He can't help thinking she'll make an excellent partner. He's worked with too many people nearly as crooked and ambitious as he: William had started out a moderately good man, until ambition ate him up and his work literally consumed him, and Excella likewise had set her sights on greater things to which no human should reach.

And if the player might peek around the character's broad, leather clad shoulder for a moment: explaining what it means when Alastrians touch hands wouldn't phase him much. Given what some pathogens and parasites have done to some humans in his world of origin, it wouldn't be the weirdest thing he'd heard of.

"I hope that we can assist each other and that we can benefit the Sleepers and others in this world," he says, clasping her wrist. His touch is cool through his glove, but his grip is firm. "Dare I ask... handshakes aren't a custom in your world?"