#18 Glitter & Gold

Ezra grinned as the little Niffler appeared. It was so cute! The little squeal and reaction to the gem. Were all Nifflers as adorable as that?

Amusing too, he thought, as it wiggled out of the sand bottom first. Ezra was stifling a giggle behind his hand as he watched. He did not want to offend the creature or scare it away, but he couldn't help his laughter.

His giggling was interrupted with a delighted gasp as the Niffler presented him with a key in return. It had worked! He half thought that was just a made up part of the pit, but no, they really gave out keys apparently.

"For me?" he asked as he reached to carefully accept the little bronze key. "Thank you!"

He had already been planning on returning just to meet the Nifflers again, but the mystery that the key presented made it even better for him. He wondered what it would unlock.

His rumbling stomach distracted him from thoughts of the key, and had him glancing back towards the forest with red cheeks. That was embarrassing, what if the Niffler thought he was going to eat it?!

"I've gotta go back now," he sighed as he stood up, dusting sand off his own behind. "Sorry, Little Niffler. I hope you enjoy your gem!"

With that and a wave goodbye towards the Niffler, Ezra headed back through the trees ready for the trek back towards the castle. His new key safely put away in his pocket.