Curufn grinned. "Apple must be a creature of stubborn integrity. It sounds as though he will not be led or commanded. . . but maybe bribed, occasionally, with an apple. Or tricked. Good thing he doesn't have to pull a cart. He'd probably upset it and dump the cargo into a ditch, as a way of making a statement about his displeasure with being used for a cart-horse while not even being a horse."

He listened to Wei Wuxian's description of the Golden Core. "The Cultivators of your world seem to use a technique similar to Elvish methods for developing spiritual power that can be employed in the martial arts or other skills. Funny how things can be similar across the universes."

His eyes widened a little. "You're occupying a body that was not originally your own? The original owner called you to come and take up residence? -- was it because he was in some kind of trouble? I'm actually rather glad you were given that opportunity, because I'm guessing your world needed you in some way."

"I'd love to see Lan Zhan ride a sword some time! I guess you two proved very useful on the last mission. I don't know him well, but I've had some conversations with him. I can easily imagine he'd be kind and thoughtful in any venture. And especially in marriage. You're lucky to have him, and I think he is lucky to have you."