Stories from the Owl Cave

Mandy

Hello All!
I use to be around a long time ago so no one will probably remember me. I am from Australia, but now I live in Ireland. This is a topic which mad me laugh when I first posted it years ago (or maybe just a year!), there are endless possibilities.....have fun!

Ayla watches the vending machine, she carefully and quietly, making no sudden moves to alert it, creeps up closer. She reaches into her pouch and takes out 2 stones, all the while her eyes on the machine. She places the first stone into her sling and readies the 2nd, then with sudden burst of speed, she throws the first stone, and then the second in quick fire succession. They both find their mark - A 1 respectively, and then the prize chocolate drops to the collection tray.
Feeling satisfied with herself - she collects her 'kill'.

Creb sits quietly. Meditating - asking the great Cave Bear for guidance on how to retrieve the holy chocolate from its keeper. Through his one good eye, he stares at the machine, willing the chocolate to fall. He takes a long drink of a milky white liquid from a wooden bowl, and then suddenly he is floating - flying across the space, his spirit hovers near the vending machine, and then slips in through the collection tray and up into the heart of the machine. The spirit Creb then reaches out with his one good arm, and deftly plucks the chocolate from its resting place, then he is suddenly flying back to his body lying on the cold earth. Creb awakes with chocolate smudges on his beard and fingers, and decides that this needs more meditation, and looks back at the machine - a twinkle in his liquid eye.

Broud stared at the vending machine. He sneered at it, and walked around it, holding his spear menacingly. He will make the machine bend to his will - he will have that chocolate, it his right as a man of the Clan to have that chocolate. He paces around the machine, jabbing at it with his spear to no effect. Then becoming so frustrated at its apparent lack of reaction, he throws down his spear and launches himself onto the machine, fists pummelling it! He kicks and punches - lost in a blind rage until finally the machine breaks open and the chocolate comes spilling out. Broud picks up the chocolate - and smugly takes one with him. As he walks off with the chocolate bar he trys to open it, and struggles with the shiny foil wrapping, could that be a smirk on the vending machine?.....

Talut strides up to the vending machine, and wrapped his great bear-like arms around the whole machine, and then lifts it up off the ground all the while squeezing.....then with a great pop! the bottom of the machine falls out and the chocolates are spilled to the ground! Talut throws back his head and in a loud booming voice proclaims that there is enough for all!

Mandy

Here are some more - I couldn't resist!!

Crozie sits cross-legged in front of the vending machine. In her wrinkled old hands she has some gaming pieces. She picks up the throwing basket and places the pieces into it. She starts to shake the pieces around in the basket and looking up to the sky says 'what's that there in the sky?', and knowing that she has diverted the vending machine's attention, she flicks the pieces up and one flies right into the coin slot, and before the machine knows what has happened, she stuffed a chocolate bar into her mouth, and tries to look innocent!....

Ranec sidles up to the vending machine. 'It is perfect' he thinks to himself. He lovingly strokes its cool metalic sides 'oh...vending machine, my perfect vending machine' he croons under his breath. He stares into the glass front 'chocolate .....hmmmm'. Ranec reaches into a fold in his tunic and brings out something wrapped in a piece of soft leather. He unwraps it, 'this is for you, my perfect vending machine', and takes out an exquisitely carved circular, somewhat flattened piece of bone. On one side it has a picture of the vending machine, each detail delicately carved with love, and on the other side is a carving of a chocolate bar. Ranec takes the flat, circular bone, and gently, and lovingly slides the bone into the coin slot, all the while moaning 'oh perfect, just perfect!, oh yes!' and then the chocolate bar is pushed to the collection tray - 'yes! Oh yes!' moans Ranec as he reaches in to take his prize. 'perfect' he moans as he shoves the chocolate bar into his mouth........

Poldene

ROTHLMHO!!! I think Ranec is my favourite so far! Oh so cute!

