>>5197028You start by asking if they Pyreants can help by expanding and reinforcing the tunnel network you have planned, hoping to make traversal easier and mitigate the possibility of cave-ins. They’re happy to oblige, with a harmony of four or five amalgams declaring their proficiency of tunnel-carving once more as you explain your plans. Both you and Gina show the amalgams an example of what you’re working towards, with only a minute or two of elaboration needed before they spring into action with alarming efficiency. They begin promptly, and to your surprise one or two of them actively start asking questions of your allies, trying to collaborate with Uzu and Johanna as you all set about the task at hand.
“How is your Queen? It’s been a little while since I’ve been able to say hello.” You begin, testing the waters of small talk…which, to your surprise, run deeper than you expected.
“She is well!” Replies a Pyreant just to the left of the one you actually addressed. “She has been busy.”
“Many of your kind have come through our lands as of late.” Adds the Pyreant closest to you.
“Has there been any trouble?” You ask, concerned as Gina picks up the slack on your concentration.
“None. Your kind are suspicious of us, but the Queen insists on addressing every group of travelers.”
“Personally.” Another clarifies.
“Tell her about the camp!” Shouts another from a recently-dug hole.
“Yes, the camp!” Agrees another, mandibles halfway-embedded in the earth’s bleeding terrain.
“There is a small encampment of Daughters on our land. They asked to stay. To help the Queen with her mission. Convince those that doubted our Queen’s honor.”
“That’s…I’m glad to hear it.” You say with a relieved sigh that quickly gives way to a smile. “I’d like to see her again soon and catch up.”
“In this worker’s humble opinion? She would like that.” A trio of Pyreants answer in unison, and with that you and everyone present set your focus to the task at hand. The amalgams help you make your preparations in record time, your progress and the Pyreants’ presence both surprising the other teams when they finally arrive.
“Yay, they came!” Amara shouts, breaking from the rest of your family to rush forward and marvel at the Pyreants’ work…at least, until she flashes you a fretful glance. “Was it okay for me to-“
She’s cut off, squealing with delight as you scoop her up and spin her around with a smile. “You did great, sweetie. I’m proud of you. Now, go find Cassandra and Orwell, and get into position.”
Amara obliges, darting off towards where the Metall Geschoss and Prendra’s convoy come rumbling into view, making their way to the shelled-out ruins they’ll call home for this particular confrontation.
(Continued)
