~That's a new one, Lazheros.~ The elementalist said climbing on his back. "Ready whenever you are Captain Andaerean."

Irzen climbed atop Billy and sat comfortably in the saddle as he awaited the start of this impromptu caravan.

The elven cavalry riders looked at each other for a moment and awaited for their prince to mount up on his horse.

Willow mounted his steed effortlessly, waved his hand forward and proceeded at a slow yet deliberate pace. The Prince turned towards the Captain, "Captain Andaerean, have you any news about our king? How is my father's health and temperament these days--in spite of our current circumstances?"

As they rode out of the town and towards the city of Westfall in search of answers as to the where about of Prince Yew, the cavalry leader told the ranger, "My prince, your father is well and his reign strong. He is aware of all that transpires within his kingdom as you know. When word of the horde approached his borders, he sent messengers to your brothers per standard protocol. Your oldest brother, Prince Ash received the call to arms, as well as Prince Birch. I am glad that Captain Mandur and his hill dwarf kin were able to aid the messenger in his time of need."

"I am as well. The Hill Dwarves do not forget their friends in their hour of need," The Prince added, "But you strike me as a soldier with a few questions of your own. Speak freely, Captain Andaerean, I will listen to all you have to say and answer any question you choose to ask."

"I heard why you left, my prince and I understand but I am curious how you survived beyond the borders of the kingdom. Had things gone differently and you had been able to choose another, would you have stayed?" Captain Andaerean inquired.

"I survived beyond the borders of our kingdom by making friends," The Prince replied, "Specifically, those who ride with us now. They looked after me as often as I have looked after them. We have a friendship which is not only grounded in trust but also forged in the fires of battles and grown in the fields of victory."

"And in answer to your second question, Captain," Willow responded in a fortright manner, "Had I been given leave to choose my wife, I would have never left our kingdom nor would I have left my father's side."

"So Serna, how do you like riding on Dragolem's back? Or are you not picky on what you think would make a fine steed for someone like you?" The elementalist asked the girl as they rode side by side.

"I've ridden horses before," The Shield Maiden confessed, "And I must say that Dragolem is the smoothest and easiest mount that I have ever ridden. I'm not picky about what I ride on so long as I don't get bounced around too much."

Serna giggled, "How about you, Alyson, how does it feel for you to ride your boyfriend?"