Having grown accustomed to the looks and jumps his presence sometimes garners in this place, Hythlodaeus is no longer even confused by the occurrence. So it is with no small measure of gentleness that he regards the individual before him. "There is nothing to forgive. 'Tis no transgression, to be taken by surprise."

He glances briefly at the set piece his attentions had been focused on, and after taking a moment to assure himself of its stability, turns to face the smaller person in full. "...My name is Hythlodaeus. I have only recently started here, and recently... arrived, as those here seem to call it."

He shifts, leaning ever so slightly forward... at least in his perception. To a smaller individual, the movement would naturally seem a fair bit more pronounced. Yet it is a movement without ill intent, being born instead out of an abundance of curiosity, his head inclining to one side as a smile blooms over his features.

"Would I be correct in thinking you are here to lend your assistance to this effort? I am told that it was only recently that such things have been made legal, though I have yet to fully understand why it was ever frowned upon to begin with!"