The White Horse

[Bêthberry]

Bethberry watched the puffs of her breath form ice crystals on the window panes. The paint was peeling slightly around the frames; she would have to make a note for the spring cleaning, to paint the windows of the Inn. Come to think of it, she was acquiring a long list of things that needed to be done around the Inn. It was time she hired more help.

Walking to the announcements board, she wrote, in a large hand,

Help Wanted

Hobbit to help with small jobs around the Inn. Apply to the Innkeeper with a character and references.

Then she turned to the small group of recent guests at the table nearest the fire.

"My dear Dwarf-with-no-name, I know that Ballad of the Lonely Mountains. It has long been a favourite of mine. Will you play for your supper?"

"Hirilaelin, welcome to The Horse. We are quiet now, with several games running, but soon we expect a large crowd to gather as one game concludes. I might have to hire extra help for that party. Are you handy in a kitchen? Culoth will need help, now that Galadrel has been called away."

Bethberry then sat down beside Éorlan. "Such are the tales which we begin to hear of all too frequently these days in Rohan. How recent was this? Do you want to round up some of the patrons here, to track these murderers and find your sister? What plans would you have to propose?"

So saying, Bethberry signalled Fróma to bring ale to the guests, for tongues wagged faster when watered.