Home

Umbra walked up and down before the door of a home in Namarast, their tail flicking nervously. They’d been gone for weeks now - was Elda fine or were they going to find out a horrible truth they do not wish to experience? Grimacing, they stopped before the door which looked a lot bigger than usual - was it because Umbra feared the worst?

There was no use trying to get around it - they had to know. Otherwise the trip to Namarast might as well have been useless and they could have been out somewhere else, making money. Umbra stepped forward, knocking on the door five times in a slight rhythm. Knock-knock. Knock-knock-knock. There was no immediate response, which resulted in Umbra wanting to knock again but before their hooves could hit the wooden door a “coming!” could be heard from within. The cervine sighed with relief before putting on a smile. It was Elda’s voice - they’d recognize their voice anywhere.

As Elda opened the door, Umbra could see the elderly cervine more clearly now. They looked so much older than before - as if they were already standing with one hoof in the grave. Internally, Umbra winced. It hasn’t been years - only weeks since they’ve last seen each other! Elda couldn’t have been that old now, right?

“Umbra,” the older one started with warmth in their tone, “you’re back. Welcome home!” They didn’t even bother waiting and already dragged the smaller one inside. Inside, Umbra could see all the memories flood their head. Old drawings they created were hanging on the walls, some better than others but most included Umbra and Elda - a happy family. Umbra wondered where their parents and Luna were now. Hopefully they were fine and not hurt by any monsters.

“It’s good to be back home, thanks for having me,” Umbra replied, their smile never fading. Elda nodded and walked over to the kitchen. “Tea?” they asked. “Always.”

Some moments later, the two cervines were enjoying a cup of tea, surrounded by memories forged by them together. The doppelganger mage looked into their cup. “Can’t believe it’s been over 18 years now. I am really grateful that you took me in. You now know me longer than my biological parents.” Umbra chuckled before raising their pink eyes to watch the elder again, who shook her head. “You know I’d do it again if I ever had to. You had no one after what your parents told me and I couldn’t just have a child be abandoned on the streets with no one to turn to.”

The white cervine nodded quietly while they concentrated on using their shadow to steal a sweet treat from behind them. Elda, however, noticed the shadowy creature attempting to grab a treat and knocked on the table which resulted in Umbra’s shadow nearly dropping the jar with candies. There was a moment of silence before both cervines began laughing.

They continued chatting about the past, Elda mentioning embarrassing things Umbra did as a teenager and Umbra laughing louder and louder.

It’s good to be home once in a while.