[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Before long the patrons of the inn began filtering out from their rooms, and breakfasts were ordered and the noise level began to grow. The morning sun streamed through the windows, catching the hints of dust in the air as the rays fell in square, windowpane designs upon the floor. Aylwen was ready for the work to begin, ready to help in any way she could as the volunteers and workers started preparing for the day ahead. In a way Aylwen almost felt like it was her fault that the stable caught flame. Perhaps indirectly it was her fault, for she was in charge while Bethberry was away. But she also knew that it was hardly any matter now, so long as it could be repaired and no one was hurt.

Aylwen saw Talan speaking with Bethberry, and was glad to have him to help organize and take care of things. The Assistant Innkeeper also saw Madi scrambling about as she filled orders, running outside with breakfast at one point. Aylwen smiled as the little man ran off, taking his food with him and slamming the door. But Aylwen continued with her serving, and stopped for a black-haired, black-eyed man who requested some hot water and milk. Aylwen brought back the milk and water for the man, who thanked her as she left him to cater to other patrons of the Inn.

After they’d had breakfast, several of the men went out to get to work on the stables, or at least start planning for their supplies and the design. Aylwen thanked them as they exited the Inn and walked out to the pile of blackened wood that contained what was left of the former stables. Taren told Aylwen that he would be outside with the other men, giving his input as a carpenter and helping all he could. Aylwen hugged him and thanked him for coming to visit, and apologized for asking him to work while he was there.

For the first time all morning Aylwen caught sight of Castar, sitting in one of the seats in the corner of the common room. Aylwen smiled, not having seen Castar since the night before. She went over to his table, where he was stabbing his half-eaten breakfast with his knife and massaging his right temple. Aylwen sat down next to him and touched his shoulder. “Are you all right?” she asked as he looked up at her.

“Ahh, yes, it’s just a headache,” Castar replied as he stopped attacking his breakfast and pulled his hand away from his forehead. His voice was a bit gruff, and Aylwen wondered if he’d had enough sleep the night before. “I’m fine though, thank you. Ah,” Castar trailed off, and changed the subject. “Who was that man you were speaking to earlier? The one who left just a minute ago?”

“Oh, Taren?” Aylwen’s smile lifted, glad that Castar was all right and that he’d changed the subject. “Taren’s my older brother, he’s a carpenter. He was traveling in the south, on some errand for my father in Minas Tirith. Taren came to visit and offered to help rebuild the stables.” Aylwen noticed Castar grimacing. She frowned. “Are you sure you’re all right? Can I get you something?”