The Bracken Woods I am serious. And don't call me Shirley.

The boy's ears flattened when the girl began to speak-- he noticed immediately, of course, that it was not Korei's voice. He paused to study her again, taken aback; looking at her, he supposed the features were slightly different...
I'm sorry! Ali blurted, overcome with embarrassment. I-- you look just like my friend.
At her question, another wave of shame hit him. Did he always have to make an idiot of himself? He was silent a couple beats, reaching desperately for something to tell her.
Uhhh, yeah! He settled lamely for the quickest option-- but wasted little time in changing the subject.
So, um... who are you, then? After a beat, he thought to add: I'm Alarian.