[ His awkward gesticulating was enough to break Clea out of her thoughts, and much to her horror, she laughed. It was immediately covered by a discreet cough, of course, but still. Her heart was beating too fast, clearly caught staring but to her surprise — and gratitude — he said nothing about it.

What a strange man. ] Other than a stimulant of some kind? Poison, if we're lucky. [ Not that she could die, but Clea's humor had always been dry and dark.

Then he was drinking the blue one already, and Clea made an irritated noise, quickly following suit. As if she was going to fall behind. ] I imagine that's what the bags are for. [ She peered inside one of them, dipping her finger in to taste whatever the contents were. ] Somehow, I doubt this will improve it.