Huh? The girl thought. She paused to look at the unusual collection of rocks.

"Do you like rocks?" Paul asked.

Paul was a young warrior hired from Lavi to be a guard and guide for the girl and her father.

"No, I don't. I just find these rocks quite unusual." She answered.

Just as they were about to take their leave, an old woman came out from behind the back curtains. "My, don't you have a good eye, little Lady."

The girl scanned the mysterious looking woman. Her clothes looked old and ragged. The tips of her fingers were stained with mud and plants. It was obvious that she was the collector.

"Are you the one who collected these rocks?" The girl asked.

"Why yes! All of these rocks have their own unique story." She replied. Her eyes sparkled as she looked down at the display.

The girl took a look at each and every one of the rocks. Many had tiny spots of colour mixed in, and some had odd shaps.

The woman gave a gentle smile as she implied the girl. "You should take one. I'll give it to you without charge."

"Are you sure?"

"Hmm. You're my first customer today, so there is no need to pay." She persuaded. She gestured for her to pick a rock.

The girl didn't have to make a decision. She already knew what one she wanted.

"I'll pick that one please."

To Be Continued...