"There are skyscrapers whose outsides are all glass."

"Skyscrapers, is that what you call them? What an image. I love it."

"It's an imperfect translation but yes."

He laughs delightedly.

"We don't have a flying city, though."

"So we're winning in at least one respect."

"So you are."

"I'm sorry you're stranded here," he adds. "If someone could find you a way home, would you want it?"

"Oh yes. Especially if it would be possible to go back and forth, that would be amazing. But my husband and friends and parents are surely frantic."

"Well - I wouldn't have the first clue how to do something like that, but there's a lot of magic in Skygarden."

"It's possible the Valar will find a way to fetch me back."

"Hope so. Although I'd miss your singing."

"Well, if there's enough transit you can possibly borrow Macalaurë. He's much better."

He laughs. "I'm not sure I could stand it."

"Really?"

"If I heard someone sing more beautifully than you I think I would cry, and I prefer not to do that in public."

"We have invented devices that will record music and let you play it back anywhere you like."

"Well, then maybe I'd survive."

"What is your name?"

"Sekar."

This is not the Emperor's name; the Emperor's name is Solekaran. But it's not entirely unlike the Emperor's name, either.

She was not expecting the unvarnished truth. "I'm glad you enjoy my singing."

"It's beautiful."

"Thank you. What do you do?"

"Well, I already mentioned architecture. I don't really have a career as such. Don't need one, I've got money regardless."

"In Valinor and some Endorë Elf countries, there's an arrangement where the government gives everyone plenty to live on, funded by taxes on people who choose to work anyway or want scarcer things than necessities."