Ayrie swallowed a large bite of meat pie and nearly choked. Coughing and sputtering she managed to say, "Good. *cough* Well *cough* yes. The pump for the cystern is busted, and I'm waiting on the elders to get here with the money to hire someone to fix it. I don't mind using a bath house, though, I'm used to sharing a bath room anyway at the monastery."

She looked at him, wondering how he could look so unruffled after playing with the children. She brushed the crumbs from her hands and off her clothes, suddenly feeling unkempt in her travel clothing.