The dinner party and ball...
Ränne was busy about the party, making sure the guests wine goblets remained filled and also passing some water to the soldier guard about Denethor and also to the guards about Finduilas for their ordered breaks. The ones from Dol Amroth she had not seen about the city, but Minas Tirith guards she has during their off hours. Knowing they were sworn to duty, she noted their demeanor during all the festivities, and watched most closely the guard from Dol Amroth.
The evening was brutal on her feet, and she kept her distance from Lady Ruiel. Ränne got an order to see to the drinks of the guests who have finished their meals and were in attendence in the main ballroom. Carrying two pitchers of wine and some goblets, Ränne made her way about the guests dancing, gracefully moving about and gathering some enjoyment as she balanced the pitchers and glasses upon a tray. It was with a fluttering of a familiar fine dress that Dryea and a fine young man whirled by, and Ränne smiled as she watched them dance. Dryea favored him as her hands and body movement spoke loudly of it, yet Ränne knew Lady Ruiel would disapprove. Surely she had already a notion of this, and so Ränne chose to keep quiet on Dryea's joyful flirtation, for did not Lady Ruiel wish her to become her own woman in the city? Surely she will rise or fall on her own merits and actions. . . .
Much fine words were spoken and much intrigue was passed throughout the evening, and Ränne could see the disdain of some toward the Lady Finduilas. Much work was to be done still as the royal guests started to dwindle in the ballroom. and with a last service of water to the Lady Finduilas before she retired, Ränne bowed and smiled. Finduilas's eyes then met hers as they did when she arrived, and Ränne could see there was much apprehension in her that she tried to keep buried. There was a pause, and Ränne said as she looked at Finuilas's feet.
'If there be any need of the Lady in this city, have your servants call for Ränne.
Ränne knew she was out of place to speak, and the guards from Dol Amroth eyes her close. Her dark features moved smoothly as no ill will was seen or felt, and lady Finduilas took note of the servant who had been working all about the evening's party.
~~~
in the Lady Ruiel's chamber...
She was through the clean-up when she noticed the summons of Lady Ruiel for the evening. It seemed work was never done for Ränne, and she made her way toward the Lady Ruiel's chamber. A light tap upon the door brought the customary "Come." and Rä entered slowly, taking a look back into the hall before letting the door close quietly. It was a habit to check for followers and prying ears, though Ränne always assumed eyes and ears were where they shouldn't anyway. Ränne bowed with her eyes down as she responded,
'My Lady'
"What did you learnt this day, Ränne?"
The Lady Ruiel asked in her easy, soft and alluring, yet strictly business sounding voice, looking Ränne over closely. Ränne looked at the lady's wine glass as she started to speak,
'There is much m'lady. There is much mistrust of the Dol Amroth guards of the Minas Tirith guards, but I feel it is that of being in the city. And there are feelings of disdain amongst the guards of Minas Tirth of the Lady's guards. But this is a good thing, for I know of many of the guard of Minas Tirith, and may yet learn of those of Dol Amroth as they stay here with the Lady Finduilas...'
"Ok, enough with your trysts with the guards, tell me what you have heard among the people?"
Ränne looked down in the seeming disgrace judged upon her by Lady Ruiel, but Ränne went on,
'It is very easy to gain access to the Lady Finduilas, and there is a brewing comtempt put forth by some of this city as whisperings of the Lady Finduilas being not of Dol Amroth.'
Ränne's dark eyebrows lifted some at this, for she suspected the Lady Ruiel may have had something to do with this. But she was not in the know of all things she plotted, and so it was that Ränne could only guess at some things. She went on as Lady Ruiel sipped her wine.
'But there is one with Lady Finduilas who we must watch closely.. the one named Vieana... I will keep note of her. 'There is also much adoration of Lady Finduilas among the people, and yet some disdain that Denethor did not choose to wed a local girl.'
Ränne stopped as she remembered the way Dryea was carrying on with the Gondorian soldier. She would not speak of it to Lady Ruiel, but something told her the Lady already knew. Ränne fell silent and looked at the feet of Lady Ruiel...
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