The forest was dark and dense beyond the clearing. Without her consent, Orlindel had danced her out of the circle and pulled her along with him into the forest. The forest floor squished and crunched beneath her bare feet.

"Come on beautiful, let me show you something very special," said Orlindel, as he picked up the pace and ran with her between the trees.

"I really should get back to my friends," said Linnah, starting to pant from the exertion.

"But you wouldn't want to miss this, fair lady!" he shouted back to her as they ran.

"Maybe we could do this some other time!"

"You really ought to see this first!"

Finally he stopped and walked her slowly between a cluster of trees. There was a natural pool just on the other side. The moon and stars were reflected on its smooth surface and made the water glitter like diamonds.

"See? It is as I said, beautiful lady, something very special."

While Linnah was distracted by the glittering pool, he leaned over and surprised Linnah by placing his hands on her breasts and at the same time forced his mouth over hers, kissing her passionately. She could taste the wine on his breath, as she felt his tongue enter her mouth. He moved his hands to grip her arms tightly, his strong hands keeping her close to him. Linnah started to panic and did what any maiden in her right mind should do in a situation such as this...she slammed her knee hard into his groin.

Orlindel broke his hold on her and let out a howl of pain. As he reflexively bent over, Linnah pushed him into the pool of water.

The howl and the splash were enough to alert Legolas to their exact location and he hurried in that direction just in time to catch a glimpse of Linnah fleeing the area. He looked at Orlindel, who was now climbing out of the pool and much sobered from the experience. The lord stood and turned in the direction that Linnah had departed. He scowled and was about to run off after her, but Legolas quickly came up from behind and put a hand on his shoulder to cease his pursuit.

"Let her go, Orli. Enough has been done this night," he ordered.

By the nickname, Orlindel knew immediately who had stopped him. "What concern is it of yours, Legolas?" He angrily shrugged his shoulder away from the prince's hand and turned to face him.

"I'll tell you exactly what my concern is, cousin," said the prince glaring at the lord. Now failing to contain the anger which had been building up from earlier in the day, he continued, "I do not know what devilry you tried with Linnah when you were in my bathing chambers earlier today, but both your wife and Gillel think that I did something amiss to her. To spare your wife's feelings, I admitted to wrongdoing I did not commit. THAT is my concern. I watch you again and again take a maiden to your bed, when you have a lovely wife waiting for you. A wife that I have been friends with for over 200 years. THAT is my concern. You are second to the throne and as such you should conduct yourself in a more honorable manner and THAT, my dear cousin, is definitely my concern!"

Orlindel narrowed his eyes at his cousin. Then he smiled as a searing thought entered his mind. "You have feelings for that handmaiden, don't you? That is what this is about." He shook his head and pointed a finger at Legolas. "You're mad that I got to her first."

"Got to her first?" thought Legolas, worriedly. "You are quite mistaken, Orlindel. What this is about is my concern over your indiscretions and lack of honor."

Orlindel waved away the prince's answer and said, "Say whatever makes you feel better, cousin, but I know the truth." Then he stepped towards Legolas, bridging the gap between them. His voice deepened and he threatened, "I know it and soon your father will know it, if you ever come between me and something I want again." Without letting Legolas respond further, he turned and quickly disappeared into the woods.

Legolas watched him leave and sighing deeply with disappointment, took off his mask and ran to find Linnah.