Iza sat on the floor in front of the machine, awaiting a tap on her shoulder. At the feel of a cool drip of water from the machine, she signs, "this woman offers you this token of my respect" and places a small piece of carved bone into the slot, and then makes her selection. "this woman is grateful for a small taste of paradise" she signs, and retreats to teh safety of her hearth, with her treasure.

hehehe - this is fun!!! :-)

Terri

Ok, I'll take a shot . .

Wolf paces back and forth in front of the vending machine, occasionally stopping to sniff at it or throw his head back in a howl. Ayla steps up to the machine, sets her collecting basket down and rummages through it to find a token for her personal shrine. Wolf circles Ayla in anticipation while she makes the transaction with her goddess. Stooping back down to put the chocolate bar into her basket, she fondles Wolf behind the ears. Wolf takes the moment for what it is, snatches the chocolate bar and makes for the door. Ayla wonders if the Mother could see fit to put Wolf-repellant on the cellophane wrappers.

Mandy

I am glad that everyone is having fun with this thread. That is all it is meant to be - a bit of
fun!

I have another senario .... does anyone else have anymore - there are loads more characters
....Jondalar hasn't been done yet! (I don't think so?)

Haduma's people gathered around the vending machine in a circle, they began to dance rhythmically about it, singing and banging the butts of their spears in the dirt. As each got nearer the front, they in turn, stopped and thrust their hips enticingly at the machine, all the while chanting 'Haduma, haduma!'. Then a man carried over an incredibly gnarled old wizened woman. She had a twinkle in her eye and the man brought the woman up to the vending machine. She got off the back of her human stead and hobbled up to the front of the machine. She bent down and lifted up her skirts and with a wink and a cackle, she started to waggle her old hips at the machine! She then lifted up a wrinkled old hand and bent a finger toward the machine, she touched it - and to cheers from her people the vending machine spilled its entire contents onto the floor!! Haduma's people feasted on the chocolate for many days.....

penny brown

Here goes

Uba approched the tall shiney machine hoping that the offering of a mere female would be aceptable and gain a reward.

Slowly she placed the small round disc that she had found in the slot and then to her amazement the machine lowered the largest chocalate bar it had into the the tray.

Uba could not belive her luck picking up the chocalate she turned and fled before the machine could change it's mind and take back the chocalate.

Tammy

Mandy evidently posted this question on multiple boards. I found this one (wish I could have said wrote it, but alas I can't ) and I thought it was hilarious. Its by a lady named Susan.

Jondalar approaches the vending machine slowly. He knows his skill and although his "token" offering may not be a perfect fit he's sure with patience and gentle guidance he can manipulate the machine to give up it's offering. He doesn't want to go too fast, but his craving almost overwhelms him. He stops, pauses to collect himself. The sight of the chocolate is arousing his tastebuds. Gently, slowly he pushes into the slot, being ever so careful. Amazingly the slot opens to him and he discovers that what he is offering is a perfect fit. The machine opens up to him and releases the chocolate in rapid convulsing spasms. He cries out, "Hershey, is it you?" He lovingly takes the chocolate and places it in his mouth. Now that his craving is spent he realizes he loves chocolate. The next time he'll do he'll take it slower.

-
Amanda

Hey, all! I just finished VOH and thought I'd give it a whirl.

Serenio stood away from the machine, her eyes masking the turmoil she felt. The force of it's sheer magnatism drew her towards it. It caught her unaware and broke through the defenses she had so carefully erected. She was now open, vulnerable, drawn almost against her will. She struggled to repair her shield of composure. As she stood before it she made no demands, had no expectations. She would take only what it was willing to give. Suddenly it came to life. A package dropped into the tray. She reached her hand through the door, pushing, wishing she could take it all. She stepped back and sighed, a package of M&Ms in her hand. That was more than most women would ever get.

cavebear

An offerring:

Brun and Creb approach the vending machine...

(Brun approaches first, naturally)

B. In his mind: Is this a danger? There is food in here. It should be gathered. The females should gather it. Which female should be mated to the unmated hunters? Is this thing a danger to the females? Should it be killed? Will that be good for the people?

"Creb, what do you sense in this thing?"

C. Let me study it, Brun, leader of our people. (sinks to a meditative position). Two days pass, sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset; swiftly pass the days.

