Sileas grimaced and her stomach grew upset again. "I thought you were joking!" she said through clenched teeth.

"Have I ever joked about takin' ears?" Questa noticed that look on Sileas's face. "Woss this, then? Are yer seasick again?"

Ila was so shocked by the gory sight she stopped covering her tattoo to bring both hands to her mouth.

In reply to Questa Cort (msg # 858):


"We never discussed it before." Sileas rubbed her stomach. "Aye, I think I am."

"Again? Seasick? On land?" she heard her mother say.

"Maybe yer 'ave worms or plague." Questa said lightly. "Wotcher want me ter do wiv these ears?"

Yehudit fell up the stairs.

In reply to Questa Cort (msg # 861):

Sileas ran from the kitchen, hand over her mouth.

"Sileas!" Yehudit tried to run after her but tripped over her walking stick.

Ila felt terrible. "I never wanted anyone to get hurt."

Brie moved close to her. "No one is blaming you." She eyed Questa. "Questa, you asked if Sileas was sick again? How often has she been sick recently?"

"Oh, right, evry mornin' she'd puke up dinner. She might frow up one or free times later in the bloody day. If Yehudit ever left 'er alone wiv Larry long enough I'd fink 'e got 'er knocked up."Questa sh rugged.

Ila covered her tattoo with her hand and looked down. She thought Questa's description sounded like Sileas was pregnant.

Brie frowned. "I should go find her. Can you watch over Ila for me?"

"I don't need to be watched." Ila said, "I'll just leave the kitchen..."

"If you go out there, you're a target," Brie said. "Questa is perfectly capable of keeping you safe."

Questa showed off the bloody ears. "See? I'll cut off their ears and any uvver bits."

Brie sighed.

"I'd rather just find some place to hide." Ila said.

Brie gave up. "Do as you wish then." She made certain all the fires were out and then hurried out in the same direction as Sileas.

Oscar proceeded to eat himself sick again.

Lek went down to the kitchen, hoping to find his sister.

Millie was in the larder, eating  chunks of bread and cold meat.

Lek almost smiled in relief to see  his sister. "Mille, I need to talk to Pinja about something."

Millie stared at him with a mouth full of cheese. She chewed and swallowed as quickly as possible. "I don't know that it's a good idea, Lek. Men frighten her."

"But she'll be less afraid if you're with her." Lek said.