As he pondered, slender fingers silently climbed onto Renato's arm. Klauthsura gazed worriedly into the Swordsman's dark eyes, his face reflected in her golden slit pupils, and asked softly:
"Renato, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Looking at the female Dragonborn before him, he didn't want to take these inexplicable feelings out on her. The warrior tugged at the corners of his mouth, forcing a smile, and deliberately kept his tone light.
"Maybe having all this free time so suddenly, with life slowing down so much, is just taking some getting used to..."
"No, Renato." Klauthsura cut him off. Her hand tightened slightly as she leaned down beside him, settling shoulder to shoulder with him on the same living recliner. "Ever since I woke up, I've sensed the constant unrest in your heart. What exactly is troubling you?"
Those sincere eyes made Renato swallow the excuse that had risen to his lips again. He looked at Klauthsura, at the earnest expression on her face with its Dragonborn features.
Renato suddenly realized how much Klauthsura had already changed for his sake. She no longer communicated telepathically, choosing instead to speak each word aloud; she no longer floated around using psionics, choosing instead to walk on her own two feet...
She had even learned to tilt her head when asking questions, adopting a wealth of subtle social body language.
She had put so much effort into making him comfortable. How could he act like an overgrown child, hiding every unpleasant feeling inside and leaving Klauthsura to guess and worry?
"It's nothing serious, Klauthsura." Renato glanced at the Drow slave, whose muscles twitched involuntarily like a puppet's, a stiff, vacant grin fixed on his lips, and chose his words carefully. "It's just the influence of human culture and values. I can't really accept this kind of