---
Bat Bat spoke again quickly, softer this time. There was reassurance in it, and excitement too, but both were being held down under something steadier than usual. Sekhmet had heard many versions of Bat Bat's voice by now. He knew her boasting voice, her offended voice, her hungry voice, and her theatrical voice. This one was different. It was the voice she used only when something small trusted her completely and she knew she could not afford to turn that trust into nonsense.
Leaf listened from Bat Bat's hands, then turned her tiny head toward the little green patch. Her eyes lingered there for a moment. After that, she looked at Auri. Then, at last, she looked back at Sekhmet.
Sekhmet asked quietly, "What is she saying?"
