by Robin Roseau
There was a single heartbeat, and then Cecilia was screaming, "Corinne! Shawn!" And then she was running.
The two of them stepped a short distance from the landing craft, and then Cecilia was there. She came to a sliding stop, but then the man reached out and picked up his mother, swinging her about high in the air before pulling her to him, her feet a good forty centimeters from the ground. I could hear her screeches, but she threw her arms around his neck, and the two hugged fiercely.
Then, as gentle as gentle can be, he set his mother on her feet, held her until she was steady, and she turned to her daughter, pulling Corinne into her arms.
"Why didn't she recognize them?" I asked Savannah.
"Rejuvenation," she replied. "Do you understand?" I nodded. "Shawn took a special treatment for this trip. He knows this is a rugged planet, and he wishes to experience it fully. He took this body for that. When Cecilia last saw him, he was only 185 centimeters and perhaps 85 kilograms. Now, well, you see."
"He is a giant."
"There are more surprises," Savannah said. "Wait."
The three talked animatedly for a minute, and I saw Cecilia brush at her cheeks. She took more hugs and kisses from her children, but then they all turned to the landing ramp, and two more people stepped down, another man and woman. The woman was huge, not as large as Shawn was, but huge.
"Shawn's current partner," Savannah said. "She took treatment with Shawn. And Corinne's partner."
"You do not say husband or wife?"
"Marriages are common, but not universal. I understand that is true here, as well."
"We do not have marriages as you do, but we have relationships that may be temporary or may be permanent. Sometimes a temporary relationship becomes permanent or a permanent relationship becomes temporary."
"And so it is everywhere," she replied. "Corinne has been with this man for, I believe, a decade or so. I do not believe it will last much longer. They bicker. But Shawn is deeply devoted to Amirah, and so I believe they have some years before them." She glanced at me. "But now you must tell me. Did you understand what I said to my sister earlier?"
I glanced at her. "I am told information has value."
She laughed. "I would agree with that. Are you suggesting I pay you for this information? Is this the great, Talmonese welcome?"
"Your sister is fond of intellectual stimulation. I believe you are like her in this way. And thus providing you with a challenge, however weak it may be, would be very welcoming, wouldn't you say?"
She laughed again. "And what price should I pay to learn if you speak German? I am sure I can determine the truth on my own if required."
"I should introduce you to Maddalyn. She is on Cecilia's staff, but we have become friends. We have had great, long conversations lasting days and days. They were difficult at first, but we have become quite conversant over the last two years. She is from Frantzland. Do you know it?"
"I do," Savannah said. "An unpleasant place."
"So Maddalyn reports," I replied.
"And so, she has taught you to speak German. Would that be more comfortable than English for you?"
"English is fine, or Talmonese of course," I said. I considered for a moment. "Your conversation with your sister was safe. I only learned a few phrases, incidentally at that, phrases Maddalyn uses from time to time."
Savannah smiled. "You offer me this information freely? I thought you were to demand a price."
"Perhaps you will have me at a disadvantage in the future, but you will not take undue profit from it."
"I may take due profit, but not undue profit?"
"Of course," I said.
"Oh, I would so steal you from my sister," she said, "if she did not depend upon you so heavily."
At that, she released my arm, stepping away. Cecilia arrived with her children, and it was time for more introductions.
* * * *
After that, the remaining visitors descended upon us in larger groups. It had been deemed fitting for those closest to Cecilia to have their individual greetings, but when it got down to grandchildren, nieces, and the like, they came in large clumps. By the time everyone had exited the lander, we had eight more people than planned, but that was no problem. We would make it all work. There was plenty of room at the resort, and we had ample opportunity to make arrangements in the other places we would be going.
I stepped back after meeting Cecilia's children, leaving her and Sartine to meet the rest without me, but at one point, Savannah approached, pulling a beautiful woman with her. She -- like most of them -- appeared to be mid-twenties, but I had long stopped trying to guess ages. She wore her hair long, straight, full, and a russet red. Her features were sharp, her hands delicate, her lips full.
She was exotic in appearance and beautiful beyond belief. I felt myself responding to her even before we were introduced, and that had never happened to me before.
Savannah performed introductions in English. "Chaladine, I would like to introduce you to someone very important to me. This is my granddaughter, Delilah. The two of you are of a similar age. I thought perhaps you would like to get to know each other."
The woman smiled, and my heart did a little pitter-patter. She held out her hand. "Please, call me Del," she said, and I almost died at the sound of her voice.
I made an utter fool of myself, staring at her, but she laughed and tucked my hand in her arm.
"I am pleased to meet you," I finally managed to say.
"She does talk, Grandmother," Del said. "And English no less. She's very cute."
Savannah was smiling at us, probably amused at my reaction, and then she stepped away, leaving us to work things out between us.
This stunningly beautiful woman thought I was cute. I could handle that.
"Welcome to Talmon," I managed to add. "I hope you will enjoy your time there."
She smiled again and rubbed my hand. "I believe I shall," she replied. "Oh, I had my doubts when I agreed to come, but Aunt Cecilia practically begged, and promised a grand adventure besides. And already I see the advantages."
