"Yes. Earlier today, in fact. I must say, it's a little different from what I was expecting." Of course, maybe 'a little different' didn't matter much when the whole thing was strange. But he could play along, if that was what he had to do—it was what he always did, anyway. ...but it was easier to say that before he knew that Gaelio was here.

It was a complicated situation to begin with, but this just made things even more so.

"Are you alright?"

Just in general, in case he has any grievances to air. From the food fight, from finding himself here, or maybe any mortal wounds, for example—