Chrysalis

In an effort to return to normalcy, I think it's best that I get back to the colony as quickly as possible. With Crinis and Tiny in tow, we make our way out of the village. Before long my thoughts begin to wander toward the Common Will Vestibule. It's powerful, there's no doubt about that. The constant flow of energy that trickles from the gem-like organ and into my system is nourishing in an all-encompassing way. It washes away my fatigue, refills my other glands, heals me and perhaps does other things as well. If it was able to provide me with mana it would be an all-singing, all-dancing provider of everything I could possibly need.

As it is, it's immensely powerful. The only issue I have with it is the strange whispers and thoughts that pop into my head. I'm finding I get an urge to do stuff at random and I have a sneaking suspicion I know what's causing it, and why, and the connotations are a little disturbing to me. I don't intend to set myself up as some sort of king, but the colony feels like it's trending that way at the moment. I'm not sure I like it. I'm really looking forward to breaking out on my own for some Dungeon exploration. Just put some space between the family and myself for a little while and let things settle down. I'll need time to adjust to this new evolution and Tiny and Crinis need to evolve and build their strength if they're to keep up with me.

Before the wave is gone completely, we need to push deep, maybe even try and find the second strata. Do some fighting, level up a few skills, clear the air a little. After all the excitement of the attack by Garralosh, I can't wait to get back to a simpler life.

Muddling along like this, I walk for twenty minutes before I wake up to the fact that I'm nowhere near the nest.

[What the heck?! Where are we?!]

[I - I'm not sure, Master!]

[Hurrn?!] Tiny grunts.

It seems as if we've wandered into the forest. I immediately get suspicious. There's no way I would've gotten lost, I'm an ant! I follow the pheromone trail when I walk. I could walk along the path whilst I was asleep and still manage to get there! Someone has been playing with my mind!

And I can think of one likely suspect…

Or for murdering

I nervously watch the surrounding trees for any sign a large, vengeful lizard is about to

and I don't see any movement around me. Doubt

I turn around to orient myself

[GAH!]

for once, the Lizard Wizard is standing only three

doing?! You'll give me a heart attack! You've been there this whole time, haven't you? Playing

Lizard himself is bedecked in finery. I hesitate to say it, but for a giant lizard, he is rolling in bling. Woven tapestries with gleaming golden thread tassels lay across his

I get to see their faces properly for once. I'd thought they would look more human, but they are definitely more than a little part lizard. Their faces are heavily scaled, whilst still maintaining a humanoid shape. Eye colours vary from deep gold to emerald green but each are vertically slit as a

my mind. Very notably, that was not an apology. [Please be at ease, I have not

aggressive choice of words

Uh… unfortunate loss of your

him of that, Anthony? Not smooth!

brain across the mind bridge that I have only just begun to sense, causing my legs to spasm. I let it roll over me, probably well

they did not hear you describe them as such. They are bonded to me, and I am bonded to them. Our relationship is one of mutual respect

brought me out here, without the intention to