"Across the lake in Sandwick dwelled a youth she held most true. And ever since her infancy he had watched those eyes so blue."
My life has started a new. I know it seems funny, someone like myself actually wanting to help others instead of looking out for my intentions only. But if you only knew where I was coming from. I had to get away from my old life, the life where my life was already planned out for me. I had a future husband waiting for me back home. I didn't even know who he was. I didn't want to live that life anymore. I wanted to be free.
Sunrise was before me. I awoke to the rays of the sun beating down on my face. I headed down to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Legolas' food for the morning. Thereafter I would head up to his room to do a bit of cleaning. Walking around the corner to the entrance of the kitchen I overheard 2 other maids speaking of an arrival of a guest. They said something about a Princess visiting Price Legolas later this day. From the sounds of it, a great feast would be held tonight in honor of this guest. I passed it off as nothing and continued to do my work. Soon after breakfast was cooked, I brought the food up to Legolas.
"Prince Legolas," I said softly while knocking on his door.
"You may enter," he said.
"Here you are my Lord, all of your favorite fruits and breads. Some of the other workers let me know what you liked eating," I said while setting all of it on the table for him to enjoy.
"I have a favor to ask of you Llewellyn. There will be a feast tonight because some Elleth from Rivendell will be joining us for a while. My father thinks we would make a good match,"
"I see," I said.
"Total boredom has crossed my mind, but I guess I might was well enjoy my evening. If there's any way that you can try to make this night interesting for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Events like this for my father are always enjoyable, but for me, they are always painstaking. I just wish my father would leave my love life alone. I don't like being tied down unless it is by my own choice," he continued on.
"Well, I don't know what I could do for you my Lord. It is not like I could actually rescue you from tonight. I guess I could always kidnap you,' I said laughing.
"Funny," he scoffed.
"But if it is entertainment you want, than entertainment you shall have," I told him. "I bid you a good morning my Lord. I shall see you later tonight.
"Are you even going to tell me what your plan is?" he asked.
"You'll have to wait to find out."
Entertainment he wants, entertainment he shall have. Was I jealous of this Elleth who was arriving here later to spend her time with Legolas? Of course not. Would I make her stay comfortable and enjoyable, we'll just have to wait and see about that.
It was early morning and the house was astir. Preparations for Aislinn's journey have been going since last night. The guards had arrived late last night and were still resting from their travels. "Milady, it's time to wake up." Nienna said. "I'm up, I'm up," Aislinn yawned. "Milady, we mustn't be late. The guards arrived last night while you were sleeping. We're waiting for you Milady. There is enough time to bathe and have breakfast before we leave for Mirkwood." "Okay, okay, it sounds like you're the one who's visiting the Prince rather than me," she laughed. "I'm sorry Milady," Nienna said as she laughed too.
Aislinn bathed and had breakfast then proceeded to dress for their journey, a journey to a new life where she could marry a Prince and eventually become a Queen, if everything worked out right. So many emotions were running through her heart; excitement, nervousness, even being a little scared. She had never really been out of Rivendell, so she was scared about what was out there. She was assured by the guards and Nienna that everything would be okay.
They proceeded to the stables to start the ride to Mirkwood. It would only be a few hours until they reached their destination. Back at the Palace, preparations had begun. The Main Hall was transformed into a Grand Ballroom. Food, drinks, and festivities were all laid out for the guests. It was the talk of the town. Who could this unexpected guest be? I knew who she was. In fact I do believe long ago I met this Elleth. I doubt she would even remember me now. My mind was more concentrated on what I was about to do tonight in the presence of the Royal Court, and especially Legolas.
I spent most of the day cooking and setting up the Grand Ballroom. I was really starting to get tired. About the time I was going to my room to get ready for tonight, the main guests for tonight had arrived. I opened the door for them and proceeded to walk them into the Grand Ballroom where I introduced them to King Thranduil and Prince Legolas.
"If you do not mind my lords, I must get back to the kitchen for the final preparations," I said while bowing.
"That is fine," Legolas said.
The kitchen, I thought to myself. I was really going back to my room to get ready. Since I was fairly new around here, not many would recognize me tonight, except the King and Legolas. And since Legolas requested that I entertain him tonight, I do not see how the King could refuse. I proceeded to the wardrobe closet where I had a few dresses for special occasions, just in case I ever needed them again. I picked out the one that stood apart from all the rest. It is sparkling white rich panne velvet that has a delicate Elvin style woven braid border at the neckline and sleeves. The back of the gown has a beautiful V back with short skirt train. This one was my favorite of them all. This was supposed to be my wedding dress. But I think this occasion is special enough for me to wear it. I piled my long auburn hair on top of my head loosely, letting the small ringlets fall where they like. I left two long ringlets fall on either side of my face accentuating my face. My dark eyes where brought forth with lightly applied green coloring above my eyelids. I used some crushed red roses and a little bit of oil to use as a base color for my lips. On the outside I was ready, but inside, I was nervous as could be. What I was about to do, I have never done in front of people before. I was going to sing my heart and soul out for people I have never met before.
