[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Aylwen watched grimly as Sigrid entered the Inn, a few men following behind her. The Assistant Innkeeper did not say anything, but found seats amongst the crowd for the blond youth and her company. Looking on the crowd, Aylwen sighed and considered what she would tell the people gathered. It was chaos in the main room of the Inn, and the room was thick with anxiety and anticipation.

Before Aylwen addressed the people she let the last of the folk outside squeeze their way into the crowded room. The last person to walk into the Inn was a young, blond haired man with dark blue eyes who looked intrigued more than anything else. He did not seem anxious or impatient like some of the other patrons of the Inn. The traveler merely seemed curious, in a way.

“Hear now! Oy, listen up!” Aylwen hollered, getting everyone’s attention and standing up on a stool above the rest of the crowd. “First, I owe much gratitude to everyone who helped us put out the stable fire in one way or another. Every person counted, and I appreciated your kindness and generosity. I’m sure Bêthberry will be grateful as well. Not all the horses survived and our stable is completely destroyed, but many horses were rescued and no people were lost.

“Furthermore,” Aylwen continued, a grim smile on her face. “We can rebuild. None of you are obligated to stay and help build a new stable, but I’ve already had many offers from people lending their skills in carpentry, or just help in general. The staff of the White Horse Inn is very thankful to have people like yourselves to help us, because I don’t think we’d get very far building a stable without help. It is much needed and much appreciated. Arrangements can be made for those who wish to help but don’t live in Edoras. We will begin rebuilding the stables tomorrow morning, and we advise the owners of horses to take their beasts home for the night, but we will keep a watchful eye over the remaining horses for the night. Thank you.”

With that, Aylwen hopped off her stool and was greeted with several shouts of ‘Here, here,’ and grunts of agreement. Some left the Inn, promising to return the next day to help rebuild. Others remained in the Inn, seeking refreshment after a long morning. Lunch was served immediately, and rooms were taken care of as food was being served. Aylwen had just said good-bye to another customer when Talan came down from upstairs. He walked right over to Aylwen, and asked to speak with her.

"As you can see for yerself, I am doin' better now; ready to do me job again. I don't know much about timber and carpenter and that sort o' thing, but me guess is, an extra pair of hands are always needed for such work. So you don't be afraid to call me if them workers need me, I sure could use to do a bit of work after being in that room for so long a time."

“Your willingness to work is one of the honorable traits in you, Talan,” Aylwen replied, smiling. “I never want anyone to feel that they have to stay here and be our crutch to lean on, so to speak. But I am glad that you are here to help, Talan, and I am glad that you are feeling well again.”

Talan murmured a polite thank-you and farewell, and Aylwen watched as he went off to bring a load of dirty glasses into the kitchen. She was just about to walk away from the front door when it bumped open to reveal a middle-aged man and a little girl holding his hand. The man had swarthy-dark skin and matching hair, but the little girl was olive-skinned and had lovely blond hair. Aylwen looked questioningly upon them, and the man bowed his head in her presence before speaking.

“Excuse me, ma'am, but I can't help but notice that you might need a few hands around here. I have a set myself that are fairly capable, and a little girl who needs a room for the night. Might you be able to give me some work?” The man looked sad as he spoke, and Aylwen smiled kindly and led the man to an empty seat. When Aylwen offered the stool for the little girl, she shook her head politely and climbed up onto her father’s lap.

“My name is Aylwen, I’m the Assistant Innkeeper her. You are correct, sir, when you say that we need a few hands,” Aylwen murmured. “We’ve had several townsfolk offer their services, but more help is always appreciated. So long as you desire to help, I’ll keep a room available for you and your daughter. I’m not entirely sure what Bêthberry would say to this, but I’m sure I can help you get back on your feet, if that’s what you need.”

“Many thanks, ma’am,” the man murmured. “I am Tamurilo, and this is my daughter Eruvalde.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Aylwen replied, giving a warm smile to the little girl and ordering hot chocolate for her and cider for her father. “If you need anything else, just ask.”