"Bring the dark reed basket and your cloak." Bustling around the den, Tyleet picked up a larger basket for herself. "Those clouds in front of the moons look like rain to me." She didn't pause her preparations to see whether or not he obeyed until the dark bundle of her own cloak was dropped into her basket."
"You're no more waterproof than I am," Sandcat said firmly, making Tyleet laugh.
"No, but I haven't just gotten well," she replied.
A childish huff and a roll of eyes greeted her comment. "That was ages ago!" he protested.
Tyleet shook her head. "One turn of Daughter Moon isn't that long little one and Shen-shen says being too cold and wet can weaken your body and make it hard for you to fight sickness."
Black hair tumbled to the side as he contemplated a new thought. "'Shen-shen' says this and 'Shen-shen says that,'" he said, frowning curiously. "And it was Shen-shen you called when I was sick. Why not Leetah the healer?"
Tyleet's hands stilled as she thought this over. "Leetah wasn't with us when I was growing up. Shen-shen was our healer and I suppose I called her out of habit."
This brought a new frown to Sandcat's face. "Where was Leetah? I heard that she and Cutter Recognized in Sorrow's End a long time ago, but you say she wasn't with him when you were little. Did they have a fight?" Realizing she'd talked herself into a corner, Tyleet shot a panicked glance at Ekuar. The old elf frowned thoughtfully while Sandcat waited with increasing impatience. "Well?"
"Ah... Well," Ekuar began with a nervous cough. "It's complicated-"
"You can tell me!" Sandcat promptly shot out. "I'll understand!"
"-But more, it's painful," gently rolling over Sandcat's protest, Ekuar continued. "And it's not our story to tell. There was... an accident. With some very powerful magic. Leetah, Skywise, Suntop and Ember were... lost for a long time. We're all very glad to have them back now."
Sandcat's eyes grew huge. "Leetah, Skywise, Suntop and Ember...?" he repeated. "That's all of Cutter's family!" Tyleet and Ekuar nodded solemly. "Poor Cutter," Sandcat murmured. Then, under his breath: "...No wonder he's such a grump-tummy."
They found Nightfall waiting outside. "Mother!" Tyleet smiled. "What are you doing this fine evening?" Nightfall swung a large carry-pouch off of her shoulder. "I thought I would go hunt capnuts with you. It's just the right season and I know how much you love them."
Sandcat was unable to contain his dismay. "With her along we'll never be able to finish them all!" Tyleet laughed and, ignoring his glare, tousled his hair fondly.
"I'm sure I can find a way to use them even if we bring back a whole tree's worth. Besides, someday you might learn to like them!"
"I wouldn't wager on that," Sandcat muttered.
As they set off they naturally fell into two groups. Sandcat, despite his energy and impatience, walked behind with Ekuar, gamely talking the older elf's ears off. Nightfall was never sure just who was being patient with whom but thought they made a sweet pair. There was a companionable silence between Tyleet and Nightfall for the first little while, then Tyleet spoke up through a lull in Sandcat's chatter. "Mother," she said, "I know things haven't been easy between us for awhile. You... don't agree with all my decisions."
"You mean like the time you adopted a human cub?" Sandcat interjected.
Tyleet sent him a small smile. "Like that, yes. But," she went on, "I'm glad that we are getting better." Pausing, she turned and gave Nightfall a meaningful look. "And I'm glad Sandcat now has the opportunity to spend time with his grand-dam."
"Grandmother?" They turned to see Sandcat looking at Nightfall with astonishment. "I hadn't thought of it that way before!"
"Silly goose," Tyleet chuckled. She knelt down and playfully tapped his nose. "You think so much about building bridges or cooking with metal and sunlight that you miss the simple things right in front of you."
"Cooking with metal and sunlight?" Ekuar asked. Sandcat was instantly off, sharing his brilliant idea for no-smoke cooking and they resumed their walk.
Daughter? Nightfall sent. Why did you say those things?
Tyleet smiled in response. I know you didn't need to hear me say those things Mother, but Sandcat did.
Sandcat?
He likes to do the right thing but sometimes he doesn't know or can't see. I hope, if I show him...
Thoughtfully, Nightfall nodded her understanding.