[Center][h2]Orb[/h2][/center] The early morning light filtered through the kitchen window as Orvus reluctantly ventured in. The night had been mostly quiet but he had heard a lot of scrapings sounds after he left Orb and now he could only imagine what they had gotten up to. The answer, was very clear. Orb was passed out on the floor (sharp stone in hand) amidst many shavings of wood, which had fallen from the table. Once a finely crafted thing, now looked like it belonged in one of Silver's stories. The table was smoothly carved and gouged to depict many interesting scenes and landscapes -- mostly that of an expansive desert filled with great works of engineering and architecture. Where the desert ended, a magnificent depiction of a starry night sky took over, showcasing a very detailed cosmos. The god inspected the display with a fine eye and found himself impressed. He could only imagine what Orb was going to do for their own house. He crouched down next to Orb and then said, [color=black]"Goodmorning."[/color] Being completely covered in their cloak, mask and a sea of shavings, it was hard to tell if Orb was stirring awake. Two twinkling eyes flickered behind the mask and Orb’s raspy voice coughed out, clearly still shaking away sleep, “Are you ready to build, now?” Orvus merely smiled. [hr] So the two builders worked, for many days, learning from one another as they went. And much was done during this time and many events transpired. Rowan and the twins grew accustomed to Orb, and with Orvus to translate, were beginning to learn it's speech just ask Orb was learning their own. As for Arya, the girl was busy teaching the Nebulites what she knew and answering any questions she could, but her heart was growing restless and she longed to return to Tendlepog. Try as she might to convince her sister to join her, Laurien was becoming distant from her family. She spent more and more of her time at the tree, and when she came back on occasion, she never spoke of what happened there. Only that a change was coming that she needed to talk to Orvus about. She wouldn't say when however and she had stopped calling him father. All this happened, all this thickened the air of the island, and most of it went unnoticed by Orb. The cloaked figure found themselves sitting on a thick roof formed out of slates of carefully cut wood. Nearly leaning off the sheer drop of the three story building of large rock cubes, Orb was carefully adding a wooden gutter that led to a stone basin that sat by the building, a happy dance on their shoulders. With a rasp they called down to Orvus on the ground, “And- and then! We can decorate it and start planning additions, or make an even bigger one. Or! A device to use the captured water from the rains for some purpose or another-- did you like the disposal chute I added on the third floor? I think it will...” Orb droned on and on about several different features, clearly excited, “Then we can fix the other houses, turn it all into one big organized cluster. A monument to time and efficiency, yes!” A happy laugh sounded from behind the mask, runic pounding with energy, “Fix the fields too!” Orvus looked up at Orb from where he worked on the patio railing. [Color=black]"I'm fine with the houses but what's wrong with the fields?"[/color] he called up. Orb leaned over the roof, faceless mask peering down at Orvus with what he could only assume was a hidden incredulous look, “Very funny.” Orb snickered, “But they are hardly efficient.” Orvus opened his mouth to retort but a blur of white suddenly hovered before him, blocking Orvus’ view of Orb. He squinted up to see that it was Arya, and she looked very concerned. [Color=ivory]"Have you talked to Laurien lately?"[/color] Orvus stood up and dusted his clothes off before crossing his arms. He frowned. [Color=black]"No. She hasn't spoken to me since Li'Kalla came. Every time I try she says she's needed at the Tree. Did something happen?"[/color] Arya landed before Orvus and sighed (Orb peeking out from the roof). [Color=ivory]"Well no… She just won't talk to me anymore. She's always going on and on about luxury and love but she seems so… Distant? I was hoping she'd come with me to Tendlepog… But she said she's too busy here."[/color] “She doesn’t sound very busy if she is focusing on trivialities such as luxury and love,” Orb cut in, their translation forming a thick, raspy accent, “She can come help construct the future, we need a brick cutter.” Orb held out a finger, “She can even cut how she feels into each brick, so there -- two activities in one!” Arya looked up at the masked Orb with a faint smile. [Color=ivory]"Oh Orb."[/color] she said before looking around at the house. [Color=ivory]"The house is looking really good guys."[/color] [Color=sienna]"Yes it is!"