Cullen turns his attention back to Kieran, and moves his pawn to g6.

He'll find Alistair as soon as he can.

"You're worried about him."

His gaze flicks up to Kieran; Cullen doesn't deny it. Cullen doesn't say anything.

"Mother said he spent a very long time in the Fade."

"He did," Cullen says, rubbing the back of his neck.

"She's glad he returned." Kieran returns his attention to the board, kicking his feet again. "She said I wasn't to ask him what it was like. She said he'd be very upset for a long time."

"Your mother is a kind woman, and she's absolutely correct," Cullen says. "Do you think -- you could be kind to him? Without asking him any questions about all of that?"

Kieran nods, and goes to move his queen.

Any ally -- even a small one -- in a storm, Cullen thinks, and closes his eyes for a moment.