Autor opens his mouth to reply, but claps it shut when she calls over the waiter. He didn't intend to have her pay for his share of the food; now he owes her a debt--for dragging him out here in the first place. Confound that woman.

He swings his gaze over to Rabastan. "She treats you gently and annoys me. I can see why you like her."

The boy frowns. "But you're afraid to say anything around her, and your reaction to her leaving--and my poking at her--is delayed. What happened to you?" Autor asks again, quieter this time.