[Orual]

It had shaken Rie some when Don had bolted out of the kitchen. Just when she thought that she was making some headway! The girl really was stubborn, and more than a bit flighty: she had doubtless had a harder life than Rie had originally thought.

This hypothesis was proven by Don's life story...all those aunts and her seperation from her twin, and running away twice. Rie could hardly imagine being forced into a prim lady's role.

"Well, maybe she was laughing," Rie said, leaning back in her chair and falling back into her bickering. Then she caught herself. "Look, Don, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I'm just used to my own family, where offences can be smoothed away by a little witty dialogue. I guess it's not all like it is at my house."

"You didn't hurt my feelings, I was just tired of hearing you talk," Don muttered.

"Sure you--" Rie caught herself again. "Anyway, I can understand why you ran away, if you can believe that. If I'd been in your place, I would've run away as well. Imagine, them trying to stuff you in prissy dresses!"

"You're making fun of me," Don shouted.

"Shh, keep it down!" Rie hissed. "I'm not making fun of you. I mean it. My mother's a metalcrafter--she makes mail shirts, armor, swords, and the like--and so I was never made into a little lady, as you can probably see. But I too had aunts who wanted me to be a right Elven-queen!" She glanced at Nuru, who went into another little fit of laughter at that. Perfect timing, Rie thought, she had just recovered!

"Anyway," Rie continued, "if you'll believe me, I know what you're going through."

"You don't, either," Don insisted.

Rie quickly counted to ten in her head. "Sure I do. You needn't believe me if you don't wish, but it's true. From one non-lady to another, it's true."