“We’re with you now, Lakshmi,” said Frank in a soft, soothing tone, “You can stay here while the rest of us go. We’ll pick you up on our way home."

The fire crackled and sparks flew into the air, as if going home to the stars, while Tochuku stared into the flames a few moments before continuing.

As usual, we hunted, fished and gathered as the opportunity arose. We wanted to save most of the provisions we brought from home for trade.

On the way home, Frank told us that he and Barbara and the rest of their council had spoken at length about our long-term relationship with them.

Their late summer garden bloomed gaily on the near side of their home site, along with a large corn patch, near the spring.

Noah had returned with our visitors, but not for long. The night before Victorio, Frank and I were to escort them back home, he called for our attention.

She also said that they wanted to visit our home too, which seemed reasonable. I agreed to bring a few of them back with us on our next visit.

Finally, they found the place they are at now... They say they are doing pretty well there, and want to build more permanent homes.

I spun away from the door and ran back towards the trail. Victorio was waving goodbye to Noah, who continued his journey to his own home.

I had become close to some of the others, Hallie, Kate and Jeanne especially, but I felt most truly at home with Victorio. With him I felt most myself.