[center] [color=sienna][h1]Awakening[/h1][/color] [/center] [hr] She awoke with a yawn, a long stretch following before opening her eyes. The sunlight beamed in through the window, causing her to squint as she adjusted to the light. There came the sounds of birds chirping, and fragment aromas of lilac and honey wafted through the room. Slowly she sat up, opening her eyes wider to see… An unfamiliar room. The walls were too dark, as was the furniture, she tilted her head to look down at the sheets. But upon the furs, she saw something even more perplexing. Her hand was black. Pitch black, with small pinpricks of light, like freckles. She gasped, and looked at her other hand, and it looked much the same. She flung back the covers, and found herself wearing a white dress she did not own, and beneath it, her skin was black with twinkling freckles. Her breathing quickened, as she moved her inky black legs to the side of the bed. She stood up, far too tall then she knew herself to be and quickly walked over to the tall, standing mirror in the corner. What she saw looking back at her was alien. She recoiled, and fell backwards with a thump as she stared at the glowing white eyes looking back at her. She blinked, rubbing her eyes as she did but nothing changed. Her amber eyes were gone. Gingerly she touched her face, felt her lips, nose and cheeks. Then she ran a hand through her long mane of black hair, streaked with dark reds, and mahogany, and much like her skin, it twinkled with small pinpricks of light… Not unlike the stars. [color=sienna]“O-O-Orvus!”[/color] she called out, her voice much the same as it had been, to her relief. With shaky legs, she supported herself with the bed frame and stood up, slowly taking in her form in a new light. She undid her dress and let it fall to the ground as she stared at her twinkling body. She looked like a night sky and she did not know what to think. Then there came a knock at the door, and it swung open quickly, to reveal a woman that had the same eyes as her. She was very tall, her hair purple hues and dotted with stars. Her lips turned into a smile and it was then Rowan realized how modest she was. She screamed, covering herself with her hands as the other woman recoiled. [color=sienna]"S-Shut the door!"[/color] She yelled and the woman did just that, followed by a muffled [color=plum]"Sorry!"[/color] It took her but a quick second to get the dress back on and then she walked over to the door, glancing at the mirror one last time. Hesitantly she let her hand touch the cool knob and turned the handle. The door opened with a creak and she peered through the slightly opened crack to stare up at the woman from before. [Color=plum]"Hello Rowan, glad to see you finally awake!"[/color] she said sweetly, clasping her hands together. Rowan frowned, she was completely bewildered by how she looked, it was just so strange. She was also surprised that it wasn’t freaking her out in anyway. She felt as if she should scream in fear, but that was not the case at all. If anything, it felt like she was dreaming. [color=sienna]“W-Who are you?”[/color] she said in a shaky voice, her hands tightly gripping the door. [color=plum]”Oh, my name is Laurien.”[/color] the woman said, bowing slightly. [color=sienna]”Laurien…”[/color] she murmured aloud. It was an odd name, for an even stranger person, but Rowan quickly shoved those thoughts away. [color=sienna]”What’s going on? Where am I? Where’s Orvus and Ava and Lily?”[/color] she said quickly, her voice full of motherly concern. Laurien cocked her head to the side, and gave her a soft smile. [color=plum]”Relax, take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay. You are in a safe place. Orvus had to leave to the… Uh… He had to go somewhere, but he should be back soon. As for Ava and Lily, they are outside, playing with my sister. They are quite safe, and have been dying to see you.”[/color] she said gingerly. Rowan’s frown relaxed at the mention of her family, but she still had lingering questions. Slowly she opened the door more and eyed Laurien up and down. She wore a light dress, yellow in color that went down to her thighs. The woman was… Very developed and quickly did she make eye contact with her. [color=sienna]”I mean no offense when I say this, but why do you… Why do we look like… This? I’m so confused, and I feel as if I should be panicking or afraid, but all I feel is a mild annoyance that I don’t know why I’ve suddenly changed.”