"Thank you, good sir." Irzen smiled as he moved past the guards and into the city proper.

Madeous gave the guard captain and his men a nod quietly waiting for the others to join him just inside the gates.

Once inside the city walls the elementalist gazed upon the wonder of East Port, "Wow!"

"Meh, I prefer Mount Chasme myself. Nothing like the earth around, over, and underneath to make one comfortable." Quake said quietly.

"So, you favor the company of dwarves over elves," Lazheros replied standing next to the elemental.

"Ulp!" Quake jumped, "Don't do that...sir."

The bronze man smirked.

"He does that, a lot. Just stands there like no one notices him," Caliaphy walked in between Quake taking her hand, and then grabbed Serna's hand.

Alyson looked over at her uncle and sighed, "Tell me about it."

"He's your boyfriend, Alyson, sneaking around comes with the territory." Serna chimed in with a grin before she changed the conversation, "So, who's up for some shopping while we make our way to the palace?"

Alyson was about to say something when Lazheros casually walked next to the shield maiden. Placing a hand on her shoulder he said, "Please keep your opinions to yourself regarding Alyson and I, child, especially in a new city."

"I'm sorry if I struck a nerve," The Shield Maiden replied, "But its not like you two have kept your relationship a big secret or anything."

"I wasn't talking to you Serna," Alyson crossed her arms in a huff.

"You were talking to everyone," Serna corrected Alyson with a mischievous grin, "That's why you spoke aloud. If you don't want an OPEN response, then don't talk loud enough for EVERYONE to hear you."

"Well I for one are in agreement with you, Serna since that was my original intention back in Asylum before everything went awry." Madeous glanced back to the shield maiden and then back to the swordsman, "Stay together or split up, Irzen?"

"It's nice to know someone agrees with me." The Shield Maiden beamed from ear to ear.

"I say let's stick together," The Swordsman replied, "It will be easier for us to reach the palace if we are all together as opposed to splitting up. Plus, it would be a good way for us to keep out of trouble. After all, you know how we are in a city environment, we can paint the town red if we're given half a chance."

Madeous walked towards the market area surveyed it for a moment, "Looks like weapons, armor and gear are towards the docks to the east. I would guess that food, drink, supplies, and the tavern or inn is to the west. I am in need of supplies myself. Perhaps they have an herbal shoppe here since our healer requires some for the tea he likes to drink and some for medicinal remedies."

Lazheros replied sarcastically, "How thoughtful of you, Madeous."

Irzen suddenly snapped his fingers, "Now I know why you lost our drinking contest last night. You're a teetotaller aren't you, Lazheros?"

The bronze man grumbled aloud, "You jest, swordsman. I only drink hearty in the company of friends far from Asylum. My duty to protecting the region doesn't allow me to indulge in such mundane pleasantries."

"While your answer was nice and long-winded," The Swordsman smirked, "A simple yes would have sufficed."

"Actually, Irzen, it was pay back for dropping me in the pool at the bath house," Alyson chimed in with a grin, "We are currently even pranking each other at the moment."

"Not even close," Lazheros leaned forward, "I haven't forgotten all the pranks you got me with when you were young, Alyson."

"Ah, revenge for a prank," Irzen nodded his head in agreement, "Now, that, I can understand."

Quake finally answered the bronze man, "Yes, I do prefer the company of dwarves over elves, as do my twin brothers since it was the Lady that sculpted us out of the earth to begin with."

"I prefer the company of the lesser races myself. They strive to be better in their short and long lives taking on any adversary when set with a challenge. Then there's you, an elemental given life, purpose, and free will to evolve on your own with a touch of Alyson's child like personality in the mix."

"Aww, gee thanks mister!" Quake blushed.

Serna was ooohing and aaahing practically everything she saw. East Port had many wonders and the Shield Maiden was enjoying exploring all of them.

Caliaphy wrinkled her nose when the scent of something sweet hit her, "Ooooo! I smell pastries! Let's go Serna!"

"Right behind you, Caliahphy!" The Shield Maiden began to run off in the direction of the smell from the tasty treats.

"So much for sticking together," Irzen muttered under his breath before he said aloud to both the Fairy and the Shield Maiden, "Be careful, you two, and watch each other's backs. And remember, our rendezvous point is the castle. Okay?"