Traveling between settlements on their way to reunite with Kyle, Lauren stopped as she came upon something she had not seen in quite some time. A natural Talwyn crystal. She stopped to observe it while Chris consulted the map.

After a moment, she noticed Topaz's inquisitive expression as she leaned in to see what Lauren was looking at. "What is it?"

"The source of our power." Lauren touched it with her hand. "You know the crystals you use to train? As well as the ones that most users carry to utilize the craft?"

"I do, I have a couple on me right now," Topaz said.

Lauren ran her fingers across its smooth surface. It was a beautiful blue, almost appearing to be liquid yet with nothing one could perceive holding its shape. She motioned for Topaz to lean in closer. "This is the raw form of those crystals. Workers would retrieve these and refine them into a polished oval form that we use and carry to grant us access to the twelve styles of the craft. This is a water crystal."

"Your element." Chris approached from behind, a green crystal in his hand.

"Yes. I carried one of these during my training period. Crystals like these are common. The Keystones, on the other hand, are a little harder to find." Lauren lowered her hand and stood.

Chris looked at his watch. "We'd better get going if we're going to make the rendezvous on time."

Lauren conceded the point with a nod, and the trio resumed their walk.

Art by squeakie