...Eren - what happened?
The otter stood aghast, staring down at the scattered armor. It was a mess, but at least there wasn't a body to be found dead. Maybe there had been at one point - but not now.
However, the otter knew this set of clothing all too well. The dent in the helmet was a dead giveaway that it all belonged to his childhood and long time friend, Eren. Eren had told him at one point about a trade that was going on outside of the city; a trade that would provide him with new weaponry to brandish, swinging the best swords to date above his head during battle and adventures. The otter had a bad feeling about him leaving, especially taking the back ways so their guard friends wouldn't question him. Eren was greedy, he couldn't tell the others, he wanted that temporary fame for having better weapons.
The otter knelt down and identified a broken necklace that Eren always wore; adorned with foreign jewels and pendants to signify his personality, crafted by his grandmother before she passed. Eren always had it as a good luck charm. The otter picked the jeweled string up, furrowing his brows as the jewels started to slide off of the broken cord and onto the muddy dirt road. Even if Eren had decided to strip butt naked to run away in attempt to get the weaponry, he would never take off that necklace. He hadn't, for the past fourteen years.
Looking down, the only thing he didn't recognize among Eren's items was the letter, crisp and folded, and ink was starting to smear from the morning rain falling onto the paper. The otter clutched onto the necklace and slung the flute over his shoulder, using his now open hand to reach forward to grab the letter.
Dear Eren, it started.
Perhaps you've come to realize by this point, we can't be. The two cities are at awful ends with each other, constantly fighting. It seems as if this war will never end. I need you to listen to me, and heed this. This will be the last letter I send, and do not send one back. If you do, I will not respond, I can't. Do not come for me, Eren. Stay within your city, it's not safe out here. Maybe when the war is all—
The ink smudged too far to be able to read further, aside from the final line where the signature was. Though, the ink was murky and hard to make out.
Sincerely,
Penelope
The otter's heart sank to the bottom of his stomach—he instantly felt sick. Did this Penelope person set him up to get ambushed? Did Eren leave in an attempt to be with this person? What was their purpose together? Why had he never been told about this Penelope person?
The otter looked up down the trail, seeing the morning sun glow and bounce off of the leaves and trees. I will come for you, he thought to himself, the paper shaking in his hand from the tight grip.
