"Ah, that particular stint of research came well before I joined the fleet. I was lonely and maturing..." 'And a nerd' he doesn't say, although Thace is both pleased and a little embarrassed at the interest. "But I did make sure to include it, and other things I discovered later."

Thace has set their chairs and plates very close together, and then sets the bowls down in between so everything is in easy reach. "Most of the records I found mentioned spoons actually, so some of the broth was included. Spilling some was a poor omen, but a quick thinking partner could catch them before they got too far and turn it into another show of trust and care."

Thace is definitely blushing as he says that, for all that it's hardly visible under the fur. The romantic way to catch a dribble of soup is probably easily inferred.