Elven Roses

So … you really are a unique kind of elf," Mericlou said in a low voice. "And here I was, thinking for a little while that you weren't even an elf at all."

"I am what I am," Aldrec said giving his voice a humorous edge. "I've become quite cultured after all my years wandering this world. I guess that's why I got interested in history. I wanted to dig up the roots of cultures, in both the written word and the living world. Perhaps it's also the reason why I became involved with my garden. The plants there tell something of a story of history as well."

"So … did you … uh … leave behind a sweetheart … or something, back in your hometown?" Mericlou asked, playing idly with a strand of her hair.

"Well, no … not really," he said, amused at her bashfulness. "What brought that on?"

"Curiosity," Mericlou said, forcing herself not to look directly at him. "I … was just curious. I mean after all, you're a pretty handsome guy, and-" she forced out a small laugh, "-I just naturally would assume that elf maidens would be toppling at your feet."

Aldrec shook his head. "Well, sorry to disappoint you," he said with a small laugh of his own, "but I don't have any of those; as a matter of fact, I never have."

Rather than disappointed for his sake, Mericlou was elated at this news. Still, she was surprised at the same time. This confession would not have been rather insignificant if it had come from a human, but elves normally had many sweethearts throughout their youth and married at a relatively early age. "Are you serious? No girlfriend?Never?"

"Never," Aldrec confirmed in a most sincere tone. "I've been alone all my life."

"I'm finding that kind of hard to believe," Mericlou said making no effort to hide her doubt. "Why would you be alone? You're far too handsome."

Though flattered at her words, Aldrec gave a noncommittal shrug. "Divine only knows why. Either I never sought the time to find someone special, or he just hasn't seen fit to give me one yet."

"Aw, come on," Mericlou sang in a sly voice, giving him a slight elbow in the side. "With a face and body like yours, I'm sure you've had some girls who you used to put the moves on … You're probably just too shy to say it, but I bet that you practiced those sweet little elven pick-up lines while nobody was looking."