Since it was still early afternoon, somewhere between midday and the first stretch past it, Lavayla suggested that Mirek rest for a while.
"You should lie down," she told him. "Even a short nap is fine. When you wake up, I'll start on lunch. You can prepare the meat then."
Mirek nodded easily. "No problem."
Satisfied, Lavayla moved to sit beside Vai and spent the time playing with him. She blew gentle bubbles with her lips, tickled his sides, and made soft sounds that drew bright, breathy laughter from him. His small hands waved excitedly, grabbing at her fingers and sleeves, as he was completely absorbed.
Mirek paused to watch them for a few seconds. Something unreadable passed through his eyes before he turned away. He rolled the Soft-Core stone boulder into a corner near the cave wall, stretched his shoulders and arms briefly, then sat down near the entrance. With his back against the stone and his legs relaxed, he closed his eyes and rested, just as Lavayla had suggested.
