[Aylwen Dreamsong]

The Innkeeper watched as the newcomer asked Aedre for the ale. Aylwen raised her gaze from the ledger to watch and study the young woman, who puzzled Aylwen and made her suspicious and nervous. Of course, it was Aylwen's job as Innkeeper to be suspicious, or at least her right to be. Aylwen didn't want any trouble, and the only reason that caused her to suspect was the weapon she'd caught a glimpse of earlier when the stranger had walked in. The young woman's looks betrayed that she did not hail from Rohan, as did the fact that she traveled alone. It struck Aylwen that not only did the girl travel alone, but she carried a sword, as though she meant to travel alone anyway.

It is unsettling to have an armed patron, for we are people of peace here after the great war, Aylwen thought. But there are probably other weapons in this Inn that I am not aware of. I shall not have the young'un tossed just because I caught sight of her sword...The Innkeeper sighed and listened half-heartedly as Bethberry and Hearpwine spoke and sang. I will do naught unless the sword is brought out for use...

“So what make you of my music Bethberry? To make amends for my song of the Lady Departed I give you two songs of women who are all too real in Rohan. Which of these two women do we...which of these women do we prefer? The beautiful wretch who must wait upon her lord? Or the proud maid who will wait for no man?”

Aylwen looked over at Hearpwine, a smile in her heart and playing upon her lips. The young man amused her, to say the least. Aylwen was almost jealous of Liornung and Hearpwine's talent and skill with music, but more than anything Aylwen was overjoyed to have them at the Inn.

“Though I’m sure I speak not for all, Hearpwine, I can honestly say that the second is, in my foolish old eyes at least, the fairer. The only maid who I ever loved was one such lady, a woman as strong as a storm and as untamable as the very Mearas themselves. The meek may be for some, Hearpwine, but is those with fire that draw me and, so I have heard, a great many men. I find that this fire may dwindle and need new firewood to rekindle it as years go by, but the mysterious and elusive beauty of the flame will be eternal as the sun.”

The Innkeeper turned her gaze to the man called Osric, and nodded at his words. It was a good man that spoke truly and honestly from his heart, and it seemed that most men of Rohan were so, and that, to Aylwen, proved to be all well and good.

“If my mind was still mounted upon firm foundations, lad, I could tell such stories, but alas I would only butcher them each in turn, for my silver tongue has dulled. But, I see new hope for the next age when I see folk such as you, Hearpwine, and the fairness of your words. I assure you, the Golden Lady would be proud to hear your moving rendition of her verse, for who could sing anything but its praises? You are too modest, Heaprwine, a trait which I have not seen in a truly long time.”

Aylwen nodded, for Osric's words were true of Hearpwine. At that moment, several familiar children came running towards Liornung, all children that Aylwen had known for a very long time. Aylwen had known most of them, in fact, for their whole lives. The children of Leofan went to their uncle with happy smiles upon their faces.

Turning her gaze, Aylwen's dark eyes finally rested on the newcomer, who thanked Aedre for the wine she'd been served. Aylwen sighed and watched as more customers entered the Inn. The Inn would become crowded quickly, for the sun was slowly waning in the sky and once it was completely gone Aylwen would give her speech to begin the festivities.