<span style="font-style: italic">"They're out hunting together," he answered the girl. "We can leave if we must. He'll follow, and I'm sure the dragon will come along if they're still together."</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF00">Lysonna nodded, showing her understanding. "Well, if you're sure. After seeming the numbers that attacked us at the inn, we'll need all of the help we can get."</span><br/><br/>Even though his attention had been averted, a single word played again and again in Skippy's mind as he tried to understand the meaning.<span style="font-style: italic">'Familiar'</span>He had heard the word used for the pet of a mage which would be companion in and out of battle, but he had never heard it being used from one being to another.<br/><br/>He blinked twice as the Elf spoke and brought him out of his thoughts. "Okay! The big city... I bet it'll be filled with fun!"<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF00">The Elf woman sighed. How was he so enthusiastic about everything? "Well, I suppose the sooner we leave, the sooner we can find out?"</span><br/><br/>Skippy grinned, an odd expression on his furry face, showing his bucked teeth and molars. He jumped out of his chair and headed for the door, hoping the others would follow him.