Hadama met Kenza's wicked smile with his unflappable calm, but the corners of his eyes crinkled with shared mischief. He would undoubtedly need rescuing again someday, and hopefully the sprightly barmaid would be near enough to lend a hand once more when the time came.
And then her body language shifted, and while Hadama was still learning what certain human mannerisms meant (things with the feet and shifting weight on the legs in particular), there was enough similarity in the dropping of a gaze and the tension of shoulders for discomfort to be clear even across species boundaries. He floated quietly, patiently waiting to see if she would clarify what had caused the change in the atmosphere of the dock but--
"Indeed," he agreed, flexing his arm beneath the water carefully and considering the long swim back to the City where it could be taken care of. But Kenza's parting offer eased the solemn lines of his face and he dipped his head deeply in gratitude - very nearly a bow. "I will. Soon." Perhaps she could bring the drink out to the canal nearest to her bar. "Thank you, Kenza. Until we meet again."
He raised his eyes to hers, meeting her gaze with serene contentment for how their meeting had gone. Then he gathered his fishing rod and dove back into the clear ocean, swimming out to deeper waters on his way home.
~Fin~
And then her body language shifted, and while Hadama was still learning what certain human mannerisms meant (things with the feet and shifting weight on the legs in particular), there was enough similarity in the dropping of a gaze and the tension of shoulders for discomfort to be clear even across species boundaries. He floated quietly, patiently waiting to see if she would clarify what had caused the change in the atmosphere of the dock but--
"Indeed," he agreed, flexing his arm beneath the water carefully and considering the long swim back to the City where it could be taken care of. But Kenza's parting offer eased the solemn lines of his face and he dipped his head deeply in gratitude - very nearly a bow. "I will. Soon." Perhaps she could bring the drink out to the canal nearest to her bar. "Thank you, Kenza. Until we meet again."
He raised his eyes to hers, meeting her gaze with serene contentment for how their meeting had gone. Then he gathered his fishing rod and dove back into the clear ocean, swimming out to deeper waters on his way home.
~Fin~
