Establishing some of the relationships here. Still not sure if I am going to pair Jill with Skye or Marlin. But I am going to have fun while I try to figure it out.


Claire wasn't sure who she had thought would be at the door, but she certainly had not expected to see the handsome apprentice to the blacksmith standing in front of her. Behind her, Jill attempted to make herself busy, but Claire knew her sister would be curious to know what the man at the door had to say. He made eye contact with Claire for a split second then quickly looked away again.

"Hello," Claire said softly, as if talking louder would have spooked him.

"I've brought your fixed tools," Gray mumbled.

"Thank you," Claire said.

"Look I'm sorry for the way I treated you earlier, it's just that my grandpa, he makes me so angry at times. I shouldn't have taken it out on you," Gray said. His words seemed to tumble out of his mouth. Claire smiled sweetly, and reached for the tools from his hands. Their fingers brushed ever so lightly. The slight touch caused her to jump and drop the tools between them.

"Sorry," they both replied in unison. Both went to reach down for the tools, and instead collided with each other. Sorry was mumbled again by both parties.

"I'll get them," Gray replied. He bent down, then placed them firmly in her hands.

"Thank you," Claire said. His blue eyes locked onto hers. Neither one moved a muscle. For a moment they both stood looking into each other's eyes. A clatter behind Claire broke their momentary trance.

"Shit!" Jill whispered. Claire whirled around to see Jill picking up some dishes off the floor. She turned back to Gray but the moment was now long gone.

"I should go," Gray replied.

"Okay bye," Claire said.

"Bye."

Claire closed the door. She tried to calm the fluttering feeling in her stomach. Placing her hand over top of it, she glanced at Jill. Her twin looked simultaneously amused and embarrassed. A small smirk tugged at the corners of Jill's lips. Claire blushed.

"He's a cutie. Sorry my clumsiness ruined your moment," Jill said. Claire found herself giggling in response. So she hadn't been the only one to notice that there had been a moment between the two.

"Yes he certainly is," Claire mused.

"So I see why you were so willing to go to the blacksmith's shop now," Jill teased. Claire had never before responded to a man in such a way before. While they had been on tour, many men had sought out her affections, but she would never respond to any one's advances. Hamilton, of course, had also been a part of that. He had effectively scared away many of Claire's prospective suitors. Jill knew that he had been hoping one day Claire would decide to be his. The thought of Hamilton coming anywhere close to her sister made Jill shiver in disgust. Hamilton was a disgusting pig of a man, and she was glad now, more than ever, that they had finally decided to get away from him.

"That's not the only reason that I offered to go to the blacksmith's," Claire replied. "But that is a bonus." The twins both giggled in unison. In a rare move, Jill let her icy wings emerge from beneath her skin. It had been a while since she'd stretched them. They had both agreed to conceal their power from others, but she had contained them for much to long. Claire also allowed hers to emerge as well. Hamilton had not been aware of Claire's wings. Hers were identical to Jill's but fiery instead of ice.

"This feels really good," Jill stated.

"I agree," Claire said. "I wish that we could do this more often, I hate having to contain them all the time."

"Yes, I know," Jill said. "But we need to stay concealed." Claire sighed. Having these powers from their father was often more of a curse than a blessing. She had been considered different her entire life. She wondered if she would have to conceal her powers forever to find happiness.

OOOOO

Hamilton sat awkwardly at a family dinner with his son's family. Gill looked annoyed at seeing Hamilton at his table. Hamilton was surprised to see how much Gill's family had changed. Especially his granddaughter. The small girl had been a young child when he'd left. Luna had not aged much either. She was still stunning. Her sharp attitude had not changed either.

"What really brings you here?" Gill asked annoyed. He scooped up some Tomato Risotto with his spoon. Luna had learned the recipe when they were dating. It was one of Gill's favorite dishes. Over the years she had perfected it. Gill fondly remembered the first time she had attempted to make this. It had turned out to be a disaster. He loved this woman with all his heart. When his father had attempted to seduce her years ago, it had been the last straw. Hamilton had never been a good father, or a good influence. In fact Gill attributed all of his good qualities to his dear deceased mother. Gill had come to accept Hamilton's shortcomings over the years, but when he had set his sights on Gill's wife, it had been a line that Gill had not been able to forgive. Now he was back. GIll had reluctantly opened his home to his father.

"I can't spend some time with my family?" Hamilton asked. He sounded offended that GIll would assume an ulterior motive behind his visit. Gill narrowed his eyes. He knew better, his father was great at acting like he was the victim in the situation.

"Come on, you haven't been here since Vivian was just a small child, and I am supposed to believe you decided to have a friendly visit. This wouldn't have anything to with those girls disappearing would it?" GIll asked.

"So you've heard of them?" Hamilton asked.

"Of course we've heard of them," Luna retorted. "Their mother was born here. They are almost legends here."

