His hands fall away from her hair and back to his sides, and he offers her an apologetic little smile.

"I've met one or two already actually. Another of Pel's brothers, one that came after me. Not a very cheerful sort, but when I spoke with him he was very...protective. It's good that you all have someone so adamant about your safety." Not exactly cheerful himself as he says it; Merrick has a way of turning a positive moment into a confrontation, that's for certain.