A chorus of feminine voices came echoing down the corridor. 

"Catherine! There's someone at the door for you!" 

Inwardly, I groaned as I attempted to stack yet another plate full of scones. Behind me, I had three more pots of water on the stove about to boil. Why do callers come at such inconvenient moments?  

Taking the tray of scones with me, I made my way towards the door. My burden was lightened well before I reached it, and some helpful little maid had relieved me of the tray itself by the time I got to the entrance. Hoping that it would make it's way back into the kitchen safely, I slipped on some shoes and took off my apron. 

Upon exiting the cave, I saw a rather peevish young rider in green tunic and mail standing near his horse. 

"Took you long enough to get here." He said in a Roherric accent. 

"Forgive me," I said rather frigidly, "but I would like to see you squeeze your way past 165 heroines in a cave that has a max capacity of...."

He raised his eyebrow. 

I sigh. "Never mind. Here are the nominees for The Most Epic Heroine Award:

Leeli (The Wingfeather Saga) 

Buttercup (The Princess Bride)

Nymphadora Tonks (Harry Potter)

Rose Red (Tales From Goldstone Wood)

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles)

The rider finishes writing down the names. "Good. Tell your people to please vote at this website here: https://www.silmarilawards.com/vote/, from September 11 - September 15." 

I nod and see him off....

And now, I shall see you off on your journey to the voting form, and I shall see you all on September 21 for the Epic Heroine celebration! 

God bless, 

Catherine