[Bêthberry]

Aedre had watched the Lady Eowyn withdraw from the White Horse with a look of awe and surprise on her face and a shade of disappointment as Hearpwine had followed after her. She stood awhile trying to get a sense of things and then watched the conversation between Aylwen and the old warrior and his nephew.

For her part, Bethberry took a deep sigh of relief after all the unexpected bustle and commotion of the morning. She remembered well the visits of the very young Lady to the Horse in days gone bye but had not been sure the Princess of Ithithlien would have remembered them. She should have thought better of Eowyn, for here was honest, true breeding, grace and courtesy rather than hauteur and condecension. Bethberry smiled at the remembrance and then turned her thoughts to the conversation in front of her.

Oscric and Sigurd certainly could extend a conversation and make the simplest request a long endeavour indeed. She watched quietly for a bit, to ensure that Aylwen would not be completely surprised by the request for employment. The two of them had had not a moment to chat so Bethberry could bring her up to date on events, but as usual the young woman was taking everything in her stride. Sigurd finished his rather long speech, punctuated as it was by his uncle's elbow and Bethberry spoke up.

"Osric, Sigurd, and I had mentioned several possible jobs here at The Horse, Aylwen, but the final decision of what to offer, or, indeed, to offer any position at all, is yours as Inkeeper of course. Frodides could use a strong arm to help her load and unload the heavy items for the kitchen and we could also use someone of sharp eye, keen attitude, and faithful committment as a night watchman. With peace and slowly returning prosperity, there is much more travel and many more strangers appearing in Edoras. The gates to the city are no longer closed and so we must make our own arrangements. I will withdraw from these deliberations, however, to let you make your own minds."

With that, Bethberry turned her attention to the old Bard who had remained stiffly uneasy at the recent events. He had spoken rather peremptorily about Hearpwine's absence--a tone and attitude which intrigued her. He clearly was an astute, even wily man, well versed in the ways of court and power and influence. Yet why was he so flustered by Hearpwine's disappearance? Bethberry decided that the morning might yet hold more interest for her, she who found people endlessly fascinating.
"Eorcyn, can you enjoy that tankard now, or are you still bothered that Hearpwine was absent when you sent for him? Had our favourite young minstrel disappointed you? Or had he exceeded expectations?'

It cannot be denied that, had anyone looked closely, there could be found the slightest flicker of challenge in her eyes.