[ He was a changeable sort. Like water, his emotions swayed and slipped this way and that. It was hard to startle him in to an extreme state of emotion if just because of how deep those waters run. A learned control, safe to say. She should smile. She should find pride in her intelligence and willingness to go against the odds. ]

It is selfish just as it is selfish to want a suffering person to remain with you. [ he says calmly ] but I feel the term selfish is often considered negatively. It's looked at wholly in one way and not seen for what it truly means. I don't think it's a poor quality to be concerned with yourself if it doesn't dictate everything you do.

[ He flattens his jacket a bit and offers a hand. The grip isn't strong and assertive, but not flimsy. Lie the seeming calm he gives off in general. ] I'm Fabian. And who is my fair stranger this aft?