"Dee," Niabheara said patiently, "there are far more pressing concerns than whether or not I'll be alone at the end of all this." But she sighed at the thought. "I'm going to miss you. Both of you. I just wish . . . I wish that things were more certain."

"I don't mean at the end of this," Dierdre answered. "I mean to get through it all. I know you, Nialla. You'll retreat and talk to no one."

Niabheara shrugged and glanced downward, as if it meant little to her. "It's not something I care to think on just now, Dierdre. It's not the worst thing that e'er happened to anyone." She reached for Dierdre's hand again. "Will you be all right?"

Dierdre nodded, and kissed Niabheara's cheek. "I'll miss you," she said quietly. "But I'll survive."

Niabheara started to slid her hand away, then her mouth turned down. She threw both arms around Dierdre. "We'll fight this. One way or another. There must be something, there must."

She almost laughed at herself. "I don't think I can leave."

Dierdre gave her a quick squeeze around the waist. "I love you," she said. "Do you want to-- I don't think the guards will let you stay the night," she pointed out. "Maybe you ought to go steal something."

"Technically, I came here by taking the entire city by force of arms," she pointed out. "I hardly think they'll thrust me into irons for stealing heirlooms." She eased herself away. "I love you."

Dierdre crept forward a tiny bit, as if drawn magnetically toward Niabheara. "Write," she repeatedly hastily. "I love you."

"I will, I will." She kissed her cheek. "I love you. All will be well."

Niabheara turned, and practically fled to prevent herself from breaking down three scenes in a row.