Despite everything that had happened, Teeka harbored no regrets. His dream of experiencing the vast sands of the Great Valley, and of learning to be a Hunter, had been realized. He'd shared his dream with Hunter Quill and together, they'd harvested their Stake -- wealth the like of which dazzled Teeka.

Even with the hardship they'd faced, the beauty of the red and gold sands and vast sky had woven their spell. The challenges of living in a tent had been balanced by the view of the twin suns rising and setting on the endless horizon. During the nights, the canopy of stars had shone down on them, brighter without the many glowstones of the city to compete with them. The Great Valley was everything Teeka had hoped for while growing up in Reghdad.

Teeka never dreamed he'd find love all the way out here. Though many Keepers daydreamed of falling for the robed, nomadic Hunters with whom they Contracted, it didn't happen as often as stories portrayed. Usually a Contract focused on the business of helping the Hunters as they searched for, and harvested, the valuable stones. Certainly no one would realistically expect to find love on their first or second Contract. The usual experience was to learn with many Contracts before settling down.

But then, nothing of his and Quill's relationship had been usual. Teeka smiled to himself.

The Winds died slowly, as though reluctant to let go. They settled to a steady thrum against the tent roof and lulled Teeka into a doze against his pillows.

The quiet woke him, the stillness of Sittingday filling his ears with a physical lack of sound that seemed audible. Landing, but he'd nap his life away! He wanted to be up and dressed, preparing lunch, not loafing around all day. Teeka stirred, stiff, and eyed his body. He still wore his nightsilks, which, like his body, needed a wash. Good thing he had time before lunch.

His injuries troubled him. The knife wound on his chest still bore stitches, though they'd be able to be removed soon. The burns, on the other hand, seemed determined to stay with him. Healer Alwyn gave him regular teas to drink and poultices to put on his burned skin but nothing sped the healing.

A soft rustle outside his tent flap the only warning, Quill appeared. "You're still abed?"

Teeka flushed. He wanted to be up and washed before Quill arrived. Instead, he focused on his lover. Quill's gray eyes, shadowed by the lighting in the tent, watched Teeka with calm attention. The sandcat scars on his face faded with time and Teeka's patient ministrations with oils and creams, but they adorned Quill's face like a signature.

Sand shadowed Quill's gray bodysilks but he wore no outer robes. He must have shed them before coming to their tent. The fabric framed his muscular body. Teeka's flush deepened, but this time from arousal rather than embarrassment. "What are you doing here this early?"

"It's not early. It's nearly lunch." His face softened and he tied the tent flap. "Besides, I wanted to spend Sittingday with you."

Their Stake lay close enough to Kotek for Quill to return at lunch and again at night. He walked the trail like a wraith, returning each day after evening Winds, dust-covered and tired. Today, though, he seemed satisfied to be in their tent without thought of the work ahead.

"I can make us some Sittingday bread and--"

"No!"

Quill's sharp interruption startled Teeka and he broke off.

"I didn't come back here to have you wait on me hand and foot. I've already talked to Jeb and he's making us Boar Cyrus. He didn't realize you're here by yourself with no other Keepers to help you and said he'd send over brunch as well."

Jebbynk ran the hostelry and was Teeka's neighbor across from the waterspout they shared. They'd become fast friends during Teeka's first Contract in the tent city and Teeka loved his cooking. "Goodness. He sent enough in the beginning, I hate putting him out more."

"He feeds the entire tent city, practically. I think his kitchen can handle one more mouth. Relax. It's Sittingday." Quill approached with slow steps, putting an extra sway into his walk. He kneeled on the pillows at the edge of the bed. "As you've pointed out to me before, Sittingday is for resting and other things."

The grin that came out of Teeka stretched his face and reminded him how infrequently he'd done it in the last few sevendays. He slid his hand along Quill's jaw into his hair. "Very well, you can stay."

"I can, can I?" Quill's eyebrow cocked and he assumed an arrogant expression. "And just who is Contract here, and who is Keeper?"

"True, but I'm injured. So I get to boss you around for a change."

"Oh. I'm glad we sorted that out."

Quill came forward and kissed Teeka with warm and soft lips. His mouth tasted of sweet tea and a pastry; he must have gotten it when he stopped to talk to Jebbynk. Before Teeka could get jealous over the treat, Quill's hands moved and the crinkle of paper sounded from his robes as he brought out a small package containing another pastry.

Teeka brightened. "I'll put the kettle on."

"Allow me."

"You burn the tea."

"Winds, it's just the water, Teeka." Quill didn't sound angry, but long-suffering.

On the other hand, Teeka had drunk his tea, and angry or no, he didn't have any intention of allowing the man to make it again. Teeka swung his legs over the edge of the bed and sat for a moment, allowing his body to realize he intended to rise.

"You're still dizzy?" Quill's voice sounded devoid of inflection.

"I'm fine, Quill, stop worrying. Alwyn's happy with my progress." That last part exaggerated things a bit, but Teeka didn't want to keep worrying his lover with his slow progress.

He should have known it wouldn't work; Alwyn and Quill grew up together. "In point of fact, Alwyn worries for you." Quill stood and stroked Teeka's arm. "Your body is still recovering from Hunter Ezek's attack and being out on the blazing sands without proper protection."

"I remember what happened. I was there!"

"So was I." Quill's face darkened. "Be patient, Teeka. You will heal. It takes time."

