Hundred Scales Round 2/Expansion

Excerpts from the diary of lady Atahana, trademistress and overseer of the Coiled Hills settlement.

First day, Final week of Sunrise, XXth Cycle
I have been chosen by our wonderful and esteemed Iztacoatl to head an expedition through the forests and to the hills, and once the place is made habitable act as head of the new settlement there. While I am loathe to leave my shop behind, my daughter is already of the age where she must learn practical lessons in the field of commerce, and she is a bright girl so I am certain that it will be in good hands.

I have heard word of a ferry canal leading to the settlement site already being dug as a write this, so with any hope this will be a simple boat ride in before setting up shop. I shall plan and pack accordingly, and eagerly await the opportunities this honor shall bring!

First day of Mother's Warmth, XXth Cycle
I regret everything.

I had come expecting a boat awaiting us, instead I found a caravan of carts, the ferry house not even completed and the canal still dry and disconnected from the river. I was informed that it was only half finished by the end of Sunrise, and it would likely be the middle of the season before it was operational, at least in time for migrants and supplies to arrive. There's no time to take the wares I brought along back, so most will have to be used on the trek. I can only hope we encounter some of the tribes folk who lurk among the trees so that I may recoup my loses somewhat. I fear this is going to be a long trek.

To make matters worse, the priestesses say that this will be an exceptionally warm season, and from what I felt simply making my way to the meeting place I cannot argue with their predictions. I can only hope I can keep my comrades in line and they do not lose their wits partway through the trip.

Fifth day, First week of Mother's Warmth, XXth Cycle
We've reached the end of the canal's progress, now all that lays ahead of us is dense forest. The heat is already beginning to pick up and most of my travel companions have begun to show signs of... Agitation. Our herbalist is the worst off, constantly fiddling with some new concoction whenever we make camp, seemingly obsessed with preparing for the mating festival. Last night she concocted some manner of oil that was supposed to heighten one's sensitivity and 'set libidos aflame' in her own words. One can only imagine what might happen if that were added to a writhing mass of already lust addled figures once the festival is in full swing.

On the more pleasant end of thing, the camp cook made excellent use of some of the spices I brought along to prepare a lovely rabbit stew. Perhaps this trip isn't completely terrible, even with the long slog ahead of us.

Sixth day, First week of Mother's Warmth, XXth Cycle
I believe the heat has finally come to claim me as well. This evening as we were setting up camp for the night we were approached by a group of rabbit folk seeking aid regarding an illness that was sweeping their tribe. Among them was a young man that caught my eye, with his lovely, snow white fur and slender physique... I could not resist, and despite the protests of my comrades and demands that I share, I agreed to give them all the aid I could muster in return for the boy.

Even as I write this he is lovingly entangled in my coils And what he lacks in endurance he more than makes up for in stamina. I shall end there for tonight, lest my writing become illegible from the precocious little thing's bucking. It would seem I shall be enjoying rabbit stew for the duration of this trip!

First day, Second week of Mother's Warmth, XXth Cycle
It's hot, too hot, perhaps taking on the rabbit child was a mistake. I've found my dreams plagued with thoughts of bearing a full clutch of eggs, of writhing bodies all vying for my dear prize. The other women of the camp have been eyeing him enviously... Perhaps I shall hold him as a prize for the mating festival once the town has been settled. For now I shall enjoy him while I can.

I may have gotten carried away, nipped him once or twice... Maybe more, I can't recall. Mother Serpent, I've never seen anyone's hips move like that, so intense [the ink upon the parchment suddenly streaks off to the side and down the page]

This may become a habit. I will have to keep an eye out for more bunnies like this.

Second day, Fourth week of Mother's Warmth, XXth Cycle
The heat is becoming unbearable, the only thing keeping my sanity is my precious little friend, though I have been forced to share him amongst the camp - assigning shifts and requesting the herbalist prepare something that will keep him going - lest they all fall into disarray and rebellion. We have reached the hills at least, and the canal followed not long after us. We have begun work carving out a spiraling incline up the tallest mound while digging out terraces for orchards and pastures. The town proper shall sit upon the top, while a ferry landing shall sit at the foot of the hill. A place has already been prepared for the festival to begin as soon as the migrants arrive. Perhaps then we shall have a return to sanity and I can enjoy my precious rabbit in peace.