Since the beginning, there had to be rules. It most likely started with the caveman realizing what kept them alive…and what made them a smilodon’s lunch. Through simplistic communication, they would let others know which bush’s berries were poisonous and which were not. These rules were simply there to protect and ensure the continuation of the human race. Then at some point, the hierarchy was born. What actions should be rewarded and hailed, then what actions should be punished and shunned. What is forgivable? Everyone has their opinions on whether the hiearchy should exist at all or if knowing at all times the value of each action and object should be accounted for. There isn’t time get into the minutia of that. Opinions change anyways.
The world here, Dova, lets anyone make the rules. So long as they complete the completely arbitrary tasks, sure why not? The idea of lawmakers on both sides still making the rules together is unheard of. “Nothing gets done,” they say. Well, in Dova, things get done alright, but does it get done right? This Earth’s people have not figured that out yet and frankly were too distracted by silly cat videos to dwell on the idea too long. Time moves slower and faster here. The way staying up late feels like a whole week has gone by, but it has only been a day. Some lucky few, called Chimes, have been able to figure out how to stay mentally and physically in their preferred age group. Those chosen by Chimes, Bells, are able to accompany a Chime through this journey for a short while. This keeps the Chimes from becoming lonely and seeing their old friends age as part of time standing still is having those opportunities open to you for longer that something can actually be done about it. Every six months there is a swift change of power. Everywhere. Contesting it has never been heard of as each being is bound by these rules by the health of their body for future transfers of power. If a being broke one of these transfers of power, then the Earth would make it nearly impossible to accomplish these arbitrary tasks to rule Dova.
The tasks are attainable, yet most beings do not apply themselves as it does not seem important. The transfer of power happens, everyone except the winning subgroup and their allies grumbles and life goes on. Sometimes the rules are absurdist and sometimes the rules are practical. No one really knows. However, the being that knew the least was Audrey Strosa. She went along with whatever she needed to when she needed to. The rest she kept to herself and was an isolationist. One day though, 2:28 p.m. Plum Blossom Blooming day 1988 Jova calendar to be exact, a being went too far. That moment on, Audrey had a vendetta against fashion designers as they directly interfered with her life. Suddenly the rules weren’t so arbitrary anymore.
(The fashion designer outlawed fountain pens due to their ability to leak on delicate and light designs and that’s how Audrey got through her classes. Will write that into another chapter later.)
Lots of Honey 