The Elven King entered the throne room once more bidding everyone safe travels wherever their journey takes them.

Mandur bowed and took his leave from the throne room, "My fellows and I shall await everyone at the stables."

"I guess that's our que," Alyson said quietly.

"Indeed." Lazheros said bowing once more to King Sunrider, "Hail and farewell, your Highness."

Caliaphy nudged Serna to follow Alyson and the Bronze Man when Irzen came back out with the king.

Before she departed, Serna performed a proper curtsy before the King and his Princes, gave Prince Willow a small smile and a wave good-bye and promptly departed.

Willow returned Serna's smile with one of his own and a brief wave good-bye as well.

As Lord Irzen was about to leave, he turned towards Prince Willow, "Well, I guess this is good-bye, my friend."

"It is not good-bye, Lord Irzen, it is merely so long--for now." Prince Willow replied evenly.

"Thanks for always being there, Willow."

The Elven Prince silently nodded in response.

The Swordsman turned and walked out of the throne room. As the doors closed behind him, Lord Irzen ran to catch up with the others.

As they walked out of the castle and down towards the stable, the Bronze Man turned to the Swordsman, "How did your conversation with the king go, Lord Irzen?"

"Better than I could have hoped for," The Drow turned towards The Dragon, "King Sunrider gave me a signet ring which all but guarantees me safe passage through his kingdom. I was genuinely concerned that I would have to fight my way out of the very kingdom that I came to save. But thanks to this ring, I don't have to worry about that any more."

"A rare and generous boon, Lord Irzen." The bronze man nodded.

"Tell me about it!" Irzen smiled in relief, "This little ring is going to make my life a whole lot easier--at least until we reach the border to Northaven."

"I hope Willow is able to help his people," Caliaphy fluttered on and off of Serna's shoulder.

"I'm sure he will," Serna looked a little sad, "He's back home with his father and brothers now. Together they will rebuild their kingdom and when he is done he will come and find us. One day."

"You will find a place you call home, Serna. Truly call home." Alyson gave her a smile, "Besides, Willow is a ranger and he is very good at tracking down people including us."

"What do you mean, Alyson?" Serna looked up at the Elementalist, "As long as I'm with you guys, I am home!"

The party made it out and down to the stables where Mandur and his fellows awaited them. They were already mounted up on their war goats and had the wagons loaded up with supplies for the trip back down the Southern Valley. "Aye, my lords and ladies, tis time for us to depart the capital. You can ride in the wagon or upon a war goat."

"I'll get Billy," Irzen ran over to the stables to fetch his war goat.

"Mind if Caliaphy and I join you, Lord Irzen?" Serna asked as she followed The Swordsman.

"Not at all, ladies," The Swordsman smiled, "So long as you two aren't up to any mischief during our trip."