Looking past Delilah, I saw Christianna watching us. She frowned deeply, and then she moved towards Cecilia, standing not far away from me. She spoke words I didn't hear, and Cecilia glanced in our direction. But then I heard her say clearly, "Trust me, Mother."
Then Delilah asked me a question, and I was lost to her smile.
Family Welcome
Delilah kept possession of my hand. When I told her I had duties, she went with me, clinging to my hand, and I let her.
I couldn't tell you how much I wanted to kiss those lips. Oh, I wanted to taste those lips. I wanted to run my fingers through her hair and feel her hands against my skin. I wanted to touch and hold and...
I had to shake myself.
Cecilia gave a speech in Talmonese, speaking loudly so everyone from Sudden could understand. She introduced her parents and closest relatives. Then she made rounds, drawing her parents, sister, and children with her, introducing them to a group here and there, beginning with my family, then her staff, then others amongst those assembled.
I told Delilah I had to make adjustments to our transportation. She went with me, her warmth and scent intoxicating, making it hard to think. But I managed to make the adjustments. We didn't have enough of the ground vehicles to take so many in one trip, and I did not think the travelers would appreciate a nearly three-hour ride by carriage after just arriving. And so I arranged for two trips, sending a portion of Cecilia's family ahead. Sartine helped sort them out, and when Delilah realized what I was doing, she also provided direction.
"You were expecting perhaps ten fewer."
"We didn't want to use jumpers," I replied. "You just have your feet on the ground, and we did not want to lift you so high immediately. But some of the staff will take jumper rides."
"I am very impressed with your English," she said. "When I saw you, I wondered how we were to communicate." She traced a hand along my arm. "I thou
ght perhaps we would find a way."
"I-" My brain shut down again, and Delilah realized it. She laughed.
"I am perhaps too forward."
"No," I said. "You are perhaps too beautiful."
She laughed louder at that. "Thank you, Chaladine. Does my appearance please you?"
"Yes." I looked her up and down carefully. "Very much."
"Good," she said. "I like yours as well. Tell me about your home."
It was another half hour before finally we peeled Cecilia away from being a diplomat. I managed to shake myself loose from Delilah for a few minutes to do it, and it was Savannah who assisted me. But we got everyone moving to the ground vehicles, speaking briefly once more with my family, assuring them we would arrive for the planned dinner.
I got Cecilia and her closest family into one of the vehicles, commanded by Aston, and then they were away. I hustled a few others around, but then Delilah appeared at my side.
"You are coming with, aren't you?" she asked. "I saved a place for you with me."
"Of course," I said. "I was going to fly in one of the jumpers."
"But you must sit with me," she said. "I insist. There is room."
I thought there might be room if I sat on her lap, a thought which didn't entirely displease me. Instead, I found there was room only because she had ejected Maddalyn, the driver assigned to this craft. Maddalyn stood by, unsure what to do.
"I will drive," Delilah insisted. "You will sit beside me and direct. Surely you know where we are going. This girl can ride in one of the jumpers, if she must follow." Then she leaned to me. "Her English is quite oddly accented; I could barely understand her."
I made a decision. "I'll only be a moment then," I said. "I must ensure everyone has transportation."
"I'll be waiting, but don't make me wait too long, or I will be forced to locate you again."
She climbed aboard, and I turned to Maddalyn.
"I am to drive," she said to me immediately.
"Does Delilah know how to drive?"
"Of course. Everyone knows how to drive. But it is my responsibility."
"I need you to do something else for me. We'll return here for dinner and change to carriages. I need you to ensure we have sufficient waiting. If we cannot acquire sufficient numbers, we can use buggies as well. I do not know what anyone will be wearing, so we cannot use mounts."
"I'll take care of it," she said. She glanced at the ground craft.
"It's okay," I said. "I know the way, and if she knows how to drive, we'll be fine."
Maddalyn looked at the craft, then back to me. "Chaladine, be careful with this one. She is accustomed to getting what she wants."
"I'll be fine," I said.
"Please promise to be careful. This is not Luradinine."
I frowned at the name, then nodded. "I'll be fine," I said in a lower voice.
She hugged me quickly, and then she stepped away. I looked around but saw everything was taken, and we were the last craft. Father had the villagers in hand, but he saw me looking and waved, then waved me away.
I climbed into the craft, taking my seat in front beside Delilah. The doors closed, and she had us moving even before I was buckled in. I didn't have to direct, at least not yet, as she followed the path taken by the previous craft.
I buckled hastily.
Her driving was not smooth. In fact, she was somewhat erratic and drove too quickly besides. I immediately regretted allowing her behind the controls; even I was a better driver than she was. I may not be able to fly a jumper, but I had learned to manage the ground craft.
"Please slow down," I said.
"Do you question my ability to drive?" she asked, tight-lipped. And she increased our speed.
"I question your knowledge of the route to take."
"I am following the path of the previous vehicles. Their passage is evident. But I am sure if there are turns, you will direct me."
