"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."

From the bridge, the captain pulled a cord and signaled to the crew to be on standby as the airship slowed down in its approach to the landing area. Normally the ship would dock and be tied off by the mooring ropes, instead two pairs of landing gear descended like metal legs as they touched down.

On the opposite end of the floating island, a red haired she elf in royal attire was flanked by a wizard and two avariel guards. The rest circled about on their eagle mounts and landed adjacent to the party. Weapons at the ready.

And by the red haired she elf's side and holding her hand was a Drowling donned in the robes of a noble woman with her stark-white hair in a pony-tail as her golden eyes scanned the visitors curiously.

"Who are you and how did you find our sanctuary in the clouds?" Stated the red hair elven women.

Lazheros descended first with Madeous behind him, "So this is the legendary place of the avariel? How are you, Tarendil?"

Upon seeing the bronze man, the red head bowed in kind, "Oh. It is you, guardian. I didn't realize you were among mixed company."

"Yes, my journey has continued once again in fine company ever thwarting the forces of Venger." Lazheros replied.

"Since you are friend and not foes," The Drowling smiled at everyone, "Elistraee's blessings be upon you all. I am Zesstra Telenna of Quarvad'non, Paladin of Elistraee, and who are you?"

"Hi!" Serna departed the ship and waved, "I'm Serna the Shield Maiden."

There were plenty of gasps when the platinum knight stopped next to the bronze man. Many of the sky elves were not present when the Torque attacked Asylum decades earlier but here of the tales of victory.

"King Madeous!" The wizard exclaimed and bowed, "It has been awhile since our aid helped Asylum."

"It has indeed. Now I travel with my niece and her friends to continue to oppose Venger and his allies." Madeous paused for a moment and turned back to the airship to see Quake diving over the railing of the airship.

"LAND! LAND! UP HERE! OH THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!" The elemental was lathering herself in the dirt as if she was bathing.

Alyson, Serna and Caliaphy burst out laughing.

Captain Lion stayed behind on the airship until negotiations completed.

"Get a hold of yourself Quake!" Irzen departed the ship, "You're embarrassing us. Act like you've seen land before, okay?"

"Lord Irzen?" Zesstra turned towards the Swordsman.

"Do I know you?" Irzen gave the Paladin a curious glance.

"Mayhaps not, Lord Irzen, but I know you." Zesstra replied, "We met in passing some years ago when I was dwelling in Naermon Nithren working as one of the City Guard. Forgive me for having you at a disadvantage, my lord, but you and your exploits are well known throughout the Underdark--Mercenary Captain, Arms Dealer and Dragon Slayer--to name a few."

"I see," Irzen replied cautiously, "You're a long way from the Underdark."

"The same could be said for you, my lord, the same could be said for you." Zesstra replied evenly.