32 Colossus 1328 AE
Deftly, the tiny figure slipped into the night of Caledon Forest. Not a soul saw him dart amongst the shadows, finally finding himself in an unseen corner amongst the giant flowers and massive trees of the Verdance. Here, nestled deep among one tree's overflowing roots, sat a small patch of moss. A patch that was easily lifted to reveal the chest beneath. Every thief needed their own secret stash. This was Skoryy's. The lock was picked with precision care, fingers resting a moment on the latches before the flick and a miniature creak as the lid lifted. Moonlight revealed the accumulated oddities and wealth that two and a half years of acquisitions could offer: A felt top hat, brazenly taken from a quaggan Consortium executive. An old set of leaves, flat and unused, not since Trisbaine's 'sapling' training. Assorted gold coins, an old Ascalonian wine glass, assorted special ammunition from Miss MIllicent's old shop, a charr bobblehead, a plush kitten hood, Bjorn the Bushy's shaving kit, and more dragonfly cupcakes than he could count. They were all stil there among the rest of his treasured trinkets. It was at the bottom that he found what he had been searching for, a tiny silver bell. Nimble fingers reached to take it, then paused at what lay beneath. A pile of papers, all official, all decorated with the flourishings of the official paperwork of the Inflorescence. All signed by one Forerunner Zainerys. The soft thumping in his head grew louder. Even the strongest can fall, can't they? He braced himself against the rim of the crate, but there was no need to concentrate as hard this time. The voice in his head was clearer, yes. It was, however, no longer the only voice. There were many others now. One strongest above all. "There are so many causes or complete strangers to die for, but you have always given me something more important: Something to live for. Hope that in the future, things can be better. And they still can. You have not been changed. Nothing has been lost or taken. It is only another test of strength. And you can do it. If there is anyone in Tyria that can, it is you." The thumping subsided, replaced by memories of cookies, arm clings, and the most beautiful apple in all of Tyria. The bell was snatched in hand, everything else put back in its place, the lid shut, and the moss replaced. He had what he came here for. The Valiant Skoryy disappeared back into his night. There was a future he had to make better.
