Chapter 29: CHAPTER XVII – Milk and Honey

The group near the remains of the Iron Hoof dropped their jaws after bearing witness to Cekell’s stratagem. Sphaere promptly caught her’s before racing to Cekell’s side, Devose still in tow and Rhystea shortly behind. “Cekell!!” They both called out, over and over.

The demis left behind weren’t sure what to think. It wasn’t a complete and undisputed triumph, but it was an effective tactic. The gate was severely damaged, but they still had much to celebrate. Scratching his scaled head, R010 urged his companions, “Well, let’s go enjoy our bounty of nectar and the second iron hoof we’ve taken in as many days!”

His caretakers fell to their knees at Cekell’s side, and Devose almost fell from his perch as they gushed over Cekell’s technical win. They started to reach for him, but hesitated just before making contact. “Yer freezin’ cold, ain’tcha?” Sphaere assumed out loud, prompting a groan out of Rhystea.

Cekell squeaked weakly as if admitting guilt. Sphaere suggested, “Together?” As she turned her gaze on Rhystea.

“Together!” Rhystea agreed, and they both tied Cekell up in a tight embrace. They both gasped in extreme discomfort as Cekell let out something of a squeak-sigh of relief. “I’m never going to get used to this!” Rhystea continued.

“Me neither!” Sphaere added.

“Can he not keep himself warm?” Devose questioned curiously.

“Wait…” Sphaere spat out.

“You can?” Rhystea all but growled at him.

“Why wouldn’t I be able to?” Devose further inquired.

“Why can’t (cain’t) he (‘e)?!” Rhystea and Sphaere cried out in unison.

Having confirmed the subjects prepared for a subsequent evaluation, Verakry appeared next to them and answered their question, “I believe that is because he attempted to awaken the Astral point at such a tender age. In doing so, the point would get exceedingly excited, heating up to extremes. His body grew to be efficient, and in so doing, relied on drawing in ambient energy as opposed to creating warmth. A truly marvelous adaptation, though admittedly less so if his body yearns for a human temperature. It’s not as if it hurts him.”

Rhystea and Sphaere both glared up at the shadowy figure, but didn’t say a word. “What?” Verakry inquired with a shrug and a puzzled look, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? His body is capable of incredible fluctuations in temperature, I fail to see how that is a bad thing.”

“Well ‘e shore don’ like it!” Sphaere shot back at him.

“He really hates being cold!” Rhystea added for good measure.

“That explains why he likes you two so much. If not for that, you might not have been so successful in your efforts of preparing him to be a shield.” Verakry deduced.

With no witty remarks, both girls could only scowl at Verakry. “This could also account for his adaptability. It shows I was correct to begin his lessons early, or at least out of the hands of his father.” Verakry noted as his gaze fell on Devose, who could only look away shamefully.

“Maybe their father being bent on hate is holding Devose back. Maybe if he had someone that cared about him, he would also be able to muddle through times like this!” Rhystea retorted. Devose winced. He didn’t take her words as an insult, but they cut deep nonetheless.

“Carin’ parents can make all the difference!” Sphaere insisted.

“Hard to have caring parents if you kill them.” Devose spat out coldly.

“Do you gain anything from carrying nothing but a grudge? Is carrying out your revenge going to bring your mother back? Or is your hatred simply weighing you down and preventing you from moving on?” Rhystea inquired.

“It’s not just my grudge. He’s responsible for more death’s than just that our mother’s. Within moments, he snuffed out four lives and prevented our mother from being saved, as we were cut from her womb after unexpected complications. Everyone respects our father, and they all noticed how drastically he changed because of this. If it was your mother and father, would you be so quick to forgive?” Devose bitterly spat back.

They fell silent and tightened their hold on Cekell. They knew it was an impossible question, but they also knew what was at stake. How many lives would it take to compare to the potential Verakry gave humanity to not simply persist, but thrive? This very place stood testament to that fact. Food, medicine, materials, all necessities for a future; and that’s not even considering the possibility of rejuvenating their spent and crippled world, which might not be able to provide for it’s inhabitants for much longer.

“I dunno what happened, ‘r why it happened; but I cain’t believe, I won’ believe, that ‘e’s jus’ a murderin’ monster. I do believe that everyone involved was aware o’ both the risks an’ the stakes. No, it shore ain’t an easy pill ta swallow, but I don’ doubt fer a second that this world is a better place with Ceke in it. If I did, ya better believe I woulda left when given the chance. I stuck around, we both stuck around, because we knew Ceke wouldn’ abandon us, neither. Even though ‘e’s mama cain’t, even though ‘e’s papa won’; we’re in a unique position ta make certain ‘e’ll not only grow up ta be capable, but also kind an’ considerate. If we was as quick ta give up on ‘im as the rest o’ ‘is family, ya’d probably have fallen victim ta ‘is wrath, which likely wouldn’ have ended there. Don’ ya dare ferget that ‘e’s already spared yer sorry skin once, when ‘e could’ve ended yer grudge fer ya.” Sphaere professed.

