Choose sighed, shuffling the deck of cards in his hand once again while Guide and Judge chuckled to themselves. Retreat had won another game, and Choose's annoyance was clear to see. Both night guards seemed to find his pouting funny. Choose couldn't quite blame either of them. He had always been a sore looser, after all.

 

Night guard was, as always dull and boring. Most of the L'hatzif was sleeping at this hour- rightfully so, if he were to judge. Still, with the colony growing and getting more interest from outsiders, both good and bad, popular vote was to have a small night watch out every night- just to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Still, peering into the horizon with only mushrooms upon it, Choose couldn't help but feel it a waste of time.

 

Him and Retreat had drawn the short straw this night, and desperately tried to keep themselves awake with games and chatter. Guide and Judge- the two Belemoids that were the colony's designated night watch, had scolded the two briefly for their lack of focus, but had eventually given in and enjoyed the games with the other two. They both knew that the night guard was, at least right now, more for appearances than anything, after all.

 

Just as Choose was about to deal the next hand, the group chuckling at a joke from Retreat, a rustling noise caught the attention of the group. Judge stood up, squinting into their darkness in an attempt to find the source of the disturbance. Most of the larger wildlife in the area knew to avoid the colony, knowing well that getting close would not bode well for them. Small critters, on the other hand, would not be this audible. Choose and Retreat immediately fell silent, not wanting to distract the two professional guards.

 

More rustles ran trough the colony's border and worried glances were shared around, all parties involved *really* having hoped that they wouldn't run into any issues today. Retreat opened her mouth to speak up, but before he could a small hooded figure emerged out from the shadows, hunched and carrying a large, bulging satchel. Choose almost could've sworn he recognised the figure, but really couldn't be sure from this distance. Still, even with the uncertainty, he gestured at the others to stand back.

 

Judge and Guide both seemed reluctant to follow his lead, shooting him curious glances, but both held back regardless. Retreat, on the other hand, still seemed high strung, hand on the small dagger she carried with her, ready to jump the figure on sight.

 

Choose squinted as the figure got closer, trying to make out any distinguishing features. The faint light revealed the face of a young crimson Belemoid, but choose couldn't quite make out enough details in the dim lighting. 

 

Who goes there?" Judge called out, stepping forward with an authoritative tone, still on edge.

 

The belemoid lowered his hood, revealing striking blue eyes on an otherwise red and white coat. Choose was confused for a bit, but soon recognised the Belemoid as Morgain, a belemoid from Mireh who he had met before. Choose frowned- why would he be here? Mireh wasn't exactly a small journey away, not a trip many would make just for the sake of fun.  "My name is Morgain," he said, his voice steady. "I need your help."

 

Retreat raised an eyebrow, giving Choose another strange look. "With what, exactly?"

 

Morgain hesitated for a moment, seeming uncharacteristically unsure of himself, before speaking. "I... I need help finding my lost locket. It's small, but it holds great sentimental value to me. I believe it fell somewhere near the edge of your colony."

 

Guide frowned, ignoring Judge rolling his eyes besides them. "A locket? At this hour? Can't this wait until tomorrow?"

 

Morgain nodded, his eyes pleading. "Yes. I know it must sound trivial to you, but it's very important to me. I won't remember 'round where I dropped it tomorrow, and there's a good chance it'll have been washed away by then." Morgain's voice has a sense of urgency, now. "Please, I wouldn't have asked if it weren't urgent."

 

The four colonists shared some looks with each other- this was very much not the task they were supposed to be doing, after all. Still, it was well agreed on in the colony that helping out others was a high priority, if the chance was there at all. 

 

Guide exchanged a look with Judge, the other two looking at the belemoids for guidance on the matter, who gave a slight nod. "Alright, Morgain," Guide said, "we'll help you. But you'll need to stay close to us and follow our instructions. If we can't find it within the hour, we'll have to help you tomorrow, instead."

 

"That'll work" Morgain smiled, relief clear in his voice. "Thank you so much."