It's easy enough to pretend to be watching the tavern while he actually amusedly watches her sip the ale.

"Oh, worse than me," he promises cheerily. "One of the ways you're a natural fit for the profession."

He's debating actually telling her that she ought to use her freedom to ... live ... when he's interrupted by a familiar voice saying his name. He turns his head and grins. Celia, and old friend. Who he doesn't note is gorgeous with flattering clothing. He's just getting up to hug her.

"I heard a gorgeous pirate was in town but I didn't think I'd be so lucky as to run into you," she laughs, kissing him on each cheek.