Standard Disclaimer: I do not own the Earth's Children series, I am only inspired by it.

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Echozar pulled Jerekal aside the following day. "I… get the feeling we should talk. But I'm not quite sure what to say."

Jerekal grinned at Echozar's bewilderment. "Well, taking two men seems to run in her kinship," he joked, then he became serious. "But what I told her holds true. I want her to be happy. And I consider you a good friend, a man I'd be willing to trust with my life. I can be comfortable with you as a co-mate."

Echozar smiled back, relieved. "Well, I admit, I was a little worried. She did mention that you had agreed, but it makes me feel better hearing it from you as well."

"I can foresee some troubles. But less to do with co-mating as with narrow-minded idiots among the Zelandonii. Still… I had some plans in mind already… adding you into them won't be a problem. It might even move them along more quickly," Jerekal looked thoughtful. "Oh, are you going to bring Dalzarna with you? I know Latie loves her, she'd be thrilled. Or does Jerika want her?"

"I'd like Dalzarna with us, if possible. I haven't actually spoken with Jerika yet. I thought it would be better to give her some time. Joplaya was her only child, after all." Echozar frowned. "That might make her more inclined to want the little one, Dalzarna is all she has left of Joplaya. But she and Dalanar are growing older. They may not have the energy for raising such a young child."

"Well, take my advice. Bring Latie along for your talk with Jerika. Hopefully she'll realize that Latie is much better suited to mothering Dalzarna. Besides, Jerika knows perfectly well that you and Joplaya didn't have the best of matings. She may not want the child, simply because Dalzarna is so obviously of your spirit." Jerekal tried to think of a tactful phrasing, but gave up. "In other words, Dalzarna might just be a reminder to Jerika of how discontent Joplaya was with you. If she feels that way, she won't want the child around."

Echozar nodded. "You may be right. Although Latie helped me to see that I'm not to blame for Joplaya's accident, Jerika might think differently."

Jerekal chuckled ruefully. "My friend, I have yet to meet a man who can understand the mind of a woman. Whatever Jerika thinks, it is not for us mere men to know the whys and wherefores. But let's get back to practical matters. We need to figure out the best time to let these people know you're leaving with us. Too soon, and they will say you lack proper respect for the dead. And of course, you can't just point out that you were thinking of scattering the hearth anyway. Some fool would be sure to accuse Latie of breaking up your hearth."

"Oh. I hadn't thought of that. How soon before we will be able to leave?

"Probably at least a moon. I'd suggest waiting until a day or two before we leave. Less time for bad feelings to fester, should there be any." Jerekal sighed. "And unfortunately, I think there will be."

Jerika was beginning to hate the sight of Echozar and Dalzarna. If it hadn't been for them… but no, she had to be honest with herself. Joplaya had just never gotten over her adolescent dream that someday Jondalar would return and join with her. Despairing of happiness, she mated Echozar, who worshipped the ground she walked on. At the time, he hadn't realized just how shallow her feelings were. Oh, she had tried to please him, at first. She'd even insisted on carrying Dalzarna to term, despite the problems the pregnancy caused her, because she knew that he wanted a child born to his hearth. The birth nearly killed her, and left her incapable of bearing another child. Things had gone reasonably well between them for perhaps as much as another year. But Joplaya's façade was cracking. Echozar caught on to the fact that his mate didn't care about him. She spent more and more time working the flint. She even seemed indifferent to her child, acting aggravated when Dalzarna interrupted her work to nurse.

So objectively, Jerika knew that she couldn't blame them for Joplaya's death. But she couldn't stand to look at them either. If only Echozar hadn't wanted her so badly at the time when she was so vulnerable. If only Dalzarna wasn't of Echozar's spirit the birthing wouldn't have damaged Joplaya so badly. If only Echozar had scattered the hearth with Joplaya before the visitors came. If only Joplaya hadn't gone for a walk that day. What rankled most, Jerika thought, was how well Echozar got along with that Mamutoi woman, Latie. Even if his love for Joplaya had faded over time, he should still not make it so obvious that he had a new interest already. It insulted Joplaya's memory. She thought back to yesterday.

