Sauron glanced in the mirror and marveled at the difference a few months could make. The Maia looking back was no longer bedraggled and unkempt, but neat and clean, with golden eyes brighter than they had been in Ages.
The hours of his service had been reduced, and the extra time was spent in the company of Manwë, where the Vala had persistently and patiently encouraged the Maia to play. It was something Sauron did hesitantly and awkwardly at first, having almost forgotten how. But gradually he relearned under the gently care of the Vala he was slowly starting to trust.
After one last check of his hair, to make sure the braids were secure and would not come loose, he headed for the kitchens. He was still preforming some of the most menial labor, but more freedom had been granted him, such as the ability to travel to and from his tasks without an escort. This day he was serving in the kitchens, something he enjoyed. He only would be washing the large number of dirty dishes, a task not enviable on its own, but the kitchen was warm and full of happily chattering Maiar. And Fanyarë, who ran the kitchen, always had a kind word for him, and a treat of some sort when he was finished.
As normal, Sauron walked into a scene of organized chaos. He slipped to the side, and joined the other Maiar already washing the large amount of dishes. He stayed there until breakfast had been served, and preparations for lunch had begun. Then Fanyarë walked over to him.
"Good morning, Mairon," she said warmly.
"Good morning," he replied easily.
"Are you good with a knife?" Fanyarë asked, almost randomly.
"Yes," Sauron replied, somewhat hesitantly.
"Good," Fanyarë said. "Come with me." She led Sauron over to a large table covered in vegetables.
"Have you ever chopped vegetables before?" she asked him.
"No," Sauron replied honestly.
"Well, it's not too difficult. Here, I'll show you," Fanyarë told him. She quickly demonstrated what she wanted, and Sauron went to work, working through the whole pile of vegetables. He then ate a quick lunch, and went back to washing dishes, until the bustle surrounding the meal had ended. Then Fanyarë called him over again.
"Thank you for your help today, Mairon," she said. "You still have some time here, would you like to learn how to make gingersnaps?" The offer to learn how to make one of his favorite treats sparked Sauron's interest and he was quickly helping Fanyarë measure and mix, as they whipped up a batch of gingersnaps. The gingersnaps were just beginning to smell very good, when Manwë entered the kitchen, and Sauron realized he was late meeting the Vala.
"There you are," Manwë said.
"Sorry," Sauron said bashfully. "I lost track of time."
"We're making gingersnaps," Fanyarë said. "You do have time to wait until they're done, don't you?" Manwë laughed.
"Yes, we can," he assured his Maia. "I would not dream of taking Mairon away until he is able to see the results of his labors."
"Taste is more important than sight in this case," Fanyarë pertly replied. Manwë laughed again. It wasn't too much longer until they were done, and the Vala and the two Maiar were enjoying them.
"Well done, Mairon," Manwë said. "Do you like working in the kitchen?" Sauron nodded his mouth full of gingersnap.
"May I have him, my lord?" Fanyarë asked abruptly. Manwë set down his gingersnap.
"Is he particularly skilled in a kitchen?" he asked.
"No," Fanyarë replied. "But he is careful, and a swift learner. The skill will come with time." Manwë looked at Sauron.
"What do you say, Mairon," he asked. "Would you like to serve full time in the kitchen?" Sauron looked around in thought. Having an actual position would give him more stability, and would be closer to living like a free Maia. He enjoyed it here, and did not mind learning new skills, especially ones that yielded such tasty results. It seemed that his decision to serve, though made in fear, had turned out to be a good one after all. Mairon smiled.
"I would like that," he replied.