The North Stairwell of West River colony has long been the most heavily used route to obtain the various levels, from nearly the colonies creation. West was the first stairwell built, as the entrance used to come directly down from above that point. Once the north stairwell was built, growth in the colony made its way over there and it’s been the case ever since. Well, with the exception of two periods in the colonies history.
Once when the tunnel was widened for more traffic, the East and West handled the extra foot traffic. The other was the result of one year when part of the stairwell between the fifth and sixth level collapsed from a loose root, caused by heavy rains that managed into the colony. Luckily the water its stayed course down the remaining stairwell to what was the bottom level, number 12. Number thirteen was just dug out, and contained the water until the hole could be plugged, and the water evaporated.
It’s at the top of this heavily traveled stairwell that Martin Summeroak has finally reached the main level. Navigating through all the numorous clonists isn’t exactly his idea of fun, nor is the reason he’s been sent on this particular 'mission' but at least it’s a chance to get out for a bit.
After crossing the busy main level tunnel, and making a firm right turn, Martin began to walk down the main tunnel, which lead to the exterior of the colony. Why the tunnel and stairwell were out of synch of each other, the teen aged male ant had pondered upon many times. ‘Loonies!’ He said to himself, and continued on his way. Out beyond the carvings of prominent figures in the colonies history, and the hand carved written stories and warnings attached to the walls; these warnings were a well known fact of clony life and impending doom for any colonist who should attempt to venture to East River colony. Martin could really care less about such things, even less so now since had more pressing concerns upon his mind, that of a certain female ant. “One can only guess where she is /this/ time.” He muttered to himself, but apparently loud enough for a couple ants to hear and take notice. A distinctive tint of red filled his cheeks.
With accelerated footsteps, Martin quickly reached the end of the 'entrance tunnel', then into the exterior of the hill. Considering himself mostly an interior ant, the adolescent male at times would forget how nice the sun felt or even a breath of fresh air. But that could only be enjoyed for a minute or two, as the interest pressing on his mind would only be held at bay for so long.
In times past, Martin could take nearly half an hour to find Misty. Sometimes firmly pushing aside leaves, blades of grass or kicking the occasional pebble would help get his irritation out before having to confront her, but as he was now getting older, even he himself knew it was something that little kids did. But as would be in favor to his luck this time, she was very easy to find. “She’s nuts! Gonna get caught one of these days.” He mutters to himself as his eyes drifted upward quickly, and located his older sibling, perched high upon a grass blade nearby.
Misty Summeroak, older sister by three years to her brother Martin had by just after sunrise taken up interest and position in one of her more favorite pastime activities. Observing. This time the location of choice she had decide upon, was a blade of grass just a few ant equivalent yards from the entrance to the tunnel. While at times Misty would either target an individual ant or much preferable a group, this time she chose location over subject and found a prime location where a larger number of ants could be found. This little hobby, while normal for children perhaps half her age, Misty who was just a few months past the age that the colony considered adulthood, that of 20 years of age, still engaged in this particular ritual. And this was what Misty was like.
So curious about the world around her that is pften time so well possessed by young children was still strongly held by this now young adult female. So much like childre, that younger members of the clony have been known to imitate the actions of Misty, much to the chagrin of many of their parents. So, these ‘watching’ sessions are not exactly a closely kept secret, but then with time and ability, this inquisitive ant has managed to keep her watching more secluded.
Perched upon a grass blade, perfectly balanced at the high point of the arched portion of this particular flora, and lying with stomach down, arms folded in such a way as used as both a prop, and an additional assistance to keep balance. Below her stand three colonists, two females and a male, that go firmly observed by the curious Misty. Conversations about this and that; tunnel work, harvesting and even a few concerns about ‘that other colony’(East River) reach the perked antenna. The usual fare. One tidbit of info that does catch her interest is word of a new colony, called ‘Ant Island’, located to the north.
Three unremarkable ants stood together just below, unaware their conversation was being monitored.
