The morning is bright and clear, a good day for a journey. Hian is sitting with Shrey, who is still resting in bed, when a yowl comes from the front of the longhouse. "That'll be the donkey," she says. Shrey frowns. "That wasn't a donkey," she says. "No, that was Nikhil getting trodden on by the donkey. Or worse." "Are you sure you're happy to take him and Ulin with you?" "Yes, it'll do them good to see Orun and help with the buying and selling. It'll only be overnight anyway." "For them," Shrey points out. "You'll be longer. I'll miss you."