Prologue: Habituation
The last few days had been strange, though not as much as Edan would have expected. He’d missed companionship more than he’d ever want to admit.
But the house was lively, now. And cramped. He’d started making plans to build onto it, make an extra room or two, but there was no time for it.
He could only hunt in short excursions, taking multiple trips back and forth to his home each day. It was less efficient - and far more exhausting than his old methods.
But after returning from his first day away from the hatchlings to find them panicking that they'd been abandoned once more, he decided it was the best course of action for the time being.
It had helped. Over time, the two settled, and their personalities started to show.
Ila was an energetic girl who couldn't sit still. She was constantly asking him questions - and talking over his answers. She’d taken a keen interest in patching up the cloth they’d brought with them, bringing Edan some relief from her well-meaning pestering once he taught her to sew.
She wasn’t exactly a natural, but with how hard she focused on her work, he was fairly certain she’d wind up with quite the talent for it.
Solveig was different. In fact, they were just about the
exact opposite of their sibling. The pearlcatcher would spend most of the day just sitting still, legs curled neatly and tail wrapped tightly against their side as if they were trying to be as small as possible.
Edan couldn’t think of a time they’d spoken without him initiating conversation. He wasn’t sure if they were afraid of doing something out of line or were just… like that. At times, the little pearlcatcher
did seem oddly meditative. He couldn’t really know. He’d just have to see what happened as time passed.
For the time being, though, he had other things to focus on.
Two extra mouths to feed, two beyond that to prepare for, and an already cramped living space that would be horribly crowded before long.
If only he could work through the night.
The response recently was so inspiring I spent some time lying down between prepping for Christmas/being sick in general to write another little piece for you guys! Meet the kids! At least, kinda.
@Dovalore, @Valishtu, @Gloomyvibes, @AnimeLover9631, @Akash, @tigressRising, @ArgenteaMoon, @mintSMASH, @StormWendjule, @IronPen, @Solaristigres, @Acuarela, @Rivix, @Keet, @Farwalker, @catmeow1, @fuurin, @owlstar7, @amberclawed
