Alekstraya has never put this much effort into anything before, well except maybe.

Either way it makes me happy to see her fretting over this work. She really does love her work, the feeling of the cloth in her hands, the picky needlework, the problems she is faced with. I had thought when Insein has spoken to Aleks about the blood and bones, she'd quiver at the problem.

Instead she's reveled in it. Even now I see her pouring over books and designs on how to make it perfect. I leave her in the study, by candlelight, bringing her meals when she's hungry, bringing Marina when she wants to be with her daughter. I feel pride, pride for my wife.

Perhaps I was wrong to think she could be a warrior like myself, a solider of war. No, maybe her place is here, among the needle and the thread.

I know I would be proud of her either way.