Fiona met her eyes squarely. “If it weren’t for Lorana and Kindan, we would have lost both Zirenth and T’mar.”

“Come with me,” Cisca said, waving toward the Kitchen. “It’s far too cold to converse out here; you’ll have to forgive my manners.”

Inside, seated with warm klah and fresh rolls, Cisca was much more relaxed.

“Congratulations on your flight,” Fiona said, raising her mug in toast.

“And on yours,” Cisca said, raising her own mug in response. She glanced around at a sudden eruption of noise and spotted Bekka with a group of friends, helping themselves to a snack. Glancing at the youngster, she asked, “Did she wear you out, too?”

“Hardly!” Fiona said, smiling. “Especially not with Seban to mind her.” She waved at Bekka and the youngster waved back before flying out of the Kitchen toward the living quarters. “But an opportunity arose to get her healer training, and so we’re taking it.”

“Wise.”

“I learned from the best,” Fiona said, nodding back at Cisca.

“And you’re here because of her?”

“No,” Fiona said. “I’m here returning Tintoval.” She explained how she’d purloined the Weyr’s healer, had gone to the Healer Hall, and had acquired the three journeyman healers.

“So you kept the older grouchy one?” Cisca said when Fiona had finished. “And why is that?”

Fiona shrugged, not quite certain of her reasoning. Cisca gave her a thoughtful look, then cocked her head toward Lorana and Kindan. “Are you keeping them, too?”

“I don’t know if ‘keep’ is the right word,” Fiona said defensively.

“We really haven’t made any plans,” Kindan said, looking over toward Lorana.

“We’re staying with Fiona,” Lorana declared. She glanced to the younger woman. “If you’ll have us.”

“I don’t see what’s in it for you,” Cisca said, pursing her lips thoughtfully as she gazed at Lorana.

“Well, for the time being, they get to ride Zirenth,” Fiona spoke up quickly. “And, of course, Lorana can ride Talenth any time.” She thought furiously for more inducements, but just then K’lior entered the Cavern and the conversation ebbed as they all waited for him to seat himself beside Cisca.

“You’re not twitting her, are you?” K’lior asked Cisca after he’d had his first revitalizing sip of klah.

Cisca pretended not to know what he was talking about and K’lior snorted in response, telling Fiona, “She’s jealous, you know.”

“I am not!” Cisca said, her eyes flashing with anger.

“Just the other day she said that she wanted a group of men, too,” K’lior said, smiling wickedly at Fiona.

Fiona was out of her chair in an instant, her cheeks burning.

“Fiona!” Cisca called even as she batted at K’lior and Kindan and Lorana rose from their chairs to follow the Telgar Weyrwoman. “I did not say that. I merely said that it must be hard—”