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Earcwen regarded Rochadan with a slightly amused eye, saying, 'Do you really desire my presence in the kitchen? Andhun, I understand, has some sort of work here at the Tavern, and so of course he is welcome to dine in the kitchen. I, on the other hand, should, by all rights, be dining in the Common Room with the guests, for I am a guest. You needn't fear of offending me by banishing me from the kitchen, though I might feel sorry for it.' She cocked her head to one side and her eyes twinkled.
'Oh, please!' cried Andhun and Sallie of one accord, and Rochadan finished for them, saying, 'I am sure you would be no bother at all, Miss Earcwen, and we would be delighted to have you.'
'Well then!' said Earcwen, and she took Sallie's hand. 'Shall we go in for our luncheon, then?' And she began to sing When I Was Young, and she made her way to the stable door, Sallie beside her and Andhun following. Rochadan could not resist a laugh at the oddity of the young woman, and at the dearness of Andhun and his daughter, and then he too followed, and together the little group made their way to the Tavern.
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