He appreciates her gesture more than any platitude she could have offered. Squeezing her fingers gently with his thumb, he doesn't try to flip his hand in her grasp or withdraw.

The owner descends on them a second later, bringing the first round of plates. The elderly gentleman smiles, bobs his head, and says a few more words to Bruce in Manderin. Bruce in turn is first in agreement, then slightly taken aback. Lastly dismayed.