Sherwood Smith Quote

Savona escorted me back to the Residence. For most of our journey the talk was in our usual pattern--he made outrageous compliments, which I turned into jokes. Once he said, May I count on you to grace the Khazhred ball tomorrow?If the sight of me in my silver gown, dancing as often as I can, is your definition of grace, well, nothing easier, I replied, wondering what he would do if I suddenly flirted back in earnest.He smiled, kissed my hand, and left. As I trod up the steps alone, I realized that he had never really with me about any serious subject, in spite of his obvious admiration.I thought back over the picnic. No serious subject had been discussed there, either, but I remembered some of the light, quick flirtatious comments he exchanged with some of the other ladies, and how much he appeared to appreciate their flirting right back. Would he appreciate it if I did? I thought, walking down the hall to my room. Clever comments with double meanings; a fan pressed against someone’s wrist in different ways to hint at different things; all these things I’d observed and understood the meanings of, but I couldn’t see myself actually performing them even if I could think of them quickly enough.What troubled me most was trying to figure out Savona’s real intent. He certainly wasn’t courting me, I realized as I pushed aside my tapestry. What other purpose would there be in such a long, one-sided flirtation?My heart gave a bound of anticipation when I saw a letter waiting and I recognized the style of the Unknown.That was all.I read it through several times, trying to divine whether it was a compliment or something else entirely. I thought at last.And in return? That was what Tamara had said.This is the essence of politics, I realized. One creates an interest, or, better, an obligation, that causes others to act according to one’s wishes. I grabbed up a paper, dipped my pen, and wrote swiftly: Meliara? Nee’s voice came through my tapestry. The concert begins at the next time change.I signed the letter hastily, sealed it, and left it lying there as I hurried to change my gown. I thought; she was used to this particular exchange by now.