Nelek held her close and rubbed her back.

"I didn't want this for Lek. He should be helping you build the house, not getting so close to danger and death." Aislyn  hiccupped and sniffled.

"I know." Nelek said. "Lek should be a carpenter... But at least he is learning how to defend himself."

"But he's only learning. He isn't ready to go into battle."

"Hopefully he never will." Nelek said. "Wulfsen promised to keep Lek as safe as he can. Lek will probably spend more time delivering messages than even being close to battle lines."

"War doesn't always respect battle lines," Aislyn wailed.

"That's why it's good that he is learning how to fight- he could wind up having to fight for his life anyways." Nelek said.

"We've been through enough. It's time for peaceful lives."

"We certainly have earned it." Nelek said.

"I just want to wrap us and the children in some sort of padding and hide away somewhere safe," Aislyn mused.

"We have our friends and family close, this is the safest we can be." Nelek said.

"But it's not safe enough. Not for any of us!" Aislyn exclaimed.

"It's the best we have though." Nelek said, rubbing comforting circles on Aislyn's back. She was getting so worked up he was beginning to think she needed some of that tea from Difyr. "Do you want me to make you some tea?"

She shook her head. "I want my little boy home with us where he belongs."

Nelek sighed. "Lek is a grown man now."

"Then I'll just say I want my son home with us where he belongs."

"I know." Nelek said, giving her a hug.

Her tears spent, Aislyn leaned against him.

"Would you like to take a walk?" Nelek asked, thinking it would do them both good. "The battlements, or the garden?"

"I suppose." Nothing would make Aislyn better until her children were all safe with her, but she didn't mind spending the time with her husband.

Nelek stood up, and offered his hand to Aislyn.

Aislyn slipped her hand into his and stood. She wiped at her eyes with her free hand.

Nelek lead Aislyn out of the room. He pretended to not hear the noises coming from his brother-in-law's room.

Aislyn rolled her eyes as they passed Lia and Aron's room.

Nelek blushed and hurried along.