One of the hralzs whined from the top of the steps, bouncing up and down on its forelegs, eyes watering.

She looked back, annoyed. "Quiet, Bouncer! Away!"

The animal lowered its head and snuffled off.

She closed the double doors quietly behind her, taking in the quiet extent of luxuriant foliage the arboretum presented.

Outside the high crystal curve of the partial dome, the night was black. Small sharp lights burned on tall masts inside the arboretum, casting deep jagged shadows amongs the crowded plants. The air was warm and smelled of earth and sap. She breathed deeply and walked towards the far side of the enclosure.

"Hello there."

The man turned quickly to find her standing behind him, leaning against a light-mast, her arms crossed, a small smile on her lips and in her eyes. Her hair was blue-black, like her eyes; her skin was fawn and she looked slimmer than she did on newscasts, when for all her height she could seem stocky. He was tall and very slim and unfashionably pale, and most people would have thought his eyes were too close together.

He looked at the delicately patterned leaf he still held in one fragile-looking hand, then let it go, smiling uncertainly, and stepped out of the extravagantly flowered bush he'd been investigating. He rubbed his hands, looked bashful. "I'm sorry, I…" he gestured nervously.

"That's all right," she said, reaching out. They clasped hands. "You're Relstoch Sussepin, aren't you?"

"Umm…, yes," he said, obviously surprised. He was still holding her hand. He realised this, and looked even more discomforted, quickly letting go.

"Diziet Sma." She bowed her head a little, very slowly, letting her shoulder-length hair swing, keeping her eyes on him.

"Yes, I know, of course. Umm… pleased to meet you."

"Good," she nodded. "And I you. I've heard your work."

"Oh." He looked boyishly pleased and clapped his hands in a gesture he didn't seem to notice himself making. "Oh. That's very…"