Miles' expression likely does little to assuage that leaden block. His own expression shifts to a mix of regret and pity, tinged with a painful sort of hope. Ah, his alternate has already noticed the scars. That will make this simultaneously easier and more painful.

He stands abruptly at that, letting go of his younger self temporarily to offer him a hand instead. This is a topic that's going to need maple mead. Lots of it. For the first time since being dragged into this mess ... Miles is kind of glad he's here. "Don't be too grateful just yet," he says, by way of temporary answer. "Come on. You don't want this explanation dry, trust me."