[/color] came Rowan's voice. Orvus and Arya spun around to see Rowan in her human form walking towards them with a plate of fruit and a pitcher with cups. [Color=sienna]"Now come and get some lunch, you've been working all morning. Arya, you too dear."[/color] “Hup!” Orb deftly dropped from the roof and kicked off the wall, landing in a bush with a loud snap. Popping from the bush, the twig covered Orb wobbled over, holding their head with two hands. Blinking behind the mask, they reoriented themselves and came to a stop in front of Rowan. “Thank you for your consumables,” Orb pounded in runic before snatching one of the fruits from the platter. Strategically walking past Rowan, so their back was to everyone, Orb took a quick bite before turning around, mouth full behind the mask. “Would you like to help, we are getting to the really fun parts.” Orvus and Arya both took a bit of fruit and ate as Rowan filled their cups with water. She turned to Orb and then to Orvus. [Color=sienna]"What did Orb say?"[/color] Orvus spoke with his mouth full, [color=black]"Wants to know if you'll help."[/color] Rowan gave Orvus a look before turning to Orb with a smile. [Color=sienna]"I'm afraid not dear, there's too much housework to do today."[/color] Orb swallowed hard and switched to the language of the nebulites, their swooping accent returning, “What kind of housework?” [Color=sienna]"Cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, sweeping, making sure the twins don't kill each other"[/color] she said with a laugh. Pinching the bottom of their mask, Orb very quickly asked, “Can I watch you do these activities?” [Color=black]"Careful Orb, she'll put you to work while you watch."[/color] Orvus said taking a drink. “Efficient,” Orb blinked. Rowan gave Orvus another look before turning to Orb, [Color=sienna]"Of course dear, but what about your house?"[/color] “Right,” Orb scratched at their cloak, “Don’t finish your tasks, I can watch you in a few sky cycles.” [Color=sienna]"Don't you worry, there's always plenty of work to do. But…"[/color] Rowan turned to Arya. [Color=sienna]"I will steal Arya. There's an important matter I need to discuss with her."[/color] Arya swallowed her food and looked perplexed. She turned to Orvus who nodded in approval, a sly smile on his lips. [Color=ivory]"Well okay."[/color] she said. Rowan then reached out her hand and Arya took it. They began to walk away but Orvus quickly said, [color=black]"We'll talk later, Arya."[/color] They then said goodbye to each other. Orvus then flung the rest of his fruit scraps on the grass and went back to work on the railing, his back to Orb. Orb turned to Orvus, about to reach for another fruit with a word starting to form when a high-pitched screech was heard. Suddenly, sharp talons had pierced Orb’s cloak, tightened into a powerful grip, and began lifting Orb from the ground. Orb spasmed, dropping their fruit as they looked down at the slowly receding ground. Letting out a shrill shriek, Orb looked up at their captor, hands ready. It was a strange beast, not native to this island: the golden-furred lower half of a mammal, and the brown-feathered upper half of a bird; it was twice Orb’s size. It carried Orb higher and higher, away from the house. Orb’s hands wrapped around the beast’s wrists, eager to keep from falling, their effeminate shriek not having yet died down. With a sudden flash, Orvus in his starry form was suddenly flying next to Orb, wherein he grabbed the creature by the nape of its neck and commanded it to let go of Orb. The griffin’s response was to shriek in Orvus’s face and tighten its grip. The strange moss-cloaked creature was its prey; what right did this one have to interfere? Orvus let go of the creature and flew underneath it, where a kicking Orb was struggling. [Color=black]"So be it."[/color] The god then outstretched his hand and from his fingertips came scarlet lightning. The flash of red avoided Orb.and struck the Griffin in its head, instantly disintegrating the flesh, as the rest of its body began to turn to dust. Orvus then yanked Orb free from the claws. Orb wrapped their entire body around Orvus as they clung on for dear life, heavy panicked breathing puffing from their mask. [Color=black]"You alright, Orb?"[/color] “I-” Orb stammered in a panting runic, “I- I- I WANT TO BE ON THE GROUND!” Meanwhile, ash and bone plummeted to the ground below. Yet amidst the cloud of dust and ash, there were at least a dozen glowing white particles, falling significantly slower than the creature’s remains. They continued their gentle descent, even as the griffin’s bones smashed through the trees and cracked against the ground, only to be buried under the thin pile of ash that followed. Orvus immediately began his descent, but paused as he went past the white particles. The God squinted further at them before landing on the ground. The particles followed shortly after. It seemed clear that they were attempting to veer toward the north, yet the wind was