At the sight of the cake, Lyra lost all restraint. It tasted so good. Of course food always tasted good after arriving to a new town. That was one of her favorite things about traveling. The cake did not last long, as she pounded it back relentlessly. After it was gone she leaned back with a content sigh, some crumbs were still on her dirt covered cheeks. However, now came the most terrifying thing in the world. What is she going to do to help this guy out? 

[i]Gah! He is going to make me work! I know I said I would, but... It always fills me with dread. Perhaps he will send me to do his errands, or worse... he will make me do the cooking! I can't do that! The most I can do is grill some meat! If I try anything else, it becomes outright horrid!... My shoulder still hurts from my failed attempts several towns ago...[/i] 

But That wasn't what he said.

"What?... You want me to play my lute?... That's it?... You're going to give me room and board, and all I have to do is play a few songs..." Lyra picked off some crumbs that were left on her plate. She was silent for a few seconds, then stood up with such force her chair was thrown across the floor. "That's great! I accept! I was terrified you'd send me off to lift crates or something, but this is the best thing someone could ask for!... I must also ask for a place to lie down and allergy medication, as I may have over exerted myself just now, and my headache has been ramped up once again..."