- Erys -

 

I stare into the room where everyone I know in my courtyard was gathered and am honestly a little overwhelmed.

 

"Wha-, wha-, wha-..." (E)

<Scriu!/And? Was the surprise a success?> (F)

"What the heck?! Today isn't even my birthday !" (E)

<Scruh, scriu!/Uh, you're aware that your birthday was already quite some time ago?> (F)

 

How would I?
It's actually quite hard to keep track of the days down here, as long you don't make strokes on the wall and hope your sleep cycles align in the right way.
And even if I could, I certainly had other things on my mind in the past time than throwing a party.

 

"Ehk, I didn't pay attention. I guess around a month ago?" (E)

"WEll, as we have now the leeeway there's no reason not to catch up on missed eevents." (F)

"But isn't this a bit too much?" (E)

"Not in thee slightEst. After all your Efforts we want to reeturn something. And you haven't even seeen the cake yet." (F)

 

Damn, I'm touched.
The way dad kindly smiles at me, how Toris is totally cheerful and can't wait to get the mentioned cake.
Kyska and Suki are supportive as ever.
Even Skiras came and Miwa probably still looks after my brother, which will give her a hard time as soon he'll get his hands on the cake.
And then there's mum, who apparently arranged all of this.
God, don't cry Erys, as hard it is.

 

"Oh mye, Erye!" (F)

"Thank you, mum! Scrii! Thank you!" (E)

 

It really means so much to me.
That I can just enjoy this moment makes me glad.

 

"Oh my. Iet's just a little partye. This will be as pleeasant for us as iet's for you." (F)

"Okay, okay! What is planned next?" (E)

"Well, I've ienstructed thee nurses to preepare a small feast. Can't just eat sweeets, right?" (F)

 

Now I feel slightly guilty.
On the other side, I'm not really responsible for my consumption and the fact that I'm staying thin no matter how much I eat since continuously eggs are forming inside my body.
Regarding my body, I'm not even sure what kinds of standards I have to apply for a healthy lifestyle.

 

"Also, wee got sEveral games from thee latest delivery. Why don't wee give iet a try?" (F)

"Alright. Then let's get this party started!" (E)

 

Despite this great initiation, things stay pretty civilized.
The nurses, maybe aside from Suki, are too well-behaved to go all out and Skiras is already difficult personality-wise.
And my close family isn't really enough to go all out.
Although Toris gives his all.
One point adding to this might be that we have no alcohol here.
Which I'm kinda glad for as there's no telling what the exact results might be.
Drunk giant insects are a disturbing idea.
Still, I might feel slightly dejected.
After all, I am old enough.

But even if things are pretty tame we have a nice atmosphere going.
Which changes instantly from one moment to the other.
The reason is that something happened out in the courtyard and now there's a pheromone wave of irritation swashing over us.
I need a short moment to figure this out and soon realize what's going on.
Liseti entered my courtyard with a great entourage of servants and escorts.
Since I feel obliged to do so I move to welcome her.

 

<Ehk, hello Liseti. What brings you here?> (E)

<Did you believe today's events stayed unnoticed? Naturally, I learned about your celebration. And so I come according to the human customs to congratulate you on the completed cycle.> (L)

<Ehk, scrik!/Ehm, thank you. It's actually called birthday. But this really wouldn't have been necessary.> (E)

<It is. As part of our alliance, I'm obligated to show interest in your valued customs. Which brings me to your gift.> (L)

<A gift?> (E)

<I was told it's customary to gift something. So as you took it on you to take responsibility for the passages to "Osari" I decided to grant you control over fifty of my guardians. I'm aware that your diversity is lacking regarding them so they should fill the gaps.> (L)

 

God, I don't really want to receive intelligent beings as presents on my birthday.
I'm not some slave trader's daughter who would enjoy treating them like objects, tools, or playthings.
I know that I'm a bit lacking in terms of guardians.
While I have a certain number of them they make me a bit uncomfortable and the fact they can't take care of themselves raises some pity.
I still produce them regularly, as they're part of the common pattern, but there's a disparity that I can't deny.
To maintain security they would be quite convenient.

 

<Ahem, I want to clarify. I'll only command them in your name to help with patrolling the respective tunnels?> (E)

<If you want to see it like this.> (L)

 

Maybe it's just wording, but I feel better seeing myself as an employer than a controller.