[/color] she said afraid. [color=plum]”I think it would be better if Orvus explained it to you. Just know that what your feeling, or the lack of what you are feeling, is natural in this case. You, Ava and Lily are very special. Something like this has never really been done before.”[/color] she paused, slightly frowning. [color=plum]”I’m sorry, It’s hard to explain, but, come on, Let me show you around. I promise, nothing here will hurt you whatsoever. I know this might come as a slight shock, but this is your new home after all.”[/color] Rowan stood silently, thinking about what exactly her husband was going to tell her to make the strangeness go away. She let out a sigh through her nose, and put her hands through her hair before putting on a fake smile for Laurien. [color=sienna]”My new house huh? Sure, sure. I’d love a tour, I guess. Um, first, I’d like to see my kids. Are they… Are they like us too?”[/color] she asked, opening the door fully. Laurien nodded. [color=plum]”They are. Both have taken to the change very well. Come on I’ll take you to them.”[/color] She said, beginning to walk down the hall. Rowan watched her go, then gently put a foot outside the room and began to walk after her. The tall walls were a dark stained wood, and they reminded her of her old hair. The smell was rich, and pleasant and the day was quite warm, humid even. Laurien glanced back at Rowan and smirked. [color=plum]”It's not the first house he's built here, but I think you’ll find that this one fits.”[/color] They then walked down a long, open staircase with bare walls. Rowan’s eyes went wide as she looked out at the spacious room below. It held all the comforts that she was familiar with, and more it seemed, hidden in every nook and corner. The centerpiece of the room was a fire pit along the entire back wall, made of brick and mortar. Suspended above it was a giant, black sword. Once they reached the bottom, Rowan stopped and took it all in on level ground. [color=plum]”Rowan?”[/color] came Laurien’s voice. Rowan blinked and then looked over at the tall woman. She was standing in front of three large windows. [color=plum]”Come see.”[/color] she said, waving a hand over. Rowan answered her summons, and walked to stand in front of the middle window. Outside, there were three figures laying down in the tall grass, watching the clouds roll over. The middle figure, a woman of glowing white wearing a blue dress, as she pointed up at the sky. Next to her on either side, were two smaller figures of deep purple. Mixed with swirls of lighter purples, and pinks. Their hair looked almost identical to their skin, save that it glowed intensely. Her daughter to the right of Arya was dotted with stars, but her daughter to the left, had none. Just like Laurien. Laurien’s voice then broke her intense stare and she blinked. [color=plum]”Her name is Arya. Ava and Lily have taken a liking to her. She’s always been good with children, I think she enjoys their curiosity, or they remind her of herself. The funny thing is, she’s older than all of us combined.”[/color] Laurien lulled softly. Rowan looked at Laurien with a raised eyebrow, but she said nothing more. Her attention fell back to the trio. She could hear her daughters giggling and she couldn’t help but smile at the sound. She could tell them apart just by the sound. Lily, who was on the right, always giggled the most and for the longest. Ava, who was on the left, was more reserved with her laughter, but when she did open up, it was always genuine and pure. Rowan quickly swiveled her body, then jogged to the front door. Her long gown rustling in the breeze as she bounded across the patio and down the steps. To the side of the house she went, and when she turned the corner she stopped and shouted happily, [color=sienna]”Ava! Lily!”