Tobias spoke to her the entire journey, telling her he was going to keep her company. He explained he had a gift for her when they were to arrive at the base. Rex warned that he shouldn't get attached to her, and that the elder needed to approve of her first before any gifts were to be handed out.
The elder's voice was old and wise. "And what have you brought me today, Tobias? Truly, do you know what that is?"
"No, elder. But I found it with the guards we had stolen from. And when Rex tried to touch it, it knocked him back."
"I see. It's quite breathtaking. It's as if it holds space inside of it. But that is such a deep black. Do you think it could be dark magic?"
Rex finally spoke again. "Dark magic? What is that?"
"Dark magic is a dangerous thing. Dark magic has brought the end to the Bunching Thieves, my original clan. Has it hurt you in anyway, Rex?"
"No, elder. I mean, my hand hurts a little, but that's all."
"I see...So with enough practice, we should be able to control this dark energy. That would be able to help our thieving efforts. We've been failing more and more recently."
"I'm sorry, elder," Tobias said, a deep sadness and sorrow in his voice. "That might be because of me. Rex explained to me before that I've been doing a terrible job."
"Now now, that's not true. You just haven't found your way of thievery yet. We all have our own ways, and Rex's straightforward way just doesn't work for you. We should keep this energy under close watch. I will keep it with me, in my hut. Please hand it to me, Tobias."
"Okay..."
There was the nearly silent sounds of clothing rustling, and then the elder's faint voice fading away.
"I'll keep an eye on it, don't worry."