An instant more and Vryyh stood there putting a drooping fold of veiling cloth aside with her hand. She smiled at us. "May I enter?"
        Ince was already on her feet. "Of course, Vryyh. Please enter." In 1 motion Ince bent, scooped the bag with the remains of her meal in it from a stool and tossed it carelessly into a far corner and lifting a striped pillow placed it upon the stool.
        Vryyh, smiling yet upon us both, sat gracefully. The folds of her long loose aqua robes fell about her adding to her grace. In courtesy she spoke to me 1st saying, "I hope you enjoyed today's journey, Pennbaston? It was not too difficult?"
        "Not at all, Vryyh, thank you. I found it most interesting. The ravine we crossed at midday was beautiful."
        "Yes, the marbling of the rock faces there is unusual for this altitude." She turned. "Sit here by me, Ince. Sit," she said again as Ince hesitated. Perhaps Ince wished me gone. She did not like these different compartments of her life touching.

        She sat again upon the floor and Vryyh's hand lightly smoothed her hair. Smoothed it, I realized, as a loving giver's hand would, as my 2 givers' hands had mine. Her palm just touched Ince's cheek turning her face up to her. Vryyh studied it. "You have not let me have word of you, Ince, in far too long."
        "I have been in different places doing different things."
        "And been different, too, I think." Her smile was gentle.
        Ince sat back thus removing her face from Vryyh's touch and from such scrutiny.
        "You saw Fion last night."
        Ince was instantly attentive. "The young rider in preparation?"
        "Yes. She could be quite fine, I think, though perhaps not so fine as you are. Certainly not as fine as you will be. If it is possible I would like you to guide her in preparation."
        Startled, very nearly repulsed by the idea, Ince shook her head sharply. "Impossible."