but you mustn't

Siren looked up at the wall in contemplation as she debated what kind of shelving would be best put to use. Small dugout cubbies? Intricately built branch shelves? Something else entirely? These thoughts crossed her mind as easily as Chimera’s words. They appeared often, and the tiny girl knew she couldn’t let him down. She didn’t feel worthy of such attention or effort, but Siren was trying to change her way of thinking. Starting with this supposedly simple task of creating a store room cellar.

”Dalila?” She called out softly as she lifted herself to her paws and made her way into the main part of the growing den. The girl was usually there as soon as she asked after her, and Siren had little doubt this would be one of those times. After acquiring her Siren had grown quite used to having her to rely on. Her talents were different from Chimera’s and that was refreshing and helped to complete the trio on the island.

Chi’s opinion of her wasn’t incredible, but he tolerated her. Siren enjoyed her presence. Chimera was rough around the edges, she enjoyed the affection she got from him but it was far and few between. Knowing how he looked at her brought a sense of guilt and the only was to relieve it was to do better. Dalila helped. She was subservient, much like Siren had been as a tiny child. Her relationship with Chimera had been much different then. Now she was a princess, and Chimera asked her to show it.

Having a sort of lady in waiting gave her the sense of royalty Chimera wanted her to reflect. She sat and allowed the speckled woman to groom her and arrange her braids and long fur everyday. Siren was now a far cry from the tangled mat of a puppy she had once been. ”I need your help,” Siren called out again as she waited in the middle of the living area.