“We’re committed to seeing him through to tomorrow because we both believe he can lead us – all of us – to a better future. No offense to you or your father, but I don’t think either of you will get us through to as bright of a future as Cekell can. What you yourself want is tantamount to ‘an eye for an eye,’ which would leave the whole world blind. It’s got to end somewhere, or we’ll all end with that kind of mentality. You asked if I’d forgive him if he killed my parents. My response is that I believe my parents would do… whatever it took, in order to ensure that his potential is fulfilled. You don’t count the cost when you pay for the future. There is no price that’s too great. It really is that simple. Tell me, oh vengeful one, what kind of future would you build with a grudge as the foundation?” Rhystea proclaimed.

Devose was wounded. What could he say? The only words he could find were devoid of anything but revenge and hatred. His heart sank, and he felt ashamed. He wondered if he would have turned out differently, had he been raised with compassion. He was even angry that he would be granted nothing but a vile grudge. Why him? What had he done to deserve this? Why did his brother not deserve the ire their father had instilled within Devose? Why did his brother, after perpetrating his crimes, receive kindness and love? Something scorching and leaden welled up behind his eyes, and he turned to flee.

Jumping from her shoulder, Devose was both astounded and confounded when Sphaere snatched him out of the air and reeled him back in tightly. He let out a pitiful squeak and as the girl lanced his emotional boil and squeezed out the pus from his inner wound. Without a doubt and within every fiber of his being, he understood why his brother could unflinchingly face down the insurmountable. For something so precious, you fight tooth and nail, for all you’re worth, until you’re spent, holding nothing back. Somehow he felt even lighter when he met his brother’s gaze, and realized Cekell was glaring daggers at him.

Rhystea was next to notice Cekell’s discontent, and began laughing as she squeezed down tightly on him, finding even more humor that she didn’t squeeze out an appreciative chirp. Sphaere turned and quickly caught on to what was so funny and shared in her laughter, which peaked when Cekell chirped sharply in blatant disapproval, prompting a smug grin to spread across his brother’s face, which only further fueled their side splitting laughter.

Verakry vanished with parting words, “Count yourself lucky that he’s exhausted, or he’d most certainly send you after the amoeba. Maybe seeing what your brother fights for will serve to spur your own growth.”

Sphaere was first to recuperate from their fit of laughter as she realized all eyes were on them. Demis from both sides of the gate were peering down on them, even leering through the tattered and battered gate itself, and R010 and company were still making their way back. “Looks like we got some work ta get done before we can start the festivities.” Sphaere noted loudly as she quickly rose to her feet, turning a shade darker and tightening her grip on a speechless Devose.

“To hell with that!” R010 bellowed, “We shall commence revelries right through the night and fix the gate on the morrow, I dare something to show up and try to stop us!”

R208 snorted in agreement as A212 laughed, “That would be a sight to behold, prey offering itself up and asking to be eaten!”

“Ya know, I think I’d feel sorry fer anything stupid enough ta solicit a slobberknockered scale squad. That would be quite the show!” Sphaere stated, trying not to laugh.

“Alright, I have to know, what exactly did you bring back that has everyone so excited?” Rhystea inquired, one arm still wrapped around Cekell and the other nursing her sides, still sore from laughing so hard.

“That there be treasure!” Sphaere blurted out with wild eyes, “Ceke brought back booty on his sky ship! Don’tcha worry princess, ya’ll see soon enough!”

“What are you, a pirate? That would explain your speech impediment!” Rhystea chuckled before groaning and grabbing her side.

“Arrr!” Sphaere growled, holding one hand up mimicking a hook with her fingers as she gave Rhystea her best crazy eyes before continuing, “A pirate’s life fer me!”

“No more!” Rhystea cried out, trying to suppress her laughter, “I can’t take anymore!”

“’E warmin’ up any?” Sphaere asked as she turned her gaze down to a disgruntled Cekell. “Looks like ‘e’s gotta hot head!”

“At this point I can’t tell if I’m warming him up or he’s cooling me off.” Rhystea looked down at the silver bundle in her arms and squeezed down as hard as she could. “I don’t like it when you worry us like that! Would you have had an easier time if you had this?” She asked, producing the Astral point and showing it to him.

Cekell seemingly ignored her and kept his glare trained on Devose, who made himself comfortable before offering his opinion, “It’s hard to say if that would have proven effective on the creature, even the scientists here had trouble dealing with the thing, only managing to contain it by freezing it solid. Verakry is hard pressed to procure suitable tests, even the arachnophages are little more than fodder anymore. I hate to admit it, but the Umbral point seemed to hold him back more than anything, he’s clearly not used to using it. If I had it when I faced the creature, I think I could have taken care of it myself.”

