Elfwinne, a Lady of the Court

Elfwine is a lady at King Beorhtric's court in the novel Courting Trouble. She is a friend of the queen, Odburh. In the following passage, the novel's heroine, Cynetrith, is introduced to Elfwinne, who entertains her friends with a riddle.

“This is my friend Elfwinne,” [Prince Athelstan] said.

“Nice to meet you,” I said, smiling warmly.

“You have the greatest smile,” said Athelstan. The young man accompanying Elfwinne grimaced.

“And this,” said Athelstan, indicating the youth, “is my best friend Yurmin.”

“Hello, Yurmin,” I said. He seemed to be far away.

“I just heard this one today,” said Elfwinne. “ ‘Outside I’m ornamented. Inside I’m dark. A lady takes care of me and, when her lord is feeling valiant, takes me to him. He upends me and puts a hairy thing in me. It’s a tight fit. Soon he’ll be thrusting. What am I?’”

We all looked at each other and giggled.

The Other Stepsister, Hilda

In the novel Courting Trouble, the villagers are planning to trick the King by pretending they are poor. They are hoping he won't demand too much from them. Cynethrith has been asked by the villagers to try to get her stepmother go along with the ruse.

“Right.[says her stepmother] That Osbert is getting too big for his britches. I don’t know why he wants us to look like a bunch of paupers. That won’t do much for our social standing, now will it?”
“Well, no, Mother,” I agreed, “but you might be a little richer at the end of the day.”
“And if no one knows I’m rich how will it help me get husbands for my daughters?” I looked at Wulfwaru and Hilda. “I understand your concern, Mother,” I said.
“Thank you very much,” said Hilda, whose eyeballs and front teeth competed to see which could protrude more. Her chin had conceded defeat and was trying to leave the field.

Meet One of The Stepsisters

The heroine, Cynethrith, taunts her daydreaming stepsister Wulwaru, a character from the novel Courting Trouble.

 . . . Wulfwaru was sitting by herself near the door. She sat very erect on a bench, her lower back pressed in and her rear end pressed out. Her head was tilted to one side, her nose in the air, and her eyes were half-closed. Her mouth was pursed in a little pout.

As I passed I stopped and peered at her. “Did you eat something sour, Wulfwaru? Your mouth is all scrunched up.”

Wulfwaru started out of her reverie and scowled at me. I smiled at her sweetly.