Finally finishing his meal, Irzen turned towards Princess Liliandra, "You said that you wish to talk of war this morning, your Highness. What would you like to discuss?"

"Please give me a few more minutes, Lord Irzen," Liliandra nodded to the swordsman, "I would like all of us to finish our morning meal first."

"As you wish, your Highness," Irzen conceded as he waited for the others to finish their meals.

At the far end of the table the elementalist had finished her meal and slowly sipped her drink. She glanced to either side of her and saw both Serna and Caliaphy sitting there giving her support. Breathing deeply, she calmed herself back to normal burying the Black Witch deep down. She opened her eyes and the light returned once more. "Thanks you two. Thanks for being there."

"Alyson, you got really scary but as long as you remember being silly, you're okay by me." The kurori smiled giving her a hug.

"Me too!" The Shield Maiden smiled and gave The Elementalist a warm hug as well, "We're all friends here and looking out for each other is what we do."

The elementalist expected a hug from Caliaphy but not from the shield maiden. She sat there stunned for a second by wrapping her arms around both of them in a group hug.

Lazheros sat back in his chair watching the three of them embracing each other for comfort. He simply observed the shared kindness between them and smiled.

Irzen took note of the love fest at the end of the table and smiled as well. Willow also took note and nodded his head in silent agreement.

Even Princess Liliandra smiled at the three of them and looked across to the ranger, "Willow, why aren't you smiling? Moments like these are precious regardless of who they are."

"You're right," Prince Willow gave a sad smile, "With all that has been going on, with all that we have endured and with all that we have yet to endure, I sometimes forget to enjoy moments such as these when they come." The Prince took The Princess' hand into his own and gave it a gentle squeeze, "Thank you for reminding me, Lili."

She stood up from her chair, "Are all finished? If you are please, join me in the next room with my officers who may have more information on our enemy."

Irzen rose from his chair, "Princess, thank you for the sumptuous meal you have provided this morning. It was excellent and truly worthy of your people's famed hospitality."

As soon as everyone got up from their seats, a guard entered and approached the princess relaying a message that the cavalry captains had come. The guard turned towards the door motioning them to enter. First Captain Andearaen came in followed by Captain Mandur of the Hill Dwarves.

"Your highness," Captain Andaerean bowed before both Willow and Liliandra.

"Captain Andaerean, Captain Mandur, you are most welcome here," Willow acknowledged the Wood Elf.

"My Liege," The dwarven captain bowed glancing about the room and noticed the bronze man standing to the left of the princess, "You are most welcome, Grand Cleric. How does my cousin fare these days in Asylum?"

"Captain Mandur, it has been some time since you came to visit," Lazheros nodded in kind, "Knight-Captain Martuk fares well keeping order and in keeping would be enemies at bay."

Liliandra looked at Lazheros curiously, "Grand Cleric? Are you not the Guardian of Asylum as well?"

"To clarify, your highness, Grand Cleric is the name those who serve Bahamut choose to call me. The common folk refer to me as the Bronze Man, to friends who know me by name. I am still and will always be the Guardian of Asylum since founding it long ago." Lazheros stated.

"Captain Mandur, it is good to see you again," Irzen smiled, "Thank you for the loan of the wargoat. It has served me well."

****

Meanwhile, War Scribe was still being dragged towards the palace gates as she protested, "Unhand me! I have Bardic Immunity!"

Her pleas fell on deaf ears as the guards promptly pushed the chronicler out through the gates to the palace. A magical barrier came down preventing her from entering, "By order of Princess Liliandra you are no longer welcome. You may traverse through the city but the palace is off limits to you."

War Scribe laughed as she dusted herself off, "Have no fear, good sirs, the Princess will be begging me to return soon enough. She needs every available asset she can find to win this war and I just so happen to be one of them. You'll see!"

One of the guards posted at the palace gates looked directly at her, "Maybe the princess does and does not but that's not our call. So be off with you!"

"Fine!" The Drowling stuck her tongue out at the Palace Guardsmen, "WHEN the Princess needs me, she can find me at The Evergreen Tavern. Until then, good day to you, sir!"

With a dismissive whip of her hair, War Scribe stormed off towards a nearby alley, ducked into it and came out of it as Lady Harlotta.

War Scribe laughed, "Now I'm good to go! I don't have to worry about anyone accusing me of working for the enemy or trying to kill me BEFORE I can do my job. I can blend in and no on will be the wiser. Validor would be pleased."

On that note, the Drowling casually stolled along the promenade to The Evergreen Tavern where she would regal the patrons with tales of her travels.