Letting out a haughty chirp, a grin spread across Cekell’s face. “Of course I had trouble, without the point, I could not produce more dark matter, and spread what little I did have too thin!” Devose shot back.

Cekell chirped back, his grin widening, to which Devose Replied, “Just because it held you back doesn’t mean it would have held me back!” Now grinning from ear to ear, Cekell let out an elongated whistle, as if to chide his brother, who just glared down at him.

“What did ‘e say?” Sphaere asked after a moment of hesitation.

“That he would have been better off without the Umbral point.” Devose grumbled. “Which is a gross exaggeration! It’s not the point’s fault that he can’t properly utilize such power!”

“Why can’t you talk like your brother can? Heck, at this point, I’d take you being able to talk like Sphaere!” Rhystea blurted out before holding back a laugh.

It was Sphaere’s turn to glare. Cekell chirped back softly and Devose translated, “He says that he’s reluctant to dig too deeply within your memories just to get a better grasp of speech.”

“Why is that?” Rhystea replied, to which Cekell again chirped back softly.

“He says he is afraid he will upset you.” Devose translated again

“While I have mixed feelings about having someone peer into my mind, why does he think that doing so will upset us?” Rhystea responded with a puzzled look, prompting an almost regretful chirp out of Cekell, who curled up against her heartbeat.

“He tried while you were sleeping, and stopped when he almost woke you up. Then he tried her…” Devose turned his eyes up to Sphaere as he answered for his brother, “And made her heart writhe in anguish.”

“That explains the dreams…” Sphaere said softly, then her voice raised an octave as she continued, “Cain’t ‘e do that while we’re awake?”

Cekell tensed up and let out a pitiable squeak. “He says he can, but it’s harder to connect, and that he can’t control it; but that when you’re asleep, it’s much easier and far more vivid.”

“Hmmm…” Sphaere groaned. Rhystea caught herself before looking at her friend, trying not to worry but wondering what kind of painful memories Cekell had inadvertently dredged up. Devose’s stare was burning a hole in her, and Sphaere took notice. Peering down curiously at him, she asked, “What?”

“Is that what love is? To share in someone’s pain?” Devose questioned quizzically.

“Well that’s part o’ it.” Sphaere closed her eyes in contemplation. “It also means ta share in their happiness, their struggles an’ their successes. Love can even have differin’ degrees, like there’s familial love an’… other kinds.” She opened her eyes and was surprised that Rhystea had fixated on her, wearing a giddy grin. “Oh, Lord, what have I done?”

“What other kinds?” Rhystea pressed her with excitement.

“I wouldn’ know!” Sphaere clammed up, clamping down on Devose.

“Well, Cekell isn’t your family, but you love him, don’t you?” Rhystea wasn’t going to let her get away that easily.

“I love ‘im like a pet!” Sphaere deflected.

“Oh, I think it’s more than that!” Rhystea rebounded.

“I love ‘im like a kid brother!” Sphaere wouldn’t budge.

“But, you do love him?” Devose inquired.

“Well…” Sphaere fumbled her words, not entirely at a loss but unable to grasp an acceptable explanation. “’E’s saved my hide on several occasions. An’ ‘e’s never abandoned me. An’ ‘e’s let me fly through the sky! An’ ‘e’s sent Ms. Smarty pants screamin’! So yea, I guess ‘e’s kinda sorta irreplaceable. But, jus’ a li’l bit!”

Devose wasn’t entirely satisfied, but fell silent upon recalling that he himself had threatened the girl who now held him close, and didn’t press her further. Rhystea fidgeted with her glasses as she remembered Cekell sending her soaring.

By now, R010 and company had made their way to the gate, and before addressing the warborn and their caretakers, he blustered out to all the onlookers, “Hurry up and finish carving that iron hoof so we can get to grilling! We have victories to celebrate!” And everyone on the other side of the gate sprang into action.

Seeing her way out of their conversation, Sphaere pressed on with the change in subject, “It’s been a crazy couple days an’ we’re due fer a change o’ pace! Let’s leave our worries at this here gate, an’ have us a grand ol’ time!”

“How exactly did you word it? Relaxation and jollification? I could sure go for some of that!” Rhystea concurred.

“Well, yer in fer a treat, princess! Our finely feathered friend here found us the motherlode! We pilfered so much, it took the entirety o’ the scale train ta haul back what wouldn’ fit in Ceke’s ship! Even found somethin’ I think’ll help with that project ya was workin’ on with A224!”

