This gnome seemed to have a hard time carrying a conversation, but for all Katia's distrust, he seemed more absentminded than malicious. She entered the inn with some hesitation. She preferred the stars and a tree's canopy to be her roof at night rather than the remnant of man's wanton destruction of old growth or beast, but safety in this strange world was of greater value than her personal comfort or preferances.  

At Wick's statement, Katia's expression grew from trepidation to terror. Being trapped in this building was not a plan she was happy with, but she simply nodded to her friend. [color=ed1c24]"If you believe it necessary, [i]milya[/i],"[/color] Katia repled, her voice much smaller than before. 

She approached the gnome and held the aforementioned item up. She had no intentions of allowing the gnome to take it from her, and thus would hold it out of his reach if he attempted to snatch it. [color=ed1c24]"Would you be so kind as to explain this item?"[/color] she asked. [color=ed1c24]"I've been calling it a Soul Stone, but that's only a guess. When some Really Big Crows attacked us, they turned into these gems when we attacked them. Do you think we could summon them back to aid us?"[/color]