Well, if Ashen is far off from the room where light comes from then Yolhu would not quench the flame at all. As entire point of gesture is display to newcomers the group (us) do not intent no harm to them (a open flame in Ashen's hands leaves lingering threat into air which Yolhu seeks eliminate, but with display as it indicates even if one of them would ready to act the others would interrupt potential hostile action and thus create further safety).<br/><br/>Of course this makes faux pas on Ashen's own image towards the group as aggressive man who needs calmed down (when normally it's not the case) and Yolhu would apologize for it. But I think there has been some favoritism to get him into position; firstly him introducing brand new martial art which haven't been taught in manse before (five dragons style) and that even if he is outsider he has complete amnesia and needed treated accordingly to get settled in. Overall his life started in clean slate as he entered manse as he has no loyalties beyond the manse itself.<br/><br/>But still as outsider to reach military highest rank for DB indicates some favoritism from Umari or his family (and also have god-blood with solar powers as second ranked commander where as she should be commanding him instead gives indication perhaps for the source of favoritism).<br/><br/>I am fine if Yolhu is envied by DB's in the war manse, hated even as he had as investigator found some dirty laundry which he had shook off from natives as well. He is doing his job dedicated manner but not delicately (he has not good social stats any field besides intimidating commanding posture).