On Asimov Red, we rushed through the capital to the city hall. We must have been a sight, bloody and covered with dirt as we rushed up the marble steps and burst into the foyer, with Captain Jim in the lead. He made for the receptionist and asked to speak to the governor, identifying himself as Captain James Hawkins. He then disappeared behind a set of strong, heavy double doors. I was about to sink into one of the soft-looking cushioned benches to the side when security ushered us back out on the steps.
Lakan caught Aaren before she fell, and they sat down together on the steps. She was a step lower, with her head in his lap. I sat one step higher from Lakan, and I looked out upon the planet. The marble building stood towering above the savanna, with the city itself actually two or three miles off. I couldn't blame Aaren for wanting to collapse, or Lakan from closing his eyes and using the stairs as an albeit uncomfortable backrest.
"I wonder what happens now," I said aloud. In the distance, the heat was doing its mirage dance on the rooftops of the capital city.
"Well," Lakan said, his eyes closed, "the governor will give us a place to stay, some food, and a transport out of here... Though I dare say they'd throw us some small banquet if he believes our story."
I looked back at the doors of the city hall, which were thrown wide open to let the air in. One of the guards bared his teeth at me, and I stared right back. "Why wouldn't they believe our story?" I asked.
"Well, look at us," he answered. There were quite a few passersby who went in and out of the hall, and they gave us curious and even indignant looks as they passed. Here we were with our bloodstains and dry grayish dust, lounging on the clean and creamy marble steps of the governor's hall. Lakan smiled faintly, but I was embarrassed and chose to watch a grazing four-legged, horned creature instead. I shielded my eyes from the glaring sun, which was just beginning to reach the zenith. Only the slightest breeze caused ripples across the yellow grassland. Aaren, who still hadn't spoken, stirred slightly.
Just then, the angry-looking guard called down to us. "You there!" he boomed, pointing to Lakan, "The governor and his guest request that you join them in the conference chamber." I also got up to leave, but the guard added that it was just Lakan they wanted. Lakan pushed me into his place on the steps, giving me a turn at pillowing Aaren's head.
I looked down at her and watched her sleep for a few moments... Our bandages needed changing, our bellies needed food, and all of us were in need of a bath. I was tempted to wipe some of the dirt off her face, but then decided that she would wake. I went back to watching the four-legged creature, now joined by more of its herd. I vaguely wondered why they would graze so close to a busy area. But then again, Asimov Red didn't seem very busy at all.
Aaren turned, and my hand brushed her lips. I realized that while the grazers had hypnotized me, I had been stroking her hair. I pulled my hand away, but I held her questioning gaze for a few moments. I stared into her violet eyes, and it occured to me that she still hadn't made a movement to lift her head from my lap. Before I knew it, I gave in to a magnetic pull as I bent over her, closer to her face...
"My children!"
Aaren sat up quickly, and my head whirled around to see a huge creature clad in a blue and purple long tunic and a round, flat hat. His smooth, gleaming skin shone black like ivory, and his eyes were shiny orange marbles the size of my fist. They peeked out above a short snout and white tusks tipped with gold. "Get up, my children," he said grandly, "get up, get up!"
Aaren and I quickly rose to our feet. He held out his hand... Unsure of what to do, I did what was customary on Mirandus and pressed the back of his hand to my forehead in respect. He gave a great laugh, pulled Aaren closer, and kissed her on each cheek. Lakan and Captain Jim looked on in amusement.
"I am Governor Zafia! Tonight, you shall stay in my palace. Come, I am sure you are in need of rest and medical attention."
He roughly put his arm around Aaren, and he led the way with her father. Lakan dropped back to speak to me.
"Is Aaren okay?" he whispered, concerned.
"Yeah," I said, dazedly. "Why?"
He smirked. "That's good. Because for a moment there, it looked like she was going to let you kiss her."
I looked back over my shoulder. The startled grazers had long since bolted.
Author's Note: Wow, it sure seems like such a long time since I've updated... I don't blame you all if you don't read. But thanks for getting this far. :)