The winter began to wain as the days began to grow longer. The nights were still bitterly cold, but the days permitted walks in the gardens and trips to the baths. Time spent bathing left me tired, but much recovered the next day, so I spent much time there with my ladies. I had not yet been able to make it back to the temple to help with the children, instead opting to send some of my excess stores to them, ensuring that they would be well fed and comfortable during the worst of the cold.
When the snow began to melt enough that there was a constant chorus of drips, AAta began to weave rope, his hands steady and patient. He would bring coils with him, taking dried plants that had lain in wait all winter, creating strong cord for use out to sea. His men too began this practice, working ha
