((Of course, it's not too late to join. Just hop right in.
))
Sabette nodded and motioned for the bunnies to continue around the building. "It's really odd. One night everyone went to bed and everything was fine. They woke up in the morning and things were missing. There didn't seem to be any signs of someone breaking in or much commotion. In Harmer's garden, there were just some footprints, but they don't look familiar. We can't make out what type of creature could have left them. In other places, it was less than that: some spilled bottles and missing potions from Gretel, a shelf knocked down and missing books from Teiro, Nora's broom was taken, Graner's mop and bucket, and more of the same from others. A couple items from a bunny here and a bunny there. Nothing that was of too much value was taken."
They were almost around the inn. Nikkou took in everything her friend said. "Hmm. That is very interesting. With all this going on, didn't anyone see anything or notice anything while it was happening?"
"Well, you know how Pan usually sneaks around and walks the night?"
Nikkou giggled. "Yeah, I would have thought it was him, but he wouldn't take anything and not give it back. He likes to play tricks, but he would have given in by now."
"Exactly. Well, on this night he was sneaking out to visit Thistle. I guess they were going to meet in the forest. Her father was none too happy to hear that." Nikkou laughed. "Anyway, on his way, he saw some shadowed figures creeping around the village. He tried to keep an eye on them, hiding behind houses and anything else that gave him a decent vantage point. He couldn't really make the shapes out. At one point, he stumbled in the dark and accidentally knocked a bucket someone had left out. The figures turned and then fled into the forest."
"So, he never found out who or what they were?"
"Nope. It wouldn't be too much of a problem, except for what they were trying to take when Pan interrupted them." The tan bunnies brows furrowed as they reached the back door of the inn.
"What was that?"
Sabette turned to the white bunny and company with a concerned look on her face. "They were trying to take Rysta's crystal."
"No . . ." Nikkou gasped in shock. "Seriously? Wow, that is serious. Is the crystal still safe? They didn't get it, did they?"
"Fortunately, there were enough wards on it that it couldn't be taken so easily, but the fact that they knew right where it was and tried is deeply disturbing."
Nikkou turned to her new friends. "Rysta is the leader of this village. She lives in that larger white home in the middle." She pointed to a beautiful house painted sparkling white. It was at least two stories, but it was hard to tell from the outside because the windows, which were beautifully framed in elaborate designs, were staggered at odd intervals around the home. "She is very kind and knowledgable. Everyone usually respects her judgement and opinion. She also guards the Nevermore Crystal. With the Crystal, she keeps our valley prosperous."
The white bunny turned back to Sabette. "It would be very dangerous if the Crystal landed in the wrong hands. Who knows what would happen to our valley without it."
The tan rabbit nodded. "Very true." Her expression softened. "For now, let's not worry about that. Your friends look hungry. I'm sure you could use a bite to eat." She smiled and opened the back door to the inn. A small grey bunny smiled and welcomed them in.
"Nisa, please lead Nikou and her friends to a table in the backroom, away from the commotion, so they can enjoy their food in peace."
"No problem." Nisa waved to Sabette as the tan bunny nodded her thanks and went on her way. The smaller bunny walked the group to a room containing a few tables, told them to make themselves comfortable and that she would be back soon to take their orders. She continued down the hall and left the bunnies to themselves.