TSB - Returning Home (special prompt 3)

Now - what to do with them?

Solan stared down at the prickle as they munched away on their treats. Though they seemed to have calmed somewhat, they were still clearly nervous, eyeing their surroundings between bites.

It would be impossible to carry them by hand - too many spikes. Maybe he could lead them?

Carefully, Solan grabbed another handful of treats out of the bag. Leaning down, he held his hand out, palm up. One of the nyxthorns eyed him warily. Slowly, it stepped towards Solan’s hand, whiskers quivering as it sniffed the air. Tentatively, it took a few bites of the mix, snuffling.

Now for the hard part. Solan began to edge backwards, moving further from the main group. Stretching, the nyxthorn followed him. 

Encouraged, Solan took a larger step back. The nyxthorn stopped, however, sniffing the air a few times before wandering back to its companions.

Damn. Solan sat, idly playing with the tassels of his blanket as he thought. Wait…

Palani had given the blanket to him as a gift before they left for the Beneath. Designed to be worn, it was kitted out with various ties to secure it to the body. Maybe it could be adjusted to contain some spiky creatures?

Pulling the blanket off, Solan assessed the blanket. Yes, this could work. He laid the blanket out a short distance from the prickle, with the ties on the underside. He sprinkled the last of the treats in the center of the blanket.

Slowly at first, the creatures ambled onto the blanket, lowering their heads to eat. Careful not to disturb them, Solan gathered up the blanket, cinching it at the top — though leaving some holes for air. They squeaked indignantly at the process, but didn’t struggle too much. Biting the bundle below the knot, Solan lifted it, grunting. Hopefully he could make it back to the Matriarch without dropping them…

***

The Matriarch's cries could be heard again once he entered the Caregivers’ territory. Hearing this, the nyxthorns became agitated, their squeaks becoming louder and more frequent. Several times Solan had to set them down, to rest his jaw and get his breath back.

He stretched his neck out, watching the bundle to make sure none of the creatures were trying to escape. As he did so, he spotted movement out of the corner of his eye.] He looked over to see Cailu, who was carrying some empty sacks - presumably, he’d been delivering food to the Matriarch.

”Cailu,” he said, nodding a greeting, which Cailu returned. Suddenly, one of the nyxthorns let out a loud squeak, causing both of them to flinch.

“What do you have there?” Cailu asked, raising an eyebrow at Solan.

”Nyxthorns.” Solan replied. “Found them hiding in the Keepers’ caverns - they’d found themselves a nice hidey-hole.”

Cailu acknowledged this, smiling. “Nice work,” he said. “I’m sure the Matriarch will be grateful. Some others were dropped off earlier — with any luck, these will be the last of them.”

Solan bent down to pick up the sack. “Aren’t those heavy?” Cailu asked.

Solan grunted, then set down the bundle again to reply. 

“It was the only way to get them back — they wouldn’t follow me on their own.” Cailu frowned at this.

”Do you want some help?” Cailu asked. He held up the sacks in his hand. “These are pretty big. I may be able to take a couple off of your hands.”

Solan nodded gratefully. He opened the top of the blanket, careful not to let any of the nyxthorns escape. Protecting his hands with another of the sacks, Cailu reached in and lifted out a nyxthorn. It squeaked at the indignity.

”Oh hush,” Cailu said, not unkindly. Gently, he placed it in the other sack, careful not to snag its quills on the opening. He then took another, leaving two in Solan's bundle.

”Right, that should be fine.” Cailu said. “Let’s get these guys back.” Throwing the empty sack over his shoulders, he picked up the one containing the nyxthorns. Solan followed suit — the bundle was noticeably lighter, to his relief — and they set off towards the Matriarch’s cavern.

***

Eventually, they reached the Matriarch’s cavern, much sooner than Solan would’ve if he’d been carrying the nyxthorns on his own. Entering the chamber, he heard the sounds of industry happening all around him, though it was quieter than when he’d left. It appeared most of the mining team were on break, chatting in groups while they ate meals provided by one of the support teams.

Cailu set his sack down. “Looks like we’re here.” he said. He turned to Solan.

”Thanks again for helping us out,” Cailu continued. “We need every bit of help we can get — it’s amazing how many have turned up to lend a hand.”

Solan nodded agreement. “Particularly those on the surface.” He added, gesturing to a group of vayrons sitting nearby. “I’ve been living up there a while now. The fact that so many came down, even those from other continents, is incredible.”

Cailu hummed. “It seems there’s still a lot we don’t know about the surface dwellers.” He looked at Solan knowingly. “I hear you’re finding your place up there.”

Solan smiled, thinking of Palani and Rochel. “I am.”

Cailu smiled back, before turning to pick up the nyxthorns. “Come on,” he said. “It’s time to bring these guys back to the Matriarch.”