Starless Horizon RP File #19 (part B)
(Vela’s part in italics.)
At some point they had fallen asleep together; Vela was not sure what the time had been. She awoke fully rested as normal, but knew Dritz would sleep for hours more.
Before finding the datapad to keep herself occupied, however, she spent nearly an hour just resting with her head on Dritz's soft stomach, thinking over the events of the previous day once more. She could hear his snoring, but by now she usually didn't notice it and obviously wasn't bothered by it. Sometimes it even settled her nerves to listen to it.
When the morning light began to show through the room's one small window, she nestled herself close to him again to try to awaken him, nuzzling her face against his neck and giving him several soft, light kisses. She was actually quite eager to begin their day of meeting other Trelosians, though if Dritz was very tired she would be willing to wait.
Dritz could feel Vela's lithe, cool body against his side, and he was awake, but for whatever reason his voice wouldn't come to him, and when he tried to speak to her he only managed a light grunt. He rolled onto his side, very nearly rolling on top of her, had she not slipped out of the way.
"Mm," he mumbled again, pulling her into a big embrace, burrowing his face against her neck. "Is it time to get up?" He kissed her cheek and shoulder as he struggled to cling to wakefulness.
After around half an hour of cuddling, gentle encouraging nudges towards getting up, and checking they had both slept well, Dritz finally got up, donning his overalls once more, even though he was certain the most important meeting of theirs had already been. It would not hurt to keep up appearances. Adjusting the collar, he smiled at Vela, "So, we'll speak to some locals today? See if we can make some friends?"
It took a little time and a lot of cuddling, but Vela managed to rouse Dritz enough to finally get him up and dressed. She did the same, also wearing the same clothing as yesterday, which was something she was accustomed to doing in any case, and it hadn't gotten dirty in any way. Once again she admired his appearance in the overalls, helping him straighten the collar and smiling back. [Yes. I hope we find someone willing to talk to us, and that Arlin contacts us soon.]
In the end it did not take long at all; after they had returned to the dining hall for another delicious meal and were exiting the building, the inspector from the other day approached them in a bustling manner. "There you are. Arlin wants to see you again. You must have made a good impression, but then, she does enjoy talking to new folks. She's in the same place as before, if you remember."
Vela thanked him with the help of Dritz's interpretation, and they returned to the small area where they had last seen Arlin, who was sitting in the exact spot as she had been yesterday, watching them approach with an interested expression.
"You slept well? Good. It's good to see you this morning. I have thought over our situation in more detail since last night. I can't tell you anything new, but I do think it's best you speak to a variety of individuals to make yourselves known, at least in a general sense. It's alright to mention to them what your intentions are, but don't press too hard. Join me again this evening and tell me how it went, if you would be so kind."
She gave them general directions to some places they might visit, saying they would only need to mention her name if questioned by anyone. When they parted ways again, Vela found she was a little nervous.
[Do you really think anyone will be interested?] she signed to Dritz with a small frown, stopping their walk back into a more populated area. Apparently there was a sort of village nearby with transportation into a major settlement, and all of the appropriate maps were drawn up on his datapad.
Even considering how welcoming Arlin had been, it still surprised Dritz that the little Trelosian had wanted to see them again so soon. Someone must have alerted her to them being awake and roaming around once again.
The idea that they would need to speak to as many new folk as possible made sense. It would hardly be fair for such a close-knit community to have their future decided by one of them, and two off-worlders. Even large governing bodies like the overseers of Chrysala considered their people. On his home planet, the district overseers were very public figures, easily accessible at regular district open forums. It was reassuring to be dealing with something even remotely similar.
After agreeing to speak to as many of the Trelosians as they could manage, Dritz and Vela left Arlin's meeting place, stopping shortly in a lush, quiet area. He gave her a reassuring smile of his own, touching her shoulder, "I refuse to believe they would all be ignorant of another race's stability. We might encounter some indifference or mild hostility, but we expected some unhelpfulness from them, didn't we? There'll be some to listen, flower, I have faith. We'll be our charming selves!"
He gave her a wide grin and kissed her cheek before gesturing to continue.
Briefly Vela wondered where her sudden nervousness had come from, but thought it surely must be the situation in general being so foreign to her, along with her worry of nothing working out the way she would like. The confidence Dritz was able to show her was a reminder that they would be fine, and they were in this together. Without him, she knew this would have been difficult to near impossible. Of course, she might have met someone else, but the thought of it not being Dritz was something she didn't want to contemplate.
There was a little time before the transport would arrive, so they wandered about the village as they waited. The small houses were spaced far apart, with plenty of farm land between, but were still within sight of each other. They seemed to favor practicality over anything else, with next to no decoration. There was still a warm feeling to it, which Vela couldn't sufficiently describe.
Many of the Trelosians, working on their land or smaller gardens, gave them odd looks without approaching. Vela had decided the first they would talk to would be one who showed an interest in them. It wasn't long until one did approach, and she attempted a smile even though they looked a bit suspicious.
