~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Another successful day of wowing the clan!
Letting out a pleasantly exhausted huff, Rad carefully set down the various trinkets he'd used in the day's performance inside their proper places, shuffling around his den to prepare for some well-earned rest—magic for any purpose certainly was energy-consuming.
A knock at the entrance to his den drew him from his thoughts of slumber, and he made his way over, cheerfully greeting his guest. "Oh, hello! Are you here to request something for my show tomorrow? I've got big things planned!"
"Yes, actually... do you mind walking with me? It's a lovely night tonight."
"Oh, not at all! The weather
is lovely, isn't it?"
The walk had been pleasant thus far, and the suggestion was daring—sure to impress the rest of the clan. "You really think I could pull off such a stunt? You really do flatter me... I'll definitely have to consider it." The mirror takes a moment to enjoy the light breeze and process the conversation, gaze transfixed on the reflection of the moon in the rushing water of the river before them. There was so much for him to consider and plan—he'd lost track of how long they'd been talking about the elaborate trick—but it certainly brought a new wow-factor to his performance. "Thank you again for this, I'm really excited to see how this turns out!"
"Likewise. I enjoyed speaking with you."
Figuring the conversation to be over, Rad begins to rise to his feet... then suddenly, his companion is stumbling toward the river, seemingly knocked off-balance. "Careful—!"
His warning is cut off by the weight of them clutching onto him for support, and he lets out an alarmed sound as the two of them plunge into the water together. Almost immediately, he feels himself torn away from them, the current dragging him under at an alarming rate and his legs struggling to pump himself up to the surface.
Why do I feel so heavy? Where did they go? Please, someone help me!
Through the murk of the water, he can vaguely make out the shape of his companion hauling themself onto shore, and he continues to struggle against the current, silently begging them to come to his aid. It's only when he tires that he processes the rocks tied to his legs, keeping him restrained to the river bed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Rad would be discovered to be missing the next morning. Investigation around the nearby river would find him drowned at the bottom, rocks tied to his legs to weigh him down.