[Not expecting to feel her pull gently at his sleeve in a way that reminds him of a child shyly demanding his attention, he falters.]
...I do not want to trouble you. [The samurai eventually replies. But while he neither faces her, he does not pull his sleeve free, either. His expression is as phlegmatic as always to the casual observer - nearly statue-like - but his gaze (were it seen) briefly reveals a sincerity and a mild concern underlying his words. He would not want to push her deeper into her own private worries with a careless word.
If she still wanted to speak with him of something else, or needed the company, he decided he could oblige her that; there was nothing else he had to do. After a few beats, he feels his shoulders relax very slightly, not realizing his body was holding some tension. And he turns slightly towards her.] What do you wish to talk about? [The question is posed evenly, almost gravely, his air the one of a knowing master inviting his student to confide in him.]
action
...I do not want to trouble you. [The samurai eventually replies. But while he neither faces her, he does not pull his sleeve free, either. His expression is as phlegmatic as always to the casual observer - nearly statue-like - but his gaze (were it seen) briefly reveals a sincerity and a mild concern underlying his words. He would not want to push her deeper into her own private worries with a careless word.
If she still wanted to speak with him of something else, or needed the company, he decided he could oblige her that; there was nothing else he had to do. After a few beats, he feels his shoulders relax very slightly, not realizing his body was holding some tension. And he turns slightly towards her.] What do you wish to talk about? [The question is posed evenly, almost gravely, his air the one of a knowing master inviting his student to confide in him.]