That next evening, during dinner, Lauren couldn't stop thinking about the Starstone. She still felt it in her pocket, it's smooth texture was very satisfying and addicting to touch.
When her father heard about the accident, he came to pick them up from the hospital with her younger sister, who was watching one of Lauren's movies on her Mom's Ipad. She heard one of her favorite songs in The Alicorn Hunt, but she was still shaken up about Ben to pay any attention. A million thoughts ran through Lauren's mind. Why wasn't I hurt? Is he going to be okay? What's Eddeathra?
The last thought jerked her back to the present. Her sister, Allie, was going on and on about how she thought there was a magical world called Narnia. That directed Lauren's thoughts back to Eddeathra. She looked outside and it was growing dark. She would have to go outside after dinner, not that she believed Sasha about a magical world, but her curiosity was getting the best of her.
After dinner, Lauren (who was still in her costume,) put her shoes on and rushed out the front door, with her hand on the Starstone.
"Lauren, where are you going?" she heard her parents shout, but she was already out the door.
In the front yard, Lauren looked up to see if she could see the moon, and sure enough, there it was, full and beautiful. It got brighter when she noticed a cloud moving away from it and she pulled the Starstone out of her pocket. She held it out in front of her, not sure if she was just supposed to hold it, or lift it up, or what.
A silver beam of moonlight reached down and touched the stone. Its translucent blue color became brighter by the minute until she couldn't look at it any longer.
Lauren squeezed her eyes shut as tight as they could. She heard rushing water and wind blowing, so she slowly opened her eyes and the light was gone.
Instead of Lauren's front yard and house, she saw a beautiful waterfall, flowing into a winding river with a cool breeze pushing against her. She felt the mist from the rushing water spray her as she smelled the wonderful smell that smelled like a beach, but there was no beach in sight. It was beautiful like it was from a dream.
The sound of horses approaching caught her attention. About six men in full armor with spears rode by. They seemed to be some sort of patrol. Sasha's words flooded back to Lauren: Be careful of who you trust.
Not knowing whether they were friend or foe, Lauren ducked beside the waterfall.
"Who are you?" came a voice from beside her. She jumped and turned to face the voice.