After Hattie and Ally worked out an agreement, they went back to the important business of finishing their desserts.

“You must have some of this,” Hattie said, and cut a piece of her mocha cake. She slid the piece onto Ally’s plate and then gave her a chunk of the butterscotch muffin as well.

“Wow, these are amazing,” Ally said after she’d tasted each of them.

Hattie nodded and reached a hand down to pet the wolf’s head. Would a small bite hurt, she wondered? With a small shrug, Hattie pulled a morsel of the butterscotch muffin and gave it to him. The wolf sniffed at it, and took the bite.

“What do you think?” Hattie asked.

A small growl escaped the wolf. He preferred meat.

“Ah, you’ve no taste,” she shook her head.

Ally watched the exchange with interest. Hattie had explained her ability before, but seeing the communication in action fascinated her.

Once they were finished, Hattie and Ally returned the dishes and tray to the shopkeeper.

“Those were mighty wonderful,” Hattie said, “Do tell the baker.”

“Thank you, Grandmother,” the shopkeeper smiled, “I will.”

Ally and Hattie exited Delina’s Delicacies.

“Thank you, my dear, and I shall see you tomorrow at the guild,” Hattie said.

Ally nodded, and wished Hattie a good rest of her day.

Hattie smiled. Things were working out! Even as an old maid, she was able to accomplish her goals. How wonderful the world could be, if only you pushed to make it so.

A soft hum drifted out of Hattie’s mouth, “We ought to find some lodging for the night,” she said to her companion.

Hattie remembered in a vague sort of way where the inns were, and so she began to walk in what she thought was the correct direction. Her hazy recollection was not wrong, and soon, the cobbled streets became narrower and two and three story buildings with small stables attached came into view. Some had signs that listed their prices for the night, and others their menus, many of which proclaimed they had the tastiest food this side of Derington. Hattie rather thought that the one with the best food would be the one without that sort of sign.

Hattie walked into the one that gave off the impression of it being middle-of-the-road, not so cheap that the room would be disgusting, and not so expensive that she’d be left copperless. Her funds were dwindling, especially after her visit to Fior.

She stepped in, the wolf right behind her. Hattie hoped that like at Delina’s, they would be okay with her companion coming in.

The common room of the inn was warm, and there were tables and chairs scattered around, a few people in quiet conversation. A plump woman with laugh lines etched into her face greeted Hattie.

“Hello, Grandmother,” she said, “Welcome to Bluebell Inn. I’m Eudora, proprietress here. How can I help you?”

“I’d like to stay tonight, perhaps tomorrow as well,” Hattie said, “along with my companion here.” Hattie patted the wolf’s head.

Eudora whistled, “I’ve haven’t seen one of those beauties in a long time. I’m fine with it, but if there’s extra mess, I may charge a clean up fee. Speaking of which, the rate per night is ten copper, and fifteen will include dinner and breakfast.”

“I don’t need the meals,” Hattie said, thinking of her stuffed pack. Before she left Derington yesterday, Matilda had packed her food, and Melanie had also given her provisions. Those would be adequate for both dinner tonight and breakfast.

“But if you have some meat for my friend here that would be lovely,” Hattie said, and then hesitated, “The cheapest you have.”

Hattie patted the wolf’s ear and muttered, “Sorry, my friend, expensive meat will have to wait for another day.”

Eudora nodded, “I’ll add three copper to your tab, Grandmother.”

“Let me pay you now,” Hattie reached for her purse and counted out the coppers.

Eudora took the money, thanked her, and went to the kitchen to fetch the meat for the wolf. She returned quickly, a plate filled to the brim with gristle, and portions of meat that Hattie guessed had been left uneaten by other diners.

Hattie sat at one of the tables and set the plate down on the floor for the wolf.

The wolf took its time clearing the plate, for which Hattie was grateful. It was nice to be able to sit and think without distractions. Not to mention, his manners were impeccable, better than some slobs Hattie remembered from Derington Holding.

Hattie frowned. She still hadn’t thought of a name for the wolf.

She gazed at the majestic beast.

"What do you think about Harry?"

The wolf paused his meal and looked at Hattie, and shook his head. He went back to the meat scraps.

"How about...Darien?" Hattie was hopeful about this one.

The wolf conveyed his disgust towards her.

Hattie rather enjoyed this game. She tapped her chin.

"Bailey?"

A sense of clear dislike.

"Sherrinford."

Mixed feelings.

Hattie paused a moment before she asked, "Buttercup?" In as serious a voice she could muster.

The wolf didn't deign to respond.

"Oh fine!" Hattie said, "You're more difficult than my cousin Monte!"

The wolf perked up.

"Truly? Monte?"

The wolf confirmed that he did like it.

"Monte it is, then." Hattie thought for a moment, "Monte…"

Once Monte had finished the meat, Hattie took the licked clean plate to Eudora and thanked her.

"I'll show you to your room," Eudora said.

She led them up the stairs, and opened the first door on the landing. She unlocked it and set the key into Hattie palm.

"Sleep well, Grandmother, and if you need anything, I'll be on the first floor."

"Thank you," Hattie shut the door, and locked it.

"Well, Monte," she sat on the bed, "We'd better get some rest. We've a big day tomorrow."

Monte set himself up on the bed, and Hattie pulled out her pack. The food Matilda had given her was still perfectly fine, and Hattie took care not to make a mess. The chicken, though cold, was delicious, and she pulled a chunk off one of her two loaves, and spread a dab of gooseberry jam on it with the cutlery she had packed.

She saved the rest for later, the macadamia nuts too, and they would stay edible longer. Melanie's cookies were a hard thing to resist, so she had a small bite of one.

After everything was rewrapped and put away, Hattie washed up and changed into night wear.

She climbed into bed, and patted Monte's head. The wolf was still up, and turned towards her, a faint curiosity drifting off it.

"I just wanted to say goodnight, my friend," Hattie smiled, and conveyed her contentment, "Monte."

"Goodnight," she whispered.