- CHAPTER ONE: YHI
- It is believed that each person has a presence in the Dreaming; Before, during and after life. These children of the spirit are the manifestations of an individual's dreams, a representation of sorts of their dreamer. There are many known worlds and universes contained in the Dreaming, some closer, some further.
Of the many worlds and universes in Dreamtime, Aljira Copernican is one of the most diverse and lush star systems known. With three planets of varying temperatures and atmospheres, the inhabitants, these spirit children, also known as Cluricaun, are reflections of the worlds in which they dwell. They have long since adapted to their surroundings, living in any environment remotely capable of sustaining life. Where it is not possible, they actively search for ways to make it so. Still, even within their own planets, there are areas that remain undiscovered. Who knows what will be uncovered when adventurous Cluricaun set out to learn more about their worlds?
As a race, Cluricaun are intelligent and innovative by nature, even those most concerned with staying in the old routines. Their personalities are immensely variable, as are their own dreams and aspirations. However, even within these worlds, there are a variety of Cluricaun to be found, not just in personality but in appearance as well, displaying the adaptations and characteristics necessary for their survival. As different as their lands are, so too are the Cluricaun.
On each of their respective planets, many generations ago, the Cluricaun came across a small child alone and in the cold, different and unknown to them. Some of the more kind-hearted Cluricaun took her in and raised her as their own and in the ways of the Cluricaun. Over the course of some time, it became clear that this particular spirit child, who they named Yhi - a word associated with light and creation - was different from the rest; the only one of its kind.
Not only did she age quickly but there were times when it seemed she spoke of experiences elsewhere when she had been around them the entire time. In addition, she grew and aged at an exceptional rate until reaching the physical appearance of being in her late teens when all development stopped. However, she continued to mature emotionally and to gain more knowledge from her daily experiences. All the while, she conducted herself with grace and kindness, clearly displaying the wisdom she had gained from all the things she had experienced. Through the actions of this child, it was soon concluded that she was worthy of respect and honour.
However, she would not accept the possibility of being a true ruler, making decisions and governing the intricate details of Cluricaun life. Despite her omnipresence, the ability to be everywhere if she chose, she was not interested in monitoring the ins and outs of all Cluricaun. Instead, she agreed to become a guardian of sorts but one who rarely intervened or decreed, free to go about her business and enjoy her time as she pleased. This decision on her part was welcomed and lauded, for Cluricauns value their ability to do what they will, and lends what decrees or decisions she does make all the more weight and import.
The Cluricaun on each planet know that they are not alone and that there are others somewhat like them on the other two planets, made aware of this as they were by the knowledge Yhi had imparted to them. Gifted with this information so many generations ago, the Cluricaun have now reached a point where they will soon be ready to visit these planets where others like them dwell, curious to see what else is out there, branching out and exploring the planets close by. As if their own internal conflicts were not enough, the potential for war between these planets and their inhabitants, so similar yet so different, is ever present.
And the first representatives from the other two planets are now arriving. What new issues might arise between the Cluricaun from different worlds, adding to the already complicated lives they lead? What awaits them on these planets, startling in their contrast to their native environments?
