Once her nanny had left, Diana decided to continue the examination on her dress. It was modest, with a jewel neckline and A-line skirt. Adorned with ruffles as trim for the short sleeves, and very fine embroidered flowers on the skirt. She pulled the skirt up closer and flipped the sewn edge over, checking the stitching. It was beautifully even, not a stitch out of place and the thread used unfrayed. Had Diana ever worn this dress? Or was the material it was made with so high quality normal wear would not matter?
She flipped the edge back over and examined the embroidered Flowers that seemed to climb up the skirt. The white thread used when paired with the pale blue fabric evoking the thought of a flower meadow impossibly covered in snow. It was beautiful, but the thought of the fluffy white snow was not a pleasant one for her. A chill ran up her spine and she instinctively pulled her blankets over her legs and covered the skirt.
Needing to get her mind off those thoughts, Diana started scanning her room trying to find something that could occupy her. She still could not get out of bed on her own, so she resigned herself to checking the nightstand next to the bed. She was happily surprised to find what seemed to be charcoal sticks and some old- fashioned paper. Well, it was old- fashioned to her. Who knew on this world?
From what she had gathered so far, this world was certainly not as advanced as her own. Though she had only seen the walls of her bedroom. A lot of things here were likely magical, compared to the mechanical world she once knew. Elves existed here, and this weird skill stuff she hadn’t had the time to test out yet.
Using her paper and charcoal, Diana decided to start with a list of things she could remember making, and soon the ideas were flowing out of her. Of course there were needle crafts, pottery, woodcarving, and paper crafts. Candle and soap making had been pretty fun too! She had always been someone who loved to create and work with her hands, and so she would hop from one craft to another. She enjoyed the learning process as well, watching her progress and growth was exciting!
With a list plenty long, she took another sheet of paper and started sketching designs for a longer term project. The creative juice was flowing and she wasn’t about to slow down now! She would need some tools she did not know if this place had, but Diana wanted to start with one she knew she would be able to make for herself. She just had to get the dimensions right…
Diana became quickly engrossed in her designing. So much so she hadn’t noticed when her nanny returned. At least until she tried to get Diana’s attention.
”Miss Diana, I hope I wasn’t away too long,” she nodded toward the tray in her hands.
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“Oh! Oh, no! Although I had found myself becoming bored, I found something to keep busy,” Diana startled at the woman’s presence, and quickly folded and put away her papers and charcoal. She still didn’t quite trust everyone and decided it best to keep her ideas hidden for the time being.
“You have always enjoyed drawing and writing. It’s nice to see you doing so Miss,” the nanny smiled warmly to her, “Are you ready?” She sets the tray down on the table and turns back to face Diana.
”Very much so,” Diana nodded. The nanny then offered her hands and guided Diana to the table to eat. Once Diana was comfortable though, the nanny took the seat across from her.
“Miss Diana, your mother has given me a great honor in doing this, but please try to hold your questions until I am finished speaking. Is that agreeable for you?” The nanny started speaking in a much more formal tone. Diana agreed and the nanny continued, “Long ago, in a time before any can remember, the gods and goddesses came into being. They brought changes and balance to this world, and so the animals soon followed, created lovingly by Alvadir the God of Animals. It was not too long after that The System started. There is more that comes after, but what I want to talk to you about is The System,” she paused, taking a moment to think. Diana was listening with rapt attention. The nanny smiled with this and continued, “Not much is known about those times, for obvious reason. Most historical records credit Elves with being the first race of peoples. There are a few dragon clans who contest that with claims of further reaching lineage, but none have come out with verifiable evidence. Even so, historical records show that The System has been around at least that long, and later theory and discovery have shown its existence in all animals now. It is a bit different for creatures than it is humans and Elves but it is there! It is present from the time a child is born, and does not leave you. There are some limits it has with young children, and so they first start by having their ability to gain and choose [skills] come with their tenth birthday! At least, that is for humans. Generally with [skills] the same rule is followed, the first [skill] is free the rest you must earn,” she finished, taking a moment to answer Diana’s question.
“So I am a human?” The girl asked while rubbing an ear with one hand, and feeling the top of her head for more with the other.
”Yes, now stop that,” her nanny laughs then gently scolds her before she continues their little lesson, “I am sure you have figured it out by now, but what happened with you was an incredibly odd occurrence, and I am so happy you are doing better Miss Diana,” apprehension entering her voice, “However, there are some things we will have to do going forward, and I have a feeling it will not be the most enjoyable experience. For any of us. I will be honest on that. Someone your age with an Adept [skill] just is not a thing, and receiving even one blessing or gift is extremely rare in itself let alone three. On Qruta the Goddess of Judgement, you’re the reason I find a new aged hair every morning!”
With that revelation Diana was the one laughing, and it felt so good to do so. Just what had she gotten herself into?
