How could they possibly be watching for threats or listening to subtle changes in atmosphere if they were completely oblivious? And, after one had examined the other’s eyes for a moment, why would he or she possibly need to continue to examine them? It was not as if they were going to change. But, perhaps that was why the man was holding the woman’s hand. Perhaps he was staring into her eyes to gauge the truthfulness of her words, and he kept a grip on her hands to keep her from accessing a weapon. Perhaps this was an interrogation. He had never seen anyone enjoy an interrogation so much, though, and both of the young people’s behaviors did seem to fit the definition of enjoyment.

Rezkin realized he was focusing his own attention in one place for too long and went back to surveying the room. After a few moments, a cloaked young woman who entered the bar while he was seating himself turned to survey the room. When her eyes landed on him they widened, and her jaw fell just enough to part her lips. Realizing he had seen her staring, her face flushed, and she quickly looked away.

Rezkin mentally kicked himself for forgetting to smile. He did not necessarily want to catch her attention, but he did not want to seem unfriendly or intimidating to people, either. He was, after all, trying to fit in. The young warrior kept an eye on the woman as he continued to observe the room for any threats. Finally, she gathered herself and sauntered in his direction.

“Excuse me,” she said in a soft but cheerful voice, “I don’t mean to intrude, but there are no more tables available. Might I sit with you?”

Dark brown eyes like molasses in the firelight looked at him imploringly from beneath thick black lashes. She had a heart-shaped face and pale skin with just a few freckles dusting her nose and upper cheeks. Wavy brown hair hung past her shoulders over a pale green tunic. Rezkin was surprised to see that the woman was wearing dark brown pants rather than the ridiculous layers of fabric worn by the other women he had seen. She had a long dagger tucked into her belt, but he could see no other weapons.

Mentally kicking himself again he plastered on the same courtly smile he had given the maid earlier and said, “Of course, you are welcome to sit with me. I do not believe that I will need both seats for myself.”

The woman actually laughed, although he did not know why. Her eyes roved over him for a moment, presumably to assess the threat. He appreciated her observational skills and was relieved to find someone who could at least follow some of the Rules in this strange society.