Ma felt content. She had sent some of the vermite out to gather supplies after working through what they might need for the coming days. Water was in short supply so half the remaining vermite were working with Pa to dig a well while Kai sat by the fire sewing clothes and watching the pups. She marvelled at how her thoughts were clearer now and came faster.

Life before had been survival and now there was more meaning. She could nuture and properly provide for the vermite around her. The reason for this was Adam; he had started these changes. She learnt his name when boss no longer seemed to fit; not with her increased understanding of things.

She had tried other words and meanings like master and leader but none fit quite right whereas Adam was his name. For the vermite names were no more than the verbalisation of a deeper meaning. The word mixed with smell and visual cues to make up a greater meaning. She knew this now and could articulate it better. It encompassed their basic traits and personality; where they had come from and what was important to them. A title like boss or master was less important than this so Ma had learnt his name and it fit better.

Every night she worried about Ti and Rai. More so than the other vermite as they were leading the way and going places first. Tonight was the same when they headed off with Adam to venture deeper in the mine. Despite her worry she knew that if they took no risks the vermite would not grow and prosper. While she could not bear the thought of losing one of the vermite in the camp if they just sat around waiting for Adam to provide things would stagnate. Plus tonight they were with Adam so she told herself they would be as safe, if not safer, than a normal night without him. 

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Having set the other vermite on their tasks Ma had her own challenge for the night; to gather the rest of the local vermite to the camp. Adam had pointed out the burrows on his map so she knew the general direction to head. With the vermite from three burrows already gathered there were still six other burrows and a couple of packs that lived in the caves around the Orchard. With her walking staff in one hand she shouldered the pack Kai had made for her and headed out of camp. Before she left the light of the fire Pa had joined her.

"You're meant to be finishing that well." She said; waving away Pa's hand as he tried to take the pack from her shoulder.

"They dig. I come." Said Pa, pointing at the other vermite. "Dig easy." To clarify that he wasn't needed.

"Ok, but don't slow me down." Ma sighed and agreed to save an argument that would probably end with Pa joining her anyway - he could be incredibly stubborn about things like this.

With the decision made Pa chose a staff from the pile that Rai had set to one side and jogged back to join Ma as they set out into the Orchard. He took a practice swing with the staff as they passed a tree; holding it with one hand rather than two and grunting as it gave a satisfying smack. He was happy; this would keep them safe and he was with Ma. He could always finish the well when he returned.