"We met by accident," Edward answered, rubbing the back of his neck.
"On accident?" Elarien repeated, her tone sharp with disbelief.
"Yeah. He drugged me with some tea and sent me to the Spirit Realm or something like that."
"Huh?!" Elarien came to a sudden halt, her eyes widening. "You entered the Spirit Realm... and survived?"
"Yeah?" Edward replied uncertainly. "It was only for a few moments before I returned, though."
The elf stared at him in silence, her lips parting slightly as if she couldn't decide whether to call him insane or blessed. "You're… odd," she finally said, shaking her head.
"Thanks?" Edward replied, unsure whether to take it as a compliment or an insult. He quickly changed the subject. "So, what are our next steps?"
"We leave in a week," Elarien said, recovering her composure. "By then, I'll have gathered the necessary supplies and personnel. The journey to Nightveil Mountains won't be simple."
Edward nodded. "One week. Not much time, is there?"
