into the cupboard, then turned and surveyed the Arena's kitchen. Her weariness was apparent in her slow movements and her inability to decide whether she had completed all she should do.

Giving in to tiredness at last, she turned to the last chore she had set herself -- banking the fire for the night so that its coals could easily be stirred to life in the morning.

The young girl had now been without sleep for more than 24 hours, and she had a long night ahead as well. She would need to go home and find the days profit Mam had made, then go out and dispense the proceeds to the wharf crew, at the same time picking up new items for Mam to sell.

Just a minute by the fire can't hurt, she reasoned. There's a chill in the air and getting a bit of warmth before I go out won't do me any harm.

She ignored the rough wooden stool by the huge hearth and instead sat directly on the large braided rug that covered the floorboards. Bringing her knees up to her chin, she looked into the glowing coals, little licks of flame occasionally flaring up, sending sparks up the chimney.

So peaceful, she yawned, bringing her head back with a start as she started to nod off. Would that I could have a place like this, all warm, food to eat...

Her thoughts drifted off, and so did she, overcome by lack of sleep and the comforting warmth of the kitchen. She lay peacefully curled on the rug, her luxuriant hair half covering her face...