Ravel: A story of Aligare

Aster Hane has all the things her insectoid people cherish: a hard-working husband, new children, and a talent for her family's traditional craftwork. What Aster doesn't have is what she senses in the wind, the knowledge of the world beyond her small village. Then she meets Llarez of Arkiere, an avian storyteller. With his jester's approach to life, Llarez doesn't mind doing an errand for Aster -- and he doesn't mind when Aster accidentally asks for more than she intended. With new thoughts planted in her mind, Aster begins to question whether her race's ideal life is what she actually wants for herself. Llarez is glad to help her find the answer, but that only makes the choice harder.