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!"
Madame Mabel smiled, "Welcome to the family, lad. I am glad you decided to stay. Asylum welcomes all who wish to find a home safe from the troubles of the Realm."
Seri just sat there and listened to Neven and his friends talk. While Caliaphy wondered how Alyson was doing. She and the bronze man were gone a long time by her standards. Did they fall in a big hole somewhere?
*****
Alyson entered through the doorway of the tavern with the bronze man behind her as she spotted the everyone. "Hey everyone, we need to talk and it's not good."
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