I also loved Bren with the tourists. The part with the kid comparing heights reminded me of another discussion about Bren being "coded female". I don't think he really is coded female; he seems very male to me and this part, where he is compared to a kid in size emphasizes that for me. He's not woman-sized in comparison to Atevi, he's child-sized. Scary. :)

The first time I read this and this time as well, it seems to me that Banichi is being deliberately provocative during their dinner together. Like he's up to something. Emphasized by Jago's "I've never betrayed you. . ." speech.

Bren, why are you answering Cenedi's summons? TSTL, much?