Ocean's Breath Plateau She dreams a champagne dream

She'd been watching Tullik work, always watching and learning the ways of the little family she'd been taken into. Her marriage to Chakliux had given her more than a husband; it had given her a new way of life, and each day Marina committed herself to learning its intricacies. She was equally attentive to the words Tullik offered now.

And she felt that she could imagine it, that deafening silence. That night came to her again, and with a small shudder she pushed the memories aside. I imagine it takes a certain strength to live that way, Marina murmured, admiration glimmering behind teal eyes. I grew up traveling with my mother. On quiet nights like that, we would sing until sleep found us. It didn't happen often. But she treasured the memories even now. She'd loved her mother; almost as much as she'd hated her. It was funny, Marina thought, how none of that really mattered now that she was gone.