Machado caressed the hand she had put on his shoulder, then allowed her to withdraw and speak to Lina. Sometimes, a bit of emotion shown just felt good. Certainly not in public, and not all the time, but it was reassuring to know she was capable of it. It suited her better to be composed on all other occasions.<br/>Looked like both the mercenaries had peeled off not only their armours and weapons. They had allowed themselves to relax and cast aside their<em>mental</em>armours. That mental discipline was what separated them from those that died on the battlefields. It was also what separated them from human contact most of the time. They only relaxed enough to allow it when they felt they could trust the people.<br/>Even such a small gesture was a rare occasion to be shared. Of course, it only made it all the more precious.