Formicea Chapter 14

After that experience, I hurry back to my room.

I would love to forget what I just saw and avert my mind.

Yet, there is nothing planned for today, so I'm at a loss on how to spend my ti.

A distraction might be nice.

Maybe a spinster and I could tailor so clothes.

At least it would keep occupied

"Kyeska, do you thienk I could obtain so itEms from humaens?" (E)

At least I can train my human speech.

"I'm sorry to inform you that the tunnels leading in the town won't be finished before tomorrow." (K)

First, unfair!

Second, seriously?!

They already progressed this far?

I really fear for mankind.

"Rieght, but ief wee want to geet sothieng we at leeast need soething to gieve in exchaeenge. Do wee haeve sothing lieke thies?" (E)

Also, it's not like I could just send a worker with a purse for my errands.

"Mostly our storages only consists of our food supply and the binding agent used for steadying the structures. For the rest only the corpses of creatures used as fertilizer." (K)

Okay, I really need to try harder.

My pride takes harm from being beaten by an insect in human speech.

"Maybee we can obtaein so? For example pElts from animals on thEe surfaece have so value. We could hunt theem. Or monstEr parts. From thee surface. But, thies might bee a problem ief we have that much preesence there. If we just would have..." (E)

I have still problems controlling my voice at each "e" I speak.

They always drag a little too long.

"Your first suggestions would be possible. But what was the last idea?" (K)

"It iez the center of human trade. Gold and sielver. Maybe copper too. Those are mateerials for coins. tals in the earth. All kiends of ores are valuable in human trade." (E)

"Such a thing! They really give good wares and even food for sothing that is only obstructing the building of tunnels?" (S)

"For theem they are valuable. And maybe we could theen get so aniemals. Like sheeep or cows. Thies might not be the best environnt to raeise them. But if wee propErly care for theem iet should bee fine." (E)

"Whaat are thoose?" (S)

"Crrk, a sheeep is a dociele animal. It grows a speecieal fur you can cut off without harm. And a cow can gieve milk. A biet like the nEctar. I hope iet still tastes the sae." (E)

"Youuu eean youu want to aecquieereee such beeeings to use theem lieke thieez?" (S)

Suki is at least trying really hard.

"It would bee nice I thienk. This would ean to gEt sustaienable resources." (E)

"This isn't wrong my princess. To secure the supplye is a way of long-terd planning and shows foresight." (K)

Hah!

There was a slip!

She isn't perfect.

"But this is no ideeal environnt. ThEy are used to the surfaece and maybe won't stay healthye here. Could we maybe have a bit more light?" (E)

"I surely can request so more light-stones. For a princess this kind of wish will be fulfilled." (K)

The shiny stones around here?

Yes, enough of them should make this place look nice.

And they could even be used as wares if there is a surplus.

"And wee would need to feeed them. Grass and other plants. Just thee mushrooms could be unhEalthy." (E)

"This is all possible my princess." (K)

(L)

This princess!

What is she doing here?

Right, she wanted to visit .

But this soon?

And I spoke like a human.

What is if she is displeased?

Can she kill ?

(E)

(K)

Kyska is on my side and as she is fairly eloquent I nod.

(K)

(L)

Alright, it seems I'm not going to get killed.

But why is she now approaching ?

(L)

She doesn't seem to be hostile but the way she handles herself is intimidating.

The way she moves as if she would own this place.

(L)

It wouldn't bring much good to lie here.

(L)

(L)

(E)

Is she going to drag with her and abduct ?

(L)

(E)

(L)

"Cric?" (E)

(K)

(L)

Defending myself?

She wants to fight?

(L)

(K)

(L)

(L)

(E)

I point at the ovipositor.

(L)

What!?

(L)

(E)

I rub these parts, as they feel still a bit sensitive, especially if I think about them.

(L)

(E)

She grabs at my wrist and without delay drags out on this courtyard-like area in front of the room.

There she places in the middle.

(L)

(L)

She holds her right upper claw to and I can detect a slit-like hole in the middle.

Then she points it away from and sohow makes a jerking movent with it.

Next, so kind of broadsword rushes out.

It's as wide as the slit and looks sturdy, colored in this dark-bronze carapace tone.

(L)

She presents them to and demonstrates a slash with such force that I am sure there won't be any chance to survive a direct hit.

(L)

She says while sohow retracting the blade with another jolt.

(E)

(L)

She snatches my right arm and bends it in a way that she is positioned between and my hand so that I'm unable to pull it back.

(L)

She suddenly clamps down at my wrist at a real tender spot.

The feeling is unbearable and promptly...

Sothing's rushing out, piercing my hand!

"ScreEEH!" (E)

I averted my gaze, but after a while, I feel a tock at my forehead.

(L)

(L)

The worker leaves the courtyard.

(E)

(L)

She bends my arm in the direction of the ground.

"Skcchh"

As soon the tip makes contact with the earth it begins.

The blade is cutting through nearly undisrupted.

(L)

Finally, she lets go of my hand.

I just stare at the weapon which is erging out of .

(E)

I touch the blade with the tips of my fingers of my other hand, completely dazed.

"Skcchh"

(K)

Kyska shouts and runs to .

I awake out of my stupor and hurriedly rip my fingers away there, realizing what I have just done.

Kyska directly takes my hand and looks at the fingers.

They are fine.

Not the slightest bit burned.

(E)

I whispered, yet unfortunately, she heard .

Or slled?

Is there any point to whisper in front of these insects?

(L)

She approaches, coming very close and I beco stunned, unable to get a word out at this.

(K)

(L)

She speaks about my clothes!

(L)

(K)

(L)

I am a little scared of her, but she seems to be willing to compromise.

Should I at least try to make concessions?

(E)

I have underwear and so kind of shirt that leaves the back free, brought by Kyska in addition to the dress.

This might be possible.

(E)

I teary plea at her.

(L)

She presents the offensive claw and there is sothing orange saring on it.

(E)

(K)

(L)

She, she ans I'm producing the insect equivalent of milk?

I-impossible!

(L)

(K)

(L)

(S)

I tremble and cry silent tears.

(L)

(K)

(L)

(K)

(L)

My two nurses support from below my arms and help back inside.

(E)

(S)

(E)

(K)

We are back inside and Kyska takes carefully in all of her arms.

I quiver and sob inside her embrace but ultimately beco quiet.

And sleep.