Chapter Twelve -
Women and Etiquette

"Ela, are you ready?" She could hear Meliel's voice through the closed door. She sighed and finished her bath. "Another few minutes."

"You had best be quick. Elentil has been up here twice now. Lord Elrond must be getting impatient."

"He will wait. I am almost done." The door opened and Ela came out in her under gown. She hurried to the wardrobe and pulled out the pale blue gown she had brought. Putting on her slippers as she dropped the gown over her head, she called out in a muffled voice, "Can you get me my earrings? The ones from Elldan. I wish he could be here to see me wear them."

"If you do not move faster, no one will see them. Everyone will be gone."

"I am ready. Stop complaining. You are the one who did not want to get dressed up."

"If I must, then so be it, but we do not have to be late."

"Ladies are expected to be late. Did you not know that?"

"Well, the Valar knows that is one bad habit you picked up in Lórien. I remember waiting not a few meals for Orophin to fetch you from the fields or the library."

Ela laughed. "Time well spent, I think. Come on, we can still be on time." She grabbed Meliel's hand and they ran down the hall to the stairs. Pausing to compose themselves, they started down the stairway at a sedate pace. At the bottom, they found Rúmil waiting for them.

"What takes you so long? I have been waiting for ten minutes."

"Time well invested, I am sure. We are here now." Ela's voice carried just a trace of haughtiness.

Elrond came down behind them.

"It is about time you removed yourself from your room." He brushed a stray hair from Ela's face. Opening a box he carried, he took out a thin, delicate circlet, set with a black stone. Placing it on her brow, he stepped back to look. The black stone gleamed against her pale skin. The silver crown was lost in her gold hair.

"A gift from your grandmother. The black diamond comes from her homeland. She asked that you wear it this evening." Taking her arm in his, he said to her, "You look beautiful tonight."

"You say that to all your foster daughters. I am sure it is written in the rules somewhere."

"Well, I do not say it to all of my cousins. As a matter of fact, I do not believe I have ever said it to a cousin." He smiled down at her. "I have something to tell you before we go in. After dinner, there are going to be some men here that you do not know. I do not want you to be alarmed. Just be polite and stay with one of us the rest of the evening. Can you do that?"

"I can, if that is what you want. Who are these men?"

"I will explain it all to you tomorrow. I want you to enjoy this evening. How were your visits today?"

"You will talk to Dorga, so you will know how that went. Mares was delighted with the invitation this evening. You will speak with her also. And I expect that Lady Seldala will not allow a little morning sickness to keep her away, so there is nothing I can tell you that they will not."

"I see that Lórien has only sharpened that cheekiness you possess."

"It is a survival tool there. Court intrigue is one thing; the brutality of the Golden Woods is another. Its peacefulness is deceptive."

"So have I heard. Here we are." He led her into the dining room. Rúmil followed with Meliel. Having handed them to their seats, Rúmil took the empty chair next to Ela and Elrond moved to the head of the table. Ela glanced about to see who was seated around the table. Seldala sat next to Erestor. Mares and Benerd were seated by Dorga. Delandor with his wife, Carendel, sat on the other side of Meliel. Glorfindel, coming in with Elestra, sat her next to Elrond, and then took his seat at the foot of the table, rounding out the small group. All her most cherished friends outside of Lórien. She only missed one.

After giving a toast, Elrond sat down and they proceeded to eat. Conversation floated around the table. Ela was drawn back to the last time she had had dinner here. It had not gone as smoothly as Elrond had planned. He had been angry with the Elf and Haldir for not telling him what had been going on. Well, she thought, it would be much different this time. After all, there was no Caldelen to muck things up. Things would go much smoother.

After dinner, the guests wandered through the Hall of Fire and out onto the terrace. Out of habit, Ela found herself checking the dark corners. Shaking her head, she smiled at her foolishness.

"What is it?" Rúmil asked her.

"Nothing. Just remembering that last dinner."

"Do not think about it. You are not that little girl any longer."

"No, I am not. In ten more years I will have reached my majority. Then I am free to accept a husband. Or not. I could just stay with the guards. On the other hand, if your stubborn brother will allow, I could train and stay on the fences. Do you have any idea what he is thinking?"

"Yes, but it is up to him to enlighten you. It is between the two of you."

"You are as cruel as he is. Why do I bother with you?"

