Ahir's mind ceased to function for a few moments when Seregil used his real name. It was jarring, hearing that again after so long. He'd distanced himself from the identity, and it was difficult to suddenly bridge that gap.

But he took the picture when Seregil handed it over. It looked like him, sure enough. Different, somehow; as if it had come from another time. Whoever this man was in the picture, he looked so happy. Ahir couldn't remember the last time he'd smiled.

"It can't be," Ahir slowly shook his head, and then pointed to the photo. "See, here? This man has blue marks on his ear. I've never had those."

Ahir craned his neck around, then slowly lifted himself out of the bed to assist in the search. "Are there any more pictures?"