[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

The next morning.

Meirelle awoke to a bird crying loudly outside her window. Glancing at the large clock in her quarters, she was pleased to note that she was not late in awakening. She stretched leisurely and slowly got out of bed. As she got herself ready for the day, Meirelle ran what she had to accomplish through her mind. It had seemed easy enough when she was first told, but now it was proving to be difficult.

When she had started to walk down the long corridor towards the eating room, it wasn't long before she heard whispered snatches of rumours.

"Finduilas? Really? But the lady seemed so nice..."

"...not herself. A secret identity!"

"Lying about her identity. What a pity."

A slow smile crept across Meirelle's face as she made her way towards the eating room. Someone had already done some work-Dryea, no doubt. She never had liked procrastination. As she stepped lightly down the stairs, she smiled at a guard passing by (who smiled back). She finally got into the maids' eating quarters and settled herself at a table with a bowl of porridge and a cup of warm milk.

[ July 11, 2003: Message edited by: Horse-Maiden of the Shire ]