Yeah, just by the way Ifrit reacted, Xander could tell he'd put his foot in it. He felt guilty for making her so scared, even before Sven doubled down, and he cringed just a little bit, shoulders and wings curling in.

"Elemental mages use that to teach control. But we can belay it..." Especially since Nita was explaining her idea. If that was one that got accepted better? He could work with that.

But he turned to Ifrit, and bowed to her--only slightly, considering the cramped quarters, but a bow nonetheless.

"I'm sorry for frightening you. I was not trying to harm you, and scaring you was not my intent. Please forgive me. I was trying to help, that's all." And thinking about the rest of the train too, but it wouldn't help to bring that up.