Chrysalis

With my circle around me, I eventually find my way into town. It's a shocking transformation that's taken place. Cobbled roads with drainage ditches, a smattering of proper, stone buildings, way more people than I remember and a plethora of other indicators of a thriving, happy community. To think that mere months ago this place didn't have one brick on top of another. There's still quite a few ants about the place, watching the humans go about their business, helping out here and there. Most of them are mages, of course, but every now and again a carver pops up with a mage escort to perform the mind magic for them.

The Colony really has taken my instructions to learn from the humans very seriously. It seems as though they won't be satisfied until they extract every little piece of information they can get their mandibles on. Considering the rate of improvement that they’ve shown, it's working like a charm.

Corun and Torrina draw a lot of strange looks as they accompany me into the town. Being Golgari, they stand head and shoulders above even the tallest human in town, not to mention their glittering stone skin and general lack of clothing. But even they, as strange and new to these people as they are, don't seem to be enough to distract from the spectacle of forty robed 'ant-people' escorting me through the streets. Having them just be there is one thing, but the shouting adds a whole new layer of awkwardness.

"MAKE WAY FOR THE GREAT ONE!"

"DO NOT SULLY THE SHINE OF HOLINESS!"

"PAY PROPER RESPECT! MAKE WAY FOR THE MANDIBLES OF JUSTICE!"

The WHAT?!

I thought I was the only one who called them that… Regardless, this public display of devotion receives something of a mixed response from the gathering crowd of onlookers. Some people, presumably those who've seen me before, possibly during the battle against Garralosh, cheer and wave as they see me, or clasp their hands and join the shouting, which is less great. Others appear more curious than elated, likely those who haven't seen an ant of this sort of size or apparent importance wandering around. Then there's others who seem less delighted to have a giant monster in quite such close proximity to themselves.

I should have waited outside of town. I just got a little enthused and wanted to see all of the changes that had taken place. They've worked hard, these people. Can't help if I wanted to have a bit of a sticky-beak.

[You seem popular up here,] Corun laughs over a mind bridge.

[When you save people's lives from a horrible death by monster, they tend to be grateful, even if you are a monster.]

[Even so, some of this feels a little… religious, don't you think?]

[I'm not sure I get what you mean…]

[The robes, the singing of praises and such. Granin might be on the right track with you, you've already managed to create your own cult!]

[Antenna Cult?] Torrina says.

thinking 'Carapace

do not have a cult. Second of all, you're cult is the 'Cult of the Worm'. Before you try and start making fun of other people's cults, not that I have one,

to finally see some humans treat Master with the respect he deserves!] Crinis

are slowing me down though,] I sigh, [being up here can't

[I'm fine!]

aren't, but not to worry, we're

the newly constructed town hall, a two story building of simple stone construction that is nevertheless very impressive considering how quick they whipped it up. It's nothing compared to what the carvers are building underground, but

with a mind bridge once I find the

know I was coming.

parts irritated and weary, [but I've been stuck in here listening to people natter on about their issues

gratitude to that extent?] I'm incredulous, [I hate to interrupt, you but I can't stay up here for long. One more evolution and

to focus on mental communication when people won't stop

Although, she may be a touch too old for Dungeon delving. I turn to one of my ant-headed bodyguards and

it's me, the giant ant standing next

aged looking chap with a weather beaten face, leaps a metre into the air before turning to look

need you to grab some of your people, go in there, and make sure Enid can come out

to form a coherent response, he nods jerkily, and then thinks better of it and bows deeply. After a moment to collect himself, he grabs two others and drags them into the building, whispering furiously to them as they go. The chap looks a touch glassy eyed, I hope he's alright. It's better than having that

looking Enid being carried in their arms. She knew

her with a friendly wave of an antenna, [been a little

has. Have you changed

no. That's

most people watching. Crinis extends the limb towards Enid and waves it playfully before retracting it back into her main

[She says hi.]

slightly, before she brushes her skirts

going on down in the Dungeon? Must be big if you've come back up here, it can't be pleasant for you. Does

out and say it. I might have accidentally started a war with the Golgari which is

stares

With the Golgari?! Then why are they here?] She points an accusatory finger at Torrina and Corun who look