After another cup, Haze went up the stairs to pack what she thought would help, and a few personal items.

The empress had informed Sage and Ludwig. Both had offered to stay until the dragons arrived. She hugged them and waited another ten minutes until the fairy fluttered down the stairs.

"Are you ready?' She inquired.

'Yes I think so," Haze replied.

"Good, follow me," She responded.

   The fairy nodded, then left the castle with Ralvania. After a quarter mile, Haze looked at her.

"Are we going on foot?' 

"Yes, I didn't want to bother Soranto." She replied as they hiked the inclined path through the forest, connecting Goblin's Hollow to the rest of her world.

"How long of a walk is this going to be?' The fairy asked.

"Not as long as you think. The queen showed me a few shortcuts," She explained.

"How long without the shortcuts?" She asked.

"Just under four hours," The empress responded.

"You like to walk that far?' She asked, suprised.

"No usually Soranto takes me," She replied as they went further into the path.

"Oh I wondered. It'll be strange." She commented.

"What will be strange?" She inquired.

"Going back, I haven't set foot there in so long." She said.

"You'll be fine." The empress told her.