Source: Permafreeze on dA | Date: 3.12.25
Cali’s legs felt like they had become mush underneath of her. She had been moving enormous chunks of crystal and rock for what had felt like days, the entire crew was taking shifts working on the massive project of freeing the giant matriarch. Every step felt like her paws weighed about a hundred pounds. Her path to the area of the caverns where all the workers were resting too her past the Matriarchs colossal head, slowing her pace even more she glanced at the ancient who was taking huge raspy breaths, the entirety or the cavern seemed to move with her exhales.
The hours seemed to ebb and flow with the Matriarchs temperament, When Cali has originally showed up in the process of freeing her. In the beginning the Matriarch seemed to detest the ‘surface dwellers’ as she called them, who were working on helping her. But in time she went from ranting and cursing at anyone who would listen to grumbling and eventually… even thanking them. Watching her learn that they really were there to assist was wonderful for Cali to witness. This poor ancient and amazing creature who has been in a crystal prison for entirely too long, the thought of being a part of freeing her was fascinating, and terrifying. Cali hoped the immense monarch would remember everyone was there to help.
Was she asleep? Cali Thought to herself. The tenders had retreated momentarily, either convinced she was sleeping or chased off by her berating. The Monarch would eat and drink but her temper was short on a normal day, Cali couldn’t imagine what she had been through all these years, let alone what she had endured since this entire process had began.
A massive exhale escaped the matriarch as Cali walked by, the air smelled of ancient rock, fermented food, and a strange tinge of magic. Cali forgot all about her weak legs and exhausting and walked up to the female’s head, and stared in awe at how magnificent she really was. The matriarchs head alone was at least twice as large as Cali’s whole body, maybe even larger, sharp chunks of crystal littered her head and neck, the smaller pieces deemed non consensual for the time being. Dust and sparkles of crystal flakes covered every surface possible, every breath the massive maw took scattered particles in the area in every direction.
Empty platters of food littered the area, not yet cleaned up by the caregivers, empty barrels of water and half full kegs of wine were stacked close by. A half full barrel of water and bowls had been pulled up next to the Matriarchs head, as Cali surveyed the feast that she giant had eaten earlier that day the Haedian leader took an immense inhale and sighed. Her teeth, almost as big as Cali herself, glittered in the crystal light. She licked her lips and opened and closed her jaws, seemingly trying to wet her maw. Cali’s ears perked up and looked over at the bowl of water the caretakers had left.
Pacing up to the barrel, Cali picked up the bowl and dunked it into the crystal clear water. She carefully poured the liquid into the tremendous jaws, The Matiarch closed her lips and sighed a grateful sound.
“Thank you surface dweller.” She half hissed between her teeth.
Cali thought about attempting to engage the ancient being in conversation but starting off with something like “So how ya doing this fine evening?” Sounded just ridiculous even in her own head.
She decided to say nothing and only nodded at the Matriarch. Motioning with the bowl to offer more water. The matriarch made no sound, only opened her massive jaws. Cali continued giving the great female water until she offered and she only shook her head slightly. Cali placed the bowl back down and felt exhaustion begin to take her. She had been awake and shoving around chunks of crystal as big ass she was for what felt like days. Cali sat back on her haunches and slumped down next to the barrel.
The Matriarch took a few breaths in and out quickly, was she laughing? Cali glanced up at the immense wall of crystal and the side of the matriarchs jaw. The giant opened her maw slightly and began to speak.
“The burden of these crystals can be immeasurable, I have little pity for your fatigue but…. After all this time…the thought of moving around freely again… I am….. Thankful.” She spoke in a gravely voice that sounded older than the stone was sitting on.
Cali simply smirked and leaned up against a nearby rock, the Matriarch tilted her head towards cali’s direction. Cali could have sworn she saw her smile a bit. Maybe she appreciated having a quiet soul to share a nap next to. Cali was never much for ideal chit chat and she thought the Matriarch may have related to that, after being alive for as long as she has.
CP Counter
Group Event + 3 (Event Proof) 830 words + 8 Total = 11