Seeing Saoirse with the children, teaching, or going about doing chores, reminds Pel of what it was like to grow up expecting to be a Keeper. Deheune was very hands-on, and Pel was expected to be the same, filling in whatever gaps in the camp she could. If ever she sat idly, Deheune told her that somewhere, there was work to be done and she would find it. Saoirse is the same in her element. Someone, a long time ago, another city elf told Pel about the sense of community in an alienage, and it sounded so very much like a clan. Saoirse is part of this clan now. And she has elected to bring Pel to introduce to her clan. Pel's behavior doesn't just affect her now; it affects how Saoirse will be seen. She must be at her best. She must remember that she is the guest, the stranger, and not the Keeper.

She arrives with the sling tucked intricately, so that the baby can sit in it upright and facing out. Pel prefers that arrangement so that Sina can look out and see the world and learn it. Tucked in a small basket are numerous skeins of yarn, spun by her own hand--her common answer to the question of looking for work when she would otherwise be idle. She smiles at Saoirse as she approaches, but stands at the back, behind the children, listening to the lesson until it is over.