"Fine. I question your knowledge of local dangers."
"What dangers?"
"Please slow down, Delilah. You are scaring me."
She sped up another five kilometers per hour, and we were rushing along at an alarming rate. I clutched the arms of my seat.
"You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend."
"What?"
"Your girlfriend was not pleased to allow me to drive."
"Maddalyn? She's not my girlfriend. She's taken. Quite literally."
"Excuse me?"
"She is a galatzi wife," I said. "She has been for some time now. But she's a good friend. I am the one who arranged the trade for her."
Delilah brought the craft to an abrupt stop. There were complaints from behind us, but she turned around and glared for a moment, and they all shut up. Then she turned to me.
"Explain."
"We have a custom here," I said. "It is called a galatzi trade." I said it first in Talmonese, then translated trade to her. "You could think of it as a bride for a bride."
"She is married."
"We do not use that word, but yes. And exceedingly happy."
"She is not your lover."
"We were lovers for one night, and we both agreed it was to be one night. This was two years ago. We are friends."
Delilah cocked her head. "You would not have had to tell me all of that. I would not have known."
"At times, Cecilia is surprised at Talmonese honesty."
"Who is your current lover?"
"I have none," I said.
"But you did last week, perhaps?"
"Maddalyn is the most recent. Two years."
She smiled and leaned forward to pat my hand. "I am sorry I scared you. I was upset when I thought you had encouraged my attention but were not truly free to receive it."
"I wouldn't do that."
"No, I don't believe you would. I will drive at a more sedate pace. And you will tell me you forgive me, and then tell me of these dangers."
"Of course I forgive you," I said once we were moving again, this time at a far more reasonable pace. "The most obvious danger comes from bison."
"Where is bison?"
"Not where. What. Bison are very large, grass eating animals. We imported them from Earth. I understand it was very difficult to do. Here. I have images." I pulled out my tablet. It took me a few minutes, but then I found the video I wanted. I waited until a safe point of the path before I held it for her to see. She glanced over, then looked over and gave a solid look before facing forward again.
"Are they as big as they look?"
"Bigger."
"You're right. I would not want a sudden encounter with one of these bison."
"Bison are not common here; they prefer the open plains to our west. But they are not unknown." I then proceeded to tell her about the other dangers. "Even a fallen tree is dangerous," I said. "We assured this path was open this morning, but trees can fall at any time."
"And the people ahead of us would stop for it."
"And if we drove too quickly we could run into the back of them."
"You question my ability to stop in time?"
The timing of her question was perfect as we suddenly went around a sharp corner, then another sharp corner the other way.
We came out of it, and she slowed down further. "Perhaps you are right to question my driving."
I laughed lightly. "I do not question the quality of your driving. I question your knowledge of the path."
She returned my laughter. "Perhaps I should let you drive."
"In two kilometers, there is a beautiful view of the ocean with a place to pull aside. We should stop to admire the view. If you wish me to drive, I can. I will admit, you are undoubtedly a more accomplished driver. I know the trail better. Which of us should drive?"
"I will drive the rate you set," she pronounced. "You will warn me when I should slow down."
"Thirty kilometers per hour until we stop, but then the road is long and straight, and you can drive as fast as makes you comfortable."
&n
bsp; We were silent after that, and she expertly managed the vehicle even around several more sharp turns. "Why is the path not straight."
"We avoid cutting mother trees," I said. "They are a complicated aspect to the local life."
"The path is so narrow. What do we do if we encounter another vehicle?"
"Stop and negotiate a path around," I said. "If you go slowly, one can pull to the side, and the other can edge past. I have never had to do it."
"Never?"
"Not counting horse-drawn carriages, you have seen every single ground vehicle on the planet, Delilah. There is a road leading north from Sudden, but only horse paths and this road leading south."
"I have never ridden a horse," she said. "Nor in a carriage drawn by a horse."
"I hope you came to experience new adventures."
She glanced over. "I certainly did." Her meaning was obvious, and I blushed, but inside, I preened.
We arrived at the lookout. I directed her where to pull over, and then everyone climbed from the vehicle.
I heard someone say something to Delilah, but I didn't hear what. Her reply was sharp, but I didn't catch the words themselves.
But I herded all of them to the edge of the cliffs, warning them the footing nearest the edge was uncertain, and begging them to maintain at least two meters from the edge. But there were places to sit, benches I had personally constructed with assistance from my brother. I encouraged people to sit and enjoy the view for a minute or three.
Delilah took my hand and pulled me to the furthest bench on the right. We sat, but she immediately squirmed.
"It's not very comfortable."
I was offended and embarrassed at the same time. "I'm sorry. You are on Talmon now. We do not have the things you have. I built these benches as carefully as I could, but if I added cushions, they would not survive a week outside."
"You made this bench?" she asked.
"Yes."
She sighed. "I keep putting my foot in my mouth." I didn't recognize the expression, but the meaning was clear. "I am sorry. Again."
"Well, you are right. They are not very comfortable, but they are what I could make. I like this place, and I thought all of you might enjoy stopping here to see the ocean."