Viatorus' awkward answers get a sympathetic, uncomfortable smile from Harrowheart. He knows it isn't easy for his friend to find common ground with others, but it can't be that hard, can it?

He's relieved to say, a little too loudly, "You paint! I'll have to see some of your work some day, Runa. Maybe you'll find some nice things to paint here in the Nexus. Or, y'know, some day you might come to my world..."

Then he takes a moment to watch her and to think. It's a very long time before he remembers that he ought to keep up appearances and blink. He takes a sip of water for a hint of normalcy before he asks, "Have you ever been off Earth? Or away from your homeland? How do you feel about it? About bein' away?"