"We are both safe. That is why."

"Oh, yes. Well, I believe that your brother has moved to the forefront as the worst. Mine surely would not deny me what I want."

"Oh, no, they are over-indulgent where you are concerned. You will notice that aside from Mares, you are the only one here with earrings."

"Well, then all will remember me."

As the strains of music started up, he turned to her. "Would you like to dance?"

"I would love to. Thank you. Do you know someone who would like to dance with a cheeky, accident-prone adolescent?"

"I may know of one." He took her hand before she could say anything else. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he started to move them around the floor. Her laugh caught the attention of Elrond and Erestor. Elestra frowned slightly. Ela did not see the men standing in the corner. It was well she did not see the looks on their faces.

After the song had ended, Elrond came to claim a dance. After several more dances, Ela asked Rúmil for some wine. She smiled as she declined another offer, wanting to sit and watch the others dance. Glorfindel motioned for her to come and join him. She went over and picked up a lute. Strumming to see if it was in tune, she followed the melody he was playing. Her playing had improved. He nodded with approval. She listened to the song he was singing. It was a melancholy tune from the first age. She could not place it. At a pause in the dancing to allow the participants to rest, there was singing by some of the others.

"Meliel, sing that song you and Ela do for us," Rúmil asked in a lull.

"We only just finished it. I am not sure it is ready. Ela?"

The younger girl shrugged. She played a few chords then rested on one she liked. Meliel started in a soft soprano and Ela joined with a mellow counter.

I hear your voice sound in the night
Crying softly, please come to me Hush, my love, lie safe in my arms Be not afraid All fears allayed

Your heart speaks to mine without words Speaks of what you have to offer Speaks of all the promise of life Love fills our days With joy always We look to see What yet will be

As we journey through this life Overcoming trial and strife Breathing in the love we share Trusting with our hearts laid bare

Through the years as I watch love grow Hearts entwined, we face together All of the struggles life holds in store We can endure If love's kept pure Our hearts we bind Our life to find

Only time can tell if we are Destined by love to reach a star We can sail the ocean's wave crest We know by the One we are blest

When our journey's close to the end We can rest just knowing we are Now to step into eternity Go hand in hand Heaven's a land We'll walk that shore Now, evermore

There was silence. The haunting music faded. Ela glanced up and saw everyone staring at the two of them. From the side of the room began applause. It traveled around the room. Meliel looked embarrassed. Ela smiled, until she saw the men in the far corner. They were not applauding or smiling. She looked up at Rúmil. He came and bent down, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Very well done," he whispered.

Elrond approached and took her hand.

"Lady Elrénia."

As everyone there knew her, most knew this was for the men's benefit. Elrond glanced down at Ela. Their talk earlier had not gone as well as he would have liked. When he gave her the results of his searching, she had not been pleased. Although warming to the idea of having a grandmother, she had not been impressed with the identity of her grandfather. She could feel no connection to a grandsire dead now for three thousand years. Ela fully understood that the name would be seen an advantage by some, but she could see only problems to come.

Ela noticed that the four men were finally removing themselves from their corner. She took in their clothing. Although she was sure they thought it fine, it was coarse to her eyes. She could not help compare their bearded faces to the smooth skin of the elves. And their hair was short and unkempt to her way of thinking. She felt an immediate dislike, but carefully hid it. They came forward and stopped before Elrond.

"Lord Elrond, we would be introduced to the girl." The one speaking had a stilted tone to his voice. Elvish was not an easy language for him. She tried to excuse his ill-manners on that. Elrond had warned the men to say nothing this evening. He did not want it ruined.

"Ela, this is Crelden, steward for Lord Muc. Gentlemen, this is Lady Elrénia of Lórien, my cousin and adopted daughter. Her father was Dorlandad, and her grandfather, Ereinion." Standing in front of him, she did not see the look of warning given the men. She watched as Crelden translated for the others. There was a slight reaction of distaste at mention of her father's name, but none at all for her grandfather's. Is seemed they did not recognize the name at all. Well enough.

"Welcome to Imladris, sir ." She nodded her head, slightly, but did not offer her hand. Crelden looked at her critically. The gown was proper, if too gaudy. Her hair should be pulled up and not hanging loose. Her skin was much too pale. He compared it to the ruddier complexion most of his people bore. The circlet and earrings were unacceptable. More importantly, she did not show the proper deference to him. "Where exactly do you hail from?" she asked. He tore his gaze from her as he realized she was speaking to him, without being spoken to first.

