[Child of the 7th Age]

Miz Bella glanced over at the Innkeeper and nodded, "Your point is well taken. I'd wecome any help I could get at teaching these young ones. I'm afraid I'm not as young as I used to be! In any case, I can only be in one place at a time. If I'm working with the new readers, it's hard to give the proper attention to some of the older ones. Nor would I object if you or one of the others wanted to take a smaller group of children and perhaps help them with something special away from this classroom: having Cook teach them how to whip up a mushroom pie, or perhaps, Innkeeper, you might even want to work with a few of the more adventurous in the courtyard showing them how to ride and care for a pony. I know the lads would welcome that! Let's try and talk more on that tonight or tomorrow. Meanwhile, I want to check out the preparations for the faire. Perhaps we can all figure out ways for the children to participate and help make the event a success."

With that, the two women shook hands and agreed to speak more about these matters later. Miz Bella made her way back into the classroom and stopped to thak the Bard for all his help. "It looks as if we've made a good start on that song. Hopefully, we'll have it finished and ready to practice in time for the faire. I hope to see you again soon."

Miz Bella waved as the school door closed and the Bard disappeared down the hallway. Turning her eyes back to the class, and seeing how the little ones (especially Willy!) fidgeted in their seats, Ms. Bella hastily announced, "That's plenty for our first day! You're free to go home now. Those of you who need to wait for parents can play in the garden until your Ma or Da come to pick you up. Oh, yes, and please take your slates home to practice your letters."

With that there was a scuffling of feet and general jubilation as the children gathered up their belongings and, like a mighty herd of cattle, went tramping towards the outer door. Miz Bella instantly plopped down in her chair and silently wondered what she had gotten herself into. Her feet hurt so much she thought that they were in danger of dropping off.