The skin was the most difficult part. It had to shield the creature from all of the things its own body could not, yet still be able to co-exist with, and draw nourishment from, the body it covered. When complete, the skin would extend through its digestive tract and down into its lungs, protecting it from foods that might make it sick and the unseen proteins in the air that had nearly killed the animal before they found it.

Ilto made its skin capable of showing emotion. Ani doubted the creature was intelligent enough to make use of such a gift, but she decided not to share her doubts with Ilto. She was even more dubious about his decision to give it the same protective stinging stripes as the Tendu, but Ani couldn’t bring herself to say anything. Ilto was happier than she had ever seen him, alive with the joy of a challenging task. The bright, sweet tang of his joy filled her allu as she monitored him. The elders spoke of him in shades of awe and admiration. It was like watching a legend come to life.

Ilto emerged from communion in the middle of the fourth night. He was so weak that Ani had to help him into bed. He let some of the elders give him strength, ate a little kayu mush and yarram, and fell into a deep, healing sleep. Ani piled the leafy bedding over him to keep him warm and moist. She made sure the new creature was all right, then burrowed into her own bed and fell asleep.

Ilto woke Ani late the next day, eager to resume working with the animal. Ani managed to make him wait until she had fed him a big meal. She wanted him to rest another day, but he was determined to continue.