*5 Settling back in.

As dawn broke on a new day; Mr. Penn awakened to the sunlight streaming in through the hole of the cave. Cheerfully all of the gems cast glorious colors on the cave walls as they had done the night before. Amazed at what they could now do they greeted Me. Penn with a "Good Morning" and a round of "Thank Yous". Pleased he fully took in the scope and size of his new home.

"My Lady, Emerald,Ruby and Madam Matrix, I shall be on my way soon to collect my bedding. I may also see if I can find a wife as this may be a good time to do so. I am not exactly a young nor old mouse by any standards, but I have taken into consideration that I alone would be at a loss on trying to keep such a place tidy on my own. I sincerely hope that I am not taking too many liberties when you have allowed me to stay here as a home."

Mother Matrix answered politely, "Nonsense my dear gentle mouse. Finding someone to take care of your heart and soul is a grand idea. And if she would ease your mind and help you in your burden of making this place cozy and tidy, all the better. By all means. And if you wish to even have a family here it will be most welcomed. All that we all would expect here is that you teach them well and how to be respectful. Take your leisure in doing your tasks, for you have given all of us here a wondrous gift by letting the light in to reveil our hidden beauties. My children have never seen how the light can dance because their facets until you came to be here with us. This is an irreplaceable gift."

Mr. Penn made many trips that day. First he brought in dry leaves and twigs to form the base of his bed. Not too unlike a nest by its shape and size. Secondly he brought back mouth fulls of Downy feathers to line the bottom to make it soft. Next he came with milkweed fluff to keep it warm. Ever being mindful not to disturb the gems nor take up too much space. lastly he went out to find some thing to make a cover with. That's when he saw her.... The most beautiful silver furred mouse he had ever laid his eyes upon! Lost in thought he stood frozen as the sound of his own heart drummed in his ears.