"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."
.:A change of Heart:.
Cosette gathered the basket quickly, laying the flowers in a symetrical fashion, not wanting to crush any or alter their already beautiful apperance.
She worked as a servant at the Home of the Greenleafs; the king and his sons. They were having a large gathering tonight; a celebration for one of the sons. The youngest, Prince Legolas. She knew them all by name, face, and birthday. All the servants did. It was their job. But today they were running a little behind. So, Cosette was sent to gather flowers for the centerpieces for the tables.
Snatching the rather large basket, she headed back through the garden and towards the grand stone dwelling; balancing the basket on her hip. She wiped some of the stray strands of brown hair away from her face as she hurried down the corridors to the celebration hall. There were many tables, and other servants were setting up as well. Cosette got to work, arranging the beautiful wildflowers in as best a way as she could.
They were all told this celebration was to go perfectly; Thranduil would have nothing less. He was a bit of a tyrant, or so the servants and Cosette herself found. He'd been known to take advantage of some of the female servants, while bullying the males and stableboys. He did this openly, of course, knowing no one could stop him. Cosette feared him most of all. She'd always avoid being in the room alone with him at all costs -- and when told to bring him fresh sheets, she would always take another servant to accompany her.
Night came quickly, and soon, Cosette and the other servants were sent off to change into formal serving attire. The guests had begun to arrive. Many elven maidens from what she saw; along with well-off Lords and fathers. Cosette knew they were probably hoping the Prince would choose a suitor, as this was his birthday. It was often traditional.
Once she was dressed, Cosette headed downstairs with the rest of the servants and began to do their job.
Legolas shrugged on the finally piece of clothing--his riding cape. The prince was known to dress formal, yet casually. Of all the bothers he was the more wild one, but when in a large gathering, he was a recluse more so than the true hearted boy of the woods. Always among the woods and trees of Greenwood the Great. Many Lords and other nobles had said that he was like his mother the most. Faeduil was most like their father. Faeduil had a love for wine and the pleasureable company. Not to be mistaken, for he had a way with woman as well. Like all the Greenleaf boys, they all were very hansome and charming in their own way. Though one was more reluctant and perfered the comapny of friendly servants to snobbish nobles.
The youngest son now slid walked with all the poised manners of the Quendi to the grand balcony. The moon was high, and the stars glistened like lights in the dark blankets of sky. A beautiful night it was. Legolas would be reaching the age of maturity among the elves. Soon they would consider him naught a child longer, but a man. An adult elf.
Legolas sighed deeply and closed the french doors behind him as he walked back into his large and very organized bedchambers. The walls were of the crafted stone of a light sandy colour. The floor matching the ways. His large bed was set with the forest green comforter and pillow cases, while engraved into the bed posts were vines of ivy. The elf smiled at the comfort he felt in his room. His room where no one could disturb him. A place of safety from the salty and uptight nobles. A place to forget his troubles.
Slowly the prince walked out of his room and down the long halls of his father's home. His keen elven ears could pick up the sounds of arriving guests. Unlike his father, Legolas kept mostly to himself, and could conseal his thoughts and feelings.
"Legolas!" Came the voice of Faeduil, the oldest. "Many beautiful woman arrive to see you! Now you can taste the swet nectar of wine and have as MUCH as you want!" He teased.
Legolas simply smiled and shook his head. "Faeduil, I am sure you will do well in that department on your own. Besides, you are the eldest, and they favour you."
"Besides!" Came the second oldest Hithui. "Legolas would rather situder a tree and read!" And a round of laughter came from both the eldest, while Legolas simply shrugged.
"Indeed I would be." He said plainly. Legolas much would rather be in the woods than here. He saw the looks the woman game him. Seductive and cunning. That sent a shiver down his spine.
Soon the guests had arrived and the dancing began. Servants began to cater, while the youngest prince sat in a chair away from the dancing. Legolas watched merrily at the joy of the others. He chuckled the flirtatious Faeduil, and laughed the childish Hithui.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Cosette moved along, serving those of nobility, and nodding once they were through getting what they wanted. A few times, a couple of the male elves would tug at her dress or whisper rather rude and suggestive things into her ear as she served them -- causing her to blush. She hated these elves thinking they could treat the servants like dirt.