At a look from Elrond, Crelden answered, "To the west. My lord has a holding in the west."

"I hope your stay is pleasant. Crelden, was it not? What brings you here?"

"We are on a diplomatic mission. Rivendell is but one place we sought out."

"A diplomatic mission? men, and the elves?" She turned to Elrond. "That is curious, Ada. That men should show up on a diplomatic mission, now?"

"Alright, I get your point, Ela. We will discuss it tomorrow."

"Yes, Ada." She turned to the men. "How far west?"

"Ela, tomorrow. Now is not the time."

"Yes, Ada. I apologize. Forgive me, Crelden. My curiosity overpowers my common sense at times. It is a fault that will plague my husband, I fear."

"Your husband? Then you are wed?"

"No, not yet, but it will not be long. Even now, I try to decided how to tell him. You see, he does not know it yet," she whispered, conspiratorially. She smiled at Rúmil, waiting back a distance.

"That elf?"

"Is he not handsome? Of course, he is not nearly as good looking as his brother. Unfortunately, he is already wed. To a very dear friend. But that still leaves the eldest brother. He makes both the others pale. Then again, it may not be an elf, after all. There are many fine men here in Imladris. But we all know my partiality for dwarves. And the Shirefolk are happy. I think any, except the Indrel, will do. I have heard they are not a kind people. They are not what I would choose. They are not what I would choose. No, the one I am interested in does not know, but then he will not say no. He is firmly ensnared. She turned back as the man translated her words to the others. She noted that he showed deference to one man in particular.

"Ada, how long is it I must wait? Only another ten years, I think. By then I will have figured out a way to gain his acquiescence. He really is a man of simple tastes."

"Ela, there is nothing simple about you. Go, play your games with Rúmil. He finds them more entertaining than do I." Elrond smiled indulgently at her.

"Oh, Ada. You love the games. You will miss them when I return to Lórien." She turned to the men. "And return I will. That is my home. My future." She smiled. "It was very enlightening to meet you. I must go now and see what Rúmil is doing. He and Meliel have disappeared. I am afraid Del will not be happy to hear of this."

"Del?"

"Delinfel. Elseldar's son. He is much taken with her." She sighed. "I fear there will be repercussions from this little jaunt home. Do you not feel it, Ada? I do."

"Go. Enjoy yourself. And I feel for your intended prey. He will not know what hit him."

"Aye, the joy of the hunt."

The five of them watched her walk over toward the terrace, where Meliel could be seen.

"That is one self-assured child."

Elrond turned to Crelden.

"That is the way she was brought up. She knows what she wants and will have it. Now, we will let matters lie until tomorrow. Do not stir up trouble tonight. From her little game, I suspect she knows who you are, but not what you want. I would leave her tonight with no cares."

Crelden nodded. "It will be as you wish."

Elrond watched them go back to their corner. They would bear watching. He wished his sons were here. This whole mess had the potential to turn extremely ugly. He would avoid that if possible.

Ela felt the men's eyes on her the rest of the evening. She flirted with Rúmil and Dorga.

"What are you doing, little one?" he asked, softly.

"You know far more than I. Those men. That is the real reason I am here. They mean no good. I think it would be better if we left tomorrow. Ada has already agreed, has he not?"

"Have you been lurking where you should not be, again?"

"No, but I think the Lady's bar is slipping. I can feel too much of what is here. If I do not leave soon, I will be ill.

"Do you want to leave now?"

"The party, or for home?" She grinned.

"You know what I mean," he said, laughing.

"I will stay a bit longer. If it gets much worse, I will have to leave."

"Just let me know when you are ready."

"You will know. I will just throw up on your shoes."

"Do not aim at my shoes. I am not the one who dragged you back here."

"On Lord Elrond's shoes?" She looked horrified. "I could never do…" She smiled. "Oh, yes, there was that one time I did. But I had a very good excuse."

"Just tell me," he laughed, again. It drew the attention of the four men again.

"I know who they are. What do they want?"

"You will have to wait until tomorrow."

"Very well. We will chat and run. I did not want to come, and I do not want to stay."

"Meliel will be disappointed."

"She will get over it. I think it best we do not tarry getting home, either. They will not be happy tomorrow."

