She took one last walk through her property, at the kitchen garden she'd carefully organized.The trade goods section had been so profitable.The decorative area with its pond and water lilies, the chocolate vine climbing the treehouse wall...she would miss them.All of it was so vulnerable, so potentially temporary.
She touched the treehouse wall."Stay standing," she whispered."Please stay standing."
Jin approached quietly."Ready?"
"Right.Yes."Standing there mooning wouldn’t help.
Walter appeared on her shoulder."Ready when you are, madam.Though I should mention that I'll be staying with my cousins in town during the migration.Squirrel protocol."
"Of course.Stay safe, Walter."
"And you, madam."He touched his tiny paw to her cheek, an unexpectedly tender gesture."The farm will still be here when you return.Different perhaps, but here."
He scurried off toward the trees, disappearing into the squirrel paths.
She mounted up.The dandelions fell in behind the horse chestnut, its wooden hooves clopping steadily.Everything would be okay.
Jin fell in beside her, giving her an encouraging smile.
Kenji took rear guard with the dandelions."Your dandelions are very well-behaved," Kenji observed."Also slightly terrifying."
One of them snorted, and Kenji laughed nervously.
The ride to town was quiet.Wren kept looking back at her property until it disappeared from view.
"First migration?"Kenji asked gently.
"Yes."
"It's always hard.Leaving your home to the mercy of monsters."His tone was sympathetic."But you're doing the smart thing.The people who stay...they don't usually make it."
That was not comforting.
The Zhao house appeared ahead, and Wren saw Mei-Lin waiting on the terrace, waving enthusiastically.
"You made it!Come on, let's get everyone settled!"
The next hour was organized chaos.The dandelions were led to a secure back garden where they could patrol safely.The horse chestnut was stabled with the family's horses, and it seemed content standing quietly in the corner.The hen and chicks were stored carefully in Wren's room.
The guest room was small but lovely, with a luxurious bed, a wardrobe, a window overlooking the town, and privacy.
"Thank you," Wren said to Mei-Lin."Really.This is generous."
"Are you kidding?I'm excited!It's like having a sister visiting."Mei-Lin bounced on the bed."We can stay up late talking, and you can tell me all about Jin's obvious feelings for you that he refuses to acknowledge."
"Mei-Lin!"
"What?It's true!He's been impossible lately, all broody and protective."She grinned."Mother's noticed too.She doesn't like it, but she's noticed."
Speaking of which, Zhao Lin appeared in the doorway, perfectly composed."Miss Wren.I trust the room is acceptable?"
"It's perfect.Thank you so much for having me."
"Mei-Lin insisted.And it's practical, since we have the space, and you need somewhere safe."Her tone was neutral, not warm but not hostile either."Dinner is at six.Please join us."She left before Wren could respond.
"That's progress," Mei-Lin said."She's being polite.Last week she was barely civil."
"Your silk commission helped," Wren admitted."It's hard to hate someone who provides quality goods."
