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Armas was nervous and why shouldn't he be? Together with ninety-nine others, he stood in a circle. Ready to gamble their life away. Well, not really. Only the race he was born with. A gong sounded and everyone - including Armas - was taking one step forward. Each one in front of a small lectern looking extrusion of a giant ancient artifact. This very artifact was the reason for the few dozens of races calling this world their home. Once there had been only one race. Humans. Before the artifact of the ancients had been found. The gong sounded again and Armas placed his right hand on the lectern- like extension. Nearly everyone did the same. A few hesitated. Almas could understand why. This was a gamble. The odds were nearly impossible against one. Once everyone touched the artifact they all would be cocooned by magic. Only then one would be chosen by random. The lucky winner could create a new race from scratch. Previous winners had described the system. They had found themselves in a large room. Floating runes represented different aspects and traits. The winner had to purchase those runes and connect them on a special table to pin down the general abilities and traits of a species. Some combinations are powerful. Other less so. Mistakes had been made in the past. How else would one describe races like goblins? Like golden leaves, layers of thin metal closed around Armas as the last participant overcame their hesitation. Soon there was no light and Armas found himself in darkness. A moment later he felt his body lifted upwards and then all corporeal feelings faded away. This was it. The moment one of them would be chosen. Would design a new race and impose it one everyone in this circle. Gradually the feeling of his body returned and a pang of sadness shot through him. It meant that he hadn't been chosen. Someone else had redefined his destiny. He knew the odds had been against him. Still a small part of him had hoped he would be the chosen one. A belief he had shared with everyone here. Eventually, the force that made him float in the air receded and his feet touched the ground. He nearly fell to his knees as he noticed his feet had changed. Standing strangely on his toes, but not quite as he couldn't feel those anymore. There was also something under his heel that lifted it up. Very curious to him. The golden cocoon around him peeled away layer by layer and gradually more light found itself inside. What he saw made him gasp. The hand he held up was gleaming black. More slender as his original one. The skin had hardened into plates that smoothly transitioned from one to the next. It reminded him of the chitinous armor of insects. Intrigued he looked down and nearly stumbled in shock. Small breasts with soft skin greeted him. Below them, the gleaming black armor returned. That this was impossible was his first thought. He still should be male no matter what race he transitioned into. Unless... The last membrane of the cocoon receded and revealed ninety-nine other women in gleaming black armor. Some looked just as confused as Armas. He looked to the woman on his left and studied her. As she noticed she decided to do the same. Her face was of angelic beauty and Armas reasoned he might look similar. Her skin only reached slightly below her shoulders. Her arms and hands were covered in the same hard shell that Armas possessed. Just like his, it reached up to the biceps. Her breasts were on full display. Naked to everyone around. Below, a thin lip of the armor seemed to push her breasts upward. Now curious, Armas felt below his own breasts and felt the same hardened support slightly cupping his mounds. He also had to admit that brushing against his breasts felt really nice. The woman beside Armas saw his exploration and mimicked it. This drew his attention to the woman's waist. It was clad in the same armor-like shell as his arms. More so it appeared to mimic those corsets noblewomen wore. Compressing their waist to something astonishingly small. In fact, as he let his hands glide downward he could span his waist with both. The term waspishly small came to his mind. The corset-like portion of the armor thinned out in two strands that snaked down between her legs. Framed by them was the normal-looking vagina of a woman. Of course, Armas could conclude that the same equipment was between his legs. Yet he didn't dare to explore his own with his hands. At least, not yet. Instead, he concentrated on her legs. Only her hips and upper tights were normal skin. Below, it looked like she was wearing boots with a shaft that reached up to her tights. Made from the same gleaming black material that covered their waist and arms. Now he could see why he felt like standing on his toes. The woman feet were arched as if she was standing on hers. Yet were her toes should be her foot smoothed out into a wide rounded tip. Curiously enough this was not where her feet ended. There was a kind of platform beneath it. For a moment Armas was reminded of hooves, but the platform blended seamlessly into the rest of the foot as it was the same material. Armas guessed it would be difficult to walk fluidly on his new raised feet. Maybe for that reason, a thorn-like protrusion extended from the heel to the ground. Offering a small but additional point of rest for the feet. "Would you mind?" the woman asked in a soft melodic voice. It took Armas a moment to notice that she gestured for him to turn around. Nodding he did his best to tether on his new feet to turn around without falling. A few heartbeats later he heard: "Thanks. That's interesting. Look." As Armas turned back he saw that the woman now showed her backside. Where two strands of the dark material vanished between her legs, a single one returned on her backside and grew wider till it merged again with the armor around the waist. What caught Armas interest were circular groves. One just above the buttock and four further up. He noticed that here the armor extended upwards to the shoulder blades. With the first inspection done Armas tried to walk closer to the woman who helped him understand in what body he now lived. Each step on the stone floor gave a loud click that alerted the woman to him. As she turned back around one of her feet caught a crack in the weathered stone floor. Armas rushed to her and caught her just before she could lose her balance completely. For a moment both rang with balance and gravity before they managed to stabilize themselves by clinging to each other. "Thanks," she said in her melodic voice. Armas responded with a "Your welcome" of his own, but nearly at to stop to gasp. His voice was so alluring feminine that, had he still his old body, surely would have grown stiff between the legs. Even now, as the resonance traveled down his body, he felt slightly euphoric. "Vilhelm," the woman offered along with one of her hands. The other never leaving Armas arm. "A male name," Armas remarked. "Looks like you are in the same boat as I am. Armas. Also formerly male." "I don't think we will be the only one. The chosen one really pulled a good one on us. Welcome to your new gender," Vilhelm offered with a lopsided grin. "And to our new race," Armas added. "Whatever it may be called." Somehow it felt right to hug and remain so. Arms around each others waist they looked around. They saw many others who had paired up or created small groups. All of them hugging or seeking skin contact with each other. Not far Armas spotted one who looked a little lost and without a partner. After pointing with his chin Armas walked arm in arm with Vilhelm over to her. As he reached her he gently sneaked an arm around her waist and gently pulled her close. He could hear a sigh of relief and the woman leaned her head at his shoulder. "Thanks," she purred. "Armas. And this is Vilhelm." "Minja," she offered. "I never was good at these social things and now ... Why does it feel so good to hug each other?" "I have no idea," Armas admitted. "Maybe we should ask her." With both arms busy holding the women close to him all he could was nodding into a general direction. There a woman confidently walked towards the center of the room. Two things struck Armas as odd. For one the woman walked as if she was born with those weird new feet. On the other hand, her gleaming armor wasn't black. Close. But not quite, as it had a touch red in it. Their trio had made only a few steps towards her when the woman in very dark red addressed the room. "Please. Gather around," she half-shouted. Her voice strangely authoritative, yet with a hint of warmth in it. It reminded Armas of the woman who used to take care of the small children in his village. Other groups got closer and as they came close enough Vilhelm even connected theirs to another trio who came close. Not that Armas minded. It felt good to have the others around. "Now," the woman in the center continued. "As many of you may have guessed I was the chosen one to design our new race. To be honest I am still kind of in awe that it actually chose me. My name is Kiira and as the chosen one I used the powers given to me to the full extent. I know some might be confused. Or in a new gender." Addressing the elephant in the room brought forth a few chuckles and many nods. Armas included. "I apologize. Creating my vision took some compromises. My goal was ambitious and despite the compromises, I think I succeeded. In time I hope you will share my view and grow to love your new race." She took a moment to let her gaze roam over the gathered ninety-nine people. Her new race and family. "Since I was small I was intrigued by insects. More so by those that create hives. These accomplish much in harmony with each other. While humans and other races often fall apart over small matters. That is why I drew inspiration from those hive building insects. I hope this will bring harmony to us in the future and with it peace." Armas saw many nods around him and felt himself to nod along. He wasn't into insects, but so far he saw nothing icky on himself or others. In fact, he liked what he saw and even more what he felt lean against his body. "One aspect you have probably guessed," she continued. "Hive insects are social in nature and so are we. Strength will be in numbers. As will be our comfort. We all will be a family. One you can depend on. After all, it is now in our nature." She stopped on a broad grin. Next, she held up her arm and tapped with the other against the gleaming black part. "Physically we have some differences to other races. Our arms, legs, and waist are exoskeletal in nature. In them are organs that are so unique no other race has them. However, there is even more potential. Depending on your role in our new society your body can change. Adapt. Become more." Armas noticed some murmuring around the circle. He was close to saying something too. A class-based system? Would he be stuck in one role for the rest of his life? "Worry not," the chosen one said. "Yes, in those hive insect colonies roles are fixed for life. But the individuality we possess is a strength too. Therefore I did go with a blend of both. You will decide what your role will be and for how long. No one will be stuck as something that isn't close to their heart." A sigh of relief escaped Armas. One of the reasons he was here was to escape such fate. He was the son of a farmer. In a line of farmers. It would have been his future too if he hadn't decided to risk it all. It brought him to the here and now. To a female body inspired by insects. Still, he felt no regret. Not yet anyway. Hopefully never. "As you can see my exoskeleton has a red tinge. This means I shifted in the matron role. To teach and to lead. Despite having created this race I am looking forward to assuming other roles and to see some of you taking on the mantle of matron." In a wide gesture, she pointed to her new flock. "You are right now in a neutral role. Your body fit to do many tasks. The first role I want to teach is the gatherer. To activate it look at your own exoskeleton and try to imagine it in the color of dark blue." Not seeing a reason to not comply Armas lifted his arm away from Minja - feeling a short moment of regret for the lost body contact - and tried his best to envision the change. It worked sort of after a few moments. Parts of his armor turned to a deep and dark royal blue. However, instead of a uniform color change, only stripes of it turned towards blue. Looking around Armas saw the same patterns on others. It reminded him of bees and wasps. As he looked the last few managed the change. Satisfied that he was in accordance with the rest Armas let his arm fall around Minja again. "Good. Very good," Kiira praised. "As your body adjusts to the role the color will grow stronger and brighter." "Could we use the same method to turn into a matron," one daring woman asked. "Of course," Kiira said with a bright smile. "It is your decision what role you take. Including matron. However, I ask of you to please remain a gatherer for now. There is much to teach and many roles. I hope to shift each and everyone through every role so you can find the one best suited for you not only based on knowledge but also experience." This certainly made sense to Armas. The only person knowing all the kinks and traits of their species was the one who created it. "Now, in a moment we will show ourselves to the world," the matron announced. "I noticed some of you are still a bit shaky on your legs. You might want to take the opportunity to train walking a little. After all, we want to present us as gracefully and not as clumsy. Before you do there is one trait I want to teach you that might help." Grinning she leaned forward. Impossibly so as her body stood from the ankles upward at a forty-five-degree angle. She managed to turn herself upright again and smiled seeing the astonished faces of those around her. "Our feet might look impractical, but the truth is quite the opposite. As I said our feet - our hands as well - contain new organs. One allows us to use magic to root us in place." Seeing that she had the undivided attention she continued. "In fact, as the magic anchors us we can do more." She lifted up her right foot a few inches and angled it as if she wanted to stand on tiptoes - if she still had them - and then lifted the second foot as well. Gasps could be heard as she appeared to be floating on air. "I am not flying or levitating. Each foot projects an invisible spike of magic that penetrates the ground and roots us there. How much of this spike we sink in the ground is up to us. If we leave some of it outside we appear to be floating. Go ahead. Try it out. Get used to your new feet." The groups broke up and Armas - along with Vilhelm and Minja took a spot with enough room to practice. Minja was the fastest to master walking with these arched feet. She claimed it helped that she was a woman before and the required walking was similar to hers before. Shrugging he tried to copy her walk. It resulted in more wiggling of his butt as he adjusted his steps so they came down on an invisible line. Vilhelm was one of the last who managed to get a hang of it. Not just of their trio but of all hundred. When he finally got the hang of it Armas and Minja rewarded him with a big hug that never ended. Together they watched the progress of those around them. "Great!" Kiira - the matron - exclaimed. "Now it is time. Let's present us to the world!" Cheers erupted around her and to his surprise Armas was one of those. This was it. What he had wanted. Be done with his boring old life and something new was beginning. Something exciting. As Kiira walked to the big double doors - that dominated one end of the big room - her new race followed her. Thirty-three trios. Elegantly strutting towards the future. A slight push and the heavy doors opened by itself. Behind them, two rows of attendants waited patiently. They maintained the artifact of the ancients as well helped guide newly transitioned races. Their training included the iron will to not judge new races. To remain indifferent and calm. Still, as Armas looked over them, he heard gasps. He also saw women blushing and the pants of men grow tight in the crotch area. Apparently, they were more beautiful than Armas had thought himself. Still, he found it strange that he could spot at once that every male