[Everdawn]

Vieana's eyes widened as she read hte letter over Averyll's shoulder. "The Steward!" she exclaimed. "Things are worse than we thought..." she paused thinking, it seemed that there had been developments since her meeting with the guards the night before.

"Well, it is our duty as true Dol Amroth women to do what we can, and if the steward himself asks it of us, well... Imagine how proud Dardanir will be of me." Vieana exclaimed. I guess that will mean Averyll will have a nice trip today and see the sights, as will you Elen." she spoke whilst rushing across the room for her shawl.

"I on the other hand have some work at the barracks to do." It had been a long time since Vieana had been filled with such feeling of responsibility, now she would have her chance ot proove what Dol Amroth women were made of and do her military family in Dol Amroth proud. "Goodday to you all" Vieana said stepping out the door, her light blue skirts flowing lightly in the breeze.

It was not a long way to the Barracks, and Vieana was not short of guards pointing her the right way.I think it best to rule out any involvement by our men, we have had dealings with Umbar in the past. Yes i think it the best course of action. "How can i help you m'lady" a stout guard asked her when she reached the gates.

"Oh! I was just wondering if i could speak with the Dol Amroth guards of Finduilas please" she asked sweetly. "Im sure they are in, allow me to escort you there" The guard answered. As they walked he asked her many questions, and seemed nice. Vieana suspected her harsh judgement of the guards was wrong. "Here we are Lady, i hope you find what you are after." he said as they faced a large white marble building.

Some of the familliar guards came out to meet her. "Thankyou Inanilon" she said as one of the guards sat her down and offered her tea which she took greatfully, the guard fetched Naian, their commander. "Lady Vieana, how may i be of service?" he asked his face was concearned.
I musnt give away too muchshe thought to herself.

"Naian, i want you to tell me truthfully, have you or any of them men come into contact with any messages, anytime we have been here?" Vieana turned her grey stare on the guard. "No lady, none at all. I can tell you where all the men have been all this time. Why do you ask?"

"Its just that... well, i was expecting a letter from my husband. Yes, thats all, Dardanir thought that he was going to be posted here right away. The general was going to post him to Finduilas' guard." Vieana was breathing heavily.

"Are you sure you are allright mistress?" Naian asked. "Yes Naian, I dont doubt your word, you are loyal to Dardanir, and i have grown to expect the same. Thankyou" Vieana was relieved, Naian had bought her story. "Is there anyhting else Lady Vieana?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, could you take me to the men who handle all of the messages?"

"I would be glad to run your errand Lady, if it would save you trouble, you dont want to be among these men." Naian said walking her in the street to the sorting house. "No sir, this is somehting i have to do myself" she laughed. "My lord is indeed fortunate to have such a lady in his keep" Naian smirked. "YOu never rest until a task is done do you?" he asked stopping at the door.

"Never" Vieana answered stepping inside. The sight that met her was that of a normal sorting house anywhere to be seen, but the crest of Gondor shone on the marble floor. Her footsteps echoed in the rooms as she walked up to the main desk. Turn on your charm Vieana, sweet as a lamb, elusive as the next man or Umbar agent.she spoke in her head.

"Miss?" another Minas Tirith guard answered upon seeing her. "Yes sir, why i was just wondering where i may speak with the man who is in charge of this fine facility?" That was a little too sweet she thought and smiled He should fall like a swatted fly. "Yes Miss, i will get him."

A few minutes later she was lead inot another large room down the hall where one man sat and several others were standing. "Greetings, my name is Brígon, i was informed you wish to speak with me?" he asked, his voice was hard with a hint of contempt.

"Yes, i am Mrs Captain Dardanir the high guard of Dol Amroth, daughter in law of the Dol Amroth general, my name is Lady Vieana." At once one of the standing guards began to whisper to another who then disappeared from the room. Well, that is indeed strange... "And what can we do for the Lady of such standing." He was holding something back, why such an attitude towards her? Vieana clenched her jaw and held her head up high.

"I was just thinking how i had not heard from my city, i was expecting a letter. I was told it would arrive four days ago, i recieved it yesterday." she lied.

"I can assure you that any message for the DOl Amroths would have been taken to their house by the Dol Amroth guards." Brígon spoke smugly. "You do not believe me, you may speak with the man who handles the dispatches, speaking of whom has just arrived. I will leave you, i assure you i have other business ot attend to, goodday."

Vieana was left with a sandy haired man, who spoke deeply. "If i can be of help in any way?"
"Do you know who delivered the important messages yesterday, to anyone, i mean, Lady Tessa? Lady Finduilas? the Steward even, i am ever so troubled that my lettera are caught up and landed some other place." Vieana smiled.

"I do seem to remember that it was one of the newer guards, so new infact i dont even know his name, dark haired man, young... I just cant seem to remember... If you like i can get someone to take you to find him."

"That is quite allright." Vieana said quickly, gathering up her shawl and parisol. "I will have to accept that my husband has trouble with addresses, thankyou you have been ever so helpful."

Vieana was the first one home that afternoon. Lessawen left her some tea and writing materials. So it was a dark haired young man, a new man, and the other two guards at the sorting house... strange.. the thoughts tarried in her mind as she wrote her message to the steward.

My lord
As you instructed to us this day, I have been out among your men and mine at the barracks. During my time there i gained information that none of the Dol Amroth guards are responsible, their captain informed me so and those men are loyal to me and my house. I fabricated a story about my messages being fowarded late and insisted in speaking to the man in charge of the sorting house, Brígon. He seemd very hostile to me when i was there. As soon as i mentioned who i was, two men who were also there whispered something and then were gone. I do not like to speculate what it was about.

I also spoke to the man who was incharge of the dispatches, and he said that the letters to the noble houses that day were handled by a young, dark haired man who he did not know his name. I hope that i have been of some use to your cause, and I am happy to be in the service of Gondor.

Lady Vieana

Vieana handed the letter sealed to Lessawen. "Do not let this out of your sight, you have been my maid since i was a girl, since you were a girl, i hope that you are as loyal to me as i am to you. This is not to be seen by anyone but the Steward, take it to him, do you understand?"
Lessawen bowed and went on her way to deliver the message.

[ September 13, 2003: Message edited by: Everdawn ]