ORIGIN - Winter Bloom

The chrysalis was tucked away in one of the dead-end tunnels, a tiny thing compared to most drones produced by The Hive. At regular intervals a cleaner would visit to tidy up the already pristine tunnel and examine the chrysalis, but otherwise it was left to grow and develop until it would finally be of use to The Hive.

And now, the creature inside was awakening. Its empty, barely-awake mind brushes against the edges of the mental link, alerting The Hive to its general existence before it was even truly cognizant of its own existence. By the time it figured out what to do, and how to break out of this tiny, cramped void, a couple of cleaners had already arrived, waiting expectantly. It finally broke out into the world only to be met by several gigantic insectoid faces peering down at it. It did not feel fear even as the mandibles got closer, began to clear away shards of clearstone and puddles of chrysalis fluid. It knew it was safe and among family. It did not feel curiosity, either. It knew that it was exactly where it was supposed to be, and that all else would be made clear in time. It DID, however, feel irreconcilably filthy, and an overpowering need to rectify this immediately. First its antenna, so it could better parse it's surroundings in the dark, and then systematically moving on to the rest of it's pelt.

MOTHER

welcome, child

The Hive's link opened slowly in Healer's mind, blossoming new sensations, visions, and words as it slid into its rightful place. One of those was Mother's, a greeting as her attention was drawn to this new hatch.

"Welcome home, Drone Zero-Two-Zero Healer." The nature of healing was a concept that flooded in alongside that word: to nurture, to fix, to aid. "I am your Mother. We are your family. Your Hive." Again, concepts and images flickered through: all the members of the Hive, its Drones and Hosts, going about their daily lives. Some undoubtedly turned their attention this way, and it was to them that Mother spoke next. "Drone Zero-Two-Zero Healer will be taught the ways of the outsiders. Outreach. Ambassador. Emissary. None should know that they are of us." The 'gemstone' at their forehead: this image, and knowledge, was passed among the Hive's members. "Protect them, and teach them. Welcome," she repeated, as if now in farewell. But she remained: there, always, listening, watching.

A Cleaner had arrived, in the meantime. It waited, silent and blank, and the new child would know that--when Healer was ready--it was there to escort them where they wished. And a call was sent to the Hive itself: who among its number wished to meet, or aid, this new child among them?

@Healer

They paused briefly in their meticulous grooming as the link solidified into place. There was a sense of comfort, of completeness, as something they hadn't realized they were missing slotted into place. And then they're gifted purpose, meaning- A Healer, mender of the body, conqueror of disease and ailments. And more than that- Ambassador. Outreach. They would help All, not just their family. And that, in turn, would help their family grow, as others began to understand and accept Mother's benevolence.

They would respond to Mother with a wordless sort of acknowledgement and wholehearted acceptance of their purpose. They had no questions- Mother had already given them the full context of what they are and what they ought to do. Maybe soon they would realize that knowledge was not comprehensive, that nothing was so absolute, but for now they were content.

Healer would approach the cleaner and instantly begin a thorough inspection. It was too dark to see much of anything, but that was hardly a hindrance. They felt for any fractures or imperfections in the cleaner's carapace, clicking quietly as echolocation probed even deeper, into the flesh and organs beneath. Antenna fluttered delicately, tasting the air for sickness- although, at this stage, they didn't exactly know what that should smell like. They knew, of course, that there was nothing wrong with the cleaner. This was practice, almost play, in the way that wolf cubs tussled so that they may one day learn to tear each other apart.

Meanwhile, they prodded tentatively at the link, echoing Mother's request for guidance. I want to learn. About those Outside our family. How I may appeal to them. How I can help them. If nobody answered their call, they would request the cleaner to lead them to the outer tunnels, or anywhere where their help might be needed.

Yellow is joining remotely from Eridanus.

Yellow did not take an active part in Healer's welcome to the Hive at first, but simply watched from the sidelines, so to speak. Eridanus was miles away, and while they listened in idly to the goings-on below Ursa, their attention was split between this and their own daily work: foraging, cleaning, tending the Eridanus nodes.

Healer's request tugged at their attention, though. Outsiders? Yellow had been that once, though it was so long ago they had trouble remembering much. They supposed they could try to recall what it was like. At least they had spent a good part of their life without the Hive, unlike those (more fortunate, they thought) who were born with the connection. But considering the avoidant behavior they fell into now with those outside the Hive, and the nerves that overcame them whenever they thought about talking to or even seeing Rift—arguably one of the least hostile outsiders—or visiting that odd blind spot in the Hive's vision in the heart of Eridanus, perhaps they wouldn't be the best teacher.

Still, I can try, they offered hesitantly. Where to start? ... They are often furry, like me and you, or they have feathers. Most of them don't have chitin. Memories were shown to the newly-hatched drone: a tall black horse, a green big cat who used plant magic, a black dog with feathered wings. Sometimes they can be dangerous. A lot of them don't like our fungus. Sadness now, and a hint of anger (they couldn't help it), as Yellow recalled scenes of a greyscale canine snapping after a rabbit, sister.

But they might like... plants, or food. Or... exploring. Yellow remembered now—they had loved to explore new places long ago. Slowly that had happened less and less, as they became more and more preoccupied with more and more urgent tasks that always needed their attention. Fungus wilting here, corruption breeding there, nutrients needed over there. Maybe, they thought hopefully, they could go on a practice exploration run together sometime. If you also appreciate the interesting new things they like, or help them avoid danger or recover from injuries along the way...

