~Home~

~Five~

     And with that, they were done speaking again. Bumble was happy that they were finally getting to be comfortable enough aroumd Opal to be able to speak aloud. Their paw reached down to touch their. necklace. They smiled widely, their purple fangs showing. Opal took her paw back slowly, then shifted and closed her eyes, remembering her friend's soft voice before she drifted to sleep. Her feathers rustled ever so slightly as she breathed out in her slumber, her casted arm steady.

      Bumble smiled as their friend went to sleep. They hadn't spoken to anyone in years. Ever since their mother passed they hadn't said a word, and then this raptor showed up and Bumble had spoken to her twice now in two days. Maybe she didn't understand the importance of this, but Bumble knew she was special. She was a friend they had to hold on to. They couldn't let her go like their sister.

      Becoming exhausted themself, they stumbled to their room and collapsed on their bed, falling asleep almost as soon as their eyes closed.

*   *   *

     Opal woke to itching under her tail bandage. She sat up slowly and gently patted her tail against the edge of the couch, relieving the itch. She sighed, then searched around the den for her friend until she found them asleep on their moss bed. She blinked, then dashed out to her den to grab cooked fish for breakfast. She quickly ate, then guzzled down water and headed back to the den in the meadow, carrying her pouch full of veggies and fruits they both liked to eat. She sat on the couch, the pouch sliding off her neck and onto the floor, opening and blueberries stampeding out, scattered along the pouch's whereabouts.

      Bumble was gently woken by a breeze wafting in their room. They stood up and stretched, their tail twitching. Stepping out into the main room, they were surprised to see Opal sitting up on the couch. They padded over to sit next to her.

     "Good morning! I got you some little items, for an on-the-go snack emergency." Opal held up another pouch, this one with white fur and a tooth clasp, full of snack items with a birch leaf interior so the food won't spoil. Bumble took a hold of it, and felt the soft fur. They chirped happily after looking it over and quickly hugged their friend, making Sure not to hit any of their hurting parts. Opal smiled, then chirped happily.

     "No problem. Youre gonna need it sooner or later." Bumble made a mental note that they would need it sooner or later. Opal sighed and looked down at her bloody gauntlets, she closed her eyes and shook her head, as if getting rid of a nasty thought. Bumble tilted their head and chirped at their friend.

    "I usually clean those things in the Heart Spring that's in the lower cave under my den. Gets them nice and shiny. I can't do that now, since I can't wear them or carry them properly," she motioned to her bandaged self, then shrugged.

     "It'll have to wait. I don't use those things too terribly often." Bumble nodded quickly, as if to say that they didnt want Opal to do anything risky. The gauntlets could definitely wait. Opal looked down at the cuts on her ankles. She tilted her head, as if seeing them for the first time in her entire life. She chuckled.

     "I guess I should add a strap and padding like I did to yours. Usually I don't move in vigorous ways like that when I'm hunting... or attacking.." She curled up, careful not to set her arm in an awkward way. Bumble thought that some tea would be a good idea. They stood up and walked over to a cabinet to grab two mugs and two tea bags. After setting some water to boil they returned to the spot of the couch. Opal blinked, then sniffed.

     "You're making tea?" Bumble nodded. Their eyes widened. Did Opal not like tea? The female raptor closed her eyes with a smile.

     "I haven't had tea in forever! The last time I had it was with..." She trailed off, then sniffed again, exhaling happily. Bumble grinned, happy that Opal was feeling good enough to get nostalgic. Finally, the water whistled and Bumble ran to get it. They poured two mugs, and stirred them both before carefully bringing them over and setting them on the coffee table in front of them. Opal's feathers rose significantly as she picked up the mug with her one steady paw, crossing her leg over the other for support. She lapped at the tea, then started to calmly sip the hot brew. She set the mug onto the table.

    "Once I can walk properly, I need to show you the Heart Spring. Some sort of magic in there... I think you'll enjoy it." Bumble nodded, liking the sound of it already. They sipped at their hot tea, sighing a breath of relief. Tea always made them feel relaxed, and often helped them focus. Opal looked down at her feet, noticing that they were no longer bleeding with cuts. She reached down and brushed dried blood from the previously open wounds. She rolled her ankles and blinked, purring softly as they no longer hurt. She layed back, sipping the rest of the mug. She would stay for a couple more days, just to make sure her body is primed. Bumble watched, relieved that their friend could move without too much pain. They breathed in the stream from the tea as they leaned back on the couch. Opal chirped, then looked at the entrance to the cave, slowly sitting up. She looked down and stood from the couch, walking very slowly around the coffee table and back. She rolled her ankles once more.

    "Had to see how far I could walk without getting achey." Bumble nodded. They knew they didnt have to worry about their friend, they would be okay. Opal knew how to look after herself well enough.

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