Hannibal smiled at her. "Which is why I say you could do both. The story really is well written. But of course I cannot force you and would not even if I could. I take a little admitted delight in knowing that I have books about me out there that people can read, and a little more of that delight knowing when people do."
He wondered at her bare feet and if she would need to get something to cover them lest she hurt herself. He did not offer to pick her up and carry her, though he could have easily done so. Baba did not seem like the type to enjoy such things when she was stalking somebody. He couldn't say that he would have either. Much better to be on one's own feet, able to move as one wished.
"Ah, good. I was hoping for the same thing, myself. I find that way that I can take my time. Experiment a little bit perhaps. Even if there should slip out a scream or two, it's not likely neighbors will come running. Funny how very timid people are when somebody is truly in trouble." Unless they caused the pair to scream a significant amount, there wouldn't even be a paused passer-by to wonder at what was going on inside.
"They were a gift. From my mother." The only other person he'd known with the same eye color. Though, now that he considered it, there had been the girl named Raven. She hadn't quite been human though, he was sure of it. She'd not only had red eyes, but also pointed ears. He wondered what had become of her, if she was still within the City's wall.
He glanced away from his companion only briefly. "It looks as though you won't have to suffer long without shoes. They're going into that building right there."