attendant had a stiff boner. "Welcome new race," an older attendant spoke up. Armas remembered him from before when he had come to this temple dedicated to the artifact. "May I ask who was the chosen one and what will be the name of the one hundredth and seventh race that the artifact created?" "I am matron Kiira," she said while stepping confidently forward. "And our race has no name yet. I chose every aspect of my new race, but I wanted to share at least one decision with my new family." It was a small thing. To give something a name. But Kiira's choice to share this with them somehow was touching to Armas's heart. "We are happy to assist in any way," the old man replied with a warm smile. "Perhaps we should start with clothing?" Armas blushed deeply as he only now was reminded that he was indeed naked. His breasts and new sex open for the world to see. He remembered wearing clothes when he entered the artifact. Not that he really cared what happened to them. "If you insist," Kiira replied with a mischievous grin. "After donning cloth and getting our valuables I ask of you to escort us to the field with the tall grass I saw on the way to this temple. I like to teach my family something useful there. Afterward, I hope to get your help in choosing a new home for us." "Certainly," the head attendant replied and gestured to table with clothing in them. This new home intrigued Armas. A new race normally offered new products, wares, and services. It usually meant a boost in trades where they settled. Therefore many kingdoms, colonies, and provinces offered land for those new races. Armas trio stepped closer to one of the tables and together they viewed the offered clothing. First tries proved that pants and trousers were not practical with their new feet. Skirts were the next best thing and looking around Armas spotted already a few dozen who stepped into them. Shrugging he did the same and Vilhelm next to him spoke aloud what Armas thought. "Never would have guessed I would be wearing skirts by choice." Earning a chuckle from Minja and Armas. To cover their chest was an altogether different debacle. Most shirts proofed to be way too loose. Shifting with each step Armas took. Even more distracting was the coarse material gliding over his breasts and nipples. Soon he spotted a woolen poncho. A garment that was created after one race was created with four arms. It fit a lot better and Armas liked how it looked. Still, soon he was scratching his chest as the wool irritated his skin. Putting the poncho aside he grabbed for a silken scarf and let it glide over his skin. This felt a lot better. So much in fact that he noticed his nipples grew hard. However, tying it around his chest was more difficult than he anticipated. The slippery material shifted easily and came undone fast. For a moment he contemplated the dilemma while holding the poncho in one hand and the silken scarf in the other. An idea blossomed in his mind. He stepped close to a female attendant. "How can I help?" she asked politely. "I heard attendants of this temple know how to sew, right? To fit clothing for more unconventional races," Armas ventured. "That is correct. Which of the garments need fitting? Or do you want both adjusted?" Armas held up the poncho. "I like this design, but not the cloth. Could you change this scarf in its image?" The woman took both items from him and gave it a critical look. "Of course, but the scarf is a lot smaller. It might not cover as much." "As long as it covers these," Armas said with a grin and pointing to his breasts. That earned him a flustered attendant who quickly did go to work. With practiced hands, she cut a hole in the middle of the scarf and secured the edges. As she handed it back to Armas he suddenly felt a little put on the spot. Several others of his race beside Vilhelm and Minja got curious about what he was up to. The new silken poncho fit nicely yet reached only just below his breasts. Still, it was an improvement. "I think something is missing," the attendant remarked. She fiddled with the sides and now Armas noticed what she was up to. The right angle and anyone could still see his breasts. The solution was four strings she sewed on - two under each armpit - that could be tied together and close the side slits somewhat. The resulting garment was comfortable, yet helped Armas to remain decent. Vilhelm and Minja remarked as much and soon hunted for silken scarfs of their own that they wanted to be remodeled. The idea caught on so fast that Armas had trouble to snatch a matching scarf that he had to be remade into a matching skirt. It took an hour or two, but by then every one of his race was dressed the same. A short silken poncho that just reached below the breasts and a matching silken skirt or loincloth. The sight elated Armas. Yes, they all looked beautiful dressed like this, but there was something else that made him proud. Never in his life so far he had contributed anything to society. Something that changed it. And here he was. A few hours into living as his new race and he might have more or less by accident designed the outfits best suited for them. "I see we are all ready and dressed," matron Kiira remarked loud enough that everyone could hear her. All eyes turned to her and Armas noticed how elegant she looked in a deep red poncho-top and a matching skirt. "If some of you feel peckish by now then good for you. It is time we grab a bite, don't you think?" They all were shepherded outside and Armas linked arms with Vilhelm and Minja. A little surprised how inseparable they were after only knowing each other for a few hours. At the door, matron Kiira waited and when she spotted Armas she gave him a bright smile. "Nice work with the tops," she cheerfully complimented. "I hope you have more ideas along the way." She winked at him and strutted out towards the others. "I also like this one design feature," Minja whispered into his ear. Her hand sneaked below the seam of his silken poncho were it was pushed away from his skin by his voluminous breasts. There she let her finger glide over his sensitive skin. Making him shudder in delight. He quickly caught himself and played it cool. "All by design," he lied. Still, he couldn't help but give her breasts a gentle swish too. Earning him a small moan from her. They found themselves in the locker area. Here they had deposited a few private belongings before taking their journey towards a new race. For Armas, it was a small backpack. Filled with a few small carved figurines out of wood. Made by his late grandfather. It also contained a small carving knife and a few coins. Not much. He wanted a new start in life and he figured mementos of his old ones might only hinder him. Still, a few he couldn't part with. Minja had a big satchel. She saw his curious look and showed him the content without comment. He saw two books, paper and ink. A few small potions or tonics, and some small cloth. "Oh my," came the exclamation from Vilhelm. He heaved up a big leather bedroll and a mighty bow. Both easily larger than him. The bedroll alone might fit all three of them. "I didn't realize how much smaller I am now." It was Minja who first made the connection. "You were the big northerner, right? You used to be what? Eight feet tall?" "Close to nine," he admitted shyly and with a blush. "How am I supposed to carry this?" "By relying on your new family," Armas softly said. "Let's try it like this." He pulled both of them close to him by grabbing their waists. As they once again made a trio they lifted the strap of the bedroll over Armas and Vilhelm's head so they both carried the heavy object. The bow was slung over Armas and Minja's head. "Now you are trapped between us," Minja remarked with a devilish grin. "Wouldn't want it any other way," Armas retorted with a grin of his own. Together they set out and joined the others. They had to blink a few times as the sun greeted them. "Wasn't it an evening when we walked inside?" Vilhelm asked. "I heard the designing of the race takes time," Armas said. "We must have skipped this without knowing. It might have been days since we started this journey together." The whole group walked down a well-used path that was still only cleared dirt. Few of them lost their footing, but none fell. For one they were supported by each other and they all noticed it became easier once they learned how to anchor themselves with magic. Armas was surprised how easy and fast this worked. Soon it became a reflex to anchor his foot when it touched the ground and release it when he wanted to lift it. This training was valuable as they reached a big field. The grass was tall and grew up to the girl's chests. Some even had to giggle as some blades of tall grass managed to find their way below their poncho-top and tickled their breasts. Armas found himself nearly buckling as someone used some soft fern to tickle his underside. He looked at Minja in accusation, but she pointed at Vilhelm who quickly dropped the evidence. "I will get back at you both," he promised them with a shake of his head and a grin. Matron Kiira stopped in the middle of the field where the grass was slightly shorter. Only reaching to their hips. There she waited for all to gather in a lazy half-circle. "As I said before those parts covered by your exoskeleton contain new organs. Or modified ones. In this case, our stomach is now one of the most robust in the world. Resistant to most poisons we can eat nearly everything organic." She scooped up a bale of grass and pulled it out of the earth. She twisted it to break off a smaller part and - to the shock of everyone around - lifted it to her mouth to munch on it. After she had swallowed a few helpings she grinned. "Even grass. We not only can eat it to sustain ourselves but also prosper on it. Give it a try." "You expect us to eat grass?" one baffled woman asked. "I am trying to make a point," she said with a grin. She looked around and spotted a pinecone on the ground. "Want a better example?" With a grin, she swallowed the whole pinecone in one gulp. They could see how it dented out her throat as it traveled down as one whole piece. "Wow," the matron said with a surprised look on her face that rivaled those around her. "That tasted better than I would have thought." Now curious Armas grabbed some grass for himself. "Armas don't," Minja started but it was too late. Sure enough, he tasted the grass. But there was more. Subtle flavors and textures he hadn't thought possible. It was if his mouth had learned to detect new undercurrents of taste. "She is right," he admitted out loud. "This is better than it should be." More and more got gripped by curiosity. Soon everyone was munching on grass. "Now before we can begin the next part I need you all to eat," matron Kiira said into the round. "A lot," she added with a grin. Armas trio pretty much shrugged and looked for a nice spot. There they unburdened themselves of their belongings. The rolled-out leather bedroll of Vilhelm made a nice little blanket for them. Looking at it Armas though it might just be big enough for all of them. Armas was the first of his trio to try swallowing a pinecone. It tasted like wood, yet had a lot tangy flavor beneath it. It also amazed him that stretching his throat like that didn't hurt him. He wondered what the biggest thing was he now could swallow. "Armas. Vilhelm. You have to try these," Minja shouted while running towards them. How she already managed that with her new feet was beyond Armas. She pushed a bunch of dandelions in each of their hands and the first taste proofed Minja right. This was superb. Soon all three would wander through the grass - while eating some of it - and hunt for flowers. When they got enough of one type they enjoyed the taste together. "Never thought I say this, but flowers do taste the best," Armas remarked and earned grins from his two companions. Maybe an hour later - and who knew how much grass - Armas was fiddling with the strings that held his silken poncho together. He was redoing the knots for the third time as the poncho had grown tight around his chest. Then it dawned to him. His suspicions confirmed as he looked towards Minja and Vilhelm. "Oh my! Guys look. Our breasts have grown huge." Each their assets had easily doubled. A little concerned they decided to ask matron Kiira about it. They made their way back and found that the half-circle was slowly reforming around her. It turned out they weren't' the only ones with grown breasts. Not even the ones with the biggest. The smallest pair was those of Kiira and even they looked magnificent. As all had gathered matron Kiira gave a short laugh. "With such a small waist were do you expect it would go?" This earned her a few laughs. "No. Seriously. This is normal. At least for us. You might have noticed that I haven't grown as big as you are. That is because you all are gatherers." Now Kiira pushed her poncho top up to expose her breasts." Someone was whistling in appreciation. Earning chuckles and a curtsy from Kiira. "Now. We are not only ferociously eaters if we want to," matron Kiira continued. "We are also very good at utilizing food and even producing it. Our stomach also uses magic to digest what we ate and drank. And here is the thing. All of it. We won't produce any waste. That is right. No more outhouse use for us." That got her some clapping of hands. "But there is more. Right now you all ate above what your body needs in a day. What you don't need your body stores away. No. Not as your breasts despite how big they look like." She started to massage her breasts and even moaned a little. Earning her confused looks all around. Then some thick translucent green liquid poured out of her nipples. She stopped to scoop it up with a finger and presented it to the group. "Bees produce honey. We produce this jelly. It is very nutritious and won't spoil easily." She licked her finger clean and let out another moan. "And it even tastes better than grass or pinecones." There was stunned silence till Minja shouted: "I've got to try this!" Armas expected her to grab her breasts but her hands shot to his own breasts. His legs buckled. When had his breasts become so sensitive? Minja milked him with an intensity that surprised him. Soon he felt warm liquid pouring out of him and Minja did go directly for the source. Her warm tongue made him shudder in delight, but the contact was short as Minja leaned back with a moan. "Tastes amazing," she half-whispered. Her finger brushed Armas nipple and presented it to him. Aroused as he was he didn't hesitate. His mouth closed around her finger and he tasted his own jelly. Grass. He could taste it. But also the pinecone and the flowers. It was a medley of everything he had eaten in the past hour. "I've got to taste yours too," he breathed heavily. However, Minja swatted away his hand. "First we try his." Pointing at Vilhelm. With a yelp he did go under as both - Armas and Minja pounced on him. Soon they took turns milking and sampling each other. How they managed to later wind up at the bedroll none of the three could say. But their playing with each other soon turned sexual and they started to grind at each other. After a few rounds exhaustion took over and all three fell asleep in each other's arms. ***** Armas woke up a few hours later as the sun was maybe a handspan away from setting. His shifting woke up the other two and together they found out the next surprise. Not that around them nests of other groups spoke of other orgies. Sitting up proofed difficult as their breasts had grown even larger than before. As they stood up matron Kiira walked over. "Had fun?" she asked and got three blushing faces in return. "Follow me if you want relief of those big heavy assets of yours." She walked away and with a shrug, all three followed. While they walked Kiira explained more. "You see when our stomach digests it uses mana to enrich the jelly. That means it is slightly more in substance than the original food was. Now when you eat jelly you ask your stomach to digest something that is already dense in substance. The result is that even more jelly is produced." They left the field and found themselves on the small dirt path again. A few feet further they saw a dozen of their race surrounded by small clay pots. Blood shot to his face as he saw what they were doing. Sitting in small groups they milked each