The tavern owner sighed, "The fae folk don't come into the city, youngling. They like their big tree and the forest. Why are you asking me all these questions about this?"

"I'm just curious, that's all," Serna turned to leave but thought better of it with the Beholder near.

Caliaphy whispered, "Stop asking her, Serna, please! If you don't I'm out of here!"

"Okay, I'll leave you alone," Serna held up her hands and backed away from both Mertul and Harley and towards the table where the others were sitting.

"Geez, grouchy aren't they?" The Shield Maiden said to no one in particular.

"Why did you have to ask all those questions, Serna? Why can't you leave things alone? Face it, not all people like us, especially here. When Alyson comes back, I'll let her tell you more." The fairy sighed on her shoulder.

"Haven't you ever wondered why that is the case, Caliaphy?" Serna asked her little friend, "Is it really enough to just accept things as they are? Haven't you ever asked why do people hate my kind so much? Aren't you at least a little curious about that?"

The fairy flew up in front of the shield maiden, "No. I like things as they are. I wouldn't change them even if the world ended. Since you won't listen to me, I will show you. The Ranger may come along as well. The place where I'm taking you is The Ancient Oak. Maybe the Elder can show you the rest of the story."

Serna turned towards Willow and whispered, "Um, Willow, I know we just got here, but Caliaphy would like to show us something at her home in The Ancient Oak. Would you like to come along?"

"I would indeed," The Ranger confessed, "I freely admit that I would like to get a closer look at that tree and get to know it better. Madame Mabel, would you object if we departed? We will not be long."