NaNoWriMo Day 2

Below is what I wrote during day 2 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)

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"Did you have a nice nap?" Progenitor asked when Liwen sat up a couple hours later.

"I did. I'm feeling much better now. I don't feel overwhelmed by everything anymore."

"That's good. The flood of stimulus and information upon first awakening can be hard for some people to deal with, but you are adjusting well. You should have no issue joining the village tomorrow."

"You think so?"

"I do. Are you feeling nervous about it?"

"Kind of. What if I get overwhelmed or mess something up?"

"You don't need to worry, I'll be with you. I won't let anything bad happen to you tomorrow. You'll be fine."

"Ok..."

"Would you like to see the village? I can open the windows and then you can look outside. Once you are ready I can also take down the barrier so you can hear it."

"Sure... I am curious to see what it is like."

"If the stimulation ever becomes too much, just say so and I'll seal the house again."

Liwen nodded and then followed the Progenitor over to the window. The Progenitor pulled back the curtain and Liwen was momentarily blinded by the sunlight. Once their eyes adjusted to the light, they looked out in wonder at the village and forest stretched out before them.

"It's beautiful," Liwen said.

"I'm glad you like it."

"There are so many people. Do... you think they will like me?..."

"They will love you. They already love you. I saw everything they prepared to welcome you to the community. There will be food, music, and celebrating after I introduce you to them. They have prepared a lovely room for you in the main house. This village is a close-knit community; it's like one big family and they can't wait to welcome you in. You will be safe, loved, and cared for here. And I will stay in the village for a couple days to make sure you are settled in comfortably. I'm sure you would settle in fine without me, but I'll be here if you need anything."

"Thank you. That does help me feel better."

"That's why I am here. Ready for me to let down the barrier?"

"Sure."

Liwen grabbed the Progenitor's arm when the wave of sounds hit them. The village wasn't particularly loud but after the near silence of the house even the simple, everyday sounds of the village and forest was a shock to Liwen's unaccustomed mind.

"Is it too much?" Progenitor asked as they put a soothing hand on Liwen's shoulder.

"No. I'm fine. I'll get used to it in a moment."

Liwen took a deep breath and then turned their attention to the village. All the sounds were overwhelming at first but soon they were able to filter through the sounds and pinpoint some of the sources and that made things easier.

"You're doing very well," Progenitor said, "I'm proud of you."

Liwen didn't respond, they were too transfixed by everything outside the house. So many new things to experience. So many things they wanted to explore and understand. Their worry was quickly replaced by wonder.

The Progenitor smiled as they watched their newest beloved. Every person responded slightly differently to awakening. Some took days to get past feeling overwhelmed by all the new stimulus. Occasionally, they even needed multiple days in the Progenitor's house before they were ready to go outside and be introduced to everyone. It was already clear that multiple days would not be needed this time.

This Liwen would be a handful. It wouldn't be long before they would try flying off to find their own wings. Raising them would come with some challenges, but the Progenitor knew that the people of this village could handle it. That was part of the reason why they chose this location to being their newest beloved. This village was the perfect place for such an adventurous and curious person.

"Can I go out on the balcony?" Liwen asked after a few minutes had passed.

"Of course. Though people will be able to see and speak to you from there. Are you ready for that? Or would you like me to cast an illusion spell so that they can't see or hear you?"

"Hm... I guess an illusion spell, if that's alright. I'm not sure if I am ready for social interactions yet..."

"Sounds good."

The Progenitor waved their hand, casting a one-way illusion spell around the house, and then led the way to the balcony door. The light breeze danced in Liwen's hair as they slowly stepped out onto the balcony.

"What do you think?" Progenitor asked after a moment, "It's nice out here, is it not?"

"It's lovely. Even better than being inside. The breeze feels wonderful."

Liwen closed their eyes and breathed in deeply, smiling at the rich forest and warm village scents that filled their nose. They remained like that for a few minutes, eyes closed, drinking in the scents and sounds of the forest and village. Eventually, they opened their eyes and began watching the activity in the village square. The square was particularly active as preparations were being made for the next day's celebration.

"Is the village always this busy?" Liwen asked.

"No, not quite this busy. It is a little more active than usual because everyone is preparing for tomorrow's welcome feast."

"I see. You know everyone in this village?"

"Of course I do. I know each and every one of them just as I know you. Each person here is one of my beloved; I created them and know them completely. You'll get to know them soon enough. Though no need for you to rush, you have eternity to learn who everyone is."

"Learn who everyone is... I don't even know who I am..."

