#delighted to let rannadylin know that it is... in fact... sort of a baby in that bundle

[qunaributts]

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The stone is worn smooth, and the veins of dark emerald green glitter even in the deep gloom of the forest. Cautiously you reach forward to scoop it from the folds of the cloak. As soon as you touch it, something like an electric shock jolts through your body! Instinctively you fling yourself backwards--or are you flung backwards? Whichever it is, you land squarely on your back. For a second you lay there motionless, breathing heavily, entire body buzzing.

Slowly your brain catches up, and you realize what initially you had interpreted as a shock had actually been... you're not sure. It had felt crowded and overwhelming just existing in your skin. Like someone made out of lightning had jumped into your body and briefly tried to live in your veins. You had felt lost, and afraid, and ready to recoil from the unknown.

With another aching groan you roll on to your hands and knees and crawl back to the stone. You take a deep breath, and cautiously poke it with your index finger. The reaction this time is similar, but mitigated. Emotions and thoughts hit you in rapid-fire succession.

You're lost... you exist. Afraid. You exist. Excited. Seconds are trickling by, you can feel it in your mind now. Passing through time like thick molasses. Overwhelmed. The one presence you've ever known is gone. Grief. But the one you picked. Hesitant. The one you picked. Curious. The one you found. Hopeful. They've found you?

The senses slowly subside, and carefully you pick up the stone. It's so light. It feels so fragile, like holding a birds egg. You cradle it in both your hands, awestruck with the realization that this thing is alive. You can feel it... a little heartbeat in your mind.

Carefully you stand, picking up the cloak as you do and delicately wrapping it around the stone again. You nestle it safely into your bag, pushing aside bandages, herbs, and poultices to make room.

When you look up, you notice how much of the light has gone. With a thrill of panic, you turn and start to pick your way back through the forest. If you're lucky you can make it out of the forest before nightfall.