[Manardariel]

"Good heavens, this court seems to be made of ladies!" Tessa told her sister, grinning maliciously. "All those dresses, and look at their faces- they must think they´re the top-notch!" She made a face closely resembling the one of a lady that had just been introduced to them. "Honestly, let´s hope it doesn´t rain. With their noses stuck up like that, they may drown!"

"Tessa!" Finduilas made a calming gesture. "Yes, this court is full of ladies. But don´t make them your fiend. Women may not sword-fight, but they´re as dangerous as honeybees..."

"Honey, I know. I was joking! I promise to be a good girl, and try to get along with them." To show off her good will, she smiled nicely at th young lady across the table- a beauty, but overshadowed by her speldid sister. Quite like me! Tessa thought, nodding pleasantly. Only I´m not really pretty, AND I don´t mind that Finduilas is. Wonder if she does...

She then turned her head, examining the other girls and ladies assembled around them. Some where pretty, some not; some wore dresses of the latest fashion; some where babbeling about, discussing news and such.

People kept staring at Finduilas, and the looks on their faces closely reminded Tessa of the faces of the farmers on the spring market, when they were buying horses. They´re estamating her value. Is she pretty; is she rich, young, fertile?

"Finduilas!"Tessa giggled. "Sister, your a prize horse!"

Finduilas stared. Delightedly, Tessa burts out laughing loudly- thelook on her sister´s face had just been to much to bare. People up ad down the hall stopped and stared while she laughed on, unable to surpress it. And then it stuck Tessa, that she may have little to laugh about the next few weeks.