"Brun, I think this food is not good food for the Clan, but Iza should taste it in the traditional ways. It is her right and our way."

B. "It shall be so". (Iza comes as signaled, and drops gracefully into a crouch awaiting Brun's recognition)

"Iza, test this food supply..."

I. "Brun, this poor female has not the means to get the food to test". (Brun and Creb examine the means of access to the food source, but are baffled by their lack of memories).

C. "Brun, the girl-child "Ayla" has been forming stones which might fit into this slot..."

B. "Never! No female girl women child could know of such things!"

C. But Brun, she can count past her toes, and her pockets jingle with round objects that fit this slot!"

I. (trembling in fear for her "daughter"), Yes, Brun, this is so...

B. Let the girl-child-female-thing appear before us!

*POOF* Ayla appears as commanded...

C. (to Ayla) Have you ever made round-things before?

A. Oh, never Creb; why would I ever do something that never occurred to any of you idiots to do before????

C. I am so relieved, Ayla. Yet, do you have a way to get into this food-thing?

A, (to herself) Of course I do, you Neandertal! Calories in a subsistence diet equal stature, and I am taller than any of you. Did you think I did it on scrounged nuts and berries?

(to Creb) "This poor excuse for a Clan woman knows of a way that was imparted by Iza as part of my training as a Medicine Woman>"

I. "say what?"

A (smothering Iza from further signing) She removes several sling stones that have been flattened by stiking hard targets, and slips one into the slot of the machine...

The machine drops numerous candybar food-things...

B. "Creb, this flat-stome thing is forbidden to the female-girl-woman-silly-things. This is not in my memories!"

C. "Brun, this is mystical, yet "unroot"!

A. Stuffs bars into the mouths of Creb, Brun, and Iza... "Shut up and chew!"

B. I name Ayla, "Woman who Coins"...

C. Mrpmph!

I. Mrpmph!

A. Hmmm, The food seems to have an effect of the Clam males and females. Therefore, "cogito ergo sum" and there must be babies so that the females shall desire this food-stuff, and "buy low, sell high"!!!

Amanda

Jondalar was sitting under a tree working on a spear point. He didn't know what compelled him to look up at just that moment, but he saw a large painted water bird coming towards him. "Great Mother!" he cried, shattering a perfectly good piece of flint. As he watched in rapt amazement, people decended from the back of the creature. A person with neat whitened hair was helped almost reverently down.
Jondalar looked closer. There was no hint as to the nature of this individual. Not even the clothes, nor the walk, give a clue. The people noticed the machine he had found the day before. "We camp here!" he heard a cry.
That night there was cause for much celebration. Each person feasted on a choice morsel from the object. Sweet milk chocolate, fritos, tortilla chips, Lays: there was something for everyone.
But no one chose E-4. No one, that is, except for the strange one called Shamud.
Jondalar lived with them for a time. There were always feasts and offerings to the blessing machine, but only one person ever picked E-4...a small pack of chewing gum. Jondalar fondled the package he held in his hand. He read the ingredients. He knew they contained the mystery of the strange person. Could it be...was Shamud lactose intolerant?
Jondalar sat with Shamud next to the fire. He was determined to learn the secret. "So, uh...Shamud..." The healer looked at him expectantly. "Well, umm, which do you prefer, um, Three Mucketeers or potato chips?" The Healer laughed at him, and the demeanor changed. "Which would you have of me, Jondalar?" Shamud cocked a head knowingly. "Would it be the sweet, rich milk chocolate. Ahhh, such pleasure! Melts so deliciously in your mouth." Jondalar knew he had been mistaken. Of course the Shamud wasn't lactose intolerant!
But suddenly, Shamud's body took on a whole nother dimension. "Now chips, that would be a different story. The tangy taste of salt, dissolving in your mouth. Is there a better taste on earth?" Now Jondalar was certain. Of course, the Healer just preferred another kind of taste. Shamud laughed knowingly, as if knowing his thoughts. Jondalar went to his furs more confused than ever.
He became a watcher. He wasn't even conscious of it anymore. It was part of who he was. He was painfully aware of every bite Shamud took. But never did he see chocolate or potato chips. Always E-4, chewing gum. One day Jondalar pushed E-4 himself, and tried. "Hmmm," he mused. "Mint and, I don't know what else." He read the package. Dextrose and dye number 7?
What could that mean? It must be some secret language only Shamuds know. Maybe that's where Shamud gets such power. Oh no! He quickly spit out the gum.
In the next few days, Jondalar reread the package over and over. He finally came to a conclusion. He sat with Serenio one night. "Serenio," the sound of his voice compelled her to look into his vivid blue eyes.
"Yes," she felt drawn to him. She looked confused.
"Tell me..." he didn't know how to say it.
"Anything," she breathed, fully ready to give him all of her.
"Everyone likes chocoalte, don't they?" A look of disappointment crossed Serenio's face before she returned her mask. She answered affirmitively. "Of course they do," he smiled, glad the choice had been made for him. He felt a tightening in his loins just thinking about the sweet, silky taste...
"But Shamud never, that is, well...Tell me, is Shamud...diabetic?" She looked at him quizzically, taking measure. She looked away for a long moment, and Jondalar was sure she wouldn't answer him.
"Do you really want to know?"
He thought about it. "Well, maybe the mystery is important...to Shamud." He smiled his compelling smile. "It is early yet. I like chocolate," he whispered, gently tracing her collar with his tongue...

