They both fell silent and eventually she drifted off. She couldn't be sure, but somewhere in that gray haze before true sleep she could have sworn she felt cool breath against her ear and a distant voice whispering something softly into it.

She thought at the end she heard a pause and a soft and barely audible "thank you."

But she couldn't be sure.

**********

"Calliope" a voice hissed softly behind her, making her start and turn.

"For pities sake Penelope, you scared me witless."

Penelope smiled and surprised her by leaning in and giving her a quick hug. "You were perfect...they loved it. My owner has already had two...