"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."
"So I've heard..." He mumbled under his breath as he looked to the horse. She still did not answer his question that he wanted to hear from her, but it mattered not. He did not want to make her more uncomfortable than she already was. Putting on a fake smile once more he nodded his head to her. "It is good to meet you, Miss Cosette. I do hope to spend more time with you, and perhaps have a friend that is not a bobleman, if you can consider them one..."
The prince sighed as if burdened by an invisible force that one could not see with the eye. Slowly he paced to and from, thinking. He yearned to be free from his father, and have a home of his own, where no man would tell him how to life. One day he would do just that, but for now Legolas was still under the boot of his father.
'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 oddly; wondering what was wrong. Something is on your mind....that much is clear. Will you not tell me what?....I am naught but a simple servant. Your secrets can be safe with me, m'lord. She said with a reassuring nod and smile.
He seemed sad; moreso than his brothers or father. Almost like he didn't fit in. But they always seemed to shower him with praise and affection. What could be so horrible about that?! -- Cosette only dreamed of such a thing.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas lifted his head and gazed into her eyes. His eyes were glazed with unfallen tears that hte proud prince would not let fall--for his father scolded him for crying out in public. "Though I have a life that many want, I am not happy. It is true that I could have any maiden I wanted, but nothing could fill this gap but love. I am not happy here, and to live each day of prince is not easy, and being mobbed and the center of attention is not always as welcomeing as people seem." Legolas stopped pacing and sighed deeply.
"Lady Cosette...like you I desire to be free, free from the chains under which I was born; tearing me asunder. My father shelters me and shows me off as if I am a prize. One thing is certain though. I am glad I will not talk the throne of Mirkwood. I do not want it, nay. Simple yet far off dreams plague my mind constantly, and will never go.Perhaps you would understand. Many times I have to hide true feelings and mask them with fake ones to get something over with. It wears the soul away..."
And the prince looked off into the distance once more.
'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:.I....I understand.... She said cautiously, looking at him sadly. So he was unhappy. She never would've guessed the way he carried on within the walls of his father's home. He was accepted, loved, and respected by all.....what she wouldn't GIVE for all of that. From what I've seen, m'lord, I have no doubt that you will one day fufil your dreams and strike out to make your own path, instead of following the one of your father and brothers. Cosette said with a reassuring nod. She had faith Legolas could do as he pleased. He seemed good at everything.
Re: .:A change of Heart:."Perhaps one day...but I fear that day will come too late in the years, and I would have gone insane from the cramped spaced of the cage I am in.But some day..." He smiled slightly as he gazed off into the sky. "Some day I'll spread my wings and soar to the sun, but that day is not here yet, and I am bound to the earth." He chuckled and continued to pett Estel's mane. "Forgive me Cosette for my ramblings. I know they bore you and perhaps even make you think I am ungrateful. I assure you I'm not..."
Suddenly Legolas felt as easy with this woman, No one ever touched his heart so like she had seemed. It was as if they had known each other for years on end. Walking over to Cosette he took her slender hand into his and leaned over to place a soft kiss upon the skin. "If you ever need me, I'll come. Even to talk..I know you must feel uncomfortable with me right now...but I hope to be friends at least, if you are willing. It is hard for you...I see it."
'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 gave a small smile and blushed, pulling her hand back. I do thank you, m'lord....but I need this job. I need the money to support myself, when and what I can. And I know, should I embrace this friendship, I will be sorely criticized. ridiculed and possibly banned from your home and forced out of Mirkwood. Master-servant relationships are not to be.....and they are strict on that. Besides.... She began, but Cosette stopped.
She was going to tell him about his father; the touching and affairs with some of the other servants girls. But she held her peace. Either he didn't know, or he did. Nothing had happened to Cosette yet, but only because she didn't allow it. She never let herself be left in the same room as he.
Besides... She covered, continuing. I'm sure befriending a servant would not do your reputation any good.
Re: .:A change of Heart:."Who said the whole world had to know? Could we not keep it between us? Hopefully it would not get out like the numerous times my brother has bedded the females. But I respect your response, and I wish you the best of luck. I gather that we best enjoy this night...and this moment. Who knows when we will have the time to do this again." Said the elf as blue eyes met the twinkling and dazzling stars in the night sky. Legolas could not say when the next time would be when he would be able to enjoy the stars and the freedom, but while it was here, he would take that oppertunity with open arms and embrace such a precious gift.
"The stars glitter like diamonds this night..." Legolas said fondly aloud. "Oft I find myself wondering if they know things before us. Do you think that they can foresee days before us? Tonight they shine with all the mirth and light within, would they be so on the morrow eve?" A wonderous sight for sure it was, but for how long would it last.
'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 gave a small smile and gazed up as well. He seemed quite fond of the outdoors, as was she. The whole notion of being free seemed to have taken the prince by storm. Her eyes drifted down and she continually looked back towards where they had came; the direction of Thranduil's home. No doubt she would get in trouble for coming here. She would not be there to help with the night cleaning before morn.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
The stars seemed to reflect in his own sapphire eyes as they drifted off in dreams. Memories mixed with hope washed over him like a tidal wave--consuming him and warmth and happiness, but the prince knew it would not last forever. Legolas sighed and reluctantly tore his gaze away from the night sky and back to Cosette. He gave her a small smile. "Do not be worried about the troubles the future now. It will do you no good." voiced the son of Thranduil. It was if he could see through her and into her very soul.
