[Ruddiger's just maintaining eye contact too, occasionally chittering and waving his little raccoon arms animatedly. Varian's used to this madness with Max, so after a moment, he just... ignores it. ]

I think he's missed having someone to bicker with.

[Varian gets it. Your animal companions aren't really animals. They're just furry people.]

Hmmm, I'm not sure. I was under the impression the portal was only opening for those of us in the dream, but that's clearly not the case. I guess we might end up with even more newcomers- especially if whatever portal exists to bring people here stays open.

[Aww he smiles.]

That's nice. My boyfriend's a knight, too. He's... around somewhere.