[Bonus chapter]Beasts and Sentients

"Untie me then, I'm starving," the shroom replied excitedly.

"Will you join my commune?" Lucius asked as he pulled a stone knife from the sled.

"I cannot join your clan unless you become an elder. I told you this already," the shroom replied briefly, before going back to drooling over the worm.

"Then I cannot release you," Lucius replied curtly, pulling the worm from the cart before dropping in front of the cell.

"Then have you come to mock me?" the shroom asked, its tone becoming less excited as It stared at Lucius with a wary gaze.

"No, I'll feed it you," Lucius answered, taking the pebble off the top of the cell before completely lifting it off the shroom.

"I have a few questions for you," he continued, using the knife to cut off a large chunk of worm flesh.

"Yes, yes. But feed me first," the shroom interrupted, its gaze fully focused on the piece of worm.