She nodded emphatically. "Ah, yes... I've found that many worlds choose a time upon two decades before they consider us safe to presume 'adulthood'. The powers that be don't seem to understand that twenty some-odd years isn't much when it comes to one's experiences. Though, I suppose when a world is torn by war, reaching year twenty is something of a jaw-dropping achievement."

Madhuri emptied her last cup and set it down.

"I've seen soldiers of tender ages, others that become mothers, fathers, wives, husbands out of desperation. In that case, I suppose I can see where this beheld 20 year mark makes sense."