"Unfortunately, yes. The men are bringing me weekly supplies of fabrics, but I fear they don't know the best choices. I'm hoping soon they will permit me to accompany them on a supply trip."

"Such a shame it was all lost." Fortune said, handing Millie the fabric. "I would like something purple."

"I agree. This is a nice fabric and with the right trim, we can make it very pretty. I will get started on it this afternoon."

"How soon will it be ready?" Fortune asked.

"I'm going to say three days. It might be sooner, but I'd like to allow the time to get it right for you."

"Three days... That's such a long- Where's your helper?" Fortune asked. "She didn't perish in the raid, did she?"

"No, but she was badly injured. It will be some time before Pinja will be able to return to work. I must admit, I miss her company terribly," Millie replied.

"The poor little thing." Fortune said. "Will she be helping you again soon?"

"We haven't discussed it yet. As I said, it will be a while and I don't want to push her too hard. A lot will depend on if being in the same type of setting brings back bad memories for her, I'm certain."

"Having something to do would be good for her." Fortune said.

"Oh, I agree it would be. But she may need a different environment from a dress shop."

"What else can she do besides help you make clothes?" Fortune asked. "She never seemed to have any other interests."

"She's a decent cook," Millie replied. "She may have interests I don't know about."

"You seem to know her the best." Fortune said.

"I do, but Pinja is very private. She holds a lot of things in."

"Sure she confides in you about what she would like to do." Fortune said.

"I take my confidences very seriously, and I'm really not comfortable saying anything further about Pinja's future. I'm sure you understand," Millie replied. Anything further would be gossiping and that wasn't something she enjoyed doing.

"Of course. But would her future have anything to do with your brother?" Fortune asked. "I had noticed he was around your shop a lot."

"Lek and I are very close, and he came by to keep an eye out for anything needing repairs, and they would speak when Lek was there. Other than that, I know nothing."

"They're not going to make you an aunt anytime soon?" Fortune asked.

"I can assure you that I will not be an aunt soon," Millie stated.

"A pity." Fortune said, and turned back to the fabrics.

Millie couldn't help but agree, but she honestly doubted Pinja would ever be ready for another relationship. She struggled to keep her own shoulders from sagging.

Millie bypassed the hall, it seemed everyone was going to their rooms. She didn't feel up to speaking to Aalyssa or Pinja, so she went to her sewing room and bolted the door. After building a fire in the hearth, Millie spread out one of the furs and grabbed another to place over her, and she curled up to go to sleep.

Aalyssa stopped in front of the sewing room. "It would probably be best if you go in, after all, you share the space with Millie."