"Everything is wrong. And so different. It's wrong. And it's scary." Millie said. "I don't feel safe any more."

"I'll protect you." Lek promised Millie.

"We can't be by one another's side forever and ever," Millie said. "I love you for the offer but it's just not practical."

"We're twins. We stay together." Lek said simply.

"I'm certain your future wife will be surprised to learn of that," Millie said.

"She'll like you." Lek said reassuringly.

"She might like me, but I doubt she'll want me underfoot all the time."

"You're never underfoot. You're too tall." Lek teased.

Millie gave him half a smile. "You know what I mean."

Lek smiled too. "Maybe I won't get married. Maybe I'll be getting under your husband's feet."

Millie snorted. "I think I am officially what they call on the shelf. Men are lucky, they can wed at any age. Women are expected to be fairly young due to having to bear children." Millie shrugged. "I was always far too shy to garner any interest and anyway, I've seen what men do to women. I don't want it."

"Mama was older than you when she got married." Lek said.

Mille shrugged. "There are always exceptions. There are of course, those who choose not to wed.

"I was hoping to be an uncle someday." Lek said wistfully.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 211):

"I've never really given the matter much thought. I mean, being a wife and mother. I always dreamed of having my shop and making it successful." Millie shrugged. "I doubt many will be in the market for dresses for quite a while now. And all of my coin was tied up in my inventory and shop. Maybe someday down the road, when things are normal and I have my shop up and going again, I might take in a child like Mama did with Tala."

"But people have to wear something... even if it's more plain." Lek said.

"Eventually yes. The priority right now, and rightfully so, will be rebuilding their homes." Millie shrugged. "We will see. For all we know, the King will send clothing among the supplies once he receives word of what happened from Lord Thornblade."

Aislyn woke from her restless sleep. She glanced out the window and stretched. She looked at the twins. "How about if we go down to the kitchen and see what we can find to start fixing breakfast for everyone?"

Lek's stomach gave a growl. "Okay."

Mille tried her very best to find a way to get out of going to the kitchen. Unfortunately she came up with nothing so she got to her feet to follow along.

Lek burst out the door.

Aislyn hurried after Lek, Millie just a few steps behind her.

Aislyn entered the room before Nelek, bearly holding back her tears.  But once she sat on the bed, they flowed. Aislyn buried her face in her hands as sobs wracked her body.

Nelek sat on the bed next to Aislyn and wrapped his arms around her.

Aislyn leaned against him and cried.