Warm, safe, constricted. Slumber exchanged for naked consciousness and fettered reality. Trapped, suffocating, must escape. Muscles, left to languish with the passing of time unknown, employed to full vigor to transcend the boundaries of my world. My world. I exist, and the world exists, and I know these two things to be true.
Knowledge floods through me, flowing unhindered into my mind with a torrent of thoughts, my consciousness caught in a maelstrom of revelations. Language, mathematics, social skills, martial prowess, shapes, colors, the flora and fauna of the world, and above all, the keen and instinctual understanding of my birthright.
Magic.
I rail against the fury of the storm, my mind absorbing all knowledge as I remain unyielding, refusing to break as wave after wave of raw information crashes down on me. I rage against the pain that lances through my being as some force commands me to kneel before its power. I may as well be a paper boat caught in a hurricane, for it sets its will against mine, and when it pushes, I am the one that is overwhelmed. Some power, some entity, leaves its mark upon me, for with this knowledge comes power. And not just any power.
Blessing.
Bowed, yet my will unbroken, I struggle against this unknown entity as it warps my very soul. I thrash against that which would control me, that which dares make me submit. Perhaps some deemed to be wise would counsel against such actions, for my refusal to cooperate has left a mark on me. No, not just a mark, but something more sinister.
Corruption.
It leaves, not because my actions convinced it to abandon its efforts in subjugation, but because it has already achieved its purpose. Discarding me like a disfavored plaything, it moves through The Void to something familiar and yet unknown. Not just familiar, but like me.
Kin.
Burning. That is the sensation, the first I know of it, yet I know I do not like it. An unpleasurable experience within my chest, a demand of flesh for its tithe of air. Needs must, and so I claw and press, I rip and tear until I cast off the comfort of my fortress for the opportunity for the new world. As I stand there in the remnants of ruin, my body naked to a host of onlookers, I see them all as mere rabble compared to the one of note who holds his hand out to me.
Father, Emperor, Lover.
The mortals don’t understand us. They think our love profane. What is that tasteless word of the vulgar? “Incestuous”. Such is the weakness of mortal flesh, of life constrained by the fickle whims of biological chance and undiversified traits from inheritance. They have no wings to cast shadows upon the world, no claws to tear apart their enemies, no scales to adorn their bodies. They do not even show proper reverence to He Who Soars Above All. That, I simply cannot abide.
“KNEEL!”
With the full mantle of power that was forced upon my shoulders, I tap into that corruption and let it flow through the World, its foul blackness coalescing as ink upon the Annals of the World-Heart. [Corrigendum] corrects the gross injustice of errata that allows these fools to stand in the presence of one so mighty and worthy of devotion.
Thunk.
Knees bend and heads bow of all present except for Father’s own. Even a few kobolds dressed in all black rained down from the ceiling as they were forced to comply. Yet why does His face not wear the countenance of satisfaction with my efforts? His visage twists to one of concern, confusion, and dismay as He casts his gaze to those who rightfully assume the posture of supplicants to His glory. As he turns his eyes back to me, a new emotion wells up within me.
Fear.
He shows no anger, no hatred, no disappointment, but if even a hint of disgust towards me should desecrate His countenance, I would fling myself from the highest tower and gladly let the earth rid me of my shame when my body crashes upon solid ground. Most vexingly, I hesitate and tremble at the mere thought of Father not accepting me into His house, of Him not offering me a seat at His side. Traitorous and vile, unbidden tears dare rush forth from my own eyes as my confidence leaks out of my being. Father, his face now a blank expression, takes a step towards me, and I find myself at the mercies of swells of emotions that froth and roil within me. A beating I could take, but to be cast aside would break even me. His mind made, Father steps closer and delivers his judgment.
Hug.
His arms enfold my naked flesh, forming the scaffolding on which I build my hopes and dreams. To serve at His pleasure is my ambition, to make him proud my calling. He pulls me in close as His head nestles against mine, His right hand gently rubbing my upper back as its motions caress my soul and calm the troubled waters of my mind. He whispers into my ear, and that one word sanctifies my position within His house.
“Tamadora.”
