Hild nodded her acceptance of his reasoning, perfectly content to accept a handshake in lieu of some other physical display of thanks. It did not sting for she herself was not completely at ease with how easily casual contact come to people here, now. It was surely a matter of the change of times for her. When every man one met had a knife at their hip, their back, their boot, and just as many reasons to kill one as to not, even a handshake might seem a risk, a dangerous choice that put one within killing reach. Hild mimicked the custom of offering a hand at every first meeting, because it was clearly the way of the world and few carried weapons, but her adaptation to the practice did not take away from its deeper meaning, for her.

She took his hand in hers, made warm from holding onto her own cup of coffee, and smiled similarly. "You are very welcome," she said, a line smooth and well-practiced, an indication of how her time at Luke's bookshop had gone.

"The barista says pumpkin spice is the best thing in fall," Hild said as Spencer examined his cup. "I cannot imagine what she compares it to, but I thought I should at least try it."

She did indeed sit and made a motion for Spencer to join her as she did, a wholly unnecessary gesture, as Spencer had broached the idea, but one she could not help engaging in.

"Luke is very kind," Hild said simply with a smile, but she would not openly poke fun at their friend's good opinion, no matter what she thought. Her confidence was strong enough that she knew was doing a good job, even if she would not venture toward great. "He is patient and teaches me good. Well. He teaches me well. That is the correct way to say it, yes? So many exceptions in English. It's very strange," she interjected with a disapproving, wrinkled nose. "He is a good boss. I am lucky to work for him first."