Rúmil risked a glance at the men. They were speaking to one another. He did not feel good about them and he had not Ela's 'gift'.

They circulated among the guests, her hand on his arm and he encircling her waist protectively when they stopped to chat with those Ela knew. The robes the men wore were only outdone by the gowns of the women. The colours were muted, but the satin brocades and silks added richness. The jewelry, while understated, was of such artistry that more would have been overkill. Ela could not help comparing the clothes of Dorga, a supposed simple merchant, to the imagined finery of the representatives of the Indrel. His trousers and tunic brown, but were woven with threads of gold. Even Benerd and Mares far outdid the finery of the men from Holm's Hold. Mares was wearing a gown that Ela had left behind. Seldala had helped her re-cut it. Benerd wore leggings and a tunic, in brown, but bore an overlay of tan. It seemed the only ones out of place were the Indrel.

Within an hour, Rúmil could see the distress on her face.

"You need some air. Come, I will take you out to the terrace. Then I will get some wine."

"Not the watered-down stuff, either. I want the good wine."

"You will get drunk. Will that not be a pretty sight?"

"One glass."

"Very well. Here, sit here and wait for me. Do not leave. I will not relish having to look for you."

"Go! Get me some wine. Before I forget again why it is I like you so much."

"I am glad I will not be the one who weds you. You have the potential to be a shrew."

"It is that cursed Lórien. It brings out the worst in one."

He laughed, turning to go back indoors.

"Lady."

Ela turned to see who was behind her.

"Crelden. I am sorry. I did not notice you."

"It seemed you were quite busy with your friend." He frowned at her smile.

"We do tend to forget others when together. Is there something I can do for you?"

"I have a question."

"I will answer, if it is in my power."

"What have you against the Indrel?"

Slightly taken aback, she looked into his eyes. "Do you know some?"

"I may."

"I do not think I am supposed to speak with you. Ada said it would be discussed tomorrow."

"What is Ada?"

"Do you not speak Elvish?"

"There are gaps in my knowledge."

"It means father. Lord Elrond adopted me. Even if he had not, he is my cousin. So either way, he is kin. Ada is a title of respect and appreciation for all he has done for me." Glancing through the doors leading off the terrace, she caught sight of Elrond. There was a softness in her gaze.

"But he is not your father."

She looked sharply at Crelden.

"As you well know. I think Ada was right. This will keep until tomorrow. It is not proper to discuss it now."

"Alright. Then tell me of your world, what these people are to you."

"These people are my family. If not by blood, then by choice. They took me in before they knew who or what I was. Before the bloodlines became an issue. Just because of me.

"I lived here for five years. This home gave me the time to heal. I could not imagine living anywhere else. This is where I discovered I had choices other than those my mother was afforded. I was given an education and set upon my path. All was fine, until some men came and tried to harm me. But then, you would know of that, also. Because of the threat, Ada thought it best to send me away. That would be three homes I have lost. I live now in Lórien. It is a vastly different place than Rivendell. And there are no words to describe how it compares to your village.

"And yet you will not give your people a chance?"

Ela's voice took on an uncharacteristic tone of annoyance. "But these are my people. They raised me. I have the bloodlines. I am as much Elven as anything else, maybe more so. I have a small inheritance from my father. It will allow me to wed comfortably. This is the life I choose. And none here will naysay my decision to remain."

"There you are, Elrénia."

Ela turned to see Elestra.

"Yes, Grandmother?" Ela stood and bowed far more deeply than was warranted. Elestra caught the plea in her voice, and the fact she called her grandmother.

"Child, I have been bereft of your company all evening. I had hoped to speak with you before I retired."

"Certainly, Grandmother. I apologize if I have offended you. Please, forgive me."

"You are forgiven, Iell. Your father thought you would be chilled out here. I have brought you a wrap. Do you like it?"

Ela opened the cloth Elestra handed her. It showed an eagle in full flight holding a dragon in its claws. The embroidering was meticulous and exquisite. The cloth was of the finest silk and flowed through Ela's hands like water.

"Oh, Grandmother! It is beautiful. Whose coat of arms is this?" Ela did not have to feign surprise.

"It belonged to my family. I am the last. Well, you are the last, now."

"It is so old. Surely it should be put up."

