Cowgirls, a very long and hard ride!

Rabel did not struggle as he knew that sentencing would be coming to him. However, he did not know what was in store for him until he reached the study and found Lady Chrissy staring at him.

Chrissy was the first to release from there kiss and took a long look at the handsome Prince that was standing in front of her very eyes. She could not speak for a moment as she found a certain peace when she looked into his brown sparkling eyes.

Orlando felt her retract from his lips as he watched her pull away. He did not want there kissing to end but he knew that it had too. He found her just gazing upon with such innocents.

Chrissy smiled as she spoke softly, “Wow…,” She turned from him and rubbed her hands around the upper part of her arms to remove the goose bumps that arose from there kissing, “That was intense…what is it that makes me feel so connected to you,” in the mist of saying that, she realized that what came out of her mouth was just suppose to be a thought and she turned away as she was mortified.

Orlando watched her reaction to there kiss, she seemed to be in a trance when finally spoke and asked the question that seemed to only be a thought. He felt her tense up once again and she turned from him in embarrassment.

Orlando answered, “I know that you feel uncomfortable about our kiss and what you just asked…but I do not mind…because I am asking myself the very same questions…it twas almost if we’ve met before,” he too was a little uneasy about the way he felt about this woman.

Chrissy turned around as she snapped out of a mental lapse, “I am sorry…for acting like a girl that has never had a first kiss…and your right…it is if we have met before…but how cant hat be? We have only known each other for a day…” she walked over to him, so needing to be next to him.

Orlando laughed, “You are quite right, Lady Chrissy…how is it possible that you and I met? Maybe it twas the atmosphere…” he got nervous as she approached him closely.

Chrissy smiled sweetly, “How about we try that kiss once more to be sure that it wasn’t just the atmosphere around us?” as it was her turn to make the Prince weak to his knees.

Orlando had butterflies once again in his stomach, “Well, if this is what you want, we can try it once more…to be sure,’” he softly took hold of her once again as there lips touched.

Chrissy thoughts, “This is unbelievably amazing…I’m kissing Orlando…he must like me because he would have declined my request…if he did not like me…”

Orlando’s thoughts, “The way her lips touch my lips once again….they way she makes me feel when we touch is extraordinary…never in my life time have I felt such want…whoa…the amazing things she does with her tongue…”

It was Orlando’s turn to retract first from there kiss, “Lady Chrissy, would you like to dance with me?”

Chrissy grinned, “Of course…,” she watched him move her body swiftly across the balcony as it seemed like eternity the two danced in the moon light.

Jenny and Legolas were inside dancing the night away. The two had been laughing and giggling for a couple of hours. Strange Elf males would try to cut in between the two but Prince Legolas would decline them immediately.

Legolas noticed two guards making there way into the crowd and on to the balcony where his brother was with his lady. He knew what was about to happen as it was time for the public apology in his father’s study.

Legolas’s mind was on the conversation out side on the balcony. Jenny was unaware that his focus was off her when she asked, “What juicy gossip are you listening too?”

Legolas smiled, “To be honest, Lady Jenny, your friend is being sworn into my father’s private office for Landri’s public apology. We are to attend this meeting…shall we make are way to my father’s study?”

Jenny stopped dead in her tracks, “When was this decided? Chrissy is going to freak out when she sees who is in his office,” Legolas slowly took her hand as the walked over to the hearing, “What if she faints or kicks the Elf’s butt?”

Legolas about choked on his laugh, “Lady Jenny, your friend shall be all right. I will see to it and I know that Orlando will also.”

Chrissy and Orlando were dancing slowly when they were interrupted by two Elven guards. She was making a memory with Orlando’s smell of honey and plums.

Chrissy turned quickly as a voice appeared from behind, “Prince Orlando and Lady Chrissy please excuse our intrusion. However, King Thranduil has requested Lady Chrissy and yourself to attend a private meeting. Please follow us.”

Prince Orlando asked, “What is this private meeting? My father did not speak of this, “The guard answered, “I am sorry, Prince Orlando, we are just the messengers. Please follow us.”

