The Inquisitive One by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Of the others present, Kaela felt the strongest connection to the boy, Lepus nem-Happael. He was marked by an inquisitive brilliance she’d scarcely seen in all her years amid the books and gymnasea of Breckland. She’d seen more than her share of would-be linguists, skulking the corridors at University: she’d passed as many as she’d failed, and even the brightest among them were pale and sallow things when thrown into comparison with young Lepus. In the months it took to cross the Tenris Sea, and the days on-mount across the acrid tinge of the Scrapes, Lepus had been her self-elected student. He’d set the task of learning at least the rudiments of Tik and Hlaat. And now, squatted like a gargoyle, his eyes steady and unblinking, he watched the approach of a Hlaat hive-guardian.
There were Hlaat in Breckland, but none like this elegant she-guard of some near and ancient hive. She bore no markings Kaela recognized: no creche marks, no complex filigree of queen-lineage patterns, but Brecklanders saw little of "wild" Hlaat.
There were others behind her, invisible to the human eye, yet undoubtedly aware of the lone woman, surrounded by men...the youngest of whom crouched (like any speaking female) with his weight balanced on splayed, maggot-pale toes. He'd pulled his buskins off at the first sign of the she-guard's presence. (Where? Kaela wondered, had he read of that custom?)
In those tense moments before introductions, before speech, Kaela crouched beside Lepus, taking small comfort in his presence.
The she-guard approached, her antennae waving furiously.
As Kaela stared into her bulbous, black eyes, she wondered what this elegant and half-comprehensible creature thought of the incongruity of a male waiting for speech. The Hlaat were--if anything--a pragmatic people, and in their common eye, a male who understood the female complexities of verbal speech, was probably just another of those strange human things....
****
There will, undoubtedly be more to this story, but I felt compelled to offer this bit now. As for the image, I have no idea what this creature actually is. A wasp of some sort, if it's waistline (not seen here) is any indication. I thought he (she?) made a fascinating alien, and decided to write something, especially since this handsome creature was kind enough to stand still long enough for me to snap at least 4 good photographs.
As always, thank you--very much--for viewing, reading and commenting, and I hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Comments (23)
wonderful capture!!!
!!! I can't believe this! You took a picture of a bug and came up with an entire story about it. I'm shaking my head in amazement. Not only did you come up with something, it's GOOD! I mean ... anybody can write drek about a bug ... but this is outstanding!
I should just copy and paste Tara's comment, cuz it is SO right on--you see a bug and bam!! you tell a story---wow!!
I shall never look at insects in the same way ever again! What a mind you have...MARVELLOUS!
I've already read this more than a dozen times; it's like chocolate!
Excellent shot and story..!!
Dear Chipka; Their stories are amazing and the photo is great! Hugs...Orlando
I've always wondered just what they make of us humans.
Fantastic image!!!
great shot and a good story two.
As always, your creativity amazes me. I really like it that the point of view in your story is someone from the side, who's watching this seeming prodigy about to engage a very dangerous and difficult task, while he's somehow just a step or two ahead of her and she's clearly fascinated by that feat.
Very interesting how the Hlaat Hive Guardian is watching them, and Lepus is watching the she-guard, and Kaela is watching Lepus. All captured eloquently in your pic and narrative. I know writing is hard work but you have such a natural story-telling talent and an imagination bigger than the universes you create. CC
Wow, great writing, (and I'm now examining my toes to gauge their closeness of shade to maggot). Very enjoyable as always! Wonderful photograph, glad the wasp indulged you by standing still so long. : )
I don't know, kinda looks like he's contemplating where to sting you; back up slowly, Chip! Great shot and storyline...
I agree with Auntie :) Good Job my friend!!
That is a most beautiful photograph of this insect and a very appropriate title also. You certainly are an interesting person and writer of extraordinary skill!
Great capture chip: he/she is obviously aware of your presence and willing to accept it. Funny because on saturday night I rescued a ladybug from my cat's paws and kept her on my hands for at least half an hour, it was a gorgeous moment between me and this little thing that knew and felt I was no danger... I think I was fascinated by her and my mom saw me and told me I looked like a 3 year old little girl in my eyes with my insect friend lol... In france ladybugs are also called "good god's pets"... Your story is excellent as well, and I could see the female alien 's eyes looking at me at the end of the chapter. You have that sense of description and rythm that is essential in writing to catch people's minds! Not to mention the conclusion of it all: I love your pun about how strange it is for a male human to understand what females say haha :))
What a great story and amazing capture!
Pretty little alien. After all the great insect macros on RR, and this pretty alien and accompanying story, I may have to adjust some long held prejudices against bugs. Not all of them, mind you. I'll still reach for the shoe or can of Raid if I see a roach. Great capture and story!
Great macro...
I love your capture and your title as the story as well.Excellent as always.
Interesting source of inspiration. David Cronenberg claimed to be inspired by the alien-nes of insects, especially the "double life" many of them appear to live. Anyways, you've got me hooked on this story now, I hope to read more of this world in the coming weeks. I guess an intelligent hive species would find our human mixing of gender rolls as alien we we view them. Excellent job bringing out the detail and "personality" of this curious little visitor.
I like the story, as usual, and I particularly like the line about the she-guard's antennas waving furiously: there's an image almost like Anne Bancroft as a traffic cop, telling you that you can't park there. As for the image: I love the way he's just coming at you, like he has all the self-confidence in the world. It kind of reminds me of all those used car salesmen that come up to you in the lots on Western Avenue, telling you what a great deal they're going to give you on what's obviously a lemon. Great shot.