[Nurumaiel]

Culoth leaned back in her chair and looked around the noisy room. Many people were engaged in conversation, and she sighed. She would love to go and introduce herself to someone, but since she hardly saw anyone else besides her family, she had grown up being shy of strangers.

If only I could gather up enough courage to talk to one of the elves, thought Culoth. I've never spoken with an elf before, and many of the elves here seem so kind. I've always imagined elves being kind of like me when I'm dreaming… far off and not wanting to speak or be spoken to.

Culoth suddenly wished her father were there. He'd have no trouble introducing her to someone. He probably knew them all anyway. He had been to the capital of Rohan many times. In fact, he'd gone to just about everywhere in Rohan, and knew just about everyone. And he wasn't shy, either.

A strand of Culoth's hair fell forward and she brushed it back. Her parents had always loved her hair. It was golden, with a touch of red. That's why she had been named Culoth. Where the red in her hair came from, she did not know, but was content to look as she did. Her hair matched her fiery personality.

A loud whinny sounded outside and Culoth recognized it. It was her grey steed, Celeblhach (which was also one of her names), wanting something to eat. Standing up and going to the counter, Culoth shyly asked, "You wouldn't happen to have any sugar, would you?"

"Yes, plenty of sugar," the innkeeper Bethberry replied.

"Well, could I have a little? It's for my horse out there," said Culoth.

"Of course," said Bethberry, smiling kindly. She went and got the sugar. Culoth thanked her and hurried out the door. A stable boy was holding Celeblhach's reins.

"I'm sorry he wasn't in the stable," the boy said. "I tried to lead him but he didn't want to go. He just stood here firmly and wouldn't move."

"That's quite all right," replied Culoth. "He does that to me, sometimes, as well."

Celeblhach snorted and pawed the ground impatiently. "Sîdh, rochen. Tíra man garim," said Culoth softly, holding out her hand. Celeblhach greedily ate the sugar and then consented to go with the stable boy.

"Hannad," said Culoth as the boy led her steed off. "Thank you." Turning, she went back to the door and entered the inn once more. The peaceful quiet that was outside was not in the White Horse that night. Culoth hurried over to her table again to finish her tea, wondering if she'd be able to bring up enough courage to speak to one of the others.