[alaklondewen]

Before the sun’s rays completed their climb over the horizon of the miller’s property, Lairwyn had gathered her items, including a bag of flour Aldhelm had given her with great gratitude, and was ready to mount her horse and ride back to Edoras.

The miller’s family had brought her a small cot to sleep on the night before as she wanted to check on Maedlyn’s wounds that morning. Lairwyn had left the mother cuddling the sleeping babe in her bed while Lathyn was curled up at her feet. Maedlyn appeared to be both exhausted and full of an energy that made her glow. With a warm smile and a raised hand of parting, the midwife turned from them, left the home, and climb upon her horse. Her heel gently nudged the side tan mare and she was off…

~~~*~~~

Mayhew opened his heavy lids and looked at the untouched half of the bed. Propping himself up with his elbows he listened to the darkness. No sound was heard but the creaking of the old house as it settled in its foundation. After just a moment, he sunk back into his covers and scratched his thick blonde beard. She must’ve stayed overnight , he thought, yawning. It was not uncommon for his wife to be gone overnight when she delivered the children of folk who lived in the country.

He had never been very keen about waking up without Lairwyn, but he knew how much she loved the work. They had never had children themselves, which had been tough on both of them, and the families adored her. Plus, her deliveries always brought in a little extra money or food. Lairwyn was a good woman. Sometimes in a slow year, if a family could not pay her monetarily, she would accept a roasted duck or beef as payment. Mayhew had tried arguing with her about not getting enough for her services, but Lairwyn would just shake her head and the next time she would accept a knitted blanket or a bushel of corn.

Whether Mayhew liked it or not, she was not there and that meant he would have to fend for himself. After washing his face in the basin in his bedroom, he decided he would treat himself to a breakfast at the White Horse. He’d have some thick bacon, or better yet a nice steak with some eggs. Froma always made is steaks the way he liked them…nice and rare. And since Lairwyn was gone, he wouldn’t have to hear her grumble about his food intake. Mayhew smiled mischievously at his reflection before he picked his hat from the post next to the door and started the short trek to the inn.

The morning was cool and crisp. Mayhew breathed in deeply and the cold air felt like a razor in his chest. He coughed, bringing up the loose phlegm, and then spat through his teeth just as he reached the door of the White Horse. Stopping for a moment he looked over the charred remains of the stable. Lairwyn had been present when the fire started and had rushed home to tell him. It was a shame the hardworking ladies that ran the inn would have to deal with rebuilding, and he hoped they would find the help they needed. If he saw one of them inside, Mayhew would be sure to offer his services; although, he was uncertain as to how a barber could help.

The inn was cozy this morning and Mayhew took a place next to the crackling fire. Placing his hat in the middle of the table, he leaned back in his chair, propped his feet on the chair next to him, and waited for service.