She seems startled, but he holds on for a moment, giving her a chance to absorb what exactly is happening. Slowly, she seems to relax and understand this isn't an attack, and then he pats her back--with the hand that is not holding the dagger, just to be sure.

"Apparently physical or emotional connection mitigates the effect of the moon somewhat. I was in a state until a dear friend of mine insisted on a cuddle. Friend...girlfriend...something like that."

He opts to continue to hold onto her, for now. "Hello, Eva of Astora. I don't know a thing about the curse, since we appear to be from very different realms. If you want to talk about it you can, though. Is this helping at all?"