“Impressive! Before we get too comfortable, I’d like to speak to the Elders once more, while they’re in a good mood. I couldn’t get much out of them earlier, but…” Rhystea trailed off as she stopped cold and turned around, prompting everyone around her to do the same and peer at the tree line in attempt to discern what she had gleaned. After a short pause, she questioned their more recently acquired companion, “Devose, did that acid amoeba blaze a trail straight to the front door of those scientists you mentioned earlier?”

There was a slight pause before Devose answered, “Essentially, it all but paved a path that will lead you to their compound. I don’t know that they would welcome… Cekell. I doubt they would turn you away, though, not while you act under Verakry’s authority.”

“It would still be pertinent to learn what we can about them before paying them a visit, but I’ll count not having to search for them as a stroke of luck.” Rhystea surmised.

“Hey, nice catch, now we’ve got even more ta celebrate!” Sphaere praised her friend’s observation skills.

“We don’t know that this is a good thing just yet, but…” Rhystea trailed off, giving Sphaere a chance to interject.

“Well it ain’t like they’re already throwin’ ever’thang but the kitchin sink at us. ‘Sides, seein’ this place, I jus’ cain’t imagine that they’re all bad. We’ve earned these festivities, an’ we’re due a break ‘r two. Every cloud is silver lined, right?” Sphaere suggested.

Rhystea opened her mouth to say something, when a steak of lightning accompanied by a clap of thunder reminded them that there are dark clouds, too. Rhystea inhaled deeply and let out a long sigh before turning back to the dilapidated gate and forging forward with purpose. “You’re right! Let us focus on the good, do what we can, and worry about the rest later.” Turning and smiling at Devose, while being mindful to squeeze and appease Cekell, she added, “With both of them here, I really can’t imagine what we would have to fear!”

“Well said!” R010 agreed with a snort.

“Two iron hooves in two days! I’m going to eat until I can’t stand up!” R208 yelled with gusto.

“Wasp eggs…” A212 stated wantingly.

“Bug eater!” R208 smacked his friend on the back before guffawing like a fool.

“Wasp eggs?” Rhystea asked with an almost dire concern.

“Wasp eggs.” Sphaere repeated. “A li’l known Avian delicacy. I’d recommend ya try one, but I doubt they’ll wanna share, an’ bein’ as we’re trying ta foster goodwill, it may be better ta hold off. There’re giant, wriggly larva, too, if ya jus’ cain’t help yerself.”

“Goodness!” Rhystea announced her shock. “You didn’t bring any wasps back, did you?”

“Pieces o’ them. Actually, if I can convince our friends ta try, I’d like ta see them try an’ raise a hive o’ their own. Aside from nectar an’ vinegar, the material they make their hive outta seemed like plastic. All kinds o’ useful materials if they’re successful!” Sphaere said with excitement.

“Gah!” R010, R208 and A212 declared in unison as there jaws hit the ground, stopping to gawk at the girl and balk at her suggestion.

Ignoring them, Sphaere and Rhystea continued on through the gate as the meat carving team headed back to their work. “I jus’ dunno how they’ll deal with the vicious soldier wasps. The workers didn’ seem aggressive though.” Sphaere thought out loud.

“Hmmm.” Rhystea pondered. “I bet the soldier wasps were larger, as would be their eggs. If they ate those, but raised the workers, they shouldn’t have to much of a problem. That would require a queen, hard to say how aggressive she would be.”

“Oh, the queen was mean, but that might o’ jus’ been ‘cuz o’ Ceke chasin’ ‘er outta ‘er home! If yer right ‘bout them egg sizes, ‘er’s’ll be the biggest o’ the bunch, believe you me!” Sphaere asserted.

“I don’t suppose I could be so presumptuous as to request your assistance into putting such a bold plan into action, preferably sooner rather than later, as what was brought back will likely be picked clean before long.” R010 beseeched them.

All smiles, they readily agreed, and did just that. Only too happy to keep both hands on their individual warborn, if for no other reason then so they didn’t have to handle the spawn of creepy crawlies, they quickly discerned the size differences between what they suspected to be soldier and worker eggs and larva. Even an egg with peerless size was picked out, off colored from the rest, and easily identified as the queen.

You are reading story Candle in the Rain, Inferno in the Wind at novel35.com

The hive fragment was to be propped up in a corner of the Reptilia basking chamber, ideally giving the wasps access to the great outdoors through the opening in the cavern the Reptilia used for basking. The Aves were only gracious at the thought of harvesting eggs and larva at regular intervals, and everyone agreed that a steady supply of nectar was worth putting the Reptilia in potential danger.

Rhystea got to explain to them the myriad uses of plastics before answering questions of how to mold such a material. Sphaere was quick to advise that, if the hive took, they give the wasps a chance to build up their home before anyone harvested any plastic, but recommended that they keep it open enough for them to enter and collect eggs.

When they got to the wasp wings, R010 asked Sphaere what she had in mind, who pointed out both their flexibility and durability, and that they could potentially be used in crafting bows. Rhystea didn’t give voice to her doubts, but R208 did so without hesitation, citing that they were too flimsy to accomplish anything with.

