1.40

A hush falls over the assembled Rangers as you present your conclusion. Elder Thrush’s eyes widen, and she turns toward a small figure lingering at the edge of the plaza. “Quisi,” she calls, her voice calm but firm. “Come here, please.”

Quisi Vos shuffles forward, her green cloak wrapped tightly around her small frame. She doesn’t look up. When she reaches Elder Thrush, her shoulders slump. “I’m sorry,” she whispers.

Calypsa steps forward, disbelief crossing her face. “Quisi? But how did you even find the caches?”

The girl fidgets with the hem of her cloak. “I followed you,” she admits quietly. “Two weeks ago. I wanted to learn how to help people in the Valley, like a real Ranger. And I heard you whistle that pretty song of five notes and…” She hums the melody softly. “... and I liked it. So I kept whistling it everywhere I went. And boxes kept appearing.”

Elder Thrush and Calypsa exchange glances, surprised, but something softer underneath.

“I didn’t mean to take everything,” Quisi continues, her voice trembling. “I just wanted to see what was inside. I played with some of the tools, and I... I don’t remember where I left them all.” She looks up at Kordo with wide, guilty eyes. “I’m really sorry about your knives. I tried to carve something but they didn’t work right. I should have asked first.”

Kordo lets out a long breath, shaking his head, but there’s no real anger there.

“I even left my mark!” Quisi adds, a hint of pride breaking through despite herself. “A ‘Q’ on one of the trees. I wanted to show the Rangers I found their hiding spots. But then I saw the butterflies and forgot to finish...”

She trails off, shrinking again under the weight of everyone’s gaze.

Elder Thrush kneels down to meet Quisi’s eyes. “You’ve caused a great deal of trouble,” she says gently. “But no lasting harm. The supplies can be recovered, and the caches refilled.” She places a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Next time you want to learn about being a Ranger, you ask. Understood?”

Quisi nods vigorously.

Calypsa steps forward with a tired smile. “I suppose I should be more careful about who’s watching when I open caches.” She glances at you. “Well done, Rangers. You’ve solved our mystery.”

Congratulations! You've helped the Valley uncover the truth behind the missing supplies. Though the culprit was unexpected, no real harm was done and perhaps one day, Quisi Vos will make a fine Ranger herself.