Sraddi didn't react in any way whatsoever. Hawk inched his hand closer very slowly, until finally the tip of his thumb just barely touched her nose.

Nothing happened. Hawk withdrew his hand and looked it over, frowning.

"All right. Shall we walk?"

Hawk looked up, startled out of his thoughts. Numair had reappearing, having donned a short grey housecoat decorated with tiny pink flowers that ran up the lapels. His expression still betrayed very little.

"Just around these upper floors?" he suggested. "I could use a stretch."

Hawk's nervousness came back instantly. "Oh, uh, sure," he agreed. "You ain't worried that someone'll see us?"

Numair looked at him for a moment, almost seeming disappointed. Finally he turned and said, "I'm the only one living in this part of the Palace. So, no."

He went to the door. Hawk followed, mumbling, "Oh. Okay."

Sunlight streamed through the large windows on one side of the hallway, but it didn't warm the place at all.

"So. How are you finding life in Aetheri?"