"It's called wine, Serna. Take your pick. Some of its sweet and some dry and bitter." The elementalist gestured to various bottles to choose from.

"I like sweet things," The Shield Maiden chirped as she examined each of the bottles more closely, "Some of these wines are red, others white and still others brown. What do you recommed for a good sweet wine, Alyson?"

The elementalist walked over to the beverage table and poured the shield maiden a small glass of white wine, "Try this and see if you like it."

"Okay," Serna took the glass, sniffed it first, stuck her finger into the wine, put her finger on the tip of her tongue. Closing her eyes, the Shield Maiden smiled to herself as she seemingly enjoyed the taste. Only then did she open her eyes and slowly drink the rest of the wine, "MMMMmmmmmm! Good stuff! Nice and sweet! Got any more?"

Alyson poured her another about half way up, "Take it easy, Serna. This isn't juice that you can guzzle down. There are downsides to drinking a fruity fermented beverage like wine."

**********

"I see," Lord Irzen raised his glass as well, "Thank you, Prince Birch, for the kindness that you and your family has shown me. You could have had me killed on sight once I entered your lands or cast me out once the battle was won. But you did not! You have treated me with kindness and respect and I thank you for that. Also, a toast to you and your family, long may you reign! Long may you rule!"

"This was an interesting conversation, Lord Irzen. I am rejoining the others." Prince Yew raised his glass once more before and left him to his thoughts.

"Good eventide to you, Your Highness, I shall remain here." Irzen told Prince Yew as he departed for the party.

*********

The Horse Lord came back in joining the Ranger, "So, what did you and the girl discuss, Willow?"

"Comings and goings, brother, comings and goings," Willow replied to Yew's inquest, "Serna the Shield Maiden is my friend, a companion and a fellow traveler. I told her that I plan to remain here by father's side. She told me she was considering returning to Asylum with Captain Lion. Regardless of what she decides to do, our parting will be a hard one. She has a special place in my heart as I do with her."

Prince Yew stared wordlessly at Willow, "Must be nice with so much freedom."

"Freedom by itself is nice," Willow agreed with Yew, "But freedom with the company of friends is better. You should try it some time. Take a voyage with Birch once in awhile. Leave your lands in Liliandra's hands. We both know she is up to the task. Spend time with Birch and let him show you the wonders of true freedom unburdened by responsibilities or titles. So what say you, brother, will you at least consider travelling with Birch on one of his madcap voyages?"

"Maybe you're right about getting away from Westfall and visiting Eastport, although, Lily is concerned that I have not made a full enough recovery with recent events." Yew sipped his wine.

"Fair enough," Willow conceded, "Then your voyage with Birch will wait until Lilly feels comfortable that you have made a full recovery. Until then, I will stand by your side and help you run Westfall to best of my ability."

"It is good to be with family and friends, Willow. May our father reign long and true." Yew raised his glass to him.