[Bêthberry]

The departure of Saeryn and Degas with Maercwyn brought a bustling commotion to the Greath Hall, so that people turned away from the central event towards their beer, their dinners, the thankfully calm conclusion of their day. The twins enthusiastically attacked their plates of pastries and ragouts and vegetables while Falco kept his eye on his companion Eodwine. He had not expected the Rohirrim man to accept the adoption of Gudryn, but stranger things had happened in his life. Still, Falco chuckled to himself, for he foresaw some lively adventures in the near future.

Gudryn's blushing concern for herself disappeared as she watched Saeryn leave, so she was neither prepared nor expecting the Innkeeper's question to her.

"Gudryn, you have had a tumultuous day and no doubt your head and your heart are spinning with events almost unbelievable."

The girl turned back to Bethberry shyly and nodded, her hand still holding Eodwine's arm.

"What say you to this idea of Eodwine's, that he supplies not only father but mother for you as well? It is a mighty step, to step into the lives of strangers. Girls don't usually pick their maws and paws as easily as they choose new frocks."

"Frocks," interjected Ruthven, munching on a thick slice of grain bread slathered with butter. "Gives me an idea, Bette."

"Well it might, Ruthven, but let's let Gudryn give us a few leads. Yet don't feel rushed to answer now, dear. The day has been long and much too rushed to recommend sudden decisions. Shall we all finish dinner and like Saeryn and Degas seek our repose, that tomorrow we may consider with fresh mind and heart Eodwine's idea?"

~~~

And so the day finally wound down as the sun set, with tongues wagging slower and slower and people by one and two drifting off for the night. Ruthven bid the twins goodnight and Falco, nodded to Eodwine, and gave Bethberry a parting hug.

For her part, the Innkeeper lit the taper inside a lantern and made the rounds of the doors and windows on the main floor, ensuring all were barred and locked, and then withdrew to her room for rest. She was tired, nay , even wearied by the day's events and hoped for a good, long sleep.

~~~

Alas, she could not sleep, not for the longest time, that is. Her feet ached and her arms and gave her little peace. Yet sleep finally came and the sun did rise again.

It rose not with any particular portent. It was neither bright and cheerful, cloudless with a piercing blue, nor overcast and dark, with a foreboding sense, but was a mixed sky with whisps of cloud disappated into the blue sky to wash it out, without diminishing the sun's rays. It was a morn like any other morn and so did not seem to hold any special meaning for the day it announced. It was, in short, a most unlikely beginning for the story of heart's desire.