Linnah had returned the tray to the kitchen and now she sat quietly at the servants' dining table as she picked at her mid-day meal. Many thoughts weighed heavily on her mind. Though a part of her was still glowing from her interaction with the prince, she was worried, as it seemed he was holding something back from her and she was at a loss as to what it might be. The only thing she was sure of was that it was more then just his inability to spend more time with her.

Around her, other servants were talking amongst themselves about their daily activities. One conversation in particular roused Linnah's curiosity. Adriel and Selihl were discussing the vile thing in the dungeon.

"That's exactly what I heard! The creature they brought with them is a servant of the Dark Lord to be sure. It will not be long before he wreaks his vengeance on us for holding this thing," said Selihl.

"Oh, Selihl! Do you really believe that King Thranduil would allow such a danger to be brought to us? Surely this thing in the dungeon is of little consequence to the Dark Lord or the king would not have allowed this," said Adriel.

"Would you both please refrain from speaking of the evil one?" said Meena as she sat down next to Linnah at the table. "It takes a great toll on my nerves to hear of him. The king knows what he is doing and that is all that need be known to us."

Linnah took in this information and she worried that Selihl might be right in his assessment. If the creature in the dungeon posed any kind of threat to their kingdom, it would be a worthy explanation for the prince's uneasiness and secrecy.

"So, Linnah, where were you this morning? We did not see you at the morning meal," asked Selihl, noticing Linnah was unusually quiet.

"I was late," said Linnah, continuing to push the food absently on her plate with the fork.

"Interesting. I wonder what caused that," said Selihl mischievously.

"I don't wish to discuss it Selihl. Gillel and I have talked on the matter and it is quite resolved."

"Was Lady Elessa displeased with you?" asked Adriel concerned.

"The lady was out riding early and did not know of my tardiness."

"The lady's tray was slow to return to the kitchen, Linnah," noted Selihl, still teasing her.

"And that means what?" asked Linnah becoming irritated and defensive.

"Oh nothing...," said Selihl, grinning at Linnah and continuing past her obvious anger. "It just seems odd that you would not return with it immediately and help us out with some other task. I myself, aided in the stables after the lord and lady departed. It perplexes me as to what you found worthy of doing in the empty lady's chambers between the morning meal and now."

Adriel was stunned at the way Selihl was teasing Linnah, when it was quite apparent she was not happy with him. She looked back at Linnah, earnestly awaiting her reply.

"I do not have to answer to you Selihl. If you have a problem with me, take it up with your father; otherwise keep your inquisitiveness to yourself. You, for one, should not be so hasty in questioning my whereabouts."

"Is that a threat, Linnah?" asked Selihl, narrowing his eyes at her.

Adriel was completely speechless. What had gotten into them this afternoon? She had never witnessed Linnah get this heated.

"That is quite enough!" exclaimed Meena, surprising the others at the table with her loud outburst. "I will not have this kind of temperament show its ugly face in my kitchen! Selihl please stop this line of questioning, Linnah is not under your command."

"I meant no harm by it Meena," said Selihl, shrugging his shoulders and changing his tone. "I was just curious."

Linnah got up from the table, pushing her half-finished plate away and said, "If you all will excuse me, I must attend Lady Elessa now."

Selihl also stood up from the table and looked at Linnah as he spoke, "I must go as well. Lord Orlindel may need my help after his long morning ride. I will escort you, Linnah."

Linnah shook her head and sighed. She did not have the energy to argue further and said simply, "If you wish Selihl, seeing as we are going in the same direction."

They cleared their tableware and left the kitchen together. Meena watched them leave wondering what could have caused Selihl's sudden intense interest in Linnah's affairs and why Linnah seemed so distant before their exchange began.