Laurie took a step back, quite afraid as the man in the hay began to thrash and shout. He sat up and was talking at her, but he didn't seem to really see who she was at first. Oh dear, I didn't mean to disturb him like this, she thought, alarmed. But he bent his head and after a moment began to speak again, this time in a much softer tone.
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"I am sorry I did not mean to upset you in any way." He said to the woman who had woken him. "Please forgive me, and tell Pio to wake me at 10:00 to get ready for lunch." He smiled at her. "You only woke me from a harsh place I hope never to see again!" he said apologetically.
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She curtsied and smiled weakly back. "Quite all right good sir, I'm sorry I disturbed you. I will be sure and give Pio your message." And with that she made a hasty retreat, grabbing a bale for the horses on her way down. That will teach me to bother in other people's business, Laurie thought.
She threw the hay into the stalls and found a grooming box on a shelf. She brushed each horse with short, deft strokes then picked out their hooves. It was quick work, Laurie had done it a hundred times before and it made her feel more at home. The disturbing scene up in the loft began to recede from her mind as she thought of Rohan.
She put the grooming box up and made her way back into the inn. There were still beds to be made... but all thoughts of chores fled as the aroma of sausage and eggs welcomed her back inside. She heard a voice call "Who wants some breakfast?" Laurie headed eagerly towards an empty table, making a detour over to the fire where Pio sat next to Cami.
"Pio, I shoveled the snow on the path outside and cleaned the barn. I was rather suprised to find a man in the hay loft, so I woke him up; I hope I wasn't wrong to do so. He was a little started, but told me to tell you he wanted to be woken at ten for lunch."