Jasper takes a breath to speak, then lets it out again slowly, barely aware of the burn of thirst in his throat. How is he meant to address any of this? How can he explain it properly? Not for the first time, he wishes Alice were here to do the talking. She's better with words, and her cheerful, effortless confidence is so often contagious, people just find themselves smiling and taking her at her word, especially when it comes to what she's seen.

"I'd like that," he says at last, a little helplessly, letting his head fall back to rest against the stone behind him, eyes still on her. "I should tell you something. It's something I've only just recalled, and now that I've brought it to mind I can't imagine how it didn't occur earlier, but I suppose I have been...somewhat distracted."

He shakes his head, looking away, staring at the window, his usual perch, then dropping his eyes, watching the play of firelight and shadow on the stone hearth. It's more than he usually moves, it could almost be termed fidgeting, as he searches out the best way to prove that he isn't mocking her for the feelings he's picked up, he isn't playing games with her. "You're not going to believe it, I think. From what I know of you. Or you'd likely rather not. But I told you before that I'm no liar, and I know you believed that."