Chrissy whispered over to Orlando, “Why does your father wish to speak with me…wait…it’s because of earlier…I am being sentenced to death…I’m an elf beater…, “she started to get sick to her stomach as she leaned onto Orlando.

Orlando felt her pain, “Mi Lady Chrissy, I do not think you are an elf beater. My father does not think that either…besides, I would not let them condemn you to death…” he paused for a moment, “I would plea for your life and have you pardoned.” She clinched his arm tightly with every step closer the two got to King Thranduil’s study.

Legolas and Jenny made there way into the study. They sat down on the chairs provided for the hearing. Jenny asked, “Why does Landri have to have a public apology? Why can’t he just write her a letter,” she began to fidget in her chair.

Legolas grabbed her hand, “My darling, everything will be all right. I know you are nervous for your friend…you will see…it will be fine. Trust me.”

Jenny gave him a half smiled, “All right…I’m going to trust you on this...” she stated in a low tone, “Faith, Faith…Oh crap…there’s Chrissy.”

Chrissy and Orlando made there way into the room. The guard’s motioned for Chrissy to be seated away from Orlando but she protested, “No, please let him sit next to me…I am quite frightened!”

Orlando commanded, “I shalt sit next to Lady Chrissy, please let my father know we are here.”

The two guards did what he requested and went to tell King Thranduil that everyone had arrived.

Chrissy’s face turned ghost white when she saw Landri and Rabel enter the room. Every little breathe she took in got harder and harder as her heart started to beat faster.

Orlando watched her face as tension raced over it, then she cried softly, “I can’t breathe, Orlando…it hurts to breathe…take me out of here…I’m going to have a nervous break down.”

Rabel watched Lady Chrissy’s face as she turned ghostly white at his presence. He saw how tears streamed down her face as they approached closer.
Orlando did as she requested and took her out onto the balcony. He watched as she ran over to the side and threw up. She was crying and it upset her to see those two Elves.

Chrissy threw her hands up in the air, “What on earth am I doing here? Why do those two Elves have to be here? Curse this beauty that sits upon my face…I am nothing but a trophy to be won…then discarded…I would be better off to throw myself over this balcony…then this misery would end…” she slide down to the ground as tears streamed down.

Orlando felt this torture that she was going through, “Please do not pitch yourself over the ledge…I would hate to see someone I cared about die…yes you are quite beautiful…but embrace that beauty you were blessed with…” he touched her face, “I do not think of you as a trophy…I see love when I gaze upon you.” He wiped the tears away.

She smiled, “You are so charming, Orlando…”

The two guards returned again, “King Thranduil a waits for Lady Chrissy’s appearance.”

Orlando helped Chrissy up, “Are you ready to do this,” she smiled, “I guess I’m as ready as I’ll every will be.”

Chrissy walked back into the study with Orlando as she sat back down into the madness, she grabbed onto his hand for dear life. King Thranduil walked into the room and felt feelings of anxiety.

King Thranduil passed by Lady Chrissy and felt a great despair that flooded her body. He hurriedly made his way to the front of the room and sat down at this desk.

The King spoke with dignity and respect, “Most of you know why you were invited to my study…Some of you do not know why you are here. Earlier today, Landri stated that he would like to make an announcement to Lady Chrissy for his actions,” he motioned to the guards to bring Landri forward, “Now, Landri, speak freely to Lady Chrissy.”

Landri saw the terror in the young maidens eyes as she relived that terrible moment in memory, “Mi Lady Chrissy, I know this is hard for you to see me standing up here. I have done something that I never can take back and that you will forever relive in your memory. And as I humble myself in front of all my friends and acquaintances, I seek your forgiveness for my actions towards you today,”
He bent down on his knees as he wept, “I asked that you forgive my brother as well for his actions.”

Chrissy stared at him for what seemed like an eternity. She stood up and walked over to Landri and spoke softly, “You are forgiven…Landri,” then she gazed upon Rabel, hoping to hear the same words.

