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“This dwelling is now yours, Ayla If you allow ht my hearth within it,” Jondalar said, “any children born here will be born to my hearth Will you allow it?”

“Yes Of course,” she said

He took the torch from her and strode to the fireplace area, which was outlined with a circle of stones Within it, wood had been set up, ready to light He held the torch to the kindling and watched until the ser pieces aflao out before it ell established When he looked up, Ayla was looking at him with love in her eyes He stood up and took her in his arms

“Jondalar, I’ as tears filled her eyes

“Then why are you crying?”

“Because I’ to hi to live in this beautiful ho to have a baby, and I’m mated to you Mostly because I’m mated to you I love you, Jondalar I love you so much”

“I love you, too, Ayla That’s why I built this dwelling for you,” he said, bending his head to reach her lips, which were straining to reach his He tasted the salt from her tears

“But, when did you do it?” she asked when they finally parted “How? We were at the Meeting all summer”

“Do you re trip I went on with Joharran and the rest? It wasn’t only a hunting trip We came back here and built this,” Jondalar said

“You ca? Why didn’t you tell me?” she said

“I wanted to surprise you You are not the only one who can plan surprises, “Jondalar said, still pleased at her happily shocked response

“It’s the best surprise I ever had,” she said, tears threatening to well up again

“You know, Ayla,” he said, suddenly looking serious, “if you ever throw out the stones of o someplace else It would ”

“How can you even say that, Jondalar? I would never want to do that!” she said, looking appalled

“If you had been born a Zelandonii, I wouldn’t have to say it You would know I just want tois yours, and your children’s, Ayla Only the hearth is mine,” Jondalar explained