Onward and Upward in a Very Literal Sense

Please excuse another massive C3/DS update! I simply had to keep going, and it was well worth it. With their first two sons dead for unknown reasons, Topin and Davira needed very much to have a few males in order to have the next alpha male. To my relief, the first set of twins turned out to be two happy little boys named Marvix and Neeril! They looked completely unrelated, yet they were born only minutes apart. Hopefully this would mean that the next generation could have a little bit of a different look for the alpha male. I was about ready to rename the world Stripes Central or something to that effect!

I initially intended to gather some more input about which new Norn breed to introduce during this generation, but with two votes for the Treehugger Norn, I jumped ahead: Meet Oasia! She made herself at home in the Norn Meso with the rest of the females. It was rather nice to have a limited number of them, although their appearances were quite similar. I hoped that Oasia would be able to infuse some diversity into the gene pool. Treehugger Norns have different genes than most of the other official breeds, so I hoped a bit of this would find its way into the population to add a bit more flavor. Those pretty green limbs would also be most welcome!

True to my word, I prepared to hatch Topin and Davira’s group of four eggs in the canopy of Veridia. Out of the first egg popped Povio. No worries for the next alpha male now! I let him explore the upper terraces as I waited for the rest of the eggs to hatch. There was food lying around and a few toys to keep Povio happy. The only downside was his preference for launching himself off of the edges, rather than using the lifts. Judging by his expression, this was not a very pleasant experience!

The scenery of Veridia was even more stunning off of the ground level, and I nearly ignored the birth of Quintar as I looked carefully at the leaves and vegetation! That Zebra Norn head was quite dominant, but I still hoped for a little diversity. Davira actually had a limited number of aggressive Hardman Norn genes, so her appearance was the main aspect I hoped would be passed along. All the same, Quintar was an interesting mixed breed with a handsome look.

Perfect photo opportunity? I thought so! Reyvik was the fifth living son from Topin and Davira. He was a riot with the robot, which looked like it was running away in midair from his curious hands! The robot and I have had a love hate relationship in the past: The thing is so loud and annoying at times, but everyone seems to love it. Sometimes I wonder if Norns would ever consider taking up quieter hobbies, like reading a book or crocheting. Not in this lifetime! Reyvik was pretty much a carbon copy of his father with all of those stripes. He wouldn’t quite blend in with the green trees!

Finally, the last of the four eggs hatched, and I was surprised to find another male peering at me! Simteo had the coveted Hardman Norn head, complete with a whole lot of stripes. Even though these boys look rather similar, each one is still unique. All the same, I still enjoy Amaikokonut’s name tags to know for sure who is who! I moved everyone into the hallway between the Norn Meso and communications room, where they all seemed to thrive. Well, it was a tad bit crowded and I did hear some slaps, but overall, they seemed to be in good spirits! The next generation will definitely have a better place to call home.

During all the hubbub, I was not at all surprised to find that Topin and Davira had another egg on the way. It was fortunate that it was just a single birth this time, though! There was something very special about Telia: She looked exactly like her mother! Although she would not be spending her life in this world, I looked forward to sharing her in the future. Maybe she would be able to escape the ridicule that her mother had been plagued with! And the insanity of having me behind the hand.

With so many children from the alpha couple, I intervened a bit and led Topin a little ways away from Davira. Poplis had already been acquainted with the alpha male, and before long, she had a set of two eggs on the way! Don’t expect any diversity with their children: Topin and Poplis have exactly the same appearance genes. Without an occasional influx of a new Norn each generation, everyone would end up looking the same. I’m not necessarily opposed to that, but I rather enjoy a diverse looking population. Things were far from dull in this world, though: I would soon be back to my regular egg watching duties. If only Davira could take a long, long break!