Ingo

Can't resist - you are soooo great out there!

Too bad Brun was taken away already - here's another one:

Brun sat in the clearing with the circle of stones, where the men usually met when they wanted to be apart from the women. He was sunken in his thoughts. He should never have allowed this thing in his clan. No clan had ever had such a thing. There was no reason against it in the first place, but now this thing was causing nothing but trouble. This had to be brought to an end.
Now. He knew that it was right. His doubts gave way to firm determination. Slowly he stood up, raising his heavy club, to crash that thing with a single swift stroke, but Creb suddenly intervened. "Wait a moment." All his determinedness was blown away. "You don't need to destroy it. Look, you just need to turn the handle!"

Back to the List



	Caveman Vending Machine by various authors Mandy Hello All! I use to be around a long time ago so no one will probably remember me. I am from Australia, but now I live in Ireland. This is a topic which mad me laugh when I first posted it years ago (or maybe just a year!), there are endless possibilities.....have fun! Ayla watches the vending machine, she carefully and quietly, making no sudden moves to alert it, creeps up closer. She reaches into her pouch and takes out 2 stones, all the while her eyes on the machine. She places the first stone into her sling and readies the 2nd, then with sudden burst of speed, she throws the first stone, and then the second in quick fire succession. They both find their mark - A 1 respectively, and then the prize chocolate drops to the collection tray. Feeling satisfied with herself - she collects her 'kill'. Creb sits quietly. Meditating - asking the great Cave Bear for guidance on how to retrieve the holy chocolate from its keeper. Through his one good eye, he stares at the machine, willing the chocolate to fall. He takes a long drink of a milky white liquid from a wooden bowl, and then suddenly he is floating - flying across the space, his spirit hovers near the vending machine, and then slips in through the collection tray and up into the heart of the machine. The spirit Creb then reaches out with his one good arm, and deftly plucks the chocolate from its resting place, then he is suddenly flying back to his body lying on the cold earth. Creb awakes with chocolate smudges on his beard and fingers, and decides that this needs more meditation, and looks back at the machine - a twinkle in his liquid eye. Broud stared at the vending machine. He sneered at it, and walked around it, holding his spear menacingly. He will make the machine bend to his will - he will have that chocolate, it his right as a man of the Clan to have that chocolate. He paces around the machine, jabbing at it with his spear to no effect. Then becoming so frustrated at its apparent lack of reaction, he throws down his spear and launches himself onto the machine, fists pummelling it! He kicks and punches - lost in a blind rage until finally the machine breaks open and the chocolate comes spilling out. Broud picks up the chocolate - and smugly takes one with him. As he walks off with the chocolate bar he trys to open it, and struggles with the shiny foil wrapping, could that be a smirk on the vending machine?..... Talut strides up to the vending machine, and wrapped his great bear-like arms around the whole machine, and then lifts it up off the ground all the while squeezing.....then with a great pop! the bottom of the machine falls out and the chocolates are spilled to the ground! Talut throws back his head and in a loud booming voice proclaims that there is enough for all! Mandy Here are some more - I couldn't resist!! Crozie sits cross-legged in front of the vending machine. In her wrinkled old hands she has some gaming pieces. She picks up the throwing basket and places the pieces into it. She starts to shake the pieces around in the basket and looking up to the sky says 'what's that there in the sky?', and knowing that she has diverted the vending machine's attention, she flicks the pieces up and one flies right into the coin slot, and before the machine knows what has happened, she stuffed a chocolate bar into her mouth, and tries to look innocent!.... Ranec sidles up to the vending machine. 