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.
"Yeah, who knows," Serna agreed.
"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."
"Thank you, Madame Mabel," The Thief added, "I'm glad I made this decision as well. After all I've been through from Deeping Dale to this moment, I could use some rest and a quite place in which to do it."
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."
"You have our undivided attention," Irzen turned to face Alyson.
"What vexes you, Alyson?" Willow asked with a hint of concern in his voice.
"Yeah, what's going on?" Serna questioned the paramour of The Bronze Man.
"Red Suns," The elementalist sat down across the party. "War has come to the homeland of the elves."
"More specifically, your homeland, ranger," The Bronze Man sat next to the elementalist, "Any supplies and provisions will be provided everyone who wishes to help you. I know Alyson is going to help you. What everyone else who is going and who is not?"
"War brought by whom?" Willow asked, "Who is attacking my people?"
"I have my armor and my sword," The Swordsman replied, "All I need is a standard Adventurer's travel pack and I will be good to go."
"Me too!" Serna chimed in, "I have my armor and my shield. If you can spare a travel pack for me then I will be glad to take it."
"I'm staying," Neven concluded, "Had I known about this before I made my decision, I might have thought otherwise. But, my mind is made up, I'm staying. Sorry Willow."
"There is no need to apologize, Neven," The Ranger replied, "Be of good cheer. You made the right decision and it appears that you made it at the right time."
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