She smiled softly. "Thank you, but I require nothing of you. I consider the ability to help its own reward."

That smile faded into something more sombre when he started desperately casting about for those who must have been his companions. It was always a shock to end up here, and not all could compose themselves as readily as she had.

"I apologize, but whatever journey you may have been on before has been waylaid by a force beyond any of our control. It is likely that your companions have not been brought with you."