'It is perfect' he thinks to himself. He lovingly strokes its cool metalic sides 'oh...vending machine, my perfect vending machine' he croons under his breath. He stares into the glass front 'chocolate .....hmmmm'. Ranec reaches into a fold in his tunic and brings out something wrapped in a piece of soft leather. He unwraps it, 'this is for you, my perfect vending machine', and takes out an exquisitely carved circular, somewhat flattened piece of bone. On one side it has a picture of the vending machine, each detail delicately carved with love, and on the other side is a carving of a chocolate bar. Ranec takes the flat, circular bone, and gently, and lovingly slides the bone into the coin slot, all the while moaning 'oh perfect, just perfect!, oh yes!' and then the chocolate bar is pushed to the collection tray - 'yes! Oh yes!' moans Ranec as he reaches in to take his prize. 'perfect' he moans as he shoves the chocolate bar into his mouth........ Poldene ROTHLMHO!!! I think Ranec is my favourite so far! Oh so cute! Iza sat on the floor in front of the machine, awaiting a tap on her shoulder. At the feel of a cool drip of water from the machine, she signs, "this woman offers you this token of my respect" and places a small piece of carved bone into the slot, and then makes her selection. "this woman is grateful for a small taste of paradise" she signs, and retreats to teh safety of her hearth, with her treasure. hehehe - this is fun!!! :-) Terri Ok, I'll take a shot . . Wolf paces back and forth in front of the vending machine, occasionally stopping to sniff at it or throw his head back in a howl. Ayla steps up to the machine, sets her collecting basket down and rummages through it to find a token for her personal shrine. Wolf circles Ayla in anticipation while she makes the transaction with her goddess. Stooping back down to put the chocolate bar into her basket, she fondles Wolf behind the ears. Wolf takes the moment for what it is, snatches the chocolate bar and makes for the door. Ayla wonders if the Mother could see fit to put Wolf-repellant on the cellophane wrappers. Mandy I am glad that everyone is having fun with this thread. That is all it is meant to be - a bit of fun! I have another senario .... does anyone else have anymore - there are loads more characters ....Jondalar hasn't been done yet! (I don't think so?) Haduma's people gathered around the vending machine in a circle, they began to dance rhythmically about it, singing and banging the butts of their spears in the dirt. As each got nearer the front, they in turn, stopped and thrust their hips enticingly at the machine, all the while chanting 'Haduma, haduma!'. Then a man carried over an incredibly gnarled old wizened woman. She had a twinkle in her eye and the man brought the woman up to the vending machine. She got off the back of her human stead and hobbled up to the front of the machine. She bent down and lifted up her skirts and with a wink and a cackle, she started to waggle her old hips at the machine! She then lifted up a wrinkled old hand and bent a finger toward the machine, she touched it - and to cheers from her people the vending machine spilled its entire contents onto the floor!! Haduma's people feasted on the chocolate for many days..... penny brown Here goes Uba approched the tall shiney machine hoping that the offering of a mere female would be aceptable and gain a reward. Slowly she placed the small round disc that she had found in the slot and then to her amazement the machine lowered the largest chocalate bar it had into the the tray. Uba could not belive her luck picking up the chocalate she turned and fled before the machine could change it's mind and take back the chocalate. Tammy Mandy evidently posted this question on multiple boards. I found this one (wish I could have said wrote it, but alas I can't ) and I thought it was hilarious. Its by a lady named Susan. Jondalar approaches the vending machine slowly. He knows his skill and although his "token" offering may not be a perfect fit he's sure with patience and gentle guidance he can manipulate the machine to give up it's offering. He doesn't want to go too fast, but his craving almost overwhelms him. He stops, pauses to collect himself. The