He thought there was someone traveling nearby, but through an odd series of apparent comedic errors, he could never quite catch up. Well, the Elric way was to resolve problems that didn’t make much sense with their loud voices! If problems couldn’t be tended to directly, they could be forcefully brought out into the light. Mercifully, it didn’t take much effort.
“Excuse you?” He bristled, if it were possible for an armored individual to bristle. Even if it weren’t for some, he managed the look! Appearing as organic as possible, though encased in a steel shell.
“I have a name too, you know!” Not that he knew it straight away. Still, what kind of person led a conversation off with an insult! Not that it was a particularly vicious insult. After all, it was only calling attention to the more blatant way of his presentation.
.... and he was a little sensitive on the issue! Probably shouldn’t be. How many times did he tell his brother not to react so strongly to things he felt uncomfortable about. Because the bolder the response, the more people would pick at that scab until there was virtually nothing left at all!
He never quite understood those who shared title and rank in greeting. But maybe that was the thing in the place he arrived. Which would only further prompt him to return the favor? Was it polite to do so?
“My name is Alphonse. Knight of.... Knowledge.” .... damn, that was kind of lame. He could be creative, but usually not on the spot! He would need time to consider it carefully. Not that it would help him in the current situation he faced. Whatever. He was thinking way too deeply about it.
“You’re the only one I’ve seen around here. I’ve been traveling for hours.” Well, more than that if he wanted to get technical, but he didn’t have to share all the nitty gritty details of his business.