Section 2: The Gods Themselves; Chapter 3a-7abc Summary

Chapter 3a begins with Dua heading toward the Hard Ones' caverns. Once there, Dua realizes Tritt is there and to keep from being seen, Dua merges herself completely in the cave wall. Dua did not think about merging until she had done it, since grown Emotionals aren't supposed to be able to melt completely into something. Once inside the rock Dua realized she can sense everything more sharply. Dua remembers Odeen saying that after a melt he could think more clearly and work problems out more quickly. Dua assumes that without Odeen there to accept the benefit of a melt that it must be going to her. After a time Dua emerges from the rock and heads home deep in thought.

Chapter 3b starts with Odeen at home thinking of Dua...