 

<Well, if it is like this... Then just take a seat and try to enjoy yourself. It's an important part that everyone can in a nice atmosphere come together.> (E)

 

Though I'm not sure if Liseti's presence won't bring some tension to it.
Not that she has a poor personality, but she has a stern side and the power disparity is hard to overlook.
I think if the king would show up at a peasant's party it might end up similarly weird for everyone involved.
However, she's not saying much more and quietly takes a place.
And mum brings already a board of Kingmaker, lacking any reservations.
Just how is she able not to mind Liseti's status?
And now she's explaining the rules to her.

 

<So these objects represent my drones and it's about how I'm moving them in an effective manner to achieve victory over my opponents?> (L)

<Well, essentially yes.> (F)

 

Might be just her game.
A short time later the nurses bring the meal.
After the most recent deliveries, the variety of food in my courtyard increased despite the apparent lack in Osari.
We've got flesh, fruits, some new vegetables and even a bit of prickled fish.
Well, it's not like flesh would sate people differently than bread.
Also, we're delivering food for the people, so I don't feel too bad about taking some in return.
So for my birthday, it should be fine to plate some more fancy stuff since it was delivered for my personal usage.
And if I think back to our negotiations Olira gets a more than sufficient compensation.

Liseti gazes at the flesh.
I know already that she should have no issues ingesting it.
After all, Formicea were predatory creatures in the beginning.
So it should be fine.
That's what I'm thinking when suddenly another wave of irritation, much more intense than the last is crashing over me.

 

"God, what is this? Is there something wrong with wishing for a peaceful celebration?!" (E)

 

I say this while processing the situation and become aware while I'm so agitated.
For some reason, Honiu stands in my courtyard.
With quite the escort behind her but somehow looking a bit lost.

 

"You!!!" (E)

"Yes, me. Who else should I be if not my very self? Now please stop making pointless comments." (H)

 

Damn, when did she get so good at human language?
No, that's not the point here!

 

"What are you doing here?!" (E)

 

I certainly haven't invited her.

 

"I came because I require assistance from my personal nurse." (H)

"Your personal nurse is my mum, which is already weird enough, and this is my birthday, and you for sure are not welcome!!" (E)

 

Suddenly mum runs over to us and past me.

 

<Hello, Honiu! This is certainly unexpected! What a surprise!> (F)

<Necessity forces me. But I begin to believe it was a mistake. Maybe I should recline and endure the consequences.> (H)

 <No, no! Please enter! There's a place for you. But I guess we should establish some distance from Liseti.> (F)

 

Wha-... She can't be serious!

 

<Ery, don't be so hard on her. As far as I know the last time she left her district, or even her chamber was centuries ago. That's such great progress. Please, don't let it end here.> (F)

 

Just why is it that this crazy recluse has to be my mum's new big project!
After all the things she has done!
Well, in the first place she did them to my mother.
But I have every reason to be pissed!

 

<I am very much able to receive your pheromones, even if you dim the sound... Farrah.> (H)

<Uh, right. Sorry. But why did you say you are forced to come? I thought it was fine and the queen said she would do something about this. That's what she told me at least.> (F)

<Uma? Oh yes, she did something. I thought I would be able to subsist for the time being with minimal attendance, as the rules on that matter were loosened recently. However, at fast notice, Uma banned all my nurses from attending me in any way, especially regarding receiving sustenance. And while I slowly sink in despair she added, that the only way to receive anything, including any of the greatly required nourishment, would be to follow my personal nurse to this place.> (H)

 

She was party-forced?!
Is this some scheme of the queen to force her to go out by dumping her at my place?!
Damn, I'm feeling used.
God, and now I'm starting to pity her.
If she can't eat her brood will suffer.
God, are those princess instincts?

Anyway, it sounds unfair to let it out at her babies.

 

"Screeaah! Goddamnit! Fine, stay, eat, whatever! But I don't want to hear anything, be involved in any way, and at the first complaint about the party you're out!" (E)

"One more thing." (H)

 

Wasn't I clear enough?!

 

"I was informed it's obligatory for attendance to present something. As I know about your lack of ability, and as "Farrah" couldn't stop to speak about this topic I'll grant you this." (H)

 

From a distance behind her, a nurse steps forward, carrying a vessel with four earthen flasks.
It seems to carry stuff for her was fine as it aligned with the queen's intention.

