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“I’ I have an extra set of antlers, if we go after red deer Many people have skins and other things,” the Trade Master said
“What are disguises?” Ayla asked
“We cover ourselves with hides, and soet closer to a herd Animals are leery of people, so we try to make them think we’re animals,” Willamar explained
“Jondalar, maybe we could take the horses, like the time Whinney and I helped the Mamutoi hunt bison,” Ayla said, then looked at Willamar “When we’re on horseback, aniet very close, and with the spear-thowers, even with just two of us, and Wolf, we’ve been very successful”
“Using your animals to help hunt animals? You didn’t mention that when I asked if you had any more surprises tucked away Did you think that wouldn’t be a?” Willamar said with a smile
“I have a feeling even they don’t know all the surprises they have in store for us,” Marthona commented, then, after a pause, “Would anyone like a little lanced at Ayla “I find it very soothing and relaxing, and you were put through quite an interrogation today These Clan people have ined”
Folara’s ears pricked up at that Everyone had been talking about the long ive the she would know She had told them that she didn’t know any ed to imply that she just couldn’t say what she knew At least now she had so She listened closely as the conversation continued
“ … they see “They care for their sick, and their leader seemed to have the best interests of his people foree of their medicine woman must have been quite extensive, if Zelandoni’s reaction is any indication, and I have a feeling she ant to know more about their spiritual leader I think she would have liked to ask you many more questions, Ayla, but held back Joharran was more interested in the people and their way of life”
There was a settling in, aat Marthona’s beautiful hoht cast by the fire in the hearth and the oil-burning la coance hich Ranec had arranged his living space in the Lion Cahouse He was an artist, a fine carver, and he had taken the ti and appreciating beauty, for hie to the Great Earth Mother She felt that Marthona
Sipping warm tea, Ayla watched Jondalar’s family as they relaxed quietly around the low table, and she felt a sense of peace and contentment she hadn’t known before These were people she could understand, people like her, and at that moment it struck her that she truly was one of the Others Then she had a sudden picture of the cave of Brun’s clan where she grew up, and the contrast astounded her
As with screens and walls separating the living units Voices and sounds could be heard fronored, but each family had visual privacy The Mae for each family, with drapes that assured visual privacy, if it was desired
In the cave of her clan, the boundaries of each fa space were known, even if not defined with anything ically placed stones Privacy was a matter of social practice; one did not look directly into the hearth of one’s neighbor, did not “see” beyond the invisible boundary The Clan was good at not seeing what they were not supposed to see Ayla recalled with a wrenching ache the way even those who loved her had si her when she was cursed with death
The Zelandonii also defined the spaces within and outside the dwellings, with places for sleeping, cooking and eating, and various work projects Within the Clan, areas for different activities were not as precisely located Generally, sleeping places were made and a hearth located, but for the most part, the division of space was a matter of custom, habit, and behavior They were mental and social divisions, not physical ones Wo, men stayed away from the women’s activities, and work projects were often done where it was convenient at the time
The Zelandonii sees than the Clan, Ayla was thinking They all sees Maybe it’s the way they hunt that ht and didn’t hear a question that had been put to her
“Ayla? … Ayla!” Jondalar said loudly