Scattered Seed Part 2
Having rested, the siblings readied for the walk home. They moved along, continuing to gather as they traveled. The early summer season was a great time for collecting desirable items. The elders would laugh at the number of dandelions they would present. The ones from before The Change always joked as to how the yellow flowered plant would be around forever. It was a wondrous plant, however, providing materials for salads, wines, teas, dyes, and medicines. The young ones never understood why the people in earlier times hated them so.
“Father will be pleased with our work today.” Simone affirmed as she shifted her pack to sling a smaller bag over her shoulder.
“Indeed, he will,” Ethan agreed, “as will the rest of the community. What we do means a lot to everyone.”
“I am sure,” he added with a teasing tone, “Jason will be proud of your accomplishment.”
She turned to show him her rolling eyes and a nose wrinkled as if she had come across some foul smell.
“Well,” he continued, “You know he will. Then he will laud your abilities as a medicine woman, a cook, and a huntress. Then he will comment on how beautiful you are and what a benefit you are to the community.”
Simone turned and looked at him as if she had stepped into whatever had created that foul odor she had imagined a few moments earlier.
“You know, Simone,” he said seriously, “I have heard the rumors. He is going to ask father for permission to take you as his wife.”
Simone stopped and sharply turned to face him again, looking somewhat ill.
“No!” she stated emphatically, “No … no … no … no … NO!”
“Father will say it would be a good union between our family and his.”
“I’d sooner marry a tunnel drone!” she said, smacking him smartly on the arm.
Ethan laughed as he rubbed his arm to ease the sting. He believed if Jason asked, Father would agree. He wondered if the ensuing battle would earn a title similar to The Change. Their thoughts kept them moving quietly for some time.
Their mood lightened as they stepped onto the path to their home. The community had been established by those who had escaped the invaders at the start of the battles. It was hidden in a mountainous cul-de-sac for its safety and ease of defense. The initial settlers stayed in caves. Later, after the fighting calmed, they expanded their living area. They built on the land outside of the caves, yet stayed within the confines of the rocky bowl in the mountain.
“They’re here!” the returning gatherers heard as they approached the entrance of the cul-de-sac.
“Miriam,” said Simone,” She is always waiting for us.”
“Indeed,” Ethan responded, “and always wants to hear of every minute of the trip.”
“… aaand ..” Simone continued, smiling, “will pester more then ever to go with us next time.”
They both laughed lightly as they knew the truth of this prediction. They took her on short trips into the areas nearby. Miriam was quick to learn and did well traveling through the hillside terrain. She wanted to go into the tunnels, but it would not happen soon.
Miriam greeted them as they moved closer to them and continued to eagerly ask questions as the trio moved toward the living area.
“Did you see any drones? Did you find any berries? Were there rats in the tunnel? Did you see the traveler? Did you find any pretty rocks? Were the lights still working? I bet you got a lot of dandelions, didn’t you? Simone, did you find any glow powder? Ethan, did you get the vines for some rope? Are you exhausted? Do you want me to make you some tea? Can I see what is in the packs?”
“Enough, Miriam!” Ethan exclaimed, smiling, as he realized his sister had stopped a few steps back.
“What traveler?” asked Simone.
