[ at the very least, manuela has the grace to glance away as the force of his pain hits him right between the eyes. she wishes, of course, she could offer more than some shallow distraction to ease his suffering, but in lieu of anything else she will simply resolve to find him whatever kind of ease she can.

in response to his abashed apology, manuela's chuckle is a low, rueful thing. ]

Thank you for your apology. But it's certainly not the worst assumption I've ever had thrown my way.

[ there's more to that story there, evident in the way her lips twist briefly. but she seems far more concerned soldiering past that; there is, after all, some drinks to be had. ]

Let's focus now. Do you recall where you saw that bar..?