Aylwen woke up the next morning with the first light, watching the rays of sun dance on and through her windowsill before getting ready for the day. Tired from staying up so late the night before, Aylwen yawned as she brushed her black hair and donned her skirts and tunic. She left her panpipes on her dresser before going to Delia's small but cozy room.
"Delia? Time to wake up," yawned Aylwen through the closed door, leaning her forehead on the door momentarily. When she recieved no answer, Aylwen figured Delia must have already been awake.
Then Aylwen made her way downstairs, where Froma was already up and cooking with some of the help from the previous day. Bethberry was in the meadhall, talking in a hushed voice to the newest overnight patron of the White Horse. Aylwen did not wish to disturb Bethberry and interrupt her conversation, so she began to head into the kitchens to see if she could help Froma.
"Aylwen!" called Bethberry before Aylwen could disappear behind the kitchen door. "It is Farmer's Market day today, we may need to get some supplies for the week."
"Alright. I'll start a list so if Froma or Delia or you need anything it won't be forgotten," suggested Aylwen, and Bethberry nodded. Sneaking a little peek over where the Innkeeper was, Aylwen caught a glimpse of who she was talking to. It was a strange little creature, about half her size. Aylwen was unable to ponder on it longer as the kitchen door came flying open, sending Aylwen stumbling backward. Looking up, she saw Talan carrying a big case of clean glasses and mugs.
"Sorry there Miss," he said gruffly, heaving the case over and behind the bar and began to put the clean glasses away. Aylwen nodded and helped him put away glasses, thinking of how even the simple mugs for ale could be used as musical instruments. It might be something interesting to try if she had a spare moment that day.
When she was done helping Talan, Aylwen wearily shuffled into the kitchens looking for Froma. She found Froma stirring some sort of soup or broth and inhaling the steam deeply from time to time. Aylwen gently put a hand on Froma's shoulder, which caused the cook to jump frantically.
"Foolish girl! You'll ruin the soup! You'll make me spill it! What do you want?" Froma finished her accusations with a curious tone, which made the cook's words seem almost humorous to Aylwen.
"Do you need anything from the Farmer's Market today?" Aylwen asked loudly, trying to be heard over the crashing of pots and pans and the sudden squeals of steam from cooking breakfast foods. Froma seemed to have no trouble being heard and had no trouble hearing either in the kitchens. "Just write it down and I'll get it for you, you seem rather...busy."
Aylwen left the kitchens, and returned to the meadhall with the aroma of warm soup about her. It would be a busy day, she knew, even if the party was done and the guests were gone.
As today is a Farmer's Market day in Edoras, you can post about being outside the Inn purchasing necessaries for the week like food, clothes, etc. Remember, it is ten years before the War of the Ring takes place.
[ July 10, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]
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...Come down now, they'll say. But everything looks perfect from far away - Come down now! But we'll stay.
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