Formicea

 

Waking up, I start the day with mixed feelings.
Today the human legation will return to Osari.
That means Temia and Olira will leave as well.
While dealing with Temia was quite hard at times and negotiating with Olira was like threading unknown waters I’ve got used to them.
It will become much calmer without them and I might miss having more people around to talk to.

The whole morning there were all kinds of preparations for the departure.
Fortunately, this means my guests are out of the way during my laying session
After this, I can put on a dress and with a demeanor that confidently says that nothing happened walk over to the area where the wagons are located.
Naturally, my escort, but also my family accompanies me as this interests them as well as some cute, tiny, little baby nurses.
Our destination is somewhere in the middle segment of the hive in a giant opening from where one can see the great pillar in the hive’s center.

 

“God, I wasn’t sure if we’d really make it out of here in one piece.”

“Don’t talk too loud while we’re not gone yet. The journey will still take about two days.”

“Yes, till we reach Osari we’re still in their realm.”

 

Most of the people are apparently rather glad to be able to finally leave now.
While their statements are a bit concerning I hope some will have to say something nice or at least something neutral, that is not fear and hostility inducing, about us down here.
At least one man looks a bit reluctant to depart, looking with a difficult expression at some nurses.
I ignore this and head towards Temia, whose judgment might determine our relationship with my former country.

 

“Ehk. Hi, Temia. Is everything alright?” (E)

 

It’s a bit awkward to approach her like this.

 

“That’s not what you really wanted to ask, right? (T)

“N-no. Just… Now that you’re leaving… What do you think? I mean, what is your impression about the hive?” (E)

“Honestly, in terms of standards of accommodations this place has still a long way to go, but it’s undeniable that we all will make it back and are still in good health.” (T)

“So, does this mean your report will be a positive one?” (E)

 

After all, if she says that we are a threat and have to be exterminated it might end badly.
I wouldn’t want a war of species.

 

“You don’t need to worry. After everything I saw here, I can with certainty say that a war wouldn’t be in our interest. I won’t say anything that would contradict this. Also, it’s very unlikely that in the current situation with the war anyone would opt to open another front.” (T)

“So you’ll tell Jorad that we’re good here?” (E)

“You don’t need to convince Lord Hawkspear. He’s already on your side. The issue lies with the council of high nobles.” (T)

“Council of high nobles? What is with the king? Isn’t he the one to make this decision?” (E)

“Sigh. There it shows again that you were a peasant. Who do you think has the power in Tarsona?” (T)

“Not the king?” (E)

“Well, officially yes, but you need to consider that aside from the crown’s own territory most of the fiefs are controlled by nobles. While they all have formally sworn loyalty and many may truly support him, it’s not like the king can decide everything on his own. On a small scale, or about purely symbolic stuff, yes. But if it’s about going to war this demands a council of the nobles to decide if this is in their interest. There wouldn’t be much of a war if none of them sends their soldiers.” (T)

“So in the end, this council will decide our fate?” (E)

“In fact, yes. Don’t get me wrong, the king has still a strong position and many nobles would probably vote in his interest, but it’s not like they couldn’t disagree.” (T)

 

That sounds quite complicated.

 

“However, as I said, you don’t need to worry. In my opinion, there would be nothing to win in a conflict with your… people. Those tunnels and this place aren’t worth fighting for. So this takes the greedy ones. Also, most of them are of the kind who’d like to spare themselves the trouble. Those certainly wouldn’t want to start a war if they’re not absolutely sure they’re threatened themselves. So my report should quell any troubles in this regard. And even the hardliners might be hard-pressed with the war against Koreso to propose anything that will split our forces. As I see it, the chance that the outcome will be negative for your side is abysmal.” (T)

“Wonderful, that’s good to hear.” (E)

“However, much will depend on the future developments. There will surely be hostility and incidents. It’s important how your kind will conduct themselves then. You need to show presence. And I mean you personally, Princess Erys. As you are probably the most inoffensive presence your swarm has.” (T)

 

It’s not like I don’t know this.
But I’m troubled to find me leaving the hive.
Temia obviously has nothing more to say and I don’t want to pester her.
With this now off my list, I walk back to my entourage and tend to Xana and Nabi.

