[Alphinaud is surprised by Estinien's laughter but it's short-lived as he realizes just how rare it is. It really is almost like being in Ishgard again, Alphinaud shivering and stumbling through their journey for the truth. There's a certain shade of pink on his pale cheeks that he fails to banish on his own.]

You say that as if you have never touched a teacup in your life. 'Tis the only thing a cold night calls for. [He does not give voice to the thought that cats suit Estinien very well, actually. That might not go over smoothly.

But that smirk, wow, it feels like an age since he last saw it. Maybe it's been a few months at most, but... He had wondered about his friend's doings while he plodded through the desert with the Ascian hunter.

... And then comes the tease. He should have known; the warmth in his cheeks becomes a furnace.]

That-- that isn't-- I am quite all right without either of those things!

[He just had to bring that up.]

You have not spoken to Krile, have you? [Gods take him now if she's blabbed about his Studium days to someone else.]