Putting down the book, Nat went over to test the stew.  The steam coming up smelled lovely to her, and with the chill around the edges of the room away from the fire itself she thought stew would warm her up inside at least.  Picking up one of the bowls that she had "borrowed" from the kitchen down below and ladled out a portion of the stew and cross-legged down in front of the fire and began to eat.  It wasn't the life she wanted, but if she could save up, and get a regular paying job, she could rent a room of her own.  However, acting to be a 13-year-old boy, there were not a lot of regular jobs.  She had earned enough to pay for food and necessaries, even a few used clothing items.  However, not yet earning enough to live in a proper place.