A/N: Sorry for the delay...It is going to be difficult to update more quickly during the holidays, but I will try my best. Thank you again for all of the encouragement!

The first week of Linnah's training passed swiftly. Legolas could not always be present at these sessions. He had his duties attending to Gollum as well as assisting in patrolling the borders of his father's realm. Aragorn was the main teacher and when his duties permitted, Aeron also lent some of his expertise.

Linnah was exhausted after these sessions, and though she would not speak it, Aragorn knew that it was not the physical aspect of the trainings that exhausted her. Every day spent training was one less day she had left. Though she seemed weary, Linnah never shirked in her dedication to the lessons. She was becoming progressively adept at using the bow. Adeptness with the sword continued to elude her.

Legolas had seen to it that a bow was crafted especially for her. She had broken down into sobs when he had given it to her in his chambers on the third night of her training. All the meanings of what that weapon represented came flooding out and she could not be consoled, try as the prince might. All he could do was hold her until she cried herself to sleep in his arms. The next morning as Linnah got dressed, it was if nothing had happened and with great deliberateness, she picked up the bow and had quickly left to meet Aragorn.

Legolas kept up appearances, but inside he too was suffering from her impending departure.

Another meeting had taken place between Thranduil, Legolas and Aragorn. Among the topics discussed was the route in which the ranger would take in his escorting Linnah to Forlindon. The journey needed to be accomplished in such a way as to put him in Bree during the time requested by Gandalf. Orlindel was present at this meeting, which Legolas found very odd. When the prince questioned his cousin on this account, Orlindel just smiled smugly and said that his interest was based solely on Linnah's leaving. He could care less about Legolas's feelings on the matter. Orlindel said he truly believed that it was in the kingdom's best interest that she leave and he for one, would see this done.

Just before sunrise on the seventh day of Linnah's training, Legolas was awakened by a light rapping on his door. He sat up in bed and looked at Linnah, who was sleeping peacefully next to him. He leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead before leaving the bed. He quickly pulled on his leggings and threw a tunic over his head.

As he approached the chamber door, there came another knock, somewhat louder. Legolas opened the door just as the dungeon guard was raising his hand to knock again.

Not wanting to wake Linnah, he walked out of the room and into the hall. As he closed the door behind him, he asked, "Yes? What is it?"

"Your Majesty, sorry for waking you. I felt it important that you know of Gollum's movements."

"Movements?" asked Legolas, confused. "Isn't he locked in his cell?"

"Yes, he was my lord, but…ah…, I'm sure you already know this and I am just being overly cautious," began the guard nervously.

"Yes? Go on."

"Well, Lord Orlindel said you already approved, but I just wanted to make sure…"

"Orlindel said I approved what?" asked Legolas tersely, becoming frustrated with the guard. In truth, he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to hear what the guard was about to say.

"Approved him taking Gollum for an early outing in the forest, my Lord." He paused and added, "Alone."

Legolas's eyes widened in horror of the situation. "Wait here," he said and stepped back inside his room. In less than a minute he returned, fully dressed with his weapons in hand. Legolas motioned for the guard to follow him. Once they were quickly descending the stone stairway, he stated, "I made no such approval. Orlindel is a traitor and I want him and the creature found at once."

"Aye, of course my Lord," said the guard earnestly. As they reached the entrance to the Great Hall, the dungeon guard bowed quickly to the prince and ran to alert Aeron and the other guards.

Legolas strapped on his weapons and went directly to the King's chambers to inform his father of Orlindel's treachery.