"Traders? It's too early in the season. We won't have anything for you." The Trelosian squinted at them before looking them up and down with sudden interest. "I've never seen anyone like you here before."
[I'm sorry, we're not traders,] Vela signed, watching as the Trelosian's eyes widened in confusion. [My name is Vela, of Aurctas, and this is Dritz, of Chrysala. We've traveled here to learn more about Trelos and its people, and we've already been in discussion with one of your leaders, Arlin. Would you mind if we asked you some questions? Unless you are too busy, of course. We don't want to bother you.] Dritz was already starting to translate, as well as mentioning the significance of her hand movements, and Vela felt herself tense in anticipation in case this Trelosian refused to interact with them.
With the planet's climate being so similar in temperature and humidity to Chrysala, Dritz found himself quietly contemplating how his home world used to be, with much more plant life growing freely, before the buildings and industry took over and they had to take pains to avoid wiping out their plants altogether. It was nice to see it all growing so freely, almost encouraged to break from any confines other than the farmland.
Of course, it could never be long before they were spotted and approached. They had both been expecting it; on a planet that only saw traders some of the time, it would be incredibly weird for two such as themselves to be seen just roaming.
He smiled warmly at the Trelosian, making short work of explaining, with signing of his own as well, who they were, and what it was they were doing there. "May I ask your name, friend? I always like to know who I'm speaking to," he added in a friendly tone.
"Jern," the Trelosian replied briefly, still apparently trying to figure out the two of them and what exactly they were saying. "My name is Jern. Ah... nice to meet you." He squinted again, before finally shrugging. "That's interesting. Not sure why anyone would want to come here unless it was to trade. We live a simple life farming on Trelos, and I feel like that's all there is to know."
[You may think it's simple, but it's also admirable. Trelos is a wonderful planet. What is it that you do here?] Vela gestured around to what she assumed was Jern's farm, and the village as a whole, waiting for Dritz to translate.
"Well, this is one of the smaller communities of farmers. Most of us are farmers, you know. But here we grow more specialty crops, while large communities produce most of our trade goods on their farms. I prefer life here, a little slower than on a large farm." Jern seemed enthusiastic enough to talk about it, but he also looked tired, with a continued wariness of them. Vela smiled again, trying to put him at ease.
[I see. Thank you. I'm glad you enjoy life here. My own people are actually in search of a new home to share with another species, and Trelos is one we'd like to consider.] It was better to talk as though the Aurians were already in favor of the idea, for now. [We discussed it with Arlin, and know there will need to be many talks among the leaders and people of Trelos before a decision is made. What do you think of the general idea?]
"I don't know." Jern sounded even more wary now, his focus shifting to Dritz as the one who could actually talk and answer him. "Why here? Are these Aurians desperate?"
Stepping away from his role as translator (which, admittedly, he was enjoying greatly; it made him feel important), Dritz shook his head.
"Desperation would not paint Trelos in a favourable light, would it, Jern?" he said cheerfully. "I prefer to think of it as a smart choice on the part of the Aurians. They're a hardworking people and would want nothing more than to contribute to, and build a society with those who accept them. Trelos is a thriving planet with the potential to accommodate and provide jobs for them to make their own lives easier. Auctas is a harsh planet that is no longer providing for them, and mere survival is not life, is it? Even on Chrysala we recognise the importance of a balance between work and down time. And we love work!" He chuckled, shoving his hands in his pockets. He wanted to keep his tone light despite the severity of the situation being made clear in his explanation.
"It seems to me that the Aurians making a home for themselves with your people would be mutually beneficial. More trade, a larger work force, more activity and community... Sounds nice, doesn't it?"
It seemed Jern was at least mulling over what Dritz was saying, his head tilted though still frowning. Vela was once again glad for the Chrysalan's presence and grasp of the situation, added to his ability to speak aloud and put her thoughts directly into words without her having to sign first. He understood how she felt so well that he was even saying things she might have said herself.
"I guess I understand," the Trelosian said slowly, not sounding convinced. "So the Aurians are facing what amounts to the death of their world... We were in the same place, once. Of course that wasn't even near my lifetime. But even if that's true... It doesn't mean the Aurians are well-suited to Trelos, or living in our communities. Plus they..." He hesistated, glancing at Vela, then apparently deciding to speak his mind. "They can't even talk aloud. We don't know that sign language."
[We could teach you,] Vela signed, trying not to feel discouraged. [And we could also learn to speak aloud. It's possible, given time.] She didn't want to demonstrate, thinking her few poor attempts at words would not make a very good impression.
"I just don't know," Jern told them after Dritz had translated again. "I need to think about whether I would like it or not. Maybe discuss it with others in this village? You have our leaders to get through, first. But I can see what everyone else thinks. I just can't promise anything. I think our lives are fine as they are, and I'm not sure we need anything else."
