Twin's Talk

The night sky was ablaze with stars, a breathtaking view of twinkling lights scattered across the dark sky above. I couldn't resist the beauty of the night sky and found myself stepping outside. 

I sat on the porch, the gentle breeze rustling my auburn hair as I gazed up at the vast night sky. I was wrapped in a nightgown that my mother had lent me for my stay at this secluded house.

The nightgown was a delicate shade of pale blue, its fabric soft against my skin ending just above my ankles. The sleeves were short, allowing my arms to feel the cool night air. The gown was adorned with intricate lace along the neckline and hem, adding a touch of elegance to its simplicity. It was a far cry from the armor I had been wearing during the day. 

As I gazed upward, lost in my thoughts, a familiar voice shattered the peace. 

"Emily, what on earth are you doing out here?"

I turned to find Thomas, his brows furrowed in concern. His timing, it seemed, was impeccable, as always. 

"Just admiring the stars," I replied with a wistful smile.

Thomas let out a bemused chuckle, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Well, my dear stargazer, you might want to head back inside. The mosquitoes are having a grand feast tonight."

I waved away his concern, dismissing the notion of these tiny pests ruining my moment.

"I'll be fine, Thomas. Besides, what's a few mosquito bites in the grand scheme of things?"

His lips quivered in a knowing grin. "Trust me, you don't want to find out. Those little devils have a knack for making even the most patient of souls lose their composure."

I glanced down at my exposed arms, suddenly aware of the potential itchiness that awaited me. Perhaps Thomas had a point. Still, I wasn't ready to part with the night sky just yet.

"Come on, Emily," he persisted, "I promise the stars will still be there tomorrow night. And I'm pretty sure they won't mind if you pay them a visit with a layer of bug spray."

I rolled my eyes playfully at Thomas's concern and crossed my arms.

"Come on, Thomas, I'm not that delicate. Mosquito bites and insects don't scare me. In fact, when we were younger, Father used to take me camping in the forest. I've faced bigger bugs than these."

Thomas chuckled, "Ah, so you're a seasoned wilderness lady now, are you?"

I nodded, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips. "Absolutely. I've battled mosquitoes, spiders, and even a squirrel that tried to make off with my snack once."

Thomas raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "Impressive. Remind me not to get on your bad side during a picnic."

I laughed, the sound echoing in the night air. "Oh, you have no idea. I once outwitted a cunning raccoon for a bag of marshmallows."

Thomas chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Well, your forest adventures might have toughened you up, but I remember our father always insisting that you cover every inch of your skin. He used to say you had the most sensitive skin, and even a tiny mosquito bite would make you swell up like a balloon."

I groaned playfully, rolling my eyes again. "Oh, come on, Thomas. You're making me sound like I'm allergic to nature."

He grinned, sitting beside me. "I'm just saying, Father used to slather you in bug repellent until you practically shone in the dark."

I huffed, crossing my arms in mock annoyance. "Well, fine, maybe I did have a bit of a reaction to insect bites, but that doesn't mean I'm scared of them. I just... appreciate nature in my own unique way."

Thomas laughed, ruffling my hair affectionately. "Of course, Emily. Your unique appreciation for nature is a sight to behold."

"I swear I am fine Thomas" I seriously replied. 

I leaned my head against his shoulder, feeling the comfort and reassurance of his presence. He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me closer. 

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't think back then that there would be a day that I will be the reason why you have bruises" 

"Thomas, I appreciate your concern," I said, giving him a small smile, "but I'll be fine. It's all part of the training, right?"

He nodded, still looking slightly guilty.

"I just didn't expect you to have so many bruises in such a short time," he admitted.

"Well, I didn't expect to be running around in heavy armor either," I replied, teasing him playfully. "But it's all worth it if it means I can help you with this mission."

He chuckled, "You truly are my twin sister," 

I shrugged off the praise, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. 

"It's just bruises," I said nonchalantly. "They'll heal, and I'll be ready to face whatever comes my way. Just you wait and see"

"Just promise me you'll be careful," he said earnestly. "I don't want anything to happen to you. That's what I promise to Mom and to myself when I convinced her to allow you to disguise as me" 

"I promise," I said, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "I'll be careful, and I'll do my best to be a worthy stand-in for you so Mom would not scold you or give you some killer meal"

He smiled, his worry easing slightly. "I know you will" 

As we sat together under the night sky, I felt a sense of gratitude for my brother. His concern for my well-being touched my heart. 

As Thomas wrapped his arms around me in a protective hug, I couldn't help but chuckle. "Are you hugging me to protect me from more bruises?" I teased.

He laughed, his grip on me momentarily tightening. 

"Maybe," he said "You're my twin sister, after all. I can't help but worry."

I patted his back affectionately, "I know, I know," 

He released me from the hug.

"You better be," he said, giving me a playful nudge. "I don't want to explain to Mother how you ended up with even more bruises."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Trust me, I don't want to explain it to her either," I said, making a face.