 

"Okay, you got me. What is this?" (E)

"This is a variant of the mutation concoction, specially designed to grant most of the benefits, albeit in a significantly more basic and less developed way, while leaving the old properties mostly unchanged. Purely theoretical, but it should work. However, it was a hassle to produce and afforded far greater preparation and effort than it should, so don't ask me again. I doubt anyone but me would be capable of such a feat." (H)

 

She gifts me mutation potions?!
I don't know what I expected but this is no common birthday present.
What happened to sweets?

 

"Wait, for what are those, and why are there four of them?" (E)

"Didn't my nurse mention it? One is for the throat, one for the eyes. She was always complaining about it how the other members of your social pack would be lacking." (H)

 

She has concocted mutation potions for my family!?
For my little brother!?
Okay, I'm holding them right now, so nothing happened yet, but talk about dangerous gifts.
Also, I've already called her in and she didn't do anything directly condemnable yet so I've no reason to throw her out.
Fortunately, she settles quietly on a seat in the corner.

Mum abandons her game with Liseti to tend to Honiu.
The former now plays against Toris, with dad looking over them.
While both are beginners I doubt Toris has much of a chance.
However, he can surprise one sometimes with how smart he is, as it's contradicting the usual behavior of a problem child.

Honiu meanwhile is now immersed in a game of cards with mum, who also... Urgh, feeds her with nectar.
That's certainly a weird sight.
But she doesn't seem to be averse to the food.

And then it's finally the time.
Several nurses, as carefully as if they would tend to the larvae, are carrying a giant cake inside.
And it's not only a basic one but it's mixed with some kind of fluffy cream.
The form might not be very appealing, but considering that the hive has no bakers it's incredible enough that they managed to produce something that seems close enough to a cake.

 

"Turned out bEtter than ExpEcted. Thee first piece is yours Ery!" (F)

 

She cuts a piece with some tableware that was thoughtfully brought here and hands it to me.
I take a very small and careful but.
Sweet!

It's totally sweet and still tastes like cake.
Maybe a bit too intense for humans but still enjoyable.
Ah, nectar!

They've mixed nectar into it!
After I've got my piece the others are provided as well.
I actually have to insist with all my personal subordinates so they overcome their hesitation.

 

<Seems unnecessarily complicated of a meal, but the nectar is of fine quality.> (L)

<At least it's delectable enough. I was concerned if the palate stays at this.> (H)

 

She points at the normal food from before.
Does that count as a complaint so I can get rid of her?
Nah, I don't want to make a scene when finally things are working out.
Mother put so much effort into this party and I owe her this much.
So I'm leaning back, not actually because of the wings, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Till suddenly a messenger enters and draws attention with a signal.

 

"Just what is it now?" (E)

<Princess Erys! You're required to follow me out of your courtyard.> (messenger)

 

I recognize it as one of the queen's personal heralds, or whatever they are called.
This means, whatever he wants from me, it's a direct order from the queen.
I guess there's no helping to insist on my peaceful celebration under these circumstances.

 

"Scruh, whatever." (E)

 

I, and subsequently all the other guests behind me, as well as a small escort, are walking behind that messenger, which stops short, just outside the main entrance.

 

"Okay, what is..." (E)

 

I can't believe what I'm seeing.
Every single drone of the hive seems to have assembled.
Messengers are flying in the open space and all the others are squeezed to the edges of the pillar, the bridges, and all the surrounding walls, to be in some way visible from my position.
And then on one signal, a call goes through them.

 

<CONGRATULATIONS ON THE COMPLETED CYCLE!!!> (absolutely every single one!)

 

My eyes begin to twitch at this display.
It's a great show of flying drones, and all the others shouting in unison, not a single one of them off track.
I've honestly no idea how to react to this.

Suddenly another, single, extremely strong signal booms from above.

 

<May you find fulfillment and joy for many cycles to come!> (U)

 

And this didn't help my confusion!
I can just stare, completely stunned.
Then my mother puts her hand on my shoulder and plucks with the other weakly at my wing, which is enough to get me out of my stupor.

 

"Mum?" (E)

"Yes, Ery? Did you enjoy your birthday?" (F)

"Can we just do a small family dinner next year? (E)

"Sure, Ery." (F)