other and filled those pots. "At this rate, I may have to ask the attendants for more pots," Kiira mused to herself. Then she turned around to Armas trio. "Feel free to relief as much pressure as you like." With a wave, she turned around and walked back into the field. "This day turned out to be stranger than I would have thought," Armas admitted. "Regrets?" Minja softly asked. A sheepish grin snuck on his face. "Not even a little. So. Who gets to be milked first?" Minja gave a theatrical "hmm" and Armas followed her gaze. Vilhelm was entranced by the sight before him of beauties who massaged each other's breasts. With a wink, Minja walked over and grabbed Vilhelm by the waist. Armas joined a second later. "Why only watch?" he whispered. "When you can feel it?" Together they helped Vilhelm to a stone and a waiting pot. ***** The cart made its way down to the port in a slow but steady pace. It was one of many and Armas shared this one with Vilhelm and Mirja. Which was fitting given what they shared so far. After an extensive milking session, they had shared the night in Vilhelm's bedroll. Turns out Armas had been right with his suspicion. The bedroll did fit them all if they snuggled close to each other. This, no one minded. Now they were on the way to the port where a ship would take them to their new home. Kiira had admitted that Armas had played a role where they will be settling. Apparently, their silken garments inspired her to chose an offer that promised them land in a kingdom that produced silk. Given the nature of his new very sensible breasts, Armas was glad to hear this decision. Silk can be expensive if it has to travel far. His gaze drifted to the many pots that were stacked beside them in the cart. Provision Kiira called these as all were filled to the brim with jelly. He had to chuckle as he had to admit to himself that those are the tastiest provisions he ever had. "What's on your mind?" The question made Armas look up to Minja who studied his face. Should he tell her about the absurdity of admitting that he might get addicted to jelly made by his own body? Better not. Instead, he chose a topic that was on his mind for a while. "Need a new name," he volunteered. "The last thing from my old life, but hardly fitting anymore." "I've been thinking about that too," Vilhelm admitted. "Any closer candidates?" Minja asked. "I am bad with names," Vilhelm replied with a sigh. "Can't be that bad," Armas tried to cheer him up. Vilhelm, in turn, touched his bow. "Where I come from every hunter has one trusted bow. Their lives depend on it more than you might guess. In turn, the hunters name their bow. Heartseeker. Silent death. Old oak. Stuff like that. Do you know how I named mine?" Both shook their head. "Vilhelm's bow," he said with a sad lopsided grin. "Maybe look at it this way. How would you called her if you had a daughter?" Armas asked. At once Vilhelm twitched as if he had been slapped. "Sorry," Vilhelm said to them as he saw their concerned faces. "That's a painful topic for me. You see I have given up on having a son or daughter." He remained silent for a moment, but Armas and Minja felt he wanted and needed to say more. "You saw how big I was. That counted for everything about me. You know the saying 'hung like a horse' right? Well for me it was sadly true. One girl that I liked dared to become intimate with me." He shook his head blinking away tears. "It was so painful she couldn't take it. After that, I couldn't imagine hurting another woman just to have offspring or pleasure. To be honest, this played a huge part in why I am here. I hoped to be smaller." He gave them a brave lopsided grin. "Wish granted I guess." Armas and Minja scooted over to give Vilhelm the hug he needed. It took a while till someone dared to say something. "We have to ask Kiira," Minja mused. "We may be an all-female race, but somehow we have to procreate. Maybe you can still have a daughter." "I hope so," Vilhelm said while brushing away the last tears. "Meanwhile let's find a name that fits a mother to be," Armas suggested and earned smiles from his companions. "How about Kirsi?" Minja suggested. "Kaisla?" Armas volunteered. "Karina?" "You know Kiira is already taken," Vilhelm said with a laugh. Earning him confused looks. "You seem to be eager to name me something starting with a K." After they shared a chuckle Minja was right back at it. "How about Mari? Or Pilvi?" "I like Mari," Vilhelm admitted. "You think that fits the new me?" "Sure," Armas said but added shortly after. "I still like the name Karina though. Hmm. Mind if I take it?" "Not at all, Karina. After all, I don't need two names, right?" "You are right, Mari," Armas - now Karina - agreed with her. "Great," Minja exclaimed. "To be honest it was getting strange calling you both by male names." All chuckled and hugged each other. For the rest of the way to the port, they did some small talk and shared some of their past. Always eager to use the new names for Mari and Karina. ***** "Karina?" A moment later Minja half-shouted again. "KARINA?" Karina turned around to find out why Minja shouted only to facepalm herself that she still wasn't used to her new name. Despite how much she liked this one, the name Armas was still more in her blood that she wanted to admit. "Sorry. Still not used to listening to my new name. What's up?" Karina said a little sheepishly. "Mari is doing a lot better," Minja admonished her. "Speaking of. Now that all pots are stowed away on the ship, we still have time. It won't leave the harbor till tomorrow. So Mari suggested heading to the tavern. Last chance to eat northerner cuisine for a while. Are you game?" "Didn't I saw you earlier sneak some nibbling on some jelly? Aren't you full?" Karina asked. "For us, there is no such thing as overeating," Minja countered. Karina thought she had a point and she still had some coins herself that she might or might not be able to use in the next kingdom. "Lead the way," she said with a grin. At the end of the dock, they found Mari who was surrounded by sailors who tried to sneak a peek at her without being too obvious. Something struck Karina as odd and soon it came to her. She was posing. A little shy and clumsy, but Mari definitely was showing off her body. "You little tease," Karina greeted Mari. "Not even woman for a day and you are already flirting." "I didn't," Mari protested, but then her shoulders sagged down. "I did. Gods help me, but I kinda like it. I always had been this giant brute to anyone who didn't bother to get to know me. It's nice to be- Wanted." "Aww, they grow up so fast," Minja added with her own grin. She grabbed Mari by the waist and pulled her close. "You still want to hit the tavern or do you rather 'eat' one of those lads?" "Tavern here we come!" Mari exclaimed. Shaking her head in amusement Karina needed a moment to catch up and link herself on Mari's other side. They found a small tavern just a few streets down from the docks. What drew them in was the smell of good food. As they managed to get through the door without breaking their trio Minja whispered in their ears. "This tavern is good. Look at the owner. He is fat." "Minja!" Mari gasped and Karina chuckled. "She is right though," Karina whispered back. "If they can't stop sampling their own food it must be good." They found a table near the kitchen and sometimes when the door opened, they saw a few chunks of meat on a pole over a blazing fire. "I have one of those," Karina said and the other two nodded eagerly. As the wench came over it was Karina who spoke up first. "Those meats over the fire. I'll have one." "A whole?" the wench asked. Karina nodded, while Mari and Minja add each "Me too." Karina thought she saw a small disbelieving shake of the wench's head, but she walked towards the kitchen nonetheless. She returned with a single meat chunk on a plate. Karina looked at her both companions and all three broke out in laughter. Seeing the angry scowl on the wench's face Karina quickly explained. "There is a misunderstanding. One chunk for each of us." The wench's eyes grew wide. "But... You will never finish it." "I bet I can," Karina challenged her while Minja added: "Never judge a girl by her waist. No matter how waspish it is." Muttering in a language unknown to Karina the girl walked back to the kitchen. Returning with two more plates. "Enjoy," the girl pressed through her teeth with a voice that said another message: "You soon will be sorry." Grinning the three started on their meats and sighed after the first bite. Flavors previously unknown assaulted their tongues with pleasure. It took a half-hour of concentrated eating but each girl finished her chunk. As Karina looked up she noticed how quiet it was and every patron looking at them in wonder. It must be quite a sight to see three beauties eat something close to their heads size. "Damn, this was good," Mari said unaware of the silence around her. "I hope they have something equally good on the ship." "On the ship, we will eat jelly," Minja reminded her. This brought a grin on Karina's face. "Don't worry. I'll make sure there is jelly that is as good as this meat." Grinning she turned towards the maid who pretended to clean some tables close by. "Miss wench? I'll have another one please." The wench actually froze in shock. The washrag slipping her hand. A few heartbeats there was silence so thick one could cut it. "Seriously?" the wench finally managed to say. "Quite so," Karina said and gave her a daring grin. Looking at the Minja and Mari the wench actually managed to ask: "You too?" Both shook their head and Minja simply stated: "Too much chewing is tedious." "Don't worry. I'll do the chewing for you," Karina offered graciously. "Our hero," Mari said with a giggle. A moment later the wench returned with another plate. Karina eagerly pulled it close and started on the meat. Turned out Minja was right. Chewing got tedious. However, Karina didn't give up. She carved out bigger and bigger pieces and started to swallow them whole. Soon her second meat chunk was gone. The wench was nearby. Dreading what Karina might say next. "You can't possibly want another," the wench said with eyes big as saucers. "You are right," Karina said with a sad grin. She pulled out her coins. "Can't afford another one." While the wench collected the payment from the trio a hardened sailor dared to step closer. "Are you serious? You would go on if you had more coins?" "Sure. Why not," Karina said with a devilish smile. "In that case. Wench! Another meat for the lady. My treat," the sailor proclaimed. She actually saw the wench throw up her hands in resignation as she walked towards the kitchen. "My name is Bertram," the sailor offered up. "May I have the pleasure of your name?" "Armas," Karina replied by reflex and got an elbow in the rips by Minja. "Would be a silly name for me," Karina quickly added. "Because I am a woman. Karina is my name. And beside me are Minja and Mari." "Mind if I take a seat?" Bertram asked. Given that he just paid for her next meal Karina decided to allow it and motioned for him to sit. Soon the next plate was in front of her and Karina attacked the meat with abandon. While swallowing she was a bit bemused how intensely Bertram watched her. Back as Armas he never had found women eating very sexy, but Bertram looked so enraptured that it struck her as strange. "And done," Karina said after pushing the empty plate away. She gave Bertram a challenging look that dared him to treat her to another. "Mind another?" he asked with a grin. "Nice try mister." The voice belonged to Minja. "But she had enough." "But I could eat more," Karina protested. "You might want to look down," Mari suggested. When her bosom had become this massive Karina couldn't tell, but as she watched her body still digested the food and made her breasts swell even further. Already a lot of her bosom peeked out under her poncho-top. Silk with only the width of two fingers draped over nipples and as her breasts grew more the width reduced to that of one finger. She was close to becoming indecent! "Well played," Karina shot towards Bertram. "Maybe next time you pull it off," she said with a wink. With the help of Mari and Minja, she stood up and was glad for the ability to root herself to the ground. Otherwise, she might have fallen over as her center of balance definitely was shifted towards her front. Still, without Minja or Mari, she might have to crawl back towards the ship. By the time they made it to the docks, Karina was a quivering mess. She had to practically be dragged to the ship by her two companions. The fringe of her poncho had made it to her nipples and Karina had found out just how sensitive jelly inflated breasts could become. By the time they arrive at the ship Karina begged the others to fuck and milk her. In what order they did she didn't care. As long as they did it. "We need pots!" Minja shouted ahead. Others of their race gathered. Some with pots. Others with just a bemused look. "How did this happen?" one asked. "One sailor noticed our breasts grow with consumed food," Minja explained while heaving Karina on a stool. "A fact Karina apparently forgot," Mari added. "And the sailor tried his best to take advantage," Minja finished. "Less talking more milking," Karina whimpered. While Mari and Minja got ready with pots to milk her, other girls held up woolen blankets as a privacy screen. As they closed around Karina she could swear a few girls snuck away. In the direction of the taverns. Then all thoughts eluded her as her two best friends worked to get her bosom small again. Hours later the show was over. Karina woke up from a small nap that exhaustion had forced upon her. Around her a dozen pots and Mari who just closed another one, but not before showing Karina the thick deep red jelly inside. "You were right," Mari remarked. "Tastes better than the original meat. Thanks for your 'sacrifice'." "Your welcome," Karina replied before both broke out in laughter. Soon they would leave the harbor and this kingdom. Still, Karina had the suspicion her new race left a small legend behind that won't be soon forgotten. ***** Karina woke to the heavy swaying of the ship caught in the waves. Not that she minded. Their ability to root their feet gave them amazing sea legs. She minded, however, that she was alone her their hammock. Kiira had managed to find fifty oversized ones for all of them. No one complained that they had to share them with each other. In fact, it turned out six of them weren't needed at all. Karina shared hers of course with Mari and Minja. Both of them she found a few steps away. Posing for each other in the light that shone through an open deck hatch. As they noticed that Karina was awake they waved her over. "Take a look at this," Minja urged her. Now curious Karina slipped out of the hammock and walked over. Minja let her fingers glide over the backside of Mari. Just above her buttock. As she came closer Karina noticed what was amiss. She remembered the circular grove that they all had there above their but. Now the exoskeleton there pushed outwards as if someone had stuck a globe of clay there. When touching her backside she could feel the bump on her too. "Maybe we should ask Kiira about it," Mari suggested. Meanwhile, Karina noticed another change. "The blue stripes on our exoskeletons. I think they grew in intensity." The blue now appeared a few shades lighter than before. They found Kiira lazing around in her hammock with another girl. "Oh, those? Completely normal. I'll tell the group at breakfast all about it." Shrugging the trio walked away. Since there wasn't much to do on a ship they soon found themselves snuggling again in their hammock. ***** Karina had to grin as she saw all of them rooted on the deck. It was a nice day, but the waves proofed to be higher than usual. Around them, sailors swayed around as they hurried over the ship to keep it steady on course. Yet Karina's race had no trouble to stay in place. They found a position that allowed them to sit and use their feets ability to magically root themselves. Thanks to the ship being one of the largest Karina had ever seen. Each one of their sisters had a pot in their hand with their name written on it. Their supposed breakfast. Murmuring was going around and Karina overheard others talking about how their jelly tasted. Her own was based to the