Stranded on a Tiny Planet

Visiting Anashee- Part 1

A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.

When the fervor died down, the Elder continued, "Tomorrow near sunset there will be a celebration to welcome our alien visitor. Everyone is invited to attend. It is my wish that we extend friendship and an alliance with him. I thank you for your attendance."

She raised her hand and looked around, "Open all the gates!"

Again, the crowd whistled with elation and the city was filled with talk and activity.

Elder Felreh turned to Anu, "I will see that the plans are attended here. If you could go to Merco and convey this invitation for tomorrow?"

Anu nodded.

"We will be sure to give Anashee plenty of forewarning prior to his arrival. You and Seraysa will probably be very busy tomorrow and get many questions." She gave a small smile.

"I doubt we'll be able to answer most of them. But we will do our best." Anu admitted.

...

A bit later in the morning at Pela Canyon...

Seraysa and Verin were given a place to sleep at the Pela settlement for the night. When morning came, Seraysa woke up first and went out to see if Merco was up. She flew and walked through the canyon in spurts. She felt, much like exercising a muscle, that she could fly for a longer time. One day she hoped she'd get good enough that she could fly like Anu and Traynar. She didn't necessarily want to be part of the EFP, but she did enjoy the sensation and ease it gave her when traveling.

Soon she could see Merco's huge form filling the span of the canyon. He was laying on the softer, sandy ground on his side, his jacket piled up for a pillow under his head. A deep resonating snore echoed against the canyon walls as he slept. Seraysa approached his huge face, unafraid. She gently reached out and tapped his nose to try and wake him. But he slowly rolled over onto his back in response to the tickling sensation. His snoring continued. Seraysa flicked her plumage, deciding not to give up. She floated up and landed on his forehead, using her foot to tap him. In response, he wrinkled his forehead. The muscle movement jerked her forward and she fell onto the bridge of his nose, between his eyes. His eyes slowly opened as he groaned at the disturbance, only to feel a tiny presence straddling his nose and a tiny foot kick the corner of his eye. He flinched and closed his eyes again.

"Ach. Pixie...what are you doing?" his voice sounded irritated yet still gentle.

"Sey-tala, Merco." She greeted cheerfully as she stared into his right eye.

"Sey-tala." He returned the greeting groggily. He closed his eyes again, "Ugh. It's too early Pixie. Go bother someone else and let me sleep."

"Merco?" she reached down and patted his eyelid. "Come on! Wake up."

Merco made a deep groaning, growling sound in his throat as his huge hand reached up and plucked her from his face. Seraysa thought it might mean that he was going to get up. But instead the enormous fingers encircled her completely in a loose fist before settling down on his chest. Seraysa struggled, pushing against his skin to free herself.

"Merco! Let me go!" she protested.

"Sleep, Pixie. Let me sleep." His voice shook her.

She didn't know what he'd said but she had the feeling he was subduing her so he could continue his slumber. Seraysa wriggled until she squirmed her way out of his hand and flopped down on his rising chest. It was obvious he was not going to be disturbed for now, so she quit trying to pester him and settled down onto his chest. The familiar boom of his heartbeat was soothing to her; the first thing she remembered hearing before Emerging. Gradually she couldn't help but fall asleep too.