The next evening two members of the Elvin High Council arrived, everyone was expected to go to the library to meet them. The youngest, Cailean, was dressed in a red robe with the crest of the High Council, he cut an impressive figure, but it was his elder who commanded the greatest attention and respect. Madigan was much older than the royal twins, the lines on his face and his trailing beard made this obvious. His robe was also red, but more the color of garnet, a symbol of his seniority in the Council hierarchy.

On the table was a black and silver box with the royal crest. Nuada stood at the other end, far enough away for Kalli to come closer to study the curious object. He noticed her out of the corner of his eye but didn't move or acknowledge her presence; it was the closest she had come to him.

"Tooth Fairies," Madigan explained to her, "we had to bring some form of protection with us in case we were met with hostility. We have heard little from our Prince and Princess and did not know if we may face ill will from your people. Thankfully we did not, and so they remain in their box. These ones are quite tame though. I have many of them that consent to work with me, and in turn I offer them food and protection, a home. Would you like to see one?"

Kalli was stunned. A High Council elder addressing her seemed incredible, but she couldn't resist. Madigan spoke to them in his native tongue, asking for one of them to come forward. He placed the tiny creature in her hand, and looked back to Nuada as if to say, "See how she is with our creatures?"

Nuada's amber eyes watching, he noticed her gentle smile, conveying a sense of wonder and respect. This little Being she held in her hand was so strange and yet had rather a cute face. She said this, and Madigan replied, "Yes, but they can also be rather vicious. I believe your friends can attest to that."

He took the Tooth Fairy back gently and placed it back in the box.

"If he would let her in she would make a fine Princess," Madigan thought to himself.

Discussions turned to more important matters: many in Tuatha Dé Danann were now unsure as to the Prince's position in relation to the human world, as he had been that for some time. He needed to return to address the Council and make proceedings clear. Madigan saw that Nuada was not quite so abhorrent of the world he had resented before, and suggested that someone from the Bureau return with them to represent and answer any questions on the human world.

Abe wished to stay behind with Nuala, Liz wasn't feeling well enough to go now that morning sickness was coming on, Hellboy didn't want to leave Liz, Johann was too busy and Manning... Manning wouldn't do many favors and would probably only say something that would offend the Council. So that left only one person.

"Do you have dragons?" Kalli asked, directing the question to Nuada, though rather shyly.

She had caught him off guard; she hadn't spoken to him before now. He could see that she was still unsure of him, but that she had made a distinct effort to address him.

"Yes, though we once had many more."

She paused a moment and then answered, "I'll go. I've always wanted to see dragons; it may be the only chance I'll get. When do I need to leave?"

Nuada looked over to Madigan, who suggested leaving as soon as possible, so Liz went with Kalli to help her pack.

Meanwhile Nuala went over to her brother, "You know you must be careful with her. Do not give her reason to fear you, brother, or what little confidence she has summoned to speak to you will leave her and you risk losing your one hope."

"If she is so afraid of me why is she coming? I have seen the way she is with Liz, Abraham, the demon, even you, why can she not speak with me so?"

It pained her to see her brother like this, but it was because he realized he couldn't blow his one chance to change, for happiness, however unconventional it may appear to be.

"I believe it is because she still fears you may change your mind, and she is afraid of loving you again. Our being Immortal may also weigh upon her mind. Perhaps she is afraid you would fall out of love with her as she ages."

"But you know that would not be so, you know I could choose to forfeit..."

"Yes I do, but she does not."