“How can a city detect an ancient?” I ask.

“Each magic of each race has a specific signature or vibration. All you need to do is detect that vibration. That is how ancient humans were able to restrict this city to only humans.” She says.

“Do dragons do the same thing to restrict areas to only dragons?”

“Yes, all races need one area for only their race. It helps anyone to know that there is a place of safety.”

“I guess, but it sounds more like exclusivity.”

“Just like this city, other races can enter into the restricted areas with permission. Everyone needs a place they feel safe. That is all an exclusive place is.”

“I suppose. I guess I do feel safe here in a way. But can anyone truly feel safe?”

“No,” she responds calmly.

The room fills with the color display, “I found something,” Sesney says.

“Where?” I ask.

“In the state of Missouri. I believe the area is called Lake of the Ozarks.” he says.

“Is there a portal in the area?” I ask.

“Yes, but extremely unstable. It is over the water. It tends to just draw from this world. There has been no one come from the human world to here.”

“Why?” I ask.

“Because the portal is actually a mile above the water,” he answers.

“Oh crap.”

“I think I can help there,” Star says and disappears.

“Foyer,” I say and walk into the wall. I appear in the foyer where the other three are just standing waiting. “Sorry guys,” I say as I walk over to them.

“I think we have a lead. Balthazar left a message in the city, but we need at least one more ancient,” I say.

“You found one?” Rock asks.

“Kind of,” Sesney says, “The city registered ancient magic in an area. But we or your...” Sesney says and I interrupt.

“We,” I say.

“Thank you. We need to attempt a portal jump a ways above the ground. Liege Elisa said she can help.” Sesney says.

“Who?” Falls asks.

“Elisa is Star Seeker's old name,” I say.

“Okay,” Falls says.

“I won't have a problem going to the human world,” Rock says, “But I think Oaky and Falls will be a bit suspicious.”

“I know,” I say, “I have been trying to think of what to do. Humans would try to melt Falls down and sell her.”

“I don't melt,” Falls says, “Why would they try?”

“Because in the human world gold is very valuable. Plus magic doesn't exist so walking gold would cause a bit of a stir to say the least.”

“There are no knomes in the human world?” Falls asks.

“Nope, other than animals there are only humans,” I say.

“Who takes care of the trees?” Oaky asks.

“No one, In fact most of the time they are just cut down to make things.” I say.

“How awful, That is intreeant,” She says.

“I can see another problem,” I say.

“What?” Rock asks.

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“The way you talk,” I say and look at Oaky,” Do you remember how I talked when I first got here?” I ask.

“Yeah why?” she asks.

“That is how most humans talk where we are going. So can you imagine how a human with no magic would react?”

“Oh,” she says slowly, “I see. We can keep from talking as much as possible. It would give us away that we are not human.”

“Well I hope you will look human with an illusion or something, but it will draw unwanted attention.”

“And the less attention the better right?” Rock asks.

“Oh yeah, I'm sure Sesney can agree with me how bad a lot of attention can get,” I say.

“In your case, yes very bad. If the illusion is penetrated or you attract the wrong attention it will be very dangerous,” Sesney says.

“Let's hope Lady Star Seeker has an idea. If she doesn't only you and Rock can go, Jode,”Oaky says.

“I thought of that. But I was hoping I could take you all to show you what I grew up in,” I say.

“I would like that,” Oaky says.

“I would love it,” Rock says.

“Is there danger of being attacked there?” Falls asks.

“Not that would be really dangerous for any of you. I think the most dangerous would be someone like me without magic coming after you with a small dagger,” I say.

Rock laughs, “And humans call that dangerous?”

“Um, yep. Well there is the gun problem, but Oaky could heal faster than it can kill” I say.

“Then I will stay here.” Falls says.

“Why,” I ask, “I figure you would be interested in another world.”

“There is no need to see a place I have no need to be at. I don't plan on living there, so I will wait here for your return,” Falls says.

“Okay that just leaves disguise Oaky,” I say.

“I may be able to,” Oaky says, “We are taught a spell of disguise. It is similar to Rocks just not as strong.

Oaky is slowly obscured by a blue mist. She stays hidden for several seconds then the mist slowly dissipates. Oaky looks just as thin as she once did, but more proportionate for a human.

Her hair is a bright red and curly. It extends to her shoulder blades. Her eyes are a bright blue. I have never seen such a pure blue in any human's eyes. She is wearing a blue dress made of silk that all clothes are here.

I think she could give any model a run for their money. I look at Rock and his eyes are as wide as saucers. His mouth is open and a drop of drool hangs at the corner of his mouth.

I realize in this world that all races see each other as equals. What I can't figure out is how a dragon would know what is gorgeous as a human, or a tree spirit. Maybe it is more the fact Rock is a teen and all races are cute to him.

“How's that?” Oaky asks.

“To use an old earth saying, 'Drop dead gorgeous,” I say.

“Why would someone drop dead from being gorgeous?” Oaky asks.

“And that is why when we are in the human world you might want to keep from talking,” I say.

“Why?” Falls asks.

“Because every English speaking human understands the meaning. It simply means you are extremely gorgeous. Well to put it simply,” I say.

“Oh, right, I forget concepts are a bit different for humans,” Oaky says.

“If you are unsure what something means look at me to see my reaction. You can always ask me later what it means.” I say.

“I can do that,” Oaky says.

“Oh all right,” Rock says in defeat, “But I am not used to being behind the lead.”

“I'm not saying not to speak. That would look suspicious. Just don't keep asking what they are referring to. Although Rock you do grasp the human concepts faster or easier, so I doubt you will have as much problems. Just try to rebound quick if they look suspicious.” I say.

“I can do that,” Rock returns.

The doors open and we all look and see Star walking in. I guess being as old as she is, speed is not necessary. As she slowly walks to us I wait in anticipation.

She reaches us and stops. I know it doesn't take her long to talk, but it seems like forever to me. “I have transportation outside and...” she holds out her hand and gives me a credit card. “This has almost unlimited credit.”

I take the card. It is a platinum card with Walmart printed on it. I look up at her in disbelief. “How did you get a platinum Walmart card?” I ask.

She smiles big, “I am one of the founding contributors. I am involved in several other big companies, but I thought you would like the irony of this one,” She says.

“Did Walt ever know what you are?” I ask.

“No, no one in the human world really even knows me. I keep a very low profile,” She says.

“To think, my previous life I was your best friend. I could have been living high on the hog all this time,” I say.

“Didn't you find it odd that the place you rent was half the normal rate?” she asks.

“No I just thought I was lucky or they were desperate. Although now that you mention it. I did find it odd when I mention a problem in the place they jumped right on it. I know others still waiting to get things fixed,” I say.

“That will be corrected,” she says with a stern face. “Your apartment is being paid for. So if you do go back you will still have it.” She says.

“I doubt I will ever go back, but thanks.”

“It will be there if you do. I must leave now, I have neglected my duties. The transportation will fly where told. Be sure to be unobserved when you transform it into land transport. I suggest a plain van. It is less obvious,” she says.

“Thanks I will not have thought of that. And thanks for everything. You have done so much for me.”

“It's nothing compared to what you have done for me,” she says and leaves.

We all stand in silence till she is out of sight then Sesney says, “She is so magnificent.”

“You can say that again,” I say and walk outside to view our transport. I stand with my mouth open at the cleanest and most advanced looking helicopter I have ever seen. I say the most advanced to me because I have never seen one up close.