone I have ever met. No one would ever speak to me that way, as if I were nothing more than a commoner!' he smiled and threw open the doors, gliding to his window and pulling back the drapes, as Orthonelle sank into one of the chairs.

'I think I understand my lord.' He said, still looking at Legolas. 'You want what you cannot have. Which is normalcy? Am I wrong in assuming that is what you so desperately desire from this girl?' Legolas turned, nodding slightly.

'But Legolas! So many elven maids with noble heritage would gladly be your bride and yet, you wish to chase after a - a common human girl, who doesn't seem the least bit interested in an elf of royal blood - '

'Exactly.' Legolas said moving forward and putting his hands on Remus' shoulder. 'She doesn't concern herself with the fact that I am a prince. I am just an elf to her. If she did love me, it would be for love.' He said, before Remus took his hands in his own.

'But Legolas. We only met this girl yesterday. And you already speak of love. What spell has she cast on you to make my lord so mad?' Legolas dropped his hands and walked back to the window, breathing in the smell of the trees, a smile dancing along his lips.

'I am not crazy Remus.' He said looking out at the ivory houses across from the palace, in which she no doubt lived. 'I need to see her again.' He turned to face his friends. 'Tonight.'

**************************************************************************** ***

'Torynn Anya Elassandra Fairchild of the great kingdom of Leof, what possibly possessed you to talk to a prince!' Piphony shouted as she sat at the table, sipping her herbal tea. Torynn and Eva exchanged glances, Eva grinning from ear to ear at her friend.

'It was an accident Piphony.' Torynn said shooting her friend a warning glare. 'He spoke to me first.' She said as she scrubbed the pot clean, scraping the stains from it. She heard her godmother grunt from behind her. Torynn rolled her eyes. Weren't elves supposed to be graceful and gentle? Why was her god mother so hermit like?

'I heard that Torynn, don't think such rude thoughts.' Piphony said as she gulped more of her tea. 'I hope you didn't disgrace yourself, or speak out of turn, but I suppose that is simply wishful thinking.' Eva couldn't stifle a giggle. 'And you Evanita Ullisis! Should you not be at your own residence!' Eva stopped herself and nodded.

'I should. Mother is going to have a fit when I tell her that you met - '

'You will tell her no such thing!' Piphony said, clutching her heart, as if this were a huge ordeal. 'You had best hold your tongue Evanita, or I'll be sure to tell your mother where you were two weeks ago with that young elf Devron!' Eva immediately snapped her mouth shut and her cheeks flushed. Piphony sat back with a satisfied look on her face. 'See your friend to the door Torynn. See her to the door.' Torynn followed her friend to the door, Eva cursing Piphony.

'Stupid old bat.' She said softly under her breath. Torynn laughed.

'Be careful what you say. Piphony is from Lothlorien, they're always playing mind games, she'll hear you.' She said as she unlocked the door for her friend and they walked out and looked over the balcony down at the falls. Eva shook her short straight reddish brown hair, running a hand threw it as she thought out loud.

'I don't see how you can stand her.' She said staring at the white foaming waters. Torynn shrugged.

'I learned to block her out years ago. But every now and then I slip a little and she hears me.' She tapped her temple to emphasize her point. 'So what DID happen with Devron?' she asked with an impish grin. Eva glared but then smiled.

'I'll tell you when you tell me about Prince Legolas.' She said turning. Torynn blushed and looked down, Eva staring at her, obviously disappointed. 'Come on Torynn, tell me! Was he as handsome as they say?' she leaned against the railing. Torynn smiled to herself.

'Perhaps more so.' She said softly and she could hear Eva giggle. Torynn grimaced before standing up and crossing her arms over her chest. 'But no matter, I'll never see him again.'

'Is that so?' Torynn whipped around to see a cloaked figure standing at the opening of the passage to the market. Eva and Torynn opened their mouths, a little taken aback by their sudden intrusion. Then Torynn frowned.

'Excuse me sir, but you have no business here. If you can read, the market is that way.' She pointed behind him, but the figure didn't flinch or make to move away. In fact, it merely shook a little, with laughter. Suddenly two fair hands emerged from the front of the heavy traveling cloak and pushed back the hood. Torynn gasped and Eva put a hand to her mouth.

'I am right where I intend to be.' Legolas said, smiling at the embarrassed look on Torynn's face.

