Scale

Canto 1 - Emergence

A warm, steady pulse found its way through the dark and sterile space. The beating sent rivers of life through its vessel, which slowly gained awareness of the physical feelings and motions that were occurring.

Trying to make sense of the world, the being moved. Just a twitch of a thick stump protruding from the core of the body, it felt a barrier which blocked any more motion. Though this movement seemed to cause a stir elsewhere, as a low grumble shook the soft, warm liquid which suspended the young life.

Hello there little one, a soft, deep voice purred, you're finally awake?

In response to this, the being inside tried to move but could manage no more than a minuscule stretch which caused the ends of the stumps to nudge the barrier again.

The voice outside let out a smooth chuckle, Rest Ka'tar, you are not ready to brave this world.

The being inside heard a great amount of movement closing in on its space, then after a few moments a warmth spread completely within. As a settling state of calm fell over the infant, the voice started to hum a melody. Before long, sleep took over, left to fall into a blissfully quiet embrace.

When it next awoke, the melody had stopped and was replaced with a silence only broken by the same rhythmic pulse which greeted the infant on its first awakening. It decided to learn more about itself, so it fumbled and contorted, using muscles to experiment with different movements. Though it appeared that the barrier was far more restricting than before.

Before long, a swooping was heard nearby, followed by a large thud. Sounds outside determined that what landed was coming closer. Was it the one with the songs? As the thuds came closer a familiar grumble resonated, You're awake again, little one. You've grown since last time, haven't you? The babe wrestled the restraining walls, eager to find out what this beast was with such a solemn and beautiful voice. Listen well little one, the low, sweet voice continued, you will have hardships like none other. I would not wish this on any being, especially my own Ka'tar, yet it is not within my power to decide. The young one nestled into the curve of the protecting walls, feeding on the nourishment of words, barely understanding their meaning. I know for certain though, that I can not guide you in life as any mother would. I can not give you warmth nor food nor shelter from the harsh waste of this world.

'Mother?' This word stood out well, yet the young did not understand its meaning.

This will not bring you danger, son, it will make you stronger than any other. You are unique and will rise beyond the pedestals of power...the voice was drowned in the sea of serenity as sleep once again took the infant. Though it was not a black void which cradled through the days, it was a series of sounds which sang, not so that the surrounding walls shook softly, but they came from inside. Closer inside than the voice had previously been.

The babe dreamed of the mysterious siren's song and words through the days that passed, giving an ever broader horizon of exploration, beyond what was physical. This endeavour was inside his thoughts and intellect. As he developed, he became more and more excited about what lay beyond this cocoon.

-        +        -

The young one pressed his head hard against the wall. The space was closing in, or he was getting bigger. What if this doesn't open? He had to find a way.

As he pushed harder and harder, he heard a faint sound come from the wall. It was the sound of progress. More pushing and a commotion began outside. The sound of a deep, sharp vocal, similar to the One With Songs yet angrier and somewhat more exasperated.