Going Home On our last morning I awoke alone. My heart was heavy, and I was in no hurry to get out of bed. I hoped Maara would forgive me for not helping her prepare for our departure. There was little left to do. We had made up our packs the day before, so that we could see the forest people on their way. Neither Maara nor I could bear the thought of staying on in the encampment once they had left it. We shared a silent breakfast with the forest people. Afterwards, as is the custom everywhere, we exchanged gifts with them. Although I had little skill with the needle, I had made a few small things -- dolls for the children, cut from scraps of Maara's woolen tunic and stuffed with moss, and for Worr a beaded quiver. To Sett I gave what remained of the healing herbs I had brought from Merin's house. Each of the hunters gave me an arrow that bore his own distinctive markings, so that the sight of the arrow would bring to mind an image of its maker.
