"Of course. Of course, young lady," Captain Lion smiled softly.

"Thanks!" Serna smiled back, "Can you give me one night to think it over? Then I can give you my answer in the morning. Okay?"

"Certainly, young lady. Take your time." He tipped his hat to her.

"Thanks!" Serna smiled once more.

He stood up with his plate and cup, "Shall we join your friends, young lady?"

"I agree," Serna chirped as she extended her hand to Captain Lion, "Let's join my friends."

*******

Lazheros turned to the ranger, "And what path has been laid before you now, Prince Willow?"

The Ranger responded, "The path that leads home, Lazheros, I shall remain in Northaven for a time to assist my brothers and our father in rebuilding our kingdom and restoring hope to our people. Once I am finished here, I shall rejoin all of you at a future time. But until then, my family needs me as much as our people need us to reign and to rule as The Sons of Sunrider."

Alyson looked over at the ranger, "Are you sure about this Willow? I mean if that's what you must do for your people because I don't know how Serna is gonna take it."

"I will explain it to her," Prince Willow admitted confidently, "And Serna will understand. She's smart and wise beyond her years. She will see the wisdom and truth of my decision."

"Oh, okay." The elementalist shrugged, ~Smart and wise beyond her years...I believe it when I see it.~

~ Agreed.~ Lazheros glanced over in Serna's direction, "It would seem Captain Lion is having an interesting conversation with the shield maiden. My advice Prince Willow is tell her before we leave your homeland."

"I will," The Ranger agreed with a firm nod, "I will."

Mandur spoke up now, "Aye, it will be good to see you, Prince Willow. My fellows often speak of how you were able to seek aid when the time required it. Two, I am sure King Sunrider is pleased that you're staying on for a bit. He often mentioned you after you left referring to your keen insight on matters beyond the cities and towns of the kingdom. "Into the wilds, my youngest has gone. For it calls to him as it did our ancestors."

"I am surprised that my father thought such things of me during my exile," The Ranger admitted somewhat reluctantly, "The last time I was here our parting was not a happy one. I stormed out of his presence and went into exile over a political marriage that I neither desired nor wanted."

Mandur stood up and came over to the ranger, "Your father the king is a proud and wise man, Prince Willow, I can only say that when certain things came up, he seemed lost without your insight on matters outside the city itself, or maybe he just missed the company of his youngest son."

"I see," Prince Willow added with a warm smile, "But these are happier times. The sons of Sunrider have come home, the kingdom is safe and the long hard work of rebuilding our lands, re-planting our fields, and restoring our towns remains. But what of you, Lazheros? Do you plan to return to Asylum or seek to explore other lands?"

"My place is with Alyson and her friends for now. It has been a long time since I journeyed in the company of close friends as they strive to aid those in need against great and terrible foes." The bronze man replied.

"The Guardian of Asylum leaving Asylum?" The Ranger asked with a raised eyebrow, "Won't your people be lost without you to lead them?"

"The people of Asylum will be fine in my absence, Prince Willow. It is not the first time I have ventured away from there, nor will it be my last. Armendes isn't going anywhere and the followers of Bahamut are well prepared should a true threat arise." Lazheros nodded to him.

Captain Lion walked over with Serna, "Ah, Bronze Man all is well with my ship and the Tinker Gnomes. Will you be returning to Asylum?"

"Not for awhile, Captain Lion." Lazheros said firmly.

"Ah, I see. Well then, I and the rest of Asylum shall be glad when you return with Miss Alyson." Captain Lion bowed a little.

"Someone has made a new friend," Willow took note of Serna and Captain Lion's presence.

"Uh, kinda, um, Willow, can we find somewhere to talk--alone," Serna looked around somewhat sheepishly, "There is something that I have to tell you."

"Yes! There is much that I have to say as well," The Ranger rose from his seat and acknowledged all around him, "Pardon us."

The Ranger and The Shield Maiden left the room together.