Alexander nodded once then turned his attentions to Marissa.  "I don't mind, I am sure you won't be a burden." he said in a quieter tone.  He didn't know what to think of Marissa, but then again he hadn't known her long.  He knew her mother's reputation, of course, but he hadn't seen signs of Marissa having inherited those genes.  She seemed a little jumpy, that could be dangerous, but she also seemed cautious, something that he valued in individuals.  As far as partners go, he was content, better to have someone willing to hang back rather than someone burgeoning to charge in, that is what gets you killed out here.<br/><br/>"Come on then." he said motioning to the path with another nod of his head.  He wasn't about to lead the way, so he walked abreast with Marissa, he didn't expect her to take kindly to going fist, but he didn't want his retreat blocked.  "You shouldn't be nervous." he said once they were a little ways down the path.  "If you are nervous it will cloud your judgement, you should be aware and alert, but not nervous." his voice was slow and hopefully reassuring, speaking from a perspective of wisdom.