“So, are you now going to tell K’lior how to arrange his Weyr?” T’mar asked giving the younger woman a glowering look.

“No, I’ll leave that to Cisca,” Fiona said. She rose from her chair.

“Where are you going?” T’mar asked, anxious at the implications of Fiona’s actions.

“I’m going to talk with Lorana and Kindan if they’re awake,” Fiona said with a victorious smile at his discomfiture.

“And if not?”

“I promised one young girl a chance to view the eggs on the Hatching Grounds,” Fiona replied easily. Her eyes twinkled as she caught the quick turning of heads at her words.

“I expect she’ll have lots of company,” T’mar said in agreement, glancing around at the eager weyrfolk.

“We’ll start small,” Fiona said to him as the girl who’d spoken with her yesterday came scampering up and curtsied, eyes shining with delight and anticipation. “And with small groups, too.” She looked down at the youngster. “Ready?”

“Now, Weyrwoman?” the little girl squeaked in surprise.

“Right now,” Fiona told her crisply, turning toward the Weyr Bowl in the direction of the Hatching Grounds. She glanced down at the girl’s feet. “You’ve sandals on, so you shouldn’t be bothered by the heat of the sands.”

“And I’m wearing white, my lady,” the girl chirped, pulling at the edges of her dress in emphasis.

“It’s a bit early for that,” Fiona said. “The eggs won’t hatch for a while yet.”

“And I’m too young,” the girl added by way of agreement.

“I wouldn’t know as I’ve no more idea of your age than I do of your name,” Fiona told her, smiling to remove any sting from her words.

The youngster blushed mightily. “I’m sorry, my lady! I’m Darri, and I’ve nearly eight Turns.”

“Do you know Xhinna and Taria?”

The youngster nodded mutely.

“Well, can you run and get them?” Fiona asked. “Bring them to the Hatching Grounds when you come back.”

Shaneese, who had moved closer to get an ear on the conversation, spoke up warningly. “They’re in one of the back playrooms.”

“Tell them to bring whoever’s with them,” Fiona told Darri, adding to Shaneese, “It will be all right.”

The young girl gave the headwoman a questioning look. Shaneese shrugged and waved her off. After the youngster had scampered away, Shaneese said to Fiona, “Just remember, my lady, that the behavior you encourage is what will persist.”

Fiona smiled. “I’m counting on it,” she said. “I won’t be at all surprised if I’m shortly deluged with all sorts of requests.”

Shaneese’s eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Which,” Fiona continued, her smile growing broader, “I will soon delegate to Xhinna and Taria.”

“Oh!” Shaneese said. She smiled, adding, “I can see how that will work on many levels.”