“So,” states one of the female ants, a rather ‘lanky’ female with a dark brown tint to her chitin. “What do you guys think of this colony, this ‘Ant Island?’”
“Well, it’s nice to have ‘friendlies’ for a change.” The male ant replies evenly.
“Are you sure about that?” The second female encounters.
“What is there not to believe? Our own scouts went up there and returned with news. I happen to know Amber myself, and she told me so. Even brought that one person who used to live here with them. Or I should say, came /part/ of the way with them. The taller female ant comments with sadness in her voice.
The other two ants slowly nod, and return similar glances. Sure, accidents happen but to be eaten by an ant lion… It was well known that seeing ones life end in such a way was one of the most painful and horrible ways of seeing one’s demise. Rumor even had it of ants being swallowed whole.
“But of a colony of that size. Of what help can they be for us?” Remarks the male ant as he shifts weight, then shrugs. “What did they say, a thousand ants, maybe 1,200 at the most?”
The two gals just nod, while the shorter one leans gently up against the blade of grass, unaware another ant is lying upon it, and if pushed hard enough, could send it’s occupant tumbling down.
“But… maybe if they could provide moderation…”
“’Modera’… I think you mean ‘Mediation.” Corrects the male ant to the taller female.
“Mediation. Right.”
The male ant then adds: “But mediation will only do us good if East River is willing to talk things out. I still thing they would be more than happy to have us wiped out.”
“How do you know?” Inquires the taller female.
“I just do. My father, my grandfather, and for so many generations back have always known what East River is like. I doubt that’s changed, Emily”
A soft sigh is taken inward. “Yeah, I know. I just try to look at things with a little hope.”
“And that’s good, Em but I agree with you, Umber, that we really have no evidence that East is any different that we’ve ever known them to be. I say it is best to remain cautious.”
The ant named Umber folds his arms as Emily and the other female ant who is known as Julie continue.
“Well, in that case I have to agree. But you can’t blame me for at least hoping—“
“Not if that hope has no real grounds.” Julie quickly cut off Emily before she could finish. However, the conversation itself was cut short by a distant rumbling from high above, coming from the East. Some dark gray clouds began to pass over the area.
“Lets… continue this conversation inside, shall we?” Asked Umber, who was quickly followed by the two members of the conversation. Before long, the area was silent again.
A definite frown crossed Misty’s visage as the source of her entertainment went inside. Not so much due to the fact that the conversation ended, but the /reason/ it ended. Having spent so much time outside the anthill, Misty knew that the type of clouds now hanging overhead would pass shortly. Ah well. Soon enough someone else would arrive.
‘Soon enough’ had come and gone, as Martin had long since secluded himself from the ants his sister was spying on. At least he knew the value of not letting others know what his sister was doing. Learned that well when she started this hobby, when he was twelve. Sometimes being an informant has it’s advantages with parents, but only until it gets to be an irritation, then the desire to keep such things quiet becomes a better alternative.
Looking at the semi-transparent shadow of his sister in the arching blade of grass, Martin quietly walked up to the base of the foliage and after a few moments of looking up, gave a few light taps. Nothing. Sometimes that works, but it would seem that big sis is all caught up in her little world. Patience very quickly grows thin, but is in part replaced by dry witted humor, and with a solid push, a nice shock wave is sent the entire length of the blade. A little too much of a firm push, actually.
As the shockwave hits the unsuspecting Misty, she very quickly begins to loose grip and slides toward the tip of the grass blade that is too short for her to easily drop to the ground. Panic filled reflexes cause her to grab a tight hug onto the narrow piece of foliage near the said tip. With significant weight thrown off center, Misty is now suspended up side down, about an ant’s height from the ground, clinging tightly. Eyes narrow as her brother quickly approaches. No doubt in her mind that he did this.
Martin swallows hard as his sister nearly plummets to the ground. “Shoot!” He calls out, with a queasy feeling in his stomach. “Hit that a little too hard…” He then turns abdomen and runs up to his sister, hanging nearly eye-to-eye with her. “Uh… sorry?”
