168th day of the Great Star at morning

Otek’s house smelt of chillies and honey: the scent of her childhood.

Xessa sat with Otek, Kime, and Toxte around her, her first father draped in the heat of three big dogs, each trying to cram into his lap or under his arms or against his neck. They were as gentle as ever, but Xessa watched closely to make sure Otek didn’t just give every morsel of food to the drooling animals. He was too thin these days, barely eating unless someone was with him, and the Wet had increased Xessa and Kime’s duties so that he was alone for long periods.

But as always, Otek’s face relaxed when he was around the dogs, and the animals all understood; they were never exuberant around the old man, instead sitting close, in Otek’s lap if they could manage it, heads pressed against the thin chest or under his chin. And Otek’s old hands would stroke them and fondle their big ears and a little of his spirit would return to his flesh.

It was a special duskmeal, and she was warm in the love of her family and quietly delighted that Toxte had agreed to come along. Tika had stopped by earlier as well, to check Xessa and Kime were ready for tomorrow. When they’d attempt to capture a Drowned.

Will. When we will capture a Drowned.

She pushed the thought away and clicked her tongue when Ossa tried to steal food from Otek’s hand. The dog’s ears went low and he gazed at her as if he’d never been fed in his entire life, but he didn’t try again. Xessa made sure her father ate it instead and was rewarded with Ossa’s wounded betrayal. The corner of her mouth twitched up despite herself.

‘Do you understand?’ Kime was signing, and Xessa focused back on the conversation. There was a good chance, after all, that neither of them would come back from the Swift Water tomorrow; she hated the thought of Otek not understanding where they’d gone.

Xessa, Tika, and Kime had spent a lot of time with him, explaining what they were going to attempt, and a few times the conversation had sparked something in him. He’d told tales then of his days as eja and the battles he’d fought, the nets and spears and dogs he’d lost. The friends. Xessa had listened, joyous despite the subject, despite knowing all of these stories better than he did now, just glad to have him back for a while. Her father.