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Feena's silent curse turned into a blasphemy. At her side, she could feel Julith stiffen as she spotted Mifano and Velsinore as well.

"No, please go on," Feena said, but Strasus was already sighing and nodding.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, "I tend to get carried away. Another time?"

Roderio and Dagnalla drew him away, and Feena blinked numbly.

"The best of luck with your research," she called after them, the response drilled into her by Julith. "When you complete it, I hope you'll call on me at Moonshadow Hall and present the results!"

There were footsteps behind her. She turned to face Velsinore and Mifano. Neither looked pleased.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Mifano commented with a scowl. He looked her up and down. "You've got a new dress."

Velsinore scowled as well, but her eyes were fixed on the filigree web in Feena's hair and the opal crescent hanging against her forehead. "Who gave you approval to go through the regalia chests?" she seethed.

Feena gave Julith a fast glance, then drew herself up tall and lifted her chin boldly.

"The same person who authorized the expense of a new gown, Velsinore. Me. Isn't it my right and duty as Moonmistress-Designate to dress in a manner that does credit to Selune and Moonshadow Hall?"

Mifano's eyes narrowed at the sound of confidence in her voice, but Velsinore didn't even pause.

"That… cobweb is two hundred years old! It hasn't been worn in a generation. Mother Dhauna wouldn't touch it!"

"I'm not Mother Dhauna," said Feena. "The tiara and circlets that she wore belong to her generation. This-" She touched the opal crescent, "-is a fine piece of our temple's history. It should be worn proudly."

Velsinore gasped. "I'm in charge of Moonshadow Hall's internal affairs!" she spat. "The regalia is in my keeping as part of the temple's treasury."

"The regalia isn't part of the treasury, Velsinore," Julith said. The dark-haired priestess stood firm at Feena's side. "It isn't an account. It can't be spent or sold or traded for food or supplies for the infirmary. It doesn't fall under the purview of the Waning Crescent. It's entirely within the charge of the High Moonmistress." She inclined her head toward Feena. "And her designated successor."

Velsinore turned such a violent shade of red that Feena thought she might give herself a nosebleed. Mifano, however, remained tense and cold.

"Speaking of the High Moonmistress," he commented, "who is watching over Dhauna Myritar tonight?"

"No one is 'watching over' her, Mifano," Feena said as she turned to look at the priest. "I gave Jhezzail a break from the gate and asked her to stay close to Mother Dhauna's quarters in case she needed anything. I also," she added before he could raise another objection, "told Chandri that we would be out, just in case the infirmary was needed."

Mifano's lips pressed together. "The assignment of gate duty," he said thinly, "is my charge."

"As the infirmary is mine!" snarled Velsinore.

Feena took a deep breath. Moonmaiden favor me, she prayed silently-and looked down on both of them.

"And 7," she reminded them, "am the Moonmistress-Designate, heir to the High Moonmistress and entrusted with her responsibilities." The wolf within her stirred, but she held it back, allowing only the force of authority to enter her voice. "You say you've sent to Waterdeep and the House of the Moon for advice on Mother Dhauna's condition. You haven't had a response yet, have you?"

Neither Velsinore nor Mifano responded.

Feena raised an eyebrow and continued, "No? Then until you hear back, I think you should accept Mother Dhauna's decisions-and mine."

Velsinore glowered at the ground, but Mifano glared at her, two spots of color high on his cheeks. Feena met his glare and waited. Finally, he looked down and gave her a stiff bow.

"As you wish, Moonmistress," he growled under his breath.

"I'm glad we spoke," said Feena. She stepped around the priest and priestess, her fine gown swaying around her feet as she walked confidently down the tiled path. Julith