Thom is performing atop a table as Mat walks in to the inn. When he is done, he sits with Mat and complains that the patrons want his stories in common rather than Plain Chant or High Chant. Mat has never seen Thom worse for drink and he always used to put his harp away right after playing. Two maids come over, Mada and Saal, and Mat says he wants 3 or 4 chickens. Thom wants more drink, but the women insist he eat some chicken along with Mat. Thom talks about the beautiful women he's had in his life, Morgase and Dena.