"Why? Because I wanted to know what you would say." Thoughtfully, at least as far as appearances go, he strokes his chin. "We have been through much together, you and I. Like it or not, some would even say we are friends. Companions." He holds up one hand in protest. "I do not say I am the one to call us that. What I will confess is that after you left, I found myself thinking of you often. Yes, the Archdemon was slain, but at a great cost, and not one that you nor I could have prevented. Still, it was a loss that was felt, no? And deeply so."

He could do with a glass of Antivan brandy, or perhaps with an entire bottle.

"Not that I choose to dwell on the past. It is simply a matter of curiosity, from time to time. And so I thought of you, and wondered who you traveled with if anyone, and if they were as worthy as some of the people you and I traveled with in the past."