In the heart of the Verdant Hollow, I followed Queen Seraphina through the intricate tunnels of her expanding kingdom. With each step, I marveled at the industrious hum of activity, the sounds of a colony in the thralls of creation. Seraphina led me to a vast chamber, where groups of specialized ants worked with a focus that rivaled the most dedicated artisans.

“Behold,” Seraphina declared, gesturing grandly with her front legs, “the fruits of our queenly labors… the crafting ants. Each has been born with a gift, a purpose molded by the newfound clarity in my mana.”

I watched with intrigue as the weaving ants spun silk stronger than steel, forming it into armor and clothing with natural enchantments woven into every thread. Nearby, carpenter ants, with their mandibles as precise as any chisel, carved into wood with astonishing speed and accuracy, their creations an amazing combination of form and function.

But it was the elemental ants that drew my eye, particularly the fire ants. Not merely the biting insects of the previous world, these ants radiated a palpable heat. They worked near small forges, their bodies aglow, tending to tiny flames that smelted miniature ingots of metal. I laughed as I realized their finished work looked like frass.

“Their intellect is a gift from the bond we share,” Seraphina explained, noting the question in my eyes. “A boon from the demise of that malevolent gnome. It has clarified my essences, enabling me to imbue my offspring with greater purpose and connection to the shard.”

I knelt to observe the fire ants more closely. Tears came unbidden to my eyes. I was overwhelmed with emotion. “They’re like my children. No, they are my children. I am a father again.” I whispered in a choked voice. I could feel their little voices at the edge of mental awareness. They were small and tiny and were absolutely adorable. “I swear, little ones. If anything were to happen to you, I would burn the world down for you.”

I felt incredible joy flow back through the mental connection. I smiled.

Seraphina’s antennae twitched lightly as she observed my interaction with the fire ants, a glimmer of satisfaction evident in her multifaceted eyes. “Your bond with them is strong, Gavrin,” she said, her voice resonating through the chamber with a proud, maternal tone. “They are indeed your children, in spirit and craft. Through them, your legacy will weave into the fabric of this world.”

I briefly glanced around the room and saw all the other crafting ants. “I am going to owe so much child support.” I whispered.

“What was that?” Seraphina asked.

“Nothing.” I replied. To quickly change the subject I asked. “Can I take some of them outside and show them to the other crafters?”

Queen Seraphina briefly paused. “Why don’t you bring them in here? You have all the facilities for crafting here.”

I scrunched my nose. “I don’t really like sharing this space, you know. Its mine.”

“You let that human in that one time.” Queen Seraphina pointed out.

“Yeah, I did at that.” I answered. “Ok, I’ll go and ask them. Are there any other surprises I should know about it?”

Queen Seraphina shrugged. “Almost certainly.”

I waited for a moment. “Well?” I prompted Queen Seraphina.

“Then they wouldn’t be a surprise now would they?” Queen Seraphina teased me with a light tone.

I shook my head as I headed off to the portal. As I strode towards the portal, the possibilities of introducing my human friends to the crafting ants began to play vividly in my mind. Kim would love to see the farms and see the food items. Mayara whose talents in tailoring had already earned her a place of respect, could find endless inspiration and perhaps even new techniques from the silk spinning ants. And Jillian, with her knack for metallurgy, would undoubtedly appreciates the skillful fire ants, who could perhaps help refine her smithing processes with their minute, yet powerful flames.

I reached the portal and paused, the cool air of the Verdant Hollow brushing against my face, carrying the earthy of the underground. Stepping through, I reappeared inside my grove. Loki was waiting for me and lifted her head and whined.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“I’m sorry my girl.” I walked over and rubbed her head. “You are getting big. I like it.” I told her. Loki was no longer the little husky I had known. The mana in the air agreed with her. She was now the size of a large pony. “What you been eating girl?” I asked.

Loki just whuffled at me and looked away. I guess it was true, never comment on a woman’s weight.

The sun was just beginning to set, casting long shadows and bathing the village in golden light.

“Hey, I’m heading over to Kim’s, wanna join me?” I asked her.

Loki’s ears pricked up and she nodded.

“Where’s Thor?” I asked her.

Loki looked towards the east. I cast my mind’s eye to follow my bond towards Thor. He was out in the forest hunting with Fernando.

“What are they doing?” I asked.

