[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Aylwen watched as Bethberry took her leave of the conversation, then looked back at the young man before her and his uncle close by him. Aylwen never felt short of employment proposals, yet she always found it difficult to turn someone down. Even in the simplest of requests, Aylwen found herself giving in and agreeing. The sudden visit of Eowyn had left many issues in disarray, and Aylwen felt as though she was forgetting something important.

"Well, we have never required a night watchman before," The Innkeeper murmured, her consideration becoming a private conversation for her, Sigurd, and Oscric only. Sigurd's shoulders dropped when he heard her words, but her face brightened as she opened her mouth to continue. "However, there are new things to consider. As Bethberry has said, things change and the gates are ever open to new surprises and strange things. The new Age brings many changes, and we must change with it. If that is your final proposal, I do accept and you shall be the White Horse's night watchman. You can sleep during the day and keep us safe at night. It will be a noble task, if you decide to make it such. Maybe one day it shall pay off, and we will all be grateful that you took the job this day."

The Innkeeper chose her words carefully, her mind raging about how Sigurd felt about the task and how he was being influenced by his uncle Osric. Would he perform the job differently if Osric were not behind him to push his performance? Would he soon realize that the job he so hastily wanted was nothing more than a desire and wish made by his mother and uncle? Aylwen did not know the answer to either question, but she did not see much harm in finding out the answers. Surely if Sigurd had second thoughts there would be no rush to find a replacement...after all, they had never required a night watchman.

Aylwen remained uncertain in the matter of Sigurd's employment.