Just because he was already did didnât really mean that he stopped aging, did it? Most things that were dead remained dead, decomposed, were eaten by things that ate such things, and yet, Solomon was upright, walking and talking. Perhaps he stopped aging physically, but it seemed that mentally he was still doing just fine. Her head tilted as she looked at him, her gaze thoughtful and somewhat deep. âI think,â she said, her words carefully, âthat if anyone were to consider ending your life, they would be in for a very horrible surprise, and that they would not be very smart for considering to do so. Not simply because you cannot be killed physically, but because they would be missing out on the opportunity for something new.â She brightened, her smile lighting her face. âAnd that would be a shame.â
New things should be explored, discovered, and where appropriate, studied. The adaro clearly wasnât something to be studied, but perhaps the bonds of friendship could be forged, thereby giving her the opportunity to learn about him.
The mergirl had already learned something, that he searched through shipwrecks to find things that might be valuable, things that she had likely seen before but known understood their value. Human shipwrecks on her side were few and far between, most likely due to some unfortunate crew having managed to make it to her side without their knowledge. As far as other wrecks, there were more than a few from the land dwellers on her side. Likewise, on this side, sheâd run across more than a few in her travels.
âIt is less that it was uncomfortable because of what had been sunk. It was because of the creatures. There are things there that had I lingered long and been found, they would have very quickly and easily dispatched me. I am curious, but I am not stupid. I have no desire to find my end in such a careless manner.â Thus said the very naked woman walking beside the man who was otherwise a total stranger to her. âHowever, should you wish you accompany me to such places, I would be happy to show you where they are.â The corners of her mouth turned up slightly. âI am afraid that showing you without actually going would be close to impossible as I have no way to simply tell the locations.â
Maps were an impossibility as those required reading. Likewise latitude and longitude were lost on her. She simply knew, because she had been there, and she would remember the way back. Perhaps he would decide he trusted her enough to take her there. Not immediately, as that would be extremely odd, but one day, maybe.
Solomoonâs bright smile brought a smile to her face as well, though there was a hint of confusion in her eyes. Her head tilted slightly as she blinked, âThere is no need to thank me. If I had not meant it, I would not have said it. Or I would have said what I meant, whatever it might have been in that moment. I would not tell you an untruth.â
Even if she had been capable of it, she wouldnât have. Melanthe didnât like the untruths that land dwellers spoke. It had taken several run ins with those who were like that for her to realize it, but that was a part of learning.
âYou were very fortunate to have had someone to guide you in your learning and discovery of yourself. There are many things that can go wrong during such a process. Was she like you, that she knew the sorts of things you might experience and how to handle them? My clanâs Lorekeeper is such a one for me. One day, very far in the future, I am sure, I will become the Lorekeeper after her, therefore, I must learn all of the clanâs lore. From as many of the clans as I can as it will eventually be my duty to share the stories with the rest of my clan.â
She just happened to have a desire to learn all the lore there was to learn, whether it belonged simply to her people or not. Hence, the visits to other places and other cultures.
âWe do indeed mark the passage of time, but it is marked by the tides and calculated in accordance with them. I am indeed pleased that you find our arrangement to be acceptable. I am looking forward to exchanging information with you.â
And not just because that meant sheâd be able to eat the mangoes on the manâs tree. Solomon was unlike anyone Melanthe had ever met, and sheâd come across several different things. Wizards, vampires, regular people, and now the adaro. Her mental library of information was growing larger and she liked that. âI did not really have any plans for my visit here other than to enjoy the scenery. Sometimes, I simply like to see where I end up and enjoy the sun on the beach. Your beach was quiet and seemed to be uninhabited, therefore it was the ideal location to dry out and take a nap. It has been an unexpected joy to not only find someone here, but one who is not made to be uncomfortable by my differences.â She was speaking more in terms of her nudity rather than the webbing between her toes and fingers, though that had been known to unnerve people from time to time as well, even though it was less noticeable on land than in the water.
Dark eyes were bright and wide as she turned her head to regard Solomon. âAnd has your time away from these maps proven to be head clearing?â
Missing out on something new? Melantheâs comments brought a warm smile to the adaroâs face. Her perspectives on things were so decidedly⊠non-human. It was interesting (and refreshing.) âI like the way you look at things,â he told her, still grinning. âAlthough, if Iâm being fair, not many know that I am⊠something new. Humans do not always react well to⊠the new or unusual. I have to be very careful who I share my secrets with. And if you intend to spend more time here in this world, I suggest you do the same.â
From there, the conversation drifted to shipwrecks and Solomon listened with pure interest as Melanthe explained more about the wrecks in her realm. âIn that case, I would welcome the company,â he replied, unable to hide his eagerness over the potential for new explorations. âOnce we have determined the flow of time between your world and mine, we can go on many such adventures! And I give you my word to keep you safe from anything or anyone that might do you harm.â
The story of his past shared, Solomon saw the confusion in the womanâs eyes as he thanked her; he tried to understand it and explain accordingly. âOne must choose to be kind. I merely thank you for making that choice,â he told her, still smiling. When she brought up the woman whoâd first helped him, the adaro nodded. âI was indeed fortunate. She knew⊠many things. But she was not like me. She wasâŠâ Solomon struggled to find the right words, none of them feeling like enough. Finally, he settled simply on, âMuch more.â
His eyes lit up with curiosity as Melanthe talked of the role she planned to play amongst her people. âA protector of history and knowledge is a noble pursuit, indeed.â In a way he did the same thing, though perhaps not for the same reasons. And it wasnât his own history he unearthed beneath the seas, but that of the humans. Still⊠he had likely been human once⊠so it was almost the same thing perhaps.
As the woman explained about how her people calculated time, Solomon nodded, his expression thoughtful. That made sense; a people so much of the sea would certainly use the ocean itself to clock the passage of time. Perhaps she would be willing to teach him that, as well, once he felt his business was secure enough here in order to journey into Melantheâs realm.
The adaroâs question about the reason for her journey was answered casually, and he grinned. âI selected this location for my home because of its beautiful private beaches. The view from my house is quite spectacular⊠even if you donât get to feel the sand between your toes while you enjoy it.â He gestured to his house on the cliffside, which was much closer now. Theyâd arrive soon, and then Melanthe could see for herself.
At her question, Solomon hummed thoughtfully. âNot in the ways I expected,â he replied with a chuckle and a bit of a wink. âBut yes, I believe your arrival has given me many new things to consider.â Granted, he also had worrisome things. No one had made an attempt on his life in awhile, and the âwhoâ behind todayâs attempt troubled him. But that was a problem to puzzle over alone. There was no need to get his new friend involved.
Ahead of them, a dirt path appeared that wound its way up the cliffside. âAlmost home,â he told his guest with a nod towards it. Not for the first time, the adaro found himself grateful heâd bought up so much of the surrounding land. There were no neighbors for a good handful of miles⊠no one to question why he was leading a naked young woman into his home. Humans were so odd about such things. He understood⊠but at the same time found the whole concept of nudity being âvulgarâ to be a rather foolish one.
âOnce weâre there, what would you like to do first?â They had talked about plenty along the way, and her learning had to begin somewhere. Solomon liked the idea of trying to find measurements for her notions of time, but that was almost purely for his own benefit. Melanthe was here to explore and learn, as well. As her host, he wanted to offer her first choice.
