"I am neither," Serna declared proudly, "I am a Shield Maiden. I use my shield to protect people--mostly."

The Elder raised an eye brow, "Either lle na ri lle na ila. Mani un lle sa, mostly?"

"He says either you are, or you're not." Caliaphy scratched her head, "What do you mean, mostly, Serna? Okay, I admit, I'm lost on this one too."

"Well, Caliaphy, I also use my shield to bash people in the head," Serna confessed rather sheephishly, "So, sometimes I use my shield in defense to protect people, other times I use my shield in offense to attack people. But mostly I use it to protect people."

The Shield Maiden turned towards the Elder, "I'm sorry if I'm confusing you, sir, I didn't mean to."

Willow placed his hand over his heart and spoke, "Elder, saesa forgive Mellonamin. Re naa nessa ar' ilya too Edan."

At this point the kurori fluttered up in the ranger's face, "As much as he might appreciate you defending Serna, I don't. Let her speak for herself. Now, I know why Alyson gets mad when people interrupt her."

"As you wish?" The Ranger held up his hands as though to ward off the clearly irate kurori.

Caliaphy settled back down on the other side of the shield maiden, "So, are you going to ask him the same questions you asked Mertul and the beholder, or what?"

"I will, Caliaphy, what is your hurry?" Serna asked before she turned her attention to the Elder, "Good sir, why don't dwarves like fairies? Why is there so much hostility betwixt them? And why does it have to be this way?"

The Eldar smiled at Serna, "Naugrim na incapable eni using arcane templa, hin. Ron di ere rely ne ie divine, or kerta kur."

"He says dwarves can't use arcane magic like wizards, mages, or sorcerers. Kinda like Alyson. They have their own gods and can use divine magic. They also have their rune magic. Something to do with their nature and such. I've even heard of dwarven druids but they're extremely rare." The kurori told Serna.

"Oh, okay now I think I'm beginning to understand." Serna nodded her head as she took in this new information.

"Serna, we like how things are. The faeries have always been chaotic, mischievous, aloof, and troublesome." Caliaphy smirked, "It's how we are. Dwarves, like things structured and orderly. So, that's why we butt heads so to speak. It's something you will learn about as you grow, Serna. You don't have to like it but you can't change a people who don't want to change. We tolerate each other and we respect each other's space to keep the peace especially here in Asylum. The Ancient Oak has been here for thousands of years, Serna. Some even call it the World Tree, or at least an aspect of the World Tree. I hope that helps you a little."

"It helps me a lot, Caliaphy," Serna smiled at her friend, "It really comes down to the difference between order and chaos. It's just that simple."

The Shield Maiden turned towards the Elder, "But, sir, does everything in the end boil down to this conflict of order versus chaos?"

"Lle cannot cael er avaene ie n'at. Ellera must na eua meiv." The Elder held out his hand and a pendant appeared in his hand in the shape of tree on a silver entwined leathery cord with charms on it. "Serna, sina il te'en lle."

"He says, you cannot have one without the other. There must be a balance between them." Caliaphy's eyes widened, "Wow! Oh wow! Serna, the Elder wants to give you a charm bracelet. Do you accept it? He must see something within you that no one else has seen. It is an honor."