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.

"Test? Do you always test people not of Asylum?" She asked the Bronze Man.

"Yes and no. Your friends made the choice to interfere, and so began the test."

Madeous took another big gulp of his smoothie without brain freeze. "Upon entering Asylum all those years ago, we were all tested back then. The true test was when the Torque Armanda tried to invade and conquer the city. They were driven back to their territory. We pursued them in our own ships making VERY clear, the people of Asylum will not be conquered."

The Bronze let out a chuckle upon hearing the commotion from outside. -Perhaps I can help with Quake's mishap from using Polymorph.-

-I'll ask Quake after she's done smack talking with Harley.- Alyson grinned, "Say, Mertul, how did you and Harley meet? Besides him being a white beholder. Aren't they denizens of the Underdark?"

Mertul sat in the stool across from the elementalist, stirring her own smoothie, "We met on circumstance. Lady Luck, or fate, some say but the truth is that we both are outcasts of society in the Underdark. Even though I was born and raised there, it never sat well with me and I was tired of fighting mindflayers, duergar, drow, and other various life forms there. Harley, well, a aberration other than black or dark blue put a target on him. That was some forty plus years ago. We both heard of a place where people and races get along. Just rumors at first but finding this place, we took a big gamble and opened a portal with the hopes of finding a place known as Asylum. Like your friends, Harley and I were tested by the Bronze Man. Who'd a thought that that's the normal for an old bronze dragon. And besides, I'm a people person and Harley makes a great tavern bouncer keeping them magic types from using magic in here."

"Yeah," The elementalist finished her drink and placed the cup on the table, "I could see why that gave you a good reason to pack up and leave. My friends and I actually freed a duergar city from a mindflayer that had enslaved them. These duergar dwell within the Shimmer Horn Mountains between Storm Haven and Deeping Dale. So, I guess I inherited the hero gene."

"Fascinating. What became of the Illithid?" Madeous asked.

"I dropped him off within the hunting range of the deurgar's territory in the Shimmer Horn mountains. Call it karma or fate. He got what was long over due. No one should used like that, to be mind slaved for the sadistic pleasure that Illithids are noted for." A faint reddish glow surrounded Alyson, a sign that her powers were returning.

Lazheros reached over placing a hand gently on her shoulder speaking in draconic, "Alysiane. *Wux irisv. Arcaniss thric.*"

Alyson didn't even realize the glow. Maybe it something to do with remembering all the epic battles that she herself had fought reignited the fire within her.

The Bronze Man abruptly stood up, "I will take my leave for now. I have other matters to attend to. Look for me at the light house or the temple."

Madeous also stood up and thanked Mertul for drinks and memories, "Alyson and I have things to talk about. Family matters and such. I will stop by one more time before I Asylum, Mertul."

Alyson wondered what the fuss was about. She wondered how the others were doing with their quest as well. She watched the Bronze Man leave and simply disappear within the crowd of people in the streets. "Ah, Quake will be fine here, Mertul?"

"Yes. After all her and Harley haven't stopped calling each other names for the last ten minutes." Mertul listened carefully and didn't hear anything, "I'd better go check on them."

*******

Just as Madeous and Alyson exited the tavern something massive flew over that part of Asylum. The sound of leathery wings high in the sky and the shape of a massive bronze dragon could be seen by everyone.