"So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, in which case you also were meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought."
ArrangementHow is it I can be forced to marry one which I do not even know?!.... Cosette complained strongly.
Maids about her were pinning up the bottom of a lavish gown, making it ready to hem. Her mother was pacing back and forth. Come child, worry not. This be the perfect match. All knowest my daughter is at a pretty age -- 'tis only fit that you marry. Especially one of high prospect. The son of Thranduil has caught many an eye, but 'tis you, the king has agreed for.
Cosette sighed. She hated this. Why marry for prospect? Why not love?
Oh, you dreadful thing.... Her mother snapped. Do as thou wilt with the rest of your life, for I'll have done with thee. Yet up till then, it is I who decide for you. You shall like the Prince; handsome, tall, and strong. Everything you cannot find anywhere else.
Moving over, she stood in front of Cosette, who was standing on a small stool as the maids finished. Speak briefly.....could you like of Legolas' love?
Thou does not know he loves me. She said dully. But I shall look to like.
Her mother patted her on the arm supportingly. Good girl. With a final nod, her mother left the room as the maids helped Cosette undress. Once that was done, they too left her alone.
She sighed and turned to her closet to dress into her night attire. Yet her heart cried; she did not want to marry for money. Or status. Nay, she wanted love. But Cosette was a shy and quiet girl, never permiscuous.
Instead of getting a sleeping gown, she got dressed in her travelling attire. Making sure no one was about, Cosette snuck out her window and onto the balcony. She lowered herself gracefully to the ground and began to quietly move down the almost empty streets of Mirkwood.
She would not marry one she did not love. She did not even know the Prince personally.
"Father...I hate it when you arrage marriages! Whycan you not leave such to my choice? Is it not I who makes the vow? Shoud it not be my choice?" Legolas argued wih his father in his study.
Thranduil sat the pet down and sighed. Looking up to his son, he stood and walked around the desk, to the prince's side. "Legolas...you are not ready. Trust me on this. I know what I am doing. She is a lovely girl, and you will learn to love her. Your heart will love her in time. Now go. Gest some sleep. We have a busy week ahead." ANd wth that, Thranduil sat down at his desk, and picked up teh quill.
The elf growled and stormed out of the office. His father would not listen to him. Why did this world have to be about money? Why not the pureness of love? True love. Was not marriage about the joining of hearts? How could he love someone he barely knew? Legolas could not stay. He had to get away.
Making his way to his room, the prince pulled out his bow, twin elven daggers, and a quiver with arrows. He was going to sneak out. Legolas dressed in the peasent attire, so as not to be reconized. The brown tunic, and black leggings look nothing like a prince would be dressed in.
He slid on his weather worn boots and granned the ranger like cloak, which was old as well. Legolas strapped on his quiver and knives, and his bow. He would leave tonight.
The prince climbed out his window, and landed on the ground with a thud. Legolas took off down the streets of Mirkwood at a brisk walk, thou he was not paiying attention to where he was goin, and did not see the girl that was approaching on teh opssite direction...
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: Arrangement
Cosette continually looked behind her to see whether or not she was being followed. Or whether any of the servants had noticed yet. But this proved to be her downfall, as she landed smack into another Elf. Both fell back onto the road and got up, looking to the other.
I'm sorry.... Cosette said nervously. I was not looking where I was going. Forgive me.
Her eyes quickly looked him up and down; simple elven worker no doubt. Probably a blacksmith.
Re: Arrangement
Legolas gazed at her and smiled slightly. "No harmed done my lady." He said standing. "It is I who ask your pardon, for I was being careless and not watching where I was going." The elf helped her up and dustes her off. "Where were you going in such a hurry?" He dared to ask teh maiden. She looked shy...interesting...
Perhaps she had an important erine. "Forgive me...I don't mean to intrude." He said taking her hand and kissing it politely.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: Arrangement
Cosette smiled and blushed slightly, taking her hand back. I am going no where special....just...wanted to get out of the house for a while. She said softly.
Or longer... She thought. How long before this marriage to the Prince died down and all forgot or stopped caring?! She hoped it would be soon. Cosette had no desire to fight for survival, since she was too timid to really do anything.
Re: Arrangement
Legoals smiled slightly. "Aye, I am doing the the same as you. Getting away from home for a while. My father is trying to rule my life..may I joint you?" He asked. Perhpas she want ed to be alone..
"If you want to be alone..that's fine.."
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: ArrangementIt's a free wood. She said, blushing slightly and looking down. You are able to do as you please. But I have nothing of real importance to say. I'm fairly quiet.
Cosette looked to him and smiled, as the two began to walk. They headed down a few paths of Mirkwood, mildly chatting here and there, but enjoying the silence and apparent 'freedom' as well. She loved nature. She wished she could have a small spot to her own -- a talan or small cottage even. To be alone and to do as she pleased.
Yet something about the Elf she walked with was familiar. As if she'd seen him before. May I ask your name?....
Re: Arrangement
Legolas looked at her. If she knew his real name, then she would surely report him to his father. "My name...is...Lasgalen.." He said a bit hesitant. Legolas did not want her to know it was him. "And my I ask your name fair timid maiden?" He asked trying to change the subject.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: Arrangement
Cosette nodded slowly. Cosette. She said, giving him a smile. There was no real reason to keep her name from him. After all, he wouldn't know her. No one knew of the arranged marriage, save the two families. The only one she needed to keep hidden from, was her father, mother or Legolas. Then she wouldn't have to go back.
Lasgalen....I like that name. Cosette said, looking back ahead. I've never heard it before. Songlike, almost.
Re: Arrangement
Legolas smiled slightly, but then it hit him! SHE was the girl he was supposse to mary! He looked down for a moment, then back up to her. She was beautiful...very beautiful. She was not snobbish, or from whta he had seen thus fare. "Thank you..my mother use to call me it...it leaves Greenleaves..." He trailed off. Would she know it to be him?
