A.N: A new chapter has begun in Metamorphosis. They have arrived at Byzantium, now see how Seth and her Methuselahs settle into their home, especially when Seth tries to stress the idea of co-existence between the Terrans and Methuselahs of the settlement. All the while, her relationship with Chigaru slowly blooms.
Grand Tour
"Well…we're finally here…" Mesi mused, gazing around at their new home.
Seth nodded, trying to take in the city to the fullest. Still anxious, she glanced back at the others. They followed her as loyally as always, their eyes searching the settlement, still uneasy from the outside world. The Crusnik knew it wouldn't be long till their nerves were calmed, and hopefully her own. But she still knew that they couldn't relax completely for a long while. War and invasion were still a close reality.
"As you can see, Byzantium has also been ravaged by the war. But we are rebuilding…" The elder explained grimly, strolling down the main street, "We are so thankful for your help, lieutenant. With you and your soldiers, life will be a little easier. And at least now we have protection,"
The citizens watched as they marched by with curious yet fearful gazes. Seth wasn't surprised; this was a time of fear and bloodshed. So, she offered each onlooker a warm, assuring smile, small and shy from her own feelings of awkwardness. Several returned timid smirks before looking away hastily.
As they approached the elder's house, they spotted the river, and noticed how it split the city in two. The other side seemed to be asleep while this part was waking. Mesi noticed Seth's curious gaze.
"That's where the Terrans live. This part of the city is where the Methuselahs dwell," She explained, having prior knowledge from her daughter that already lived in the settlement.
As if summoned, a young woman peered out from her house, blond haired and red eyed, and spotted Mesi and Seth. Delight raced over her fine features and she flung the door open. The female ran over and embraced the elderly woman. Mesi hugged back lovingly.
"Oh, Sonya. It's good to see you again,"
Sonya pulled back and kissed the older Methuselah on the cheek, "I missed you too, mother," Her smile faded slightly as she took in Seth, " So, I'm guessing you're the lieutenant, ma'am. It's an honor to meet you…"
The young woman held out a narrow hand and the Crusnik took it warmly. They shook briefly but each gave the other a smile that promised future friendship.
"The honor's all mine really. I've heard much about you, Sonya. And your mother's an amazing woman herself,"
The younger blond nearly beamed, "Thank you, lieutenant,"
Seth shook her head, "No. You may call me Seth. No formalities are needed," she corrected gently.
Sonya showed her one last smile before allowing the girl to continue on her way. The blond gave her mother another hug before returning to her own house. Mesi waved to her daughter until she disappeared into the small yet cozy building.
Despite the pleasantness of meeting Mesi's daughter, Seth quickly pushed it from her mind. She needed to focus on the task at hand. She needed to get her charges settled in, and then she would attempt to bridge the Terrans and Methuselahs in this settlement. The first task would be simple compared to the second, which she guessed would take months, even years, to complete. And this was only one town. The Crusnik had a huge challenge in front of her, but she had a feeling she wasn't alone in her endeavor.
Finally, they stopped before the elder's home, which was several times larger then the other housings. It was well built and even had a wise air to it, not to mention homey. And that was all just from them standing outside it.
Seth stared at it for a moment, knowing this was where she would most likely be staying. It wasn't quite much but she was far from picky, especially during these current circumstances.
The elder turned to her and her charges, "I hope you all will enjoy it here," he bowed briefly, "For those who already have family here, you may join them. Those who do not, may stay with me until we can find you all some place to live in our town,"
Seth bowed back graciously, practically speaking for all, "We are thankful for your hospitality, Aba,"
The old man opened the door to his home, motioning for the family-less to come inside. He smiled at her as he held the door for a little less then a dozen Methuselahs.
"There is no need to thank me. Your protection is enough to 'pay' for our hospitality," He explained, "Besides, you're our neighbors now. What better way to take care of one's neighbors then to offer them shelter when they need it most?"
Seth bowed slightly before moving to enter as well. But just before she stepped inside she stopped and peered past the building to the other side of the river. The Crusnik studied the dark houses for a long while, trying to seek what she could about the Terrans. Her hesitation must have worried Aba.
"Is there something wrong, lieutenant?" He questioned carefully.
Seth didn't answer right away, her sharp mind still deep in thought. Then, after a moment, she answered him.
"No, its nothing. It's just…" Seth began, toying with her idea silently, "Is it okay if I visit the Terrans?"
Aba only seemed slightly surprised; his wizened amber eyes took her in with understanding. He then gazed inside at his guests.
"Of course you can. But you'll need a boat and I suggest you bring friends. Even here, co-existence is uneasy and fragile," Aba warned, "They will mostly likely try to prevent you from even stepping foot on their shores,"
The girl only smiled, "Don't worry, I think I can handle it, but I will bring friends. I already have a few in mind…"
The old man smirked faintly, "Very well…Get them together and I'll have the boat ready for you in a few minutes,"
Aba then shuffled off towards the river, and to the few boats that bobbed in the friendly waters. Seth watched him for a moment before running to find her chosen companions for her trip. She just hoped her mission to bring the olive branch to Byzantium would start peacefully enough…
"You sure you want to do this?"
A young Methuselah gazed at them from the small dock. He held the rope to their boat in unsteady pale hands; he winced against the windy day. He seemed ready to tie the rope back up.
Seth sat on the rocking vessel, next to Mesi, Chigaru and Jamila. They were all comfortable by now, with their ride and with their mission. The water pawed at them playfully in tiny swings. The Crusnik loved the water, although she had rarely had any contact with the expansive oceans, or tickling rivers or calm lakes, during her strange life. She intended to enjoy her stay here, in this city split by the river.
