They say a living man's name has no place in the song, yet today the singer paused one breath at that empty place and moved on. I won't set down why my hands went cold, listening to the laughter spread low through the hall.

• SiglinSince when do you come all the way down to hear songs for the living, Herva.
  HervaThe list gets updated in the hall. If you're here to audit, I'll keep a seat open for you.
• AslaugThe skald pausing a beat wasn't a slip. It means the price still isn't paid in full.
  HervaOnce it's paid, she'll sing it on her own. Until then, counting is my job.