[The plain box Dustin leaves is a good size and somewhat warm to the touch. There are a few things inside--the dozen fruit-filled, whole grain muffins are probably the most obvious, and while they might not look spectacular (the trip has squished a few), they are fresh and, as Dustin has already tested, safe to eat and very delicious. The other item is, of course, a note.]
Dakki,
Thanks for looking after us and filling in our shifts. You have a lot more discipline than people give you credit for.
I'll take over the morning patrols again. You can relax.
[Dakki will find the following threatening letter in the mailbox should it be checked.]
I’ve been watching you all closely. Waiting for the opportune moment to arrive. And now it has, my gems and jewels. Now is the time I’ve taken her. That Mailsloth you’ll never miss. A mere trinket amongst a sea of true gold and silver.
Never let it be said that we dragons do not have restraint, hmm? All the treasures of this world to pick over and I’ve only taken something you shan’t miss. Most of you, anyway. Even if you want her back, though… you’ll never find her.
Not in her tree where the best leaves do grow. Not at the pond where she’ll swim to and fro. Not in your houses, for what is there there? Not at the board where you pull out your hair. Check in the tower; we dragons love those. You might find a clue, but who really knows?
[Morning of 7/4, slipped under the door]
--Dustin
8/1, left on the doorstep in the morning
Dakki,
Thanks for looking after us and filling in our shifts. You have a lot more discipline than people give you credit for.
I'll take over the morning patrols again. You can relax.
--Dustin
Delivered the Morning of August 24th
I’ve been watching you all closely. Waiting for the opportune moment to arrive. And now it has, my gems and jewels. Now is the time I’ve taken her. That Mailsloth you’ll never miss. A mere trinket amongst a sea of true gold and silver.
Never let it be said that we dragons do not have restraint, hmm? All the treasures of this world to pick over and I’ve only taken something you shan’t miss. Most of you, anyway. Even if you want her back, though… you’ll never find her.
Not in her tree where the best leaves do grow.
Not at the pond where she’ll swim to and fro.
Not in your houses, for what is there there?
Not at the board where you pull out your hair.
Check in the tower; we dragons love those.
You might find a clue, but who really knows?
- The Modest Dragon