It's an uncommonly kind and understanding response for having been the subject of her rant and when he finally comes to that question at the end, Wen Qing can't help giving a startled little laugh.

"A long time, I'm afraid," she admits, not quite smiling but close enough, with wry, self-deprecating amusement lacing her voice. "I have been here for two months by now." She exhales noisily. "Two months of running around in circles without visible progress."

Sure, she has made unexpected friends and learned new skills here but none of this is equal to finding a way back to the time and place she belongs.

"I'm a physician, and my field includes treating magical maladies. Could I inspect your hand at some point? You're the first person I have talked to who lost time during the transit. That is very worrisome."