"I will be leaving with our guests in three days' time," Echozar had said. "And I wish to bring Dalzarna with me."

Dalanar, face etched with sorrow, nodded. "I was afraid you'd feel that way. But I can't say I'm surprised. The last year or so has not been easy on you. But must you take the little one?"

"Let him take the brat and welcome," Jerika snapped. "He wanted her more than my daughter did. Well, she's his now! Let him deal with her!" She turned away, torn between anger and tears.

Dalanar followed her to their shelter in a fruitless effort to soothe her.

Jerekal found Echozar loading up a packframe. He grinned at the sight of the stocky man of mixed spirits trying to neatly roll the young girl's clothing for the trek. "Maybe you should let Latie handle Dalzarna's things?"

Echozar jumped. He hadn't heard his co-mate to be come inside. Then he looked at the mess he was creating and chuckled. "Maybe you're right," he said.

"Have you spoken with Dalanar and Jerika yet? And if so, how did they take the news?"

"I did… and I'm not sure. I think maybe Dalanar is sad but Jerika seems to hate me. I guess she did decide that it's all my fault." He sighed. "But at least they won't try to stop me from taking Dalzarna with us."

Jerekal smiled, "Well, that's one bit of good news, anyway. Leave this for later and come to Bologan's hearth. We're having a meeting to work out our itinerary" He continued talking as they walked. "I'm figuring on making straight for the Summer Meeting site from here. It's in the extreme southern and western tip of Zelandonii territory this year. Chances are good we won't pass any but unpopulated Caves along the way. Everyone will be leaving early this year, the site is so far from most Caves' home territories.

The two men walked into Bologan's shelter and an argument. Verdegia had apparently just been told about the inclusion of Echozar and Dalzarna. She was expressing her displeasure at being told that someone of mixed spirits would be traveling with her. She stopped short as he stepped inside.

"Verdegia, you seem to have many opinions about Clan people," Echozar spoke quietly. "I do not dispute your right to keeping those opinions if that is what you wish to do. But I do ask that you try to give me a chance on my own merits. Believe me, I didn't ask to be born mixed. If Doni had asked my opinion, I would have chosen to be born either fully Clan or fully Others. But I was not. I was born of mixed spirits." He paused, wanting to make his feelings clear. "I know I am asking something difficult, of all of you. I want – no, I need all of you to see me for who I am, not just for what I am."

Madenia spoke up, "I will try. Please, tell me if I slip into old habits. I don't wish to hurt you, but I admit that when I am tired, I tend to forget."

Verdegia looked uncomfortable. "I guess I heard too many stories as a girl," she muttered. Then she held her hands out in the welcoming gesture. "I suppose I should officially welcome you to the group."

He clasped her hands gently for a moment, then smiled. "It wasn't so horrible, was it? As you can tell, I am flesh and blood person. I'm ugly and mixed, but I am human. Thank you for recognizing that."

"Yes, well… I can't let my daughter outdo me at showing manners, could I? Besides," Verdegia snapped, "if I didn't recognize you as a person, I couldn't ask you to carry my pack as well as your own!"

Only Dalanar stepped out of the Cave to see the travelers off. He spoke briefly to the Mamutoi brother and sister, the Losadunai mother and daughter, and the two Zelandonii men. He gave little Dalzarna a hug and kiss, and placed her into Latie's arms. Then he turned to Echozar. "I am sorry to see you leave, you know," he said. "You have been a good man to have around. You will be welcomed, if you ever decide to return."