[/color] In an instant two small heads shot up, followed by Arya’s own. Ava and Lily then squealed with delight, as they rocketed to their feet and in her direction. Rowan barely had time to bend over before they tackled her onto the ground in a heap of hugs and kisses. “Oh momma! You’re finally awake!” came Lily’s excited voice as she nuzzled her head into Rowan’s right shoulder. “I was so worried mom! I didn’t think you’d wake up!” Ava said, her voice emotional and on the verge of tears as she hung onto Rowan’s torso with a solid grip. Rowan couldn't help but smile at the display of affection. It felt good to be hugged and even better that they didn't not seem to care how she looked and neither did Rowan. They were her daughters after all. And as the girls kept talking, beginning to argue over who missed her more she suddenly went, [color=sienna]”Shhhh. Shhh my darlings. I’m here now.”[/color] Rowan murmured as she caressed their faces. [color=sienna]”There's no need to argue.”[/color] she said with a laugh. She then sat up and held them both in her arms and lap as they sat. Her eyes fell upon Arya, to see her approaching with a beaming smile. [Color=ivory]"I'm so glad to see that you've finally woken up, Rowan! I've been dying to meet you, but don't worry, Ava and Lily have kept me plenty company as we've waited. They're such beauties."[/color] she said, her voice pleasant and soft. Rowan nodded at her as she gave her girls a squeeze. [color=sienna]”Thank you, Arya. It’s very nice to meet you too.”[/color] she said with a kind smile. Arya opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by the girls. "Arya says she's going to take us flying mom!" Lily shouted, squirming with joy. "Yeah! Like the colorful birds." Ava followed, trying to whistle like the parrots did as she twirled her hair with a finger. [color=sienna]”My oh my. Flying?”[/color] she said looking at Arya with skepticism. What did she even mean by that? People didn’t fly. [color=ivory]”Soon girls, soon. I just need permission from your parents, especially your mother.”[/color] Arya said, putting her hands on her hips. “Please please please mom!” The twins said at the same time, jumping up from her lap to stand before her, hands folded in want. Their eyes were big, and hard to resist, but how could she even tell them that people didn’t fly? Why had Arya put such a notion in their head. A shadow then briefly fell across the sun, and she looked up to see Laurien floating down. Her jaw fell open at the sight, as her girls began to ‘whoop’ with delight. [color=sienna]”Wha… How?”[/color] she said dumbfounded as Laurien landed with a childish smile plastered on her face. [color=plum]”I’ve always been able to, since the first day of my creation.”[/color] she said proudly, crossing her arms. [color=plum]”Arya can fly as well, and one day, you three will be able to as well.”[/color] Both the twins then began to jump around Laurien, asking how and when, but the tall woman just laughed. She was bewildered to say the least, but Arya extended a hand and she took it. She stood up, slightly taller than Arya, and said, [color=sienna]”Well… Is it safe?”[/color] [color=ivory]”Of course! We are both excellent fliers when it comes to passengers. I’ve had my fair share of them.”[/color] Arya mused as they watched the girls try to bring down Laurien by grabbing onto her legs. As Laurien feigned falling over, Lily began to shout victoriously and Ava asked Laurien if she was okay. Temporarily forgetting her worries, Rowan began to laugh, covering her mouth as she did. As she tried to compose herself, She turned back to Arya and said, [color=ivory]”Well, alright. As long as they’re safe.”[/color] Arya nodded, then smiling she turned to the girls and began to walk over saying, [color=ivory]”Oh girls…!”[/color] Followed by excited shouting and ‘thank-yous’. It was strange, she barely even knew Arya and Laurien, yet she felt completely at home with their presence and not a bad feeling was in sight. She let out a small, happy sigh as she watched them all. [color=black]”Rowan?”[/color] came a familiar voice, from behind her. She perked up, and turned around to see… She blinked. The voice of her husband came from a figure she had never seen before, standing next to the corner of the house. She brought a hand to her mouth as she gasped. Though his body was much the same as hers, he looked drastically different than the girls. He began to walk forward, his eyes in a smile, for he had no visible lips. But about halfway to her, he stopped, probably noting the look upon her face. He shied his head away, as if embarrassed or ashamed. From behind her, Lily’s voice broke the awkwardness. “Daddy’s home!” she exclaimed, running past her mother. Orvus looked to Lily, and his eyes sparkled as he bent down with open arms. Ava quickly followed in her sister’s footsteps saying, “Dad, dad! We’re going flying with Arya and Laurien!” And he embraced their daughters just as he always had, and Rowan lowered her hand, as her heart fluttered. [color=black]”Is that so?”