( and so he does really need to change his name after all. it’s almost funny. he’s literally just been asked, mere days ago, before the truth revealed the kind of horror he wasn’t particularly prepared for. and he’s seen things. it’s just, this one hit home pretty fast, tore open the kind of sore spot that never seems to scab over.

it’s there in the lopsided smile he offers, stretched a bit bleary as his vision slowly adjusts and focuses on his unknown companion. ) Hm? What gave it away? ( he’s not even sure they’re in thedas anymore, faint remnants of misty vestiges of the fade chilling his bones. ) The armor? The nose, maaaybe. ( his lips widen briefly nostalgic, and then he nods, noting the pointy ears of his interlocutor and the odd contraption in lieu of one arm.

he tries not to stare. ) Yes, I’m Alistair… and my eyes aren’t what they used to be. You look familiar. ( or feel familiar, rather. an odd thing. ) Have we met?