The three of them walked quickly as the empress finally set foot on her own land, but something wasn't right.  It sounded as if Sage had several creatures in the castle. Her eyes bugged out with concern, glancing at the sorceress, who had the same expression. Fearful that the hob-goblin might be in trouble, all three of them darted into the castle, filled with panic. 

        Looking around she saw not a demonic hostile take over, but several creatures she had known quite well. Some how most of her friends were all gathered together in her main hall. 

  Sage was the first to greet her. He walked up and put his cubby little arms around her hips and hugged her tightly, then let go. 

 "Good to see you miss." 

 "What's going on?" She asked him.

  "I sent word to everyone I knew, letting them know you'd be home safe. We've decided to throw you a welcome home party." He explained to her.

   She kissed the top of his head.

   "Sweet and unexpected of you." She said. 

   "Would you like me to get a pot of brew for you?" He offered.

  "That would be exceptional." She answered.

              Amberosia quickly ushered the guests into the dining hall. Then she followed Sage to the kitchen to help prepare drinks for the guests in the dining room. 

      The empress sat down at the end of the long table as some of her friends came up to greet her, a few at a time.  The first two were Salem and Pandora. 

   "We're so relieved that you're back. Soranto and Kadrid have been insane with worry." Pandora told her.

  "It was a rough ordeal but I think I;m fine." She said.

"Did my father go with you?" Salem asked.

"Yes, he's around here somewhere." She informed him. 

Salem nodded.  "We were all very concerned." He said, then walked around to find Magellan.

Pandora gave the empress a hug, taking the seat next to her.

   The next ones were Ralvania, Stergis and Richard. 

"So good to see you again. I'm so glad you're alright. We've missed you." Ravenessa gushed.

"I'm glad to see all of you, I missed you guys too." She said.

"Daniel and Zeta are here too, I think they are visiting with some of the other guests." She said.

"I'm happy everyone came out , it means the world to me." She told them.

           Then Sage and Amberosia came in with carts of coffee, mugs, treats and wine for everyone. Her friends began to gather around he table. Sage served the empress first as Amberosia started to serve the rest of the room.