[Regin Hardhammer]

Suddenly, the dwarf was struck by a brilliant idea that would amend this dilemma. He cut off Aman in mid sentence, since what he had to say obviously was much more important.

“Although I maintain that Hawthorne is completely innocent, I believe that I may humbly offer a solution to this quandary. All of us can agree she did not intentionally burn down the Inn and that she is extremely remorseful for the damage that she caused. But, as you say Master Shirriff, shire law requires that she be punished for her actions. Putting her in prison is entirely out of the question, both because it seems too harsh a punishment and she could never survive a night in a cell, being the fragile young flighty thing that she is.”

“Therefore, I suggest that we employ an alternate means of reprimand, one that would be more appropriate for the situation. When one of our young dwarves steps out of line, we make them carry very heavy stones from the quarries to the builders’ workshops to pay off their debt. I propose a similar method of punishment for Hawthorne. Although she may not be able to lift heavy stones, she can help us work on the reconstruction of the Inn. I have surveyed the foundation of the Inn and found it to be irreparably damaged. We must demolish all of the inn that remains and rebuild from the ground up, starting with the foundation. Hawthorne can serve her punishment with mandatory service in the rebuilding effort. Perhaps she could use her pony and wagon to carry back stones that other stronger hands have gathered."

" What good would Hawthorne be to anyone sitting in prison? This way the lass can help clean up the mess she made and make herself useful. Besides, it will be a while before the Inn will be rebuilt and we can use all the help we can get, even that of bubble brained hobbits.”

With that the Dwarf chugged down his stew straight from the bowl, too hurried to use a spoon. He had not eaten for quite some time and felt as if he could consume an ox. The stew scalded the back of his mouth slightly, but it was exceptionally good. Aman and the Shirriff stared at him askance as the last drops of steaming broth went trickling down his throat.

“What are you staring at? I’m hungry! I haven’t had a proper meal in three days nor any strong ale. I don’t suppose you savaged any ale from the Inn, did you? Anyway what do either of you think of my brilliant idea?”