Telling the pale bodied man she did not bite, the girl seemed to try her best to put his nerves to rest - her efforts would forever be in vain. Relaxation came easily on occasion, though for the most part, Asche's brain was all thoughts and worry and an attempt to focus. He would not touch her - not yet, he'd already been far too close to a woman or two here, and in all honesty, upon reflection, it began to frighten him. Who was he becoming? Where was the man with his feet on the ground and who was the romantic replacing him? Now, as the founder of a new home with new responsibilities, was the least convenient time for self doubt or self discovery.

He had learned over time that the mind did not allow for what was advantageous. Feelings came and went as they pleased, and could not be helped.

"Shy is not the word I'd use." he answered softly. No, not shy, thoughtful, careful, taciturn even. He kept his distance, for now at least, watching the convulsions of shivers run along her golden hide. The rain must have contributed, he thought, given the fact that the climate here was so close that he couldn't help but miss the winter's snow from the isle that had been his first home.

And then, the name left lips - but not his.
"You were born there?" his ears pricked towards her, interested but mildly wary. His heart began to beat like the frenzied hummingbird's wings in his broad chest, his eyes widening, pupils dilating. Being reminded of the place outside of the confines of his own memories felt alien and almost threatening. "That was my home - it was left to me by my father," he gulped, not sure whether he felt comfortable continuing the conversation. The cove was personal to him. He didn't want his image of it spoiled or polluted. "His name was Array."

A sigh shook from him and he turned away from the girl, twisting his body violently to stare at the condensation forming on the cave's walls. He hadn't spoken of his father - at least out loud - since he'd left the islands and never looked back, never touched hoof to Tinuvel's snowy shores since the body of the man who'd shaped him from afar's body had finally been dragged away by the ocean.

"I don't expect snow, the climate is not right - though it would be lovely, wouldn't it."