There was no way I could deny that what Silas said was correct. We had to find them, and we had to leave our buildings to do so. Our nature pushed us two ways, to both find our humans and to protect our homes, those buildings we came to adore, to protect, to make sure that no matter what, they stood safe and sound even in the absence of the sun, the moon, and life itself. I pushed myself to stand, and looked down at my book. "I... I'm not sure I can keep this with me... I fear for its wellbeing..."
"Do you want to take it back?" Silas asked, putting a hand on the cover and leaning in to look at it.
"I... Yes, that may be best... I should put it with the others in the archives... It's where I keep it when I'm at the church."
"Then I'll come along. If you'll have me?"
I looked back at Silas, evaluating him. Safe. Kind. A bit strange, but weren't we all? "I don't see why not... I'll not be long." I stood back and away from him, spreading my wings wide to catch a draft. "It's not far off from here." I added quickly, turning and taking a running leap, giving the feathers time to catch the air and help pull me into the sky. I glided forward with a swift beat and heard the sound of bells behind me, so I was aware that Silas was following. I led him back to where I had been for so long, finally taking the place in from above for the first time in ages. It seemed to be partially draped in a glowing substance that was between green and blue, eerily pretty, like the same substance I had seen elsewhere in smaller amounts. I didn't mention it then, however, as I was aware that my voice would be whipped away in the wind. I landed gently, a beat of my wings slowing my descent, and looked to Silas, who landed nearby.
"This is my church." I gestured to it. "Once I stood in the center of the entry, with this book at my feet." I moved forward and into the building, followed by the clicking of Silas's claws.
"It's beautiful." I looked back and saw him staring around the domed room. "How many came through each day?"
"Too many to count at some times. I remember many were regulars, coming each Sunday for church or mass." I sighed out a forlorn breath and took a step forward. "Well, it would be nice to bring them back. Show them what good there remains." I moved into a hallway, then down to the door at the end. It was just large enough for me to get into easily, and then it opened up onto a once-bright, domed archive. Shelves filled the room full of books old and recent. "This is where I keep my book, in times I shouldn't carry it."
I pulled myself forward and down a few of the shelving units, sliding the heavy book back where it belonged and turning to face Silas. "Alright... I think things will be okay."
"Are you ready, then?"
"As ready as I feel I'll ever be... Where do you think we should go? Inland? Perhaps I can search islands nearby?" I wasn't quite sure what we should do. Should we stay together? Go separate ways? I didn't want to say goodbye to the only source of life and conversation I had found in years.