Echozar blinked tears from his eyes. "Dalanar, you saved me, you welcomed me into your Cave, you accepted me as kin. I would have to be an ungrateful fool indeed to not appreciate everything you've done. But even if Latie didn't figure into my decision, I think I would have to leave right now, at least for a time. Jerika…"

"Jerika is… angry at the moment. I think she thought that by joining with you, Joplaya was making an effort to get on with her life. But time proved that she was wrong." Dalanar spoke matter-of-factly, but his sorrow showed in his voice. "I think that right now, Jerika is wondering if she did something wrong in raising Joplaya, or if she should have noticed earlier that Joplaya was developing such a strong attachment to someone and done something about it then. Jerika doesn't actually blame you, but she sees you as a reminder of what went wrong for Joplaya."

"I am glad to know that she doesn't blame me," Echozar replied. "I love Jerika like a second mother. I only wish that Joplaya had allowed herself to let go of this other person and let me make her happy." He hesitated, "I don't suppose you know…?"

Dalanar shook his head. "I'll be honest, I've got my suspicions, but I don't want to know for sure. But if my guess is right, he is less to blame than anyone. He was oblivious to her feelings. Not indifferent, he just never knew." He shrugged, "Of course, I never knew, either, not until after your Matrimonial. Jerika said something then. I don't think she meant to, she just muttered something about 'letting impossible dreams go' and she thought you'd be good for Joplaya. I asked her what she was talking about, that's when she told me that Joplaya had taken so long choosing a mate because she wanted someone she couldn't have. I… felt it was better not to know more."

"I can understand that," Echozar nodded. "Knowing might have caused bad feelings somewhere. And as you said, it wasn't his fault." He hugged Dalanar as tears threatened again. "Doni smile upon you and your people, Dalanar. Thank you for making me one of them." He turned and walked away, joining the small group of people and horses.

A few nights into the trek, Jerekal called for a meeting. Not that the party hadn't sat talking around the campfire nearly every night, but Jerekal's request gave a sense of formality to the occasion.

"Bologan, I know I've mentioned this to you before as we traveled east, and I've spoken with Latie as well. I intend to start a new Cave when we return. I'd very much like for you all to join me. I know the area where the Summer Meeting is being held this year, and there are uninhabited caves perhaps three days' walk to the west. There is good hunting in the area, and a variety of plants. Also, we will be within a reasonable distance of the Great Waters, where we can obtain shells and salt for trade." Jerekal's eyes shone as he spoke of his plans. "I realize that it will not be easy, getting started. But think of the rewards possible!"

Verdegia spoke up first, "How do you intend to build shelters for all of us in such a short time? I see two families here, three if Danug wants a bachelor hearth. That's four men and two young women capable of heavy work. I don't mind watching my grandson and even Dalzarna while you work, but I'm too old for strenuous tasks. And what of food? If all of you are building, will you have enough time to hunt enough meat for the whole winter?"

Jerekal nodded. "Those are valid concerns, Verdegia. First of all, I hope to get a few more families to join us. Bologan's sister is mated to a friend of mine; Lanidar also knows that I was hoping to start my own Cave someday. If he is finished with his training as Zelandoni, I think he and Lanoga will come. So there will be more hands than just these few to accomplish the work. Also, for all my youth, I was one of the best hunters of the Nineteenth Cave before I made this Journey. My mother agreed to hold my wealth for me for five years… well, I am back after two. I can trade for help in building shelters for us all." He paused to sip some tea, then went on, "As to food supplies, again, it can be done. There is a cliff in the vicinity with good grazing atop it. With the help of the horses, we can stampede whatever grazers are up there and make them fall over the cliff. That will give us both meat and hides. Plant food will be more difficult, but we can also trade for some extras." He grinned, "For whatever reason, the Eighteenth Cave seems to have nearly twice as many women as men. They always have things like carrots and onions to trade!"

Latie was next to voice her concern, "Will there be safe place for horses?"