"Everything takes time." Teeka sighed and turned away. Annoyed at himself for losing his temper with Quill, he made his ungainly way out to the waterspout to take care of things.

When he returned, Quill had the kettle on and stripped the bed with nearly Keeper-like efficiency. He winked at Teeka. "Some tea will improve your mood."

"Thank you. I'm sorry for my ill temper."

Quill's eyes crinkled but he didn't say anything.

Teeka prepared tea for himself from the herbs Healer Alwyn left him. He made Quill some of his own fragrant hibiscus blend, a recipe he'd brought with him from the Keep. Quill loved it and guilt pricked Teeka for his mood moments ago. The heady aromas filled the tent and he inhaled deeply, energized. He nibbled his pastry, letting the flavors float through his mind without trying to identify them.

A clap at the tent flap caught his attention and he watched Quill rise to untie the closure. His muscles moved under his bodysilks like a dancer's and Teeka wished he felt more energetic and could take advantage of it.

The page at the door held a covered tray and wore the clean blue robes of the hostelry. He ducked his head at Quill when the Hunter murmured his thanks and scurried away. Quill turned and set the tray on their table. They'd set up the low table since it made it easier for Teeka to get to and from the cushions. He waddled over and curled up at his spot, watching as Quill retied the flaps. Winds, having burns on the soles of one's feet made even walking a painful chore.

"What did Jeb send?" Quill turned to gaze at Teeka.

Teeka obliged by opening the tray cover and inhaling over the contents. A heavy ceramic pot exuded a heady aroma of spices and grains. Two smaller dishes sat nestled in a chillbox and Teeka uncovered one to find fruit and the other held what looked like yogurt. His mouth started to water.

"It's a feast." Teeka uncovered the grains and peeked at the contents. Sure enough, spiced grains with sweetener waited, the rock sugar melting into amber pools on top.

Quill brought over two plates and spoons and sat down across from Teeka. "You can enjoy some of Jeb's grains for a change of pace." He dipped the spoon into the pot and served them both.

On a whim, Teeka got a small bite on his spoon and held it up for Quill. Quill blinked at him a moment, his gray eyes twinkling, then accepted the spoon after blowing on it first. They fell into a rhythm, feeding each other from their own bowls, until they finished.

Teeka would have continued, but his body had other ideas. Exhaustion flowed over him like a sandstorm and he slumped, frustrated. He didn't even have appetite enough to finish his pastry, damn it.

"Come. Nap with me," Quill coaxed.

Allowing himself to be tempted to the bed with his lover, Teeka rose and curled up against the pillows. Quill brought over a clean cloth as a towel and the dish of fruits, and then fed Teeka a fruit held in his fingers.

Before they could get involved in it, and before Teeka could reciprocate, another clap sounded at the tent flap. Quill growled, low in his chest, and stood.

He went to the flap and stood back, startled. "Senior Keeper Sanda."

Sanda Kept for Elder Hunter Tybin, Quill's uncle. What could he want?

Keeper Sanda smiled at him and turned to Quill. "Senior Hunter Quill. Good day. May I speak with you a moment?"

"Certainly. Please, come in."

Landing! Of all the people by whom Teeka did not want to be seen without washing or dressing, Sanda had to be at the top of the list. He wished he could hide in the necessary or evaporate with the morning Winds. Instead, he put on his best smile. "Senior Keeper Sanda."

"Please, Keeper Teeka, don't get up. I'm aware of your injuries." Sanda hesitated until Quill gestured at a guest chair and Sanda sat down.

Teeka wanted to throw a pillow. ‘Aware of his injuries.’ How, pray? Gossip around the tents? Landing. He started to haul himself to his feet but Quill's narrowed eyes and discreet headshake dissuaded him. Injuries, indeed. Teeka could get up in his own tent if he wanted to, by Landing!

"Elder Hunter Tybin asked me to come and request a visit. He can come by in a quarter, if you're available, or later toward dinner hour."

"Toward dinner hour would be better. I would like to prepare myself." Teeka resisted saying something more scathing but only by shutting his teeth on his tongue. He managed to get a smile on his face before Sanda turned to regard him.

"What Teeka means is we've been resting most of the morning and have yet to start our day." Quill gestured at the remains of their meal. "We mean no disrespect."

Sanda nodded. "I will tell him. He will stop by." He stood and looked between them. "I must return, I have a meeting for which to prepare."

Quill rose to see him out and tied the tent flap behind him. He exhaled and came back to the table, a pensive expression on his face.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing. Not anything specific, exactly. I don't know."

Teeka frowned. "Okay..."

"Uncle would have just visited if he wanted to."

"Why send Sanda?"

"Exactly."

"No, I meant, why did he send Sanda?"

Quill looked up and met Teeka's gaze, his gray eyes shadowed. "Because it's an official visit. Sanda told us Elder Hunter wants to see us, not Uncle."

"Why, though?"

"I can only assume it has to do with the Stake."

Teeka didn't share that sentiment. "But that doesn't sound good, either."

Quill didn't argue. Instead, he studied Teeka, lost in thought.

A sudden gust lifted the tent flap and slapped it against its mate, and Teeka jumped.

"Landing! I could have sworn I tied that." Quill rose and went to the door.

Teeka, chilled, watched him do it with doubt growing in his belly, as though the loose tent flap boded ill for their future. He tried to settle against the cushions, but didn't relax until Quill returned and curled around him.