[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Aylwen's post:

Aylwen sighed, tired and tried through the day with many things though the hours had scarcely met noon. Early morning and midmorning had quickly faded silently into noon?s harsh sunlight. The sun would soon begin to sink slowly and gracefully down from its perch directly above, causing the ground and air to become slightly cooler with each passing moment?a relief from the heat of the summer sunshine. Aylwen waited ever patiently for the cooling air and the darkening of the sky, for she felt desperate need for rest from her previous journey and the day?s trials. Not only that, the Innkeeper felt particularly anxious for the first night of Sigurd?s duties as night watch.

After employing Sigurd, Aylwen had taken to a quiet and short conversation with Asad and his grandmother. They had much to say about the sudden disappearance and departure of Hearpwine. Asad mostly felt optimism and hope for the young man whom he had earlier competed with for the very spot that called Hearpwine. However, the aging Jesia had only riddles and prophesies about the leaving Hearpwine, most of which Aylwen dismissed in her own mind. Aylwen soon dismissed herself to go and join the group containing Osric, Sigurd, Bethberry, and an Elven patron unknown to Aylwen.

Before Aylwen could introduce herself into conversation and to the newly arrived Elf, a man entered through the doorway of the inn. The man walked towards the group, proving to Aylwen?s eyes to be a new patron, and one that the current Innkeeper did not recognize, or at least remember from her years as Innkeeper. His hair glowed blond in color, the locks shining from the rays of the setting sun. He stood taller than many, especially taller than the already slightly stunted Aylwen. At first, he spoke graciously to Bethberry, whom he seemed to know well, or at least was in some way familiar with. When Bethberry bade him speak with her, he turned and addressed Aylwen and the others she stood with.

"I give you good morning! I am Eodwine of the Gap, just back from errands far and wide with days to myself and gold to spend, first on a hearty breakfast if that may be had, and then we shall see. Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting this fine morning?"

?I am Aylwen, the Innkeeper here at the White Horse,? Aylwen greeted kindly, her smile warm and betraying her weary dark eyes. ?And I will go get your meal while these three introduce themselves. I would call it more of a luncheon, good Eodwine, for the day wears on ever quickly in its own way, and noon is fast upon our heals! I shall return in a moment.?

With that, Aylwen left Osric, Sigurd, and the Elven man to speak their greetings to the cheerful Eodwine.

---
Bethberry's post

Bethberry had spent some time in whispered greetings with Eodwine, ascertaining his state of health and what industries he had pursued since last he visited the White Horse, but then she had been called away by a child with an urgent message for her. She read the missive the child thrust into her hands and then asked hurried questions, but the child could add little to the message, which had been delivered at the gate of Edoras.

A summon it was, to come quickly to the home of her old friend Ælfritha, where an ailing family member urgently required her help. It was unlike Ælfritha to call for her over a matter slight. This must be of no small need.

Bethberry packed a small satchel of clothes, carefully checked her bags of herbs and oils and emuluments, and prepared to be off. She returned to the Great Hall, and spoke quietly with Aylwen.

"Ælfritha bids me come to attend to and elder of her family. She does not make such requests lightly and I must respect it."

Aylwen nodded. "Know you how long you will be gone?"

"Perhaps a fortnight, it is difficult to tell. I will send a message should I be gone longer. You have all you need here for the Inn? Do you lack anything?"

The younger woman shook her head. "We are well stocked, even given the influx of patrons occasioned by our bards and our singing competitions. Rest easily. Naught shall happen in your absence."

"I did not think any harm would, Aylwen. I chose an able Innkeeper who knows a thing or two about managing an Inn. My only regret is that I should miss the good fellowship here. Give my greetings to Frodides and Leofan and Aedre. Tell them whence I go." With that, Bethberry gave Aylwen an affectionate, parting hug and spoke a few words of good-bye to Osric and Eodwine before leaving. She had a long journey ahead of her, across a sea of waving grassland, to the farthest reaches of old Rohan.

---
Aylwen's post:

It could smell the flesh.

The flesh appealed to Its hungry stomach.

It had not eaten in long days. Too long. The flesh and the opportunity of a meal were too great to pass, especially for Its growling stomach. It made Its way over a small stream, sniffing the ever-present smell of nutrition and sustenance. It could sense from afar the indifference and unknowing nature of those It intended to prey upon.

Crawling in the quietest manner possible for such a large stature, It howled as loud as it could, calling for companionship and partnership to aid and share in the feast It would have later. When others had joined It, they trod the area silently and swiftly. Soon It could see the object of Its thought and senses.

The people of the little inn would not have time to react. They would wait until the sun sank beneath the hills that they had so often wandered.

Then they would eat.

And Its stomach would be filled.