Shadow of the West

[Imladris]

Korak said that I did not appreciate good things....that's what he said....why did he say that? Arshalous reigned in her white mare and buried her face in the course mane. Why was this bothering her so? He was a little worm. He was a lying snake. He was lying when he had said that. She fidgeted uncomfortably. Had he?

Suspicion slithered into her mind and whispered softly in her ear. She had never yet been concerned with her lack of friends or that she had never been invited to one any of the parties that the nobles occasionally threw. But...but maybe this was why.

What did it matter what others thought of her? Korak was lying. That was all there was to it. Did she not care for honour? Did she not care for true nobility? Were those not good things? But did she care about them because they were good, or because she thought caring about those things made her better than Korak?

Was she just like Korak? Was she shallow, a scrabbler for what she thought was best without a care in the world for anything else? Did she just do what she wanted without a thought? No! She couldn't be like Korak!

She straightened and urged her steed towards Korak's court. He wouldn't be home yet...he would be gloating over the temple or proclaiming his false love to the Princess. But his mother was there....the Lady Hababa...she had promised to visit her every so often. Now would be an excellent time...nobody unpleasant was home.

Somewhat pleased with the thought of meeting her aunt, she heard her name called and realized that it was the Chamberlain. "Lady Arshalous!" he called. "The King requests your presence for there are matters respecting the Temple that he wishes to discuss with you."

Arshalous frowned, disappointed and annoyed that she had to go and talk about the Temple. Since it was about the temple, Korak would probably be there too and she did not want to see him gloating over his victory. Cringing, she mutely turned the horse around, tied her to a post, and followed the Chamberlain to the King's presence. She noticed that Korak was not with the King and even though she was happy that he was absent, the fact also puzzled her.

Bowing to the King, she said softly, "Greetings, my lord."