Rabel stared at her for a moment, “You are such the innocent maiden,”in a harsh tone he stated, “How you dare come in to Mirkwood with such beauty…you deserved what was coming to you…”

Landri broke in, “Brother, how dare you speak to her like that…” Rabel turned to him, “Do not brother me, Landri…she is the forbidden fruit that you cannot eat…” His eyes shot over to Orlando, “Only a Prince could ever taste such sweet fruit…” His eyes turned to Chrissy, “After this day Maiden…heed my words…you are a sweet flower that is beautiful right now…but you will age and just as winter approaches…the flower wilts a way and dies,” He looked upon Orlando, “She will be old and ugly…like an Orc…”

Orlando was about to get up and beat the snot out of Rabel for the unkind words that was placed upon Lady Chrissy. His father got up and rushed over to where Orlando was sitting.

King Thranduil whispered in his son’s ear, “Wait just a moment before you fight in my study.”

Jenny sat there listening to the hurtful words that Rabel spoke to her friend. However, she was just about to get up to give him a piece of her mind. Legolas stopped her just in time and asked her to sit back down.

Legolas whispered, “My father does not like violence in his study.”

Chrissy’s eyes filled with tears, “How dare you speak to me with words that are like flying daggers that hit my heart! But those words are nothing to me because its reality and some day I will have to cross that bridge. However, I will pray for you today and every day for the rest of my life,” She paused, “Because that is what forgiving people do,” Then she turned and raced out of the room.

Jenny gave him the worst look, “How dare you,” she got up and rushed out of the room to her friend.

Legolas could not believe that he was so cold hearted with his words and he felt like an ass. He had hurt Jenny for not letting her speak her mind with Rabel.
However, his father would have said she was out of order and it was none of her concern. He followed right behind her as she exited out of the study.

Orlando gave his father an unwelcoming look and raced out of the room right behind Lady Jenny. This had all been a great big mess and it was not the right thing to do.

King Thranduil walked up to Rabel, “How dare you speak to a guest in my Kingdom in that manner. You know nothing of Lady Chrissy and you speak as if you know the future. I tell you Rabel…you shalt pay for your words as you will be sentenced to death,” he turned away in disgust.

Haldir grabbed Rabel, “What has gotten into you Rabel? You are not yourself lately. Come as you will be escorted to the dungeon.”

Landri and Rabel followed as guards surround them with the highest security. Haldir felt sorry for Rabel as he had trained him and helped him work his way up in the Royal Mirkwood guards.

Chrissy bolted down the hallway and into her room where she fell onto the bed. Tears streamed down her face as she thought about what Rabel said about her getting old and gray. The sad thing was he was right and some day she would have to come to terms with that reality.

Jenny ran out of the palace and gazed around to see if she had run out into the woods. However, it was of no use and she knew that her friend was not in the right state of mind.

Orlando and Legolas came running out as they realized that Lady Jenny was standing by the stairs.

Orlando asked, “Which way did she go?”

Jenny state with worry, “I don’t know...maybe we should check her room.”

Orlando took one look at Jenny, grabbed her had and made a mad dash back into the Palace. His thoughts were racing with uncertainty of the situation. He could not believe how big of a mess this had become and how this had affected Lady Chrissy.

The both of them finally came to her room. Jenny was about to knock on the door when Orlando stopped her. He had heard crying echoing from inside the room.

Orlando stated, “Maybe we should not disturb her,” Jenny answered, “Let me go in first,” He gave her a nod and let her enter the room.

Chrissy heard someone enter her room, “Please just go away!”

Jenny replied as she sat on the bed, “It’s just me, your best friend in the world,” Chrissy turned around, “Jenny, I need time for me right now, to sort everything out, Jenny gave her friend a hug, “All right, if you need to talk, I’m in the next room,” Chrissy answered, “Okay. I just need a good cry.”

Jenny smiled, got up and walked out of the room. She noticed Orlando pacing around the room.

Orlando asked impatiently, “How is she holding up,” Jenny replied, “She needs time to herself right now. It’s best that we leave her alone for now.”

Jenny started walking down back down the hallway and turned to give Orlando a smile. She went in search of Legolas as she had some unfinished business with him.

