Beekeeper
Legacy Name: Beekeeper

Story

You thought at first that the cave was filled with fireflies.

They crowded the cave with a shimmering golden light, leaving tiny glimmers in their wake. But as one darts by you, you realize they aren't fireflies at all - they are small glowing bees, darting to and fro from honeycombs nestled within the cave walls. The whole cave is filled with a low, thrumming buzz."Pretty, aren't they?"You jump, nearly knocking over a low wooden table. "Y-yes!" you stammer, when you get your voice back. The sight of a full-grown black bear standing on its hind legs takes some getting used to. His fur is smooth and well-kept, and the sun-kissed marks on his face soften his appearance. A few loose bees buzz around his head, making his ears twitch. "They're not dangerous, are they?" You ask tentatively, remembering painfully that time you were stung a few years ago.

The Beekeeper smiles. At least, you think he does, but a bear's smile looks more like a fanged grimace. "No stingers," he clarifies. "These are special honey bees. See how they glow? Only these can produce the honey I brew."

You sigh with relief. "Glad to hear it."

"You did come for some honey, yes?" Without waiting for the answer, he shuffles over to a large basin tucked into the back of the cave. He beckons you over with one long, curved claw.

You join him eagerly. The basin is filled to the brim with honey, swirling softly. It looks like a pool of liquid gold. You wonder what it tastes like. As if anticipating your thoughts, the Beekeeper hands you an elegant silver spoon from the table. You look at him with wide eyes, and he nods. "Just don't touch it with your hands, please." You oblige, and dip your spoon into the honey carefully. It settles into the curve like thick amber. As you bring it to your lips, you notice that it is glowing softly, not unlike the bees that produced it.

It tastes - exquisite is the word that describes it best. You close your eyes and let the syrup rest on your tongue. It's sweetness is overwhelmingly rich. But as you let it roll over your taste buds, you can taste many subtle flavors, each more delicious than the last.

As you open your eyes, you see that the Beekeeper has filled a small glass vile from the basin, and has corked and labeled it. "Make sure you don't eat it all at once," he warns with mirth as he pushes it into your hand.A few sparkling bees trail you as you walk back to the entrance. You let one land on your hand, it's iridescent wings glittering. It buzzes softly at you before flitting back into the cave on a small trail of light. You'll definitely be back.