[Lyra Greenleaf]

A smile tugged at the corners of Emilia's mouth as she watched Adrama stalk away like an angry cat. She was full of anger, hurt and unrequited love. Only a fool would allow themselves to love where the feeling was not returned. She had little fear that Adrama would remain angry with her for long. Emilia held her secret, which put her in a position of power, as well as making her the best person to turn to if she wanted to talk. Shaking her head she began to scan the crowd for Finduilas.

"Excuse me, m'Lady but I have something important to tell the Lady Emilia, if it is a good time for me to do so?"

Emila turned at the interruption. It was that cook- Vernatia? Vernathita?- and she had a worried expression. Emilia sighed again, frustrated. She wanted to go to see Finduilas, but this contact was important. Rumours past fastest and best through the servants, and if there was a rumour Emilia wanted stopped or started, this cook was the key. That was to say nothing of the information she had received through her frequently.

She smiled at the woman as calmly as she could. It was important not to anger the famous temper she possessed. Emilia had little time for any servants, but she held this cook in a grudging respect. She had a strength which Emilia intended to emulate- although combined with looks and money, of course.

"Of course," she answered, adding warningly "If it is important."
The cook nodded and began to walk towards the door, to where it would be quieter. Emilia's lips twitched as she noted the contrast between the old woman in the old, worn dress and the ladies at the ball.

"M'lady, I thought you'd be interested in what I had heard. You might be aware of the rumor, but it is quite new. You see, the Lady Dryea, you know she is from Dol Armoth..."
Emilia nodded. Everyone knew that- Dryea's mother would not let them forget if they wished! This was not the news.

"But, the Lady Dryea does not think they are from Dol Armoth, you know, the Ladies with Finduilas. And she isn't sure about the Lady Finduilas herself! You would think that Lady Dryea would know, being in such a place of power...wouldn't you? Well, I thought you ought to have known, my'lady..."

Emilia stood silently as she digested this information. It seemed prepostorous. Surely Denethor would not be so lax in choosing his bride? Yet all reports said that he was infatuated, and love, Emilia had heard, was blind. Perhaps they had blinded Denethor to the fact that his bride to be was an imposter?

With a start Emilia realised she was chewing her lip, and frowned. That was silly, for she did not wish to cut herself. She took a deep considering breath.
"Thank you" she said with a distracted smile. "You certainly did right to tell me of this. Now, there is no proof of this, but equally we have no reason to distrust the Lady Dryea. I believe that as long as it is known this is merely rumour, it will do little harm. After all if Finduilas is genuine she will be able to poduce proofs enough for anyone, but if she is an imposter, or being tricked herself, it may offer a chance to find out the plot."

She pause and smiled genuinely at the cook.
"Thank you"
The woman bobbed a curtsey and walked away. Emilia stood for a while, thinking. She had given permission, no doubt, for the rumour to be spread throughout the city. Still, at the very least it would be interesting to see what happened!

Well well well, she thought with a lazy grin. Perhaps Adrama will get her chance after all! Now I must not dream in corridors. I should talk to Dryea herself, to see what she says and I still haven't seen Finduilas. She sighed. At this rate I will have no time to find a husband at all!