I looked blearily back and Damien was carefully treating each mark with the healing cream. I Lay silently as the burn disappeared in individual increments. It was such a relief to have it go away.

“No more speaking in the village, Little Sister," Bane said Lounging on the other side of the bed. "It just isn't done.”

Once Damien had finished Evan pulled me to the shower room. I was cleaned, scrubbed, and treated with more cream. Pretty soon I felt like myself.

Dinner arrived while I was cleaned. When I went into the main room with Evan the table already had food on it. That didn't hold my attention, though.

I walked straight to the fire and re read Hannah's message. She was well, I thought happily, and smart. Hannah had found quite an ingenious way to communicate with me.

There were no details and I mourned that. I would have Liked to know exactly how her days were and how she spent her time. Perhaps Damien could arrange for us to meet. That would be very special. I would Like to know more about my child.

“Ciara," Christof called, “come and eat." I sat the letter in the box and went to sit with the family.

My men loved the meal and savored every bite. The tami leaf left a distinct flavor. It didn't really affect me one way or the other. I shrugged remembering they weren't human, maybe it did taste really good to them.

We had dinner in comfortable quiet for a little while, before the questions from the day struck me again.

“Why did you buy me boots?" I asked breaking the silence.

“You are a member of the family," Bane said taking another helping for himself and Loading my plate with a little more also.

“Will I be wearing boots to the Keeper's compound?" I asked grinning.

“They should Look wonderful with my ornamentation.”

“You don't need boots at the Keepers," Kein informed me continuing to focus on his meal.

I closed my eyes and counted to ten. They were being so evasive and frustrating.

“It isn't time to sleep," Evan informed me.

“I'm not sleeping," I said as politely as I could.

“I‘m trying not to lose my temper. I don't understand why you bought me boots

"We bought you a shirt and pants as well," Christof said. "When we teach you to use your sword you should be dressed appropriately."

The men continued to eat like they hadn't said anything odd. This had been on their minds Long enough it no Longer sounded strange. To me, it sounded Like they had lost their minds.

“Why will I be Learning to use a sword?" I asked.

“Everyone in the family knows how to use a sword," Bane said, “except you. We don't Like that. You will learn to fight like us."