Ethas, the young squire who had taken the prince's weapons earlier, was now frantically running up the narrow, curving stone stairway towards the prince's chambers. He carried with him Legolas's weapons, cleaned and polished. It had taken him longer than he had thought it would and now he was worried that the prince would be upset with him. Besides which, he had forgotten that his assistance had also been requested in the stables. There were visitors coming tonight and there would be more horses than usual to attend to.
Linnah was on her way up to Lady Elessa's chambers when she was practically run over from behind.
"Umph!" said Linnah, as she was knocked to her knees.
Immediately noticing her unusually dark hair, the squire thought, 'Oh thank the Valar, it's just Linnah.'
"I'm so sorry, Linnah, I didn't see you, honest," said Ethas, as he helped Linnah to her feet.
"What could be causing you to rush so?" asked Linnah, brushing off her soft blue servant dress.
"Oh. Well, I'm sort of supposed to be in the stables right now and I have yet to deliver these to Prince Legolas," said Ethas, showing her the weapons. "Oh, I am so worried he will be disappointed in me," he continued.
Linnah had never heard of the prince becoming cross at anyone, but knew that when he was disappointed, he had other ways of showing you. She took pity on the frantic squire. "Listen Ethas, I was on my way to Lady Elessa's chambers. As the Lady's chambers are only just below the Prince's, let me take him his weapons and you can away quickly to the stables."
"Oh would you? That would help me out tremendously!"
"Yes, but you owe me one. Understand?" said Linnah with a smile.
The squire gave her a wide smile in return. He quickly handed her the weapons of the beautiful assassin and ran back down the stairs.
"Slow down!" called Linnah, shaking her head. "Squires," she thought.
Linnah knew that she herself must hurry, as the Lady would be awaiting her. She continued up the stone stairway, passing the entrance to the hall that housed the ladies' bed chambers. She climbed to the next level and entered the hallway that led to the lords' as well as Prince Legolas's chambers.