[Get it together, he reminds himself once more, trying to shake off the dumbfounded feeling that threatens to settle over him. Her expression...for a second, she looked confused. Like she didn't understand his reaction. Could it be that she doesn't know?

... It's been centuries since he's given much thought to their travels in time. But now, he finds himself wondering if this might be some kind of paradox that needs resolving. If this world is somehow connected to theirs by a change in the timeline. If it is, he can't even begin to place how it could be true, but... Well, as strange as all this is, and as much as he's been through in the last few hundred years, he can't help but feel like they have a better chance of figuring it out together. And that thought alone makes him feel a little lighter than he has in a long, long time.]

I am being nice. [An almost-forgotten smile tugs at his features.] See? This is me being nice.

[It's...fine. They'll figure out what the hell is going on here eventually. In the meantime...he's going to try his best to enjoy the time they've got -- even if he doesn't really deserve it.]

I should've known that I'd just need to look for helpers to find you. Have you been here long?