sight of the chocolate is arousing his tastebuds. Gently, slowly he pushes into the slot, being ever so careful. Amazingly the slot opens to him and he discovers that what he is offering is a perfect fit. The machine opens up to him and releases the chocolate in rapid convulsing spasms. He cries out, "Hershey, is it you?" He lovingly takes the chocolate and places it in his mouth. Now that his craving is spent he realizes he loves chocolate. The next time he'll do he'll take it slower. - Amanda Hey, all! I just finished VOH and thought I'd give it a whirl. Serenio stood away from the machine, her eyes masking the turmoil she felt. The force of it's sheer magnatism drew her towards it. It caught her unaware and broke through the defenses she had so carefully erected. She was now open, vulnerable, drawn almost against her will. She struggled to repair her shield of composure. As she stood before it she made no demands, had no expectations. She would take only what it was willing to give. Suddenly it came to life. A package dropped into the tray. She reached her hand through the door, pushing, wishing she could take it all. She stepped back and sighed, a package of M&Ms in her hand. That was more than most women would ever get. cavebear An offerring: Brun and Creb approach the vending machine... (Brun approaches first, naturally) B. In his mind: Is this a danger? There is food in here. It should be gathered. The females should gather it. Which female should be mated to the unmated hunters? Is this thing a danger to the females? Should it be killed? Will that be good for the people? "Creb, what do you sense in this thing?" C. Let me study it, Brun, leader of our people. (sinks to a meditative position). Two days pass, sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset; swiftly pass the days. "Brun, I think this food is not good food for the Clan, but Iza should taste it in the traditional ways. It is her right and our way." B. "It shall be so". (Iza comes as signaled, and drops gracefully into a crouch awaiting Brun's recognition) "Iza, test this food supply..." I. "Brun, this poor female has not the means to get the food to test". (Brun and Creb examine the means of access to the food source, but are baffled by their lack of memories). C. "Brun, the girl-child "Ayla" has been forming stones which might fit into this slot..." B. "Never! No female girl women child could know of such things!" C. But Brun, she can count past her toes, and her pockets jingle with round objects that fit this slot!" I. (trembling in fear for her "daughter"), Yes, Brun, this is so... B. Let the girl-child-female-thing appear before us! POOF Ayla appears as commanded... C. (to Ayla) Have you ever made round-things before? A. Oh, never Creb; why would I ever do something that never occurred to any of you idiots to do before???? C. I am so relieved, Ayla. Yet, do you have a way to get into this food-thing? A, (to herself) Of course I do, you Neandertal! Calories in a subsistence diet equal stature, and I am taller than any of you. Did you think I did it on scrounged nuts and berries? (to Creb) "This poor excuse for a Clan woman knows of a way that was imparted by Iza as part of my training as a Medicine Woman>" I. "say what?" A (smothering Iza from further signing) She removes several sling stones that have been flattened by stiking hard targets, and slips one into the slot of the machine... The machine drops numerous candybar food-things... B. "Creb, this flat-stome thing is forbidden to the female-girl-woman-silly-things. This is not in my memories!" C. "Brun, this is mystical, yet "unroot"! A. Stuffs bars into the mouths of Creb, Brun, and Iza... "Shut up and chew!" B. I name Ayla, "Woman who Coins"... C. Mrpmph! I. Mrpmph! A. Hmmm, The food seems to have an effect of the Clam males and females. Therefore, "cogito ergo sum" and there must be babies so that the females shall desire this food-stuff, and "buy low, sell high"!!! Amanda Jondalar was sitting under a tree working on a spear point. He didn't know what compelled him to look up at just that moment, but he saw a large painted water bird coming towards him. "Great Mother!" he cried, shattering a perfectly good piece of flint. As he watched in rapt amazement, people decended