[ Some small part of Dorothea wishes she could be proud of Enbarr in the way that Claude is clearly proud of Derdriu, but she's seen too many of its dark and dingy corners. Perhaps that's a point of pride, in its own way--she'd haunted those streets and survived--but no, not the same kind of pride as his. She's proud of the Mittelfrank, but again, that isn't quite the same. Maybe one day she'll live somewhere that elicits the same emotion.

When Claude agrees to show her around the aquatic city, Dorothea shoots him one of her most brilliant smiles. ]

I'd be disappointed if any tour you give is a conventional one. I fully expect you to show me all the fun little nooks and crannies that a tourist would never find. I can't wait.

[ His interest in her opinions is pleasing, too, making her grin even wider.

They chat a bit longer, until Dorothea realizes the position of the sun has shifted enough in the sky to have changed the tone of the lighting in her room. The dinner bell will be ringing soon. ]

Oh, goodness, look how long I've kept you. I don't mean to monopolize your time. I know how busy you are.

[ The book is still in his hands, though, and when she looks at the way he's so carefully holding it, she waves her hands once in a small gesture. ]

Do you want to borrow it? I know how much you love books so I'm sure you'd take care of it.