"On with it then." Spoke the stranger in a harsh tone.

"What is your business in our forest?" Daniel asked him.

"You and your precious forest. My home is in the dark forest. Are you happy now?" Snapped the stranger, growing impatient with this little investigation of thiers.

"Not yet, a couple more questions." Daniel informed him dryly.

"Who are you?" Richard asked.

"My name is Stergis." He replied with a creepy smile.

"If you are from the forest why is it we have never met before?" Daniel asked giving a stern look.

" I don't leave my home unless it's an absolute need." He answered them with a hint of aggravation in his voice.

"Why are you here in a different realm?"

"That would be my business not yours." Stergis replied. After a few minutes of silence he looked at them and asked. "Can I go now?"

"Not quite, Stergis." Richard bellowed to him.

"What do you know about the demon attacks in the forest?"

"What demon attacks?" Stergis lied, why make it easier for them, he thought.

"You haven't heard of them?" Daniel asked in a firm tone.

"No I told you I never leave unless I have to do so." Stergis replied.

"May we help you on your journey?" Daniel offered their new aquaintince.

"No thank you but gentlemen I'm in a hurry." He pleaded nicely with them.

"How do we get home? Last question we promise." Richard asked.

Stergis whipped out his trusty wand and a strange powdery substance. The next thing they knew they were standing in the middle of the enchanted forest. Both of the warlocks were momentarily disoriented and confused by the days events. It took them a few minutes to get back to normal. After a few minutes Richard turned to his friend.

"Do you believe him?"

"What choice do I have?" Daniel replied.

"Danny boy come on I think after the day we just had, the pub is in order." Richard suggested. He didn't need to convince Daniel, he didn't think it was a bad idea at all. He nodded yes to his friend and the two of them walked through the forest to the only local pub they enjoyed, Smitty's. The two of them looked forward to some  time, just pals and a pint. The forest seemed to be  more inviting than usual.

"So how's everything going with your lady friend?" Richard asked, trying to make conversation.

"Good she's doing great, she's just amazing, fun, witty. It's only been a few months but I think I'm in love with her." Daniel admitted, his voice trailing off.

"You should tell her, I bet she loves you too. Take her out to the forest or show her around the village." Richard suggested to his friend.

'Do you really think so?" Daniel asked him.

"Sure thing man."

"I may do that tomorrow." Daniel admitted, as they finally reached the pub.