“If I have time, I’d love to. I understand they run off your skill with magic?” Symphony paused in her steps to study the ships closer.
“They do,” Shade agreed with a nod. “The stronger you are with magic the faster and more maneuverable you can make the ship. I dare say you would give me a run for my money Milady, and I am the best pilot I know.”
“Humble, aren’t you,” Symphony laughed and smiled at him once again.
“My father often said that the world is filled with people willing to offer you humility so when you speak for yourself, speak with flattery to balance the conversation,” Shade replied with a smile.
“Why not speak truthfully instead?” she asked.
“Ahh. I asked the same thing. It was my Uncle Kiernan that answered that for me. In his words the truth is reserved for your funeral when you can no longer dispute what is said about you. In the case of my piloting though the truth is conveniently also flattering. I am the best. Once you’ve had a chance to take a few lessons with me, I’m sure you will recognize the truth of my words,” Shade said with a wide smile as he bowed ever so slightly in her direction.
Symphony laughed and nodded slightly. “You have the Morcaillo silver tongue. Kiernan is quite charming when he isn’t in a foul mood. I’ve had to watch my conversations with him closely to make sure I’m not being led astray by his wit on the few occasions I have dealt with him. I can see I will have to watch myself just as carefully around you.” She waved a finger at him in mocking rebuke and began walking again. “I do thank you though, Shade, for distracting me with conversation. Seeing Sanctuary as it is was a shock despite the reports I have gotten. Faramir and Lutheron both assure me that the majority of the damage was structural though and the casualties were light considering.” She glanced over at him as if to gage his reaction but he kept his features perfectly schooled and nodded in agreement.
With Faramir and Lutheron right behind them now was not the time to tell her the truth of things, despite the subtle hint she had given before mentioning the topic. He would have to pay closer attention to everything Symphony said from now on. Apparently she was well schooled in her words and even when it seemed she was teasing there was merit to what she said.
“You’ve grown quiet,” Symphony said with a raised eyebrow.
“The mention of the damage to the city. It’s been difficult for me to see it change so much. Sanctuary has been my home for a very long time. I knew everyone and everything here very well. Most only notice the obvious damage, but I know every brick of this city and see all of the changes clearly. You’ve read the reports, though, I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you about it. As you said you need distracting, so let me distract us both with a lighter topic,” Shade said casually, catching her eye just long enough to see that she had read what he wanted her to from his words. I’ll tell you what they didn’t, but not now.
“Such as?” Symphony asked the smile once again placed perfectly on her face.
“Such as when are you going to have your first free time? I know you are going to need a day or two to settle in and then of course you no doubt have a mountain of reports to read. Surely you can find an hour or two free to see the Hawks up close, though,” Shade said with a smile of his own.
“I believe I can find time later today, actually. I read my daily reports on the way here and I have very little to unpack as of now.” Symphony offered. “I would like some food, though. I’m afraid I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
“Excellent. I know a café near here that is still open for business. We can grab a bite of food and you can tell me which Fionaveir you think would be suitable to learn piloting,” Shade suggested and began to steer her away from the others. He noticed a few dark looks from the group of people behind them but chose to ignore it. If they wanted to speak up, then Symphony could handle it.
“That sounds like a winning plan, Shade. I have a feeling we will be making a habit of these luncheons in the future,” Symphony agreed with a nod. Then glanced over her shoulder to the small group following them. “I will be at the hall in two hours. Have the meeting set for then and we will discuss what needs be done next,” she ordered and turned back to Shade. “Now, show me this café and tell me all about the ships and perhaps you can tell me a bit about the city as well. I’m afraid I’ll get lost here. This is my first time in Sanctuary.”
“No fear of that, Milady. I can tell you about every district here,” Shade assured her and smiled once again more faintly.
“Tell me about this district first. This is where the common grounds are, correct? The neutral quarter where no house holds power,” Symphony began, her gaze sweeping over the surrounding city as if she was determined to memorize every detail.
“That is correct. The arena and the Academy are in this district, as well as the Justicar hall and Council hall.” Shade began and pointed out the various features as he mentioned them.