What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

All the I remember is that there’s apparently some type of magic or other fantasy type action – and a child, or a teen, is trying to teach an older person how to perform this magic action. The dialogue goes something like this:

Child: You have to really *want*

Older Person: “Want?” Hmm…it’s been a long time since I’ve “wanted” something. When you get to be my age you learn how to plan.

Isn't that from one of the Pern books? Menolly is trying to get teach Robinton -- or maybe it's Lord Groghe -- how to train their firelizard.

Found it. p. 236 of the edition of Dragonsinger that Google has for preview.

And the actual quote is:

Menolly considered the problem, seeing the disappointment on Lord Groghe's features. "For just Merga alone, it would have to be something light, like a message, and you'd have to want it very badly. It was . . . well, my feet still hurt and it was such a long walk to the cot . . ."

His eyes, which were a disconcertingly light brown, fixed on hers. "Got to want it badly, huh? Humph. Don't know as I want anything badly!" He gave a snort of laughter at her expression. "You want things badly when you're young, girl. When you're my age, you've learned how to plan." He winked at her.

Thanks, Rivka. Waiting for Matt...

Aha! That's totally it. Thank you thank you thank you...

:D

(What you can't see from my string of posts above is the 20 minutes of me saying "I know this! I know I know this! WHERE is that from?!?")

What's doubly annoying is that I first posited this question in a blog post almost a year ago...and I know I've re-read Dragonsinger since then :)

It's a conspiracy. ;)