After several trips back and forth between the courtyard and the schoolroom, Miz Bella had finally managed to sort out the worst of the misunderstandings. She had spoken with Camille and Neviel, and gotten the hobbit lass to agree that the young Elf would help her brother down the steps the next time the children went outside.
For now, it was time to return to class and begin the afternoon lessons. With this in mind, Miz Bella had gone out to the garden and diligently herded the remaining children back into the schoolroom. She counted noses to make sure no one had been left behind. She thought she'd accounted for everyone, although it was hard to tell since a child or two had dropped into the garden during lunch and, seeing the tasty meal provided by Cook, had impulsively decided to join the class on their own.
Once everyone had taken their seats and a special spot was made for Rory, Miz Bella stood up to address the class. But before she could say anything, there was a gentle rapping on the door, and Ruby came into the room, explaining, "Ah, Miz Bella, you're back. Mistress Aman was hunting for you while the class was outside. She has something to ask you."
Miz Bella quickly replied, "Ruby, on your way back, would you tell the Innkeeper that she's welcome to drop by our class anytime. She can see how we're doing and have a word with me whenever she'd like." Ruby nodded and disappeared down the hallway as Miz Bella turned back to the students.
"Master Hearpwine should be arriving shortly. And when he does, we'll shift over to singing. But for now, I have some riddles for you to answer. Whoever gets an answer correct will earn a prize." Miz Bella pointed to a number of small treasures lined up on her desk: a small bag filled with sweets, three chalk sticks, a leather ball, a bright green kerchief for a lass to tie back her curls, and, most glorious of all, a knife that could be used for carving small things out of wood. "Everyone who tries to answer the questions will get a peppermint stick. But whoever has a right answer will be allowed to pick one of these special prizes. If we're interrupted by visitors," Miz Bella noted, "we'll continue with our game later."
"Alright now, here's the first riddle. Listen carefully.
Quote:
Thirty white horses upon a red hill,
Now they champ, now they clamp,
And now they stand still.
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That's the easier one. And here's the second.....
Quote:
In spring I am gay,
In handsome array;
In summer more clothing I wear;
When colder it grows,
I throw off my clothes;
And in winter quite naked appear.
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Can anyone guess what either of those are?"