<b><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 72, 65)">He glanced down at the extended hand, then removed the glove from his own before meeting her halfway. “I hope I’m wrong too,” he said, giving her a single steady shake, as if they had just agreed on a contract.</span></b><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 72, 65)"><br/>
Sabina shook his hand steadily, studying the man's face. It was a pleasant face, with a quick smile and laughter in his eyes. The way he looked at her and the healer was with curiosity and friendliness. <i>I think I'll like this member of the team,</i> she thought to herself. Relaxing her hold on his hand and smiling at him for the first time.<br/>
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<b>“I didn’t know there were any other languages out there,” he said. “What other ways of communication have you studied?”</b><br/>
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The young woman started in surprise, a full bloom of a grin lighting her eyes, their mossy green sparkling in the early morning sun. "Are you quite sure you want me to answer that question? I can go on for hours?" she replied, chuckling slightly. "Language is complex and varied, even within the Empire's own Common Tongue. There are rich dialects among people of different regions that can sound like other languages, which suggests that their ancestors perhaps spoke a completely different language from that which we speak today.  Yes, there are many other languages out there, but they are not well known within the Empire. However, body language is another strong communication method that tells the observer much about each person." She paused, grinning at his expression. "I won't bore you with the details. Suffice it to say, I think we shall get along well."<br/>
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Hearing the crunch of grass and gravel beneath someone's foot, Sabina turned slightly and saw the cartographer returning. Sabina watched the woman wipe tears from her face, and her own became stony and watchful. She noted that the trembling woman headed toward the healer, and she internally nodded, thinking it wise that she seek solace from someone in tune with nature and music. The healer had already shown that she was caring, and that would go a long way in helping Laelia. Despite her innate desire to check on the woman, Sabina paused, allowing her to have time to compose herself, and she turned her gaze instead toward building and waited for the leader who should be joining them soon.</span>