Comforts of Life
Days had gone by, and before he knew it, weeks had too. Sif had been comfortable in his new home, learning about the area and accompanying Shira to do small tasks. The red mantibab didn't want to push Sif just yet, his injuries had yet to heal. So, most of his time was resting in the makeshift bed beside the hearth. That was his space, for now. Shira had been cleaning out a side room, and he wondered if they would move him into there. It was a selfish thought, but... one he wished.
One day, when the sun was warm and the bugs hummed their droning songs, Shira approached the babling. "Would you like to travel with me to Lothian?" Sif perked up at the name. He felt as if he heard that name before, yet his memory couldn't come up with anything. It was blank, like a dark room—empty and imposing. He could deduce that it meant a town name, so he nodded slowly. He hadn't seen any civilization besides a few hovels including the one he dwelled in, but other than that, the world seemed so vast and empty. He had only met one other crederian besides Shira—a large and blue mantibab with such a stoic air about him.
Sif wanted to be like him someday...
"Yes!" he replied, standing up from his pathetic and messy bed. Sif shoved some of the fabric back away from the hearth. "Why are we going?"
"Well, I think it's time to get supplies for you. This is your home now, so we need a proper bed and shelves and probably a dresser. So I'll need you to pick out what you'd like." Shira smiled, genuinely happy to see Sif settling in so well. He deserved his own space that wasn't in the middle of the house. A place where he could have privacy and a place he could call his own. "Could also get a few things to decorate if I have enough coin left."
Sif stiffened up, his heart racing in excitement. His own room with his own stuff! "Thank you, Shira!" he shouted, laughing as he went over to hug them. The red mantibab reciprocated with a laugh of their own, wrapping their arms around him. They were so gentle, but firm in their affection. Sif never felt so safe in his life. He was so happy Shira found him and took him in. He could never repay what they had done, but the least he could do was continue to be companions. There would be a day when Sif would protect Shira instead.
"Let's get going then, it's quite a walk. We can grab lunch there, my treat." Shira let go of Sif, his tail wagging with enthusiasm. He agreed with a hearty 'Yeah!' and bounded out the door with Shira following behind him. He was feeling better, which was a relief to the older mantibab.
Their day was full of experiences, ones that Sif felt familiar with, but couldn't quite place why. The food was his favorite part of the journey. Shira's cooking was superior, yet it felt so nice to try something new. The meat was far greasier and the sauces sweeter. It was the highlight of his day! Shopping, on the other hand, was quite boring. He picked what he needed to, and was very excited about his new room. Surprisingly, it was quite exhausting. He felt so tired after they purchased everything. It would be shipped within a few days.
"Shall we pick out some blankets before we leave?" Shira asked, wondering if he would want some newer bedding rather than the old rags he used. Just extra old blankets that Shira had lying around.
"No," he replied, glancing up at them. "I like the ones I have... they have been my comfort throughout the time I've been living with you. I want to keep them if that's ok."
Shira smiled, lowering their head in defeat. "Alright, you can keep them." Sif's tail wagged in return. They walked side by side, traveling home. Sif couldn't wait to return to his domain, under the blankets that shielded him from nightmares and kept him safe from the coldness of the world. He couldn't thank Shira enough.
Shira themself was a comfort to Sif.
