[Ealasaid]

“…but if either of you end up poisoned by that snake’s fangs - or, as a matter of fact, her tea - don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

Tessa stared menacingly at the three conspirators. Only Averyll managed to meet her gaze. Finally, with a shrug and a nod to Elen and Vieana, Averyll took Tessa by the elbow and guided her to a distant corner of the room, away from any doors, tapestries, or listening ears.

“It’s because the Pelien woman is a snake that I seek her out,” she said quietly. “What I am about to tell you is of the strictest confidence. You must swear not to breathe a word of it to your sister. Can you do that?”

Tessa eyed her suspiciously.

“We are trying to protect Finduilas,” Averyll explained carefully. “I only ask you to keep these things from her so as not to cause her undue stress. Of course, she may find out eventually, but, for the moment, we need to exercise the utmost of secrecy. Will you swear?”

Tessa hesitated a moment to think. Finally, she agreed. “I swear I will keep it secret from Finduilas only so long as I think it would be of benefit for her not to know. Will that do?”

Averyll nodded, satisfied. “Those are our conditions exactly.” Still speaking quietly, she told Tessa the entire story of the increasingly pervasive rumors regarding Finduilas’ lineage, the smirks of the guards, and the gossip that flowed unchecked amongst the servants of the citadel. As Averyll spoke, Tessa’s expressive features grew increasingly grim. When Averyll explained her own unplanned excursion into the servant’s quarters to speak with Diorwyn, Tessa smiled gravely.

“So, that’s where you went during lunch,” she commented. “I thought you were gone an awfully long time.”

Averyll smiled. “I had to do something. And, knowing how close you are with your sister, we had to agree to keep things from you as well as Finduilas, in the hopes of keeping the both of you above all of this…this scheming.” She sighed. “But if you must know about all of it, perhaps you can help us.”

Tessa glanced over toward where Vieana and Eleniel waited anxiously. “Have the three of you come up with a plan, then?”

Again, Averyll nodded. “Such as it is.” She beckoned to the other two ladies, who quickly joined them. “Our plan,” she told Tessa. “Is two-fold. Firstly, we are trying to find the source of the rumors. If we have any success, perhaps we can discredit the individual at fault and save our Finduilas’ reputation quietly, without making a great fuss about it at court.”

“And secondly?” prompted Tessa.

“Secondly,” chimed in Vieana. “We hope to spread enough wild rumors about the various ladies of Minas Tirith that no one will notice what is said about Finduilas. They will all be too worried about their own reputations.”

Averyll nodded. “No one will know what to believe about anyone, and, with a little luck, the entire thing will blow past with no lasting ill effects against anyone.”

Tessa gave her a long, considering stare. “And where does this Pelien woman fit in?”

“Tomorrow, two hours after noon,” answered Averyll, with a grin. “But, seriously, she represents our First Assault. We hope to find out what we can -- subtly, of course -- about these rumors. Failing that, we hope to plant a few of our own.”

“You have chosen a formidable target. Perhaps I should come along, too.”

Elen reached out and took Tessa’s hand. “Yes. Do!” She exclaimed. “Having you with us would most certainly be to our advantage!”

“Yes, indeed!” agreed Averyll. “You have clever mind and a quick tongue, both useful qualities for this little endeavor. I shall send a second note to Lady Pelien, accepting her invitation and advising her that you, too, will be attending. Agreed?” She looked around the faces of the other three ladies. When all three had communicated their acquiescence, she smiled. “Then I believe I have a letter to write!”

“And the lot of us have some serious planning to do,” added Tessa.