"As I was walking through this meadow, I happened upon a strange device," he says. He steps to the side and reveals a small box: on the side of the box facing you is a light shaped like a love heart, and a measuring tube at the top. There appears to be a button on the side as well. "I do not know what this device is," he continues, "but I imagine it is important.
"After I found it, I heard voices from this clearing. I rounded the trees, and there were my friends! They were arguing with one another, which is something they never do. One of them walked into this portal, and then the other chased after him.
"As I watched them disappear, another Alkarnabi floated in front of the portal! I did not recognise them myself, but I saw a crown on their head that glittered like a rainbow. I do not know what this Alkarnabi has planned, but he has my friends now..."
Lucy trails off after that, then turns back to you after a moment. "Will you follow me into the portal? I would feel much more confident if I had a partner..."
Once more, you nod to him. Despite the fact that you barely know this Alkarnabi, you can feel his sincerity and fear at the same time. "Thank you," he whispers. "I will repay your kindness one day, I swear." He turns around and faces the portal. "I will go first. Please follow closely; we should be safer that way." Without a moment's hesitation, he steps into the portal.