Healing Hands of Time

Aislin laughed, "Really, now? So she's mellowed out?"

The girl grinned at Door.

"Not necessarily," Door replied, wrinkling her nose. "I just haven't felt the need to keep anyone in line lately. And I've been staying put for some time, which kinda keeps me sane. Not really feeling that wanderlust, if you know what I mean."

"She means that she doesn't want to get too far away from Alex, here," Thatch smiled.

Alex smiled from his pace at the table.

Aislin nodded. "Funny you should say that; I've felt the same way."

"Funny how menfolk take all the life out of you," Door joked.

Thatch blinked. "I resent that statement."

Aislin laughed. "All I know is that I'm more grounded. Which is good, for me."

"How do you mean?" Door asked before taking another bite.

"You don't see me running about Hyrule, teeing off the town's inhabitants when she and I make them lose bets." Aislin said, nodding toward Ariel.

"We were always bad about that. Not exactly con artists, but..."

Aislin shook her head, "No, we were con artists alright."

"I out-conned them," Thatch smiled proudly.

Door shook her head. "No, you didn't. You just ruined their fun, you fun-killer, you."

"Every party has a pooper and that's why we invited you, Thatch." Aislin winked, taking a bite.

He pouted, stabbing his food as he mumbled under his breath. "I feel loved..."

Aislin smiled, "I'm glad you can sense it."

He smiled sideways at her. "Thanks."

Aislin continued to eat. Ariel spoke, "Hey, when are Mom and Dad supposed to be back?"

The eldest twin shrugged. "Iddaknow. Dad's at a job. Mom's...somwhere. Probably at Annie's."

"Who's Annie?" Door asked curiously. "A relative?"

Aislin nodded. "Her sister. Our Aunt. She's a traveller, too, and she insists we call her just Annie. Eccentric, altogether a little strange, but she loves Momma just the same. Her permanent "home" is here in the Town, but she's only there every so often."

"Sounds like she's an interesting person," Thatch noted.
Door nodded. "Someone I would like to meet."

Aislin laughed. "You'd think that, woudln't you?"

Ariel smiled. "She and Dad have always been at odds. It can get comical."

Aislin nodded, "We'll take you to meet her if you want."

"At odds," Thatch echoed, a ghost of a grin hovering around his lips. "...As bad as you two?"

Aislin laughed, "Worse."

Ariel nodded, clearing her throat, "All I'm saying, Margie, is that you could have seen the world if you hadn't decided to...settle down...with...Thomas. That's all I'm saying." she quoted

"Aw." Door made a face. "I see. Kinda thinks it's your father's fault, or he's the 'bad guy' per se?"

Aislin nodded. "And all I'm saying, Annabel, is that Margaret is perfectly content here with me and the children. Just because you're sister..."

Ariel joined in, "Doesn't mean she has to be an eccentric hippie."

"Ooh." All three triplets winced, and Thatch wrinkled his nose. "Ouch."

"Bet that went over well," Door muttered.

Aislin laughed. "Yeah. Super. So now they do this...this thing where they acknowledge each other stiffly.

Aislin put on a scowl. "Thomas."

Ariel retorted, "Annabel."

"That tone sounds familiar," Door murmured, looking sideways at Thatch.

Thatch grinned. "Hey, I'm over that phase," he said defensively. "We're all friends here."

Some of us moreso than others...Aislin though, squeezing Thatch's hand under the table.

"Yes, that's all behind us."