[/color] he said, patting their heads as he stood up, [color=black]”Now, I hope you girls behave for the two of them. And Lily, remember to not squirm. Go on then, I’m sure Arya and Laurien would love to tae you. Now perhaps?”[/color] he said, the words conveying a different meaning. [color=ivory]”Of course! Now will work, come on Lily, you’re mine!”[/color] she said, jumping into flight. She then quickly snatched up Lily, who began to scream again with delight. [color=plum]”And that means, Ava is mine.”[/color] Laurien said, placing a hand upon Rowan’s shoulder. She gave her a wink, before letting go. In a couple of strides she stood before Ava, who looked nervous. “W-Will you go slow?” she asked quietly, looking down at the ground as she kicked the dirt. Laurien bent down onto her knees and with a free hand she lifted Ava’s chin up. [color=plum]”Of course Chickadee. I’ll go as fast or as slow as you want. Now come on, we can’t have Lily and Arya have all the fun, now can we?”[/color] Ava nodded fiercely, and in one motion, Laurien grabbed her around the waist and they began to float up, slowly. Ava began to giggle, and Rowan watched them disappear over the horizon. Slowly she let her gaze fall upon her husband, who looked at her with sorrowful eyes. She took a deep breath, then began to walk towards him. He blinked and began talking. [color=black]”I know this must all be a shock to you and why wouldn’t it? Waking up in a strange home, full of strange faces, none of which you remember.”[/color] she was halfway to him now. [color=black]”I didn’t know how you would react, to… All of this. Well I hope? I wanted to be here, but I was called away by one of my… Siblings.”[/color] she raised an eyebrow, but continued walking. Closer now. [color=black]”You probably have so many questions, so much confusion and for that I am sor-”[/color] she placed a hand upon his face, and he shivered at her touch, briefly closing his eyes as she sighed. He placed a hand over her own and said, [color=black]”Please say something.”[/color] She opened her mouth and gave a small smile. [color=sienna]”What happened to your face?”[/color] [hr] [hider=summary] Rowan wakes up, is slightly alarmed her body is no longer human looking. She meets Laurien, Laurien tells her some things. They go downstairs, and she is in awe of the house. Then Laurien is like, ‘look outside’. Ava and Lily, her daughters are there, with Arya keeping them company. Rowan then speeds outside and we have a happy moment. Arya then meets Rowan and another happy moment happens. Orvus then shows up, and Arya and Laurien take the girls flying as the grownups talk. Cliffhanger bitches. [/hider] [hider=Might] Orvus has 5MP & 3FP Nothing spent. [/hider] [hider=prestige] Arya: The Learner, The Martial Dancer, The Compassionate, The Wanderer, The Teacher, The Sailor, Last of the Zhengwu +30 Prestige Starting +1 For Minor Role = +31 Prestige Ending [/hider] [hider=New Faces] A note; The three new characters in this post are from the Dreamworld K’nell created for Orvus, long ago. As such they were brought to the world for free. As such, a sacrifice needed to be made. And as such, they are biologically immortal as their fertility was stripped. This will be remedied when the Nebulite Species are created. [color=sienna]Rowan[/color] - A Proto Type Nebulite; Much like Orvus, her body is inky black, covered in stars. She stands around 7’ 5” or for my Metric friends, 228.6cm. Her hair is a mix of red, and mahogany swirls, also covered in stars. Lily - A Proto Type Nebulite; Currently she is 9 years old. Her body is a mix of purple, and pink swirls. The same can be said for her hair, but it glows unlike her body. She is also covered in stars. Ava - A Proto Type Nebulite; currently she is 9 years old. Her body is a mix of purple, and pink swirls. The same can be said for her hair, but it glows unlike her body. Ava does not have a single star on her body. [/hider]