It wasn't too much longer before they said their farewells and left the Trelosian behind, as Vela and Dritz needed to head for the transport. She didn't try speaking to him as they walked, turning her head slightly to one side and pretending to study more of the foliage.
Jern had said the Aurians might not be needed. If he was a typical Trelosian, then...
[It is quite easy to learn,] Dritz signed back eagerly as he said it aloud at the same time. "Don't let a language barrier be the reason your worlds can't integrate! I am not naturally gifted with languages, but I have managed to learn quite a lot of Aurian in a few months. Enough to be translating for my companion, even!"
Dritz did his best not to look disheartened as he listened to Jern, nodding sagely. He did appreciate what the Trelosian was saying, but individuals that were so stuck in their ways upset and frustrated him. He was lucky enough to have seen so much embracing of change on Chrysala, and he believed it had bettered all of them. Of course, there were those resistant to change wherever he went, but those who rejected it ended up left behind...
It wouldn't do to say something to severe, though.
Instead, he waited until they were alone and threw his arm around Vela, pulling her close to him, "That's only one Trelosian. There's loads of them; we just need a couple on our side, and a couple will become many." He looked over at her and smiled before kissing her cheek.
Dritz was right: it was only one Trelosian. Jern would talk to others, who might have different views and be able to persuade him far easier than Dritz and herself. She finally gave the Chrysalan as confident of a smile as she could manage as she slipped her own arm around him in return. They walked together comfortably as they made their way to the transport station, still drawing stares, but Vela ignored them for the moment.
She hadn't known exactly what to expect in regard to the transport, as very little was actually documented about Trelosian technology. The sight of the long machine, made of a light-colored metal which shone in the sunlight, certainly made her pause. It was roughly cylindrical in shape with a flattened tail and no wheels that she could see, likely meaning it flew above the ground.
There was no one else at the station, and the transport operator was looking at a datapad and not even paying attention to their approach. They began saying something in Trelosian without glancing up, then gave a start when they looked to see why there was no response.
"Oh... traders. Strange. Off-season?" It took a few minutes of explaining, but the Trelosian finally accepted they were there on other business and under the authority of Arlin. "City hub, I'm assuming?"
Dritz and Vela agreed, entering the transport through a narrow door on one side. The operator sat very near the front while they sat on one of the rows of seats toward the middle of the vehicle. Vela was glad they were alone, especially when the transport jolted abruptly.
"Hold on," the operator called back as a sort of afterthought, alarming her further. There were no safety devices to hold them in the seats. As the transport left the ground, it took off at surprising speed.
Dritz was sitting by the window, and Vela threw her arms around him for stability against the motion of the vehicle, squeezing her good eye shut for the moment. Flying on the Nova was one thing, but this was very strange for her.
The Trelosian transport vessel was strange to Dritz, with the open carriage compartments and the conductor's controls out in the open. Of course the public transport would be different to the shuttles on Chrysala, but he couldn't help but note how different. Back home, the shuttles would hold a maximum of thirty people during the busiest hours, and ran regularly from district to district, but nothing ran within the district limits, and one would have to find another way from place to place; on foot. He couldn't help but sit by the window and watch the greenery whoosh by in dark streaks. Until he felt Vela squash against him, and when he looked she had her eyes closed.
"Everything okay, flower?" he asked, sounding somewhat panicked as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly and stroking her hair. His voice lowered to a soft and gentle buzz and he stroked her cheekbone, "Hey, if you slowly and carefully look up and out of the window, we have a pretty view at the moment. But you gotta look at the horizon, nothing close, okay? It's going by really fast, but the horizon looks slower."
The transport was simply going too fast. That had to be all it was. If it was slower, Vela felt sure she wouldn't be having this problem.
Dritz was nothing but caring and comforting toward her, as he always was during any situation she seemed distraught. After a little while with his arms around her, she nodded and managed to slowly lift her head toward the window.
Her left eye opening just a crack, she looked out toward the horizon as best she could. The Trelosian sky was its lovely shade of pale yellow, with many green plants just underneath it going by in such a blur that it almost looked solid. It was pretty, but she made the mistake of shifting her eye a little closer and immediately became very dizzy.
[It's nice,] she signed shakily, [but I don't think I should look. The speed is upsetting my mechanical eye and making me dizzy. Transports aren't... like this on every planet, are they? Like yours?] Another wave of dizziness washed over her, and she gave up keeping her eye open to cling tightly onto Dritz again instead.
"No, no, flower, the transports I've experienced have all been much slower than this," Dritz cooed, stroking her hair. Truthfully, even he was startled by the speed of the shuttle.
Holding her head gently against his chest, her kept her steady to avoid her becoming dizzier.
"On Chrysala, there's transport between districts, and the biggest cities, but mostly we walk in built up areas," he told her, hoping his chatter might help her focus on something else, "Some folks have bikes to get around, and there are small roads in bigger towns, but as the buildings got denser, and more and more places built up, we decided it was better to have as little traffic as possible. And there are moving walkways in some places that are known to house older citizens. Those moving walkways also lead to the farmlands, like a big moving bridge. I'm actually looking forward to having you come to Chrysala one day!" He rambled about his home planet, leaving no detail unexplained, until they arrived.