from the back of the creature. A person with neat whitened hair was helped almost reverently down. Jondalar looked closer. There was no hint as to the nature of this individual. Not even the clothes, nor the walk, give a clue. The people noticed the machine he had found the day before. "We camp here!" he heard a cry. That night there was cause for much celebration. Each person feasted on a choice morsel from the object. Sweet milk chocolate, fritos, tortilla chips, Lays: there was something for everyone. But no one chose E-4. No one, that is, except for the strange one called Shamud. Jondalar lived with them for a time. There were always feasts and offerings to the blessing machine, but only one person ever picked E-4...a small pack of chewing gum. Jondalar fondled the package he held in his hand. He read the ingredients. He knew they contained the mystery of the strange person. Could it be...was Shamud lactose intolerant? Jondalar sat with Shamud next to the fire. He was determined to learn the secret. "So, uh...Shamud..." The healer looked at him expectantly. "Well, umm, which do you prefer, um, Three Mucketeers or potato chips?" The Healer laughed at him, and the demeanor changed. "Which would you have of me, Jondalar?" Shamud cocked a head knowingly. "Would it be the sweet, rich milk chocolate. Ahhh, such pleasure! Melts so deliciously in your mouth." Jondalar knew he had been mistaken. Of course the Shamud wasn't lactose intolerant! But suddenly, Shamud's body took on a whole nother dimension. "Now chips, that would be a different story. The tangy taste of salt, dissolving in your mouth. Is there a better taste on earth?" Now Jondalar was certain. Of course, the Healer just preferred another kind of taste. Shamud laughed knowingly, as if knowing his thoughts. Jondalar went to his furs more confused than ever. He became a watcher. He wasn't even conscious of it anymore. It was part of who he was. He was painfully aware of every bite Shamud took. But never did he see chocolate or potato chips. Always E-4, chewing gum. One day Jondalar pushed E-4 himself, and tried. "Hmmm," he mused. "Mint and, I don't know what else." He read the package. Dextrose and dye number 7? What could that mean? It must be some secret language only Shamuds know. Maybe that's where Shamud gets such power. Oh no! He quickly spit out the gum. In the next few days, Jondalar reread the package over and over. He finally came to a conclusion. He sat with Serenio one night. "Serenio," the sound of his voice compelled her to look into his vivid blue eyes. "Yes," she felt drawn to him. She looked confused. "Tell me..." he didn't know how to say it. "Anything," she breathed, fully ready to give him all of her. "Everyone likes chocoalte, don't they?" A look of disappointment crossed Serenio's face before she returned her mask. She answered affirmitively. "Of course they do," he smiled, glad the choice had been made for him. He felt a tightening in his loins just thinking about the sweet, silky taste... "But Shamud never, that is, well...Tell me, is Shamud...diabetic?" She looked at him quizzically, taking measure. She looked away for a long moment, and Jondalar was sure she wouldn't answer him. "Do you really want to know?" He thought about it. "Well, maybe the mystery is important...to Shamud." He smiled his compelling smile. "It is early yet. I like chocolate," he whispered, gently tracing her collar with his tongue... Ingo Can't resist - you are soooo great out there! Too bad Brun was taken away already - here's another one: Brun sat in the clearing with the circle of stones, where the men usually met when they wanted to be apart from the women. He was sunken in his thoughts. He should never have allowed this thing in his clan. No clan had ever had such a thing. There was no reason against it in the first place, but now this thing was causing nothing but trouble. This had to be brought to an end. Now. He knew that it was right. His doubts gave way to firm determination. Slowly he stood up, raising his heavy club, to crash that thing with a single swift stroke, but Creb suddenly intervened. "Wait a moment." All his determinedness was blown away. "You don't need to destroy it. Look, you just need to turn the handle!" Back to the List