JP - The Keep - Dormitory - Millie and Pinja's Room - So many broken Hearts

Not knowing what else to do, and not being struck with inspiration, Lek went to the Green to train. Soon he was sparring with practice swords with other men, one after another, until his arms grew tired.

🛏️ 👰***
Pinja anxiously watched Lek spar. She had learned from Millie a while ago how Miyuki had feelings for him and she had hoped that Lek would return those feelings to Miyuki and get over her. She listened to Millie tell her about how he had learned about how Miyuki felt about him and was greatly disappointed to learn that he was not interested in Miyuki and apparently turned her down. Pinja did not know why Lek chose her, still loved her despite Pinja doing everything she could to turn him down. He had not even seen her since shortly after the raid. Pinja was grateful that he respected her wishes and was staying away, but she felt guilty about him throwing his life away for her. Pinja touched the light cloth that masked most of her face.

“I wish I knew how to make him stop.” Pinja said. Pinja had not been able to make Jack stop either, she knew Jack was wrong for kidnapping and raping her but a part of her felt like she had done something to attract him in the first place. And somehow did the same thing to Lek. She knew Lek would never do what Jack did, but just the thought of being in the same room as any man including him scared her.

“You can’t help how Lek feels.” Millie said, sewing some piecework. “You were honest about not being interested in him. He should have moved on a long time ago.”

Beatrix gently knocked on the door before entering and smiling at the women. “How ya doin’ darlin’?” She asked as she closed the door. Jacob was not with her now, having gone off to comfort Miyuki in the way only a young kid could - being silly beyond comparison.

Pinja shrugged. “I was hoping Lek would choose Miyuki.”

Beatrix let out an annoyed snort at the mention of Lek. “Indeed…” She muttered and took a seat. “Ya up fer some more physical therapy or do ya wanna take a break today?”

Pinja shrugged. If she had it her way she would never leave the safety of her blankets.

“Oh, come now,” Beatrix chided in a motherly fashion. “Ya can’t stay cooped up under yer blankets all day. That ain’t healthy fer ya.”

“It’s safer.” Pinja said, hunching her shoulders.

“But are ya really enjoyin’ yer life just layin’ in bed all the time?” Beatrix asked. “Ya ain’t gotta go outside, but it’s best ta do yer exercises so ya don’t hurt yerself.”

“I walk around the room a little, and look out the window sometimes.” She glanced out the window and flushed because Lek was out there, losing a sparring match. She felt guilty because she was pretty sure it was her fault he was pushing himself so hard ot begin with.

“Why do ya watch him?” Beatrix asked, frowning down at Lek. “Boy broke a very good woman’s heart and now she’s spending her time cryin’ in her room. Though, I get tha feelin’ she may do somethin’ drastic…I sent Alex ta see her. Hopefully he can…talk some sense into her.” She shrugged and sighed. “Try walkin’ around the room more, okay?”

“It’s my fault.” Pinja whispered. “All of it.” She gave Beatrix a worried look. Miyuki had always been kind to her and did not deserve to suffer. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Just keep bein’ who ya are. Miyuki ain’t gonna be cruel to ya just cause of a moron who don’t see he’s got someone out there that is willin’ to give him a chance.” Beatrix said and shrugged again. “Men can be so dumb…”

“I’m not worried about Miyuki hurting me.” even though i deserve it Pinja thought to herself. “I’m worried about her harming herself.”

“That’s why I sent Alex ta see her. Took some of Bjorn’s pie. Speakin’ of…” Beatrix set down a plate she’d been carrying. “Bjorn’s blueberry pie is ta die fer.”

"I hope she will be okay." Pinja said softly. She and Miyuki had some things in common, Pinja really wanted her to come out of this okay. The corners of her lips under the mask twitched slightly upwards at the sight of the pie.

“Ya remember who Bjorn is, right? Silly unicorn guy that has zero memory of his life before here?” Beatrix chuckled again. “He’s gettin’ along well workin’ in the kitchen and helpin’ out around the place. I swear he’s oblivious ta some of the girls that gawk at him.”

Pinja nodded. She had not actually met the unicorn man, of course, she never left her room and he certainly never came into her room. She glanced out the window. Lek had fallen to his knees but would not yield.

“Boy is gonna get himself killed.” Beatrix shook her head. “I’m sure ya have seen Bjorn walkin’ around every now and then outside. He has an odd habit of walkin’ in circles. I think it helps him solve problems? I dunno.”

“I wish Lek would just give up!” Pinja said, looking down to hide that tears had sprung in her eyes. “I’ve seen Bjorn walking around sometimes.”

“It’s okay, darlin’.” Beatrix said gently. “Just enjoy yer pie. I’ll go see what I can do about that…fool.” Turning, she left the room.

Pinja pulled down her mask and slowly picked at the pie. It tasted good, but she felt like she had destroyed so many lives and could not fix them.