Relieved when Dritz reassured her that Chrysalan transports were slower, Vela kept her eyes shut, grateful for the way he held her head so gently and close. She listened with fascination, able to forget about her dizziness for the most part until the vehicle had finally slowed to a stop.
[I want to go there,] she signed after she felt capable of letting go, giving Dritz a weak smile. [It sounds wonderful to see, and so different from Aurctas.] She had to wonder whether the reason she wanted to see it so badly was that very difference itself, or the fact that she wanted to know as much as possible about Dritz and his life.
They made their way off the transport to find themselves in what the Trelosians were calling a "city," though Vela wondered if it was anything like what Dritz had experience with. A lot of the buildings were the same as in the village, but there seemed to be more of them, spaced more closely together and bordered by dirt paths. They had fully intended to wander the area and see who there was to talk to with the use of a map on the datapad, but they had barely gotten out of sight of the transport station before a Trelosian approached them.
This one was dressed in the same style of clothing than Jern had been, though in slightly brighter colors. This led Vela to either believe it was a class difference or perhaps a gender difference. They were quite calm and matter of fact, dividing their gaze evenly between the two. "You are welcome, traders, though you are early. Perhaps you wish to see the volume our storehouses can contain? There are many who feel our population can't possible produce enough for decent trade, so to wish to see that in advance is not offensive. The main farmland surrounds the city in a wide ring; it's possible to see how large it is when flying overhead. My name is Terin, and I can assist you in any other way you might require."
This entire dialogue had seemed well-practiced and familiar to Terin, who must surely be in charge of seeing to the interests of visiting traders. Vela hesitated a moment, glancing at Dritz before shaking her head. [I'm sorry, but we aren't traders. We're here to learn more about you and your planet, however. I am Vela and this is Dritz, from Aurctas and Chrysala. We do have another mission of incredible importance which we have already discussed with one of your leaders, Arlin.] She allowed Dritz to take over, noting the way Terin was eyeing her motions closely.
Thankfully, with the speed of the transport, it did not take long for them to arrive, though Dritz would have been perfectly contented to stay there and keep Vela calm and close. He enjoyed her resting against his chest.
When they finally made it, however, he found himself slightly confused. The city seemed to be little more than a cramped version of the village, but then, he supposed that was exactly what a city was.
Terin, or so they introduced themselves, seemed very businesslike in their mannerisms, and had they actually been on trade business, Dritz would have immediately taken to them and been impressed. As it happened, he was more concerned for their unusual request.
"Greetings, Terin. And what a lovely greeting it was! Sadly, however, we are not traders. Allow me to introduce my companion, Vela of Aurctas. The Aurian language is not spoken, as you can see, so I am here to act as a translator. I'm Dritz, and my heritage is probably obvious to you if you're aware of Chrysala. We are here with the hopes of learning more about yourselves and your beautiful planet. Is there anywhere you might suggest we start?"
"You're not traders." Terin sounded more surprised and confused than anything else, putting Vela on her guard. It was as though the Trelosian didn't understand how they could be anything else. "I'm not sure why you would want to learn anything, you could look up the information on your own..."
Terin was already backing away from them as Vela watched sadly. "I don't think I can help you. There are others, surely...."
[I'm sorry,] Vela signed as Dritz immediately began to translate for her. [We will look for help elsewhere, but thank you for your time.] They allowed Terin to melt back into the city, and Vela felt the first traces of frustration coming over her. The Trelosian had been helpful enough, but couldn't come to terms with them beyond what their roles might be. She didn't say anything to Dritz but began to march on through the city, unaware that he was beginning to look a little worried too.
Several other Trelosians showed minimal interest in them, but ultimately didn't show any particular inclination to help. Vela was beginning to wonder if they were wasting their time in this city, when they spotted a much smaller Trelosian wandering across one of the dirt roads. She didn't know much about children, as her area of Aurctas didn't have any after she had grown up.
At first she thought she would pass by, but the child Trelosian was actually quick to approach them once noticed. "What are you?" they asked in innocent awe, as well as perfect Basic. Flustered, Vela turned to Dritz without trying to explain herself.
Once Terin had made up their mind to leave, it was obvious that Vela was beginning to fret more. Truthfully, so was Dritz. The Trelosian had almost seemed frightened of them. It seemed bizarre to be scared of the two of them, but he supposed it was more that they did not know, or could not understand, their business or reasons for being on the planet.
It was some time before they found another willing to even listen, and even then they could not help them in any way. Then a small child approached, and Dritz beamed, clapping his hands together and crouching in front of the young Trelosian.
"Hi there! My name's Dritz, and this is Vela. We're very pleased to meet you," he said brightly, "Who are you?"
