The cave was unusually quiet.
The only sounds came from the crackling fire, bubbling water, and the occasional soft rustle of movement nearby.
Lavayla stood in front of the cooking area with absolute focus. Or at least, she pretended it was absolute focus.
The truth was that if she stopped moving for too long, her thoughts inevitably drifted back to Nessa.
Back to the uncomfortable emptiness that had settled inside her mind. So she refused to stop moving.
She washed vegetables.
Cut vegetables.
Sorted vegetables.
Stirred pots.
Checked ingredients.
Anything to keep herself occupied.
Nearby, Shalika sat quietly against the cave wall atop the dried moss carpet Lavayla and Mirek had woven together days ago. Vai rested peacefully in her arms.
Thankfully, the infant was still asleep.
Mirek had disappeared briefly earlier before returning with four large eggs balanced carefully in one hand.
