The cheers of a joyous wedding celebration within the Chrysalis Basilica
were interrupted by a furious knocking ringing through the halls and
high marble spires. Quick-footed Amirah and the dragon Tyer found a
wounded and ragged wanderer at the gates.

While the celebrations continued within, a group including the
Archprelate Torain, Prelate Manuella, Goryllin, Moragaine, Ochimaru,
Ibayn, Runei and others listened to the wanderer's tale: of how he had
originally betrayed his band of thieves and his attempt to reconcile
with them via the DeBurr jewelley heist, and how afterwards those to
whose fold he had tried to return had scorned and rebuffed him. With an
ever-patient ear and a Light-inspired sense of forgiveness, the
Shallamese listened to his story. Though they did not entirely trust him
yet, lacking any other leads as to where to find DeBurr's loot, they
reluctantly acquiesced to accept the bandit-wanderer's help in its
retrieval.

Deep into the Aureliana Forest they ventured towards the hidden bandit
camp there. Upon arriving at the hide-out site, the entourage regrouped
to discuss how to proceed. Some argued that it was a fool's errand or a
trap, others that they must act quickly for surely the bandits would
become aware of their presence just outside the camp, but few agreed on
anything

Their fears were soon realised. Materialising from within the thick
undergrowth, an assassin, shrouded in shadow, attacked and nearly
managed to bring down the wanderer. Saved by the valiant efforts of his
entourage, the wanderer managed to barely survive the attack.

Angered by the death of their most skilled member, taunts and jeers from
the bandits within the hidden camp filled the air. Meanwhile,
unbeknownst to them or the wanderer's escort, several other individuals
acting on their own motives snuck past the thieves' defenses and hid
themselves in a pit set into the floor of the leader's tent. The bandit
leader overheard them however, and he and some of the band of thieves
and murderers engaged the trespassers. Simultaneously, the rest of the
band found themselves now in the midst of a battle with the wanderer's
group, and many soon fell. In the confusion, those who had snuck
themselves into the camp early managed to grab all the loot from
DeBurr's and dash away.

The entourage from Shallam attempted to negotiate with those now in
possession of the gems of the Shallamese jeweller, of yet to no avail.
DeBurr has made amends with the sorrowful and repentant wanderer. Once
again within Shallam's walls he resides, quiet and reflective, saying
little and learning much. Will he turn over a new leaf and be able to
fully leave the life of banditry behind? Only the passing of the sands
of time can tell.

Penned by my hand on the 21st of Aeguary, in the year 445 AF.