Flash Fiction February 2025 Day Twenty-Eight: Lost Or Loss (Xiran)

A/N: That's a wrap on Flash Fiction February 2025 I hope you enjoyed this month of short stories and snippets!

Flash Fiction February 2025 Day 28 Prompt: Lost Or Loss

For a tiny island you would think that Solstheim would be relatively easy to navigate, after all there is only one real port settlement. If Thirsk Hall and the small village in the north east are not counted the only other permanent settlements on the island are according to my map the Imperial settlement of Raven Rock with its mine and port, the nearby fortress under Imperial control, and a number of ruins housing who knows what scattered throughout the northern half of the island. I continue looking at my map of the island and talk to the sailors responsible for ferrying me from Vvardenfell to the little outpost of the Empire stuck between Morrowind and Skyrim in the Sea of Ghosts. What they tell me gives me the impression there is really nothing there at least at the current moment, which validates what I’ve researched on Solstheim and its history. It is an island seemingly plagued by loss in some form or another. Arriving by boat from Ebonheart to what will be my new home I’m rather surprised at the state of things despite the warnings from the sailors. There is one primary functional dock, a few houses, a central market, a larger structure that I presume houses higher ranking officials or mine operators, and a barracks. I give one of the sailors a look that silently says “wait take me back with you!” as I step off the ship onto the rickety wooden dock. Unfortunately this is where I’ve been assigned, and unless I get reassigned somewhere else, this is where I’ll be until further notice. I don’t expect to get any notice, at least not anytime soon. It would take a major loss for the Empire to give up control of this place, as the ebony found here is a valuable resource, even if there isn’t much else of value here. Unless the Empire gets up and leaves I’m to remain here to advise, investigate instances of crime involving special populations, and if necessary report back to my superiors in House Redoran should the Imperials break any treaty agreement rules. Despite the settlement being quite small I still manage to get lost on my way to where I am supposed to meet my new captain, and arrive late as a result. “Detective Yu, special operations unit on loan from Ebonheart, nice to meet you.” I hold out my hand to the captain of the guard, a balding Imperial man in his mid to late fifties who sits drinking a cup of what I believe to be coffee and reading a newspaper, who ignores the gesture. “You’ll have a room in the inn, be in tomorrow by nine, there’s work to do.” is all I’m told as he continues reading the paper. Scratching my head as I walk out in search of the inn I wonder how this assignment will work practically. He didn’t seem particularly sociable. Oh well, his loss, perhaps he’ll warm up to me over time, or I’ll get a new superior at some point. The sky darkens with the oncoming wall of night, torches and lanterns are lit around the settlement to provide some semblance of light. Wandering around, looking at the new surroundings I come to a sudden stop in the center of the market as I come to a realization. I’m lost. And I forgot to ask where the inn is. Flagging down a passerby I’m pointed in the direction of my destination. It’s structurally sound but not particularly nice, though I’ve seen worse. I'm used to better accommodations. Despairing about the situation I drop my things on the bed of my new living quarters, not bothering to unpack them. I want to go back to Ebonheart!