Without a word, Sphaere snatched several of them up, stacked them on top of each other, drew the end back into a great arch, and held them out for her scaly student to observe, ignorant of the lesson to come, who leaned in to get a good look. As he got close, Sphaere released her hold on the tensed arch, which rapidly straightened out, strongly slapping the doubt out the an audibly surprised scalekin. Everyone got a good laugh as R208’s misgivings were assuaged and Sphaere was vindicated.

F120 was summoned to deliver the procured wings to A224, with Sphaere asking her to, thereafter, acquire a full sack of fruit and a pail – which was explained to be a large container not unlike a bowl, and then meeting her at the pen that held the captive iron hooves.

As their feline friend darted off to complete her instructed tasks, Rhystea requested Sphaere to take Cekell in addition to Devose, as she wanted to speak to the Elders, but was hesitant to bring the warborn with her, as their cave compatriots were cautious and the Elders were under increased guard in order for her to meet with them.

Rhystea had been quite surprised to hear from both AM207 and AM211 that they were in fact wary of her, and pointed out such, much to Sphaere’s amusement, who was quick to remind her that she could blow them up with a rock. Rhystea was aside herself, such a thought had never even crossed her mind, and pressed her claim of being both nonviolent and nonaggressive.

Again, Sphaere laughed at her forgetful friend, and pointed out that she was responsible for Cekell turning the previous Aves Eminent into fried chicken. Suddenly self aware, a speechless Rhystea could only follow the silently stoic R248 back to the elders in hopes of finally finding out more about the observers. Before leaving, she offered Cekell to Sphaere, remorsefully remembering the repercussions of her actions.

Sphaere and Cekell had both accepted begrudgingly, as Sphaere now had a quicksilver kid in each arm, and Cekell was none too happy to share. Devose didn’t make a sound, but did make himself comfortable under the grievous glare of his brother. Noting that it was a good thing they were both nigh weightless, Sphaere sighed as she hauled them to the destination she had planned to meet up with F120, repeatedly snapping at Cekell for tendril lashing his brother, who pretended not to notice as his grin widened with each subsequent strike.

Slowly approaching the section of crude fencing nearest the iron hoof cow, Sphaere casually leaned up against it and made herself comfortable, insisting that Cekell be quiet, who still hadn’t accepted sharing a spark with his brother. Sphaere’s sharp gaze was trained on the beast, who responded by slowly grazing towards the girl, they never took their eyes off of each other.

Eying the storm above her, Sphaere watched a heavy rain downpour and the resulting miniscule rivers all but cascading off of the barrier. It showed no signs of relenting, but the lightning had mostly disappeared, along with the thunder that accompanied it. She was usually calmed by a storm, and even though she was holding a pair of warborn, with the gate in it’s current state, she was unable to completely relax. Sphaere decided it was best that she stay at least a little on edge, just in case.

When F120 appeared a short while later, she spooked the cautious creature as she charged Sphaere, requisite items in tow. The iron hoof cow wearily raised her head and stamped the ground in warning while the calves were oblivious to anything going on around them.

F120 all but came to a screeching stop as Sphaere bid both the young F series gatherer and the captive cow take it easy. Gesturing for the girl to come closer by nodding her head back, she spoke softly to give instructions. Sphaere first warned the girl to always treat the large beast with great respect, as it could easily turn her into paste; and warned her never to come between a cow and it’s calves, as doing so would just be asking for serious repercussions.

With a gentle voice, Sphaere gave a long explanation on safety when dealing with large animals, giving the cow time to calm down and resume the act of turning grass into fertilizer. She pointed out that the cow had not once taken it’s eyes off of either of them, in attempt to drive home her point.

After quizzing the girl on safety protocol in a manner she suspected would make even Rhystea proud, she instructed the girl to take out a piece of fruit and, ever so slowly and without any sudden movements, to carefully offer it to the great beast. The girl cautiously complied, and the cow wearily made it’s way over to inspect the gift, accepting it with a snort.

Sphaere had F120 offer fruit after fruit until the bag was empty, insisting that she both pet the iron hoof’s head and scratch behind it’s ears until it was quite literally eating from the palm of the young girl’s hand, as well as speak sweetly to the beast, praising it and endearing herself to it.

Wondering if the creature wasn’t bred to be docile around and handled by humans, as it was quick to befriend someone that handled it with care, Sphaere had F120 ever so slowly climb atop the fencing to get closer to the cow. By now, their act had drawn a crowd, which Sphaere was quick to insist that they give the creature space lest they make it weary and ruin her efforts.