"Pleased to meet you," the small Trelosian repeated faintly, though Vela wasn't sure if it was because they remembered some form of manners, or were just repeating Dritz's words. "Your names sound funny. Mine is Marin."
Marin wasn't showing any fear of them, but Vela remained unsure that talking to a child was going to help further their cause. At the same time, Dritz seemed engaged and enjoying himself, and she supposed there was no real harm. And who was to say whether it would truly help or not?
[Hello. Dritz is correct, we are pleased to meet you. Your name is nice,] she signed awkwardly, unsure of what to say in any case.
"Did she talk to me?" Marin asked Dritz after watching Vela closely. "She's pretty, but strange too. And you are very strange," She reached up as though to touch Dritz's antennae, then seemed to realize she shouldn't. "Why don't you look like me?"
Dritz laughed and nodded, "I guess they are a bit funny! I think Marin is a pretty name, though." He crouched down to face her properly, as he did with his many younger siblings.
"She did talk to you, yeah! My friend here is from Aurctas, which is super, super far away. And I'm from Chrysala. I bet a clever kid like you knows where that is though! Anyway, my friend doesn't have a spoken language like we do, so she speaks with her hands. Isn't that cool?" He showed her a gesture, "This is how you say 'hello'. Vela said she's pleased to meet you, and that she likes your name too."
He glanced up at Vela with a beam. Having a lot of young siblings meant that he loved interacting with children.
"Well, we don't look alike because we're from so many different places," he explained, "You're definitely clever to observe such a thing so astutely. Did you want to touch my antennae? You held your hand up. If you want to, you can, but you gotta be gentle, since they are important for a Chrysalan." He chuckled, his antennae waving in a relaxed manner.
Watching Dritz with Marin had a relaxing quality to it. This softened Vela to the point where she simply stood and listened without offering any further input for the moment.
"Aurctas," Marin repeated, sounding a little confused about it. "Chrysala. I remember that one. But I didn't know what you look like. Funny." She repeated the gesture for "hello" almost absently, though she did get it right.
"Can I?" Most of her childlike attention seemed held by Dritz's antennae, and Vela watched with a smile as she reached up and gingerly touched one, then the other, mouth open in curiosity. "They move," she whispered. "Can you see in the dark with them?"
Marin didn't understand the amused reaction this received, but it didn't take long for her to move on to another topic. "Why are you here? Does she want to live here?" The young Trelosian was looking at Vela now, and she had the sense that this might be more of an important conversation than she had originally realized.
Dritz couldn't help the burst of laughter as Marin asked if he could see in the dark with his antennae. He shook his head, "No, but that is a good question! Maybe a long time ago when we were still biiig bugs, huh? These days they don't have that much function." He plopped down on the floor to look at Marin with a slightly more serious expression.
"Well, that's another very good question. Aurctas is very far away, and it isn't a very kind planet. Trelos has pretty plants and a nice, warm temperature, right? Well Aurctas is very, very cold, and doesn't have much plants, so the Aurians, who live there, don't have much to eat or the means to build much. They have real hard lives. That's sad, right?" he explained, slowly and kindly. "So we're looking for somewhere that the Aurians might be able to go to have a nicer life. They want to work hard and be warm and welcomed. But we need help from the Trelosians, like you."
"Cold?" Marin repeated. "I don't know what that is, but if it's not nice... the Aurians should come live here. We have lots of room. My father told me half of Trelos is just plants with no one living there. And my mother said once that she thinks it's kind of boring here sometimes... But don't tell anyone. That was a secret."
The young Trelosian had seemed to naturally shift herself toward Dritz when he sat down, and was soon leaning against his leg and looking up at him in earnest. "It's nice here. There's more than enough for everyone. Do the Aurians... do they have children? Someone I could play with too?"
Vela had been unable to stop smiling during this entire exchange, though her expression softened further as Marin expressed her childlike desire for the Aurians to live on Trelos. [I wish it would be that easy,] she added so that Dritz could see. [There are Aurian children, but probably not as many as the Trelosians have. You would have to teach them how to play. I'm not sure they know how.] Undeniably, a thin mist had come across Vela's normal eye as she spoke. If only it really could be that simple.
Dritz made a motion over his mouth to indicate that he would not ever tell such a deep secret before smiling. Marin had been the most accommodating of the Trelosians so far, it was just such a shame that she held no real power to allow them to integrate the Aurians there.
What came next proved difficult. Dritz's smile turned sad as he explained what Vela had said. "Remember how I said that the Aurians have a really hard life? Well, Vela says that the kids might not know how to play any games, so you'd need to help them. There also isn't many of them," he said softly, reaching up to touch Vela's hand gently. "It makes my friend sad, because she wants them to play. Would you be able to teach them, huh? If the Aurians came here? You'd look after the other kids and show them how to play lots of games, wouldn't you? I bet you know so many fun ones."
