Below is what I wrote during day 1 of NaNoWriMo.
(Reminder, this is a WIP, there will be spelling and writing errors. | Join me for live writing streams on Twitch. | If you like what you see, consider supporting me on Ko-fi and/or Twitch so that I can continue making more content for you to enjoy. https://linktr.ee/GoldThornGuild)
The village had been buzzing with excitement for weeks and at long last the day had finally arrived. It had been ages since a new Calian had been created, centuries at least if the people of Caelis recorded the passing of time in such a way. This time it was a small village on the Western Continent that was graced with the role of raising the new Calian. It was an event worth celebrating and the whole village came together to prepare for the new arrival.
At the scheduled day and time, the Progenitor arrived in the village to the warm welcome of the whole community. After greeting everyone, they followed the village leader around as he showed everything the village had done to prepare for the new arrival.
"I knew I picked the right place for this one," Progenitor said as he sat in their guest house with the village leader, "There is nothing lacking in your preparations and I have no doubt that my newest beloved will feel welcomed and at home here."
"We try our best," the village leader said, "It is an honor and a joy to welcome in new kin. We can't wait to meet them and we hope that they will enjoy life here."
"I'm sure they will. Though don't feel bad if they need to stretch their wings a bit."
"Of course not. They will be encouraged to go wherever they feel they need to go."
"Thank you. As usual, I will create them tomorrow morning, spend the day here with them, and then introduce them to the village the next morning."
"Yes, of course. We will be ready then to welcome them with joy and feasting."
"Just try not to overwhelm them too much," Progenitor chuckled, "Not that a celebration is a bad way to welcome new kin. I'm sure it will be a lovely event and I am looking forward to it."
"I am so glad to hear that."
"Try not to worry too much," Progenitor said gently as they lightly massaged the man's neck, "You are doing great and I am proud of you."
"Th-thank you."
"Come, the celebration is starting today, is it not? I can hear the music and smell the food from here. I don't want to keep my people waiting."
The Progenitor then rose from their seat and left the house to join the celebration outside. After hours of eating, dancing, and talking, the Progenitor said goodnight to their beloved people and sent everyone off to bed under the silver glow of the full moon.
The Progenitor's guest house was a small but ornate house with a balcony perched in the branches of a huge tree at the centre of the village. The lofty locale wasn't one they particularly cared for, they preferred to be down on the same level as everyone else, but in this case they couldn't deny that they loved the view. Not only was the whole village spread out around them but also the lush forest that the village called home.
Past the green trees glimpses of the river could be seen sparkling in the moonlight. The night air was both quiet and full of the sounds of life. A gentle breeze fluttered through the Progenitor's hair, knocking loose a few of the flowers and leaves that the villagers had woven into their long, icy-blue locks. With an affectionate smile they began carefully removing each flower and leaf, sending loving thoughts to the person who had placed them.
After enjoying the peaceful night for a while, they returned inside and lay down on the soft and silky bed. They didn't need to sleep, in fact they couldn't sleep in the true sense, but when there were no pressing matters requiring them to be up at night, they enjoyed joining their people in sleep as much as they could.
~~~
The Progenitor greeted the sunrise from their balcony overlooking the village square. They greeted everyone who passed through the square, drawing a decent size crowd as people stopped to talk with them. Eating was something else they didn't need to do, but they ate with their people whenever possible. The dinning hall was particularly lively that morning and everyone took turns sitting near the Progenitor. The room was filled with joyful voices and laughter.
Eventually, the Progenitor departed and returned to their house. Their first task was to ensure that everything was ready to welcome in a new person. As requested, the villagers had stocked the house with plenty of food and drink. Far too much for a single day but the variety available meant that something was bound to be pleasing. There were also candles of various soothing scents and a selection of clothes in various styles and sizes. The house was clean, the bed was made, and everything was ready to make the new person feel as comfortable and at home as possible.
Once satisfied that everything was ready, they closed and locked all the doors and windows and drew the curtains closed. As a final measure they cast a sound barrier around the house to keep out noise from the village. Creating a new person was a special and intimate event that the Progenitor was careful to preserve.
They sat on the edge of the bed and then got to work. With the utmost care they crafted the new body. This one was a female body with an average height and rectangular body shape. The hair was long and brown with a slight touch of red under certain lighting. As with all Calians, the eyes were black. The unique colors of the eyes would set in overtime as the individual's identity developed. The facial features were soft and feminine.
The Progenitor spent a few hours crafting the body, giving each part special care and attention until their high standards were met. Finally the body was finished and there was only one thing left to do. They gently eased the mouth open and placed their lips against the new ones. They breathed a few times, letting their essence flow through the body and act as the catalyst to bring life into the initially lifeless form.