biggest part on the grass and a few wildflowers. While delicious she wondered what the jelly of her new big extended family would taste like. An idea blossomed in her mind and with a grin she stood up. Soon everyone noticed her and she got questioning looks. "I know it is not my place to order you around, but I don't care," she started and a wicked smile as she saw the shocked faces around her. "Everyone. Hand your pot to your neighbor on your left." Leading by example she handed hers to Mari. Confused some complied while others hesitated. "Why?" shouted one. "To sample it of course!" Karina beamed. "Then you hand the pot further to the left." More murmuring broke out, but her idea caught on. Karina sat down and accepted Minja's pot. Soon she handed it further and received the pot of a girl she hadn't learned the name yet. After a few moments, her idea worked like a charm. Sample and handoff. Over and over. Broken by a few shout outs when someone found a jelly especially to her taste. Most she could taste the base of grass. But some mixtures particularly stood out. One was quite minty and a few shouts told her that the girl who made the jelly had found a patch of wild herbs. Another girl had managed to find a bunch of carrots on their day on the field. That might explain why the jelly was very orange. One of the pots held jelly the color of deep brown. Tasting it Karina guessed it was mostly pinecones and something else. A quick yell and she now knew it was literally bark stripped from a tree. Crazy, but surprisingly tasty. When she finally got her own pot back she was convinced that being a gatherer was the role she wanted to be. Hunting down new flavors and combinations sounded very intriguing to her. And secretly she admitted to herself that she liked the milking too. She vowed to herself to try new stuff whenever she had the opportunity. Judging by a few faces around her she wasn't the only one who thought so. Finally, Kiira stood up and walked into the middle of the circle. "First she finds the ideal outfits for us and now she had the perfect idea to enrich our meals. How about some applause for Karina?" Cheers erupted around her and Karina blushed heavily as she suddenly found herself the center of attention. After the clapping tethered off Kiira once more spoke up. "As our breakfast has proven there are many flavors out there and a lot to discover. That is the role of a gatherer and some of you might choose this role for years or even decades." "To support each role your body adapts to it," Kiira continued. "That means more than just changing the color of your exoskeleton. Some of may have noticed a little bump growing just above your butt. You see many insects have their abdomen as a separate part of their body. Inspired by those we all can grow pods that complement each of our chosen roles." She let her gaze roam around her big family and then continued. "For the gatherer, this means a secondary stomach. Magically enhanced like the first one. But also additional storage for jelly. I mean some of us found already out that we can become pretty big up top if we eat too much. Who was the first one to find out?" Kiira turned around and looked at Karina. "Oh, right. Karina yet again with a first." Chuckles made the round and Karina blushed more. She actually tried to scoot behind Minja who was having none of it. It appeared Karina had to learn to live with her newfound fame. "Anyway. That is all for now. Your pods will take a few days to grow to maturity. If it becomes too bothersome shifting into the neutral role will get rid of it. I will teach you about the other roles and their pods when we reach our new home. That's all. Enjoy the journey." ***** A few days later Karina found herself yet again hunting through the ship. With each step, she wiggled her butt. Part of it was due to the fully grown pod. It reminded her of the abdomen of a bee or wasp and it was quite big. Easily the size of two lettuce heads side by side with an elongated turn downwards. The whole pod rested on her butt and Karina had to admit she liked how it shifted over it while she walked. Minja had grown her pod too, but Mari had chosen to shift into the neutral role again. Claiming she liked the sleek uniform black color more than the royal blue that the gatherers now sported. She wasn't the only one. About half of them now were in their neutral role again. Their pods made sleeping as a trio in a hammock a little more difficult but so far none of them had complained. Karina was also a little miffed that they didn't share her obsession with finding new food to try. This was what made her hunt through the ship alone. She was looking for sailors who had put some private food aside. Granted most had already traded their treasures away to Karina or other food hunters. It was a large ship, but sailors and goods were limited. "Karina, right?" The deep voice made Karina snap her head around. In one of the doorways stood the cook. Behind him the galley of the ship. So far Karina had avoided him and not just because the captain had declared the food storage off-limits to them. She always felt undressed by his gaze. "I am right though," the man ventured forth. "Rumor is you are looking for new foods to try." Well, maybe she could put up with him if a good trade came out of it. Nodding she came closer. Trying to ignore that the cook had obviously already a hard-on in his trousers. "I do have some reserves that are my own. Not part of the ships inventory. I am willing to part with some of it for the right trade." "I have a few types of jelly," Karina offered. "I am not interested in jelly," the cook countered and grabbed obscenely at his crotch. Karina took a step back. Of course, this was his endgame. Sticking his filthy man-meat into her. She contemplated simply walking away or kicking him in the junk. He could keep his sticky goo to himself. But then a random thought popped into her head. One that she couldn't shake. His cum was organic. She could eat it. Take a taste. She wanted to find new flavors, right? She still tried to shake the thought when she had noticed that she had taken an involuntary step forward. Her heart was beating a mile a minute. Would she really do it? She knew that some races could be impregnated by others. Her all-female race probably one of them. In no way, she was ready to be a mother. But there were other ways. She pushed the cook into the galley and closed the door behind them. "This remains between us," she growled and the cook eagerly nodded. She sank to her knees and fumbled with his trousers. His man-meat sprang forth and she hesitated. Could she really do it? She noticed a smell. One alluring and it made her stomach growl with need. There was pre-cum on the tip of his dick and it mesmerized her. Called out and Karina answered the call with her tongue. It tasted heavenly and a second later she plunged his dick deep into her mouth. She needed more. She sucked with need and soon salty goodness flooded her mouth. Karina worked his dick till it was totally spent. Blushing and drunk on cum she pushed herself upward. The cook had a dirty lewd grin on his face, but Karina didn't care. She had just tasted the nectar of the gods. "You certainly deliver," he said after Karina found her footing. "So what shall it be? For such a fine job I am willing to part with an equally fine part of my stock." Karina gave him a lopsided grin. She seriously doubted anything would taste as good as the one good she already just had. "What compliments nicely with cum?" she asked with a giggle. "A port wine?" the confused cook offered. "Sure. Let's go with that," Karina purred. As he handed her the bottle she sauntered away. She stopped at the door and turned around. "Remember. Keep our secret and ... I might return for more 'bartering'." With a wink, she left him standing there. Probably thinking he had made the deal of a lifetime. If he only knew. She walked away chuckling. ***** Karina knew she had messed up. In her hands, the pot of clay she had filled just the day before. One tasting of wine and cheese. But more importantly cum. It tasted as heavenly as the material she had sucked from the source. Now it was breakfast and by her own created tradition she was supposed to hand over her priced jelly? Knowing it was her own fault she let her head hang and handed off her pot. Mari was surprised by how good it tasted. As was every other girl tasting Karina's jelly. Many asked what ingredients she had used, but only got a deep blush of her in return. No way she could admit that she had given the cook a blowjob, just to get his cum. That she had to try keeping herself from going back and get more. "Interesting." The voice that cut through Karina's internal panic was the one of Kiira. As Karina looked up she saw her sniff at Karina's jelly. "Someone found out how to make royal jelly. Hmm, Karina. Why am I not surprised it was you?" With a wink, she handed the pot on to the next girl who was eager to try it. So it had a name. Jelly made with cum was royal jelly. Kiira must have known, but kept it to herself. Still, Karina declined every request to part with the secret. As did Kiira. It looked like Karina's indecent behavior was safe for now. Still, the girls pleaded and in the end won one concession from Karina. Next day she would have more royal jelly for them. How she would manage to do this was beyond her. ***** Just one more day the captain said. They would finally arrive at the harbor. Karina was spent and lazing in her hammock together with Minja. Who knew that producing royal jelly was such an act. Especially if she wanted to keep it a secret how she made it. By now the cook was out of wares to barter. Not that Karina cared. She played it off as a favor. But demand needed more royal jelly than one man could provide for her. By now she had two dozen sailors wrapped around her finger. Complete with a time of the day when they could sneak off to do the dirty deed. But the sneaking around was exhausting when you try to evade ninety-nine sisters and a huge part of the crew on one ship. She had managed so far. On land, it might be easier. Not for the first time, it struck her as funny. Not two weeks into being a woman and she was already addicted to blowing guys for their cum. "Oh, Karina." She looked up to see Mari who was practically skipping towards her with a huge smile on her face. She held out a small clay pot to Karina for inspection. Karina was close to declining as she wasn't hungry when the smell caught her. Testing the jelly confirmed it. Royal jelly. Mari hopped onto the hammock to snuggle close to them. Leaning over she whispered into Karina's ear. "You lost the right to call me little tease, you mother of all teases." Her blush spoke volumes, but to Karina's relief, Mari was a careful as Karina with guarding the secret of royal jelly. ***** Karina's wagon hit another pothole. Drawing out another sigh from her. It had been three days since they arrive in the port of their destination country. But to her dismay, they didn't remain there long. The local lord had been good and ready for them. Stuffing them into prepared cart and carriages and waving them off. Their goal was a rather unsettled province. In one way it was good. Plenty of space for the new race to spread out. But Karina currently only saw the drawback. Half tamed wilds made for poor entertainment. To top it off there was little new things to eat and less of the ones she wanted to. By now her supply of royal jelly had run dry. She had gone from blowing two dozen guys to barely one a day. Yesterday it had been a stablehand at the inn they stopped at and the day before a farmer. In response, her production of royal jelly plummeted to next to nothing. Which proved difficult to explain to her sisters without revealing the secret to its production. She shifted again in her seat and looked to the wayside. More often than not she would walk alongside the cart as it wasn't build to seat someone with a big pod jutting out from her butt. Minja had followed Mari's example a day before and shifted back to neutral. Ditching her pod. Which turned out to be amazingly fast and painless. They just found the pod detached next to them as they woke up this morning. But Karina couldn't imagine doing the same. She loved being a gatherer. Always nibbling on some vegetation while walking alongside the cart. She only had to stop when her breasts start to bulge out too much. Which took a long time now that the second stomach and storage in her pod were functional. Of course, this led to prolonged milking seasons. The only time she forgot how boring the track through the half-tamed wilds was. It was a shame that her Jelly was going to waste. Kiira had decided to sell most of their Jellies. For one, their new race needed the money. On the other hand, the carts didn't have enough space to house all their pots. Every excess landed now wayside. Shouts pulled Karina out of her dreary musings and boredom. Now alarmed she looked to Mari and Minja. "What is going?" "I think we are here!" Minja exclaimed. Her voice was tinged with excitement and Karina could feel it creeping into her too. However, looking along the path didn't reveal anything of note. One by one the carts stopped near a big patch of tall grass. Not unlike the one that they learned about their new dietary needs. Her two companions jumped out of the cart and Karina did the same. Meanwhile trying to hide the fact that she was secretly disappointed. She chose to become a new race to find excitement in her life. Another field was hardly it. As soon as she hit the ground her waist was snatched and hugged by Minja and Mari. Both led her towards Kiira who stood in the middle of a slowly assembling half circle. "Welcome to our new home," their matron started. "I know it doesn't look like much. It will be up to us to change it. Tomorrow I will introduce two roles that will help with the change. To be ready we now need to induce the change so it will be ready in the morning. Half of you, please look at yourself and think of the color brown. The other half do the same with the color violet. I plan for you to remain in your new role for two days and then both groups switch." Karina looked around as her sisters followed the instruction. Yet she hesitated. She liked being a gatherer. Liked even the heft of her pod shifting over her butt. Despite it being inconvenient from time to time. She knew she could still gather and produce jelly. But could she still produce royal jelly? Not that it mattered as no man was around for miles. With a sigh, she looked at her arm. "What color should I choose?" "I took violet," Mari volunteered. "Damn," Minja exclaimed. "I chose brown. We should have coordinated us before. Can we shift into a new role while already shifting into a new one?" Karina shrugged. If not then it was a decision with whom she wanted to spend more time in the next few days. At once she knew that she didn't have a favorite. Liking both, Minja and Mari, equally. "I guess I'll toss a coin? Heads for brown and tails for violet?" Both of her companions nodded. Now it proved to be a good thing that Kiira chose to sell their excess jelly. She had split the received coins equally among them all. Karina withdrew on of said coins from her backpack - which rested half on her shoulders and back and a half on her pod - and tossed it. "I guess I join team brown," Karina said after examining the coin. Mari gave an exaggerated sigh of disappointment. "I will miss you guys." "Don't worry," Minja assured her. "We will always be available if you need a hug." "How about we find a good spot for the night," Karina suggested. "We can do some hugging there. And more." Giggling the others agreed. ***** Karina woke up refreshed, but also uncomfortably light. As she stood up she nearly fell over again. Something was off with her balance. As she caught sight of her detached pod she knew what was wrong. Her hands shot involuntary to her back and she felt the small circular grove again she started out with. "Strange how fast you can get used to something, right?" Minja asked. "Don't worry. I bet you can change back in a few days." In the morning light, Karina saw Minja standing in new colors. A warm rich brown tone stood against the usual black. A quick glance at herself revealed the same color combination on herself. Mari, however, stood