"Bask in the night and the nature around you. They comfort you. Be at peace. If you would like me to depart so you can be alone, you have but to ask." Legolas said with a friendly smile upon his lips.
'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's not that.... She said, shaking her head a bit. Cosette didn't know how to quite explain it. She wished she could stay out, but the reality was, the longer she was gone, the more anger would be leashed upon her by those of higher stature in the staff. For some reason they disliked her. Perhaps it was her youth or suttle innocent beauty. She knew she better not say anything -- it had nothing to do with Legolas. It was her life. He had his, and she wasn't part of it.
I still have some work to do....She covered. I think I should go back.
"Cosette.." He said nearing her once more and taking her hands into his larger ones. "Cosette..you will not get into trouble, for I will see to that. Did you think that I would not clear it for you? I know you would get into trouble, I would not let that happen, since you were kind enough to keep me company and put up with my mindless rambling." He smiled and chuckled as he gazed into her eyes, trying to find her feelings that she so keenly hid.
'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:.Well....thank you, m'lord...that's very kind... She said with a nod. The blush came back to her cheeks as he held her hands, but it was dark out, so it could not be seen. But I am quite tired from the day's events. If you will allow it, I would like to return to the home of your father. You needn't worry....I won't tell a soul your here.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas chuckled and nodded. "Then let me accompany you back. The woods are still dangerous, and not everyone is as friendly as we would like to believe. Come, I will hear no arguing." ANd before Cosette could protest he mounted his horse and wheeled around gracefully. "Tell me, where do you stay? Surely the servants have a lovely room for their loyal service." Legolas was blind to the fact at how his father truely treated the servants.
'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 sadly, but gave a small and small nod. Something like that, yes.....something grand..... Turning, she mounted her own horse. Her eyes drifted for a moment -- that cold shack she was forced to sleep in. Felt like a cellar. That's why Cosette oft went outside....to escape it's enclosement. She hated it, but would say nothing to Legolas.
The two began to ride along together, heading back to the home of Thranduil.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas had caught a glimpse of her expression, and sighed. From the looks of her face, it seemed to him that his father did not treat them anything more than servants, which to Legolas was wrong. He said nothing. "Cosette...forgive me if I have seem too forward and rude. I cannot explain why I am fascinated with you, but I am concerned. I am concerned at how my kin are being treated. When I leave here and journey on my own, I will own a land, and those who wish to live there will not be servants. But my equal. My friends."
As they rode the home seemed to come all too fast. "That I suppose is why I hardly have people I can truely trust. They judge before they really know me. I hate it, but I must live with it, sadly."
'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:.I apologize, m'lord... She said sadly as she swung off the horse. For I judged you before I knew you....but that was because I knew much about your father and brothers. Though I do not judge them either, I-I just.... She paused.
Where was she even going with this? He said he was fascinated with her -- why? She'd only seen him around, never really came in contact with him. She was hardly fascinating, in her opinion. Cosette stopped and nodded to him. Thank you....for the ride. It was very pleasent. She said with a small smile.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas dismountd as well and took the reins of her horse as well as his own. "Anytime, Cosette. If you want to be free of this, even for a day, come to me and I will speak for you. I know what it is like to be under chains, and It is not something that should be endured. As for you judging me, all is fine. My father and brothers are..well they act what people say, though sometimes they are not." He said looking to the ground shyly. Why was the prince, the one who could have anyone he wanted shying from her? Something sturred but he quickly pushed it away.
'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 smiled and blushed, nodding slowly and coyly. Goodnight, m'lord... She said with a final nod. Turning slowly, she headed back towards the home. Cosette jogged up the long stone steps until she reached the halls and then walked down them quietly. A small smile was on her lips the entire time. A nice evening.....ending better than it had began.
Heading to the back of the large stone home, she went down more stairs until reaching the bottom and coming to a series of doors. She slipped inside one. A small room, stone; cold and barely furnished, save a bed, a chair and a dresser. A small window lay above the bed. Cosette sat on it and gazed at the stars. She dreamt about what it would be like to be a princess....or someone of stature. Perhaps she and Legolas could've been better friends.
Re: .:A change of Heart:.
Legolas watched the woman go and smiled after her. "Good night..." She was beautiful, and had a good heart. She was not like the others, nay. She was different. Legolas led the horses to the stables once more and as he feed them and walked out his mind was ever running with thoughts. A soft smile was upon his slips still as he too walked with tireless feet up the stairs and down the halls and to his room.
Once the elf entered his safe room he closed the door and sighed--leaning against it. The cool wood felt good against his warm forehead. That night the prince began to pack.
The day had come and the journey to be rid of the orcs was nigh. The princes, noble and fair sat upon their horses armed with the weapons of choices. Those who would go with them were a few guards. The black steed that Legolas was on neighed and whined anxiously. "Steady my friend..." Whispered the elf-prince as he wheeled him around and slowly began to follow his brothers out of the gate.
'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 from the steps of the home like all the other servants who were roused to see off the prince's. She stood there, mostly looking at Legolas and not the others. She prayed to Eru that his noble heart and soul would not be harmed. Such an elf did not deserve a thing as pain. They watched them ride out towards the gate, until no more could be seen.
A sigh escaped her lips. She didn't know WHY she felt like she did; so sad and alone. Perhaps it was because Legolas was the first person to actually speak to Cosette freely and politely. Turning, she and the other servants headed inside to resume their cleaning.
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