Herfirstfewsipsweretentative,apoliteacknowledgementofthehost’sgenerosity.Butastheeveningworeon,andtheconversationflowedasfreelyasthewine,Ganyufoundherselfdrawnintoitsgentleembrace.Thesharpedgesofherresponsibilitiesbegantoblur,theweightofmillenniaofdutyfeltalittlelighter.Asoftwarmthbloomedinherchest,spreadingoutwardslikeripplesonastillpond.Herusuallysharp,observanteyesbegantosoften,takingonahazy,dreamlikequality.Themeticulouslyarrangedhair,usuallyatestamenttoherdisciplinednature,nowseemedtopossessalifeofitsown,afewerrantstrandsframingherdelicatefeatures.