"I haven't forgotten them, don't worry," Jerekal told her. "Exactly where will depend on which cave we select as our own. Oh, and Danug, the cliff I mentioned looks like Dalanar's flint mine. If it is, you will have all the stone you could possibly need."

"What about a healer? Madenia asked.

"I'm still working on that one. If Lanidar has completed his training, he will have enough healing knowledge to be of help, even though that is not his primary Gift. If not, I will try to persuade one of the younger zelandonia to come with us."

"There's one thing I don't understand here," Verdegia said. "From your descriptions, this area seems ideal for settlement. So why isn't it occupied already?"

"Location, mainly. It is actually slightly outside of the territory currently claimed by the Zelandonii. And it is nearly the same distance between the Great Waters and the nearest Zelandonii Cave, the Twenty-Seventh. Most people that form new Caves try to choose a place close to their kin. But I would rather go farther, because it will be easier to get established. There won't be any squabbles over hunting grounds, for example, or berry patches, or anything. It will all be ours. And without competition for resources, we will gain in status quickly." Jerekal looked around at everyone, "Are there any more concerns before we break up this meeting?"

"One," Echozar said. "Much as I hate to think about it, I will not be especially welcome at the Summer Meeting. We will be lucky if we are permitted to take part in the Matrimonial, because of me. What happens if the Council refuses to accept me, or refuses to accept your new Cave because of me?"

Jerekal smiled. He'd thought of that possibility from the moment he'd told Latie he'd be willing to co-mate with the mixed man. "If that should happen, my friend, then instead of being the Thirtieth Cave of the Zelandonii, we shall be the First Cave of the Zarnadonii."

Stunned, Echozar could only repeat after Jerekal, "The… Zarnadonii?" He caught the implication, and couldn't believe his ears. "Why would you name your new Cave… your new people… after the daughter of my hearth?"

"Why shouldn't I?" Jerekal countered with a question of his own. "Latie is adopting her, and mating both of us. That makes Dalzarna the child of our hearth, to my mind. "It didn't seem quite right, naming it for myself. I'll never be a mother, after all," he grinned.

Echozar didn't know what to say. Even when Dalanar made him one of the Lanzadonii there were some undercurrents of dissent. Such unquestioning acceptance was beyond his experience. "Thank you," he finally managed to choke out.

"Personally, I think becoming Zarnadonii is a fine idea," Verdegia spoke briskly. "But then again, I'm an old woman. I rather like the idea of relatively quick high status, just by being part of one of the founding families." She chuckled. "And now, if you will all excuse me, this old woman needs to find her bedroll." She got up from the fire and entered the tent.

"Well, let me know in the next day or two if you wish to come with me," Jerekal said, as everyone seemed to take Verdegia's departure as a signal ending the meeting.

Latie smiled at her brother. "Good idea, yes? You be master flint-knapper of Zarnadonii, I train more horses. Maybe soon trade horses, if enough good places to keep. And I be like Mother and Tulie both," she grinned, "mate to two men like Tulie, mate to leader like Mother."

Danug laughed. "Is good for you, yes. Not sure for me. Would like be master flint-knapper, yes, but also want find woman to mate. You happy with Jerekal and Echozar, is good. Bologan and Madenia also happy. Verdegia like Crozie, older, happy with grandson. Be very long winter if no one for me." He gave an exaggerated pout and Latie laughed.

Bologan laughed as well. "Danug, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet women at the Summer Meeting. There are only two or three men of all the Zelandonii who can come close to matching you in height, and no one can match you in size. I guarantee that plenty of women will be very interested in learning if you are so big all over."

Danug blushed, making everyone laugh. Madenia banked the fire and hung a cooking skin of gruel to slow cook for the morning meal, then she and Bologan headed for their tent. The others soon followed, wanting an early start in the morning.

