The sounds of people cheering outside in the streets made both Mertul and Harley paused in their conversation with Quake. The beholder and the dwarf looked at each other nodding in unison. "The King is here!"

Madeous, Lazheros, and Alyson made it back to the tavern and entered. It was the time of day where most of the patrons were working applying their trades and wares to make a living. Mertul remained where she was on the box, and bowed graciously before Madeous, "Your majesty!

Harley rotated one-eighty degrees and bowed also. Well dipping downward in a manner of speaking, "Your majesty."

Quake turned to see the three of them and nearly fell out of her seat but managed to right herself. She felt foolish, "Uh, forgive my manners...Lady?"

Alyson stepped forward and headed over to Quake, "It's okay, Quake. That's my uncle, the king. Just be yourself."

"Oooooo! He is?" The elemental stammered.

Alyson then noticed the white beholder sitting to the left of Quake. Startled, she moved quickly behind the elemental. "Ahh! You're an odd ball, er aberration."

Harley chuckled, "Hehehe! Not the first time I've heard that one, my lady."

"Alyson. Just call me Alyson. Don't like having a title. Got plenty of that after saving Storm Haven. Rather be known as a hero not a ruler." The elementalist corrected the beholder.

"Your usual drink, sire?" Mertul said with a warm smile.

"Hold the hearty drinks this time, Mertul. Just a round of smoothies. The day is young and best shared when all are sober. You and Harley are also welcome. This is a time for friends to talk and be merry." Madeous gestured towards the long table for everyone to sit and share their tales of high adventure.

"So, do you think the others will find the missing item Lazheros?" The Elementalist muttered quietly sipping her citrus smoothie.

Without missing a beat, Mertul spoke up, "Testing your friends is he?"

Alyson took a big gulp of the smoothie and clutched her head suddenly, "Gah! BRAIN freeze!"

The Bronze Man sat relaxed in his seat. He pondered silently for a few minutes before replying, "Finding the item is only part of the test I set before them. Sergeant Talos was one of my best students and will guide them where they need to be."

Harley chimed in, "Sorry to burst your bubble, Bronze Man, I'd wager they fail. After all I prefer the REAL you over this human disguise you take."

Mertul backhanded the white beholder from behind so hard it left a red hand print, "Knock it off, Harley!"

"OWW!" The white beholder yelped in pain.

Quake let out of a giggle and a snort.

Harley rotated in the elementals direction suddenly, "What are you laughing at?"

"Hehehehe! You, silly!" Another giggle escaped from Quake, "serves you right, you big 'ole eye ball!"

Lazheros resisted the urge to smile. After all he found the aberration's comment amusing. "Stay your hand, Mertul. He has a point and it has been awhile since I've 'stretched my wings' so to speak. But first, they must succeed."

Madeous chuckled and raised his glass to them, "Sarcastic as ever, Harley. You two are definitely the oddest pair of friends I met all those years ago and wouldn't change a thing."

Alyson started to get up and intervene but her uncle grabbed her hand, "Let them have at it. Those two are ironically very similar in the whole he said/she said argument."

She sat back down and let the drama play out between the elemental and aberration. It would definitely make for a great comedy show. Well maybe.

Mertul moved out of the way of the drama unfolding between Quake and Harley and suggested they take their argument out back while the rest could enjoy the visit.

The elementalist sighed and finished her smoothie slowly. -I miss being able to fly. Well, just enjoying it and not being attacked by natural predators. What view that was over the Shimmer Horn mountains. Breath taking.-

The Bronze Man reached for his drink on the table and took a sip then set it back with a telepathic reply to Alyson, -I would be glad to take you up in the clouds sometime. As soon as your friends find the relic.-

Alyson gave Lazheros a disappointing look as if say she'd like to go now but his duty to Asylum took president.

*****

Harley and Quake exited the tavern out the back and continued insulting and name calling each other. It was rather funny for on lookers walking by to see two unusual creatures having an argument.

"Dinosaur!"

"Eye Ball!"

"Magic mishap!"

"The lights on but nobody is home!"

"Mindy!"

"Elmira!"