Elicerent

I.

The light stabbed my eyes as I slowly came to consciousness. Squinting, I could see the figures of two people standing over me. The ringing in my ears drowned their conversation to mumbling. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I was able to make out a woman's face. She had soft features and beamed with excitement. The man opposite was much older and had stress lines around his eyes. He was not smiling. Trying to sit up, the ringing began to subside, and I could understand some of the phrases being exchanged. The woman faced me; expression changed as she rushed to Prop some pillows behind my back. As I leant into their cushioning, the man handed over a folder and exited the room, mumbling in a language I did not understand.

She opened the folder over my body, looking at me reassuringly, "I'm just going to scan your body to ensure that you are reacting as anticipated."

Per the tag around her neck, she was in Enna Clover. Her attire was simple, and she wore her dark hair in a tight knot at the base of her neck.

"Your obs look good. Now, I know that you have just gained consciousness, but we need to get you up and walking. There are some important people who wish to meet you. They are quite anxious this time."

"This time?" I questioned.

"Oh good. Thank The One, you can speak. The doctor will be so relieved." She leant in, "Just between us, I think he was worried that you wouldn't have absorbed all of the programming."

I tilted my head in question.

"Don't worry all of your questions will be answered. But first," she smiled at me, "We have to get you up and walking so that you can make your appearance before the Council."

Enna helped me to slide my legs off the bed. I sat with them dangling over the side, like weights on a pendulum. My head swam in my sight blurred.

Enna placed a hand under my armpit, holding tight to show her support, "When you are ready."

I inched forward, feeling for the floor with my toes. It was cold and smooth beneath my feet, and I sat for a moment, taking in the way they flattened as I placed them completely on the ground. Holding onto Enna, I stood slowly. My legs shook beneath my weight and as I straightened myself and looked upwards, I notice to figure standing near the closest wall. Her skin was olive and firm, stretched over a slim body. Her hair dark brown and long, falling around her shoulders. Her face awkwardly asymmetrical. She had big eyes. They shined in awe. I was so busy with this girl that I barely noticed Enna. The figure was me. This was what I looked like.

"Are you alright?" she said.

I nodded. Looking up herself, Enna noticed that I had been looking at my reflection. She smiled an almost giggle and asked, "Ready to take some steps?" I turned to her smiling and placed one foot after the other.