there showing off a delicate violet that stood out stronger against the black. "I guess we all are ready?" Karina asked. She got two nods. "Then let's grab breakfast." ***** Karina's new race had gathered near a small hill that fell off steeply to one side. Kiira stood ready and waited patiently for the last few to arrive that needed a little 'extra breakfast aftercare'. Some easily overeat jelly. Especially those that used to be gatherers and ditched their pods last. Among them Karina. "Let's get started. Now that we are all here." The murmurs stopped and everyone looked to Kiira. "I will explain both roles in general and then explain the finer details once the groups split." She stepped close to a little overhang of the hill and demonstrative held up her arm. "As I explained, all our exoskeleton covered parts have new organs within them. In our arms and hands are similar organs to those in our legs and feet. Useful for climbing. But they have other uses. The following uses are available to all roles, but some are greatly enhanced or modified by the roles you currently switched into." She moved her arm close to the wall of earth. When she withdrew it, a cantaloupe-sized chunk of the earth followed. Hovering just a handspan away from her fingers. "Builders, those of you that display the color brown, have two remarkable enhancements. They can cut and hold material. Be it earth or stone. Builders can excavate them with ease. More importantly, the quantity they can extract should be vastly bigger than what I hold. To support this they can enhance their physical prowess through magic. Everyone in another role can do it too, but to a lesser degree and it is more exhausting." Kiira let the chunk of earth fall and held up a finger to make them wait. "The same organs are in our feet." With those words, she lifted her right foot and with it a big chunk of earth. While she displayed this ability she tethered on her left foot. No doubt anchoring herself to the ground. A moment later she willed herself to let the earth fall. "Now some of you might be a tad disappointed." With those words from Kiira Karina looked around. Indeed she could spot a few with a slight frown upon their face. But the matron continued on. "After all, who wants to live in a house made of loose dirt?" Again, she withdrew a chunk of dirt with the magic of her hands. However, this time she held it between her hands. There was a crunching noise and slowly the ball of earth started to shrink. As it did the color changed. From the rich brown soil to something more grayish. When Kiira was done a hunk of stone half the original size was held up by her. "We can compact material and in turn shift them into new forms or even elements." The matron gave same a mischievous grin. "I let you in on a secret. The ability to dense up earth to stone was my inspiration, but here is the thing. When creating the ability I couldn't narrow it down to just earth. So, it might work on different materials too." Before Karina could really speculate what those materials were her matron continued. "At last - for the builders - we have melting of the material. No, not literal melting. Instead, you will be able to sort of melt materials of similar type and density together." With that, Kiira took another chunk of earth, compacted it to stone and then pressed it against her first one. The contact point seemed to shift for a moment and a moment later both stones appeared as one. "In other words, we don't need mortar to build our homes. Now then. Builders - those with brown on your arms and legs - why don't you give it a try? Meanwhile, I will sort out the crafters." With a shrug, Katina stepped to the same overhang Kiira had used for her demonstration. Truth be told she was reluctant to even start. Playing in the dirt seemed awfully boring compared to gathering new flavors for her jelly. It took her a few tries until she got that digging out part correctly. It wasn't just anchoring the dirt with her inane magic. She also had to use her magic to cut around the anchored ball of earth. After a few tries, she was impressed. The largest chunk she managed had a diameter of her own torso's length. It was quite heavy and too much for her to lift until she remembered that Kiira said they could amplify their own strength through magic. How to do that, Karina figured out fast. However, using all three applications of magic at once was a little trickier. Once mastered Karina noticed her next problem. She had started digging into the same overhang that Kiira used for her demonstration. However, Karina had made more progress than her matron. But at six feet in the tunnel started to collapse. For a while, Karina was clueless on how to proceed. Then she remembered the other abilities of the builder role. She picked up some of her discarded dirt and started to compact it. The crunching sound could be heard and soon Karina held something up that resembled densely packed dirt. Not satisfied, Karina continued. The chunk shrunk further and further. Slowly shifting from a brown tone to something more brownish gray. Her previous chunk of a diameter the length of her torso had now the size of her own head. Karina let it fall and it impacted on the ground with a big thud. It looked like stone and touching it confirmed that indeed it was. While certainly something, Karina doubted it would solve her problems. What good would one head-sized chunk of stone do for her? Unless- Karina crouched down to her stone chunk and laid her hands on it. Kiira said that they couldn't just dig and slice into the dirt, but stone too. Karina tried it and it worked. Splitting the rock in two. The cut itself was a little curved. It took a while of practice until she managed a straight cut every time. The next piece of the puzzle was the melting of materials into each other. By now the rock was nothing but pebbles. Karina grabbed two and started to melt them into each other. Once done, she grabbed another pebble and repeated the process. More and more until Karina held a brick-sized rock in her hand. However, it was uneven and Karina started to carve away with her magic until it was smooth perfection. "Building a house like that might take forever," she mused aloud. Flipping the brick a few times over, Karina wondered why she should be satisfied with normal dimensions of a brick. After all, they would be melted into each other when a house was built. Karina had a new resolve. Finding out how long she could make her brick. Once again she grabbed for the pebbles. She stopped when the brick, resting on the ground, reached to her shoulder. It was quite something and very sturdy. Making Karina oddly proud of creating it. She rested the brick, which now resembled more a beam, against the wall of her makeshift tunnel. Her eyes grew wide. "Of course!" She could use beams like that to brace the tunnel. Then she frowned. There wasn't enough excavated dirt before her tunnel to clad every surface of her tunnel with stone. For some time Karina stood before the tunnel's entrance and mused what to do. Then it came to her. She could space her stone beam like rips. This way she might have enough stone to add some extra braces vertically to support more of the ceiling. With renewed vigor, Karina attacked her pile of dirt. Compacting it until it all was turned to stone. Then the time-consuming part of slicing and melting it to the form of stone beams. Her idea of rips to brace the tunnel worked. The stone she had produced lasted long enough for three pairs of braces. Each pair connected with each other by a top beam and between those four beams to brace the ceiling. It just lasted deep enough into the tunnel that Karina could start digging into the dirt again. * * * * * "Karina? What are you building?" She turned around and spotted Minja close to the tunnel entrance. Karina grinned and leaned against the half-finished sixth brace pair of her tunnel. "A tunnel?" "Why?" Karina shrugged her shoulders. "Why not?" "Well, if that is supposed to be your future house then you might want to try widening it a bit." "I know it is narrow," Karina agreed. "I just tried to go deeper for now. I figured I could work on the width of the tunnel in the afternoon." "Afternoon?" Minja laughed. "I think you should come out of your hiding hole and look around a bit." Frowning, Karina followed Minja outside. There her eyes grew wide. The sun wasn't yet touching the horizon but wasn't very far from it either. "It is already evening?" Karina shook her head. How could she lose track of time like that? Especially when playing around with dirt? The thought brought a blush on her cheeks. Minja sighed. "At least you accomplished something." Karina had to agree. Three dozens of craters dotted the landscape. Signs of where aspiring builders experimented. Thankfully the field was big enough. Even with the impending spread of holes when crafters and builders switched roles. "What did you make?" Minja sighed. "A bunch of nonsense. Come. Take a look." Her miniature quarry wasn't that far off. Minja had experimented with stone too. Creating a structure that reminded Karina of a tent without the fabric or leather cover. "You know, a little bracing in between and a structure like this might hold enough earth to create a big room underground." Minja sighed. "Still going on about your tunnel? If this goes on you might never change back to being a gatherer." "Don't be ridicules," Karina dismissed. "It was just something I wanted to try. You know what? Let's find Mari. Maybe she had more success today." Minja gave her strange structure a last glance and shrugged. "I don't think that would be hard to accomplish." Together, arm in arm, they walked over to the crafters. They didn't find Mari, but lots of glass vases, pots, and bottles that hadn't been there before. Karina chose to keep silent and not mention out loud that every piece looked misshapen or lopsided. As they couldn't find Mari they asked a random sister. "Mari? She is near the woods on her bed-roll. She took to crafting like it was vital to survival. Powered her out though. I think she wanted to take a nap." Karina grinned and waited for Minja to properly thank their sister. Then both headed to the woods. It wasn't hard to find Mari's bed-roll as it was the biggest around. Yet, other details drew their eyes even more. Mari was surrounded by small light sources that glittered and reflected on a variety of glass objects. Mari noticed them and waved them closer. "Karina. Minja. Come look." Both walked the last few feet and plopped down beside their sister. "You have been busy," Karina remarked. "Oh yes," Mari agreed. Her face beaming in delight. "Crafting is amazing. I mean no one has completely figured it out yet, but there is so much potential. Look at this." She picked up a small pebble-sized ball of glass. She deliberately rubbed with a finger along the surface and with it, a dim glow appeared within. A few more rubs and it was a bright as a candle. "That is neat," Minja commented as she was handed the small glowing sphere. "Where did Kiira get all this glass? Colored ones no less." Mari grinned even more. "It is not glass. All this? Hardened jelly. Which means we can produce as much as we want. But there is more. We can shift and change the properties of the jelly. Making it hard or soft. Check this out." Karina barely caught a fist-sized ball of jelly. Thrown to her by Mari. It felt kind of squishy in her hands. Karina experimented a little. The ball was kind of solid, but pinching it made it deform. Giving it slack again made it pull back into its sphere form. "Neat. Not sure what to use it for thought." "Me neither," Mari agreed. "I kind of ignored Kiira's suggestions and experimented the whole time." "What did Kiira suggest?" Minja asked. "Oh, you know. Pots. Lots of pots and matching lids. To store more jelly. And because forming a pot will teach us valuable skills and control over our crafting ability." "What's that?" Karina asked while pointing at a pane of jelly-glass behind Mari. "Oh! My latest invention." Again, Mari gave them a mischievous grin. "You know those windows in a lot of temples, right? The ones with different colored shards of glass? I tried to mimic it. I mean jelly can have different colors depending on what food was consumed. So, this was my first try. But, look at this." Mari grabbed two of the corners and lifted it up. Instead of one rigid piece, it came up more like a piece of cloth. "You have to harden jelly in steps and this one is a few steps short of being solid. It's like fabric. And look." She started to pull on the square and it stretched along. Extending to more than double its original size. "That might good if we have a silk shortage," Karina mused out loud. "It also gleams a little. Like our armor on arms, torso, and legs. Might fit our look nicely." "Oh?" Minja asked. "Are you sure that is the reason? Because it looks flexible enough to contain your main assets if you once again overeat yourself." "T-that doesn't happen that often," Karina said with a pout. "Maybe I try making a top for Karina tomorrow." Mari yawned loudly. "But now I am beaten." "Me too," Minja agreed. All three scooted together. Cuddling until sleep found them. * * * * * Karina woke up when it was still dark. The moon was still up high and dawn a few hours off. For a while, Karina tried to go back to sleep, but it eluded her. With a sigh, she scooted away from Minja and Mari. She might as well do something productive. Grabbing a few of the glowing pebbles, Karina headed for her tunnel. Minja was right. The tunnel was too narrow to be useful. Just a little wider than Karina's own shoulders. She was sure the stone would support a little more than that. She dug around the first brace and converted the dirt to stone. That, in turn, she used to widen the space between the two first braces by maybe two hand-spans. Emboldened, Karina worked on the other braces. Growing bolder and wider with each completed brace. As she finished the fifths the brace was wide enough that two persons could stand side by side and still have a little air between them. "There you are." Karina turned around to find Minja in the entrance. "I wanted to try something." "So I see. Kind of works. But for a room, you still need to go wider." Karina sighed. "Yeah. The problem is that I don't have enough stone. I mean I get enough stone out of compressing dirt, but I can't get the dirt out without a cave-in. I would need to add bracing first." "I could give you mine." Minja shrugged. "It is not as if my attempt at a house is any better. Probably even worse than what you have." "We could work on this together," Karina suggested. Minja didn't hesitate one bit. "Deal." "Okay, first we-" "Nope." Minja held out a small pot. "First, you eat. You missed breakfast." "Thanks." "Take your time. I'll gather my stone in the meantime." * * * * * A few hours later, Minja and Karina had some progress done. They had settled on a room with a central column. Like spokes of a wheel bracings radiated outward. Wide enough that one of them could lay on the ground and stretch their arms without touching column or wall. Small beams of stones held the ceiling between the bracing spokes. Giving the ceiling a similar look to a spiders web. "Well, you know," Minja started as they had finished half of the room. "This is coming along. Might even be fit to be a shelter or the start of an underground house. But we need to do something about the floor and the walls. I don't wanna sleep in the dirt." "Hmmm." Karina took a moment to mull the problem over. "I have an idea. Be right back." She stormed out of the tunnel. Only stopping for a moment to blink at the bright sun. Then, Karina started hunting for the crafter group and more specifically for Mari. She found her perched on her bed-roll that she had placed in the shadow of a big tree. A few misshapen pots stood around her resting place, as well as a few plates of the mosaic-like hardened jelly. "Hey, Mari. What are you up to?" Mari grinned as she saw Karina. "Not the things I am supposed to do. Doing pots over and over again is so boring. Here. Look at this." Mari held up a small figurine made of hardened jelly. Karina examined it from all side and needed a moment to figure it out. "Is that a deer?" "Yes! That's my second try. The first one was worse. Much worse." "For a second try it doesn't look