A small piece of the Chrysalan's heart felt as though it was breaking. He knew, or he ought to, that the Aurian lives were so different as to have bizarrely mature children, but the thought was not one he liked entertaining.
Even Marin was starting to look sad now as Dritz explained to her about the young Aurians. Yet it seemed she had a strong spirit, for she was soon leaning over further and giving as determined of a nod as a small child could.
"That's too bad they don't know how to play any games. I can teach them. And my friends can too. We know a lot of games! They're fun." It seemed she was excited about the idea, and Vela thought it best to remind her through Dritz that there was only a small chance the Aurians could come live here. This didn't seem to alter much of Marin's enthusiasm, however.
"I'll tell my parents about it. They always know what to do. And they can talk to our leaders. I want to help." Vela was so touched by all of this that she found she didn't know quite what to say. But Marin had jumped up eagerly and was patting Dritz on the shoulder, then touching Vela's hand shyly. "I have to go. I was supposed to be heading home anyway... they'll worry. But I'll tell them. They always believe me. So please come back again someday, okay?"
It was difficult to even get in a goodbye before Marin had run off. Vela looked down at Dritz, offering her hand as he stood up before signing, [I wish all Trelosians were so easy to convince. This young one was lovely.] She put her arms around him gently, feeling more hope even though she knew nothing might come of it.
The little Trelosian wasted no time in bounding off in the most adorable way, reminding Dritz very much of his closest sister, who was just as bright eyed and curious, and bold with her words. He watched her go with a brighter smile.
"What a sweetie," he muttered, taking Vela's hand (though he made sure not to use her to lift himself, fearing she might simply fall on top of him) and standing. He gladly leaned into the embrace, wrapping the Aurian in his arms with a happy sigh, "It's nice to have a little spark of positivity. You seem happier too. Thing is though, flower, children are persuasive. They see things for what they are, and I think Marin will pester her family until she's heard." He laughed, resting his forehead against hers.
Vela closed her eye for a time, content to stay just as they were, and almost needing it. It was good to think of Marin possibly being of some help, even if not right away. Jern would be talking to others, and even if no one else in this city were to listen to them, Marin would tell her parents and possibly her friends, who could also speak to their parents. Dritz was correct that she did feel happier; the incident had reminded her that not all hope was lost.
[You were very good with her,] Vela signed as they resumed their walking at last. [I admit I don't know much about children, there weren't any nearby when I had grown up. Is it because of your siblings that you knew how to talk to her so well? How many of them are children now?] Her curiosity about Dritz and his life had returned, meaning she had to know the answers now without saving her questions for another time.
Dritz chuckled. "I suppose, yeah. I just like kids, they're so... accepting. They have their questions, but it's never harsh or judgmental. They just have their own ways of understanding things, and they don't hold grudges or prejudices. It's amazing," he said thoughtfully, sliding his fingers with Vela's, holding her hand as they walked.
Looking slightly sheepish, Dritz did a quick count in his head, "I guess... there's maybe two that are still very little, like Marin's sort of age, and then a couple of teens, and another my age, but they're only my immediate siblings. My mother and her primary partner both have several others, so I have a lot of them! I'm one of the oldest though. Did you grow up around other children?" He turned to her with a soft expression, hoping she would say yes, so she could have at least experienced time with others her own age.
[I wonder if all children everywhere are like that,] Vela signed reflectively, letting go of Dritz's hand for the moment, but finding herself drifting back to it whenever she stopped talking.
[That is a lot.] She was a little bewildered by the concept, but understood it was different for other species. [I think I mentioned that we don't form family units. I would know if I'm related to someone, but other than that... Yes, there were two others with me. One I was very close to, and thought would leave Aurctas with me when the time came.] The only way she felt able to express her sadness over the loss of her friend was to shake her head slowly. [The other was quite aloof from us. But I suppose it was simply a differing personality, not any actual dislike.]
For the moment she felt she would rather focus on Dritz than her own history. [How do Chrysalans live with more than one partner and family? All in the same place, or do they divide their time? Did you have to look after the ones younger than you? Are you good friends with any of them, like the one who is your age?] The flurry of questions she put to him might not have been appropriate to their current situation, but Vela thought they had the time, and by now she was engrossed in the topic.
"I dunno," the Chrysalan mused, "I think that sort of thing depends on how their lives are... I've heard about places where the children are delinquents, and almost run things on the planet. Or maybe that was a story... " He shrugged, chuckling. "Either way, I don't think all children are the same, sadly. Most, though."
The idea of no family unit did make Dritz somewhat sad, but he had decided a while ago that the differences between himself and Vela were what made them interesting, and unless something made her sad, he would try to accept it. "It's a shame the other kid didn't want to be friends, but... I guess in such a difficult environment I probably wouldn't be so cheerful either."
