Starflower
Written by: Catelya
Act 1: Departure
Chapter 1: Lullaby
I gaze out the window and watch as the moon aligns with the Great Tree. The sky being covered by a blanket of stars on a black sheet signals that it is time to put out the last lights in preparation for getting rest. As for me, I turn to my mirror and admire my grand rose one last time before going to bed. After all, it finally bloomed today so I want to savor the moment. Looking at the lush white flower with hues of magenta and royal blue makes me smile. I then turn around to see my mom leaning on door. Her lime green skin and violet foliage tumbles down in curls of vines. She looks so stunning in the moonlight. I am a Floran, a relative new race to the vast universe of Starbound. Our bodies are layers of leaves and plants while maintaining a humanoid structure.
"What are you still doing up Roseria? Tomorrow is your big day and you need all the rest you can get."
"Just give me a sec mom, I don't want my rose to crumple while I'm sleeping."
"Plum wants a rose too!"
I roll my eyes as my younger sister Plumeria begins to whine.
"Ya ya you'll get one when you're older. Mom tell her that one lullaby that will put her to sleep."
"Are you sure it isn't for you my sweet?"
Embarrassed, I jump into my bed, pull the big leaf blanket over my head, and close my eyes.
"I was only kidding Rose, here let me tell you the history of the Seeds first."
"The Seeds were the first Florans to dwell in the universe we know as Starbound many centuries ago. They lived in close relation with the fauna and flora that surrounded them and exchanged with nature instead of hurting it. Because of this way of life, they began to migrate across numerous planets and live with the planets like one. Respecting the environment and ecosystem, nature protected the Seeds and made sure no natural calamities came upon them. However, this threatened the other races and they agreed to take action. The Apex hacked the Seeds' technology while the Avians began erupting shrines and temples on their planets. Worst of all were the Hylotols and their poison. Spreading toxic liquids into the main water source on all Seed inhabited planets; it destroyed not only the Seeds but the environment as well. All they could do was sit by and watch as their life force slowly drained away. In the end, every last one of them perished, however their grudge still remains in our blood."
I've heard this story countless times from mom, dad, the teachers and the great elders. However every time I tune in to the story, I discover something new. Thereafter thoughts of doubt enter my mind and question the legitimacy of the folklore.
"Alright now the lullaby since the boring part is over."
"We sprouted into this world
Welcomed by the sun, wind, earth, and water
We grow up and bloom to explore and learn
But most of all to hunt and survive
Devouring anything that is not one of us
Fuels our hatred and lust for revenge towards our ancestors
And when this drive goes berserk and rage takes over
The Starflower will bring back our peace."
A part of me is pained by the words, while the other embraces it like love. Too many events for one day, I should rest and prepare for tomorrow.