half bad," Karina mused out loud. "Given time I bet you can do some masterworks." "That is nice of you to say," Mari replied. "But I bet you didn't come out of your hiding hole just to look at my experiments." "What? My hiding hole?" Karina gave Mari her best mock-shocked face she could manage. "I'll have you know it is now Minja's and my hiding hole." "Great. You infected her." "And I'll infect you too! Come with me for a moment. Please?" "Alright. Alright." Carefully placing her figurine and other crafting projects aside, Mari stood up. "You know, I am not a builder yet. Hmm. Trying to make me continue your hole of dirt when we switch roles?" Karina blew her a raspberry. "Nope. But that might be a plus. Come." Grabbing her by the hand Karina dragged the giggling Mari behind her. "So, this is it?" Mari asked as they arrived outside of the tunnel. "It isn't as narrow as Minja made it out to be." "I widened it just this morning. Come in." Inside they found Minja who was in the middle of compacting dirt to stone. "Mari? Come to see our progress?" "Apparently," Mari agreed. "It has something. A-" She took a moment to hunt for words. "A rustic charm." Minja gave a sharp laugh. "Yeah, something like that." "Don't worry. I have a solution to that," Karina promised. "What is it?" Minja demanded to know. Karina smirked and only uttered "Mari". Mari quirked her eyebrow. "Me?" "Well, aren't you tired of doing pots and vases?" "You know I am." Karina grabbed Mari by the shoulder and waved at the dirt walls. "Well, look at those dirty walls. They can be your canvas. You, as a crafter, can cover the walls and floor in hardened jelly. Think about it. Instead of mosaic windows, we can have mosaics for walls and floor." Mari critically examined the dirt walls and floor. "You know what? This might actually work. We have a few pots filled with shards of previous failed attempts. I bet I could use those." "Please try," Karina begged. "Fine," Mari said while throwing up her hands. "But you'll help me carrying the pots over." At once, Karina agreed. "It's a deal." Over the next hour, they dragged one pot after another to their artificial cave. As Karina had hoped, Mari was able to cover the walls and floor with jelly. She even could use the discarded shards of hardened jelly. Apparently, crafters like Mari could soften it up again and reuse it. The first finished wall and floor looked slick and smooth but was color-wise an absolute patchwork of mostly green, some brown, and here and there were hints of blue. Karina knew the green was from grass and leaves. Brown mostly likely from wood like bark and even twigs. The little blue was from water. A material they had plenty available to consume, but it wasn't very efficient to convert to jelly. While Mari worked on walls and floors, Minja and Karina carved out the rest of their little room. It might even be big enough for all three of them to sleep side by side, Karina decided. "Argh, out of my way." Mari's cursing made Karina look towards the entrance. Apparently, their little group project had been discovered. Curious faces peeked in and blocked Mari from getting out. Soon, a steady stream of onlookers came by. Now and then asking questions. "What do you think?" Minja asked Karina as they finished the room. "Try making this one bigger or expand with another room?" Karina looked around and thought about it for a minute. "Depends. If this is more than a little experiment than I would say a new room. This could be the entrance. And a separate bedroom would make sense." "Well, it is starting to look homey," Minja mused aloud. "With Mari covering the walls, it doesn't look ugly anymore." Mari took a step back from her work and looked around. "I like it. We should give it a try." Karina nodded. "Yeah. In that case, how we plan the layout for our future home? Oh, and we can finally sleep under a roof again." That got excited agreement from both of them. When evening arrived, Minja and Karina had carved out the first short corridor to a future room and Mari had managed to cover one wall and the ceiling. "Let's see what the others are up to," Karina suggested. Once out, the trio hooked to each other in tight hugs and started walking. But soon, they grew confused. "Where is everyone?" Mari asked. "I think I know where," Minja said while pointing at a few holes that dotted a nearby hill. "Guess Karina once again discovered something we all find useful." "Oh, now it is useful?" Karina asked. "Yesterday you told me I was nuts." "Well," Minja mused out loud. "You are still nuts, but maybe not as much." "Thanks." Soon, everyone gathered for the evening meal. There was a lot of talking and many questions were asked towards Karina. Most now agreed that building above ground might not be as feasible for now. "Remember," Kiira, their matron, reminded them after dinner. "It is time to switch roles." "Can you even stop, now that you are in the digging craze? Minja needled. "Barely. Just barely," Karina replied. "But I am looking forward to what I can accomplish as a crafter. It also might be good for our home. Mari can work on expanding the digging head-start, while we two catch up on covering the walls and such." "I like crafting," Mari admitted with a sigh. "But I guess I can play in the dirt for two days." "Your sacrifices are deeply appreciated," Karina said while pulling Mari in a hug, who couldn't help but to giggle. "Well, then." Minja stood up. "Time to move into our new home." Together, they move all their stuff and spend a cozy evening in the shine of the few light pebbles Mari had created. * * * * * The next two days ran by fast. Mari worked on their future bedroom. Which was a challenge in itself, as it was meant to be bigger than the entry room. Together, Karina and Minja made good progress. In fact, as they caught up with Mari they had some time for vanity projects. To the delight of Mari, Minja added shelves to the wall and placed Mari's first attempts at art on them. Karina's carved wooden figures - mementos from her late grandpa - was placed beside them. Meanwhile, Karina was busy with the ceiling. Once she had figured how to make glowing jelly, she had an idea. "What are you doing up there?" Minja asked. "Do you see all these small droplets of hardened jelly on the ceiling?" Once Minja nodded Karina continued. "I connected them all with the barest sliver of jelly. And it all connects down here." Karina pointed to a droplet of hardened jelly on the wall near the entrance. "Now, if everything works as intended then-" Karina's finger strived the droplet and at once the small drops on the ceiling started to glow all at once. "It's like a sea of stars at nighttime," Minja marveled out loud. "Mari! You have to see this." "This is so cool," Mari gushed as she arrived. "We need something like that in the bedroom too." "I planned to add something like this in every room," Karina assured her. "I mean who wants to live in darkness or gloom." With renewed vigor, all three resumed their projects but soon hit a sudden hurdle amid the second day. But they weren't the only one. "You've been busy," Kiira remarked as everyone had gathered around. "I thought we had enough jelly, but you used it all up. I guess we cut the lesson short. Not that many of you crafted pots anyway." She overdid a rolling of her eyes before continuing. "Now, there are only two classes left. The guard, with the color yellow, for which I don't see a use right now. I don't think we will be attacked anytime soon. This class I only added as a precaution." "The other is the matron role," Kiira continued. "I think it is better to wait until one of us feels the need to have offspring to explain this role. But let me tell you one thing about how our race can procreate. We are dependent on other races. I hope in time you will be proud of our race, but I have witnessed too many races who look down on others. I wanted to avoid this." Kiira took a moment to let her words sink in. With a resolute nod, she explained more. "There are two ways for us to procreate. Both depend on other races that have a male gender. The first one is very normal. Get pregnant and have offspring. But there is a second way. We can convert any other race into our own, provided they aren't too big and it is their choice. If you spot a candidate who wants to join our merry band then please let me know." Kiira looked at all the faces around her and finally nodded gravely. "This is all I have to teach for now. How our race will develop hinges on all of us. So please do your best. And don't forget. We still don't have an official name. Give it some thought and gather support if you have a suggestion." Slowly, the gathering dispersed. "I guess we are free to choose what role we now want," Minja remarked. "Goodbye to digging in the dirt. Time to be a crafter again," Mari said while staring at her arm. Probably to trigger the role change. "Well," Karina started with a grin. "You need jelly to craft with, right? I guess I should become a gatherer again." "Fine," Minja exclaimed. "I guess I'll be a builder for now. Someone has to finish our new home." They all shared a grin. As the changing of their role would take some time they decided to distract themselves on their bedroll. Time flew by for them. ***** Karina gently led her pony off the dirt path and into the direction of the Hoffman's farm. Which was easier said than done as her pony had to pull a big wagon. Many pots - ranging from small to large - crashed and clanged at each other as the wagon's wheels overcame ditches in the road. Karina was used to it and knew her pots of hardened jelly could put up with it. Only her butt was tortured. Despite the padded bench, she sat on. She hoped the kingdom would soon decide to upgrade the road from a barely-there dirt path to a paved stone road. Until then, Karina had to make do. Her arrival at the farm hadn't gone by unnoticed. Old Otto and his wife already standing before the main house and waving at Karina. She could see the eldest son Gotthard and his wife Nadia returning from the fields. Karina had to suppress a grin as she saw the younger son Oliver standing up from amidst the vegetable garden. For a moment it struck her as strange. How normal it all was. Here, she came onto a farm as her part of her weekly routine. Yet, it barely had been a year since becoming her new race. It amused her how quick things could settle in. "Ah, the lovely Karina," Old Otto greeted her as Karina stopped her pony in the middle of the small farm. "How is the trade?" "As always," Karina replied. "Steady, but good. Is the farm doing alright?" "It sure is," Otto assured her. Once the greeting was out of the way, it was time to trade and barter. Farms like these valued Karina as she brought another means to acquire coins. Yet, mostly they bartered. Karina haggled as best as she could, but as always she suspected that Otto got the better deal out of her. Not that she terribly minded. They unloaded a few of the jelly-filled pots. It was still hard for the other races to make heads or tails out of jelly. Most didn't like jelly that was based upon plants or grass. They simply couldn't taste the undercurrents that Karina or her sisters could. But a few market niches had revealed themselves soon enough. The biggest target group were sailors. Fresh food on a ship was always a hassle. Here, jelly did shine. It preserved taste and properly stored lasted a long time. It definitely was a plus that jelly took over the taste from the original ingredients. Giving sailors a taste of home even far away. Karina was here for the second big target group. Farms not only provided many of the ingredients that were used for jellies the sailors preferred. They also were customers. The last winter revealed a need for fresh food in the last days of the cold season. When the next harvest was still quite a few months away. Now the farms around Karina's race started to barter for jelly. They gave ingredients that usually perished quickly and received a big part of it back as jelly. The cut that was left was for Karina to sell. Earning her a profit. Of course, using jelly in the kitchen was still very experimental. But, even here Karina had some success. Jelly based on spices - even watered down - proofed to be well-liked and easy to use. Not to mention spoil free. Even jellies based on herbs were thought after. Those, Karina usually sold in small quantities in pots so small that they barely earned the name. Yet they made up a good chunk of her profits. Once the pots were unloaded, Karina's wagon was filled with much local produce. As well as milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Even a few dozen eggs were carefully packed away. Still, thanks to the bumpy road Karina always lost a few. It was an old game of hers by now to gorge herself on one ingredient on her way back and then later demanded to be milked by Mari and Minja. "Oliver will help you with the hay," Otto remarked. Karina nodded. Oh, he would. But not just with the hay. Karina briefly mounted her wagon again to steer it into the farm's large barn. Oliver already waited for her and closed the barn doors after her. Not that it was strictly needed, but both valued the privacy. "Your father said you will help me with the last ingredients," Karina said as she jumped off her wagon. "I have the bales of hay ready," Oliver replied. But then gave a big theatrical sigh. "But I need a little help for the second good you want." Karina grinned. "I bet I can help." Walking close to Oliver she gave him a kiss. At the same time uniting his trousers. As it fell down, Karina sank to her knees. It was time to produce some royal jelly. Karina's production of the most valuable jelly still was a far cry from her times on the ship. But it hardly mattered. The secret was out, for a long time now, and others had specialized into acquiring it. Still, given the opportunity, Karina preferred to produce some herself. There was always some unwed son or stable-hand around who couldn't resist Karina's allure. Of course, she knew better to approach a man who had a wife. She didn't need that kind of drama. "Thanks for your generosity," Karina purred once she was done. "Shouldn't it be me who thanked you?" Oliver replied with a grin. They made themselves presentable. But as Karina turned to the bales of hay, Oliver held her back. "Can I talk to you about something?" Karina shrugged her shoulders. "Sure," she replied nonchalantly. But internally she hoped it wasn't another confession of love. She had no intention to be tied down by anyone. Aside from the sisters that waited for her at home. "How was it? Going through the change in the artifact of the ancients? Was it painful?" Karina's mind needed a moment to switch gears. This, she had not expected. "Oh, no pain. Confusion maybe. My new race has some features a little more unique than expected. Of course, the gender change didn't help." "Wait, you've been a man before?" "Is that a problem?" Karina asked. Oliver raised his hands. "No, no. That isn't it. I was just surprised. Judging by how you act, I would've never guessed." "Well, I am part now of an all-female race," Karina explained. "When we entered, half of us were male. I am not the only one who got this surprise." "And you're okay with it?" Oliver dug deeper. "I mean it had to be quite the shock." Karina gave a sharp laugh. "Not really." Seeing Oliver's confusion, she explained. "We all knew the artifact would change us. Only that we didn't know how exactly. So, we all expected to find ourselves in bodies that would be very different from our old ones. A new gender is just a little more of a change. While chances have been slim, it was a possibility. We aren't the first race that walked out with only one gender." "I guess," Oliver admitted. "Still. Society wise a gender change had to difficult." "You forget that creating a new culture is part of the process," Karina reminded him. "So, we expected social change too. Have you ever heard of the Apathii?" Oliver shook his head. "They still have male and females, but their gender roles are reversed. Men are the one who led the household and raise the children, while women do the hard work. It naturally evolved like that since for that race women are the ones physically stronger and taller and men on the short side." "So, everything was uncertain when you used the artifact?" "Exactly," Karina