The Fire and The Storm - The Nexus of Kellaran #2 novel Chapter 70

Part 12

“I just got a message from my mother.” Helemia announced. “Our parents are sending us some snacks. Clear some ground right here, about six meters square.”

A few seconds later a huge U-shaped table appeared, piled high with baked treats, cookies, whole fruits, iced fruit purees, and dozens of varieties of small hors d’oeuvres.

“Thank you, we love you too!” the four conquerors called to their unseen parents.

“There’s enough here for five items for each of you.” Karzog announced to the entire gathering. “Form an orderly line, and no taking extras.”

“Ahh, that’s so adorable!” a female Sylvan laughed. “The babies are out conquering, and their parents sent them treats!”

“Don’t be too smart about it, or I’ll call you into the ring for a round or two.” Helemia warned.

“Of course, your mightiness!” the girl laughed, and gave them a mocking salute before moving to get into the line for the snack table before it got too long.

“These Sylvan do like to live dangerously, don’t they?” Helemia commented, and fetched her selections of snacks from the table by Movement.

By one hour to midnight, there was no one fighting in the ring anymore, and most of the gathering were having sex. Few of the Sylvan chose to seek a semblance of privacy among the trees or the unfinished constructions; most of them just covered a spot of sand with their clothes and went at it. The four young Governors observed this with some interest, and more than a bit of carefully-veiled disgust.

“I know for certain that I’ll think that’s a lot of fun in a few years.” Reggie privately commented to his companions. “But right now, that’s hard to believe. I never expected that sex could be so… slimy.”

“Or so smelly, for that matter.” Valentia added.

“Is my humanoid Translation spell failing me, or are their facial expressions completely ridiculous looking?” Karzog wondered.

“The spell isn’t failing you.” Helemia reported. “Though I find the slappy, squishy sounds to be the most ridiculous part about it. I’m with Six. I can’t believe I’m ever going to think that’s fun.”

“Most of them don’t look like they’re having fun, or sound like it either.” Karzog pointed out. “It seems more like they’re intent on hurting each other. And succeeding.”

“Grown-ups are weird.” Valentia concluded. “Even grown-ups as immature as these ones.”

Midnight came and went, then half-past. Most of the young Sylvan were still engaged in the activity, many after switching partners, sometimes more than once.

“Almost all of you are past curfew, and you should all be cleaned up and ready for sleep now.” Karzog announced. “Since this is our first night together and therefore a somewhat special occasion, we’ll let it go this once. But all of you who’re still having sex had better take note; You’d better start doing it earlier tomorrow night and be finished at midnight, because we’ll be drenching any stragglers with cold water.”

But it seemed like the Sylvan were unwilling to stop once they’d gotten started. Their Governors got sick of listening to them about four hours after midnight, and did indeed drench every continuing fornicator with cold water. They used fresh water from the streams rather than sea water, figuring that it would at least clean the Sylvan somewhat, and they moved the water by Translocation so there would be no warning. They laughed to themselves with quiet satisfaction at the chorus of surprised and distressed squeals, cries, and yells that erupted from all over the beach.