A Slice of the Multiverse

((starts here))

The building was many turreted and covered several acres, with gardens that spread even further. To one side was open, grass-carpeted woodland with massive old trees intermixed with their sons and daughters; on another was a slight rocky bluff, from which ran a picturesque waterfall; while on the third was grassy plain with a walled city in the not too far distance. Walls of reddish granite gleamed softly in the sunlight, and pennants bearing the image of a sun and stars fluttered gently in the fragrant breeze.

Inside everything was pleasantly bright and welcoming, with the occasional merry-faced servant hurrying along their way. Pictures hung on the walls between the large windows in the hallways and in the rooms, some of which were set up as places of wonder and others as living spaces. Everything smacked of loving care and a desire to please one certain person, though there were things to suggest the presence of an active child in the family too. Up in one corner of the castle was a comfortable suite of sitting room and two bedrooms, one of which had the basics of a nursery sitting still in their packages and waiting. Across the hall and down a little ways was a door that led into the library, which took up two floors and was stocked with every book the master of the place could think of that might be of use to his wife and child.

There was a soft swish and a slight flash near this door, and then Jubal gently set Saki down. "Okay, babe. Open your eyes."