"You'll learn that too," Progenitor said as they put their arm around Liwen's shoulders, "That will be your main priority for a while. You'll learn about this world and the people in it and through that process will begin to explore and discover your own identity. Eventually, you will know who you are."

"Can't you just tell me who I am?"

"I could but I don't do that with my beloved because if I did, you wouldn't be you as much as you would be what I told you to be. The process of discovery is an important part of who you are and I don't want to take that element away from you."

"But I don't like not knowing who I am."

"I know and that's fine. Lean into that feeling and let it act as the fuel for your journey of self-discovery."

"You're not really giving much choice are you?"

"Or you could say that I am giving you all the choice."

The Progenitor laughed when Liwen glared slightly at them.

"See, you are already discovering parts of your personality. You're someone who can glare at me."

"That makes you happy?"

"I suppose you could say that. It means you are comfortable with me and not afraid or ashamed of your own feelings. Mostly I am just happy to see your personality starting to develope and bloom. I love seeing my beloved become who they are."

"I don't think I really get it but I'm glad you are happy."

"You will understand in time. The journey may seem tedious for now but someday I'm sure you will see the worth of it."

"If you say so... How long does the journey take?"

"As long as it needs to."

Liwen glared again.

"It varies," Progenitor continued, "And in a way it never truly ends. Who you are can change and evolve over time. But as for how long it takes to get your initial, foundational sense of self, well, it can take a few seasons. Though, again, the amount of time it takes varies from person to person, so don't worry about how long it takes."

"But I want to know now," Liwen pouted, "I don't want to wait seasons."

"You are going to go far."

"Huh? Why do you say that?"

"Because you are already looking so far ahead. It hasn't even been a full day since your awakening and you are already looking forward to the day you know who you are. For some people, it takes seasons for them to reach this point. They take life one stepping stone at a time, which is fine. Soon you will be bounding across rivers, ignoring the stepping stones that you don't need. That path is also fine. Each person has their own path and I can't wait to see what yours is like. Life is a beautiful adventure and I hope you enjoy every moment of it."

"Life is an adventure," Liwen mused as they stared off into the distance, "I like the sound of that."

~~~

"Liwen, are you done eating?" Progenitor asked, "The sun will set soon; we should go to the balcony to watch."

"Oh, ok."

They both leaned on the balcony railing and looked out to the west over the village and forest. Liwen's eyes went wide in wonder as the setting sun painted everything in it's deep, golden light. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the moon became visible. Unlike most nights when the moon was silver, tonight the moon was a light green.

"A green moon to welcome in my newest beloved," Progenitor explained.

"It's green for me?"

"Yes. I always make the moon green on the first night after I create a new person."

"It's beautiful. Everything is so beautiful. You made all of this?"

"Yes. Everything, no matter how big or small, is my creation. I sustain the foundation of everything in this world and my beloved helps me maintain it."

"We help you maintain this world?"

"Yes. Each person has their own role that helps this whole world thrive. Farmers tend to the plants to help the grow. Leaders help make sure everyone in their community is safe and taken care of. Crafters build tools for others to use. Teachers help others learn new skills. Those are just a few examples. Some day you too will have a role in helping maintain this world. We all work together and when we do everyone and everything can flourish and thrive."

"That's amazing."

"Yes, it is. It brings me much joy to share this world with my beloved."

"I can't wait to find my role."

"I look forward to the day you do. But, again, no need to rush. You will find your role when you find it. In the meantime, try out different jobs until you find the one that suits you the best."

"Ok, I will!"

They stayed on the balcony for a while, enjoying the cool night air while Liwen marveled at how different everything looked under the moonlight. Eventually, Liwen couldn't hold back the yawns anymore.

"Let's get you to bed, beloved," Progenitor said.

"I don't want to. It's too nice out here."

"There will be another night tomorrow and every day after that. You need rest. You have a big day tomorrow."

"I guess that is true..."

"Come on, time for bed."

"Fine."

Begrudgingly, though also sleepily, Liwen followed the Progenitor inside and over to the bed.

"Are you going to sleep too?" Liwen asked once they were settled in bed.

"I don't actually sleep, but I will lay with you if you want."

"You don't have to..."

"Would you like me to?"

Liwen nodded.

"Then it is my pleasure."

The Progenitor lay in bed next to Liwen and with a wave of their hand turned off all the lights in the house.

"Sleep well, my beloved," Progenitor said softly, "Tomorrow is an exciting new day and the first step forward in your next big adventure."

"I can't wait," Liwen said around a yawn.

"You'll do great."

Liwen mumbled something in response and then fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.