Hearthwane · human, 71
Lost her husband to the spring flood.
FROM
the town hall steps, New Nilemah
HOW THEY LOOK
Round, floury, a straw hat with a dead flower in it. A tray of pies that never seems to empty.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“Here, love, eat. That's two coppers. Now, about the Mayor's girl...”
“A pie never lied to anyone. Mayors, now.”
BEFORE THE TALE
35 years ago · the river
Lost her husband to the spring flood. Started selling pies on the steps because the Council could not legally move a widow.
30 years ago · the rat-catcher's lane
Lived next door to the rat-catcher for thirty years and mended his coat twice a winter.
a year ago · the steps
Started leaving a pie unsold at closing time for a boy in a cap who pretends he isn't waiting for it.