Deet looks thoughtful at that comment, then gives a soft, sad little smile. "You're right. It was a gift and a sacrifice, both. I never thought of it that way before."

She's in a not-dissimilar position, though, now that she thinks of it. That makes the burden of the Darkening feel a little less unnatural and heavy. This is what gelfling do for those they love.

"When we lose people we love, we have a song we sing. If you would like me to sing it with you some time, I will."