Skippy accepted the stone. He stared at it for long moments in his small furry hands, at first too worried to try. He was almost certain it wouldn't work. The squirrel Anithrope, squeezed his large eyes shut and imagined a brilliant glow coming from the crystal that Drake had given him. It suddenly felt as if the crystal pulsed, as if it had a life beat and was responding to Skippy.<br/><br/>Excited, he lost his concentration as he opened his eyes. The crystal sitting in the palms of his small hands was still glowing, and seemed to thrum with energy. Awed, Skippy forgot how to speak and continued to stare.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF00">"That's nifty," Lysonna said, making Skippy jump. She immediately felt bad for startling him, and gave him a reassuring smile.</span><br/><br/><br/>Not long after, the haphazardly collected group reached the city of Almeria. The guardsmen outside of the city gates halted them.<br/><br/>"What is your purpose here?" asked the older guard. Judging by his scars and shadowed expression, he had seen the death of his comrades during their war against the Dwarves.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF00">Lysonna stepped forward. "We each represent our races and seek council with your Minister."</span><br/><br/>"Races don't usually travel together... And three of you look human," the guard said skeptically.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF00">Lysonna smirked. "Looks can be deceiving."</span><br/><br/>The guard didn't seem to be convinced.