[Haha, yeah, the low El energy readings are concerning—especially if they've both been whisked someplace else. If another portal got set off somehow and Ain took the hit...

He's shaken back out of his thoughts by the familiar little owldog screech, though. It's at this point that he realizes he hasn't seen Karte anywhere yet, but uh. That's a problem for later. It's fine, probably?? He just sighs again, dragging his feet further into the shop. Too many things to worry about, gotta prioritize the bigger problems.

The butting will be necessary to get him to sit, but he'll at least take the hint after only the first push. The wound looks about as bad as you'd expect, but Add is being brave about it. He's not even tearing up or anything (yet).

As for the explanation...]

... "Since May" tells me nothing. What month is it here? [he catches on to the multidimensional shit quick, at least]

We were just at the Steel Wall, waiting for the Torta scouting party to come back. From my perspective it hasn't even been a day since then. You're saying you've been here for almost a year?

[He looks annoyed as always, but there might be the tiniest hint of concern under there. Maybe. If you squint.]