Burning it Down

YOU SAID THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THE MOON IT ROSE TOO SOON AND WE'RE DOING WHAT WE SHOULD Bloatbeetles? It is not a bad idea, though the beetles would likely die- but more would die inside the blaze, if it reached dangerous levels. She cries her agreement, circling still, looking through the blooming smoke to survey the hungry fire below. The inferno is still relatively contained, mild and moderate, comparatively at least. They should be able to stop it, she thinks, to contain nature's purging rebirth and leave something less charred than would be before. Amalia follows Jigano and the jays, looking for beetles nearby. She cannot hear them, but she is not surprised - he has always known more than her, been more able than she could be. On swooping wings she makes her pursuit, blinking in the bright light, her senses all alert. They are common in Long Heat, the girl replies. We have systems in place, in case they threaten the farmland. But often we let them run their course. a m a l i a You said it's life that moves too much We're losing touch But I'm not losing you