Chrysalis

Enid wasn't sure if the three gigantic ants were just humouring her or were in fact genuinely interested in the tea. She'd brought it along for herself, a long conversation, even a mental one, needed a good cup of tea in order to keep one's thoughts flowing smoothly. They were quite the curious trio however, so she had brought a few extra cups, the largest that she had, in the event that they might want some. Even so, she was most surprised when the Queen took up her offer, quickly followed up by the other two each requesting a cup.

So it was that Enid Ruther, retired merchant and mayor of Renewal, found herself pouring tea for three massive ants as they crowded around her table, watching her every move with agog fascination.

[After the brew has steeped for a while, the flavour seeps out of the leaves and into the water,] she explained, [usually it doesn't take long, but some plants require more steeping than others. Certain mana rich leaves might need to be soaked overnight, or so I've heard.] She shrugged as she carefully poured. [I'm not certain where your children managed to source this particular variety from, but the flavour is excellent, if I do say so myself.]

She poured a cup for each of them, ensuring that the pot didn't drip, then took a small pouch from one of her pockets.

[Would anyone care for some sugar?] she asked. [I managed to grab some from my hidden supply in my house during my last visit. It's a bit of a luxury, but an old woman needs to keep her energy up, so I say.]

The three ants looked curiously at the small pouch.

[What is this sugar that you speak of?] the Queen asked. [I do not believe I have heard of it.]

[Oh, I'm a little surprised to hear that, considering how the regular surface ants are crazy about the stuff. Though I don't know where you would find a source of sugar down here…]

Enid reached into her pouch and pinched a small amount of the tiny crystals in between her fingers and brought it out for them to see.

[It’s a flavouring that we make from sugar cane, a crop that is grown in some places on the surface. It's quite rare in these parts and I brought this pouch with me when I fled my home during the last wave. There isn't much left I'm afraid, but you are certainly welcome to try it. It has a strong, sweet flavour, so rather than eat it directly, we would normally mix in other things, such as a nice cup of tea, or something like these biscuits I brought with me.]

the contents of Enid's hand and the mayor forced herself not to flinch as the giant monster loomed over her, the hidden mouth behind the mandibles plainly visible for a rare moment. The

energizing. Like mana

lot of energy, which is why I suppose most insects will go out of their way to hunt it

Queen jerked her

ants have been thieving?! My children wouldn't dare!] Her antennae swished with rage and for a moment it appeared as if she would stride over to Coolant and thwack her right there

'normal' ants, [tiny little ones. They can

Queen (and Coolant)

like some sugar in my tea. Thank you, friend

sugar be added, so Enid happily mixed a generous spoonful into each of their cups, and then

[Please enjoy,] she said.

of the Queens watching her intently rather than making any attempt to drink. It took her another moment to realise that they had no idea how to drink, and were waiting on her to demonstrate. Chuckling to herself, she reached out and picked up her cup, gripping it by the handle and around the brim, which she brought to her

"Ahhhh," she exhaled.

did the Colony manage to source these leaves? They were amongst the best she had ever tasted. Were they

perfect for drinking from such a dainty vessel, but how were they supposed to do it? Their claws were strong, possibly too strong. If they

was… different. Unique. She had never eaten any 'human food' before, only Biomass, so was quite unprepared for the flavour. At first

slight tingle rush through each of her limbs as the sugar

find it?] Enid

herself not to laugh out loud. Now she wondered if she

turned her attention to

these also