Upon her round with trays and wine, she caught sight of the brothers; sons of Thranduil. They were joking around and laughing. Oh, to have friends or siblings like that. An only child, Cosette was by herself a lot. Yet her sight on the prince's caught her attention, and she bumped into another servant.
Oh Cosette! The girl shrieked. You claud!....That'll cost me half pay for tonight, and I'll be damned if it's from my pocket!
Cosette knelt down while others onlooked and snickered or shook their heads. I-I'm sorry.... She tried to help clean up the food.
Come now, let's not ruin the fun with piddlings of clumsy servants. Thranduil laughed. The other nobles joined him. Cosette blushed and stood again. The other servant gave her a small shove before storming off to get a new tray.
Cosette continued to make her rounds, meeker now than before.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
A round of gasps reached the young prince's ear and his keen eyes turned to the commotion. A servant had bumped into another--embarassing the poor girl even more. Legolas felt sorry for her, to go through such. No persson deserved that. Once the crowd gave way the elf stood and slowly made his way towards her. Sapphire eyes gazed around the room, and noted where his brothers were. Faeduil was no doubt in bed with some female elf, and Hithui was cracking jokes and playing pranks.
Legolas rolled his eyes and soon found himself closer than he was to the same servant who was humiliated before much of Mirkwood. Legolas could feel his heart pulse within his chest and all around seemed to blur. This servant was certainly very pretty. Though she was a servant, she still was like everyone elsse--but such was according to Legolas, one trait his father did not like.
As the elf moved closer to her he gently tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention. Legolas smiled a kind smile. "Mae govannen, hiril nin. I am sorry about how they behaved and all. It was not a humourous matter at all.." The quality that entraced him the most was her eyes. They were deep and expresive.
"I was wondering...or hope rather, that you would...like to join me on an evening ride tonight. I've seen you before, and noticed that you liked to be out in the wilderlands as well." Legolas ignored the odd stares and murmurs he knew he would recieve. "Please..." He asked quietly.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Cosette stuttered a bit, still holding onto her tray. She noticed the odd stares from some of the women of nobility, not to mention a few scolding ones from the other servants; the ones above her in rank.
I-I thank you, m'lord, for such an offer....but I cannot accept it. She responded quietly. Cosette was not allowed to do such with any members of the royal family. She was taught that. There was severe punishment for anyone who did so. Not to mention, she knew Thranduil wouldn't fancy his son spending time and being kind towards a servant.
With a curtsy to him, she continued on through the crowds until reaching the kitchen once again. She set the now empty tray down and sighed heavily. This wasn't her night, and Cosette doubted it would pick up.
A few more servants came in to get more trays. Some stared at her for a moment before leaving again, others giggled, and the rest scoffed. Cosette ignored them like she always did.
Once she had regained some of her confidence and what little self-esteem there was, Cosette headed out again -- only to see the party was now moving to the gardens. The outdoor veranda and flat. There were stone stairs that went down from the home to the lavish gardens where there was to be dancing and merriment. There were also a few stone paths leading through out the gardens and even trailing into the woods somewhat -- before returning to the palace again.
Cosette followed the other servants out. They were to stand there, and wait on the guests; getting them whatever they wanted.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas looked down slightly as she disappeared. What had he done wrong? Sighing the prince slid through the crowds again and towards his father. The prince whispered into his ear and recieved a scolding look from his father. "Now Legolas? Can you not wait until AFTER the party?" came the voice of a rather displeased father.
"But father...you know I am not the one for large fatherings for a birthday. You set this up, not I-" But before he could continued Thranduil was dragging the elf up to the altar.
"My friends!" Shouted the king and all hushed to harken to their lord. "Today my youngest son Legolas here," Thranduil patted the boy on the shoulder. "Is welcomed among the set of manhood. He has reached that strapping age of maturity and responsibility. And as such I give the first dance of my son to any woman here who wishes, but first a dance contest I propose, and the winner shall have the first dance with my son! Play on!" With a clap of his hands the music began as did the eager women.
Legolas smiled and nodded politely, while inside he was dreading it. His father embarassed him and he felt very uncomfortable now. Legolas would dance with teh winner, perhaps it would not be so bad...
