"Once a year. It's a night to remember what has been lost. Not just the dead, saer - those who one might never see again. Or even to mourn yourself, if you wish. Just because a death didn't stick doesn't mean it didn't happen." A tiny pause. "Some think it's even more important because of that, and that we must do our best to not think of dying as something frivolous."

The twin promises she made to others lie heavy on her chest, as if they were pendants made of solid lead.

"All forms of grief find their way here, tonight."