That fear was one of the many things that has in some ways blunted him since his arrival; a new needed caution among others and with things, the constant required need to focus intensely if he didn't want to be completely overcome by the stimulus that surrounded him, the strangeness of the culture already present and those introduced by other foreigners.

"I was under the impression you had asked me if I had ever been afraid." Only a certain dryness belies an actual awareness of what he's saying.

This time, however, he sits down, leaning slightly forward to look at her, hands clasped.