“Whether from the Queen or another, this... condition is still bloodborne. This little girl is kin to us now.” ‘Condition’ was the best word he could call the corruption without sounding too derogatory, though it still held a negative connotation in his mind, as did it in Irina’s, most likely. He held Irina’s gaze towards his bell, thus noticing him groping it. Immediately his hand retracted and sunk back into the abyssal folds of his cloak. Next, he noticed her apparent unease at mentioning that she had turned another to their kind. He saw the tightness form in her hands. He would do his best to comfort her. “Shall we walk, Irina? You leading the way, of course. I am not familiar with large, populated centers such as this Dojo. Nor.. am I particularly fond of them.” Ashley seemed to murmur the last sentence, feeling ever so slightly disconcerted at him admitting his social awkwardness. Obviously, he had manners, but never the courage or wit to properly strike up colloquial conversation. The sounds of battle and sparring broke the spell of silence. “We could also train, if you wish. I haven’t put these old bones to work in many years.” He laughed softly to himself. What was strange however, was his voice gave the impression he was a man of his twenties or thirties. Perhaps the Old Blood was counteractive to the afflictions of aging, as well.