[ for a puzzled moment, mahal simply stares, head tilted faintly in an almost animal-like expression of confusion. but then he makes a noise and shifts, spreading his hands to indicate everything around them. ]

.. When mages dream.. they go to the Fade. [ he honestly doesn't understand it that much still. he does what he's been told to do to guard himself, but he doesn't ask questions. ] And.. this is all.. dreams. Yes?

[ he glances to the boy's bare feet, then lifts his eyes to his face again. ] You're in your nightclothes, after all. [ that has to be what they are. ]