Astrid sniffed again.  “Let’s begin this meeting shall we?”  She added then pulled out her pendants from under her clothing so that they were aggressively on display as she sat down.  Reil, the leader of the Elves glanced at his wife, the co-leader, who was coughing in an attempt at smothering a smile as her shoulders shook very slightly with tightly suppressed mirth.  Realising he would be getting no help from his convulsing wife for the moment, he took the lead for the meeting.  Reil leaned towards Astrid.  “At last,” he said.  “An heir who can prove legitimacy. 

 The door to Draynon’s office opened and the four people walked out.  Astrid bumped into Sigwulf who was waiting outside.“Astrid?”  He said softly, taking one of her hands in his.  Astrid and Zela stopped.“Zela?”  Astrid asked.  “Can you make sure Redswift and Hengist get to the men’s wing without killing each other please.”Zela nodded.  “Can I go back to your room after that?”“Of course,” she handed Zela her key.  “If you get lost, any of the women will give you directions.Zela turned

 Sigwulf jumped back and ran for his clothing.  “Astrid,” his voice was crisp and authoritative.  “Wake the women.  The procedure is that all women go into the church.  There is a backdoor in the cellar that leads into the forest.  Do you hear me?  Wake them quietly.”  He pulled on his hose and tunic.  “Do you have that?” Astrid nodded curtly as she too began to dress.  “Wake the women quietly.