confirmed. "That was what drew me in. Not only would I be guaranteed to experience something new, but I could help shape it. Say, where is all this coming from?" For a moment, Oliver looked away. Unsure if he should continue. Then, with a sigh, he turned back to Karina. "I've been thinking to do the same. All this- The farm. I know my brother will take it over. He is older and has a wife. Me? I am the fifth wheel on a wagon. A change doesn't sound as bad anymore. I am, however, not sure I could go blind into it like you." Karina gave a heartfelt nod. "I know how it is. Grew up on a farm a little smaller than this one. As far as anyone could remember my family has always been farmers. Well, you have plenty of time to figure it out. The next activation time for the artifact is still nine years off. Unless-" "Yes?" Oliver asked hopefully. "A few races are designed with the ability to add others to their race," Karina explained. "In fact, my race has this ability too. Now, I am not saying you have to join us, but maybe that there is a race out there that might appeal to you." Oliver practically glowed with excitement. "It would mean a change, but not going in completely blind. That is perfect." Then, he deflated a little. "But how do I know which race can do it? Not to mention, how do I choose?" "Minja," Karina exclaimed. "She is one of my sisters. It was her job to study different races. Before the artifact. She might be the right person for you to talk to." Oliver nodded and contemplated her words for a while. Eventually, he looked her in the eyes once more. "I think I want to meet her. Can I bum a ride?" "Sure," Karina agreed. "Once the bales of hay are loaded. You can help me." Oliver gave a sharp laugh. "Since when do you need my help?" Karina grinned and walked to a bale of hay. She gripped the hay not only with her hands but her innate magic too. Then she used magic to boost her strength. It wasn't as much as when she was in the builder role, but it was enough. Slowly, she made her way over to the wagon. Never losing balance as she used the magical organs in her feet and legs to root herself to the ground. At last, she dumped the bale on a special hook on the side of her wagon. "Well," she said with a grin. "You can tie it down while I get the next one." It didn't take them long to load a total of six bales. By that time, Karina felt exhausted. Not physically, but using so much magic all at once took its toll. Yet she didn't it minded that much. After all, she had a half-day of travel ahead of her. Enough time to regain some stamina. Today, her wagon was packed tight as it left the farm. Not only with the items she bought or bartered from the Hoffman homestead, but also a few belongings from Oliver. It had been a heartfelt goodbye as he explained his decision to his parents. It was unknown when he would return. Or if at all. Usually, Karina would spend her time on the way back stuffing herself with produce. Ready to be milked once she arrived back home. But with Oliver traveling with her, she was hesitant to do the same. Not that she really minded showing him how far her breasts could expend if she ate enough. It was a matter of space. Both sat perched on the small patted bench at the front of the wagon. They already sat elbow to elbow and Karina worried she might knock him off the cart of she grew too big. Instead, now and then, she handed over the reins to Oliver and jumped down. Walking to herbs or flowers she spotted at the side of the road. Strolling alongside the wagon while munching on her spoils. On one such occasion, Oliver had a question for her. "You always say your race, but I never heard you mention a name for it." Karina gave a heartfelt chuckle. "Because there is none." Seeing his confusion only fanned the flames of her amusement. "You see, we couldn't agree on one yet. There were plenty of suggestions, but none could satisfy us all yet. I think the most popular was 'Kiira's chosen' which had twenty-one votes at one point. For a while variants around the topic 'sisterhood' were a trend, but even that didn't bear any fruit." "Must be strange," Oliver remarked. "Not having a name for your race." Karina shrugged. "For me, it isn't that bad. Now Minja, she is furious about the fact." "The one that can help me?" "Yes. You see before she came to the artifact, she worked with her father as kings advisors. It was their job to maintain a library about all known races. Whenever the king had to deal with one, it was hers and her father's job to provide information. You know. Stuff like culture and customs. It reduces the chances of unintentionally offending someone or misunderstandings." "That sounds important," Oliver mused out loud. "Why would she give it up?" "You have to ask?" Karina countered with a grin. "Imagine growing up always hearing about other races. Read about them from books others wrote. It wasn't enough for her. She wanted to be the first one to write a book about a new race. What better way than to be part of the very one?" It took a while for Oliver to stomach this and Karina resuming munching on vegetation. It surprised her when he suddenly spoke up again. "After a year she must get close to finishing it." Once again, Karina grinned. "Far from it. Our customs are still changing. Evolving. We still discover new things about us. Not to mention that we need a name that she can put in a book." Over the next hours, Oliver asked a few more questions about Karina's race. Which she didn't mind at all, as it held boredom at bay. All too soon, they came close to Karina's home. Right when the sun was ready to settle behind the horizon. "We are nearly there," Karina let Oliver know. "I don't see anything," he replied after standing up and gazing ahead. "Oh, we live underground," Karina remarked. "Just wait and see." They left the main road at a small branching dirt path that soon transitioned to a smooth gleaming material. "What is that?" Oliver asked. "Hardened Jelly," Karina replied. "It is our main building material and is quite versatile." The small paved road gradually started to slope downward. Not to step that Karina's pony was pushed by her own wagon. Soon, they arrived at an entrance. It was lit up by hundreds of small lights. The path further down gave the impression it was already night and the stars were out. Eventually, they arrived in a big brightly lit cavern. Every inch of walls, ceiling, and floors was covered in gleaming hardened jelly. It gave the whole area a smooth and polished feel. Buildings and alcoves dotted the cavern. Karina steered her wagon towards a big building right beside the entrance. "This is Ogechi's place. She takes care of our ponies and will deliver my wares to my shop," Karina explained. "The rest we go on foot." As they walked down the central boulevard they got plenty of attention. Karina got a few well-meant greetings, but it was Oliver who drew their attention. Men were still a rare sight in the colony and a new one entering would spur on many rumors soon enough. "Building your own harem, Karina?" The shout came from Epiphina. A shopkeeper leaning on her counter. Behind her many small pots. "If you want to compete with me you need more than a mere human," Epiphina continued. "No worries," Karina shouted back. "He's a visitor. So, behave." "In that case, can I interest you on some orcish royal jelly? It's on sale." For a moment, Karina was tempted. But soon waved the shopkeeper off. "Maybe another time." A few steps further, Oliver gave in to his curiosity. "What was that all about?" "Oh, Epiphina sells royal jelly. In fact, she has a harem in the back she milks daily," Karina explained. A moment later she looked at Oliver. "I did tell you about royal jelly, right?" "It's the reason why you give me blowjobs. Makes special jelly right? It must be good, why else would you give me the time of the day. But orcish royal jelly?" "Don't sell yourself short," Karina said. Her voice stern. "I have my standards. And orcish royal jelly is a thing. You see, Epiphina was the first to find out that spunk of each race has a different taste to them. All delicious. Now she hunts for men of races she hadn't collected yet for her harems." "That's crazy," Oliver remarked. "Not really," Karina shrugged. "Other royal jelly hunters travel the land and blow everything that can't save themselves on a tree in time. This is much more logical and reasonable. Not to mention logistically more feasible. Of course, the men are compensated too." "I guess," Oliver slowly agreed. "Ahh, home sweet home," Karina exclaimed as she steered towards another shop front. As Oliver came closer, he noticed this sister of Karina had violet to her carapace instead of the blue Karina and Epiphina had. Behind her were dozens of shelves. Filled with dainty looking glass figures. "This is Mari," Karina started. "Best crafter in all of Anthill." "Oh, stop it," Mari waved her off while blushing. "Mari, this is Oliver. He'll be staying with us for a few days." Mari raised an eyebrow. "So, you'll start a harem after all?" "What? No! Why is everyone assuming that?" After a healthy dose of chuckles all around, Oliver looked at Mari's wares. It was mostly delicately crafted animals and some abstract sculptures. "Those are superb," Oliver eventually said. "You must have blown glass for decades to achieve such refinement in your skill." "Ah? No, no, no," Mari waved him off. "These are all crafted with hardened jelly. I am a crafter. It gives me good control over the material." "Is there anything made around here without jelly?" Oliver marveled out loud. Karina shrugged. "Not really." After a few more words, Karina decided to introduce Minja to Oliver. Karina knew she was most likely at the library if she wasn't with Mari. Hence they set out again. A few steps away, Oliver had to ask. "What did she mean by Anthill?" "Oh, that is the unofficial name for our home here. But if things go on like this it might become the official one." The library turned put to be small, but with three full bookshelves, it contained more books that Oliver had seen in the rest of his entire life. Meanwhile, Karina was greeted by a sister in a complete black carapace. "Karina, look." Minja held up a book. "I finally got a copy of 'The Lusty Sartonian Maid'." Karina rolled her eyes. "And I thought you were serious about building a library." "I am!" Minja shot back. "No library worth its salt would forget to include a copy of this book. Who's this?" "This is Oliver," Karina said. Only to quickly add: "He's not the start of my harem." "So, he's not but you finally decided to go for one? For a harem?" Karina groaned and facepalmed herself. "I just can't win with you guys." After properly introducing him, Karina explained why they were in the library. "So, he is looking for a new race. One that can transform others into their own race. I figured you would be the best to ask." "Oh, I am. How exciting," Minja exclaimed. She pulled Oliver along to her bookshelves. "There are only a handful of races that can do it. For three I have the books here. The rest I have memorized. Now, let me tell you about all the details and-" Karina quickly realized she was dismissed, as both were lost in research. With a shrug, she turned around and walked out. But not without 'renting out' a book about a specific maid. * * * * * Karina dressed her best. The last few days she had traveled to and from various farms and did more trading. On those days she wore flexible jelly. The half hardened version of jelly had made an impact in their fashion world. By now, it was the most common garments they wore. Today Karina wore one of her more expensive outfits. A milky white poncho-top and matching skirt that had intricate black detailing. With not much to do, she decided to check on Oliver. She found him in the library. To her surprise, he was alone. Minja was not in sight. "Making headway?" Karina asked as Oliver noticed her. "Yes and no," Oliver replied. "All the races that can convert others- They lack something. None appeals to me." Karina nodded and thought about it a little. "You know, you don't have to become a new race to force change. Just travel somewhere. Find a spot you like. Start anew." "I thought about it," Oliver admitted. "But I discarded the notion. I want a big change. Something challenging." "Then what will you do?" Karina asked. "It appears you shot down every option there is." "There is one." Oliver fumbled with his hands a little before gathering his thoughts. "I could become someone of your race. There are just a few details that I need answers to." "Weren't you opposed to a gender change?" "Not really. I mean it will be different, right? But looking around, everyone seems to be happy. I can't even tell who used to be a man or woman before they used the artifact. Isn't that proof enough that you can become happy as the opposite gender as long as you accept the change beforehand?" "I didn't know I would be a woman after the ritual," Karina pointed out. "So, I could hardly accept it beforehand." "But you did accept that the artifact could change every aspect of you," Oliver insisted. "I guess," Karina agreed. "So, what hang-ups do you have about my race." "Not really hang-ups. Let's see. Oh, yes. Your sexuality." Karina irked an eyebrow. "What about it?" "Okay. On the surface level you appear to be straight," Oliver told her. "At least that was what I assumed. Until I saw you with Minja and Mari. I could tell you were intimate. Now, I could assume it was only you who swings both ways, but I noticed the same for every one of your race. Would it be true for me too?" Karina chuckled. "We are what Kiira describes as pan-sexual. And yes, it is a trait of our race." Oliver was confused and not too shy to voice it out loud. "What does sexuality have to do with pans?" "Okay, here is how Kiira explained it to me. Imagine a field of grass. On said field place one of each gender from every race. Now, 'pan' your view from far left to far right. Whatever you see, we are probably into it." "So, you are like universally attracted to everything?" Oliver tried to clarify. "Well, there are personal preferences, but in general, yes. That is right. You see, Kiira designed our race to depended on others. Not only for reproduction. She wanted to make sure that we would strive for peace. To become a race well-liked." There was a moment of silence as Oliver digested everything. Then a resolute nod followed. "Let's do this." "And you are really sure?" Karina asked again. "One hundred percent," Oliver confirmed. "I guess then we have to see Kiira," Karina mused out loud. She led him out of the library and to the small shopping district. Not far from Mari's artistic crafts shop was the entrance to "Kiira's Fashion". Oliver's eyes grew wide at the colorful display of garments. One section was made for clothing made with silk. Karina had once explained to him that silk was still expensive and was mostly used for social gatherings and official business. Most other garments were made with semi-hardened jelly. Or Jeltex as locals called it. Short for jelly textile. Kiira was with a customer and Oliver took the time to look around. Soon he noticed something peculiar. He waved Karina over to ask about it. "Why are some pieces of Jeltex pretty cheap and others are so expensive? Even when they are the same cut." "It all has to do with the colors," Karina explained. "You see they get the colors from the jellies which in turn get their color from food. Now, some colors are easy to come by. Greens and browns are usually from plants. But for other colors, one has to be creative. Red is mostly derived from raw red meat, but if you want bright vivid red than you are out of luck. Blue you can get from blueberries, but you need a large quantity." "What about you?" Oliver asked while pointing at Karina's black and white outfit. Both, the poncho-top and skirt, were mostly white and had a few delicate black accents. "Getting such a bright white must be hard." Karina chuckled. "Far from it. That's just milk and pretty cheap. Now, these black accents are what made it expensive. It is hard to find pure black as food. In fact, this black comes from a fellow gatherer, who specialized in munching on insects. For black, she is eating mostly ants. And unholy quantities of them. That's why black is expensive. Hard to find and the available sources are limited." "Eating