His eyes traveled back to Cosette's again. "I like your name. It fits you..." And he smiled kindly to her.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: Arrangement
Cosette smiled. Sounds like you are close with your mother. Mine is a different story. I am arranged to be married. Or at least, I was. I am leaving for a while, hoping that it will quell the fires that burn at my home. I wish to marry for love; since it's all I'll need once it happens. Two people find each other out of the shadows of the world, bringing light to each other's lives. Hope and peace. A feeling of want.....that's what love is.....
She sighed. But forgive me for bringing up such personal matters. 'Tis why I don't speak often -- for fear of being boring. Or sounding pathetic.
From what Cosette had been told, she was too meek to be important.
Legolas smiled adn shook his head. "Do not feel sorry. You are not boing at all. My father is arranging a marriage as well, and I hate it. Cosette, I agree with you. About love. You speak for me...it is as if you could read what my heart felt." He chuckled and the two walked until they came to a large illow tree.
He took her hand, and led her under it. There was a lake beside it. "This was my favourite spot to be when I was young. It is quite...I think you would enjoy it." The elf sat down, and patted a spot beside him "Tell me about yourself Cosette. I want to know more about you."
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: Arrangement
Cosette paused for a moment, then sat down. No harm in some conversation. There's nothing really to tell.... She said softly. I'm a very simple girl. I've led a very simple life.
Her eyes drifted over the lush blades of grass and occasional flower. I grew up here. I attended school -- with lots of other girls of course. I was always quiet, and not one to disobey. Until now. I've always let people walk over me....because I fear them. They are strong and loud.....but I'm not.
She braught her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms about them. And what of you?..... Cosette didn't really like speakigng of herself.
Re: Arrangement"Not much to tell about myself..." He said looking down. Or for the mattter, nothing he wanted to tell. If he told her that he was the prine, and he was bethored to her...who knows. She was already afraid.. "I too grew up here, though I'm distant. I was schooled at home....so I suppose that has something to do with me not having many friends..I have one good friend...When I believe something, I do tend to disobey people...especially my father."
He lifted his eyes to hers. "I don't want to marry a stranger I do not know....or yet love..." Legolas carefully put a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to fear me....please...don't fear me..." Legolas asked her in a soft and somewhat begging tone.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: ArrangementI don't fear you.... She said, blushing and looking down. I'm merely cautious. Of everyone.
Her eyes trailed to his for a moment, then to the area around them. The only people I fear are both my parents, and possibly the groom I am arranged to marry. He could beat me or use me, for all I know.
Cosette hated to think such things about her Prince, but it could be true. He could have a good image in the public eye and yet be cruel alone with her.......should they marry.
Re: Arrangement"Oh no Lady Cosette...I'm sure he would not do that. The prince is not cruel and mean. He would never think of beating you..." Legolas patted her on the shoulder. Inwardly he sighed. Did she fear him THAT much? This was his wife to be...and she was afraid of him. Well not him, but the thought of him. SHe still did not know that she was speaking to the man she was about to marry.
"I swear Cosette...no one will hurt you. ESPECIALLY not your husband. He would protect you...never hurt you. He is not like that...nor was he raised such.." Legolas reached a hand for her chin, and tilted it to face him gently. A sincere smile on his face. Perhaps he could get Cosette to love him...perhaps they chould love. Both yearned for it. But then he thought about it.
"Though...I am sure you are in love with another...and do not wish to marry..." He released his hand from Cosette, and rested his forearms on his slightly bent knees.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: ArrangementNay, I have no love.... She said nervously, blushing again. I am too timid to get to really know anyone, and therefore love. The only elves I've known have been heartless. They wish to bed me, merely for their own pleasure.
She looked to him. Though it has not happened yet. I've never.... Cosette stopped. Why was she telling him this? He probably didn't care. Either that, or he was interested in the same thing all the other male elves were. She began to feel very foolish.
Forgive me, I believe I've said too much. She said.
Re: Arrangement"No...oh no. Go on. You have not said too much." He smiled and looked at Cosette. "I don't want to bed you like that Cosette. I have no heart to take what is not offered. THAT you have no fear in from me. I want to build a friendship...that is all I ask for now...that is...if you will allow it.." He smiled again and looked at the ground.
Why would she care? SHe probaly thought he wanted to bed her and abuse her. After all...he wa still a stranger to her.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: Arrangement
Cosette gave a small smile and looked down. A friendship is not something I've had for a while....but I would be willing to give it a try.
This elf seemed harmless enough. His eyes portrayed kindness instead of lust. Perhaps they could grow to be great friends. She'd never had one before. Yawning, night was growing later, and still she had no desire to go home.
Do not let me keep you.... She said, snuggling down into the grass. Fate brings me out here to sleep tonight. She would sleep, and if he wanted to go home he could.
Re: Arrangement"You do not keep me here. Fate brings me here to watch over you while you sleep tonight." He smiled and took off his cloak, and drapped it over her form. "Sleep well." ANd he kissed her forehead. He would watch her sleep. His new fond friend. Both could keep each other company, and perhaps, when she found out later who he was, she could grow to love him...either that...
or hate him.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: Arrangement
Cosette slept peacefully as Legolas watched over her. Yet hours passed and soon, a few were out looking for the girl. Her father and two of his minions. Upon finding them both, he looked down at Legolas oddly.
M'lord, He said looking to his daughter also. What has thou done with my daughter?....
Legolas stood and briefly and quietly explained what had happened. That Cosette did not wish to marry. That the two were slowly becoming friends. Mmmm.... The lord grumbled, looking down at her form. So what is it your asking of me?....
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