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Cosette's dark eyes drew up to where the king stood with his son. She felt bad for him. How awful to be auctioned off like that and trotted up front to seemingly preform to the noble women like some slab of meat. Cosette would hate that. But then again, she was unusually shy, and spoken down to. Anyone could walk over her, and most did.
As she looked out, there were many talented dancers on the floor. Cosette didn't really feel like being here. There were enough servants to tend to all the guests, and for the night, she was a walking joke. All were comment on her as the 'clumsy' one.
Quietly, she slipped down one of the stone paths as all watched the dancers. Once she was far enough away, she reached behind her back, and pulled out a small book. She took it with her everywhere. It was elven song and poetry. Of course, Cosette had read it about a thousand times.....yet never got sick of it.
Once reaching a spot near the wood, she sat down against the tree and began to read. Her eyes lit up as she did -- always feeling better once reading the beautiful words. Her eyes that once threatened to well with tears, did not.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas watched as the dancers glided over the floor gracefully. Each woman was very talented, and all seemed to give that dark look of determination. The elf swollowed nervously as he watched. He hoped that whoever won would be sweet and kind, not to mention quiet like him, but even that was hoping for too much. Legolas held his composure and from looking at him, you would not know he was nervous at all. That trait he was taught by his father.
Soon the dance was over and a winner choosen. Se was beautiful indeed, but like the others she held that dark look in her eyes. Standing the elf walked downteh stands and before her. Legolas bowed respectly to her and held a smle on his lips. Smoothly he offered her his hand and she took it. Then both elves began to float across the floor, twirling.
The dance became heated, more so than he or anyone planned. Legolas had his hands on her waist and back as he dipped her lowly and brought her back gracfully without marring a move. The woman grinned wickedly and already both began to breathe heavier from the intensity. Legolas twirled her and pulled her tightly to him,s o tight that not even air could pass between them. Her grin never lessen as she began to move backa nd forth with him--hands locked and eyes never parting.
Legolas saw her moves and gestures and knew what she was hoping for, but would never give her hte chance to have it. But he would give her a hell of a dance, one she would not forget.
Soon they parted but one hand still held hers as he moved across the floor as he were a duck in water. The crowd cheered and other girls huffed.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Cosette's eyes drew up at the sound of cheering. The young Prince must've chosen his dance partner. By the sounds of it, the dance had gone well. Feeling guilty now, for leaving her job without word, Cosette stood and carried the book back as she walked down the path. Yet on her way, she spotted three noble elves standing on the path, a little bit from the crowds. The men watched her intensely with small smiles.
And what would a servant be doing out in the woods at night? Alone? A man asked sneakily.
Cosette simply shook her head. She had done nothing wrong. Yet as she moved to pass, one elf snatched the book from her arm and held it out of reach. My, my....a book of poetry and lore, is it? He laughed. How does a servant learn to read, anyway?...What do they use it for?!
Stop it! Cosette said angrily, though her voice soft. She tried to reach for her book, but the men were taller and merely laughed, keeping it out of her reach.
Finally, she stopped trying. It was useless. They mocked her by reading a passage or two -- the poems about noble fair princesses....almost rubbing it in her face.
Feeling her tears welling up once more, Cosette left. They taunted after her, calling weeping noises. She didn't turn, she just kept walking, and went back up the steps towards the home of the king.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas dipped her low and both froze as the song ended. It had left both gasping forr breath as they chests heaved. Slowly the prince pulled her up and steadied her, and noticed they were very closse, a little close for comfort. "Well done my lady..." He whispered as he took her hadn ocne moe and kissed it, but before she could do anything the elf bowed and disappeard into the crowds.
The elf made his way towards the door. Before the dance he had taken off his riding poncho and set it aside, now he walked up to the altar and picked it up, then hurried out of the home before anyone could stop him. The cool night air felt good against his heated flesh as he tried to walk and slid the tan poncho, that came down to his knees. Big mistake...
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
As Cosette hurried up the stairs, she kept looking behind her. Those nasty elves....she loved that book. It was all she had, that was truely her own. Given to her by her mother, Cosette worshiped it. She began to breath and pant a little harder, trying to keep from crying. But as she turned around, she was met with an unexpected surprise.
