The laughter tumbles out before he can catch it, low and hoarse and just this side of manic.

"What I think - " Oh, that sounded just as bad. He swallows hard and tries again, summoning steadiness through sheer force of will.

"Do you remember - I know it was a much longer time ago, for you. But I told you about a bard you reminded me of, and what he did with the last day of his life."