Loki barked at me. “Yeah, that probably is a good idea. I should have thought of that myself.” It seemed Thor and Fernando were out collecting resources for me to make more Fernandoes. In other words, there was a small creature apocalypse happening out to the east. I was certain to be busy later tonight.

I headed towards Kim’s Café with Loki right behind me. I found Kim bustling about, serving late-afternoon customers. She looked up and greeted me with her usual warm smile. “Gavrin! What brings you here today? Looking for a taste test or something more?”

“Something more, actually,” I grinned, leaning against the counter. “How would you like to see something amazing? Something that could add a whole new layer to your cooking projects?”

Kim’s curiosity was piqued immediately. “I’m all ears and you know I can’t resist a good mystery. What’s up?”

I smiled, “Let’s gather a few others and make a trip of it,” I suggested. “Mayara and Jillian might also find this interesting. Can we do this after dinner? I don’t want to take you away right before your busy time.”

Kim agreed and I was about to head off to find Mayara and Jillian. Kim stopped me. “They’ll probably find their way here for dinner. Sometimes it feels like everyone finds their way here. You want something?

“Sure thing.” I answered in the affirmative. “I am a little hungry. How about you Loki?” I turned to my companion.

Loki barked in agreement.

“Dealer’s surprise.” I told Kim.

“Take a seat.” Kim told me. “I’ll have something right out.”

As I waited, newcomers arrived. As they arrived at the café, the air filled with the aroma of spices and freshly baked bread. I noticed a few of them cast wary glances at Loki, unsure how to react to the sight of a husky the size of a pony. To ease their concern, I gave Loki a gentle pat, signaling that she was friendly. The apprehension in the room dissipated as the patrons returned to their conversations, laughter once again bubbling to the surface.

Settled comfortably at a corner table with Loki lying beside me, I observed the village folk. Their faces, once marked with the strain of survival, now held a certain ease. I was glad to see how far they had come since the Lightning fell.

The door chimed, and in walked Mayara and Jillian, their expressions weary yet bright with curiosity. They joined me at the table, their interest clearly piqued.

“So, Gavrin,” Mayara began, her eyes gleaming, “what’s this amazing thing you mentioned to Kim?”

I leaned back, a mysterious smile playing on my lips. “Let’s just say it involves the finest of crafts and a touch of the elements. But let’s enjoy our meal first. The surprise can wait until after.

Kim emerged from the kitchen, her hands skillfully balancing a tray laden with steaming dishes. She placed a hearty stew in front of me, the savory scent wafting up and causing Loki’s nose to twitch with delight. For Mayara and Jillian, she served a duo of beautifully plated dishes, the culinary artistry evident in every detail.

As we dug into our meal, I caught snippets of conversation from the neighboring tables. The villagers spoke of daily challenges, of lost ones, and of hope for the days to come. Their words wove a tapestry of resilience and community that filled me with pride.

The dinner crowd began to thin as twilight deepened into night. With satisfied bellies, Mayara, Jillian and I, with Loki at our heels, gathered outside the café under the starlit sky.

I raised my hand, and with a thought, a soft glow emanated from my palm, illuminating the path ahead. “Follow me,” I said, leading the way towards the grove. The anticipation was palpable, a shared excitement among us for the unveiling of the day’s mysteries.

As we approached the apple grove, the air thrummed with latent magic. I paused at the threshold, turning to face my companions. “Jillian, has already been here, but I would like your oath not to reveal my secrets without my permission. I promise this particular secret is no danger to you or this community. Can you swear on this?” I asked looking at Kim and Mayara.

Kim and Mayara exchanged glances with each other and then with Jillian. Jillian had a surprised look on her face. I guess she never expected me to reveal this, but here we were.

“It’s okay.” Jillian reassured the ladies. “It will be worth it.”

Kim and Mayara both promised to guard my secrets. I lifted my hand and reached for my magic. A blue shimmering portal flickered into existence in the center of my grove.

“Beyond this portal,” I explained, “lies the heart of my magical crafting. But it’s not just my work you’re about to witness. “It’s a collaboration; a fusion of nature, magic and ingenuity.”

Their eyes shone with wonder as I beckoned them forward, crossing the boundary into a world where magic was the essence of creation. The grove awaited, ready to reveal its secrets and marvels to those who dared to dream and build beside me.