MEZ:
… Eleven hours on a plane – not including the lay over.  Grace sitting next to me, the whole time, babbling on and on. The longest day of my life.

ZYFAN:

I understand. When Syrrah wished for Grace to see the elven realm, I 

flew her there, on the royal griffon. Grace insisted on sitting next to me,  to keep me company. For three days she kept me company. It took every ounce of my will power to prevent myself from pushing her from the griffon's back, while still in flight.

MEZ:

She just better stay clear of me today.

ZYFAN:

I promise to warn you if I see her approaching.

MEZ:
Thanks.

ZYFAN:

Mez, is there a reason why Io is under the table?

MEZ:
Huh?

ZYFAN:
Io, he is under the table.

MEZ:

Io, what are you doing there?

IO:

Hiding. The genie has heard the most awful news.

MEZ:
Do you think you can come out from there and tell me?

MEZ:
I don't know what you're talking about.

IO:

Washi will soon live here.

MEZ:
Who?

IO:
Washi of the Telmaitte, one of the former owners of the genie.

ZYFAN:

I am sorry to say that it is true, Io. He wishes to live among us.

MEZ:
Why?

ZYFAN:
I am not certain we will ever know his reasons. I am not at all pleased 

about it. Washi and I, we have a past, one that I would rather 

not be reminded of with his constant presence.

MEZ:
Io stay here. I'm gonna talk to Daprima about this. 

Then ...

MEZ:

… I just heard that Washi's moving in.

DAPRIMA:

News travels fast around here. I only gave my OK this morning.

MEZ:

Io’s freaking out. Why the hell would you allow this?

DAPRIMA:

Mainly so I can keep an eye on him. Is Io very upset?

MEZ:
He was hiding under the table.

DAPRIMA:
I better go talk to him. 

DAPRIMA:

... And don’t look at me like that, everything’s going to be just fine.

MEZ:
I don't see how. Isn't this the guy Grace kicked 

when he tried to steal Io? 

DAPRIMA:

It is but - oh God, I have to tell Grace ...

MEZ:
I can’t believe you’re letting this happen.

DAPRIMA:

Mez, I don't want him here but if this confrontation is going to

happen - it may as well be here, on our terms. Besides, he says he's

coming for diplomatic reasons. If that's true, he’ll be on his best behavior or his actions could start a war among the Elves.

MEZ:
I don’t like him. I don’t like anyone who scares Io.

Io will be safe. I’m certain of this little brother, because 

I know you won’t let anything happen to him.

MEZ:
You got that right.

Back in the dining room ...

IO:
Miss Daprima, why are you sitting on the floor?

DAPRIMA:
Because I want to talk to you and if you prefer to sit on the floor, 

then here I am.

IO:
But, you are above Io in every way.

DAPRIMA:
I don’t think anyone is above you Io, including me.

DAPRIMA:

… I know you’re concerned that Washi’s moving here. You must trust that

I will never let anything happen to you. If Washi ever upsets you, I wish you to 

magic yourself away from him. Then tell me or one of the others. 

We're all going to protect you. You're safe. I want you to understand this.

IO:

Yes Miss Daprima.

DAPRIMA:

 And, I want you to stop trying to make yourself appear 

smaller by staying on the floor. You’re part of my 

family now and we Inizios never hide.

IO:

Io has never been part of a family.

DAPRIMA:
Well hon, you are now. Don't ever forget it.