the sitting room has a goat's skin as a sitting place in front of the cottage's fireplace that is just a fire burning in a pit. It is incredibly small
sitting room, Inside Cottage
traveler
her maid
I am a maid to the princess of the kingdom. I am soft spoken and kind, and patient with the princess even when she is short tempered. I like to sing a little when I am working.
I'm well, thank you. Do you have any special needs or requests for your stay? Um, if it is not too much trouble. I have a dog with me that will need some blankets.   I will get them ready for you immediately, sir. What is your dog's name? Turmeric...like the spice.  I sell many spices and when he was a puppy, he loved to taste turmeric.  It made his nose all yellow. Well that is a wonderful name! What brings you to the palace? I had some valuable spices, furs, and jewels for the King that I am so glad I delivered to him safely.  We were getting attacked along the caravan so I'm happy to sleep soundly tonight.  Have you worked for the King long? I have worked for the king for the past 32 years. He is a kind and gracious man. Will you be able to stay long? I hope you can stay and be well. It sounds like you've endured enough.  What wonderful service to have worked for the king so long. I hope he rewards you.  Yes, I am happy to say that this is my last time travelling.  I am getting older.  I have accepted the King's offer to work with the apothecary. The apothecary? What a splendid job. How did you meet the king? It appears he trusts you deeply.  Yes, I have been bringing him things from all over the world from when he first became king.  We trust each other.  He trusts me with his life, especially to mix tonics and things for him now.  They will be readying my new part of the castle in a week or so. That would require great trust. Does he still use the taste tester to assure that his drinks and food are not poisoned? Most definitely!  Even things that the apothecary makes can be tampered with.  One can never be too careful. I hope I am not trading one stressful job for another but we will see. 