A dancing mage light helped to lead them down the dark, twisting hallways for several yards. Suddenly, the hallway opened up into a large cavern that seemed to give off it's own light. This illusion was created by the thousands of crystals that surrounded the area. In the ceiling, a large opening allowed a shaft of sunlight to enter the cave and touch one of the crystal formations. This was the source of light that had originally bedazzled the Waystationers. Amelia was the first one to spot Alyson as she carefully set the egg down on a nest of blankets.
"Alyson? What are you doing?" she asked.
"What on earth is that?" Ferrio asked.
"That is a secret," Xeros answered.
"And since when did you know what it was?" Van asked.
"That is a secret," Xeros replied with a wide smile. Van roled his eyes.
Alyson sighed, and stood. Only then did she become aware of the people that stood in the entranceway.
"Hey guys! Sorry, I didn't see you," she smiled.
"Where did you find it?" Amelia asked, going over and giving the rocking egg a curious look.
"I found it in the MoonStone Cavern. I *think* it's a Gemmite egg," Alyson responded.
"Gemmite? What's that?" Lantis asked. "And I don't need an answer from you, secret boy!" he said to Xeros, who had opened his mouth to speak.
"A Gemmite is a type of dragon that is born with a black jewel that is embedded in it's forehead. As the dragon matures, the jewel begins to lighten, then the dark coloring is shed with the dragon's baby scales, revealing the gems true color. At this time, the dragon is able to use it's powers. They're sweet little dragons. I've visited a few other places that has them, and I've fallen in love with them," Alyson explained with a smile.
"So you created this space in hopes that a Gemmite does hatch from that egg?" Erik asked.
"Exactly. Now, we're gonna need several things for when this little guy hatches. Xeros, I want you to go to the store and buy as much raw meat as you can. Preferably ground, if you can swing it, but don't buy out the store. Leave at least one packet per meat brand, ok?" Alyson instructed.
"Got it!" Xeros replied, and popped out.
"The rest of you, I need you to find blankets, pillows, cots, anything that will make a comfortable bed for the little hatchling," Alyson said to the others.
"Yes Ma'am!" the rest of the group said, and exited.
Alyson smiled softly, and settled down next to the rocking egg, hoping that Xeros would get back with the meat by the time the little one hatched. She hated the thought of keeping a baby hungry.
"Hey little one," she whispered. "I can't wait to get to know you."
It could have been her imagination, but it looked like the rocking egg tried to rock a little closer to her.
"I wonder if you can hear me in there. I'm sure you can. You're going to like it here. Sure, the residents are a little off the wall, especially Xeros, but I love them all, and I can't picture this place without them. As long as they don't touch my homework..." Alyson laughed softly, and proceeded to tell the rocking egg about each resident and their different habits.