She allowed Alanna that moment of weakness because she knew how hard she had been trying. She always kept herself busy, thinking that it was the best way to hide her loneliness. However, Ellyn knew what was happening with the younger girl. She knew that she was worried about things like the past, present, and future. The poor girl always worried too much, thinking of some sort of catastrophe would befall Lochinver. She wanted to point out that the Kingdom had been safe far too long for something that to happen, but she knew that the woman would still worry. She sighed as Alanna wiped away her tears and settled down. What was she going to do with this girl?<br/><br/>She smiled gently as the bowls were placed on the table and she took her seat. She let out an unbecoming snort and rolled her eyes. "I am not that messy," she muttered with a pout, knowing that Alanna was simply teasing her. Sure, she could be messy if she wanted to be, but she knew how clean Alanna liked being. It was really strange how they were best friends, yet they were completely the opposite of one another. She supposed the say 'Opposites attract' rang true for them. She took a bite of the stew, a pleased sigh leaving her. It was wonderful as usual and she wished that she could cook something like this for Alanna some time but she had Death's touch in the kitchen.<br/><br/>They continued their meal peacefully, Ellyn even helping with cleaning her own dished up. She waited around for Alanna to finish what other chores she had to do. When they left the house, she stretched embracing the sun's loving touch. The Summer Solstice could not have fallen upon a better month with year. She was more than pleased at how things were going. The peace that they had been living in was wonderful, unlike the wars that her grandparents had grown up in. She often wondered how they even managed to make it through such tough times. "Alright, mum needs some spices and herbs from the Open Market," she started off while heading into the heart of Lochinver. "Also, she wants me to but a fabric of my choosing, she said she wants to make me a dress this year." There was a hint of dread in her voice, knowing that she would have to stand for hours while her mother got her measurements and made her stand in front of the mirror. She really hated being a woman at times.<br/><br/>"Also, dad wants to get some new metals for the Solstice, I believe he's going to be puttin' his best work out this year," she said with a faint smile. She glanced over at Alanna, as they neared the livelier part of their town. "What all do you need? I want to make this as quickly as possible so we can go swim at the lake."