Liloo wants Karel to come with him, and the two go east… into the Elven Kingdom of the Ardennes.  It’s well known that the Elves surround their kingdom with a strip of “wild land”, and detest border markings.  The wild land can be perilous, and the Elves like it that way.  They don’t want just anyone wandering in.  But the Fey know the safe ways through the forest.

Along the way, Karel and Liloo are joined by an Elfin Cat.  These are rare creatures similar in size and shape to a Lynx, in intelligence to an above average Human, and in general disposition to… well… nothing.

”I’m royal now,” the cat says proudly.

Liloo gives the cat a funny look.  “All cats believe themselves to be,” the Nixie says.

”But for me, it’s true, as the King and Queen of Belgica have adopted by nephew.  This makes me family.  They don’t know it, but it’s true.”

”A cat with more pretentions than the average cat,” Liloo says.  “Exactly what we need.  But surely there is more?  Your folk are so rarely seen, you have not presented yourself just to announce this to passing strangers.”

”Where are you taking him?”  the cat asks.

”To the river.  The Meuse told me he would be helpful.  I don’t know why or how, yet.  That will happen.”

”But I know.  Coming down the river are Elven warriors, and they are led by the Queen’s brother.   He can help them.   And, through the Queen’s brother, he will be joined up into the web of things.”

”He’s not an Elf, of course,” Liloo says, just to be clear.

”All the better,” the Cat replies.  “The thing is, Elves think like Elves and although it’s good thinking, it’s not all there is to thinking.  Sometimes, they have to get their minds… out of the woods.  So to speak.”

And that is how it came to be that Karel was waiting at a particularly lush section of river bank, in the company of Liloo the Nixie and an Elfin cat, when Salen and Ayren and about thirty Elven warriors make their appearance.

* * * * * * *

Salen and Ayren went their own way towards the Mos Trajectum rendezvous point, along with a select troop of Elf warriors.  The used the trails through the Ardennes, traveling west from Lucimburic to the Elven town of Orolon, eventually reaching the Meuse river at the town of Namaco, and then, following the Meuse downstream.

This the heart of the Elven kingdom of the Ardennes, and the most densely populated part of the Kingdom.  At night, there are lights in the trees, up and down the river.  It is also close to Ayren’s home.  She knows it well, and has been telling Salen about it, with some pride.

Even in this densely populated area, some parts of the river seem untouched- the Elves believe in living lightly on the land.

They did not expect anyone would be waiting here for them- particularly not a Human, a Nixie, and an Elfin cat.

If they walked into a bar, it would be the beginning of a bad joke.