Adobe .pdf - Notes from An Alien

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Mura and Haalii finally met at a regular gathering that had attained a reputation as the place to
meet people who could be valuable when one needed particular forms of influence in trade
matters. This notoriety wasn't what the event was known for by the general populace. When it was
noticed at all, the monthly gathering of the Artists and Artisans Co-operative was known as a
somewhat rowdy gathering of artists and artisans.
A man named Terlon guided Mura to where Haalii was sitting. He hugged Mura tightly as he
said:
"Haalii, I want you to meet my new friend, Mura. She seems to have rare talent as a dancer."
"Does she dance for you?"
Mura blushed and Terlon said:
"Only when we're alone. I'm trying to get her an audition."
"Well, as long as it's an audition for public dancing, the kind that respectable people watch, I
can help you."
They shared a laugh as Terlon guided Mura to sit next to Haalii. He claimed some important
chat with some important person as his excuse to leave them alone.
After he'd left and Haalii's hand signal had secured drinks for them, Haalii said:
"A dancer, eh?"
"Yes, I started when I was quite young, two or three. My mother and father did a lot of dancing
and I just sort of fell into it. When I was nine, my mother engaged an instructor for me. I'm
sixteen."
"If you found yourself becoming in demand for your dancing, what name would you use?"
"That's interesting 'cause I actually wouldn't want to use my real name. My parents are famous
and I really don't want my career to be connected with them."
"Your parents are famous?"
"Yes. My parents are Delva and Verluin Namis."
"Oh! Yes, I'd definitely say they're famous. Important, too."
"I don't know about important. I mean they talk to that life-form and they're always
communicating with the Worlds' Council but those things aren't important to me."
"What is important to you, Mura?"
"Being free to dance. Making a living at it. Not having to sleep with men I don't really like."
"I see..."
"Well, Terlon is nice enough but he's a little crazy, too. He has friends I really don't like. They
seem to be the kind of people that stir up trouble. He doesn't let them bother me, tells me to stay
in our bedroom when they come over, but I can hear them talking and I don't like what I hear."
"My, my. I've only known Terlon for a short time and what you say is important for me to know.
I certainly don't need people like that in my life."
Haalii had known Terlon for years. He'd been specifically tasked with finding and seducing
Mura when word had begun to circulate that the Namis' daughter had left home.
Mura ordered another drink, then said:
"Haalii, do you know any women I could live with while I try to become a real dancer?"
"I think I know one who would be honored to have you be her house guest. And, it wouldn't be
an honor because of your parents, either."
"Really? Who?"
"Me."
"Really? I don't believe it! You're known all over the place, not famous like my parents but
known in all the right places. And, even though you're not a dancer, can't one artist learn from
another, no matter if they do different arts?"
"Absolutely, Mura. Absolutely."
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