Had it? His subtle smile made it hard to tell whether his words had been innocent or teasing, but as he realized that the stares of the students and faculty were making her uncomfortable he acted. It was not, perhaps, the wisest choice, or the kindest - though it was kindly meant - but it was what he could do for her in the moment.
Even if it was not she wanted of him.
They walked the grounds of the Collegium, with its cobbled paths between soaring buildings and the little courtyards and nooks where trees and small gardens grew, oases of burgeoning green amidst the grey and bricks of the stately old edifices. There was a stately grandeur to it that the chattering, laughing, lively students ignored with the ease of familiarity, but which Hadama nonetheless appreciated, seeing it with fresh eyes as he did.
At his companion's question, however, he paused to consider how far they had come and what remained of their day. The students - young and old alike - were beginning to vanish into various doors, and a few moments later the bells began to toll the hour. By the time they finished there were only a handful of running figures left outdoors, and Hadama found his answer.
"No. We would only cause more disruption inside." A distraction to those who had need of focus if they were to grasp their futures. He turned instead to his friend and tilted his head down at her curiously. "Are you hungry? Perhaps we can look for a place to have dinner while we walk." There was no rush to it; the day was passing with their exploration and the afternoon was moving on. It was early yet for the final meal of the day, but not so early that they could not begin searching for recommendations of where to go.
And the Silk Houses - where he had heard some of the finest entertainment and dining in the city were to be had - were quite a distance away. By the time they reached the pleasure district it would likely be well and truly into the dinner hour.
Even if it was not she wanted of him.
They walked the grounds of the Collegium, with its cobbled paths between soaring buildings and the little courtyards and nooks where trees and small gardens grew, oases of burgeoning green amidst the grey and bricks of the stately old edifices. There was a stately grandeur to it that the chattering, laughing, lively students ignored with the ease of familiarity, but which Hadama nonetheless appreciated, seeing it with fresh eyes as he did.
At his companion's question, however, he paused to consider how far they had come and what remained of their day. The students - young and old alike - were beginning to vanish into various doors, and a few moments later the bells began to toll the hour. By the time they finished there were only a handful of running figures left outdoors, and Hadama found his answer.
"No. We would only cause more disruption inside." A distraction to those who had need of focus if they were to grasp their futures. He turned instead to his friend and tilted his head down at her curiously. "Are you hungry? Perhaps we can look for a place to have dinner while we walk." There was no rush to it; the day was passing with their exploration and the afternoon was moving on. It was early yet for the final meal of the day, but not so early that they could not begin searching for recommendations of where to go.
And the Silk Houses - where he had heard some of the finest entertainment and dining in the city were to be had - were quite a distance away. By the time they reached the pleasure district it would likely be well and truly into the dinner hour.