Following each of Sphaere’s commands to the letter, F120 made fast friends with the great beast, much to Lucky’s chagrin, who refrained from getting close and instead whined occasionally from a distance, forlorn but not forgotten, if only because he kept intently reminding everyone of his discontent, even as no one paid him any heed.  

Ascertaining that the iron hoof did not see F120 as a threat, Sphaere had her climb down inside the pen and affectionately scratch her sides as she spoke softly to the creature, all the while being careful to never step between the mother and her young. It wasn’t long before Sphaere told her to rub the beast’s belly, getting down on her hands and knees to do so, while being mindful of the creatures hooves that could mash an unsuspecting victim into mush.

Without a moment of doubt, the girl quickly complied, and soon had the iron hoof nuzzling her affectionately with it’s cold nose. Sphaere had recalled many of the lessons her own mother had bestowed upon her when she was taught how to handle their old milk cow, and thinking about the pride her own mother must have enjoyed, her heart swelled to bursting – something that Cekell didn’t miss, and even Devose took notice of.

This had all gone so smoothly that Sphaere decided to go ahead and have F120 attempt to milk the iron hoof cow. She had been debating internally, afraid to put the girl in anything resembling danger, but deeply wanted something to show for their efforts. Reciting safety protocol once more and doubling down on the part about the calves taking priority over all else, Sphaere pointed out the cow’s udder and instructed F120 to place the makeshift pail underneath it.

Squeezing a warborn under each arm and getting no resistance from either, Sphaere held her hands out to perform oscillating and undulating motions in attempt to show the girl how to draw milk from the beast, emphasizing that she need to be gentle. The iron hoof didn’t bat an eye, and it didn’t take long for the young feline girl to produce consistent results, prompting curious ooh’s and ahh’s from the crowd, as they finally laid eyes upon the final goal Sphaere had been coaching F120 to.

Sphaere couldn’t wait to show her superb student how to separate the cream from the milk, tantalizing her listeners with the glory of cheese, and even getting ahead of herself trying to explain what a churn was and how it was used to turn cream into butter – more precious memories she shared with her own mother – and once again allowing Cekell and Devose to preview a heart bursting with joy, all the while F120 was transferring milk from teat to container, managing to secure a noteworthy amount before Rhystea emerged from the cave.

“If at all possible, ya’ll wanna do this everyday. If ya stop, she might stop producin’, an’ might not start again until she has another calf, which ain’t gunna be an easy feat unless ya provide a bull in order ta… ya know…” Sphaere tripped over her words as she trailed off.

Striding up slowly and with a laugh, Rhystea requested, “Maybe you should leave the baby making speech to her parents!” Only to receive a curious leer from everyone in attendance.

Sphaere didn’t have a free hand with which to facepalm, but was quick to insist, “Ya don’ even wanna go there!”

“Go where?” Rhystea replied, noting the bewildered looks she was receiving.

“If ya open that can o’ worms, yer cleanin’ it up on yer own!” Sphaere declared.

Rhystea thought about it for a moment and decided to leave the subject well enough alone. Turning her attention to F120, Rhystea admitted her surprise, “I didn’t think you’d be really manage to pull through, but would you look at that, farm fresh milk! I’m simply blown away by both your resourcefulness and can-do attitude!”

“Right? An’ ta think, all I had ta do was tell ‘em that, if ya didn’ get milk fer yer tea, ya jus’ might get stingy with yer rock bombs!” Sphaere stated with a laugh.

Rhysea gasped, “I would never!” Prompting the iron hoof to turn and glare at her.

“Easy!” Sphaere softly demanded, “Careful now, ‘r yer gonna get poor F120 squashed inta teeth paste!”

“Toothpaste.” Rhystea insisted disdainfully.

“Ya jus’ brush one tooth, ‘r do ya brush all yer teeth?” Sphaere inquired with a sly smile, holding back a laugh.

Rhystea recuperated by removing her glasses for a polish as she sucked in a deep breath and sighed out her frustrations. “At any rate, it’s an awesome accomplishment. For our friends here, this marks a truly historic moment!”

“I cain’t wait ta see the look on the faces o’ them F series as they get their first taste! I think that’s got me more excited than anything!” Sphaere snickered.

“Ahh, yes, I suspect they in particular will be moved beyond mere words at the magic of milk! That will indeed be a sight to behold!” Rhystea agreed.

“I can already picture them all, each an’ ever one, hecklin’ ya endlessly; when I tell ‘em ‘bout how ya agreed ta commission a churn, ta turn that milk magic into butter sorcery!” Sphaere chortled.

“You would, wouldn’t you?” Rhystea responded, crossing her arms and glaring daggers.

“Yes!” Sphaere announced, laughing, “Yes I would!”

“Can’t say I wouldn’t prefer putting together plans for a churn as opposed to armaments. That will be a nice change of pace! You know, with the appropriate array, I could prepare something of a refrigerator and freezer. You know what that means?!” Rhystea exclaimed, realizing she was getting over excited when the iron hoof again turned to glare at her menacingly.

