Caleb was more relaxed than he had been in what felt like a very long time, that was certainly true. Part of it may well have been the magic of the place, part of it was likely the company.

There was so much going on in his mind right now, it was a nice break. Momentary though that break might be.

"Ja. We are that, aren't we? On even footing, as friends." Friends and nothing more complicated, of course. Nope. Except it was complicated, exceptionally -- but not unpleasantly -- so.

"So do I." Caleb knew exactly who Essek meant. "But I am certain they are. They are formidable, ja? And I think that time may be waiting for us to return. At least, that seems to be what happened before." A pause, a brief moment of quiet before he added. "This is not the first time I have been stolen away to a strange world."