[Child of the 7th Age]

Miz Bella sat quietly at a side table in one corner of the Common Room, eating her dinner while listening to all the songs. Her father had made it a point to teach her much of the history of the Shire as well as reciting tales from Arnor and Gondor. Much of what the singers outlined in their ballads was familiar to her. A few years before, when she had stayed in Minas Tirith for nearly a year, her friend Cami had shared with her another book of Elven Lore that Master Bilbo Baggins of Hobbiton had translated into Westron. Bella had spent some time copying out sections of this work and hoped to use some of those tales with the students who would come to her school.

Finishing up the last crumb of cake and setting down her fork, Bella pushed her plate aside and took one last look at the placard that she had carefully written out earlier that day. Happy with her effort, she picked it up and walked over near the entry to the kitchen, tacking it onto a small hook that was intended for posting public notices:

Dear Inn Guests and Fellow Residents of Hobbiton and Bywater,

Miz Bella Tûk, recently returned from extensive travels to all corners of Arda, wishes to announce the opening of a dame school for lads and lasses at the Green Dragon Inn. This school provides both rudimentary and advanced training in reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic. Hobbit geneology and the natural history of the Shire will be included at no extra charge as well as a brief overview of Elven lore and tales of sea voyages and dragons.

Additionally, Miz Tûk is available to tutor those of more advanced years who prefer to carry on their studies in private. Lessons in wood and stone carving are also available.

In addition to Shire coinage, Miz Tûk accepts payment in the form of eggs and other farm produce as well as useful services that can be tendered to her. Please apply to Miz Tûk, #12 Green Dragon Inn, Hobbiton-Bywater Road.

Bella Tûk, daughter of the late Hildifons Tûk who was formerly of Tûkborough

After securing the placard where everyone could see it, Bella retreated to sit down when her eye caught a group of hobbits happily chattering away at the next table. They looked to be a loving family: a mother, a father, two sisters close in age, and a younger brother who had suffered some physical injury or disease that made it difficult for him to get about. The lad had secured a copy of the menu and was staring intently at it, tracing out the letters with his finger. A liklier prospect for learning to read Bella had never seen!

At a break in the singing, Miz Bella slipped over to the larger table and held out a hand in welcome, speaking directly with the mother. "Excuse me, ma'am, if I may interrupt. My name is Bella. I've come to Bywater to settle. I am afraid I am new here and don't know your name."

"Lilly. I am Lilly, and our family is also new here. We've found it a fine place, though."

Nodding in agreement, Bella went on to explain, "I wanted to speak with you about a new project I am starting here at the Inn. Cook arranged for me to rent rooms and to hire a sturdy lad or lass to help set up a dame school for the children in the neighborhood. Perhaps you might wish to speak with your husband and see if you would want any of your brood to attend? Over there on the wall is a placard explaining how it will work. The cost is very modest, and your children would receive a fine start at their reading and figures." Miz Bella smiled at Lilly waiting for her response....