A Royal Audience in the Clay

A daring crossing across the balcony tiles brought me to the foot of a colossal terracotta pot, where a tiny, industrious earth centipede was carving fresh tunnels through the dark soil. Naturally, an ordinary observer might have merely stepped aside, but I prefer a proper entrance. I scaled the chipped rim and staked my twig staff directly into the loam, tossing down a fallen, serrated dry leaf to bridge the gap in its route. The creature hesitated, waved its antennae with exquisite suspense, and scurried straight over my crisp runway into the shade. A magnificent performance, if I do say so myself.