"Would you just let go of the rope? We know what we're doing. Besides, if this trip is successful, you won't have to worry about 'the dangers of treading on the other side'," Jamila snapped, spooking the youngster with ease.
The brunette shut up and thew the rope carefully back into the ship . He gave the boat a helping kick before standing back to watch. The driver started up the boat, and the rate at which the boy shrunk from view doubled as it vibrated strongly to life. Seth never really appreciated small transportation until after the war, where vehicles like this were now scarce. She was sure the others felt the same who, like her, had walked the long distance from the outskirts of Rome, resting only during the day, all the way to Byzantium.
The wind at the river was soothing; it stroked her face. It was cooling and gave relief from the summer. This seemed to be a perfect night: The moon was bright, and the night was warm, the breeze was right and the river was calm. The only event that would make this better was if the Terrans accepted her and her pursuit.
The vehicle shook slightly as it began to slow. They were in a dozen yards of the next shore. Their motor had already awaken some of the Terran residents; some houses had lights streaming from their windows, some residents were already out and ready for them, while some seemed to huddle close to their families fearfully.
It was apparent that the Crusnik had work to do….
Unease suddenly drifted among the passengers of the boat as several armed men gathered near the docks. Nervous glances were exchanged between Methuselah, and Crusnik and Methuselah.
Looks like the Methuselah were right to be skittish about this part of the city; the Terrans obviously weren't going to let them in their side without a fight, or serious convincing….
The driver gave her an uncertain glance. She only urged him to go on; he did so hesitantly. The boat inched closer to the shore and, to a conflict.
Mesi laughed quietly for a moment, nervous, "My, the Terrans here are certainly light sleepers…"
Seth shifted in her seat, "Don't worry, if we don't start something they won't either. Don't give them a reason to fear us…" She advised, "We're only here to talk, remember? To sort things out,"
The unease seemed to evaporate slightly from the boat and everyone quieted down. But it returned almost in full force to Seth when they were seconds from shore. What was she to say exactly and what was she truly getting herself and her Methuselah into? She steeled her nerves. This was no time for doubts…
Several almost intimidating men waited to 'greet' them at the dock, "You Methuselah, how dare you try and step foot on our land," The leader spoke coldly, if not a bit nervous yet firm. He glanced around at his 'guests', "I see the rumors are true: You have summoned your lieutenant and her soldiers here. To exterminate us, I suppose?"
The Crusnik found her own words easily, sparked by emotions and her own opinion, "Your land? This is a city, not two different countries. You shouldn't fear each other like this. The war is over, and was for nothing, "Seth reasoned, "Terrans and Methuselah aren't that different, each were once, not too long ago, part of the same race. This separation will only continue this unrest. Let us in, we only wish to talk,"
A silence settled over the river. Her companions practically held their breath. Seth's words had been true, and they could tell the Terrans believed her, but still…would her reasoning be enough to convince them?
The boat, by now, was bumping up against the wooden planks and beams of the dock. It was close enough for them to step off their vessel and be safely back on dry land. The Crusnik decided to push for an answer. She stood carefully, keeping her balance against the rocking boat, and dared to try to breach the Terran's shore.
A sharp push was all it took for Seth to fall. Cold water enveloped her swiftly and she instinctively shut her eyes and mouth. The silence of the river surrounded her and she waited a moment before moving on her own. Good thing she was a good swimmer. No, wait, scratch that. She was an excellent swimmer. So much so that her brothers had jokingly asked Lilith if the scientists had pulled her from the sea, instead from Canada, like they said. With just a few strong kicks, Seth was already inches from the surface. She gasped in fresh air as she broke it, sound and familiar sights welcoming her.
"Seth, are you alright?" Mesi called her from the boat.
The girl blinked the rest of the water from her eyes before glancing up at the blond, "Yeah, I'm alright…" She assured, "It was just a little shove,"
Jamila seemed riled by that fact and looked ready to start something. Already she had her spear unsheathed.
"Yeah, and these Terrans are going to pay for their thickheadedness!"
From the water, Seth scolded her, "Jamila! Stop your childish behavior,"
Almost as if the woman was her child, she did as she was told and sat back down, near pouting. To Seth's surprise, Chigaru was grinning down at her.
"I knew you were a fish, Seth, but I didn't think you ready to return to the water this early…" He jested playfully.
The man received an equally gentle spray of water from his love interest. He took her return strike lightly and laughed while she smirked at him, still floating in the river.
"Not here, love birds…" Mesi joined the fun, and halted it.
Both blushed wildly. Not only were they caught in the loving teasing, but also they were in the presence of people they had just met, future neighbors, enemies perhaps! Not what they had in mind for a first impression…
The two fell silent as their surroundings. The Terrans just watched them now. Seth knew that they were convinced that they meant no harm; they said nothing as Chigaru helped the soaked girl back into the boat.
"At least they know we're not hostile. Perhaps they even took your words to mind," The man breathed as she settled down beside him.
Seth sighed deeply, 'Yes, but for now we must retreat. They are not ready yet. This is new to them," She explained, "I could tell their actions had not been intentionally harmful. They are considering our little proposal…"
Mesi shifted and looked over at them as the boat came alive once more to begin its return to its point of origin, "It's a start…"
A.N: Phew! After days, even weeks, of writer's block, I finally managed to pull this chapter to an end. Sorry about the wait…And if you're wondering why the Methuselah ancestors look so similar to their descendants its because so much fewer generations have passed for them then for the Terrans. There will be some Terran ancestors,and it will be harder to tell whose related to who. Plz R&R