insects. I doubt I could do that." "It is an acquired taste," Karina agreed. "But thanks to her we have pieces like this one." She showed him an emerald green top. Oliver was about to ask what was so special about it when he noticed the unusual gleam. In the shine of the light, it had an iridescent sheen to it. A moment later he noticed the price-tag - made from cheap white and green Jeltex - and did a double- take. "That is expensive," Oliver exclaimed aloud. "Yeah," Karina agreed. "But then again, it is kind of reasonable. I don't even want to guess how many dragonflies she swallowed to produce enough jelly for this one." "That harem girl-" "Epiphina?" "Yeah," Oliver said with a nod. "She had a top and skirt that were both completely back." "What can I say," Karina said with a sigh. "Royal jelly is a delicacy. Nearly everyone buys from her and it made her quite wealthy." "And now she is flaunting it around." "Not really," Karina corrected him. "She is spending it locally instead of spending it on stuff from the outside. The money mostly remains in the community. Her big-spending enables a few of us to specialize beyond what would be otherwise feasible for such a small settlement." Oliver nodded. Before he could say anything more a new voice pitched in. It was Kiira who had resolved her previous talk with a customer. "Karina, here for a new outfit?" The former matron looked towards Oliver. "Or are you shopping for him? Welcome to my store. I am Kiira and I've been looking forward to dressing up a man." "Actually, we aren't here for garments," Karina clarified. "At least not yet. This is Oliver and he would like to join our race." "Is that so?" Kiira asked. "Why am I not surprised?" She stepped close to Oliver and whispered just loud enough for Karina to hear. "I swear it is her goal to be the first in everything we do. At least the big stuff. Having the first daughter fits right in." "I do not!" Karina protested. "In fact, I have someone else in mind for the honor." Seeing the crestfallen face on Oliver she quickly added to it. "Of course, if she doesn't want to, then I'd be happy to step in." "Is it hard?" Oliver asked. "Becoming one of you." "Oh, no," Kiira waved the notion off. "In fact, it is quite easy. Okay, Karina, listen up. The sister you have in mind or you have to do the following steps. First, of course, is the switch to being a matron. After your carapace change to red, all you have to do is consume royal jelly. A little each day is enough. You will grow a pod. Similar to the ones gatherers have. A little bigger actually. Once done, this makes you fertile to nearly any species." "Why didn't you grow a pod?" Karina asked, "Back on the ship when I first handed my royal jelly around." "Because I didn't consume any. Just the smell clued me in." "So, this is how you reproduce normally?" Oliver wanted to know. "How does this help with transforming me?" "Easy," Kiira assured him. "Well, relatively easy. You see, a fertile matron has a boosted libido. To facilitate things. If she isn't pregnant within a week then the second stage of the pod growth starts. Growing in size until a person can fit in." "And I guess I have to get into the pod," Oliver mused. Then a shocked look came over him. "How am I getting in the pod? She won't eat me, right?" Kiira laughed out loud and had a hard time calming down. When she did she assured Oliver. "Oh, no. The pod grows an opening. After you slip in it shouldn't take longer than a week or two." "How does the matron even get around with a pod that big?" Karina asked. "Once the pod is filled it detaches," Kiira explained. "Though the matron will be very protective of it. Probably sending anyone away, but fellow matrons or guards. Any other questions?" "No, I think not," Karina admitted. "I guess we will be going then." Once they headed out, Oliver had to ask. "Who do you have in mind?" "Oh, she is right around the corner," Karina promised. A few steps further she spotted her target. "Mari, I have the opportunity of a lifetime for you." "And just like that I am suspicious of you," Mari shot back. "Well, you once told me you want a daughter, right?" Karina pointed to Oliver. "He could be her!" "What?" Mari was clearly flabbergasted. "Well, we just asked Kiira on how to convert Oliver into a sister," Karina explained. "Pretty easy. Change into the matron role. Eat a bunch of Royal Jelly. Grow a pod big enough for him and bam, you have a daughter a week later." "One to two weeks," Oliver corrected. "Hold on a minute," Mari said while raising her hands. "This is a little much at once. I mean, yeah, one day I might like having a daughter. But not right now. Sorry, Oliver. It is not against you. I hope you understand." "I do," Oliver assured her. "And it isn't so bad. Karina promised to be the back-up." "Right," Karina pressed out slowly. Then sighed. "I guess I'll have to find someone who takes over my gatherer route for a few weeks." Then she piped up. "At least I got to eat royal jelly. A lot of it." It earned a chuckle from Mari and Oliver. * * * * * Karina nervously danced on the spot. There wasn't much else she could do. Not for a few days now. It's been nearly four weeks since Karina switched into the matron role. At first, nothing much changed. She had grown her matron-pod and that had been fine. Until it reached the first maturity stage. Kiira hadn't been kidding when she said it would boost Karina's libido. They had to stow Oliver away in the public inn as otherwise Karina would have jumped his bones. In the following week, Karina proofed to be very demanding on Mari and Minja. Everything to quell her growing need. In her mind, Kiira had gone a little overboard with this 'feature' while creating their race. Most of her horniness ebbed away as her pod started growing again. This time at an accelerated rate. Karina was not only consuming enormous quantities of Royal Jelly, but also normal ones. Soon, it became hard to move with such a big pod that Karina constantly had to boost her strength through magic. Then, five days ago she had to admit defeat. Her pod so big now that it practically rooted her in place. It made for a few boring days. One could only read 'The Lusty Sartonian Maid' so often before it became boring. Not that Karina could reach for the book right now. I was barely out of reach. Not to mention that she was too nervous to actually read right now. "And here we are," Minja said as she led Oliver into the room. He was stark naked and Karina feared another spike in her libido. To her relief, the opposite was true. Mari and Kiira came in after and helped to guide the process. Particularly Kiira who led Oliver around Karina's back and explained what to do. "This is the opening. By gently pushing it apart it should widen. Then, you have to climb in." Karina got the strangest feeling from her pod and she actually felt it open. Now curious she tried to look over her shoulder, but the pod rooted her too much in place. "It's warm," Oliver remarked as he stepped in. To her surprise, Karina could feel it. "Kind of relaxing." "The special jelly within the pod will help you transform," Kiira explained. "It will nurture you and keep you safe. Try too make yourself small and submerge yourself." "Kind of relaxing," Oliver murmured. He sounded sleepy. Karina felt her pod swell and on instinct, she felt herself close the pod up. "Won't he suffocate?" Minja asked. "The matron-pod is more than just a hardened pouch with jelly inside," Kiira explained. "It is a magical organ in itself and will use magic to ensure the survival of him. Even to breath for him. By now, he is probably asleep and won't feel a thing either." "So, how long is this gonna take again?" Karina asked. "Depends on the size," Kiira admitted. "One to two weeks. I'd imagine a centaur might take three. Don't worry. In a day or two, your pod will detach and you'll be free once again." Karina nodded. "I guess it is more book reading. Can someone hand me one." "The Lusty Sartonian Maid again?" Minja asked with a grin. "How about something else?" Karina suggested. "I have none nearly as steamy," Minja remarked. Karina rolled her eyes. "I am not that single-minded. I take a normal one. Maybe about food?" Mari snickered and then turned to her sisters. "Karina is correct. She is more twice-minded. Food and sex. If she can combine both then it is a win." "Oh you," Karina shook her fist. "Just you wait until I am free again." Karina's sisters laughed and soon she joined in. * * * * * Karina nervously paced the room. Despite being free of her pod, she had barely left the room. Always worried about what might befall her pod without her there. She really cared for it. Reading out loud books or even singing. Karina didn't know of Oliver could hear her. After all, Kiira said he would be asleep. Her eyes darted to the pod. Had it just moved? Another shake and Karina knew it was time. She gave a loud shout out but didn't leave the room. Soon, Mari and Minja arrived. Kiira took a few more minutes to arrive. They all sported the yellow of the guard role. Somehow Karina had mistrusted anyone who wasn't a matron or a guard. Kiira had confirmed that it was on purpose. With very little protest they had changed roles. Karina was especially grateful for Kiira and Mari for doing so, as both their businesses depended on them being in the crafter role. With a squelch part of the pod opened. Karina barely noticed the sound as a sleek black hand slowly emerged. She gently grabbed it but didn't pull. Waiting patiently for her daughter to emerge. As she did, Karina's heart fluttered with delight. She was perfect. Her face so pure it might have been cut out of stone by the most talented artist. Karina gave her daughter a big hug and slowly helped her step out of the pod. She needed a few moments to find her feet, as they had changed quite a lot. It reminded Karina of her own first steps with her changed feet. The high spike under her heels had taken some time to get used to, but now it felt so familiar she didn't even notice anymore. "Welcome, my daughter," Karina said with a big smile. She returned it just as brightly. "Thank you," she said in a very melodic voice. After a moment of hesitation, she added "Mother". Everyone wished them both congratulations and the reborn daughter had to show herself off to everyone around until Minja asked an important question. "So, did you have a name in mind? Oliver isn't very fitting anymore." "Actually, I haven't," the former Oliver admitted. "But I have," Karina proclaimed. She took her daughter by the shoulders and looked at her proudly. "Where I come from sons are named by their fathers and daughters by their mothers. I claim the right to name you." Her daughter nodded. Spurring Karina on to continue. "I hereby name you Octavia, daughter of mine. Tavi for short." Octavia broke out in a grin. Hugging her mother deeply a moment later. "You like it?" Karina asked quietly." She received a tighter squeeze. "I love it." "She looks so young," Mari remarked. Karina gave her daughter a second deeper look. Indeed, Mari was right. Tavi looked younger than Oliver had. Where he had been twenty summers old, she looked around sixteen. "Well, I couldn't find anything specific for mirroring the age in the creation process," Kiira admitted. "I could only define something along the lines of peak physical state. It would be curious to see if any convertee reverts to around the same age." They all nodded. Then Minja mused aloud. "So, we can rebirth any race?" "As long as they fit in the pod," Kiira confirmed. "So, we could rebirth each other too?" Minja dug deeper. "I guess-" Kiira slowly agreed. A moment later Mari gave Minja a playful punch on the shoulder. "Don't give Karina any strange ideas." Both looked to their sister who remained silent. But they saw a glint in her eyes that hinted that they were too late. "Well, Tavi. I think it is time to reintroduce you to your new sisters," Kiira announced to break the silence. Octavia gave a resolute nod. Arm in arm with her mother she stepped out to her new life. * * * * * "As it turned out, Karina found something she liked even more than being a gatherer," Minja told her spell-bound audience. They all hanging on her lips. "As soon as Karina had taught Octavia everything she knew, she was on the hunt for her next daughter. And if she couldn't find a potential candidate outside of our little settlement then she hunted within. Soon, one by one gave in. Until she managed to convince each and every one of us to become her daughter." Eager hands shot up and Minja selected one at random. "Is that the reason why our race is called 'Karina's Children'?" a little girl wanted to know. Minja gave her a bright grin. "That is correct. You see, no matter who you are if you are one of Karina's Children then you can trace back your linage to Karina." Another girl raised her arm. After a nod from Minja, she asked aloud, "Why isn't Karina around anymore?" Minja still gave the girl a grin. But it slipped into one that was more tired and sad. "You see Kiira, the one who created us, never intended for us to live this long. It was fortunate that we found out that rebirthing one of us resets their age to be around sixteen summers. But if you lived for centuries then there comes a time when your mind grows tired. Then a child of Karina may choose to let nature claim her." "Are you going to die?" one girl blurred out. Minja looked at her carapace. It showed the black and red of the matron role, but the color looked faded. The gleam of it had dulled. The white strand of hair was another reminder of her age. She was close to a half millennia. "I think it is time for me," Minja admitted. "I am one of the last original Children. And I miss them. Kiira, Mari, and even insufferable Karina. And I hope I will see them again. In the beyond." The mood around her had turned dark, but Minja knew how to cheer up her charges. "But not yet. I still have a few good years ahead of me. Now, that's it for today's lesson. Who wants some cookie-jelly?" As intended the young girls jumped up. Cheerful at the thought of this sweet treat. It made Minja grin again. One day she would join Karina and the others. But it was not today. The end. ------------------------------ Characters: ------------------------------ Armas - Karina Main character. Like the gatherer class and is very curious. Eager to try out new stuff. Vilhelm - Mari - First, of her race, Karina meets. Likes crafting. Dislikes naming things. Minja The second person of whom Karina meets. Academic who partook in the artifact to be the first to document the race. Kiira Chosen one by the artifact of the ancient and creator of the new race. Later develops an affinity for crafting clothes. Oliver - Octavia / Tavi Son of a farmer who becomes the first daughter of Karina. ------------------------------ Roles in the society of Karina's Children ------------------------------ Black Neutral and allrounder. No specialization. Blue Gatherer and specializes in producing jelly. Has an additional abdomen (pod) with additional internal jelly storage. Red Matron and teacher. This role is the only one capable of reproduction. Yellow Guards and security. The least fleshed-out role by Kiira. Heightened strength and regeneration. Violet Crafter by trade, children of this role have finer control over jelly in its various hardened forms. Brown The builders of society. Capable of excavating large areas and excel at compacting and blending materials together. ------------------------------ Author notes ------------------------------ Thank you for reading this far. With Royal Jelly I tried to create a one gender species that is not only believable but entertaining. The focus was not to tell an action-packed story but one of exploration. As Karina explored her new race and grew to love it, I hoped you had a great time exploring it with her. I do have a few more details planned for Karina's Children that I might explore in a future story. Along with any questions you might have. So, please leave them in the comment so I can address them. Karina's Children probably won't be the only species who you can read about created by "the Artifact of the Ancients". I have ideas for others. Do keep a lookout. But it might take a while as writing one of these stories is exhausting with all these details. Again, thanks for reading. Until next time, Cassy