There he is. I only noticed him because of a scream. Not from him, of course. From his prey. I’ve heard a lot about him, and where he came from. We all came from different places to build this.. sanctuary. All for our own different reasons. I don’t exactly know his reasons, but I think I trust his judgment. I’ve been watching him for a bit.
He’s a good man. A hard worker, and dedicated to his cause. He takes care of us, like a father. We don’t see him as a father, but you can see the similarities. I think I’ve grown a particular liking to him. I smiled, trotting over to him as he just finished snapping the neck of his prey. He looked up and smiled at me, nodding in greeting.
“Hello, Jacob.” I spoke up first. He cringed a little, sitting down and nudging the corpse towards me. I looked down at it. I knew he was just trying to be nice, but I had never eaten an actual human before.. But I still took a bite, tearing the flesh away with my teeth and chewing. A moment of silence passed between us. Not awkward at all. In fact, it was a warm silence. I could feel a grateful warmth from him.
Something told me that his animalistic way of his kind. The flesh tastes weird. But a lot like regular animal meat. I don’t think I’d mind if I ever came to do it again. He looked up at the fading sky.
“I don’t think I like hearing that name anymore. Yknow, because of..” He said, his voice trailing off as he stopped. I nodded. I understood what he meant. He didn't like to talk about where he came from. I could see a twinkle of regret and longing in his eyes. I frowned, sitting next to him and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. He looked over at me as I began to speak.
“Why not.. change it if it makes you uncomfortable?” He looked back over at me.
“What do you mean?” I smiled again. I couldn’t help it; his voice was as smooth and soft as the seraph's lullaby.
“If you don’t like it, just change it to something else.” A thoughtful look replaced the former sadness.
“I don’t know what I would change it to. I’ll have to think about it.”
I nodded again.
“I’ll just have to think of a nickname for you, then. Something that isn’t your old name.”
He smiled. I liked that. I loved that. He was so gentle. I rested my head against his shoulder as we both looked into each other's eyes. It was a sweet moment just between the two of us as the sun lowered behind us, changing the sky into a beautiful pinkish orangish color. As if the sun itself was smiling down upon us. A really cliche background, I know. But it was just the two of us watching the sunset. Together. It was silent, only the noises of the wind blowing and animals nearby in this forest pierced the air. Finally he spoke up.
“I never got your name this entire time the group has been traveling and building..”
“Neither have ‘Siac or Rilas.” I laughed softly. I thought about a name to tell him. To use. Pierce. I thought. It sounded like a cool word. And I had been looking for a new name, as well. Maybe I’d use that for a bit.
"Pierce. Pierce is my name.” I said finally.
“That’s a good name, I think. It feels good to say.”
I smiled warmly. Pierce was definitely my name now. Goodbye, Astoria. I hope I never hear you again. Not in a million years. My name is Pierce, and that’s the only name I’ll hear myself be called. There’s no one who knows Astoria anymore that I would encounter. I’m going to stay here. Forever, this time. No more traveling. I’m finally going to settle down and stabilize my life. With him, my heart said.
And I believe it.
I hope he does too.
Our silent peace was interrupted by two voices. One slightly higher, and one deeper. Rilas and ‘Siac.
“Hey lovebirds! Come help us get these walls painted! Rilas is making a mess everywhere. He has no grace!” ‘Siac yelled.
“I do too!” He laughed, playfully shoving ‘Siac in retaliation. Those two were hilarious. ‘Siac acted like she hated him, but really everyone knew they were best friends.
Jacob-but-not-Jacob jumped, looking back with a slight blush on his face.
“We’re coming..” He mumbled as he got up, burying the bones of the half-eaten corpse.
I just grinned and speed-walked over to them, paint splattering everywhere. I took a moment to admire our new home. We had built this huge building for ourselves and future people, and possibly kids, with our own hands.
It was our biggest accomplishment. We had all given it something that would last forever. Each of us gave a gift.
I gave healing. Against illness and injury.
‘Siac gave entertainment through dance and singing. There would never be a boring day, and celebration would never be scarce.
Rilas gave strength, the strength of sturdiness. This place wouldn’t go down for over millions of centuries.
And Jacob gave family. Alone, we’re all weak. Even Rilas. But together we’re strong, and unbreakable. Corny, I know. But it’s true.
And I specifically finally had a place in life.
