The Clockwork Veil

Lately, not much has changed in my life, but I've stumbled upon a fascinating new interest: cogs. It's funny how, after spending so long admiring these little metal wheels and gears, I've started to see them in a whole new way. Each cog seems to have its own story, and I find myself enchanted by their delicate designs and the way they fit together like a finely tuned clock.

I've also been making strides in understanding the language my parents speak, thanks to my mom. Every night, she reads me wonderful stories, and tonight's tale was called "In the Beginning." It painted a vivid picture of an era when only Chaos and Ether roamed the vast emptiness. One momentous day, they collided, resulting in a beautiful explosion that birthed everything we know: vibrant, fiery energy and the elements—fire, air, and water. Eventually, the solid ground we tread upon emerged from the chaos. While Chaos sank into darkness, Ether transformed into a brilliant light, which is why we never see them in their pure forms.

After this grand event, the most refined versions of these elements formed beings known as Creators or Firstborn; we simply call them spirits. These spirits, feeling lonely, began to quarrel—first, the children of darkness and light clashed, then the fiery children argued with the watery ones, and finally, the airy spirits tangled with those of earth. When their parents came to the rescue, the children admitted they were only fighting because they were bored. So, their parents devised a plan to create planets and shape different dimensions, including our very own world, crafted by the spirits of air, earth, and water.

Once the planets were formed, the spirits created a myriad of companions, leading to the birth of animals, magical creatures, and ultimately, us humans. Some humans loved the earth so much that they chose to live underground, becoming dwarves, while others who craved freedom transformed into elves. Some magical beings admired humans so deeply that they took on human-like appearances, and that's how everything came to be here in our world of Antilos. It's incredible to think about the vastness and beauty of our surroundings! I'm so eager to explore it all, especially since my dad is a sailor who has likely travelled to so many amazing places.

In the dark depths of existence, the spirit of fire and chaos looked out over the beautiful landscapes and complex ecosystems of our world. Filled with a strong envy for the beauty it saw, this spirit created the Demons—evil beings born from Darkness, each one driven by a fierce desire to destroy. As this angry spirit moved through the realms, it spread a dark influence into the hearts of the creatures roaming the land, giving rise to the first monstrous beings. These terrifying yet fascinating creatures crackled with raw magic and were made for violence and destruction.

In response to this evil, a bright force emerged from the realms of Light and Air. This kind spirit shaped the Angels, magical guardians shining with a unique glow, filled with the strength of the heavens, destined to fight against the Demons' terror. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the children of Light and Air gifted humanity and other sentient beings with an incredible power: ether—the mystical energy that allowed them to control the elements, cast powerful spells, and unleash amazing abilities in their battle against the rising darkness and the terrifying monsters that came from it.

On a personal note, I'm excited to share that I've finally started walking on my own around the house! Our home isn't just a house; we live in a cosy, three-story condo nestled in a small garden. We're right in the heart of the city, surrounded by towering buildings and unique castles of all shapes and sizes. The streets are alive with various modes of transport. Most people prefer to walk, but you can also see horses, unicorns, and even some curious creatures that serve as mounts. Just the other day, I spotted something that looked like a velociraptor! Cars are quite rare here; when they do appear, they resemble tiny trains more than typical cars, adding a quirky charm to our lively city.

The streets were alive with tall, mesmerizing candlelights, each one shaped in an intricate Gothic design. They stood like guardians, their flickering flames dancing atop small figures that seemed to lean into the night, creating a whimsical yet mysterious atmosphere. Beneath my feet, the roads were laid with tiny cobblestones, each one carefully pieced together with a smooth, slightly shiny paste that made every step a joy, as if walking on a gentle path made for dreams.

The buildings that lined the street were a beautiful fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles, many resembling the charming Victorian structures I'd come across in storybooks. They stood tall and proud, connected by slender brass tubes that occasionally puffed out delicate clouds of steam that curled into the night sky, adding to the city's enchanting charm.

From my vantage point at the window, I watched the bustling life of the city, all gears and cogs whirring away in an almost mesmerizing dance. Just then, my father surprised me by lifting me into the air from behind, his grin wide as he said, "How can you be so adorable, so focused on the world outside?" He rubbed his cheek against mine, and though I wasn't all that interested in his playful antics, my gaze was captured by an elegant car gliding by with a stylish elf inside. With excitement bubbling in me, I pointed and exclaimed, "Pa… a… papa."

His reaction was instant and fueled with joy: "Elenna, look! North said something!" His voice rang out with delight—our little North was speaking! My mother rushed in from the kitchen, her voice bubbling with eagerness, announcing, "North said, 'Mum, you can do it, Mum!'" I quickly joined in, repeating, "Mum, mum, mum." "Oh, my little North, you're absolutely precious!" my mother replied, her warmth wrapping around me like a cosy blanket. I could feel my heart swell with affection for her.

Thanks to the joy of the moment, my parents became more open to letting me explore the house, even allowing me to wander into the library on the second floor. But there was this peculiar lady who seemed to watch over the library; she never left its confines, and I once spent the entire day waiting there for her to appear, though she never did. It was more than a little strange.

I talked with my mum about it, and she told me that she was our robotic librarian. Even though we didn't have anyone to clean our apartment thanks to spells, the library needed special care. So, we bought A.R.I.A., a robotic librarian. I'm not sure if she is capable of thought or just a simple android, but I believe she is more than that. 

One time, I tried to sneak up behind her to prank her, but she vanished in front of me and reappeared with a swoosh behind me, scaring me to no end. I swear I saw her smirking as if to say, "This little toddler thinks he can sneak up on me." 

I promise, A.R.I.A., I will have my revenge one day!

Now, about that library—it was vast, taking up nearly half the second floor. As I stepped inside, sunlight poured through a massive skylight above, wrapping the space in a warm embrace. The rich, comforting scent of ancient books mingled with the polished aroma of wood, while a subtle metallic hint from the brass fittings and intricate gears added an air of wonder.

The library was simply breathtaking: tall, imposing bookshelves reached all the way to the ceiling, filled with worn, leather-bound volumes whose spines seemed to whisper secrets of wisdom from long ago. Ladders and brass railings adorned the walls, inviting me to explore the highest shelves, making it feel like a scene lifted right from a dream. At the far end, a grand arched window framed a distant skyline, with fluffy clouds lazily drifting by. Beneath this captivating sight stood a sturdy writing desk, patiently waiting for a soul to come and create something magical.

To my right, a polished wooden piano sat quietly, its keys reflecting the soft light invitingly. The parquet floor creaked slightly under my steps, each sound echoing the history and cherished memories held within this beloved sanctuary.

As I approached the desk, my eyes caught sight of an open book resting there. The title read "Basics of Ether Manipulation and Accumulation." Glancing around to ensure the ever-watchful librarian didn't see me, I felt an eager thrill. I leaned closer, ready to dive into its pages and uncover the mysteries that awaited me.