She ran right into the Prince of Mirkwood, who was coming down the steps. Cosette staggered back and almost fell down the stairs, had Legolas not grasped her arm and pulled her up to a steady stance.
I'm so sorry, m'lord!... She said. The night was getting worse and worse. Please do not report me for leaving the celebration early...I-I just thought I'd get ahead on the....the...cleaning. She said, trying to give a valuble excuse. She could not just tell him she was leaving out of being bullied or sadness -- what kind of excuse was that?
Looking behind her, she saw the same three elves who had her book laughing. They'd seen her run into him.
Here you go love!....Fetch it like the good little servant! He yelled to her.
Cosette watched as the male elf threw it away, having it land near the edge of a small pond, though not in. Just enough to dampen it. She looked to Legolas again, and bowed. Excuse me, m'lord... She said with confidence though her lip was quiverring.
Again, Cosette dashed down the stairs, holding her dress up as not to trip over it, and ran to the pond. She scooped up her small book and began to examine it. Not a lot of damage -- damp and a bit dirty. But ok. It was hers again. She tried to clean it off with the apron on her dress.
Legolas frowned and shot a glare at the other elves. Rude. Sighing he watched her with his eyes as she hurried off to retrive her book. And Legolas too folowed her. Once reaching the lady he watched her hands clean the book with teh aid of an apron. "Forgive about them..they do not know how to treat people it seems. Please let me.." He said gently as he took the book from her and wiped the rest of the dirty off. It was then he noticed the title. A collection of songs and poems.
A smile passed his lips as he looked at the book and examined it himself. "Why it is a book of poems! I have not seen one of these for sometime." Legolas said as he handed the book back to Cosette. "Do not fear. m'lady. I will not report youor anything...I can understand why yo u wanted to get away. Would you now like to join me for an evening ride?" Inquired the prince.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Cosette looked to him nervously and blushed a bit. She looked back to her book and then held it close to her. Again...I'm sorry m'lord, I am not permitted to do such with a member of Thranduil's family. She said with a nod, forcing a smile. Her fingers lightly played with the edges of her book nervously and anxiously. Why did he keep asking? Was this just some attempt to further her humiliation.
I hope you enjoyed your celebration, my lord.... She said nodding to him. I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a female elfess who will be completely devoted to you.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas frowned slightly and crossed his arms. The elf was rather insulted that people would relate them to his brothers and father so easily without knowing him personally. But that feeling he hid from her. She wouldn't care anyways.
"I would see why you cannot come with me, seeing as I asked you to come with me. As for the elfess, I would rather perfer to be alone than have the company of a woman who is devoted for the wrong reasons, one of the reasons being the absence of love. If you do not wish to come, put this night and people behind you and let the woods free your mind, then that is your choice alone. Should you change your mind, I will be at the stables. But I must go now before my father sends his minions after me. Namar."
Said theelf and he bowed to her. "I am not one to judge andtreat a servant differently than a lord. I treat them as they should be. A person. The hiearchy does not concern me, it is personality." And with the last words he walked off slowly towards the stables to retrive his black stallion, Estel.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Cosette watched him walk away. She looked around her -- nothing but silence now, save for the very distant sound of the party from far away. The night was certainly a beautiful one, and it would be a shame to waste it.
Gathering up her courage, Cosette made her way to the stables. She saw Legolas there, stroking the nose of his steed. She walked up and stood beside him. I'm afraid I have no horse.... She said looking down.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas smiled to her. "I see you have changed your mind. Good. The other horses are my father's and his company, but you can ride with me, unless you would perfer your own horse, my lady." Asked Legolas as he continued to pet Estel's muzzle and strong neck. The horse's coat was smooth and silky, and held eyes like a storm. A snort came from the horse as it gazed at Cosette. "Daro, mellon nin..." Legolas whispered.
"I found him in the woods. His mother gone and I took him in. Etsel has trusted no other being, save me, I think that you and Estel have much in common. Both of you are a recluse, and yet there is strength in you. Now to find you a horse..." Legolas walked back into the stables and searched for a horse for Cosette to ride on. Soon the prince returned with another horse by his side.
