[Regin Hardhammer]

“Regin Hardhammer at your service, Mistress Aman,” said the dwarf politely.

Regin had been next in line for a steaming bowl of chicken soup and glass of water, when he was sharply pulled away by the Innkeeper. He was parched, half-starved, and extremely tired from combating the fire, so he was not at all pleased to wait longer for refreshment. How did I get myself into this mess? wondered Regin. I never worked so hard for a flagon in my life, and I haven’t even gotten it yet. I wonder if I ever will.

Although slightly miffed, Regin made sure to maintain civility with the Innkeeper, so as not to destroy the possibility of getting some ale.

“This Hobbit says that you can vouch for her that she did not purposely start the fire and that she called out for help,” the Innkeeper inquired.

“Yes, Mistress Aman. I swear on my Grandfather Balin’s grave that this innocent hobbit did not intentionally start the fire. I walked into the inn very early in the morn while the sun had not yet risen. The smell of burnt eggs permeated the air accompanied by large billows of puffy gray smoke. As I looked toward the kitchen I saw little Hawthorne here rush out to the common room with a frantic look on her face. I could tell that she was obviously shocked and extremely panicked. She seemed a tad dizzy headed and screamed, “Help! Help! The Inn’s on fire.” I valiantly alerted everyone to the fact that there was a fire and started the bucket brigade to put it out.”

“Now I won’t deny that Hawthorne needs to pull her head down from the clouds and plant her feet more firmly on the ground, but if that young lass was trying to burn down the inn then I’m Lord Aule. It just doesn’t make proper sense. Besides, it would be a shame to incarcerate such a bubblebrain. She could be much more useful working to clean up the awful mess she made, preferably in some place far away from the kitchen. The dainty rose couldn’t last one day in a cell!”

“Oh, there is one more thing I wanted to ask. Would you mind if I took a look at the stonework that abuts on the foundation? Some folk say that it is all right, but I have been working with masonry ever since I was a young lad and I have my doubts. My vast knowledge of metallurgy is much greater than my experience with stone, but I still know a thing or two. I thought I saw a few cracks and believe that a thorough inspection to assess the possible damage is in order.”