Ella & Vlad at the end

#45 - wrap it up

A few weeks later Ella, Vladimir and Filomena were adjusting to new routines. Vlad worked the farm while Ella was out hunting. At night he went off with Filomena.

He left messages detailing the day, amusing Ella, she was even fine with ones from Filomena. With no strange notes found Ella figured her organism is appeased or at peace.

Out one night out with the chainsaw, Ella dared sever the lunging root from its' tree. However, the thought of right-to-exist stopped her. Returning the chainsaw, Ella revved the hell out of the motor, several times; Vlad heard.

Spending more time alone Ella took enough interest in the cows to start naming them; partially to dissuade the wolf from taking one down. In the barn the pigs had a fresh litter for her amusement. As well as the new chick among the turkeys; her entertainment there was more discerning the mother to chick.

In the city folks were figuring out milking. Churning out small amounts of cheese, and butter. Desiring more milk Miles merrily volunteered to barter on behalf of the council with Ella.

Most thought it odd Miles waited until dark before heading out. Unsure exactly where the farm is, Miles drove by feel - mostly. Spotting the treed in property across the countryside he was driven right to it.

Communing with the farm animals Ella's perplexed by a vehicle coming up the tree lined lane. Walking to the barn's end her female intuition says its okay, which keeps her suspicious. Holding up she rests a hand upon pitchfork handle tracking the approaching lights.

Studying the buildings ahead Miles catches sight of a canine darting before the vehicle. "Oh shit!" Gasping he applies the brakes and swerves slightly. "Oh shit - tree-roots of all things," Miles takes in a deep calming breath. 

Ella snickers, "good thing I didn't cut off that root." Walking out of the barn towards the driver reveals herself, "hello? Can I help you?"

"Whew," catching a few breaths, Miles sees Ella's silhouette. Driving closer he opens the window, "Ella! It's me Miles. Can we talk?"

Recognizing his voice Ella waves, relieved, intrigued and nervous, "Miles what a pleasant surprise. What brings you out to my neck of the woods? So late. I haven't heard from any organisms lately if that's why you came out."

"No, Council rep. wishing to procure milk." He's not sure if he should be here, "I personally wanted to see how you were. All's quiet with Ida and Adan these days, kids going about their thing."

"That's nice." Ella points out, "park over there. We can talk inside."

"Alright."

Parked and shutdown Miles gets out, "how have you been?"

"At peace to almost bored. Some would consider it good." Ella's happy to see him, "how's Lori with all this?"

"Better." Miles follows her into the house. "She's curious on word from your colony. Thanks for the update there. Do you need anything yourself? The cows can wait."

She likes he asked, "thank you Miles. Maybe get to the cows first. What's up?" She shows him to the front room.

Miles takes a seat at the end of a couch, "alright. We're starting to make cheese and butter." From a pocket he pulls a small plastic container of cheese, "it's cheddar like. They need more milk to work with. Perhaps a couple people come out and milk the cows, well the ones that can. In return council will provide feed when possible. And a sampling of any products they can get right. I'll bring you out some butter next time. It worked out nicely."

Ella takes the container to sample while sitting beside Miles, "not bad, it does taste like a cheese." She craves a little drink with it, "can I get you a glass of wine?"