He smiled, gesturing as he spoke, though it was abstract movement, talking with his free hand as opposed to directing or indicating anything, "Well, sometimes they all live together, but I know my parents didn't really have the space or money to do that. We would have a regular gathering of everyone, though, with everyone bringing food so no one had to do all of the cooking for such a large group." He couldn't help but laugh as he tried to think about all the questions she had given him. “Kli, he's my age... we get along well. To see us side by side, you wouldn't believe we were related apart from a similar skin tone, though. But yeah, everyone pitches in with daily care. Tvie took to me really quickly... I'm not sure why, but she followed me everywhere for a while, it was pretty cute. I think you'll like her, I know she'll like you."
Vela listened raptly to everything Dritz said, from the concept of children running a planet, to the details of Chrysalan home life and information about some of his siblings. It was all incredibly fascinating to her, and she was absorbed in it in spite of herself.
[It's nice to think of everyone getting along so well,] she signed with a smile. [I imagine having multiple partners and different children between them must be quite... different than anything I know. Aurians are very devoted to their one partner, even if the idea of a family doesn't extend to children.] She wondered briefly whether that could change if they did move to Trelos, thinking it might be nice if so.
[They all sound wonderful. I would like to meet them. I want to see those who are close to you. But they may think I'm odd. What would make the little one like me?] She wanted to believe what Dritz was saying was true, but she did have concerns otherwise.
Wrapping an arm around Vela and kissing her temple, relishing the soft tickle of her pale hair against his nose, Dritz chuckled softly, "And I always thought that the idea of being devoted to a single person would be odd, as it's different to everything I know. I mean, some Chrysalans are just devoted to their primary, and they're completely happy with that, but I never thought that'd be me 'til I met you." He squeezed her to him gently, beaming.
He kissed her again for reassurance. "She's a very curious little thing, she will be utterly fascinated by your language. I bet she'll want to learn it. She'll like your hair too, I think. While everything 'fashionable' on Chrysala right now is very colourful, she really likes the sort of pale colours, and it's really rare to see very, very light hair on us. I hope you will like them all. Tvie will have maaany questions for you, I'm sure!"
They walked quietly for a bit longer, before he asked, "Are you nervous to go to Chrysala? You seem to be pretty worried about my family finding you unusual... I just don't like the thought of you being uncomfortable."
Vela was enjoying the feeling of Dritz being close to her, and managed to return some of his kisses. She nodded in understanding, while still thinking that if he found someone else he wanted to be with as well, she would easily be able to accept that.
The reasons Tvie would be interested in her were surprising, but made Vela feel better about getting to meet her. If she was not completely odd, and in fact had some attractive qualities to the Chrysalans, it would only help. Her desire to fit in among them was also strange to her. It shouldn't matter, but...
[I know I will like them,] she finally signed once her arm was free again. [I guess I am a little nervous. It was a problem I encountered before I left my home. I was worried that I would be unable to integrate with anyone else. But you find my presence enjoyable. I think Orion did, too. That prince from Coronus...] She made a very dismissive gesture. [But I know not everyone will like me. I feel as though your family will be accepting, as they taught you to be accepting. Or I hope so. You know them best.]
She gave Dritz the slightest smile, thinking it best they return to the task at hand for now. [Do you want to continue our search?]
Dritz couldn't help the smirk that came across his lips when Vela mentioned the prince of Coronus. "Ah, I dunno that Fera likes anyone, flower, I wouldn't worry about his opinion too much. Orion definitely seemed to like you, though. I think he liked your language a lot, or he certainly seemed to. I can understand you feeling nervous though," he said. Wanting to give her the space to speak, but still wanting to be close to her, Dritz let his hand rest at the small of her back, his fingers stroking lightly as they went.
"We should continue. Marin has given me some more hope that we will find Aurians willing to speak to us, to listen and to be enthusiastic. Perhaps none will be as enthusiastic as she was, but it's a start," he chuckled.
Dritz's words proved true; they found no other Trelosian as enthusiastic or willing to talk as Marin had been that day, or even the next day. It was not for lack of trying, as they traveled in a fairly wide area to speak to as many citizens as possible. There were also a couple of meetings with leaders other than Arlin, but they seemed incredibly conservative in their responses and general attitude. Overall, some promised to think more about it, but it appeared the majority didn't find the idea of the Aurians to be of much particular interest.
At the end of the third day, as Arlin had decided, Vela and Dritz met with the elderly Trelosian leader a final time before they would depart in the morning. Even remembering Marin, Vela was feeling reserved and not much like conversation unless necessary. She would add her input, but only if it was important.
"Ah, there you are," Arlin spoke with a smile as they approached. The evening was just beginning to dim, the sky darkening into its more golden color and a soft wind beginning to pick up and move through the foliage to create a rustling which surrounded them. It was the same place they had always met, and they sat on the now familiar benches near Arlin after greeting her.
"So. For three days you have done what you could. And I'm sure you did the very best you could." Arlin's voice was kind, but Vela kept her eyes fixed on a clump of greenish flowers growing near her feet. The blossoms were nodding along with the breeze in a way which was oddly comforting. Â "What have you learned during your stay here?"
