( Okay, this is-- okay, all right, he can, uh. He can do this. Nodding, slowly, he just eases himself out of the bathroom, shoulders haunches and awkward, but allowing her a few of all his tattoos, though his free arm crosses protectively over his stomach. The tree was obviously important to her, and it was important to him, so hiding behind a door didn't really seem fair. As much as he really, really wants to. )

My, um. Family is from Ireland. That's where I was b-born, and um, the-- the ancient religion there, that was-- d-druids, and um. The tree, was really-- the t-tree of life, it was important.

( He's staring at it himself, now, a bit embarrassed. His tattoos had always been for himself: never for scrutiny. ) I g-got it when I uh, w-worked out my magic. P-protection and um, and magic, and--

( His voice drops quieter, not that he ever really speaks very loudly. ) I thought I c-could connect, with the ancient magic.

( I'm stupid, his voice suggests, dismissive. )