Beside me Akaku'akanene was still doing her balancing act, maintaining her equilibrium better than I was despite the fact she wasn't holding onto anything. Her eyes were still closed, and in the instrument lights I could see a bead of sweat tracing its way down her temple. God, suddenly I wished I knew what she was doing ... so I could understand, of course, but also so I could help. Judging by the motions of the Merlin, she'd persuaded at least some of the storm spirits—or whatever the frag they were—than we weren't a threat to the "fabric" or "pattern." If the addition of my concentration could help her convince the rest—or stop the ones she'd already convinced from changing their insubstantial minds—then I'd gladly give it my all.