Three times Laikss stood up for Abal and one time Abal stood up for him
Laika didn't take long to get protective of Abal. It could be something as simple as shooing away the menace twins when they try to use him as a climbing frame, or telling someone he hasn't seen Abal when he's hiding amongst the trees not far from where he stands. Sometimes it's something more serious, like that time Laika had to make the earth woman back off because she was upsetting Abal and not taking 'please stop' for an answer.
But sometimes, it goes the other way too. It's rare, sure, but sometimes Laika is the one that freezes, facing those that look so much like the one that destroyed their home... and he knows Abal's scared too, but Abal still scared them off. Perhaps they took his silent stare and looming height as a threat, but Laika knew that Abal was must've been ready to throw up at the confrontation.
But it's enough. Enough to have even Balalaika approaching one of those mentors. Asking for advice. Training. So he doesn't freeze up anymore. So he can keep his gentle friend safe from the threats that scare them both.