"This is Ninui. She is a mare from Imladris. Ninui is kind and willing to bear a willing and true soul. Here.." And with that he lead the horse to Cosette. Ninui was a pure white mare, slender and strong. Her main and tail were like the finest silk and fluttered in the slight breeze.
Legolas mounted Etsel and the horse was willing beneath him. The Sindar waited for her to mount.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Cosette mounted slowly, stroking the neck of the horse. It bobbed it's head a few times, but did not seem to mind her. With a small nod and smile to Legolas, the two headed out. They went down the paths through the forests, quietly, listening to the peaceful sounds of night.
Yet as they passed the boarders, great green fields were revealed to them -- along with a night sky, blanketed in stars and a large moon. Cosette almost lost her breath, it was so beautiful. Soon, the two elves picked up speed in the feilds and began to race freely with their steeds. She liked being out in the open -- so liberating. She hadn't riden since she became a servant, loosing her horse and almost all else.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Almost instantly Legolas had noticed the change in Cosette. She became open more and her appearance lightened as if a heavy load had been lifted. At this he smiled. The beauty of freedom did wonders for the soul and mind. Soon both elves came to a lone stream where the water was cool. Legolas slowed Estel to a huant and dismounted gracefully. Leading the animal to the stream he watered the horse and sat down under the weeping willow tree that overlooked the beautful lando around them.
With knees slightly bent the elf rested his forearms on his knees and watched her curiously. "If you do not mind me asking, but why are you so...distant from that of the Greenleaves? I am not lord, merely a prince, and still you treated me as if I were the most busy and discriminating lord there was, you were quick to say no at first. Why? I will listen."
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.It is not my place to accept such an offer, m'lord....not as a servant. That's what we are told. She said cautiously and quietly. What kind of question was that? Surely he knew servants did not socialy mix with their masters. Consequences for such outtings with the master of the house....or his son....are frightning. The king would not like this, nor would my mistress of staff.
Finally, she turned to look upon the prince. His golden hair illuminating his fair face in the moonlight. So beautiful he was. Why didn't he ask some gorgeous maiden to accompany him on such a wonderful night.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas arched a brow. Was that really what they were taught? If so, it was sad and needed changing. "My father is rarely pleased with me, so I can defend you there. As for your Mistress of Staff, I do not know WHAT they are teaching yo, but in my mind a servant is someone who aides and helps you. Not some slave. My father is foolish to think such, though it is not my house and not my rules, those I cannot alernate. But not to be able to accept an offer to go riding? How absurd." Said the elf as his stretched his long limps as he stood.
The prince walked over to Cosette and looked down at her--being he was about a head taller than her-- and put his hand under her child to lift it. "I know you are shy, especially around people you do not know. I am the same way, yet when I see people become rude and arrogant, it makes my blood boil. Do not let others bully you. I do not care what the Mistress of Staff says. I will question her teachings soon enough. But you, for now must not let people make you feel such. Chin up, I promise you that things will look brighter." Legolas smiled kindly to her as he lowered his hand and patted the horse on the rear gently.
"After tonight I plan to travel away from here, and go south to clear up the mess in Dul Guldur. Orcs, goblins, and spiders threaten to come and attack ocne more. I cannot let that happen to my people.." Legolas whispered as he stared off into the south. "The world has changed, and yet it turns the same path. New things occur, and yet they remain unchanged. No oen can really answer why though. Well Miss," He said turning to Cosette again.
"I believe I did not catch your name. What is it?" Inquired the Sindar.
'Let a ploughman plough, but choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over grass and leaf, or over snow...an Elf.'
Re: .:A change of Heart:.Cosette....m'lord. Cosette. She said before trailing off. She wondered why he seemed so upset. It was like an oath you took when becoming a servant. You did not socialize with those who owned you. Owned. Though Cosette hated the word it was true. She was owned by Thranduil and his family and had to do whatever they said. I wish you a safe journey then, m'lord. She said with a small nod. The servants shall miss you. They all speak quite highly of you.... Despite what was said about the king and his other sons. They were known to have sport with the servants, but Cosette had thus far managed to avoid such an ordeal.
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