'My lord... my apologies, I had no idea - '

'Be still.' He said waving his hand and stepping closer. 'I do not care for your apologies, Torynn.' He said towering over her. She had never noticed how tall her was until now. He must have been at least five inches taller than her. She swallowed hard, a little taken aback by his forwardness.

'Then - what do you want my lord?' she asked, her voice a little unsteady. She was faintly aware that her breathing was uneven as his blue eyes pierced her green ones. He smiled widely at her obvious discomfort at their closeness. He stepped back a bit and bowed his head. Torynn want to take his hand and pull him back, closer to her. But for once she was not so bold.

'You could start by calling me Legolas, fair lady.' He said never taking his eyes away from her. She felt her cheeks burn at his request, but then she chanced looking back up at him.

'Is that all, my lo - Legolas?' she asked, tugging at her robes nervously. She was wearing robes of pale yellow, more beige that made her hair shine. She felt so anxious around him, which was uncommon. She was always ready to prove herself brave and confident. At the moment she felt as though she might die of embarrassment.

'I would also be honored if you would accompany me to dinner.' He said, and Torynn could sense a hint of insecurity. This was odd for an elf. They were always so confident and sure of themselves. Yet here he was, seemingly cool. But she could sense that he too felt tense. Her lips broke into a smile.

'I would, were my god mother not expecting me tonight.' She said folding her arms over her chest once again. He nodded, looking slightly deflated. She felt a pang of guilt strike her stomach.

'Of course. I am sorry to have disturbed you.' He said bowing slightly, walking backwards. Torynn was alarmed by his sudden actions, trying to exit. She had to do something.

'But!' she said quickly, trying not to seem too brash. He halted and looked up, standing to his full height again. She blushed, realizing what she'd just said. So she continued. 'But, I would be very much pleased if you would walk with me tomorrow? The forest is lovely after a day of rain.' she asked, uncertainty eating away at her. And her chest congested as he grinned, his handsome smile returning.

'Of course. I shall meet you here?' he inquired. Torynn nodded. He let out a small breath, one he'd obviously been holding. 'Then I shall see you tomorrow, Torynn.' He said bowing and then turning, pulling his hood up over his head and running down the passage to the market. Torynn smiled.

'Goodbye.' She whispered. She stared fondly down the passageway until she turned to see Eva. She was standing by the concrete rail, her mouth open, her eyes wide and she looked as though she'd been frozen. Torynn wanted to burst into laughter at the sight of her elven friend. 'You can breathe now, Eva.'

It took a few minutes before Eva was fully mobile. She was so shocked by the conversation, she couldn't snap out of her trance. Torynn smiled at her stuttering friend.

'He likes you, you know.' She said finally calming down and looking at Torynn. Torynn frowned and returned her gaze to the falls.

'No. He probably just wants a companion. Some one to talk to about the outside world. I would too. I'll have to disappoint him though. I know as much about the outside world as I do about cooking.' She said burying her face in her hands. Eva smirked.

'That isn't very much.' She said leaning back on the rail. 'Torynn, I am telling you, Prince Legolas certainly shows a lot of affection for someone not related to the royal court.' Torynn smiled.

'How quickly you forget.' She said in a small voice. But Eva was an elf and her hearing was impecible. She frowned and then remembered Torynn's heritage.

'Ah yes. I did forget. It's hard to remember someone is heir to a throne, when they are so...' Eva trailed off. Torynn sighed.

'So stubborn? Hard hearted? Cruel? Callous? Stupid? Uncaring-'

'Torynn, you are none of those things! You just need to trust again!' Eva said, sympathizing with her friend. Torynn frowned as her hands clenched together.

'I try Eva. I do. But when you've lost everyone you care for, and rejection and discrimination surround you, it's hard to learn to trust again.' She said in a sad, dejected voice. Eva opened her mouth to speak, but Torynn raised her hand. 'Do not try to convince me otherwise Eva. I have not the heart to discuss it further.' She said backing away from the balcony, toward her door. 'It is late. Your mother will have a fit if you do not return home soon.' She gave a weak smile. 'Goodnight Eva.' She said pushing her door open and disappearing behind it. Eva was left to stand-alone on the balcony, thinking of what her friend had said.

Had the elven people really not learned from the war against Saron, that all races need each other? She felt her insides squirm at the very thought. Instead she turned and walked down the passage toward her home, trying to forget what Torynn had told her about her people.