“Martin!” Misty calls out with voice mixed with panic and alarm. “What the /heck/ are you doing? Obviously you saw me up there, why did you try to knock me down?” Several pants are then taken in and released as she attempts to catch her breath, and 'swallow her heart' as it were.
Martin then raised an anxious hand that was placed behind his head to help releave a little tension. “Sorry, Mist, I… Eh. You know.”
“Yeah I know.”
Well, I /am/ sorry!” Defends the male sibling firmly.
“Right. You don’t announce yourself, then try to knock me off a grass blade. Just like you.”
“I said I was sorry, but at least I did you the favor of not telling those others that you were spying on them.” Arms are folded into a fairly tight grasp.
“Yeah… fine. Okay. So, what did you need?”
Martin then unfolded his arms, and lifted them up to help his sister down. “Here, let me help you.”
“No… no, I’m fine. Thanks.”
“I said I was sorry—“
“That’s not what I mean. It’s a fascinating view from here, and I’m just not ready to come down yet.” States the female ant sincerely.
"Yeah, what /was/ I thinking." Martin stated with sarcastic undertones. "My looney sister finds yet another way to embarrass me." The younger brother's eyes rolled skyward. "Look, I'm just out here to tell you that your chamber is done, and you can move in any time.
Misty’s eyes roll too, but from her position they take view to the ground below. “Yup, the only reason I do this is to embarrass you, despite the fact that you rarely come out here, yet I spend several hours a week doing this.” She softly sighs before changing the subject. “Really? Oh, that’s good to hear. It’ll be nice to have a place of my own.” A broad smile now shows, one that melts into a more wry expression. “I don’t suppose I could con you into helping me move my stuff, could I?”
It only takes about half a second for Martin to offer his reply, and his help. “Of course! I’m ready now if you’d like.”
“What?” Asks the female ant with disbelief.
“Certainly.”
“I’d better get down, hanging here with the blood rushing to my head must be effecting my brain because I though you said you’d help me. Here, give me a hand.” Legs are then tightly wrapped around the blade of grass as hands are held out. Without a word, Martin reaches up and offers assistance. With grunting and considerable effort from both ants, Misty is soon returned to the ground.
“But I was serious about helping you.” Martin's hand went to hips -- aximbo-- in mild irritation.
“Why?”
“Because as soon as you’re out, I get your bedroom.” Just like a rite of passage, it’s very much a ‘tradition’ of sorts for the younger kids to move into older siblings bedrooms when they depart. In the case of Misty, it’s taken a little longer because she is still single, and single ants getting their own chambers is not as high a priority.
“Ah, the ulterior motive. Fine. I appreciate your help.”
“No problem.” States Martin simply as he looks from his sister to the colony. “Just be sure to take that pet of yours with you.”
“Oh, come on, Ember likes you.”
“Of course she does, she sleeps with me almost as much as you.” Laments Martin. “She might keel over in trying to adjust to her new home.”
By this time both have walked away from the blade of grass and have entered the colonies entrance. The two ants voices now echoing throughout the tunnel.
“Oh she does not!”
Without defending that last comment, Marin continues. “Eh, just wait until that little green bean of yours starts pawing at your front door nearly every night and you’ll know what I’m talking about.”
Misty eyes roll, but she continues to defend her position. “Personally, I think I’ll be doing her a favor as well.”
Martin glances at his sister with mock pain
Misty says nothing for a moment, but gives her brother a big sideways hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks again for the help, Martin.”
“Ew! Quit that!” Hand instinctively goes up to wipe his cheek. “Yeah, you owe me. Big!”
“I do not. Besides, mom would probably make you to help me away, and I’m sure…”
Very quickly the conversation blends in seamlessly with all the voices of the other inhabitants of this colony, who are currently using this thoroughfare to commute to and from their varying destinations, a mixed jumble of sounds and conversation that for the most part is just another facet of life in a colony such as this
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