Alistair turned slightly, attention officially torn between getting an explanation from the person who had been speaking a moment ago, to answering the person who was just now appearing. Angling his head to be able to see the newcomer, he sighed.

"It wasn't intentional, I assure you. He was my opponent during the combat exams." A pause, and he sighed again, almost embarrassed at having to recount the tale again. "I forced a tie, instead of losing as he apparently feels that I should have."

"He also seems to have taken it as a personal affront to his honor."