31-House for the Sperm Whale

With the base of the new nest built, Nexha decided it was time to improve it. He analyzed the structure to see if it could support walls and a roof to provide protection from the surrounding environment.

— We’re going to need more moray seaweed — Nexha pointed to the seaweed forest around them. — They’re sturdy and can be woven together to form a wall.

Lilay raised his hand excitedly:

— I’ll take care of the decoratioooon! — he announced, swimming in circles.

Nexha sighed.

— Fine… but don’t overdo it.

— When have I ever overdone it? — Lilay put his hands on his hips, offended.

— Yesterday, you tried to put a crown of crabs on my head because you thought it would look better.

— And it would’ve worked! You need to learn some style, brother!

— And you should stop thinking you understand this subject.

Ignoring the comment, Nexha got to work. While he and Zhaelor cut the seaweed and wove it together to create a sturdy wall without much trouble, Nexha was surprised at the scene—Lilay was already on his own artistic mission. He didn’t seem like the same lazy, food-obsessed sibling Nexha knew.

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A little while later, Nexha turned to the side and was met with… a disaster.

— Lilay… what is this?

— Decoration! — He grinned, satisfied.

The new nest was covered in colorful shells, shiny stones, pieces of coral, and even a starfish that looked rather irritated about being stuck to the wall.

— This looks like a mess, not decoration. — Nexha put his hand on his face.

Zhaelor, who had been watching, tried not to laugh.

— Well… it’s a unique style. Kind of… flashy, maybe.

— "Flashy"? This is screaming for help! — Nexha pointed at the starfish.

Lilay crossed his arms, offended.

— You guys don’t understand art!

— Hey, I think I heard Krahs calling for dinner.

— Dinner!

Nexha watched Lilay rush off to find their father at an impressive speed.

As soon as his brother was out of sight, Nexha quickly began undoing the chaotic decorations. The construction work continued. Little by little, Zhaelor helped weave the seaweed together to form a sturdy wall. For the roof, they used a thicker set of woven seaweed that blocked most of the light while still allowing water to circulate.

After a few hours of effort from Zhaelor, under Nexha’s command, the new nest was complete.

Zhaelor looked at the structure and let out a satisfied sigh.

— This is much better than sleeping out in the open.

— I hope you like it.

Zhaelor laughed heartily.

— Of course I do. My young master guided me so well! I can only be grateful to know that my lord has such empathy for an elder.

— Was I not supposed to?

Nexha was curious, but the giant whale simply smiled instead of answering. He looked around. It wasn’t much, but at least now the place felt like a real home.

He crossed his arms and smiled.

— Not bad for a first project.

At that moment, Lilay returned, munching on a fish. Even from far away, Nexha yelled at him angrily—

— But if you try to put one more starfish here, I’ll tie you to the ceiling!

Lilay pouted and took another bite of his fish, seeming entirely unbothered by his brother’s words.

Zhaelor’s new home was ready, and for the first time, Nexha felt like he was truly building something bigger. Something that might just be the beginning.