*is nodding (with uncomprehension) and nodding (with confusion) and nodding (with surprise) before he even properly registers those words* *jumps a little at your sudden movement, almost flinching back before his mind catches up to his body (no redheads, no clicking heels, no whistling pipe)*
*and then, looking up at you (tall and serious and handsome and Ecthelion), utterly loses the plot and starts over with a brand new one* *plainly (disjointedly)* He wasn't like this before. But you never asked. I'd've told you.