As the first beams of light began to paint the frosted floor of Crysalopolis, a calm breeze sang to ease the winter flowers. The Minmites and Whirs swooshed through the air, springing to life, dancing in the wind, and bringing on a sense of calmness that had been forgotten the night prior. For a second one might believe that everything had returned to normal and the mysterious baskets from the night before were a distant memory. Or even better, a strange nightmare that would soon be forgotten after a cup of sweet tea and a warm shower. For as it stands the forest has returned to its former state of normality, peace, and tranquillity.
But then the panicked shrikes of Peppermint Milk came flying down the path, causing Minmites and Whirs to retreat into their sleeping quarters, fearing they would be attacked by some great evil.
Equipped with the Snekket plush, they scurried through the forest, making a bee’s line to Sachet’s shop. A few feet behind them, Frosted Cookie was half asleep and tirelessly trying to keep up with her energetic and panicked partner, although it was to no avail. The red and white Paca had failed at getting any kind of restful sleep, tossing and turning all night fearing that the Glistening Egg could hatch at any given moment. That would just not do. For the two needed to visit Sachet to ask their questions about the presence of her plush in the mysterious basket. If they were to return the egg before it hatched, then they needed to ask her their questions now. For all they knew that egg could hatch at any moment. The last thing they needed was for a baby Snekket to go missing while they were out trying to find answers about where the critter had come from. How ironic would that be?
So Peppermint had jumped out of their bed, frantically beginning the journey on their own, while their partner rambunctious tried to keep up with them. She knew Peppermint would probably need some help, especially when they were this panicked over the egg. “Sugar wait up, I’m coming with you!” Shouted Frosted Cookie from across the forest, “No don't worry about me, go back to bed, I just can’t wait any longer.” They shouted back while adventuring to their destination.
~~~
It was a little under an hour since the two begun to skedaddle that they managed to reach Sachet’s shop. Shockingly unscathed since Frosted Cookie, kept bumping into trees on the way there. Without hesitation, Permeant Milk, burst through the door, “Who bought this plush?” They yelled! Sachet was startled by Pepermint’s sudden entrance into her shop, which caused her to bump into a small pile of fabrics, that were now decorating the floor. “Ahh, we are sorry we didn't mean to scare you!” squealed a now-mortified Frosted Cookie. “Suger you can’t just interrogate poor Sachet like that, you need to calm down.”
Sachet started to giggle a bit at the whole situation. “You two are the second group of Pacas that have come to me about that plush. Let me guess, you found it in a mysterious gift basket that you got last night?” Said the purple Paca with a shy smile on her face. The two looked at Sachet with intrigue, then at each other, then back at Sachet. “I’m guessing you don't know who purchased this plushy then, do you?” Chimed in an exhausted Frosted Cookie. “Unfortunately not, that's one of my best-selling plushies and I have lost track of all my orders.” After hearing her answer, both of the Pacas looked incredibly defeated and deflated, especially Peppermint, realizing that their panicked rush to the shop had been for nothing, and in their pursuit they caused a lot of chaos to unfold. “I’m sorry for scaring you and knocking down your fabrics, let me help you re-organize them”. Peppermint Milk said while placing a bright red and prickly fabric onto the shelf.
While Peppermint and Sachet, were reorganizing the fabrics, Frosted Cookie used that time to take a small rest and browse the shop. A small part of her hoped that maybe she could find a clue about where the egg came from by looking through the other items in the shop. As strange of an idea as that may sound, she held out hope it could happen, but it was to no avail. It was coming to be incredibly clear that their one and only lead had dried out and while Frosted put up a facade around her Peppermint to protect them from becoming even more panicked, she too was nervous about that egg hatching. The thought of the egg hatching under their watch caused her fur to pickle. They knew absolutely nothing about Snekket care, let alone what to do with one who was freshly hatched. While the two were awesome with their many pets, a Snekket would require much more time, care, and responsibility, which she just was not sure they would be able to provide to the little critter.
“And, that’s the last one,” Sachet happily exclaimed from across the shop. Peppermint Milk slowly walked over towards Frosted Cookie, a grim expression still plastered on their face. “Thanks for your time Sachet, I’m sorry again for creating such a mess.” They said while heading out of the shop. “Wait!” Sachet exclaimed, “I may not know much about that egg, but I know who would.” This new information caused the two’s ears to perk up. “Monet, he knows a ton about Snekkets, he may be able to help you solve your Glistening Egg mystery.” This new information brought new hope to the two Paca’s and greatly lifted their spirits. “Thank you, so much Sachet! We will head over to him as soon as possible!” “I’m glad to be of help, maybe bring the egg with you when you visit. Showing it to him might also help yall find some more clues about who gave it to you.” The two bakers looked at each other in agreement, before thanking Sachet for her marvelous idea.
The trip back to the cottage was much calmer than their earlier travels. “I am sorry for freaking out on you earlier, I was completely panicked and did not think about how you would feel if I just took off.” Frosted Cookie looked at her partner with an aura of calm, “I forgive you suger, just try to be level-headed from now on. Now let’s go get some answers.” She said before bolting ahead of her partner and through the forest.