Stone Age 1.gen./part 1

Chapter 1 - Humble Beginnings

The earliest known ancestors of the Grandarbre family were Aspen, an athletic young man who loved the cold weather, and Aura, a lucky perfectionist.

Upon reaching young adulthood, they found a cave near a serene lake where they could raise a new generation. Aspen was family-oriented, while Aura loved the outdoors. They both tried to survive as best they could.

Aura, raised in a family of gatherers, knew where to find fruits and vegetables. She had a green thumb and soon realized she could plant and grow their own food. 

She also discovered some unknown seeds, which she planted out of curiosity.

 Aspen came from a hunting tribe, specializing in fishing. He knew where to catch the best fish.

One evening, Aspen returned from fishing with a big catch. "Look at this, Aura," he said, holding up a large fish. "We’ll eat well tonight!" Aura smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Great job, Aspen. I'll make something special."

As time passed, they spent more time in their cave. Aura cultivated their garden and, being a natural cook, turned almost every fish into a delicious meal. They had everything they needed to survive: fresh water from a spring, food, and a safe place to sleep. Aspen, a handy man, made a fire pit to keep them warm, built a tent, and crafted chairs from wood and stone using tools he made himself.

"Look at what I've made today," Aspen said proudly, showing Aura a sturdy wooden chair.

Aura laughed. "You never cease to amaze me, Aspen."

Chapter 2 - New Member

Together, they thrived. Aura soon realized she was pregnant. Aspen, thrilled at the prospect of a child, hoped for a boy and made a crib. They needed more supplies for the upcoming winter. A dog began visiting their home, and Aura played with it while Aspen was on fishing trips.

"Do you think we could keep the dog?" Aura asked one day, stroking the dog's fur. 

Aspen shrugged. "Why not? It seems to like it here."

At the end of summer, Aura gave birth to a boy named Birch, who was athletic like his father and loved warm weather.

The family was happy and, feeling secure, grew less fearful of their surroundings.

Aspen was a successful fisherman, stocking their pond with at least six types of fish. Aura's garden expanded yearly. At the end of fall, she gave birth to another boy, Basil, who loved the outdoors but had a slightly unhinged look.

Chapter 3 - Cold, colder, freezing

    Winters were challenging, especially because the ponds froze and plants went dormant. They needed enough fish, fruits, and vegetables stocked to survive. Birch needed normal food as he grew older.

He and his father built an igloo because he couldn't sleep with his parents in one tent; he was a light sleeper. During the day, they enjoyed snowball fights and running around to keep warm.

"Papa, this igloo is amazing!" Birch exclaimed, admiring their work.

Aspen chuckled. "It'll keep you warm, son."

At night, they gathered around the fire. One particularly harsh winter was difficult for Aura, who was pregnant again and worried about food shortages. Unable to go outside much due to the cold, she began feeling increasingly anxious. 

"I'm scared we won't have enough," Aura confided to Aspen one night.

"We'll manage," Aspen reassured her. "We always do."

Aspen sculpted during the winter to stay in shape.

Chapter 4 - The Blonde One and Twins

     With spring's arrival, Belladonna was born. She had blonde hair, unlike anyone else in the family, but Aura was happy to have someone to help with the garden. 

"She's beautiful," Aspen said, holding Belladonna gently.

"She’ll be a great help in the garden," Aura said, smiling at her daughter.

Despite being a little slob, Belladonna was easily impressed.

The boys preferred fishing with their father or jogging. When the last snow melted, Aura took joy in tending to her plants. Birch started exploring beyond their cave and saw other tribes but never ventured too far alone.

"I saw other people today," Birch told his parents one evening.

"Be careful, Birch," Aspen warned. "We don't know if they're friendly."

Birch nodded. "I will, Papa."

But then the terrible accident happend. He got lost in the woods and the pack of wolves found him. He didn't remember how he got home, but from that night he felt different, especially as the full moon approached. In Aura's last year before adulthood, she gave birth to twin boys, Bush and Berry.

The Grandarbre family now consisted of Aspen, Aura, Birch (who developed an unlucky trait), Basil (a snob who always wore clothes), Belladonna (the only blonde), and the twins Berry (an athlete and artist) and Bush (an excitable, heavy sleeper).