Missing cat
I emerged from the river and dried off as best I could, wearing back my clothes.
"That was a refreshing dip," I murmured, savoring the moment before continuing on my way.
The highlands stretched silently around me,
Filled with golden light from the setting sun.
Before the path back to town appeared ahead.
The walk felt easy, the wind carried a familiar scent of wild herbs and the faint echo of birdsong.
Slowly, the open vast highlands gave way to the first houses on the outskirts.
By the time I reached the entrance of the town, the bustling streets and chatter of villagers greeted me.
pulling me back from the quiet serenity of the river.
I paused for a moment at the gate, taking it all in before heading toward the adventurer's Guild.
When I reached the guild, I opened the door and every adventurer inside paused, their eyes following me as I walked towards the reception desk.
Carefully, I took out the herbs I'd collected and placed them on the counter for the receptionist.
Naturally, I kept the rare herb hidden, leaving it tucked safely in my pocket.
The receptionist carefully inspected each herb.
her eyes widening in shock. All of them were uncommon varieties, rare even for a seasoned herb gatherer.
"lean over." she said, lowering her voice.
"I need to know where you found these."
I shrugged slightly and whispered to her ears, "Just in the highlands… all in the same spot."
Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Just… keep it to yourself, I don't need a crowd showing up and disturbing my quiet life." I said.
Meanwhile, far upstream along the same river I had swam, the sunlight danced across the water in familiar patterns.
A soft breeze rustled through the river,
In the river, a figure moved gracefully, it was an elf girl, her green hair shimmering in the sun as she bathed.
She hummed quietly, the water rippled gently around her.
The peaceful scene contrasted with the bustling streets of the town nearby, a quiet moment hidden from the world.
Back in town, I left the guild behind, the weight of my sword on my hips and the sack of my hard-earned coins at my palm.
I made my way toward the inn where I was staying, a modest place where travelers could pay for a room.
The sun was beginning to set in the sky, casting long shadows across the streets.
Reaching the inn, I pushed open the wooden door and stepped inside.
the familiar scent of warm bread and firewood greeting me.
Today's work was done, and at last, I could settle in my room.
I drop I belongings, and prepared to rest.
As morning came, sunlight filled my room, waking me up. I'd clearly overslept.
Throwing on my clothes, I rushed downstairs, out the door, and ran toward the Adventurers' Guild.
"It's a good day to take on some job requests from the guild." I muttered to myself, sprinting toward the Guild.
I open the guild door and headed directly for the Quest board.
My eyes wandered the board, hoping to find a job that was fun and might make my day better.
"Hmm… monster subjugation, tracking a lost cart, cleaning the sewers, and herb gathering. This time I want something different… finding a lost cart sounds fun, like a little adventure," I muttered to myself as I thought it over.
I grabbed the request to find the lost cat and placed it on the counter for the receptionist.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow.
She leaned forward slightly, tilting her head.
"Looking for a cat today, huh?"
I grinned.
"Yeah. I figure it could be a fun little adventure."
I left the guild, looking around the streets searching for the missing cat.
I checked alleys, market stalls, and every nook I could think of, even calling out its name and listening for a meow.
But no matter where I looked, there was no sign of it.
The streets were too busy, the town too noisy, maybe the little creature had wandered farther than I thought.
Finally, as I reached the edge of the town, I paused and glanced at the highlands beyond.
A thought struck me, the cat might be out there, outside of town, somewhere among the hills and rivers.