She sat on the bed, listening to Rimeera's story. When she finished, Elaine considered for a moment, then pinched herself, sharply, in the arm. "Ow! Okay... not a dream. Sorry, I just... when you come to me with a story of going on a magical journey, directed by my deity, to return a princess to her throne... I'm wondering if I'm not in a really elaborate dream." She paused and rubber her eyes. "And Shorafa really recommended me?" she asked, incredulously. "I mean, I'm flattered, but surprised, too. I've kind of always had the short end of the stick in life, so I'm trying to see what the catch is, here."