On the outskirts of Anshore village, Firthos province, is a small cottage much like all the other cottages in the village. Long and low, with a thatched roof, it has a fence surrounding a productive garden. Within it is a cheerful hubbub as Hian prepares arrows for her trip. Twelve year-old Ruwen is packing a bag with food, while his older sister Janara is tending the fire, Rina watching on. Shrey is seated by the table where Maya, the youngest, is clambering over her. She smiles at her sister-in-law. "You'll take care?" "Of course," Hian says, slinging the quiver over her shoulder. "I know where to look." "Really?" Shrey grins. "Because I seem to remember you brought a baby back once." "I don't think that's likely to happen again. Although, would you actually object?" "Well - " Shrey pauses for effect, and Maya, now on the bench, squawks indigniantly. "No! No more babies!" Hian turns to Ruwen, accepting the food parcel which she ties to the strap holding quiver and bow. "Where's Nikhil?" "With the chickens, I think."