Three days later.....

                        As the empress and dragon were flying home Soranto spoke up, leaning to one side so She'd hear him better.

   "When we get back you need to plan a long vacation." The dragon told her.

"No way, how can I? There are far too many creatures that need me. I can't be elfish like that." She told him. 

"Why not hire on an apprentice witch or something?" The dragon advised.

"Why would I do that?" She gave him a confused look.

"To look after things when you are out of town, or times when the journey is much further than anticipated." He suggested in a deep tone.

"If I agree to think about it, will you let the whole thing go for a while?" Ralvania asked him as he flew over more towns and villages scattered around forest after forest.

"Probably." 

"Fine, then. Just get us home you winged beast." She teased and he snorted out a laugh.