Cera Treascair It was a pre-dawn morning, wan light making its way into the shop’s glass windows, scattering across the interfenestration between the array. Into the quiet plodded a weary, but dedicated mountain, mindful of tail and bulk both, as they searched for something in particular. In a cramped, out of the
way closet, they found what they were after.
Soon, the quiet was faintly broken by the sound of bristles swishing across the worn, lovingly waxed and well-cared-for floorboards, the big creature humming faintly as they swept with a broom to get at all the collected dust and other detritus from
last night’s storm that they were unwittingly rescued from.
It gave them time to think. Which was welcome.
Their mind was a blur of images, nothing concrete, just... finding themselves walking along a quiet back road, bleeding from the head. Clothes torn, body bruised, and constantly tapping
away. It was rhythmic. Calming. Helped keep focus. Apparently distinctive enough for folk to give them a name of sorts, that seemed to feel right. ‘Morse’, for Morse code.
It didn’t matter. Not anymore. They owed those who took them in last night. So, they swept. Around the displays, in all the
little nooks and crannies, which took a bit of angling.
The three that had taken them in had extra clothes. Bathing facilities that fit even them. Warm water with extra pressure that got in all the best places and soothed away aches. Sweeping was just the start. They were driven to help repay,
somehow. It was a need, not a want.
“Morse? Are you all right?” came a gentle, quiet voice, making the huge shark jump a little. They turned to see Rosemary in cutoffs and a t-shirt with the shop’s logo on it, setting a pair of steaming mugs down. From the smell, it was good, dark coffee. The
scent woke them further, and they blinked, before nodding.
“I... Woke up early. Sorry if I was too loud. Wanted to do something to thank you for last night,” they murmured.
“Appreciated, but no obligation here, hon. Just glad we were here to help, as usual. Did you sleep all right? Do the
clothes fit okay?” she asked.
“Perfectly. I can’t believe you had something just... Laying around that was my size,” the shark answered, disbelief coloring their tone, but still so soft, so gentle.
“You’re not the first big friend we’ve helped over the years, so we tend to keep extras. Just wait
until the weekend, the turnout’s lovely,” Rosemary hummed, looking rather proud.
That drew a flinch from Morse in turn. “I don’t know... If I’ll still be here by then. I don’t want to be any trouble,” they said haltingly.
“Morse? I can promise you, you’re not trouble. And it wouldn’t be the
first time we’ve dealt with matters that have followed folks when they’re trying to make a fresh start. Intentional or otherwise. Come on, we don’t open for another forty five minutes, I’m putting together some breakfast quiche. Grab your coffee and relax a bit, hmm?” Thyme called playfully from
the doorway, raising his own mug.
The shark was about to argue, but a glance and a smile from Rosemary cut them off. They stood, shrugged, and did as they were told.
The morning carried on, as it would, the rising sun burning off the dawn clouds to bathe the shop in gleaming light.
Writer's notes: Surprise! Part 2 of the series I'm calling Neutral Grounds. Hope folks enjoy~
#sproutsandseeds #furryfiction #cozy
Today's flower: Shrub Roses. Found in multiple climes from Japan to England, from Holland to China, they come in a variety of colors and bloom shapes, but the ones most folks know are the stereotypical red-orange, with several smelling of tea.
Today's tea: On that note, today's tea selection is rose hip tea, made from the fruiting of several varieties of roses, commonly dried and blended with other herbs for a soothing, slightly sweet mixture.