"Red Suns."

"War?" The wizard walked over to the window, "Hmm, the emissaries from Northnaven were quite adamant about asking for aid from us. When I questioned them about it they got real quiet. Well, if they want help, they're gonna have to open up officially to see what or who wants to give aid at all."

The Elementalist came back down finally with all her gear. She stopped looking at them both, "Where's the nearest portal to Northaven from here?"

The Bronze Man thought for a moment, "The Ancient Oak. The Elder has knowledge of all things elven in the Realm entire. He could tell you and your friends more."

"Okay then I guess its off to the Neverending Story to get the others," She headed for the front door of the lighthouse and was surprised to see Lazheros right behind her. ~ You're coming with?~

The Bronze Man stopped briefly, "Do what you have to do Armendes with the emissaries from Northaven. Explain the current situation regarding aid, and tell them there may be help coming their way."

The wizard incited a magical incantation as a circle of runes appeared around him and he vanished in a flash of light.

"Yes. I am coming with you, Alysiane, and I wish to see you off personally." Lazheros ushered her through the door and down to the ferry at the end of the island.

The elementalist and the bronze man walked down the path to the ferry and were greeted by a rather tall knight with an angelic glow to him.

The knight bowed before the bronze man, "Grand Cleric and my lady. Leaving for the city?"

"Yes but not alone," Alyson told the knight.

"As you wish," The knight helped the elementalist into the ferry.

Lazheros stepped into the ferry behind Alyson while the knight signaled to the docks on the far side.

The ferry took several minutes to reach the other side and the two disembarked into the city.

*******

By the time the trio of Serna, Caliaphy and Willow returned to their friends in The Neverending Story Tavern, Irzen and Neven had just finished eating.

"Where in The Realm did you guys disappear off to?" Neven asked no one in particular.

"Someplace else," Caliaphy whispered to Serna as the fairy again.

"Someplace else," Serna replied with a smirk.

"I gather that," The Swordsman added, "But where exactly?"

"You can tell him if you want to Serna," The fairy said.

"We went to The Ancient Tree and visited Caliaphy's home," Serna responded fully, "We also met her leader, a really old Elder who was very kind to us and gave me this charm bracelet." The Shield Maiden showed the Swordsman who admired the craftsmanship of the jewelry.

"Nice, very nice," Irzen nodded approvingly.

Madame Mabel downed another pint of ale with no problem, "So, lad will you be leaving with 'ere friends or will 'ye be staying 'ere with Seri?"

"Why do you ask?" Neven replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Because it matters to me daughter, lad. Here you two will be together and safe. Plus, I approve of you already." Madame Mabel told the boy.

"You're right, you should know, Seri is your daughter after all," Neven nodded his head in agreement before he looked to the others, "I have decided to stay here in Asylum. That is, if you will have me, Seri?"

Seri brushed her hair over shoulders and smiled, "You will? I mean wow and and..." She kissed him in front of everyone and released it slowly, "Thank you, Neven. You have stolen my heart."

Neven was at first taken off guard by the impromptu kiss but he slowly began to relax and enjoy it as he leaned into it, "And you have stolen mine, Seri."

Irzen, Serna and Willow sat in stunned silence.

The fairy fainted on Serna's shoulder hearing that. A few seconds later, Caliaphy opened her eyes with the look of sheer happiness emanating off of her. "Woot! Ah young love! It's so sweet! So...when are they gonna get together and make babies?"

Serna took a surprising gulp before she responded, "Hopefully after they get married, Caliaphy, but I think it would be wise if they got to know each other better first. Don't you think?"

"We call it Hand fasting and those two, well maybe sooner, maybe later. Who knows?" Caliaphy shrugged.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Neven?" Irzen asked more than a little concerned.

"You will be sorely missed," Willow added with a firm nod.

"I know I'm going to miss you," Serna replied sadly,

"Yeah, my mind is made up, I'm going to stay," Neven sounded a little sad, "I hope you guys aren't mad at me."

"Good Lord no!" Irzen replied with a smile, "I'm happy for you. You've found a home here. And a good woman to boot. Believe it or not, that is more than what most men can hope for these days."

"As long as you are happy, Neven, I am happy," Willow responded, "We have been through a lot together. Seen much, done much and survived even more. If there was any of us worthy of finding a home, then I am glad that it is you."

"To be honest, I envy you," Serna concluded, "You get to put down roots with someone who likes you a lot. Good for you! Maybe one day, I can find Kana and Lysana and put down roots with them as well. So, I'm happy for you, Neven, I wish you all the best. You deserve it!"

Neven perked up at that point, "Thanks, guys, I really appreciate it!"