It was not a question Vela had thought to be asked. She frowned a little, giving Dritz a glance to let him know he could speak first.
Sadly, there were a lot of disappointing conversations filling their time, even if not all of them were terribly negative. The most upsetting part was that Vela had clearly been hoping for so much more. It pained Dritz that he couldn't just hand her these things she wanted for her people.
Arlin's face remained a warm and friendly one, however, and she was a considerable comfort to see. Dritz tried to keep their meeting casual, as he felt Arlin had become a friend to them, leaning back on the bench with one hand supporting him, though he was keeping his voice fairly formal.
"The Trelosians do seem to want to keep themselves to themselves. Isolation is not the correct way to put it, but it's the closest thing I can think of at the moment," he said carefully, glancing at Vela, "I don't mind saying, I'm pretty disappointed, but... I suppose everyone has their own troubles, don't they? There were a few who were a bit more open to us, though, and they were great. You yourself have been a welcoming beacon of encouragement to us."
"I see. That's not unexpected." Arlin didn't sound disappointed, which surprised Vela somewhat. She finally did glance up in curiosity at the older Trelosian, seeing she was watching and likely awaiting some input from her as well. "Isolation is close. The truth that many don't want to recognize is that we need help on this planet, and it's not going to come from within."
[There were a few who seemed intrigued,] Vela signed abruptly, with Dritz translating. [I appreciate them, but I wonder if it was enough. Those few are not... influential in the community.]
"Ah, but you never know," Arlin replied briskly. "Change can be born of the tiniest spark. It will just need time to grow." Her gaze was now firmly fixed on Vela, who looked back curiously. "There are mutterings of you spreading to all inhabited areas of our lands already, in just three days. I would say your visit was constructive. Perhaps returning to your starting point for now and planning further would be best. And a few conversations with the Aurians themselves, and the Chrysalans, hm? You are attempting a wonderful thing for your people, and I believe you have done well. From the bottom of my heart, I would also like to thank you."
Arlin actually moved from her bench then, standing to bow to them. This startled Vela so much that she quickly stood and bowed too. [You have my welcome, and also my thanks. I will continue to hold onto my hope as much as possible.]
Dritz listened with a soft smile, watching Vela and Arlin interacting, helping Vela with the odd translation when he was needed. The old Trelosian had been so kind to them, so helpful, and her words stoked the flickering embers of his hope for the Aurians and Trelos. That they were even beginning to discuss the newcomers was promising in itself. He agreed that they now needed to make sure they followed through on it; speaking to the Aurians to start persuading them that the move would save them, and see if the Chrysalan authorities would be willing to assist. Dritz still believed they would have some luck in that endeavour.
He too stood when Vela did, bowing to Arlin as well. He couldn't help but take her small hands in his and hold them gently, "As will we, ma'am. You are a credit to your people. If there's anything at all I, personally, could ever do to aid you or Trelos in return for your hospitality, please contact me."
"I certainly will," Arlin replied, her own smile rather wide. "Not to place any pressure, but I might be counting on you to start bringing about this union of our species so that I can pass from this world with a peaceful soul. I am old, and don't think I could make an extended trip across space to see to it myself."
The Trelosian withdrew momentarily before reaching into a pocket of her robes and retrieving a small device which Vela didn't recognize. As it was handed to her, she studied the roughly oval piece of metal, smaller than her palm, which had several switches and buttons along the side. "It's a form of communication device our few scientists developed recently," Arlin explained, showing them how it was used. "I have another one. We can use them to keep in contact over the enormous distance between us, though be aware that it will take a matter of hours for messages to be transmitted. Even so, it's rather remarkable, don't you think? We have the capability for so much more, but we will need the Aurians to help us. Do let me know if there is any notable news. Farewell, and good luck on your own union."
Vela wasn't sure what Arlin was referring to until she caught the look that went between herself and Dritz. Then she smiled awkwardly, giving another bow. [We look forward to working together, I think. Thank you again for all you have done, and take care of yourself.] Dritz translated and added his own goodbye, and soon they were walking away together, back in the direction of the hangar, their personal items already having been moved from their room back to the Nova.
[It went well,] Vela signed as they walked, turning slightly toward Dritz. [Better than I might have hoped for. I will try to remain optimistic, though there were disappointments I won't easily forget. But thank you for coming here with me. Without you, I...] She hesitated to finish that statement, instead slipping her hand into his and intertwining their fingers, squeezing tightly.
Dritz once again thanked Arlin, for the comms device, her kind acknowledgment of their coupling, her hospitality for the umpteenth time, and was eventually steered away by Vela.
They walked slowly, Dritz idly toying with Vela's hand, not holding it, but just hooking his fingers in hers, stroking her palm. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but with you, flower," he said softly, leaning in and kissing her cheek, returning the gentle squeeze of their hands. "We will continue to work this out."
He cupped her face and kissed her softly before pulling her into his arms, "I promise we can do this."
