Serna looked over at Caliaphy and shook her head with a grin. How she saw The Realm compared to how Caliaphy saw it were two entirely different things.

Captain Lion walked out of the bridge cabin and stopped next to the shield maiden. "So what do you think of the airship now, Serna?"

Serna looked up at Captain Lion, "Now that it's moving it's twice as wondrous as when I first arrived. The clouds, the wind, the suns, it's a wonder you and your crew ever desire to land, Captain Lion, one could lose themselves so high up in the sky."

The kurori still held onto the elementalist with Captain Lion standing so close. "So where are we sailing to?"

"There were sightings of islands in the sky from a scout balloon some time ago. So that's where we are heading." The captain stated.

"Islands in the sky," Irzen mused to himself, "The fabled home of the Sky Elves I trust? Rumor has it that they can fly or glide on currents of air just as easily as any bird. Is there any truth in that, Captain Lion?"

He approached the group with a telescope and looked through it to determine any possible way through it. "Sky elves, or Avariel as they're known by their land dwelling cousins have bird wings. They vary in color indicating rank in society. Although, the elves there may not be avariel. I heard of a lost race of elves who have adapted to living on these islands. Grand Master Shinrin spoke of them in his many tales."

"Who or what is a Grand Master Shinrin?!" Irzen turned towards Captain Lion, "Never heard of him. His name sounds like some sort of incurable disease."

Serna giggled a little at that comment.

Lazheros added, "Master Shinrin is the grand master of the order of the Green Dragon. They are an order of monks and warriors of the orient. They watch the inland borders of Asylum from any threats. Even with your particular skill set, swordsman, one of them would get the drop on you with a stunning strike. A technique to immobilize any opponent, allowing an ally advantage."

"He would get the drop on me with a stunning strike, if and only if, I allowed him to get close to me," Irzen replied with a vicious grin, "Against such an opponent I have a tried and true method of defense--kill him from range with lots and lots of arrows!"

"Have you ever watched one of those old Kung Fu movies back on Earth, Irzen? I have." Alyson chimed in.

"Though I have not my human half has," Irzen replied, "He's enjoyed his fair share though to compare a kung fu movie from Earth to what these monks can do is hardly a fair comparison."

"Kill it from range? Wow! Are you that paranoid about getting hit? You're a fighter not a ranger. You're supposed to be up front and in the face of the enemy while someone like myself is at the back firing off spells." The elementalist deadpanned.

"It's called strategy, Alyson, different opponents require different strategies and different tactics to properly counter them," Irze replied, "You can ask your uncle about that. Madeous, more than anyone else here, would know the truth behind my words."

"It's all from one's point of view, Irzen. Any monk has the capability of immobilizing an opponent regardless of origin. There are also several different techniques that someone can train in besides the normal martial arts." Madeous joined them now, "Alyson has a point. What advantage does your human counter part play with you, Irzen?"

Lazheros observed the topic of martial fighting styles quietly.

"That would be telling," Irzen cast a glance at Madeous, "Our relationship is a uniqiue one based upon survival and mutual interests. What advantage he gains from our arrangement is his continued survival in The Realm. What advantage I gain from him is a bit more personal."

The Swordsman looked away towards the floating islands.

"Each to their own I suppose." The platinum knight replied.

"Thank you for understanding, Madeous." The Swordsman replied flatly.

The elementalist suddenly turned towards the main part of the ship and descended the stairs. She yelled back, "Uh, Quake isn't feeling good. I'll up in a bit."

"She'll be fine once she feels the earth beneath her feet," Irzen shrugged, "No problem!"

Madeous glanced over at the shield maiden and the kurori and then to the bronze man, "How in the realm did she ever bring to life Quake, I wonder?"

"With her natural affinity to the elements, Madeous. Her true belief in magic and her love for her creations. They have helped Irzen and company prior to coming to Asylum." Lazheros stated.

Above the party, the scout blew a whistle, "Land ho! Islands in the sky and we are not alone. Looks like sky riders on eagles. Some I've never seen before!"

"Sky riders on eagles?" The Swordsman scanned the horizon, "Captain Lion, I recommend you raise a flag of truce or welcome at this time. That's more than a simple welcome party heading our way and it would be a good thing to let them know that our intentions are not hostile."