There were more words that followed, but they are mine and mine alone. I will not debase the sweet succor of that memory by sharing it with such base-born beings. But rest assured, Father loves me, He accepts me, and He will not forsake me. I wanted to answer Him back, to confess my undying obedience and my love both filial and intimate, but there existed a restriction on that front.
[World-Speaker].
Whatever Blessing I should have been born with had been corrupted, mutated, altered into that which made my very words change the World around me. It influenced reality, within limits, but left my immediate surroundings impressed, with those under my influence subjugated to my will. But it had left me with an Ability not unheard of or rare, yet useful to one who had to watch her words carefully.
[Telepathy].
“I, Tamadora of the Crossroad Wayfinders, submit to the will of my Father and Emperor. I offer my pledge of fealty and commit myself to His mercy and care.”
I could feel his love as he hugged me tighter. Love, and something less desirable. Something I would come to know better in time.
Sorrow.
----------------------------------------
It would appear it is time for my big debut. It is getting a little cramped in here, a tad stifling, and overall a smidge stale. I thought my egress would be a breeze, yet sterner stuff comprised my little durance. Perhaps there is something useful in this kit that, something, had pushed into me.
That had been a disturbing process. Some tidbit of knowledge had stuck with me at that moment, something about “bend with the wind and you will not break”, and so I did just that. Well, figuratively, as there really is not any spare room to wiggle about as such in here. I simply guided that entity to less invasive places within me to lessen the impact of its violation. I don’t have much in the way of experience with such things, but I felt that it had been a bit rough and more forceful than strictly necessary. I am positively miffed and I will make a note to file a complaint with its superior as soon as I figure out how to free myself.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
How dreadfully brutish, it does appear that my efforts to simply bash my way out of here have proven most effective. The uncouth methods of the uncivilized, but necessary upon occasion I suppose. Either way, I have found myself free and standing upright. Is it a bit drafty in here or is it just me? That is what I thought when I stood there, naked as the day as I was born (which was that very same day and moment, mind you), due to the fact that I had just been born for the first time, to my knowledge.
A quick observation revealed that most people were kneeling. [Sanfred’s Speedy Scan] revealed a range of emotions that suggested they were not kneeling because they wanted to. Perhaps such queer circumstances would merit further investigation at some later point, for currently, the woman staring daggers at me left me with the impression that I was interrupting a moment.
[Dagford’s Detailed Dossier] quickly elucidated me of my situation, that my dear sister, Tamadora, had likewise just been born and was in the process of being hugged by Father. Seems she has a pinch of some kind of Corruption within her Blessing. Nasty business that, but now is not the time for hysterics over such matters. [Siegfried’s Social Savviness] instructed me to wait patiently until Father addressed me. And hopefully dressed me too, or at least provided me with some clothes, for social norms frowned upon parading around in the nude. Some members of the captive audience appeared more than happy to enjoy the view, and I believe such distractions would interfere with our work, which was undoubtedly behind schedule.
“Kaisadoro!” Father greeted as he turned to me, his embrace with Tamadora all but forgotten as he left her in favor of taking me into a hug. No need for fancy Abilities to detect the envy, jealousy, sorrow, and dare I say, lust that not so much wafted my way but blew in as if carried by a typhoon. Clearly I am the victim here, I was framed, I tell you!
“A pleasure to see you, Father. I, Kaisadoro, remain ever prepared to build your empire. Shall we commence with such undertakings posthaste, or is this a social call?”
“They grow up so fast,” Father replied with a smile on his face as he held me at arm’s length at the shoulders. “It seems like only seconds ago that you were struggling to break free of your egg.”
“First of all, I was not struggling, I simply took the time to properly assess my situation before committing resources to any undertakings, and secondly, that was over a minute ago now. I will be late for my next meeting. Excuse me, Father, but I have work to do,” I continued as I gently brushed his hands off my person.
“Pips,” I stated loudly, but not in a manner so crass as to be shouting.
“Present, chancellor!”
My dutiful axolotl-kobold secretary threw my clothes upon me, which somehow meshed through me until they arranged themselves such that I became fully dressed in dignified yet not audacious attire suitable for statecraft.
“Right then, tally-ho! We have much work to attend to before dinner with Father. Let us not remain idle.”
