Down at the far west end of the farm, scores of neatly planted and sprouting vegetables lay planted in simple, fenced-in rectangles. Several long rows had been completely uprooted, and sitting by the near fence-post of each row was a thatched basket filled with misshapen carrots, cucumbers, and beets.

With the help of several energetic lambs, Elsa combed through each basket and plucked out the ripest of the rejects.

Anna, meanwhile, hustled to the rear of the planting area with her burlap pack. There, she found a series of roughly-dug holes, and sniffed around each before offering a friendly chirp.

"Hi-ho, mister Geomy?"

"Sir, is this you?"

"It's your favorite hammy, come for a visit."

After a few moments, a grey, disheveled, and bespectacled gopher clambered up out of the fourth hole. "Well, yes, it's Annie! Of course, dear, I've got your friend's seeds right here." He produced two twine-bundled pouches, one smeared with purple paste and the other with golden-yellow. Beckoning Anna closer, Geomy unfurled the yellow pouch with a pleased grin. "Are your other flowers growing good? Found a safe place for them, yet?"

At that, Anna puffed out her cheeks and nodded proudly. "Yep yep. There's some old tires behind the barn, Elsa says they've been there forever and ever. So I filled some up with extra dirt and they make neat little rubbery pots." Eyes darted left to right and back again, and Anna leaned forwards with a hint of apprehension in her whisper. "Safe from the Big Screamer, for sure."

Several yards away, Elsa thanked her lamb-helpers and sent each off with vegetables of their own. Only when she crawled back under her saddle-bag and lifted it, did she realize just how much her friends had packed in. A weak, self-conscious little smile followed as her legs wobbled. "Oof. Definitely out of shape. Maybe it's almost time for a field trip. I wonder if it would be safe enough for Anna to..." Peeking up over the rows of planted crops, Elsa squinted across the way...and immediately paled when she spied Anna.

All smiles, and headed back towards Elsa. With two pouches of seeds...and trailed by a gaggle of enthused crickets.

Oh...I know it's rude.

Gulping nervously, Elsa flattened her ears and shuffled backwards a bit.

But their little, prickly legs are...are...

Crouching down under her saddle-bag and blushing even more at the silly idea that she could somehow hide under it, Elsa nevertheless couldn't help but smile again as she watched the crickets hop all around and on top of Anna.

But they do so love Anna. It's...sweet. Maybe they finally forgot about me, and I can...just...

"Hi, El!"

Eyes flicking up, Elsa paled at the dark face and antennae that drooped down over her nose. "O...oh." Her tummy flip-flopped, and she shuffled against the dirt as though trying to bury herself in it. "Guh...good morning..." She mustered a queasy smile, and suddenly regretted drinking all of her milk that morning. "...Tad."

You should go play with Anna! She's right over there with all your friends and they're all having so much fun and there's no reason for any of them to come over here because there is absolutely where all the fun is and...

Clapping his spindly front legs together, Tad wriggled happily nestled in Elsa's fur...and chittered brightly to his friends.

"Hey, everyone! Elsa came, too! And her fur's real soft today!"

Just like that, Elsa went limp in the dirt and let her eyes fall shut as she mustered an agreeable smile. Prepared for the onslaught of baby crickets as they hopped towards her, chittering happily.

Only, the crickets never arrived...and Tad vanished. Cracking one eyelid, Elsa gulped again...and quickly blushed as she found herself face to face with Anna. Proudly showing off three sacks of flower seeds and a knowing smile.

"Let's hit the road. They'll be gobbling up those seeds for awhile...and I know how you are about prickly legs in your fur."

At that, Elsa giggled weakly and managed a nod...but found her strength doubled as she easily rose and bore the weight of the laden saddlebag.

I'd like to take you on a trip one of these days. Is that something you'd like?