"So what is it that YOU want?"

---

Narice and Elera looked at each other... Elera gave a slight nod to Narice.

"We'd like to stay here..." Narice spoke up for both of them.

They'd agreed upon this earlier. Between the two of them - they decided that being a part of the Everdawn made the most sense. They would have the best opportunity for growth as well as the best means to return to their own time if there was one.

Narice was also excited by the prospect of becoming a Guardian.

"Of course I'm very appreciative," the queen responded with a deep bow, "May i ask why you chose to stay here instead of returning to Karid? Are you not from the North?"

Narice scratched his head, "We aren't from there..." he replied. He looked at Elera while deciding what to say. "It would take a little while to explain..."

The queen looked at them with slight curiosity. "You are under no obligation if it's too difficult for you," The queen spoke.

Narice spoke, "It's just... probably something we should discuss privately..."

"Oh?" the queen responded as she waved her hand. A barrier formed around them. Actually not a simple barrier, but the entirety of the scene vanished and a new realm emerged. It seemed that they were now on a simple hill the tea table was in tact but noone surrounded them.

It had been the first display the queen had shown of magic. Narice and Elera were in awe. It was something like Level three earth magic. while it looked simple- it was still masterfully done.

"So what did you need to discuss privately?" the queen responded, "I always it think best to get things taken care of as soon as possible..."

Narice looked at Elera who nodded in affirmation, "We come from seven-hundred years in the future..."

The queen studied them for a moment...It seemed that she was processing what he had just told them.

"The future...hmmm?" the queen considered whether they were telling the truth, "I don't see it as an impossibility... and i don't judge your character... In that case... it would probably be best to confer with my husband in such matters... what does that imply for us in the present?"

It seemed that the queen was first determining whether to use any information she could from them, but it seemed that she decided it was best not to.

"I see..in that case," she responded, "I will do my best to help you return to your time- if that's what is needed- in the mean time- I would suggest that you would remain here. We could use your abilities and until we find a way to return you- this might be the best location."

There were no questions about their time which relieved both of them. It seems that the queen came to a rational conclusion.

Both Elera and Narice bowed out of respect for her quick and unique judgment. The queen waved her hand again and the realm shifted again.

As if nothing happened she spoke in front of everyone now, "Okay then, I'm very grateful for your service and sacrifice. I'll make sure that things are ready for you. All of you will be set up in good lodgings and be given the best education. That goes for all of you," she winked at the others, "I will make sure to give you all ample opportunities and education with our castle. A knight's training and if you are successful, a guardian's."

They bantered back and forth for a while and then the queen spoke up.

"I must take my leave for now," the queen spoke"You are all welcome to explore the garden- arrival to the dining hall will begin at sunset and dinner will begin an hour afterward."

She got up and everyone else got up in respect to bow to her.

---

A little while later, the five of them arrived at their lodgings where a messenger stood at the door.

"Hello," the person spoke, "I came to inform you that we have your lodgings ready- any belongings we will take for you there..."

The five of them looked at each other. It seems that this was the last time they would all be together like this for a while. It was silent between them as they packed their things.

Thankfully Mika and Sari were too young not to let their energy get the better of them - as they started a pillow-fight. the other three smiled and relaxed in the room for a bit.

They went to the baths and changing rooms to get ready for dinner and then gathered again in front of the room they'd stayed.

Narice looked around at the other four. Everyone looked quite sharp- hair was kept. It was a nice change of pace.

"Welp..." Narice spoke to everyone with a tilt of his head.

"Let's go!" Mika spoke. Narice nodded. Mika and Sari thought little of it probably but the implication wasn't lost on the other three. The five of them had been together for a long journey and now they'd be going in separate directions. They'd still be able to see each other- but it would be little less than before.

A servant met them with formal bow. He eyed their luggage- and called for another to grab it for them.

"Thankyou..." Elera spoke with a slight bow. The servant smiled.

"Please follow me..." the guide spoke.

They were then ushered through the halls until they were led to a drawing room. The guide held his hand out indicating them to enter.

"We will take your things to your new accommodations for you...You'll be guided there after the dinner. Please enjoy the lounge before dinner."

"Thank you," Narice spoke for the group acknowledging their help.

They all entered into the drawing room. This drawing room was very grand. Very high ceiling and beautiful decor, statues, chairs and tables and a table with hors d'oeuvres. It felt very warm and inviting with different magical lights that illuminated the room.

There were some not so familiar. it seemed representatives from different realms based on colors. Perhaps ten in total. However- there were a couple faces they'd recongnized. Narice remembered the man who'd challenged them once before. Kale entered slowly afterwards and started a conversation with some diplomat.

Kale gave them a wave and a wink and went back to the discussion.

"is that them?" the diplomat whispered to Kale.

"oh yes..." Kale responded- and suddenly the diplomat excused himself.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," a figure with a pale white face- similar to a mime- and excentric looking clothing.

"Uh..."

"You as well," Elera nodded with a slight curtsey.

"I've heard so much about you from Kale and others-I'd love to converse with you sometime,"

"who are you?"

"Call me Ronin,"

Suddenly another figure approached them.

"Ah there are my two knights!" It was Auren- the Aqayan water trainer - he spoke as he wrapped an arm around Venu and

"Uh..." Venu scratched his head.

"Oh?" spoke Ronin, "Are they good then?"

"Ah after a good ole beating- but i saw some potential- that's for sure. but yeah, supposedly this one beat Mearl, although i'm not sure how," he seemed slightly inebriated.

One by one- more people approached the group. It seems they were somewhat popular. By now, Mika and Sari had already rushed to the table with the food.

---

[[They were guided to seats where they all stood behind a chair or other- and gave their attention to the queen. She looked elegant, grand, breathtaking. Naride noticed that Talaeya was also alongside of her on the left- also well dressed.

In comparison, their own vestige was plain .Thankfully, the queen looked at them directly with a sincere smile and they wer able to relax a little.

She then gave her attention to the other newocomers-

"Welcome honored guests, sirs, and ladies of the court," the queen spoke,

Rod'n spoke.]]

---