[ FFXIV ] Writing Challenge #14: Scour
@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast || Prompt List || Previous Entry
Back at her inn room, everything was in dissarray. Clothing lay strewn across the floor and the furniture, several packs lay empty, as if dumped out then tossed aside. Every drawer was open, some lop-sided, every closet ajar and the contents strewn across the bed and any available counter or table space. The bedding was upheaved, the space beneath the bed in clear view and empty. In the middle of it all, Aultena stood, ears flat against her head as she simultaneously fumed and tried not to cry. “Where is it?”
She’d scoured her inn room from top to bottom and there was no sign of it. There’s no way anyone would have made off with it. Who would want it? Frantically, she began to paw through the various piles of clothing again, in case she missed it somewhere beneath it all. She’d never forgive herself if she lost it. Why had she brought it with her to Ishgard? She should have left it safe at home in Tailfeather. Stupid, stupid, STUPID miqo’te!
Twice she scoured the room and a third time. No dice. Wherever it had gone it wasn’t here. She sobbed, unbelievably upset that it was gone. She threw herself down on the bed, burying her face in her hands.
That’s when she saw it. It had fallen down between the headboard and the top edge of the mattress. With a relieved gasp that was half overjoyed sob, she reached in and grabbed it, pulling it free. Tucking it under her chin, she hugged the silly little stuffed bear. It was old, and patched in spots, missing half an ear and a bit dingy from years of being toted around as a constant companion. It had been hand-crafted by her father when she was an infant and had gone everywhere with her until hunting took over her life. Still, whenever she left home, the bear often came with her to help ease the pangs of homesickness. She was so glad she hadn’t lost it. She had so few remaining links to her parents; this one was precious, special, and among the oldest of those.
“I’m sorry…” she said, kissing the bear’s forehead. “I promise I’ll never lose you again.”