“Ice cream!” Sphaere cried out, getting the stink eye from the beast beside her.

“I was going to say frozen yogurt, but, same difference, I guess.” Rhystea conceded.

“Think ya can whip us up a tv while yer at it?” Sphaere requisitioned.

“Sure, right after you pull a tomato gun out of your hat!” Rhystea shot back with sarcasm.

“Potato gun.” Sphaere corrected, imitating the same snobbish tone Rhystea uses to correct her. If her hands weren’t full, she would have mimicked removing a pair of invisible glasses to clean. “An’ as I already explained, I’d need a stout tube or pipe of some sort. Ya get me that, an’ I’ll getcha yer potato gun!”

“Well I’ll have to find my ruby slippers, click my heels three times and conjure one right up! In the mean time, how about I lighten your load and take one of them off your hands?” Rhystea asked as she stepped closer to Sphaere and reached for the warborn on her right side. “Besides, I haven’t held this one yet.” Rhystea grabbed Devose and got a surprised look.

“Is it that easy to tell us apart?” Devose questioned quizzically.

“Well, I’ve held Cekell enough to know that he’s most comfortable with his little head pressed up against a heartbeat. Also, he’s still glowering at you, probably has been this whole time I would imagine. He’s selfish, but only a little bit.” Rhystea explained as she reeled Devose in and tied him up in an affectionate embrace.

“Only cuz ‘e’s tiny!” Sphaere added. Cekell let out a perturbed squawk, as if to agree with her. “That’s right, ‘e’s getting’ bigger, an’ greedier!”

“He does seem to be rather fond of you both.” Devose noted.

“That’s a gross understatement.” Rhystea pointed out.

“Yea, ‘e’ ain’t ever let us put ‘im down without a fight, an’ ‘e won’ let anyone else hold ‘im!” Sphaere supplemented.

“And heaven forbid we pick you or anything else up!” Rhystea continued.

“Ceke does not take well ta competition, ain’t that right, Lucky!” Sphaere laughed as she turned her attention to the poor garm pup that was still sulking at a distance. Hearing his name, Lucky whimpered back in attempt to curry sympathy. He did not succeed.

“I can’t say I blame him, it’s nice being held as though you weren’t afraid of me. The two of you are far more pleasant than any of the researchers I’ve had to deal with.” Devose said as he made himself comfortable in Rhystea embrace.

“Aww!” Both girls gushed, prompting an almost agitated bark from Cekell, which earned him a laugh from each of his caretakers.

“It’s nice. Not at all like the scientists that were simply afraid of me. Not that I can’t understand where they are coming from, not after… well, you have heard my grievance. Hard to blame them for being uncomfortable in their dealings with me. Even though it was really just him that anyone needed to be afraid of in the first place.” Devose spat out bitterly.

“Find out anything from yer talk with them Elders?” Sphaere decided it was time for a change in subject.

“Nothing relevant.” Rhystea sighed. “They were far more interested in the nectar, and intrigued with your idea of managing a hive locally. They each strongly recommended we speak to a Proto3, apparently he has had direct dealings with the observers… But, he’s out on his own and isn’t often seen here. They did let me know that the Aves would likely be able to tell me where he could be found. Apparently Proto3 is the only one capable of bringing down a Rainbow Roc, a four winged bird of many colors, who’s feathers are comprised of various metals – possibly rare earth elements? Anyway, Proto3 will on occasion trade one of those for a hefty sum of persimmatos, remember those? F120 mentioned as much when we first met her.”

Hearing her name, F120 found it a convenient time to call out to Sphaere, “This container is getting full, I can keep going, but I’d risk spilling when I move it. Should I go and find another?”

Turning her attention to the young feline, Sphaere answered, “That’s alright, ya’ve done more than enough fer today. Slide it under the fence ta me, an’ love on yer milk cow fer a little bit. Make sure ta say ‘thank ya!’ Ya’ll need ta come up with a name fer ‘er, too!”

“Okay!” F120 happily complied, sliding the nearly full container to Sphaere as she was instructed before hopping up to rub affectionately on the iron hoof, who nuzzled her back as if F120 were one of her own.

“Wow, excellent work! With such a sizeable quantity, there shouldn’t be too much squabbling for a fair portion. I’ve no doubt the rest of your series will be only too happy to help provide sufficient foodstuffs in order to keep the milk flowing!” Rhystea suggested.

“A modern day land o’ milk an’ honey! Seems more an’ more like paradise with each passin’ day!” Sphaere stated with excitement.

“If only the minions of hell weren’t literally tearing down the gates!” Rhystea rebutted, rolling her eyes as she did so.

