They were dreaming.

A tree with branches laden with bright red apples grew within a beautiful grove with a colorful mosaic of glowing flowers and crystals.

It was strange that a being who had never seen anything beyond his cocoon would be capable of such a thing. They lacked the exposition of any sense to craft such vivid imagery in their innocently fresh mind. Perhaps the only feeling they managed to have was the warmth of the membrane they were suspended in. The feeling of dryness was foreign to them, so they knew no different. When golden orbs opened, they could only see a navy blue night flecked with gilded stars. Both of these things were alien concepts. The gentle crash of whatever world resided outside was what lulled him to sleep when he'd awaken. It was a lullaby, but who was the mother who sang it?

Who were they?

They yawned, cracking open their beak and exhaling. Their lungs burned. Bright, golden orbs cracked open, an unwelcomed feeling overtaking their respiratory system. Liquid filled their mouth, flowing down their throat and into their lungs. They choked, coughing on the innards of their shell. Miniscule wings flapping fiercely, they threw their face forwards whilst writhing to escape the painful sensation.

Their face smacked sorely into the walls of their cradle, beak piercing through the rapidly peeling layers. Recoiling sharply, they sucked in a breath of surprise. Suffocating on their constant aspirations, they felt themselves slipping. Black crept in on their vision, despite the rapidly growing light before them as they clawed fiercely to escape. Hands reached out to him, surrounding him with a warm, loving embrace. Slowly, they closed their eyes, snuggling into the arms. They pulled him from the broken shell. Upon the warm floor of the cavern, they were laid down. The neonate's large eyes opened slowly, taking in the strange new world about them. Instinctually, their chest swelled. Halfway through the inhalation, they coughed painfully. Fluid dribbled from their beak as they retched. Wheezing, however, brought another unfamiliar feeling.

It was one that was warm... safe. It was cleansing. 'Loft,' their mind interjected. Sucking in another breath, they found that the feeling was consistent. It was so freeing, and it felt so good. So good that they might... perhaps... just sleep some more...