Darlene finally made it to work and immediately headed for the back of the store. As much as she hated working there, she had no real choice. Legolas had followed her in secret, not wanting to startle her. Finally, she came out from the back, her face pale and her eyes sad.

"It's about time. Fold down that wall lazy girl." He heard Lauren say. Darlene hung her head meekly but did not say a word. Lauren was short and very fat with bleach blonde hair, and dark skin. Just by seeing her, Legolas could feel that she was mean.

Two more women came out of the back, they were Utta and Olivia. But then there was a third woman, Gloria. He watched Darlene fold the tiny clothes neatly and organize them.

"We need to talk to you." Utta said. Darlene nodded.

"Just a moment Utta."

Utta was taller than Darlene with black hair, brown eyes and tan skin. Olivia was very thin, but had a sour face, so Legolas did not look long. Gloria was short with reddish brown hair, brown eyes and alabaster skin, see she older than all the other girls there.
Darlene set the clothes aside and walked to them, her head down still.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yeah, Olivia needs the night off tomorrow and since you aren't working, I need you to cover for her."

Darlene's head shot up. Hurt surprise in her face.

"But I have already requested that day off." She said quietly.

"And you were late."

"I already promised my family I'd be there."

"You are going to miss it."

"My foster brother is getting married!" Darlene said, anger giving her courage. "I requested tomorrow off months ago! I am not coming in tomorrow! And quite frankly…you can take this job and shove it up your ass because I quit." She removed the employee pin, marched to the back and came back out with her things.

Before she reached the door, she turned and glowered at all of them.

"Oh and I just wanted to tell you all something while you are all here. You can all go to hell. And this company sucks. I am out bitches."

She walked out of the store, leaving the four managers and shocked. Once she turned the corner and was out of their visual, she stopped and leaned against the building.

'Oh my god, what have I done?' She thought, panicked. Legolas approached her.

"I really have to commend what you just did."

"You! You heard that?"

"Yes and I think you were very brave. I was watching from the window. They treated you terribly. Is your foster brother getting married?"

"Yeah. He put two on the invitation but my friend Carrie can't make it. Would you like to come?"

"I would love to. But first, can we get something to eat?"

Darlene grinned wryly.

"I thought that was you. Come on, I'm hungry myself."

"Tell me young beauty, what is your name?"

"Darlene Jocelyn McClinton. But most people call me Darlene, except my friends who call me Dar and my family who call me Joy."

"What do you prefer?"

"Darlene."

"Well then, Miss Darlene, I am Legolas."

"I like that name. Were your parents history fanatics?"

"My father was. He made me study history for hours on end with the tutor." Legolas said, and then he paused. "Would you mind terribly if I asked you how did your ears get that way?"

Darlene ducked her head. She knew it had been too good to be true.

"I was born with them." She answered meekly. Legolas grabbed her chin gently and forced her to meet his eyes. He had taken a step towards her to do so.

"Do not hide them Darlene. They are beautiful ears."

Her mouth opened in surprise and she stared at him. "You act as though you do not believe me.

"No one but Carrie and my family has ever said that to me before."

"Then I cannot say too much about their eyesight or judgment."

Darlene's heart fluttered. She continued to stare at him.

"I feel like I know you."

"As do I."

"Please, do not hide who you are." She said quietly, fingering the hat.

"I fear I may frighten you."

Her eyes locked with his and she stood closer to him, their lips hovering near but not touching.

"You couldn't frighten me anymore than I already am." She whispered. She leaned in fully and their lips met. For a moment, Legolas allowed her to kiss him, but then broke it.

"I cannot do this, not to a girl like you."

"I don't understand."

"We met some hours ago. I do not want you to rush into anything Darlene." He removed the hat to reveal his ears.

Darlene went pale. For a moment too shocked to say anything.

"Why didn't you tell me?" She asked quietly.

"I did not want you to react so."

"I am not angry at you. Or even frightened. I am stunned. Because for the first time, I am not alone. We are the same."

Then Legolas understood, her paling at his ears was not fright or disgusted, it was shock.

'Wait a moment; did she say she is not alone any longer?' He thought.

"Please, say something!"

"Darlene, I wish you to come with me. After the wedding of your brother f course. Come with me to my home so that my father may meet you and I may show the entire world that you are a princess."

Darlene's only reaction was fainting. He caught her quickly and eased her into a chair. 'It must be the shock.' He thought amused. 'Wait, what am I doing? This is Aragon's daughter. She's a child.' After a few seconds her eyes opened.

"Hi." She said. He smiled at her, his heart at war. 'Could I betray my closest friend in such a manner?' He mentally asked himself.

"Come on, now I know we need food."

They stood and went to buy some food. Legolas had his first hotdog.

"What is this?" He asked.

"A hotdog."

"Poor animal." He said. Darlene giggled.

"It's not an actual dog. It's beef."

"Oh, I thought you eat dog."

"I had a dog, do you really think I'd want to eat one?"