The sight for a weapon. It is not a regular item. It feels enchanted. The base seems malleable, like it can be fitted to any barrel, any crossbow, any projectile. You have the impression that if used, that shot will aim true every time.
There is a stone that glows softly, blue. It feels like a friend, a watchful eye. If you pay attention to it, it amplifies like a compass, will lead you anywhere, to anyONE you wish to find.
Lastly, a vial of red liquid. "For emergencies," is written in neat handwriting on a tiny tag around the bottle's neck. Hopefully it is never needed.
(If my muse was a deity, what offerings would you leave at their shrine?)
The first gift was found in one of his frequent stakeout positions.
At first, he figured it must have been one of his own. Maybe he forgot to take it with him one of these nights and Andreus placed it below the ledge, tucked just out of sight where only intended eyes would find it again.
Closer inspection revealed it to be anything but. Even before he laid his hands on it, the buzz of its magic ticked off his senses, rolling over him in gentle waves. Handling it sent a phantom tingling through his fingertips and he had to occasionally rub the sensation away. It clicked into his rifle easily and using it was... more natural than natural. The clarity it gave his aim–his focus–was incredible. Whoever gifted it knew their stuff. He resolved to show Kalinka the next time he got a chance. She was sure to get a kick out of it.
The second found him in dishevelment and exhaustion.
Weeks of mysteries, frustrations, dead ends, and encroaching hopelessness poured from his body and from those of his friends and comrades. A friend had gone missing and, despite being good at what he thought he was good at, he was utterly useless. All threads they followed lead to cut cords and dead ends, and the more they looked, the more it seemed like they were boxed in with no clues. It was starting to take its toll. Not just on him, but on all of them.
He didn't feel tired in the same way that he used to, but still, he collapsed all the same into a chair in his private quarters. He leaned forward, rubbing at his eyes with his elbows on his knees. His room had gotten especially messy, and his gear had gone somewhat neglected through the fuss. He hadn't had time nor ability to focus and prepare like he was normally able to. None of them could afford to slow down.
After a moment, he paused, noticing a strange weight in his left breast pocket that hadn't been there before. The small stone contained within shown dimly with a blue light, and while it was unknown to him, it wasn't unwelcome. It's aura was rather strong, but he must've been too caught up in everything else to take notice of it at all. He eyed it carefully, trying to piece together what he was feeling.
Immediately its power washed over him. In an instant, his breathing hastened and he could sense far beyond what he was normally capable of. Each signal around and beyond him was crystal clear in his mind and with each shift of his attention to specific people, he felt a strong tug leading him toward them. His mind suddenly alight, he studied the stone carefully, flipping the smooth blue surface over in his palm. It felt familiar. It felt safe. It felt almost like...
He leapt to his feet, feeling the adrenaline rush through his veins. He needed to find Andreus, and fast. This could be the lucky break they were looking for.
The final gift was found quietly and without fanfare.
For this, River was grateful, for the message attached was not exactly a reassuring one. Not even to mention what he sensed; the energy it exuded was not one he had ever felt before, but whatever it was was more potent and powerful than he could bring himself to fully understand.
The small vial was tucked alongside his gear, as if it was always meant to be there. As if it were a trusted weapon. As if it were a loyal ally. I will be true, it seemed to say. It was gift from a friend, he knew it almost instantly.
"For emergencies", the tag read.
He had a feeling he knew what it meant. He hoped he didn't have to find out if he was right.