In the meantime, Aislinn was being settled into her room, which coincidently was right next to Legolas.
"Milady, the festivities downstairs are about to begin. The King is requesting your presence," the chambermaid announced.
"I will be right down," she said.
It was time for me to make my entrance. Regardless of what was about to happen downstairs between Aislinn and Legolas, my moment to shine was about to begin. Aislinn made her way to the staircase, where I literally bumped into her.
"Forgive me," I politely said
"There is nothing to forgive. Please, after you," she said.
"Why, thank you," I said.
Walking down those stairs made me realize where I was finally at, a world that I might not belong in. Back home, I was royalty, here I'm nothing. I had everything to prove to everyone. But this is where I wanted to be; this is where I needed to be.
The crowd below almost came to a stand still when I made my way down the staircase. I don't know if they were in shock to see me, or what it was. I locked eyes with Legolas. He quickly announced to the people that I was the entertainment for the evening. Everyone then continued talking once again. Right behind me was Aislinn.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, our guest for the evening, Aislinn from Rivendell," King Thranduil said.
Applause erupted from the people. I guess they had been waiting a long time for this night. They all wanted their Prince to have a Queen when he finally took the throne from his father. Legolas made his way over towards Aislinn, taking her hand in his; he led her over to the table where they would be sitting while dinner was being served.
"If you would all take your seats, I have special surprise for all of you," Legolas said.
"If you do not mind," he motioned towards me.
"Yes, my Lord," I said.
No one must have recognized me; otherwise I would have been in serious trouble. I should have been working this gathering, and not doing what I was about to do. I took center stage in front of the staircase where I was about to sing for all to hear. I took a deep breath and began my song.
The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.
On a dark New Year's night
On the west coast of Clare
I heard your voice singing
Your eyes danced the song
Your hands played the tune
T'was a vision before me.
We left the music behind and the dance carried on
As we stole away to the seashore
We smelt the brine, felt the wind in our hair
With sadness you paused.
Suddenly I knew that you'd have to go
Your world was not mine; your eyes told me so
Yet it was there I felt the crossroads of time
And I wondered why.
As we cast our gaze on the tumbling sea
A vision came o'er me
Of thundering hooves and beating wings
In clouds above.
As you turned to go I heard you call my name.
You were like a bird in a cage, spreading its
Wings to fly
"The old ways are lost," you sang as you flew
And I wondered why.
The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.
The room was in total silence. And then, Legolas stood up and started to applaud me. Everyone else followed his command.
"That was incredible. Thank you for your performance tonight," Legolas said.
Thranduil looked at his son in confusion. "Is that not one or your servants?" he asked.
"Yes Father, it is," Legolas answered his father sternly.
"She does have an amazing voice," Aislinn interjected.
The party went on for hours; to me it seemed like forever. I spoke with many of the guests but tried to remain as unnoticed as possible. Most of the townspeople asked me where I was from and how come they have never seen me until tonight. My answer was short and to the point, I did not want to take any attention away from Legolas and his guest.
"Aislinn, will you do me the honor of dancing with me before the night comes to an end?" Legolas asked.
"I would love to my Lord, but there is no music to dance to," Aislinn said.
"Llewellyn, will you please grace us with your beautiful voice one last time tonight," he said.
"Yes my Lord." I answered back.
I took center stage one last time to a sing a song that would touch home for many people at this party tonight. To once have loved and then lose it, only to regain it back in the end. Many people tonight silently cried in their hearts after hearing this closing song.
When the dark wood fell before me
And all the paths were overgrown
When the priests of pride say there is no other way
I tilled the sorrows of stone
I did not believe because I could not see
Though you came to me in the night
When the dawn seemed forever lost
You showed me your love in the light of the stars
Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me
Then the mountain rose before me
By the deep well of desire
From the fountain of forgiveness
Beyond the ice and fire
Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me
Though we share this humble path, alone
How fragile is the heart
Oh give these clay feet wings to fly
To touch the face of the stars
Breathe life into this feeble heart
Lift this mortal veil of fear
Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears
We'll rise above these earthly cares
Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me
Please remember me
I closed my eyes at the end of the song, trying not to show the tears that were swelling up my eyes. Applause erupted once again, but not too soon as I began to turn around and walk up the long staircase.
