The group landed well outside the village, hiding the ship behind the foliage. They didn't want the trolls to get any ideas.
The village was of decent size. Houses and shops lined what looked to be the only three roads in the village. The houses were old and decrepit, all looked to be the same size and height. The shops all sold a variety of objects from magical potions and items to books, and told broken pieces of technology. The trolls themselves looked no better than the houses they lived in. they were short, no taller that four feet. Their skin looked like stone almost, they were thickly built. They all had piercing green eyes, and ragged teeth.
"Looks like someone could use a spa day." Crystal stated when she got her first glimpse of them.
"Yuck! These creatures are disgusting. Let's hurry up and get out of here." Teresa replied. It was true that they weren't very pleasant to look at, but there weren't here to catch a glimpse at the locals.
They went and pairs and asked around about the wishing stone and who might have it. Some refused to give up the information for free; others were more than willing to.
"This is the last shop. It has to be here." Key spoke. They walked up to the table and waited for the shop keeper to notice them.
"May I help you?" He asked his voice rough.
"We understand that you have a wishing stone in your possession and we are wondering what you would like in exchange?" June asked the troll.
"Make me an offer." He spoke. He walked away from a moment and grabbed a small box that sat on one of the lover shelves.
"How about a bottomless storage cube?" Luka asked placing his invention on the table.
The troll picked it up examining the strange device. He pressed the buttons and watched as a small vortex appeared from the top of it. he pressed the button again and shoved the machine back at the teens.
"No trade." He said firmly.
"Okay, how about a silver bracelet?" Teresa removed the bangle from her wrist and handed it to the troll. He bit down the trinket, tasting the metal.
"Blech." He called out. He threw it back at the fairy in disgust.
"No trade." He said once again. This continued for nearly an hour until they were out of items to trade.
"Do you have anything else?" He inquired.
"I'm afraid not." Styl replied back.
"Isn't there anything you want for the wishing stone?" Ashlynn asked, growing more and more frustrated by the minute.
"Hmm… tell you what, I'll trade you my wishing stone, for her." He pointed and stony finger at Lilliana who's face grew pale.
"No way." Styl said standing in front of his girlfriend.
"Then, no sale." The troll was about to leave when Lilliana spoke up.
"I'll do it." she said stepping out from behind her protective, sweet boyfriend.
"No you won't. Lilliana we can find something else to trade for the stone." Styl said, his hands placed delicately on her shoulders.
"Styl, we need the wishing stone. Defeating Vardak is more important right now, not me. Please I hope you understand. I love you." She gently kissed his before walking to the troll.
"Perfect. Here is your stone, and you my pretty will come with me. You will be sorting the storage room.
"Come on. Let's go get some sleep." Avi0on said, sighing in defeat. Styl was shaking as he watched the love of his life disappear into the dark room, the door quickly shutting behind her.
Once they were outside and far from the trolls, Styl spoke up.
"I have a plan to get Lilliana back." He said. Everyone stop in surprise.
"Well, let's hear it." Rixon said.
"June can you use you powers to create a mirage of Lilliana, in the storage room. We can trick the troll into thinking that she is still there." Styl said.
"That is genius. I never thought about that. Let's do it." Styl staked out the shop and waited for the troll to leave. It took nearly an hour, but the troll finally left. Styl knew he wouldn't be gone long so they had to hurry and make the switch.
"June you ready?" He asked when he entered the shop.
"Yep." She replied.
Styl headed to the back door and twisted the knob. It was nearly pitch black inside but he could see the outline of the girl he loved.
"Lilliana?" He called into the darkness.
"Styl? Is it really you?" She asked walking toward the light.
"It's me." He responded. She ran into his arms, tears falling from her eyes.
"I'm sorry." She said burying her face deeper into his chiseled chest.
"You did what you thought was right, but don't worry, I'm getting you out of here. I have a plan. Hit it June." Seconds later, a holographic Lilliana appeared.
"Now let's get out of here. That should last long enough for us to get out of here." The three of them ran to the ship. The second they reached the ship they heard the troll, anger poisoned his voice. He knew of their trick, but to was too late.