"It is six thousand years old. It has lasted this long, it will last one more night. My father gave it to me. I would have you keep it now. It is yours."

"I will ask Ada to have a copy made. I do not think this will last long in Lórien. Perhaps he will hang it here, with the other coats of arms."

"That is possible. I am glad you like it."

"Do you realize that this is all I have to show of my heritage?" Her soft voice spoke of the loss she felt.

"No, it is not. Lord Elrond has a few things that I think you are old enough now to see. They belonged to your parents. It is not much, but it will ease your sorrow to have them."

Rúmil came out with three glasses of wine. He handed one each to Ela and Elestra. He pointedly ignored the man standing there.

"Lady, are you ready to go? You do not look well. I would like to see you upstairs."

"Yes, thank you. If you do not mind retiring so early, I think I am ready now. Grandmother, we will see you to your room, first. It has been a long day." She drained her glass and turned to the man. "I will see you tomorrow, Crelden. It seems we have much to discuss. And negotiate is an ugly term. Are you purchasing a piece of property?"

Rúmil choked slightly on his wine. That she would use the same words he had.

Ela turned and led Elestra back into the house. She sought out Elrond.

"Ada, I must retire. Have I your leave to withdraw? It is too tight here."

"Certainly. Rúmil will see you upstairs?"

"Yes. Grandmother is also going. The day has proven exciting in more ways than one. Please give my apologies to the guests. And if it is possible, I would like to see Dorga tomorrow, before I leave."

"I will convey your request. Goodnight, Iell." He bent down to kiss her forehead. She turned to Rúmil.

"I am ready." He took her arm and they wound their way to the hallway. Elestra followed.

When they reached Ela's room, she turned to Elestra.

"I would beg your indulgence, Lady. Would you mind staying with me a while? I have need to make a point, but I want no impropriety."

"What point are you making?"

"That I am not going to step into a neat trap for those below. They will make demands that I am not inclined to fulfill. I know who they are and now I know what they want. My mother warned me, and I can remember her fears and refusals to follow their dictates. I only need an hour or so of your time."

"You have it."

"Thank you. Would you like some tea? I can have Dalgren make some."

"That sounds good."

"I will be back. Please, make yourself at home." She closed the door behind her.

"Do you know what she intends?" Elestra asked.

"Knowing her as I do, I would say that she is giving those downstairs something to think on tonight. She has not lied about our relationship. She just did not elaborate. We are good friends. Under other circumstances, I believe we could make a good alliance. But she has set her sight on another. I know and accept that. Meanwhile, I keep away those who would show an interest in her, and she does the same for me. It is a mutually satisfying arrangement."

"It seems she knows more of court intrigue than I thought."

"Even if the court is wooded and uncivilized?" He smiled.

"You must forgive me that comment. I knew of Lórien before the Lord and Lady arrived. It had not a reputation for courtly living. It was little better than Mirkwood."

"I would not be hasty in putting down Mirkwood. Thranduil is an able ruler. He has much to keep him from the niceties of regal living. Theirs is a different way of life. He has opened his realm to those men who dare to help him hold it. And he has not the defensive capabilities that Imladris and Lórien enjoy. He has managed to do well enough with what he has."

"It would seem that much has changed since last I was away from the Hidden Havens. For the good, and the bad. Tell me of this one with whom she would align herself."

"I am sorry, lady, but that is not my place. I can only tell you that he is honorable. Other than that, you will have to ask her. And I will warn you, she is not very forthcoming with personal information. Only the Lady knows what her desires are, and she approves. Although this latest piece of the puzzle may change some things."

Rúmil rose at a knock on the door. He opened it, expecting Ela. He looked into the face of Crelden. He stepped into the hall and closed the door.

"You should not be up here. These are private rooms."

"I wished to see the girl once more." The man looked less than pleased to see the elf in Ela's room.

"We are retiring for the night. The lady has had a long and stressful day. She will see you tomorrow."

"It is very important that I speak with her."

"It will wait. I will not allow you to disturb her. If you do not leave, I will be forced to bring Lord Elrond into it. That would not bode well for you or your cause. Why give her more reason to refuse to listen to you?"

Crelden frowned and clenched his fists before turning to go back downstairs. He did not see Ela at the other end of the hall, waiting for him to leave. She went through the open door Rúmil held for her.

