Well, it was only fair. He had pried a small bit of past from the gryphon. But he would have to make himself clear. "Listen well Swiftbeak. I am not trying to improve the relations between us. To me, you are a beast, a wily demon that has successfully wormed its way into our stronghold.  I doubt you will ever be able to change my mind on that. And I doubt even more the thought of us becoming anything other than watchman and mark." Honestly, what else did the creature expect. Al  always found ulterior motives in all of its actions and words. "If you must know, I do not really have a past other than studying the ways of the beesiah. Before I was monk, I was a street rat I suppose." It had been hard without parents; but they had not the means to care for a child. Maybe it was for the best he had grown up like-Damn it all, I must learn to control my mind. The past is a dangerous trap!- Focusing his thoughts once more, Al grumpily stared about, avoiding the gryphon.