Part 1: The arrangement

There was always more to be done and the Lady was not exempt from this fact. She had physically settled into Bree-land for a good while now. But currently, her heart and mind were leagues away. It was difficult for most onlookers to understand what troubled her. Nor would she ask for a shoulder to cry on. The blood of Eorl made her stubborn. She lingered a moment outside to put on a mask of professionalism her head was held high and her shoulders swung backward. "Mind your temperance and hope that he does not drive you mad before the agreement can be made." She said to herself.  This was quite ridiculous in her honest opinion. Was she to be a dog begging for scraps? No, no she couldn't think of it that way. However, she had a growing disdain for the present reality she found herself in. Breathing in sharply, she put one foot gracefully in front of the other and swung the door to Ashforde's tavern open. Taverns, she went to these places more than she'd like of late. Alas, such places were fruitful for gathering information or business meetings. Drink and food brought most people together. When the door opened all eyes turned to her, lingering, far longer than she would want.  There was that feeling again, the feeling of being alone even amongst a crowd.  In spite of herself, she called out into the uncomfortable silence that now filled the tavern's commons. "Well, what are you gawking at? Be about your business! I've no time for nonsense!" Much to her bewilderment, the patrons carried on and the din of conversation swept over the room again.  "It worked? I mean, of course, it did. Oh good heavens I need a long break."