There was no surprise in Max's eyes when Valen stepped out of his - what was that, anyway? He'd seen him recently, and he certainly looked less strange - and more clothed - than he had then. He couldn't help but smile at his gesture, returning it with only a very slight bow - which in itself was more than he deserved. But at least he observed some protocol still, which was comforting.
"I should think that I would be most welcome," he said, remaining standing after a cursory look assured him that there was nowhere around here worth sitting. "Your conversational opportunities seem few and far between."
Of course, he was certain that Valen would have broken that a thousand times over since arriving here, in his selfishness endangering others far more than himself.
"I noticed from our conversation," he began, jumping in where he wished to begin instead of wasting time in this squalor, "That I know more than you. And while this is both unremarkable and brings me a great deal of happiness, I thought perhaps I would try to discover from you just how much more I know - of your future."