They are like us but they are different—not in an incompatible way, but in ways that defy the assumptions humans in most world cultures take for granted. Their village technology and culture are almost aboriginal, but their language is intricate and efficient. The people of the planet Nenmar, on the other side of the galaxy from Earth, possess what many humans strive for: a deep self-assurance and corresponding acceptance of others.
The offspring of a Nenmaran mother and human father, through a natural yearning to know their family history, find themselves immersed in the things of Earth. Of all their questions, the main one is what will happen when Nenmaran openness meets human xenophobia.
“This highway is so familiar,” Lissel remarked, “I think I could walk it with my eyes closed.”
She looked down at baby Merref sleeping in the carrier slung across her chest.
Out of the corner of her eye, Lissel made note of Rennil skipping along the side of the road.
“That’s sort of what it’s like for my father at night,” Sennef replied. “It’s as if he has his eyes closed, even though they are wide open.”
“I used to make several trips with the traveling merchant groups, all the time thinking about you.” She looked at him and smiled. “I never thought I’d come to live with my husband’s family—it’s just not usually done on Nenmar.”
“But it makes perfect sense. And I’ve heard no one criticize it, even from all the worldwide visitors we’ve had to the pellar farm.”
Lissel looked behind them. “Rennil! Where are you going?”
“I’m just chasing a lennar, Mom,” Rennil called back in reply.
“They don’t let you pet them because you’re too rough with them.” Lissel added a commanding tone to her voice. “Come back. Now, Rennil.”
“Let her have some enjoyment, my love,” Sennef urged. “She loves to explore so much. As long as she stays away from the tree line, she’ll be out of danger.
“I wasn’t as concerned about danger as I was about my children growing up like me,” Lissel replied.
“But you turned out wonderful,” Sennef replied. “I was so happy when you told me you wanted to possess me as your life’s mate.”
“That’s not really what I meant,” Lissel explained. “I see in little Rennil the same tendency to run wild and free, just like I did all through Renlar City. I want her to know that I love her—and I never really had that assurance from my own parents when I was growing up.”
“I think you’re possessing her just fine,” Sennef asserted. “You needn’t worry about that.”
“I know you’re just trying to reassure me, and I know you’re right. … But I just need to have my own reassurance inside me.”
“I’m listening to you to totally, as Nenmarans listen to each other, and I’m not worried about you at all.”
Lissel took Sennef’s hand and squeezed it. “Yet another reason I’m so glad you let me possess you.” Lissel’s feet almost went out from under her as a lennar bolted between her legs.
Sennef caught Lissel and put her back on balance.
“Rennil,” Lissel called. “Please stay with us.”
Sennef chuckled as he watched the lennar tear back into the field, fleeing from Rennil. “My father says lennars look like a cross between an Earth creature called a ‘cat’ and another Earth creature called a ‘rabbit.’ They have so many different creatures on Earth that he describes.”
“I’ve heard him say that a lot of the animals on Earth are dangerous,” Lissel added, “and that you have to be careful around them. At least all we have to worry about here are those awful pellims, and they stay in the fimmen forest.”
As Sennef nodded his agreement, Rennil ran up to him.
“You look out of breath with all that running,” Lissel observed to Rennil. “That was not the best thing to do, was it?”
“I’m tired,” Rennil panted. “Can we stop and rest now?”
“No,” Sennef replied. “We have to show your baby brother to your other grandparents.” He squatted down and gestured an invitation to Rennil. “Here. Climb onto my back, and I’ll carry you, like Mommy is carrying baby Merref.”
Rennil obliged, and soon was fast asleep on her father’s shoulder.