Selihl and Linnah ascended the stairs leading to the royals' chambers together. Neither of them spoke and Linnah refused to allow herself to make eye contact with him. At the top of the stairs, they were stopped abruptly by Lord Orlindel's appearance.
"Ah, Selihl, there you are. I was just coming to summon you." Then looking at Linnah, he narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Linnah. What a nice surprise. I believe my wife was looking for you as well."
Linnah avoided eye contact with the lord as best she could and curtseying said, "Thank you my Lord, I will go to her right away." She hurried past him on the stairs, leaving Orlindel to watch and wonder what was affecting the change in her countenance.
Orlindel turned his attention back to Selihl and asked, "Have you seen my green tunic and vest? They seem to be missing from my wardrobe."
This was the clothing that Selihl had borrowed the night before and he quickly replied, "I believe they have not returned from the laundry yet, my lord."
"Hmm, I see. Well follow me; I have some things to discuss with you."
Selihl followed Orlindel up the stairs and into the dimly lit hallway.
Later, with their afternoon duties completed, Linnah and Selihl met up once again. They now made their way across the Great Hall toward the kitchen, just as Aragorn and Legolas entered from outside. Linnah noticed them right away and her heartbeat quickened with nervousness and excitement. Aragorn, upon noticing Linnah, immediately walked towards her.
"Linnah! I was wondering when I might see your fair face again," said Aragorn as he reached out to clasp one of her hands in both of his. He put a hand to his chest and slightly bowed.
Linnah curtsied to him saying, "Hello, my Lord." She then looked towards the prince. His face was calm and he smiled evenly. She curtsied again saying, "Your Highness."
Legolas nodded his head in acknowledgement, but said nothing. He felt a slight twinge of jealousy that Aragorn could reach out and touch her, when he could not.
"My Lords," said Selihl bowing to the prince and then to Aragorn.
"This is Selihl, attendant to Lord Orlindel," introduced Legolas.
Aragorn smiled and nodded to Selihl. "Do you mind if I steal Linnah from your company?"
"Not at all my Lord," said the attendant bowing.
"If duties permit, that is...," asked Aragorn as he offered his arm to Linnah.
"Of course, Sir," answered Linnah taking his arm. "I would be honored."
Selihl bowed once again and continued away toward the kitchen.
Aragorn turned toward Legolas with Linnah still on his arm. "Some pressing business has come up," he said lightheartedly. "Do you mind if we continue our discussion later?"
"Nay Aragorn, I do not mind," responded Legolas smiling more at Linnah then Aragorn. "If I had such pressing business, I would also beg my leave."
"Oh?" asked Aragorn. This was a far different attitude then the prince had portrayed the night before. Legolas replied only in his more intense stare at Linnah. Aragorn pressed the issue no further.
Linnah felt her cheeks turn crimson. She bent slightly at the knees and bowed her head to the prince. As Aragorn turned to leave with her, she allowed her eyes to stray upon the prince but a moment more and was rewarded when in her head, she heard his voice say softly, "Don't get too comfortable on his arms, for soon you will be in mine."