Once the body started breathing, the Progenitor sat back to wait for the process to finish. They draped a blanket over the naked body and then ran their fingers gently through the brown hair while the soul formed. After a few minutes the body started to move slightly and then the eyes slowly opened for the first time.
"Good morning, beloved," Progenitor said softly as they continued to pet the soft, brown hair.
The new Calian didn't respond as their mind and body began processing their surroundings. There was silence in the house for a few minutes while the Progenitor waited patiently for their new creation to fully awaken.
"Pro-genitor," the new Calian said at last, the word spoken slightly falteringly as they got used to speaking for the first time.
"That's right, beloved," Progenitor said as they placed their hand softly against the fresh cheek, "I'm the Progenitor and you are one of my beloved. For now your name is Liwen, until you chose your name for yourself. Don't be afraid. Just relax and take it easy today. You are safe here with me."
Liwen nodded then began looking around.
"Where am I?"
"You are in my house in the village that will act as your first home. I think you will like it here. Everyone in the village is caring and kind. The village is in the heart of a beautiful forest. I'm sure you will find many wonderful adventures to go on amongst its trees."
"Adventures with you?"
"Maybe a few, though most will be by yourself or with friends you make along the way."
"Will I live with you?"
"No. You will live with one of the families here in the village. I spend most of the time traveling or in the capital on the Central Continent, but I will visit here when I can."
"You're not staying?"
"Don't worry, even when we are apart we are connected. My essence is a part of you. I'm connected to you and all of my beloved no matter how far apart we physically are. Do you understand?"
"I guess..."
"It will make sense in time. For now just know that I always love you no matter what. Alright?"
Liwen nodded.
"How are you feeling? Awakening can be a bit uncomfortable and disorienting for some."
"I feel fine I think. There is a lot to process, so many new sensations, but it's not too bad."
"Good. Today you can rest and get used to things in here and then tomorrow I will introduce you to the village. Are you feeling hungry yet? The village provided plenty of food and drink for you to choose from. There are also some clothes for you to pick from as well. Though no rush, you can lay here in bed like this for as long as you want."
"I think I am getting hungry? But I like it here in bed with you..."
"You can come back after you eat. How about you try getting up and getting dressed, then we can see if there is something here you would like to eat."
"Ok."
Liwen stiffly sat up, their movements a bit awkward as they got used to moving.
"Take your time," Progenitor said as they helped Liwen out of bed.
With focused effort Liwen made their way over to the rack of clothes.
"Try on whatever you like. We can always get you something different later if nothing suits your fancy here."
Liwen looked through the options and tried on a few things before settling on a pair of forest green leggings, and a loose-fitting, light brown tunic.
"How do I look?" they asked as they walked over to the table where the Progenitor was sitting.
"You look beautiful. Now how about you sit and eat?"
Liwen sat down and began examining the mass of food and drink spread out over the table.
"There is no shortage of variety in this village," Progenitor commented as they picked up a bowl of mixed berries, "Fruit, vegetables, meats, plenty to chose from. Though I will say the berries are particular good right now."
They held the bowl out to Liwen who happily took a few of the berries and ate them. Their face lit up at the sweet flavor and they dove into trying more of the foods before them. The Progenitor smiled and lazily ate some of the berries while watching his newest beloved enjoy themselves.
Once Liwen was full they both returned to bed. Sitting quietly side by side, Liwen began looking carefully at the details of the house while the Progenitor played with Liwen's hair.
"It's so quiet here," Liwen commented after a few minutes had passed.
"I placed a sound barrier around the house so that the sounds of the forest and village wouldn't disturb you. I didn't want my newest beloved getting overwhelmed by too much stimulation to quickly."
"That was considerate of you."
"I just want you to be happy and comfortable."
"I am," Liwen said as they leaned against the Progenitor, "Though I am also a bit tired..."
"I'm not surprised. You can sleep if you want. Awakening can be a tiring process."
"You won't leave while I sleep, will you?"
"Of course not. I'll stay with you the whole time. If you'd like I can tell you a story while you rest. I could tell you some stories about this village."
"Tell me stories about you," Liwen said drowsily.
"How about I tell you the story of how I first formed this village?"
"Ok."
"Want to lay down first? You'll be more comfortable that way."
"Alright."
"Comfortable?" Progenitor asked once they were laying down.
Liwen snuggled closer and nodded.
"Alright. You get some rest and I'll tell you the story of how I first started this village."
The Progenitor only got a few minutes into the story before Liwen was fast asleep.
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