[Manardariel]

“Girls- girls can I have a moment alone?” Tessa asked, her voice hoarse. “I promise I won´t tell Finduilas anything.” As if I could! As if I could repeat anything they said to her!

Tessa hastened out of the room and up the stairs. Through a corridor, another one- she barely knew where she was going when she came out on the balcony of the northern turret. From here you could see all of the city: It´s white mansions in the higher rings, the citadel, but also the small houses, the mighty walls and towers of guard. Was it really the sharp wind that blew tears to her eyes? Tessa stared south. There was her home. The crowing of the gulls, the salty taste on her lips. Ships and seagulls. Merchants and nobeles. The laughter of children in the streets. The rumble of waves, the soft call of “farewell” every sailor knows.

“How can they hate us so much?” Tessa asked aloud. No one answered. No one, no one is this city will listen to us. It´s hopeless!

The sun had begann to set over Minas Tirith. Red and golden streakd, mixed with pale pinks and a deep scarlet painted the city. It was beautiful- but to Tessa, it was disgusting.

“Beauty lies in the eyes of that who looks.” She said, fury rising inside. She looked at the city once more her arms raised as if she was casting a spell. “And you are UGLY!”

*******
“So, what´s the plan for tomorrow then?” Tessa asked Averyll. They were at dinnertime, Tessa having declined Finduilas offer for a stroll and a late meal afterwards. She didn´t think she could bare to look her sister in the eye. Finduilas had looked suprised, but not hurt or something.Tessa, on the other hand, didn´t think she could bare it. But she had to, it was for Finduilas´ own good! She had come to resolution with herself: she would fight, fight for Finduilas honor and her own pride.Right now, she was listening to Averyll telling her about tomorrow. And how she should behave. “And remember Tessa: be good. No comments, no loud laughing, always smile and keep your opinion to yourself.” She nodded bravely, but inside she felt sick. Nervous, and disgusted. [I]An interesting mixture![I/] Tessa felt her good spirits coming back, and knew: she would not give up.

[ August 13, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]