Blacktail Deer Plateau something in my heart

Forgetting was easier than remembering. Aningan was asking her to acknowledge what had happened, whether he'd meant to or not. Was she ready? Ying drew in a deep breath and began to speak. I protect them, she said, Someone want to hurt us, but I am protecting us because I am strong. The sisters were good for some things — religious matters, knowledge of nature — but they could not fight, not well enough to protect themselves if Ying went away.

How she hurt you? Ying figured that there was something amiss, but she needed more details to fully understand. The sea was calm, so far as she knew; what could have happened to prompt a move? Erzulie had mentioned some things about its temperament changing in the winter...

She scowled at Aningan, though only for a moment. A good friend? Was that really all that he considered her? Ying felt like a fool for having even admitted her feelings, as cryptic as the confession had been. No, not a friend. How was she to explain? I like you more, in...a way. The sea would never take her because she simply would not allow herself to be taken. So I will come back.