He walked over to sit next to Ella, thinking on her question as he sat away. Close enough to reach out and touch her, if he wanted to, or for her to come to him, but enough to give her some space. She was in a vulnerable state right now, with the alcohol and her own state of undress, and Marken didn't want to feel like he was pushing her. If she wanted to curl up against him, he had left the option more than available, but he wouldn't make her do it.

"My childhood, hmm?" He had thought for a moment and finally came up with some kind of response. "I was a, ah... Disappointing lad. My father expected me to be much more athletic than I turned out to be. He played sports as a teen, did more than read books. I tried to stay out from other peoples feet, and it showed.