 

“Okay, please follow me.” (E)

 

I want to properly introduce them to Olira, instead of simply placing them on the wagon.
Naturally, they don’t even consider saying anything.
Olira is at the moment at it to inspect her wagon where some of the wares we promised here are loaded on.
Mainly vessels with nectar, construction agent, and hides.
As this setting is good I take the chance to introduce those two to her.

 

“Hi, Olira. So, those are the two nurses I'll send with you. Please, take good care of them, they’re still very young.” (E)

 

If I go about this like this, she will know that I personally care about those two and might be a bit nicer to them.

 

“Oh, aren’t you the cutest things ever?” (O)

 

The two are rather intimidated by her.

 

“Naturally, they’re still a bit insecure at this age. I hope you will make sure they won’t have a hard time.” (E)

“As if I would subvert my own agreement. This is too valuable for me to be negligent. But naturally, I can’t completely make sure that no one will be hostile towards them. Still, you can be assured that I’ll do what I can.” (O)

 

Well, I cannot demand more than this.

 

“And who would want that something bad happens to those two cuties!” (O)

 

And she shuffles Xana’s and Nabi’s heads.
Much to their dismay.
I'm growing slightly worried.

 

“Liseti’s nurses are already on the carriage. Quite difficult to talk to. But not as hard as the scholar. This one gives me the creeps.” (O)

 

She points to another wagon where the insects are accommodated.
While my family isn’t occupying any space there anymore it still got quite cramped.

 

"I thought about giving them special quarters, separated from the other staff to make sure nothing happens. Yet this might cost me a bit.” (O)

 

Why did I know that it would go in this direction?

 

<If it’s like this, I’ll increase our delivery. No one shall say I demand something unreasonable.> (L)

 

Liseti? When did she come over?

 

“Oh, really? Thank you! This will help quite much. I’ll make sure that they’ll be perfectly  accommodated.” (O)

“And have a chance to learn about trade?” (E)

 

After all, this is the whole reason for this.

 

“Yes, yes. That too. And… ehm, Liseti… There was another little something.” (O)

<What else is there to discuss?> (L)

"You know, uh, I can still a bit smell this pheromone shower from yesterday. Even after the bath. It's subtle and not unbearable. But when will it vanish?" (O)

 

Liseti blinks at her.

 

<Never. You are marked for life. This will from now on prove your alignment.> (L)

 

Oh, gracious.
You seriously should tell someone about this beforehand!
Especially me, as it’s also my scent which is now on her!
Olira is clearly put off at this.

 

“O-Oh, is that so?” (O)

<Yes. As you wear our imprint there won’t be any issues with entering our realm. The badge as well will allow you to send a representative. This is what you wished for, isn’t it?> (L)

“Ah. Yes. Kinda.” (O)

 

Certainly not, but it’s hard to talk back to Liseti.

 

<Also, I've relayed your proposal about delivering further human goods to Honiu. She was very... elated about the idea that this "collaboration" would grant her access to completely foreign objects. This is the perfect solution to satisfy her fascination, for a time. So she decided to produce one more application of her pheromone-inducement concoction. It might be that she wants to have the possibility to communicate with you and inform you directly about her ideas and wishes. It seems you have raised her interest. Which is one more reason for you to depart without further delay.> (L)

 

This is apparently enough of a threat to get Olira going.
She got already all she wanted, which means there’s no reason to interact with that lunatic, and risk who-knows-what.

 

Soon the carriages are filled and start moving.
The group leaves accompanied by a small escort from our side to make sure nothing strays through the tunnels to give them a bad surprise.
Yet I’m quite sure they don’t appreciate this too much.

Anyways, with this, they’re gone and this wild time comes to an end.
It will now become much calmer here.

Right?