But now at thirty years my hair is grey--

as he was in sleep. His eyes opened, his right hand searched for her body, his head turned and his smile began as he located her. Then he stretched, arms above his head, back arching toward her as he extended his legs and then on the top of his extension, suddenly retracted himself, drawing her against him, to complete a morning ritual which included the exercise of their intimate relationship. Each time, they seemed to discover something new about themselves and their responses. She particularly liked Larss capacity for invention, stimulating as it did heretofore unsuspected originalities in herself. As usual hunger roused them from these variations. Breakfast here is the heartiest meal, Lars said cheerfully, striding quickly for the catering unit. Youll like it. Killashandra saw that he had left the jammer behind him, and she followed him at a quick trot, holding the device up to distort anything else he might say. He laughed. Wed best leave them something to hear. A discussion of breakfast must be sufficiently innocuous. Killashandra settled in one of the chairs near the catering unit, swiveling her hand as she looked at the little jammer. If only some way could be found to mask that mineral residue in Optherians! Blank out the detector. You know, Killashandra said as they ate, sitting companionably together on the elegant seating unit, I simply cannot understand this concentration on one instrument albeit a powerful one but theyre wiping out more than ninety-nine percent of the FSPs musical traditions and repertoire, as well as stultifying talents and potential. I mean, your tenor is formidable! Lars shrugged, giving her a tolerant side glance. Everyone sings at least in the islands, they do. But you know how to sing. Lars cocked an eyebrow at her, still humoring what he felt was her excessive fascination with a minor ability. Everyone knows how to sing I dont mean just opening the mouth and shouting, Lars Dahl. I mean, projecting a voice, supporting it properly on the breath, phrasing the music, carrying the dynamic line forward. When did I do all that? When we did that impromptu duet. When you sang on the beach, when you did that magnificent duet from The Pearl Fishers. Of course. I studied voice for ten years. I fugi film digital camera She shut her mouth. Then why are you a crystal singer instead of one of these famous vocal artists? A surge of impotent fury, followed by a wave of regret, and then a totally incomprehensible loathing of Lars for reminding her so acutely of the interview with Maestro Valdi the moment that had changed her life rendered Killashandra speechless. Lars watched her, his mild curiosity turning to concern as he saw the emotions in her stormy eyes and face. He put a hand on her bare thigh. What did I say to distress you so? Nothing you said, Lars. She dismissed all that from consideration. It was over and done with. I had all the requirements to be a Stellar, except one. A voice. Ah, now. Lars pulled back in indignation. Im quite serious. Theres a flaw, a noticeable and unpleasant burr in the voice that would have limited me to secondary roles. Lars laughed now, his white teeth gleaming in his tanned faced, his eyes sparkling. And you, my beloved Sunny, he kissed her lightly, would never settle for being second in anything! Are you first among crystal singers, then? I dont do badly. Ive sung black crystal, which is the hardest to find and cut properly. In any event, there arent degrees among singers. One cuts to earn enough credit for the things one needs and wants. Now why wasnt she being totally honest with Lars? Why didnt she confess that the sole aim of most crystal singers was sufficient credit not to have to sing crystal to leave Ballybran for as long as possible? I wouldnt have thought crystal singers are so much like islanders, Lars surprised her by saying. Well, you cut for what you need and want, much as we fish or plant polly, but all we really need is available. Its not quite the same thing with crystal, Killashandra said slowly, glad she had been less than honest. Why disillusion Lars needlessly? On so many worlds, in so many minds, there were so many misconceptions about crystal singers, she had not realized how much a relief it was to find an unbiased world at least one unbiased with respect to her Guild. Cutting crystal seems more dangerous than fishing. He stroked her scarred hand. Or learning polly. Stick to fishing, Lars. Crystals hazardous to your health. Now, wed best apply ourselves to fulfill my Guild contract with these fardling fools. And maybe shake them out of their organic rut! They dressed and then