[Child of the 7th Age]

Miz Bella was having trouble keeping up with all the visitors to her classroom. If every day proved to be this eventful, she would require not just one assistant but perhaps two or three!

Turning first to the Innkeeper, Miz Bella quickly explained, "I'm so glad you made it to our classroom to have a look. I'll be with you in just a moment. But let me speak first with the Bard so he can get started with the children."

Then Miz Bella turned and gave her attention to Hearpwine. "It was so kind of you to come. I am not sure what you had in mind for this afternoon, but earlier I spoke with Derufin. He mentioned that the Spring Faire would be starting in just a bit. Apparently, that's a time for singing and dancing and general merriment among all the hobbits in this part of the Shire. Master Gil has a puppet show planned, and I'll be speaking with him to see if we can help with that. But I was also wondering if the children might sing a song or two for the visitors to the Faire. Pehaps you might want to work with them on that. I know from their parents that a few of the children can already play instruments. You might eventually think about asking for volunteers and having them play while the others sing or dance. But I'll leave the details up to you, whatever you think best."

With Miz Bella's attention directed elsewhere, all the children had begun whispering and giggling among themselves. Turning to face the students, Miz Bella cleared her throat to attract attention, rapping sharply on the wooden desk with her knuckles, "Children, we have a visitor. Let's show him our best behavior. This is Master Hearpwine. He's come all the way from Rohan and has generously agreed to share his skills. We'll be able to hear him sing and perhaps learn a melody or two that we can perform at the Spring Faire. I want you all to pay attention and do everything he says. I'll be out in the next room speaking with the Innkeeper but will listen to what's happening here as well. This is our last thing to do before going home so let's give it our full attention."

With that, Miz Bella beckoned the Bard to come before the class, and gestured to Aman to go into her private chamber. "I just hope they behave," Miz Bella added to Aman as they left the room. "The class has been a bit rambuctious today, especially the lads. It's the first break I've had. We can talk here close to the door so I can keep one ear on the classroom. I did want to thank you for letting me use the Inn for our school. And how can I help you today?"