Sunbeam Lair fly, fly, baby don't cry;;

PP with permission!

Ali had been ignoring Lennon's anger at him, but he could not ignore the biting words thrown his way. His mind instantly went to the incident with the stranger; he didn't think that was what Lennon meant, but his thoughts went there nonetheless. To the painful lesson he had learned. The boy's ears flattened to his head, but he said nothing.

Instead he turned to investigate the plants around the cave, to see if he recognized any of them. Ali already had enough knowledge to identify many plants, but he did not know as many medicinal uses. The information the witch, Thelxiope, had given him so kindly was now all he had to go on.

Luckily, and unknown to Alarian, the dark damp cave and cool weather were the perfect conditions for Chervil to grow. He paused when he saw the first sprig of the plant, studying it to be sure he wasn't mistaken. Then he began to dig it up-- carefully, and sparingly, as he did not want to destroy the supply.
When the boy was certain he had enough, he first approached Korei. I found something to help your ear. Can I?
When consent was given, he cleaned the ear again before chewing up one of the roots as he had seen the witch healer do. He was not nearly as practiced as her, but he had watched carefully; with some time and care, Ali managed to apply the poultice to Korei's ear without making a mess of it.

Then, reluctantly, he took the remaining root and approached Lennon. His voice was soft, nervous as he posed the question: Would it be okay if I put some of this on your leg? It's to keep away infection.