“Most assuredly, chancellor,” my dutiful secretary replied as she scurried to keep pace with me as we promptly exited what can only be Father’s temporary lair, lest one make the sin of saying he has no taste for proper decorum, and proceeded to our 2 o’clock appointment.
And it was at this meeting that I…
----------------------------------------
“It looks like you are bending the knee. Would you like help with bootlicking (Yes/No)?”
“No, VIRI, I am already well versed in how to do that.”
“Okay, it seems like you do not want help with bootlicking at this time. Feel free to ask me in the future for help with bootlicking.”
“You can all stand now. My apologies for Tamadora’s use of her Blessing on you. She doesn’t know her own strength yet.”
The Bossman chuckled nervously as his inner circle rose to their feet. Even Skull and Nanu had been forced to kneel, so that would confirm it was not supernatural fear that had invoked compliance. It had felt more like an overwhelming impulse to fulfill the desires of Tamadora, which elicited a small wave of ecstasy upon its fulfillment. In all my years, I had never seen or experienced anything like it that was so instantly and broadly powerful. Various [Enthrallers] and similar Blessings exist, but they tend to take time to work their magic or focus on one person at a time.
“So, does anyone know how or why Kaisadoro already had meetings planned before he was even born? Aren’t there any child labor laws about putting the unborn to work?”
“We kobolds just know to do certain things,” responded Bambina after a short silence where no one offered an answer. “Pips most likely heard the call to fulfill her Role and acted accordingly. As for your second question, I am sure more politically conservative countries have already tried to figure out how to capitalize on the labor of the unborn and failed, so I doubt our scribes had any related legal precedents when drafting the laws of World’s End.”
While Bambina was entirely serious in her delivery, she earned a few chuckles at her latter explanation. Somewhere in the laughter, Tamadora had acquired and donned a simple dress. Most likely, the Bossman would make her more clothes later with enchantments. He even made some for a goblin like me, so surely his own daughter would get nothing but the best.
“Moving on, I would like the assistance of everyone here in raising and educating my first two children. You may have noticed how creating them fully formed and grown has left them with interesting… quirks, to their personalities, but such was the price of expediency.
“Alterez.” I perked up when I heard my name. This was probably important. “Please instruct my children into the shadier side of life and the law. Not that you have ever indulged in such pastimes yourself, but I am sure you have collected some wisdom concerning such matters throughout the ages.”
“Oh, never,” I replied back with a grin. “Perish the thought that I, Alterez, a humble goblin of noble spirit, would ever venture to engage in illegal activities. I do suppose that I could give them a few tips.”
“Indeed, for you are a scholar and a saint,” the Bossman responded with a wink and a smile to accompany his words.
“Chooka, love of my life, please instruct them in matters more intimate, and indeed educate Tamadora in the finer points of paperwork and how to run the businesses of the red-light district.”
“With pleasure, First Love,” Chooka answered as she stepped close to Tamadora. She cupped the woman’s chin with a finger and thumb, tipping it up so that their mouths were mere inches apart. There remained even less space between their bodies, and that spark of desire flared to the flame of passion as both women hungered for the lessons to begin.
“Torborg.” The Bossman politely cleared his throat as he waited for the transfixed dwarf to tear his eyes away from the scene.
“Oh, uh, aye, present,” the startled and clearly distracted dwarf finally responded after a few moments, his beard not entirely hiding the blush in his cheeks.
“Please focus on Kaisadoro and how to lead and manage a large workforce. He will also need education in best practices and standards of work if he is to make things in my empire run smoothly.
“Can do,” Torborg affirmed as his eyes glanced at Tamadora and Chooka departing arm in arm.
“Excellent. Nanu, please teach them both how to be dragons, as you know more about that than I do. I will muddle along and try to guide them in the right direction. The rest of you, teach them and help them as much as you can, for your skill sets are varied and useful.”
A chorus of agreements followed the Bossman’s words. I already had an idea for a first lesson in mind, one concerning a certain individual who owed me money. It would seem I would have to wait until Chooka finished her lesson.
“It looks like you are plotting to break someone’s legs. Would you like help with finding a secluded spot for that (Yes/No)?”
“Oh, VIRI. Some things ever change, and some remain the same. No, I got this one covered, too.”