against them, and whatever their destination might have been, it would have been impossible to get there before reaching the ground regardless. Then they landed, at last, and amongst the ashes and bone, they began to change. The first particle grew in size and was shaped into a curvasceous female, while the next one became a somewhat lean and muscular male. Others adopted humanoids shapes as well, and then, the white light faded, revealing light skin, pointed ears, and a variety of hair colours. All in all, there were thirteen in total: seven females, and six males. The one who had taken shape first rose to her feet on shaky legs. She was a little over six feet tall, with a white running through the left half of her blue hair. She saw Orvus, and Orb, and immediately attempted to cover herself up. A few others did the same, while others gazed at their surroundings with curiosity. Orb flailed and detached themselves from Orvus, landing onto the ground with a muffled thud. Sitting up, Orb let out a long exhale, their runic language cursing out as one hand secretly slid behind their mask to steal a tear off their still trembling chin. Orb’s eyes suddenly widened and they let out a small yelp -- mind prioritizing past the naked newcomers, there was a tear in their cloak, revealing creamy soft skin where their shoulder was. Slapping a hand over the exposed area, Orb turned their attention to the nude comers. “Coincidental configuration,” Orb remarked in a staggered runic language. “What?” questioned one of the elves in a language of his own, not understanding. “I don’t understand your language,” Orb said slowly or as slowly as they could in their own language. “What is it saying?” a different elf asked. “I don’t understand you even a little bit,” Orb continued, almost in a patronizing tone, jutting a thumb at themselves, “I. Am. Orb.” Orvus walked forward, towering over the newcomers. If at all he cared about their nudity, he did not show it, instead he walked over to the blue streaked one and gazed upon her. [color=black]”Who made you?”[/color] he asked in a soft voice. “I would like to see the blueprints used to make these beings,” Orb idly mentioned as they stood up behind Orvus. Over a dozen pairs of eyebrows shot up at the question, the blue-haired woman among them. It was she who answered. “Kalmar… Li’Kalla… Roog… Arae…” she answered slowly. “We are the Vallamir.” [color=black]”I see. That beast must have brought what made you… you here when it died. Intriguing all the same.”[/color] He began to walk around the Vallamir girl, inspecting her form. [color=black]”Vallamir. Different than humans, much different than Nebulites, but the same characteristics are apparent. I take it you don’t actually know where your origin is?”[/color] A few of the Vallamir shook their heads. “No,” the blue-haired woman answered. “Why don’t I know?” “What are they saying?” Orb asked loudly, “Do they have the plans for their creation?” “What is it saying?” repeated the same elf who asked that before. “I still don’t understand you,” Orb called over with a raspy sigh. Orvus also sighed. [color=black]”Orb, they are confused and new to this world. Babies, even.”[/color] “Well, what world did they come from, then?” Orb huffed and turned to Orvus. [color=black]”What world…? Ours of course, I assume that my fellow siblings created them upon Kalgrun, the continent to the North. I would take them there, but I do not have the means. So for now, this will be their home.”[/color] “Orvus!?” Excitement suddenly seeped into Orb’s voice, causing it to squeak. Orvus finally turned to look at Orb. [color=black]”Yes?”[/color] “They... they can help us build!” Orb clapped their hands twice. [color=black]”They will not be helping us. In fact, I am done helping today. I am sorry, but I must help the-”[/color] Orvus as cut off by his name being shouted loudly. [color=ivory]”FATHER! Oh why didn’t you tell me!”[/color] came an excited voice from the trees. Then a blur of white exploded into view, coming to a stop directly before Orvus. Arya began to say something, but then looked over at the naked people and jumped. [color=ivory]”What are those!”[/color] she exclaimed. “I don’t know, but I can’t understand them and Orvus won’t let them help me,” Orb went to cross their arms but remembered the tear in their cloak and continued to cover it with a hand, “Very inefficient.” Arya turned to Orb with confusion, then she turned back to Orvus. [color=black]”They are called the Vallamir, and if you had arrived not ten minutes earlier, you would have seen how they arrived. It was quite the sight.”[/color] Orvus said. [color=ivory]”Well, why are they all naked?”[/color] she asked, staring at them. [color=ivory]”They do look familiar for some reason.”[/color] “Clearly they have no shame,” Orb tilted a chin up. Arya frowned and walked over to the blue haired one and tilted her head as she looked her up and down. [color=ivory]”You poor thing, come on, let’s go get you some clothes.”