Legolas was unsure of what direction Lady Jenny had gone to and then he saw her coming down the stairs. There eyes met as he noticed how uneasy she moved towards him.

Jenny stood at the stairs with an angry looked across her face. She was very upset with Legolas. He walked over to her and put his arm around her shoulders.

(the next scene.)

Legolas spoke first, “I am sorry for being insensitive to your friend. It twas just that I was protecting you from my father. You have to understand that it was in your best interest.”

Jenny started to laugh, “I guess I would be pretty humiliated if King Thranduil yelled out me in front of a bunch of strangers. I shouldn’t be mad with you.”

Jenny turned and gave Legolas a hug as they pulled away romance some how over took the mood. Legolas gazed into her brown eyes and they both inched in for a kiss.

The two kissed for a moment when Jenny realized that Legolas was really kissing her and it wasn’t a dream. She pulled away and just stared at him for a moment and then kissed him again.

Legolas’s thoughts, “She is quite the kisser…her lips are like the finest wine…wait she is pulling away from me…what is she doing…she has a look of confusion on her face…what....another kiss from her…”

Jenny broke away from there kiss once again, “I think I shall call this good-night, Legolas,” she smiled and asked, “Please walk me back to my room,” Legolas answered, “I will be much obliged to walk you back to your room,” Legolas took Jenny’s arm in his and began to do what she asked.

As the two were walking, Jenny asked, “I bet you have, I think this what you call it, ‘Ladies in waiting’,” Legolas grinned, “I will not lie, I do have a few but I cannot marry someone I do not love. It would only be a disaster in the end.”

Jenny replied, “I agree. However, love just complicates everything in a relation-ship. Sometimes I wish that love would come to me and then I see others whose lives are miserable…It’s just not for me…I would rather not be hurt that way.”

Legolas frowned at what she said, “That is why you find the right companion, the one that makes you burn for there love…I myself, have never found that kind of love but that does not mean I would not want to try it for myself, at least once, in my lifetime.”

They finally arrived at her door, “Good evening, Legolas,” Jenny stated, “Good evening, Lady Jenny,” Legolas replied as he kissed her lips once more.

Jenny retracted and slowly opened the door to her room. Legolas hoped that Lady Jenny would allow him to spend the night. However, Jenny was not that type of gal! She wanted to let him wonder about her and what kind of lover she was in bed or if she was still a virgin.

Legolas smiled at Jenny as she closed the door. He knew that this was the first time that an Elleth or a maiden did not let him stay the night. He knew that Jenny was different but he would have his way with her soon, enough.

Jenny stood at the door for a moment as she knew that for some reason Legolas burned into her soul. It was something that had never happened to her as she was not the one to find true love. But, she finally moved away from the door and proceeded to get ready for bed. She finally opened the Chester drawer, found a light blue gown inside and placed it on the bed.

Jenny took off her dress, placed back on the hanger and hung it off the mirror of the dresser. She was not one to ruin fancy things and took care of what she barrowed.

She walked over to the bed, placed the gown over her head and got into the bed. She reached over, blew out the candle and gazed into the darkness into the room. Moonlight had entered in from the balcony and she drifted off to sleep dreaming of Legolas.

Orlando paced out side of her door and then reconciled with what Lady Jenny had told him. He turned, walked down to his room, opened the door and closed it.

His mind would not settle as he paced around the room and recalled how he could not consol her cries. He finally lay down on the bed as hours had gone by and then he heard a faint cry. Lady Chrissy’s room was right next to his room.

Chrissy had gotten up after Jenny had left and took her dress off. She could not rest knowing that her dress was still on. She walked over to the dresser and pulled out a night gown as she placed it on.

She then got into the covers and tried to get some sleep. Thoughts raced her mind as she knew that what Rabel said was true. She could not sleep as she tossed and turned. The finally after crying for several hours she fell asleep.

In the night Chrissy began to dream of Rabel and Landri standing over her and laughing. She looked down at her skin as it had turned old and wrinkled. They showed her a mirror and she had seen a gray old woman staring back at her in the reflection. Tears and quiet moans soon echoed the room.