[The smile does strike him as vaguely odd, but then, he can't know what circumstances she'd left behind—perhaps longevity was a concern. That's something in common between them, if so. As for the towers,]

Somewhat recently—three months or so. Needless to say, the logistics of rebuilding in stone on an island have proven challenging.

[He's since lowered his hand; the book lies open and unattended.]

Kirkwall was hit badly, too, so most local resources are spoken for. It's difficult to say when it might be safe to enter what's left of the second tower.

[Before winter, hopefully; tents and outbuildings are drafty even in decent weather, never mind sea rime.]