The slight warmth of his smile breaks into a quiet laugh when Fitz brings up Lady Patience. "Oh, I would not be so sure," he demurs, a wicked glint in his eye, but he's clearly teasing now, that little barb never intended to wound.

He hesitates, then places a hand on Fitz's forearm. "This is no place for us to catch up," he admits, "and look at you, covered in dirt. Let's return to the Bridge. You can get cleaned up, and then..." A pause, a helpless shrug. "We can discuss our--new circumstances."