Legolas paced back and forth over the rug in his room like a caged animal. The evening meal had concluded and everyone had either retired to their respective chambers or gone to join the king's men in merrymaking in the surrounding woods. Legolas sometimes liked to join in the festivities or on quiet nights, meditate and read in his talan, but at the moment his hands were clasped behind his back and his brows were knit together tightly. When he finally had had the chance to confront Orlindel, the elf lord was nowhere to be found.

He also couldn't stop thinking about the way he had slighted Linnah when he was supposed to be apologizing for his cousin's behavior. Not pausing in his pacing, he took the crown from his head and without looking at it, tossed it onto his bed. He was shocked at how easily the sight of her with the ranger had caused him to act so rudely. "Wonderful! I am jealous of a human male engaging in conversation with a handmaiden!" thought Legolas sarcastically. Frustrated with himself, he ran his hands over his face and then stopping in his tracks, placed his hands on his hips.

"What is wrong with me this night?" he asked the empty room. In his heart he knew what was wrong. He cared for Linnah more then he had realized and his concern for her well being even outweighed his anger with Orlindel.

Absently, he unclasped his blue and gray vest. Removing it, he threw it to the floor. He plopped himself onto one of the big chairs in front of the fireplace, draping his right leg casually over the arm of the chair. He shook his head and thought, "What is it to be done about this?" He stared into the fire for a moment. "I must set things right. If my cousin sees fit to lower himself by his actions, I certainly do not."

Legolas bent over and as he unlaced his boots he thought, "I have watched her from a distance her whole life. She is nothing but sweet and good and unfortunately, like my cousin, I have wronged her. She does not deserve the hurt and confusion we have caused." He removed his boots and the thin socks he wore with them. Legolas stared into the fire again for a few moments.

As the flames danced before his eyes, he decided that the only way to clear his mind of Linnah and this torment was to apologize to her that very minute. He rose quickly from the chair. Unconcerned that he was now only wearing a lose tunic and leggings, he left his chambers and headed silently, barefoot towards the servants' quarters.

During this time Linnah had been in Lady Elessa's room, just as the Lady had requested of her earlier. She was undoing the Lady's braids and brushing out her long blond hair. Lady Elessa was confused by Linnah's distant manner. After Legolas had left the balcony, she had gone back inside, content with the knowledge that the prince was to apologize for his inappropriate behavior. But Linnah still seemed heavy of heart and that did not make sense.

"Are you well, Linnah?" asked Lady Elessa looking at Linnah in the refection of her mirror.

"Yes, my Lady I am quite well," answered Linnah, quietly.

"Are you sure? You seem to be troubled," said Elessa.

"It's really nothing. I just have much on my mind tonight. Please do not bother yourself with me, my Lady. I will be better company after a good nights sleep," said Linnah smiling calmly.

"Well if this is the case, then I will not keep you long. You may away to retire after my braids are undone," said the Lady kindly.

"Thank you, Mistress Elessa, I would appreciate it greatly," said Linnah. She quickly finished the task at hand and said, "There. I am done. Are you sure there is nothing else I can do for you before I go?"

Lady Elessa turned and smiled at the handmaiden. "No. That will be all Linnah, thank you."

Smiling faintly, Linnah curtsied and left the room.