Clipped Wings and Promised Things

hxndofgod

The sweet taste of freedom hung in the warm air of the inn, in the babble that floated in from the strangers outside, in the way the clouds moved overhead new and unhindered. Taking a few steps outside, Chiruka extended her arms out and spun around. The sun was warm on her face and the breeze cool on her cheeks. The confused stares of those around her were left unnoticed, hidden beneath her joy in movement. At the end of her pirouette, Chiruka placed her hands behind her and hummed in happiness. The moment lingered before her surroundings arose once more to her mind.

To her side, an elderly woman looking to be the owner of the inn had stopped her sweeping to hold a conversation with a few of the inn’s new customers. Chiruka tilted her head and approached, all quiet steps and curious looks. When the word help was mentioned to the others, she leaned into the conversation and grinned. “If none of you mind, I would love to help out!” And the group of potential helpers was faced with a cheerful face and an elder’s request.

awkwardxcrimson

Oh dear. Chiruka held the dirtied plushy in her hands, turning it over and regarding it with pity. Although it wasn’t so dirty that she could assume it had been on the ground for days, it was clear that it had seen shoes and perhaps some rain. “Poor thing.” With a sigh, she turned around in search for a sink or a water pump. 

Walking through the clusters of people, the cleric laid the plush down as she pumped water into a bucket. Dipping it into the water, the cold sending a fading shiver up her spine, she ran a gentle hand over it. It was sad to see something that was probably a treasured belonging lost. Chiruka held it above the bucket, inspecting it for any tears or loose threads. “Perhaps then we should find your owner, pup.” A smile.