“They’re such self-sacrificing people,” Hilda said with a nod in agreement. “I wish there was more we could do for them.” They rounded a corner and entered the disaster zone of a dining hall. Thayva stood by the pile of cleaning supplies sorting and, Hilda assumed, counting a pile of rags.

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	Laya seemed to collect herself first, and started down the ladder. Kia followed a couple moments later, with Belle lingering on the rooftop.
	Kia jumped from the ladder to the balcony a few rungs up.
	“You’ve got yourself a deal.” Kia held out a hand for Aurelian to shake as she moved away from the ladder to give the other two girls enough room to come down. “So,” she cast a mischievous grin to her female friends, “how long were you guys down here, anyway?”