[ "I'm fine" is exactly what he was expecting from Trish based on the short amount of time he's known her. Charmingly consistent. Bruno knows to read between the lines when she continues on; her real answer is much more understandable, and he makes a noncommittal noise of understanding. This girl has had to spend too much time waiting for something bad to happen in the past few months. ]

We have no way of knowing that. There's an equal chance that this is the point where life starts improving for us. These people are familiar with the land, and they're not hostile yet.

[ while he's practical, he's not cynical, especially not when he's talking with Trish. He casts a glance over at the other partygoers, briefly. The refugees, the hatchlings, and the thessyx, all mingling somewhat awkwardly. There's an air of unease, but there's no sign of conflict, and after working with the personalities in Passione, that seems like as good an omen as anything. ]

You're already thinking as you're waiting, [ he continues, looking back over to her. ] That's the best thing you can be doing now. It's what I'm doing, too.