Zariya had watched as Pompeia came in with the fresh sheets. She had taken this up as an additional job without the slightest hint of a complaint, and this was what she earned money for. There were also the clothes that she mended for the soldiers, since they did it in a style that she was less than familiar with.

Pompeia had gladly offered her expertise, and did it without complaint.

“I thought you also did embroidery.”

“A little, but it isn’t enough. The soldiers’ shirts need to be mended more,” she said.

“I thought you had money.”

“Better to be industrious and frugal than to be a beggar later. I might as well live within my own means.”

She was not used to hard labour, that much was clear. But she seemed to understand what needed to be done. There were no merchants or soldiers, and they usually tipped her.

But on the days she did not, Pompeia often took to other things.

Zariya looked at a whole family who stayed. They needed the rooms, and her inn was one of the largest and longest-running. She had asked for beer to come, ever since she knew they came. The food too.

They were early. Thankful the food had came.

“I need you to do something for me.” She gave her a whisper. “Since they’re here early, could you help me fetch the beer from the supplier? They are coming fresh from the countryside, and they are already here.”

Pompeia let out a chuckle “If you say so, I thought temperance was advised here. Why the sudden need?”

“For some, they abide strictly by it, but not for others. Besides, I’m not one to judge.” Zariya would have said something just a few months ago, but not with her life so different. She learned perhaps she should not. “But few people care for the idea, and few want to enforce it. As long as you’re in good company, people would just look the other way.”

“I thought if coffee was acceptable, wouldn’t this be too?” She asked curiously.

It had been a fad that started from them, and she loved it, she needed it now everyday. When she had her children to think about, the counter, the never-ending chores and work.

“Perhaps wine makes you tipsy. But these days, I think it helps a lot when all I want to do is forgotten,” she said. “I used to dislike it until I truly had troubles of my own that won’t easily go away. And suddenly, I see why it has the appeal.”

“Did you do it before?”

“It’s been mostly my husband’s work. I prefer not to see it, now, I don’t exactly mind. It brings in half the revenue.”

Though there was so much difference, she often wore a veil and hid her face. But in the back, she often loosened it. All that remained was just her empty face.

“I can’t help much with that,” she said, before turning to the end of the room

Zariya had other matters to take care of, as the camels needed to be put down at a single location. And watched as they entered inside. She was unusual, but not untypical.

“How has the journey been?” She asked.

“Exhausting, we’ve been on the road for a while. No matter how often you do it, it’s going to be rough.” The man underneath his turban, beard and clothes. They had settled the camels as it was, and they were here to get the keys.

“Food or board first?”

“Let’s look at the rooms, I suppose our meals being prepared.”

“Yes, I’ll have it ready by the time you’re going to come down.” Zariya suggested.

There was another worker that she hired to help with them, to transport their clothes and belongings up to the rooms. She had a worker to deal with the camels.

They had already made a deposit of half for the duration of their stay, which was an entire month, not fearing her leaving. It was difficult for her to leave, not that she would. Antigone was her home.

She put her keys on top, with only a smile as she watched them grab it one by one. They were moving to a section in a room, and easier for them to meet each other. Though it took her sometime.

“Thank you,” a boy, almost a man, said to her. He was perhaps here to be shown business.

Once the last of them went up, she let out a sigh of relief.

“I loaded everything into the cellar.” Pompeia returned with the coins.

“Thank you, that was more than a kind thing to do.” Zariya was thankful. Perhaps there was something that she could do. “How do you feel about going to a bathhouse?”

“Thanks for the offer, I would enjoy it.” Pompeia gladly took up upon it.