Winter passed by uneventfully in the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii. Ayla and Lanidar both completed their training, and would be dedicated as Ones Who Serve at the Summer Meeting. Lanoga divided her time between caring for her twins, making soap, and learning healing lore from Zelandoni and Ayla. She wasn't officially an acolyte, but Zelandoni offered to teach her anyway, saying that while it was unusual to train anyone who was not an acolyte, it wasn't unheard of either. And that such training was most often given to the mate of a male acolyte; that for some reason the majority of men who were called to serve had little or no Talent for healing, but mated women who did.

Lanoga was enjoying the training. She also thought that it might come in handy someday. Lanidar had told her that Jerekal wanted to start a new Cave, if he returned from the Journey he was making with Bologan. And that Jerekal had already asked him to come and be the Zelandoni of his Cave, if it ever happened. Her healing skills combined with Lanidar's knowledge of the Spirit World should keep everyone safe and healthy. Of course, who knew when Jerekal would return. There would be no chance of going anywhere until then. Her musing was interrupted by the sound of one of the babies waking up. By the time she got Zolena fed and changed, Lanada was also up and wanting to nurse. They were so beautiful, Lanoga thought. They looked so much like Lanidar, except for the eyes. They had her own silvery gray eyes, surrounded by thick black lashes. They had his black hair, too. Definitely Lanidar's spirit, she thought, pleased.

Lanidar slipped his arm around her and gave her a kiss. "What are you thinking about, beloved?"

She kissed him back. "Oh, nothing much. Thinking that your spirit makes beautiful children. Wondering when Jerekal and Bologan will return. Wondering if Jerekal will ever start that Cave like you told me he wants to."

He laughed. "Well, how about you start thinking about what you're going to feed your poor starving mate for supper?"

"Oh, that's all taken care of already. I've got fish baking in clay right now. They should be done soon. Oh, and there's fresh sorrel and watercress to go with them. I'm so glad spring is here!"

"Me too," Lanidar smiled. "I like getting out hunting after being stuck inside all winter. Even if Those Who Serve are supposed to be more concerned with the Spirit World than this one. I worked too hard to learn to hunt in spite of my arm. I'm not going to stop hunting until I'm too old to lift a spear."

Lanada finished nursing and sat up. "Da! Da!" she piped in her baby voice.

Lanoga giggled, "I guess all the women in this family find you irresistible!" She handed Lanada to Lanidar, then giggled again as Zolena, feeling left out, crawled over and tried to climb into his lap. "Well, as long as you have the twins occupied, I'll go check on dinner." As her mate played with the babies, Lanoga used a portion of antler to pull the clay-wrapped fish out of the coals. She waited a few moments for them to cool, then broke the clay open and served the fish with the sorrel and watercress salad. The twins also sampled the fish; they wouldn't be weaned for at least another year, but they had some teeth now and enjoyed some solid foods.

The young couple chatted of inconsequentials as they ate, preferring to save any serious discussion for after the twins were asleep. But once the little ones were slumbering, they started packing and making plans for the Summer Meeting.

"I must admit, I'm not entirely looking forward to this Meeting," Lanidar said. "I know I've made the right choice in dedicating myself to Her service. But I have to stay in seclusion for a whole moon in preparation for the dedication rites. I don't like having to be apart from you and the girls for so long."

"We'll be fine," Lanoga assured him. "We'll be sharing a lodge with Jondalar and Ayla, Mother and Lorala, and Marthona, Willomar, and Folara. Ayla will be off in seclusion with you, but Folara will be caring for Jonayla while she's gone. We've already made arrangements to help each other out."

"I'm glad to know you won't have to manage alone. I'd worried about that."

"Folara is the one I feel bad for. She's sixteen, and no sign of a mate or children. Sometimes I wonder if her kin is the reason. She's of such high status, no one feels as if he could possibly be worthy of her." Lanoga ran her fingers through Lanidar's hair. "It makes me glad that we found each other before Mother adopted me."

He smiled and kissed her softly. "Oh, I'm glad too." He tugged her gently to their bed space, all conversation forgotten.