[Manardariel]

Suddenly, Tessa nodded a commotion at the end of the hall.

"Finduilas, look! It’s the steward!"

Finduilas sharply took in her breath. Tessa, who was standing on tiptoes, craning her neck to get a better look, noticed and clutched her hand- tight. The woman tried to calm herself. Breathe, Finduilas. Breathe...she told herself. She arranged her shawl around her shoulders and fixed her gown. Back in the hall, a voice rang:

"Make way, for the noble steward Ecthelion!"

Gowns moved, swords clattered as the nobility of Minas Tirith settled into bows to their steward. The rustling of silk and the whisper around her reminded Tessa of an angry swarm of bees. The steward crossed the hall. Tessa watched him greet his daughters and a few more important members of the court, making pleasant conversation with the ladies. He was coming nearer to their table. Tessa stared at him apprehensively.

He was a tall men, not yet old, but beyond the mid of his life. He stood proud in his midnight-blue uniform, adorned with the symbol of the Tower. He had an eagle-like nose, piercing blue-eyes and a look of stern consent on his face; not unlike Tessa’s father when he was about to punish her.

Finduilas curtsied deeply; Tessa behind her reluctantly following suit. Trying to find a way to study Ecthelion and look humble and respectful at the same time, Tessa moved her head up a tin bit, almost completely hidden under the shawl Jacinth had forced over her hair.

Ecthelion offered his hand to Finduilas, who took it. Her head still bowed, hands shaking, she watched him kiss it, feeling his cool lips on her skin.

"Lady Finduilas" he said, bowing his head in greeting. "It is my greatest pleasure to welcome you at my court. I have been so anxious to meet you, and my son as well. Come, my Lady."

And without further ado, he let her out of the hall.

Tessa stared, to watch. A rustle of silk told her the party was over, but she couldn´t move. What was going on in there? Later, much later she lay in bed, waiting for Finduilas. She’d stay awake all night if that was necessary. All night............

But the moon had won this fight over Tessa, and gently he covered her with the sweet silky blanket of sleep.