[Aylwen Dreamsong]

The process of putting the fire out had been successfully completed, just before noontime and much to Aylwen’s relief. Pails had been neatly stacked away by the Inn door, and fire-stampers began to exit what remained of the stable. While no fire remained alight, no wood had been left whole and the dirt was sprinkled with dark ashes of both wood and horseflesh. Aylwen began to thank Leofan and the other people who had help end the chaotic fire.

“I have skill as a carpenter and I would like to offer my services to help the Inn build a new barn,” someone’s voice sounded behind the Assistant Innkeeper, catching her off-guard. Turning around, Aylwen came face-to-face with a tall, frail-looking young man with golden hair and slightly mournful blue eyes. Aylwen smiled kindly and put a hand on his shoulder before replying.

“And do you happen to have a name?” Aylwen asked, looking into the man’s deep blue eyes. Upon closer examination Aylwen noticed that the young man was not as frail as he seemed. He was stronger than Aylwen first thought. The man couldn’t have been much older than she was, but Aylwen could not be sure and decided to settle with first impressions as the man answered her.

“Faran, miss,” the man replied, and Aylwen nodded.

“Faran, I want to thank you for your offer,” Aylwen began, choosing her words carefully. “And if it really is no inconvenience to you, I would appreciate all the help you decide to give. I’m sure everyone else here appreciates it too. You won’t be alone, and perhaps I can give you room here while you help. Does that sound good to you?”

Before Faran could answer, a little hand began tugging on the back of Aylwen’s skirt. Aylwen turned and looked down to see Madi and a little girl she hadn’t seen before looking up at her. Aylwen turned back to Faran and grinned sheepishly, excusing herself and assuring Faran that she would speak with him again soon. As Faran nodded and walked off, Aylwen turned back to Madi and the little girl.

“Hello, Madi. Who is your friend? Can I help you with something?” Aylwen asked, surprised that the little man would be coming to her for something. Probably just because Bethberry isn’t here right now, Aylwen told herself as Madi opened his mouth to speak.

“Map for Berry,” Madi grunted, handing Aylwen a slip of paper. Before Aylwen could say anything else, Madi and his friend began sneaking off towards the brush as if on some covert operation. Aylwen sighed and put the piece of paper in her apron pocket before going back to her original task. She continued inviting people into the Inn for lunch and thanking people for their generous help that day.

“M’Lady Aylwen,” Aylwen turned at the call, and smiled warmly as Castar stood near her. “I just wanted to tell you that I will stay and aid in the rebuilding of the barn…as long as it takes. Windheneb sent his cousin to tell my parents.”

“That is good,” Aylwen replied softly. “We can use all the help we can muster.”

“Windheneb will be helping too,” Castar added, but his voice faded as he excused himself politely. Aylwen remembered something as he left and went off to find him again. When she did find him he was speaking to Windheneb and another woman (apparently another friend of Windheneb’s).

“Castar, Windy,” Aylwen said, catching their attention. “Why don’t you come in for lunch while we see who we’ve got for help? You can take your friend too.”

Castar nodded, smiled at Aylwen, and led Windheneb and the woman to the door of the Inn. Aylwen moved on, and before long she was able to go into the Inn and get things ready for repairs. Aylwen decided that they would probably start the next day, depending on how much help they had.

Oh, won’t Bethberry be surprised when she gets home, Aylwen thought glumly.