More images flowed in a gradually-more excitable stream now, though Yellow tried to keep themselves in check so as to not overwhelm Healer. They were just freshly hatched, after all, but Yellow was so excited to share! These berries taste really good, these ones help you feel cool on a hot day, this plant makes you feel all warm inside. These nuts are so crunchy and filling, definitely try them when you get the chance. Oh! And people like cute animals, I think. —Generally the small furry ones. Good for you! Also maybe you can help other cute small furry animals, I think that'll definitely make them like you. There's sometimes injured or sick ones here... Ah, I forgot! —Do you have questions? About anything? Sorry for going so fast!

@Healer

You see, the Banshee didn't always linger in the Hive. They, too, had a bit of an "outreach" purpose. They were love, they were terror. They were the power of the Hive's affection, its brutal and terrifying defense of their bond, but also an example of the passion the Hive all shared. So they could conceal that terror, and in its absence, pure love.

So when it knew Mother was constructing a Drone with a similar, but different, purpose, oh they just had to be there. They arrived a bit late, skittering into the outer tunnels of the Hive excitedly, on their way to where they knew their new sibling was, curving around into the chamber and coming upon the new Drone. And...

"Oh. My. GOSH." Maiden squealed excitedly as they leaned down, falling to their knees in front of Healer. "You are just soooo cute! Mother did such great work with you!" Oh! They wanted to scoop them up so bad!! And they could not help but let their desires ring merrily in the healer's mind. For once, they were not focused on each other. And, for once, Crone blinked and spoke itself, its voice deep and slow as the necks parted, revealing the mouth that split the middle of the Drone.

"We are of the same function. Similar. We find...being kind to gembound helps. Not bringing up the Hive. Asking questions - gembound like to talk about themselves." It stared at Healer, thinking, and Morrigan quickly piped up, "And Yellow is right! You are so small and fluffy, ugh, yesss, you are already, like, totally perfect!"

@Healer

They'd listen carefully to everything Yellow had to say, drinking in the offered memories gratefully. Their reactions were muted and wordless- fascination at the variety of gembound shown, sadness at their sister being attacked, curiosity and eagerness as Yellow's excitement ramped up, tempered by a hint of overwhelm. All of the plants that Yellow mentioned were filed away for later- it would have to properly investigate which could be used in medicine. Thank you. That was all very useful information. Quite a bit to take in all at once, given they were five minutes old, but they managed, Exploring? Where? The concept was vague to it- wandering but with purpose? Can plants be grown? Collected? The mention of the sick and injured- patients to treat, a purpose to fill- instantly piqued their interest. Any who need healing right now? They wanted to go to Eridanus regardless- it seemed like a good place to start its duties- although, perhaps, being seen in a cave so fully claimed by The Hive would be counterproductive to its purpose.

They were so focused on Yellow's voice from within the link that Banshee's arrival completely blindsided them. A shock of alarm burst through the link perfectly timed with their startled "Eep!" Their panic was incredibly short-lived, nothing this deep in The Nest would harm them. There wasn't any ill-will towards Banshee, either- they were just excited, and The Healer had been distracted. Their compliments would be returned with a sheepish pride (although really it was all Mother's hard work) and the desire to pick them up was hesitantly approved. "Hello- Thank you!" Speaking externally was weird. Their mouth-voice was ever so slightly different from their mind-voice, and the words echoed through the icy tunnel. Much of what Crone said came easily to them. Being nice- kind and unintrusive and discreet- was a part of their function just as the antennae and spinnerets and dexterous little claws were. "What questions do I ask them?" Which itself was a question. Healer was going to get a good grade in social interaction.

"Can we go outside?" The tunnel was dark, and while Healer had more than enough room, Banshee was surely at least a little cramped. They were also restless, they wanted to see and do things, not just sit idle.

@Yellow @Banshee

They held the healer carefully, gently, making sure to avoid the occasional spike. Maiden was so fascinated with the feeling of its fur, that she could not help but run a hand along its side. She let out a soft squeal of joy. "You are just soooo soft and cute!" Okay, okay, they needed to calm themselves, they'd already said it multiple times! The Crone softly led their own minds back to the focus at hand - Healer, their job, their future, not the greatness of Mother's design.

"Hmm, well you ask them what they like to eat. What they do for fun. About their magic or their skills! They like to show off! And if they start talking, engage with them. Give them more questions that stimulate more talking. They like that." As if they had the best and most experience, but they really only had a few interactions themselves under their belt. Perhaps it just came naturally to them.

"Oh yes, of course!!" The Banshee turned and began to walk through the tunnels, a lot slower this time as they had a Drone in their arms, and they left a thought open for her in their connection, if she ever wanted down, she only needed to will it or ask and they would.

"It's a little chilly outside, but you should be fine." Healer had a lot of fluff and fur after all! "Some caves are warmer. Some are pretty, there's some that are kindaaaaa," Maiden made a face. There was some ugly caves with an upper U. Especially if there were valkhounds stinking around.

After a while of navigating the twisting and turning, they emerged into Ursa, where a gentle snow was falling. "But its sooooo much prettier here! Especially when it snows a bit like this."

@Healer