[*Varda*]

Unfolding the small piece of parchment in her hands, the young woman read the contents inside.

Rosanna-

Report to the great gate of Minas Tirith an hour before dawn tomorrow. An officer of the Citadel Guard named Sir Mindalel will be inside the gate. Speak to him for further instructions. Prepare for a week of riding in the snow as well as combat. Your normal wages will be tripled for the duration of your service. Further rewards will be forthcoming should you perform well. Horses will be provided.

Morgan

A smile curled on Ros’ face. More money, potential rewards…this seemed like a job worth doing, should she make her services useful. She sat on the hard bed in her empty little room, gazing around. A break from this place would do her no harm. Getting up, she threw a few silver coins and personal belongings into her bag, and pulled on her warm cloak, setting the hood over her loose brown curls.

She stood by the window, staring into the inky darkness of the night sky, and watching the white frost of the snow begin to settle around the window pane. She should set off soon, she thought to herself, or the snow would be falling too fast and thick to journey at such a time of night.

Her bag over her shoulder, and her sword by her side, she wrapped her cloak tighter about her, descended the creaky wooden stairs, and set off towards the Great Gate.