"That's why you're here isn't it?" Gill asked. "You're looking for your cash cows? They're not here. I hate to break it to you dad." The word sounded strange coming from Gil's lips. Gill had stopped calling Hamilton "dad" long ago. Hamilton knew it was more of an insult than a compliment that Gill had called him that.

"I just need information," Hamilton said. "They left without a trace."

"Perhaps you should take a hint," Luna sneered. "They probably don't want to be found." Hamilton glared at his daughter in law.

"All we know is that their mother left for some far away place when she was only a teenager," Gill replied. "That's all anyone knows."

"What was their mother's name?" Hamilton asked.

"Molly Jackson," Gill answered.

"GIll! Stop helping him!" Luna chastised. "Look old man, why don't you leave those poor girls alone. Clearly they don't want to be around you anymore. Why can't you just let it go?" Hamilton glowered at Luna. Luna could not possibly understand. She was happy with this lifestyle. She did not understand what it was like to not be content with small-town life. Hamilton wanted so much more out of life. Those girls were his only way out of the drab existence he'd experienced up till now.

OOOOO

Jill was starting to enjoy her nightly walks. She loved how beautiful everything looked cloaked in the darkness of night. The stars were shining brightly unlike the cities. She missed this about country life. She heard some soft country music playing from a small building that was labeled "Blue Bar." Curiosity overtook her. She couldn't help but wonder what this small town bar would be like. She'd only been in the large city bars. Upon entering she was greeted by the smell of lemon and pine. Everything was clean, and rustic. Old worn wood lined the floor and the bar's counter. The bar was surprisingly full of people. It wasn't something she'd expected in such a small town. She was also surprised to see Marlin, the farmer she had met earlier in the day siting at the bar with Celia. Celia smiled and waved upon seeing Jill. Jill smiled back. She could not help but like the small farm girl.

"Did you get those seeds planted okay?" Celia asked, as Jill sat down on the stool next to her.

"Yes I did," Jill replied. "Thanks so much for asking." The barmaid sauntered over to Jill. Her golden blonde curls cascaded down her back. She wore a bright red dress that revealed ample cleavage. The dress reminded Jill of the getup that Claire would wear during shows. Jill smirked as she wondered if the barmaid had some extra "stuffing" like Claire to perk up the dress. She attempted to cover her chest with a small blue cardigan.

"Well hello there," she cooed. Her voice was sultry just as Claire's had been. "So you are one of the new girls?"

"Yes, I am Jill," she greeted.

"Charmed, my name is Muffy. What can I get you?" she asked. Jill noticed over the blond barmaid's shoulder to see a picture of herself and Claire in costume. It amused her to see herself in the poster. She looked so different in the poster. She only hoped no one would recognize her or her sister.

"What do you suggest?" Jill asked.

"Well this place has amazing wine. We get it from our own local winery in Mineral Town," Muffy purred. She bent over the counter seductively. Her gaze flickered towards Marlin. Jill realized at that moment, the attention was not on her, it was on the handsome farmer. Marlin was not paying any attention to the buxom blond, he was busy in conversation with Celia. Muffy's nose crinkled in annoyance, then turned back to Jill.

"I'll try some of that wine," Jill replied with a winning smile.

"Great choice!" Muffy replied enthusiastically.

"Can I have one too?" Celia piped up.

"Uh yeah," Muffy mumbled, avoiding looking directly at her. Jill wondered how many people in town treated Celia this way.

"Is it good?" Jill asked turning to look at Celia. Celia looked up. Jill could see the hurt in the small girl's big brown eyes. They lit up at Jill's question.

"It's amazing!" Celia replied with enthusiasm. Marlin met Jill's eyes and smiled. Jill felt a small fluttering in her stomach. She turned away to calm her nerves. She did not want to appear as some silly school girl with a crush.

Jill had stayed far later at the bar than she had expected. She started wandering home around midnight. Standing in the moonlight in the middle of the field was the silvery haired thief!

"What are you doing here?" Jill demanded.

"Ah lovely lady, we meet again," Skye soothed. Jill wasn't buying any of his act. She didn't trust him.

"Stop trying to schmooze me, what are you doing here?" Jill demanded. Skye seemed unfazed by her response. Instead he moved closer to Jill. He placed his finger under her chin, lifting her face towards his.

"Lovely lady, I was hoping to meet you again," Skye replied. Jill fought against the onslaught of feelings. Regardless of how much she distrusted him, he was rather handsome. Jill pulled away from him.

"For some reason I don't trust you," Jill replied. "If you're looking to steal from us, I wouldn't recommend it."

"Ah sweet lady, I only wish to steal your heart," Skye quickly planted a kiss on her cheek. It flustered her enough to allow his escape. Jill sighed, instead of chasing after the elusive thief like she wanted to, she retired to the house instead. She needed to remember to keep her wits about her the next time she encountered this thief.