"As the man in question, I certainly would," Alain said dryly, taking a seat opposite Nariko. "Besides which, I should cry your pardon for taking it. I was hoping to find a way to open the pathway for you and Roland to return, for our ka-tet to be reunited." Sighing, he rubbed his temple and looked around at the unfamiliar little house. "I suppose at least I succeeded in the reuniting. Even if we remain incomplete." Even if Jamie's loss was a great, nagging hole in the fabric of their company, one which sucked at his mind like a loose tooth.

He pushed the thought away, clearing his throat, and folded his hands in front of him on the table. "So, uh. Why is it following me? And why did it bring me here at all, for that matter?"