With an evil grin that was worthy of a Drow, Irzen concluded, "Sometimes you can beat the odds with a careful choice of where to fight."

Madeous paused briefly, "Why don't you and Lazheros find a tavern to rest and relax because it would seem that you need it, Alyson." He then turned back to the swordsman, "A smart decision on your part then, Irzen."

"Smart AND necessary," Irzen added with a broad smile, "Naked and unarmed, the Dark Lord was still a formidable opponent. One that I neither took lightly nor to whom showed any mercy. That is why I did my best to dispatch him in the manner that I did."

"Eh...," Madeous cleared his throat, "Some details are best left out of such conversations, Irzen. What Alyson would often say to me, T.M.I."

"Sorry to be so graphic," Irzen grinned, "We Drow love to provide the gory and not-so gory details of our victories--so few they are. I hope I did not offend you sensibilities too much."

"That would be different if we were in the middle of on-going battle, Irzen but we're not and enjoy our visit here without causing problems." Madeous replied.

"Fair enough!" The Swordsman acknowledged, "I have every intention of enjoying my stay here--brief though it may be. So, shall we round up the others and press towards the castle? Or shall we let them explore some more?"

"We should take some time to re access our current situation here in East Port. I know you expressed meeting with the prince here but I would prefer to remain anonymous. Sometimes staying in the local inn is better than a stay at the palace. More freedom and less likely to grab attention." The platinum knight moved aside to let a commoner pass.

"I say let's put it to a vote," Irzen replied, "I know where I stand and I know where you stand. Let's see what the others have to say and we'll let majority rule. What do you say?"

"Agreed," Madeous said as started down the street where Lazheros was, "Hmm, looks like someone is in trouble or will be."

"Why is that always the case with us?!" Irzen shook his head sadly, "You would think a simple walk from a city gate to a palace door would invite no drama at all. Nope! Not with our group."

She threw up her hands in protest and walked away disgusted.

Quake and company walked over, "Uh, Lady are you okay?"

The elementalist continued to sulk in silence.

"I take that as a no," Caliaphy whispered to Serna.

Serna whispered back to Caliaphy, "I agree."

"The conversation between Madeous and Irzen doesn't concern any of you, younglings." Lazheros walked behind the elementalist.

"Eeep!" The Shield Maiden nearly jumped out of her skin as The Grand Cleric walked past them, "Lazheros, stop doing that!"

"Hey!" The kurori ran up in front of the Bronze Man, "I'm older than those three."

"That may be but you haven't acted your true age in a very, very long time, Caliaphy." The bronze man told her.

"Not true! Not true! When I thought Serna might be harmed at the battle of Westfall...I did grow up but only for a brief moment." Caliaphy argued.

Lazheros glanced over to the shield maiden with a questioning look, "She revealed herself to you, young one?"

"She did, Laz," Serna spoke up proudly, "And when she did, she was--beautiful." The Shield Maiden turned towards Caliaphy, "She was as radiant as the morning suns coming over the horizon. As fair as a sea of stars upon the night sky. And as elegant as the finest robes worn by the greatest of queens."

Caliaphy batted her eye lashes, "Gosh!"

The Shield Maiden turned back to The Grand Cleric, "Caliaphy was magnificent and regal and wonderful!"

Quake rolled her eyes, "Good grief, Charlie Brown. We can't all be like little Miss Fancy Pants now can we."

Lazheros chuckled softly, "I can definitely see much of Alyson's personality within you, Quake."

"You can say what you will, Quake." Serna snapped at the Dragon Elemental, "But I am only telling you what I saw and I am only sharing with how I saw it. My words, flowery though they may be, fall far short of what I acutally saw Caliaphy become. I just no know better way to describe it, that's all."

"Look, I'm just saying what the lady is thinking at the moment in regards to you two talking about little miss high and shiny there." The elemental pointed to Caliaphy.

"Okay, I can understand that," Serna acknowledged, "But let me ask you a question, Quake, can you speak independent of Alyson or do you always reflect her thoughts?"

The kurori crossed her little arms in defiance, "So what are you gonna do about it, rock head?"

"Enough!" Lazheros's voice deepened, "This is not the place to start a name-calling contest, or someone will find herself banished again. Do I make myself clear?"

Caliaphy's eyes watered with crocodile tears and ran over to Serna, "He's being mean to me, Serna!"

Serna gave Caliaphy a hug and took up for her friend, "Okay, alright, we get it, Laz! You're older, wiser, stronger and more powerful than all of us put together. And you can banish ANY of us ANY time you want. But just because you have to power to do it, doesn't mean you SHOULD do it!"

He crossed his arms and replied sternly, "You have a lot to learn, child. This is just a simple ploy that Caliaphy does when she doesn't get her own way. She is Seelie and Seelie do not play fair. Or have you forgotten what she did to you in Arbor Haven? There is always a consequence for one's actions regardless of the outcome. Until you've grown up, you will not understand what Caliaphy is capable of."

The kurori was really milking it for all its worth in Serna's embrace and even let slip a smirk taunting the Bronze Man.

"Fine!" Serna released Caliaphy and stared down The Bronze Man, "Tell me what Caliaphy is capable of doing! No riddles, no double-talk, tell me straight. What is Calaphy capable of doing?"

Caliaphy got a little too over confident and a giggle slipped out, "...teeheehee!"

Lazheros didn't need to tell Serna anything now. He merely waited for her to notice that she had her strings played by the kurori.

Quake stood by watching to see if Serna was ready to beat the crap out of Caliaphy any time now.

Serna turned on Caliaphy, "You tricked me! Is that all I am to you? Someone to be played with?! Someone to be toyed with?!"

"I stood up for you!" The Shield Maiden ran off in pure consternation, "I thought you were my friend, Caliaphy, but I was wrong! DEAD WRONG!"