Conflict Of Honors

by Sharon

  "Theirs," he corrected. "It's a matter of melant'i, and of ship's administration. The crew must know that the two people who run this ship are honorable, are trustworthy—are capable. That proved, you may take any lover—and as many!—as you wish. You do have an extensive amount of training to undergo, you know, before you'll be up to Kayzin's level."

  Impossibly, she laughed. "As if I didn't know it!"

  He grinned, relieved and admiring. "Will you be staying on Liad, Priscilla?"

  She nodded. "I'm guesting with Lina until I find a house of my own."

  "Good. Then you'll be able to get a firm grounding during the time we're docked. And the next run is the long one—one full Standard. Enough time, I'd think, for everyone to know what works and what doesn't." He squeezed her fingers. "We might not make a very good team in spite of it all, Priscilla. That happens sometimes."

  "We're a good team," she said, startled to hear the Seer's lilt in her voice. "We'll be a better one. The best."

  The silver eyes glinted mischief. "You sound sure of yourself, Thodelm. Would you care to place a small wager? Say, a cantra? Issue to be decided at Solcintra docking, next run-end."

  "Done." She grinned, surprised at finding herself so easy, and read the same deep serenity in Shan. On some level, then, they understood each other. The pattern of the Goddess's dance would see to the rest. She gripped the big hand tightly, then let it go and stood. "Sleep well, my friend."

  "Sleep well, Priscilla."

  She moved to the door.

  "Priscilla!"

  "Yes?"

  "May I call on you at Lina's, Priscilla? It might aid certainty."

  She smiled, peace filling her utterly. "I'll be all joy to see you."

  * * * * * * *