[Kath]

Astilwen had been interested in Ariane's explanation of why she counted what was on the ceiling and wished that she had gone on. The woman had lapsed into silence after only a few words and was obviously deep in thought, though those thoughts were apparently going to stay in her head. After a moment she had shaken herself and changed the subject entirely.

"But what do you think of the buns they have here? They're amazingly flavored." She sighed. "I cannot cook a thing without burning it."

Deciding to leave the previous matter be Astilwen went along with this new tangent.

"They're wonderful. The cook here is quite famous among these parts for her food and you can see, or should I say taste why! I'm the same as you though. My mother tried to teach me to cook by getting me to make the meal for my family once a week. And so once a week my family went hungry!"

The two of them shared a laugh born of a common misfortune and tucked back into their meals. After a happy few moments spent eating in peace Astilwen pushed her plate away from her and leant back in her chair, Ariane following suit close behind.

"So," began the hobbit, "Where is it that you hail from?"