[He pauses, as if he's trying to find a different word, but nods regardless.] Exhaustion, yes. [If there was a stronger word for it, he'd have used that.

She gets something akin to a smile at her quip about queens.] You come from a world with queens? [Perhaps this wouldn't be so much of a culture shock, then.]

It's good to meet you, Alice. Loren Sorey. [He recalls introducing himself to as many Strangers as he could, but that was a quick and hurried thing. Now that his blood no longer rings in his ears, he can remember his manners.] I trust you weren't hurt too badly in the fray. I'm sure we can find a Healer if need be.