A/N: Hi everyone. Sorry for the delay. I have many excuses, but will spare you the madness. For those of you who celebrate it, I hope everyone had a good Valentine's day! Speaking of valentines, where did I leave our two star-crossed love birds? Ah yes...

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Linnah awoke to the bed next to her being empty. It was to be another day of training and she had expected Legolas not only to be up and already dressed, but to be gently chiding her as well at her slowness to make ready.

She sat up in bed and frowned as she realized the prince was not even in the room. "He must have had some business to attend to and did not wish to wake me," thought Linnah, trying to reassure herself. She looked across the room at the desk and noticed trays sitting upon it. "Why are the morning trays here already?" she thought. Then she noticed the angle of light coming through the window, indicating it was almost noon. "I must have overslept…but why did Aragorn not come for me?"

Linnah quickly got out the bed and walked toward the bathing chamber. On her way, she looked down at the trays and another thought assailed her, "Why is Legolas's tray untouched?" She shook her head in puzzlement and entered the bathing chamber. Inside, there was a basin with a sweet smelling soap lying on a low shelf and a clean wash cloth laid over its edge. She picked up a pitcher of water and as she filled the empty basin, a feeling of dread started to creep over her.

She quickly washed her face and tried without success to feel Legolas, to use their bond connect with him. Unbeknownst to Linnah, his mind was focused on addressing the king's troupes and unconsciously he was blocking her.

Hurriedly she changed into her training attire and grabbing her weapons, left the chambers. As she made her way into the Great Hall, she frowned as she did not see Aragorn. Normally, it was here that she found him waiting for her. She did notice, however, that the servants about the hall were unusually quiet. She crossed the polished floor and after going down the stairs, entered the kitchen. Adriel was standing in front of a large sink washing dishes, but her usual smile had been replaced by a serious frown.

Linnah crossed the kitchen and walked up to her friend.

"Adriel, what is going on this morning?"

Adriel turned to face Linnah and said softly, "Oh Linnah I am so sorry. Did you not hear?"

"No. What is it?" asked Linnah worriedly.

"That horrible creature in the dungeon has escaped. It is believed that Lord Orlindel had something to do with it."

Linnah blinked a few times in shock and then asked, "When did this happen?"

"Very early this morning, before the sun rose. Gillel told us that the king is to give us special instructions before the evening meal tonight."

Linnah put a hand on her friend's arm, more to steady herself then to offer comfort. She then asked worriedly, "Prince Legolas and Lord Aragorn, where are they, Adriel?"

Adriel looked as if she was about to cry and answered, "Our prince speaks to the king's army. I'm not sure what instructions he is giving them. Lord Aragorn left with Aeron and some guards, to search after Lord Orlindel and the creature. It is feared he was headed to Dol Guldur, though I do not understand why, but…Oh Linnah! I think there is going to be war upon us." Adriel pulled Linnah into a hug and said desperately, "What are we going to do?"

Linnah hugged her friend back and said aloud, "Let us wait and see what King Thranduil has to say about this," but internally she thought, "I will not let harm come to those I love. I don't know what orders will be given tonight, but I know what I must do. And I will do it alone."