Of all memories we carry with us from our younger days, Vellis, the
butterfly collector often remains one of the most fond. And so, it was
not surprising that the youth of today were circled around him one early
morning in Valnuary of 390 A.F. The sun had just peeked over the
Aureliana forest, shining brightly upon the Archway of Minia. Seeing
that no youth needed him at the moment, Vellis decided to stretch his
legs and take a morning walk.

As he strolled between the trees in the Aureliana Forest, Vellis was
approached by a raggedly dressed man. The wanderer pleaded with Vellis,
begging for alms. Being a man of compassion, Vellis bestowed a handsome
sum of sovereigns upon the man, but instead of thanks, the wanderer
returned the favour with a rock to the butterfly collector's head.

Vellis awoke moments later, dazed, to a horrifying discovery. While
Vellis was unconscious, the wanderer had made off with his most
treasured possession! Distraught, Vellis shouted for help. Many
adventurers hurried to his location and, upon hearing his story, spread
out in search of the thief.

Achaeans swarmed around the Aureliana, remembering that the wanderer is
often spotted around there; however, there was no sign of him anywhere.
Theldestron and Jaizsur thought to investigate the camp of bandits who
were known to collaborate with the wanderer. When their "interrogation"
of the bandits was complete, the duo found a tattered note on a steaming
bandit corpse.

The note was from the wanderer, explaining his intention to sell what he
had stolen from Vellis at the Crystal Leaf Inn. Theldestron and Jaizsur
quickly headed over to the well-known Inn and found the wanderer
upstairs, pacing nervously.

When confronted, the thief slung insults at the duo then took flight,
running from the Inn. Jaizsur caught up with the thief and slew him. A
key dropped from the dead man's corpse, stamped with the mark of the
Crystal Leaf Inn's Leaf Suite.

Jaizsur quickly returned to the Inn, unlocked the suite door, and
discovered a magnificent little chest. Jaizsur returned the chest to
Vellis with haste. The gloom in the old man's face vanished, replaced by
a smile that seemed to light up the entire area. He thanked everyone
that had helped, but explained that he was too embarrassed to tell what
was inside of the chest.

After some encouragement however, he gave in. Vellis told the story of
the first butterfly he ever captured, and the events surrounding his
obsession with butterflies. As a child, Vellis had discovered the secret
Grotto of the Butterflies, unknown to even the most dedicated explorers
of Achaea. Inside the Grotto were thousands of butterflies, transfixing
him with their beautiful wings. Inside the chest was the first butterfly
he had ever captured in that Grotto, Vellis explained. Though of little
monetary value, it held great importance to him.

The adventurers departed, and Vellis relaxed back in his usual spot. As
Vellis was contemplating the events of the day, a young male approached
him, wandering where he might find a butterfly net. In the end, all was
as it should be.

Penned by my hand on the 16th of Phaestian, in the year 390 AF.