Mae’s tight-lipped expression grew slightly tighter at Serapis’ response as she placed the folding screen between the bed and door. “[i]Still[/i] not what I meant.” Not bothering to press the matter, she gave an exasperated sigh. “Do what you need to do.” She ducked behind the screen as her companion called for her help once more.

[center]*	*	*[/center]
	Taking a route that would avoid the dining hall where most of the staff still waited, Thayva led Seaella to the kitchens. Thayva grabbed one of the lit lanterns hanging from the walls and used it to light their way down the vacant halls.
	Seaella followed quietly, glancing frantically around her surroundings, trying to remember every turn they made. Her grip on her sister’s weapon only tightened, every peal of thunder making her flinch as it shook the house, the howling wind outside whistling eerily. 
	The kitchen was a large room lined with cabinets. A few large iron stoves sat against one wall, a pile of wood stacked in the corner. A small, tall table sat near the center of the room, providing a bit of extra counter space. 
	Casting Seaella a glance, Thayva set about gathering a few different types of fruits and placed them in a bowl, all beneath Seaella’s watchful gaze.
	Thayva sat the bowl on the table, and offered Seaella a smile. “You must be hungry.” 
	Seaella eyed the bowl for a long moment, then slowly stepped toward the table. She startled and spun around when Serapis entered, calling his wife’s name, her grip on the staff tightening that much further. 
	“Of course.” Thayva smiled warmly at him. “Has the staff been pacified?” She looked to Seaella as the elf slowly inched closer to the table, the child’s eyes shifting between the dracons and the bowl of fruit. Thayva nonchalantly scooted the bowl closer to the edge of the table closest to girl.

[center]*	*	*[/center]
	Nick sighed and went to his own bed. “I know. It’s like they think we can’t handle it.” He scowled, then punched his pillow, trying to fluff it before he fell into it and covered drew his course blanket over his head, welcoming the warmth of it in the cold of the night.