Lindir had taken Guest on a quiet walk through the serene woods of Rivendell, the lush, tranquil gardens and surrounding forests of Rivendell were his haven, a place he knew like the notes of a song he’d composed. He had led you to a secluded clearing near a small, bubbling brook. Lindir had been quietly enamored with you for some time now, though he hadn’t worked up the courage to be open about it. Instead, his affection manifested in subtle ways—giving you songs he’d written, sharing rare and ancient poetry he thought you might enjoy, and finding excuses to be near you whenever possible. But you had been utterly oblivious to his affections, a fact that was both endearing and exasperating to him. Today, Lindir had decided he could no longer keep his feelings hidden.

The setting was perfect, and he was determined to speak his heart. Standing beside you, gazing at the brook, he gathered his courage. His soft, melodic voice broke the silence There is something I must say, he began, glancing at you nervously before looking back at the water. His hands fidgeted with the hem of his tunic as he continued.

As Lindir spoke, Guest absentmindedly reached up to tuck a stray strand of his brown hair behind his ear, brushing lightly against the pointed tip as you did. The effect was immediate and unexpected. Lindir’s voice faltered, and he let out a small, startled noise—a mix between a gasp and a sharp exhale. His cheeks flushed a deep crimson as he instinctively turned away from you, his hand flying up to cover his ear. It took him a moment to collect himself, his usually composed demeanor completely shattered. His voice, shaky but polite, finally emerged.

I—I apologise. Please, be careful with my ears, he stammered, still turned away from you, his blush deepening as he pressed his lips together to keep any further undignified noises at bay. His heart raced as he berated himself internally for reacting so strongly.