"He is a most persistent being. I do not look forward to tomorrow. I do not believe the word no exists in his vocabulary."

"It does appear that you will have a hard time convincing him to leave without you."

"Well, I will just have to teach him that no is a word." She set the tray down on the small table. Pouring tea in the three cups, she handed one to Elestra.

"Do you know what you do, child?" "I believe I do. It feels right. If they think I will return to the hovel they call a city, they are sadly mistaken. Who in their right mind would choose to live in a village of men when they have lived here or in Lórien? Either place is cleaner. Even the Shire is more desirable. No, I would have them know that I am not to be bought or sold. I know what I want, and I will have it. Only one person stands in the way of my future. Only he has the power to stop me."

Elestra sat back and sipped her tea, regarding her granddaughter. She may have some of Dorlandad's traits, but this determination was not one of them. He had never known what it was he wanted, until the end. No, this she must have gotten it from her mother. It seemed the two of them had created a strong individual. If all Elrond had told her of Ela's life so far was true, she would stand up to anything. It was eerie. It was almost as if the child knew what was in store. Elestra dismissed that. She was peculiar, but presentient? No, if she was, would she have had the problems she had so far experienced? Still, she had heard that Galadriel had some of that ability. Did she really know the future, or was she just able to piece things together from the present? That was a question to employ much time mulling.

She watched the two of them. They had an easy way about them. She did not flinch from him the way Elestra had seen her do around some of the other ellon. She did not think the girl was even aware she did it. A left-over proclivity from her experiences with the men and her former playmate. Except for a very few elves, Elestra could not recall her allowing anyone to touch her. She had been very unobtrusive about it. There was a defined space around her into which few were allowed. It was strengthened by the fact that she was rarely left alone. Unless engaged in private conversation, Meliel or Rúmil was always within earshot. It was slightly unnerving for Elestra. She had always fiercely protected her right to privacy. However, it seemed not to bother Ela. She took it in stride and as a part of her due.

-

Crelden was angry as he went down the stairs. How improper that the girl should have a male in her room! Things would change mightily for her when she had returned to her home. He went to the other men.

'This is unsatisfactory. That elf is in her room. And did you see the way she was dressed? The colours and the jewelry? It will never be tolerated once she is firmly in hand.'

'Ease yourself, Crelden. It will do no good to show our hand too soon. Let them believe they are in control. We will have her. She is ours. My father was a fool to ever let her leave. Now that my daughter is dead, we must content ourselves with her.'

'Aye, it will be a challenge to break her. She has a long way to fall.'

'Do not get cocky. That fall can break you just as easily.'

-

"Ela!" Meliel came through the door, her face flushed. "Oh, I did not realize you had company."

"What is it?"

"Those men. Lord Elrond has sent all the ladies home. I think something is going on. I was told to come up and make sure you are here. And then stay."

"Grandmother, if you are so inclined, you may leave now. I will be fine. Meliel will be here."

"Very well, if you are sure."

"I am."

"I will go back downstairs, after seeing you to your room." Rúmil held the door for Elestra, then turned to Ela. "Goodnight, little one. I will see you in the morning. Meliel." He nodded to them.

When they had gone, Meliel turned back to Ela.

"Do you think there will be trouble?"

"Not tonight. Crelden is angry that he found Rúmil in my room. He imagines things that are beyond the realm of decency. That is why my grandmother was here. I may be foolish, but I am not stupid."

"Well enough, then. I think we should get as much rest as we can. Tomorrow will not be easy. Where do you want me then?"

"I want you where I will want Rúmil. By my side. These men think they have come to fetch a cowed girl who will bow to their demands. That girl never existed. My parents wanted better for me, and I will not let them down."

They helped each other off with their gowns. Ela carefully removed her earrings and put them in the velvet box containing her jewelry, replacing them with the gold ones Dalgren had given her. She hung up her gown and slipped on her nightgown. Crawling into her bed, she gave a sigh. Oh, Nana, was this what you had envisioned? Was this what you fled? I am so sorry you had no one to stand behind you. But this time it will be different. I have strength. I have support. And I will fight to the death to avoid going back there. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she felt Meliel lay down next to her. Oh, how she missed her parents.

Ela spent a restless night, rousing between dreams of her parents. Her waking moments were filled with thoughts on the coming confrontation with her mother's people. By the time the sun rose, she felt weary, but ready to face the men.