He's too lost in the past to notice, even as he gives her his most ironic smile (the distance it offers might only be an illusion but it's one he holds to).

"It was to be a salvation. Our lands had been invaded, my people killed as they tried to destroy all that we were. We begged the gods for help but they turned away, prayers left unanswered. A spell was to be worked, one that would allow us to fight, immortal, against our enemy. A great ritual, three days and nights we worked and sang, I stood at the center as king and anchor. But they came upon us before the magic was complete, Audar and his men. They slaughter all who were there, warrior and camp follower alike. I feel that day, for the first time, and what was to be a spell twisted into a curse."