They fell silent when they heard the scale train on the move a good while before they came charging out of the cavern they called home with enough furor to send Lucky scampering to Sphaere, great beast and jealous warborn be damned. Hollering about fire, meat, nectar and hunting, they shouted and marched their way past the group of girls and their pets, making the iron hoof only slightly uncomfortable, as she was already wising up to their antics.

Heading around the side of the mouth of the cavern, past the makeshift pen, and on to a large boulder; they found a suitable spot to gather together; and, led by R208, started chanting ‘fire’ on repeat for a few moments before dispersing to go gather wood, with the larger portion of the scale train charging back past the pen and out the battered gate.

“Sounds like the festivities will be starting soon.” Rhystea noted.

“Do ya think they’ll get even louder when the celebrations start?” Sphaere inquired.

“Of course!” Rhystea laughed.

Turning to F120, Sphaere questioned, “So the F series are the best gatherers around, right?”

Continuing to paw at her pet iron hoof, F120 answered without turning back to Sphaere, “Oh yes, very few hunters, but our gatherers are top notch!”

“Well, if they all work half as hard as yerself, I wouldn’ doubt it! Alright, I have one last task fer ya! I wantcha ta go retrieve another sack o’ fruit, give most o’ it ta yer milk cow, but try an’ coax over ‘er calves – remember not ta ever come between them an’ their mama! But, if ya can show ‘er that ya ain’t gonna harm ‘em, she’ll be a lot more comfortable around ya. While yer doin’ all that, ya should come up with a name fer ‘er; an’ make sure ya keep a close eye on this here milk pail. They’ll name ya Eminent on the spot when ya surprise ‘em with that!” Sphare insisted.

F120 turned and gave Sphaere a puzzled look, citing, “But the F series serves the Aves Eminent.”

“That was before ya had a milk cow. She who controls the milk controls the universe.” Sphaere retorted. “Now go get another sack o’ fruit, We’ll watch yer milk ‘til ya get back!”

Without arguing, F120 hugged her iron hoof once more before hopping the fence and making her way into the cavern, stopping at the maw of the cave to turn and bid her shadow garm companion to follow, who did so ecstatically.

“This is going to be epic! I bet they give the scale squad competition for loudest series when they get their first drink of milk!” Rhystea declared.

“No doubt they’ll give ‘em a run fer their money! I still cain’t believe it’s gone this smooth. That big ol’ iron hoof warmed right up ta li’l F120, I cain’t believe how docile an’ calm she’s been! When they first brought ‘er here, I gave it fifty-fifty she’d knock the gate down an’ escape, but havin’ food an’ water, an’ ‘er calves penned up with ‘er, an’ she’s snug as a bug in a rug!” Sphaere stated her surprise.

“It is rather uncanny how comfortable they are around people. I had assumed they were naught more than wild animals, but that clearly isn’t the case. I wonder if they weren’t bred to be domesticated?” Rhystea wondered.

“It really wouldn’ surprise me, with ever’thang ‘round here seeming ta have a planned purpose, these are like super farm animals. Iron hooves aside, a child could raise ‘em. It ain’t natural, but it shore ain’t a bad thing. Lot o’ potential outta a single animal.” Sphaere replied.

“Designer livestock, genetically engineered to provide the most material possible, per individual. The efficiency of everything here is simply incredible.” Rhystea reiterated.

The scale squad was hauling a load of fire wood in through the gate at the same time as F120 exited the cave with a sack in tow. Slowing her pace as she got closer, Lucky took a cue and followed suit. Purposefully and without sudden movements, F120 procured a fruit from the bag and gingerly offered it to her new best friend, who happily received it.

“Alright.” Sphaere declared. “What’re our safety regulations fer large animals that can stomp us inta teethpaste?” She asked, cracking a smile and side eyeing Rhystea, who merely sighed and massaged her temple with her free hand.

Without taking her eyes off the iron hoof, F120 listed off rule after rule, one after another – without hesitating or taking time to think – exactly as Sphaere had explained them to her, for dealing with a large animal while incurring minimal risks.

Satisfied with both F120’s response and Rhystea’s impressed look, Sphaere replied, “Alright, I thank ya can handle it from here. If anything bad happens, scream like yer on fire, an’ we’ll come a runnin’! If ya have any questions, don’ be afraid ta come an’ ask!”

“Okay!” F120 acknowledged, offering another fruit and her full attention both to the beast before her.

With a smile wide from pride, Sphaere set off towards R208, Rhystea tagging along.

You can find story with these keywords: Candle in the Rain, Inferno in the Wind, Read Candle in the Rain, Inferno in the Wind, Candle in the Rain, Inferno in the Wind novel, Candle in the Rain, Inferno in the Wind book, Candle in the Rain, Inferno in the Wind story, Candle in the Rain, Inferno in the Wind full, Candle in the Rain, Inferno in the Wind Latest Chapter