The pouch contains two boxes: one with an assortment of iced cakes, and the other holding an ornately filagreed silver pendant with a milky pearlescent opal set in its tracery. The inscription across the back reads: “In darkness, love is the brightest beacon.” Tied to the pouch is a carefully folded bit of parchment closed with a nondescript seal pressed into black wax.
Though I wish it were possible to present this to you personally, I have entrusted its delivery to my steadfast and ever reliable General in Arms. Should everything arrive intact, you shall find enclosed (hopefully) an assortment of cakes and (more hopefully) a silver pendant that encases a luminescent opal. Much like a pensieve, it houses your fondest memories for safekeeping and retrieval.
May the magic light the way, and the song lift your wings.
Many happy returns now and to come.
PS Most of the nibbled corners of the iced cakes are Nosy’s fault.
You didn’t hear that from me.
Sebastian barely had time to finish tying the string before the little teal menace planted himself squarely on top of it, paws spread wide and chin lifted as if he dared anyone to touch these precious goods any further.
Iris only gave a questioning hoot from her perch, which earned her a cheeky squint from Nosy in return. The Niffler puffed once and honked sharply. Absolutely not. Not today.
"Nosy," Sebastian's voice held a weighty solemnity as he slipped the wrapped parcel into a protective pouch. "This is a mission of the utmost importance. One I can only entrust to you," he quickly pulled the pouch just out of Nosy's eager reach before adding, "but you will need to muster all of your willpower to not open this before it reaches Zu."
Nosy's tail gave a slow, pleased wiggle at that. Of course. Utmost importance! Who else if not him could do a job as important as this? A mere fowl? Pff, never!
He puffed up further, chest out, pride written all over his little face, already imagining the praise to come. This was his moment!
Once the pouch was secured, Nosy took the basket into his own paws and shot Iris a sheepish, victorious grin that said very clearly:
I won. Who’s the better delivery service now, hm?
Before he then turned on his heel and waddled off to his mission. The basket was his now.
Finding Zu was easy. Or anybody for that matter. It always was. Nosy’s nose twitched, adjusted, and guided him along without hesitation. But already halfway down the corridor, however, he slowed. The smell was of the cakes… It smelled so good...
Too good for a little Niffler to resist.
The little Niffler fully stopped, took one careful look at the goods inside the parcel and gave the icing one (or maybe two, or three, or four) cautious lick. Just a quick quality control. Nosy cares a lot about good quality, after all. Yes. He wouldn't want anyone to think that this might have gone bad on the way! Responsibility was hard work. Satisfied, he nodded once to himself and continued on.
When he reached Zu, Nosy set the parcel down exactly as Sebastian had shown him. He sat beside it, honked softly, and lifted his chin, big eyes fixed expectantly on Zu, and waited very patiently.
(to get praised for his good work.)
You took the time to write something so thoughtful and creative to me, and I truly wanted to respond with the same care. I struggle with finding the right words, and I didn’t have the strength to create something that felt worthy of what you shared. Still, I want you to know how much this meant to me. Thank you, and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply @kiwiplaetzchen