[/color] she said kindly, speaking their language. During the conversation, the elves had inched together, and now stood nearly shoulder to shoulder. “Who and what are you?” the blue-haired woman asked. “Any of you?” she waved a hand to indicate Orb and Orvus. [color=ivory]”I am Arya. That is my father, Orvus and our friend Orb.”[/color] she said pointing at them one by one. As a finger went over Orb, the cloaked figure gave a quick wave. [color=ivory]”Obviously these two have no idea what to do when newcomers show up. You need some clothes. Are you hungry? Oh, oh! What are your names?”[/color] she asked enthusiastically. “Names?” the blue-haired woman seemed surprised. “I don’t have one…” the rest of the Vallamir shook their heads, confirming that they too had the same problem. “What are you all talking about,” Orb asked, as they inspected the hole in their clothes. [color=ivory]”Names Orb.”[/color] Arya said, [color=ivory]”What would you like to call yourself?”[/color] she asked the Vallamir with a smile. Understanding only ‘Names, Orb,’ the cloaked figure hummed, “I suggest we name them something quick and id-” “Myra?” the blue-haired woman suddenly suggested, ignoring the hooded one. “I hope that is a word I do not understand that means ‘blue’,” Orb blinked. Following “Myra’s” example of ignoring the hooded figure, the rest of the elves began to come up with their own names. “Agis,” one suggested. “Emon,” another one voiced. “Jakri,” a third one offered. And on and on they went, until all thirteen of them had pitched at least one name for themselves. [color=ivory]”Excellent! It’s nice to meet you all. Welcome to Nebulan, home of the Nebulites and of Orvus. Come, come. Let’s find you some clothes.”[/color] Arya said, beckoning to them. The elves exchanged glances, as if uncertain of whether or not they should trust the offer. Then, Myra stepped forward, and the rest followed. Orvus simply watched Arya lead the procession away, the God nodding in approval. He then turned to Orb, [color=black]”On second thought, I think Arya has that covered. Shall we get back to work?”[/color] Orb huffed, “I need to fix my cloak, first.” The cloaked figure started to plod away before turning back, “You coming?” In a flash Orvus turned back into his mortal form. [color=black]”Course.”[/color] he mused, before following after. A tiny silence fell over the two before Orb cleared their throat, “Why didn’t you back me up, back there?” They asked, mask peering at Orvus and narrowly avoiding walking into some shrubs. [color=black]”What do you mean?”[/color] Orvus asked. “Well!” Orb extended their arms as if offering a reason, “I don’t know. We could have had more helpers, or at least gotten their blueprints to make some of our own. But all we got was attacked by a monster, a ripped cloak, and berated by a language barrier.” Orb let a hot exhale escape the mask, their voice lowering, “Or I guess maybe that was just me.” [color=black]”Orb…”[/color] Orvus began, [color=black]”When you came into this world, you were curious about everything. Sure you probably could have gotten to work right away, but you didn’t. They’re just like that, new to life. They need to figure themselves out before they can even think about working. Making more is out of the question for now, I have a feeling their blueprint is a mix mash of many different things. I apologize about the language barrier, we’ll have to fix that, and about the monster and the cloak.”[/color] “Well I,” Orb fidgeted, “I only didn’t go to work because you wouldn’t let me, I knew what to do right away. I knew what my name was and everything!” They clapped their sides, “Their blueprints must really be as inefficient as you say.” Orb seemed to fall into a deep thought, barely finding the time to walk around a tree (number sixteen) that was in their way. [color=black]”The others are not like you and I. They need time to adapt, to learn and to grow. Mortals are like that. Now come on, enough of this talk, we have a house to finish.”[/color] Orvus said. “You’re right,” Orb let out a defeated breath, “They aren’t like me.” Their eyes flickered away from Orvus, “I need twine and something to push it through fabric.” [hider=Summary] Orb and Orvus build a house, but then stop to have snacks. An Urhu-blessed griffin snags Orb, but Orvus slays it. The dead bird shits out elves and they are naked and confused. Arya comes by to help them out. Orvus and Orb have a chat and then go back to building a house. [/hider] [hider=Prestige] Arya: The Learner, The Martial Dancer, The Compassionate, The Wanderer, The Teacher, The Sailor, Last of the Zhengwu +38 Prestige Starting +1 For Minor Role +1 For Major Role +1 For Jolly Collaboration +2 For the Li’Kalla/Orvus/Laurien Collab. (Minor role, Collab) = +43 Prestige Ending [/hider]