Xelf swam past the other Iman bustling about, hardly paying attention to their looks of exasperation. Such childlike energy is a rare sight on the dreary lanes of Ardys. With glare constantly bouncing off of Xelfs armour of excitement he finally arrived at the communications centre. The centre, much like the other buildings in the underwater city, had a faint forcefield to keep the water out of the building ,because even though the Iman are water dwellers, they prefer to walk around where they live and work. The centre was a tall building, nearly 30 stories high, and with a black, moss covered outer wall. The inner decor of the centre was surprisingly warm and inviting, with bright white chairs and turquoise walls. In front of Xelf there was a reception desk, with a fairly attractive Iman woman looking expectantly at him. "Can I help you sir?" she said.
"Ah yes, I'd like a line of communication to Imantus, on Dracusur. The recipient is Zary, my mother. She's in the local hospital there. Thank you very much" replied Xelf.
"Oh, aren't Xelf from the family of Arkues? I've heard alot about your family. Aren't you like super wealthy or something? Your dad comes here a lot to speak to someone, doesn't he?"
"I wouldn't say super wealthy, but yeah, we are pretty... Well rounded... Financially. I am not here to discuss that though, I really need to speak to my mother, urgently please "
" Okay okay, cool your bloody Zeara, your communication line has been created at station 34. Thank you for using Iman telemancy services. Have a nice day. " replied the secretary, rambling of the customary greeting without even looking up from her papers.
" Thank you " mumbled Xelf, half sprinting, half walking towards the station on the far right of the secretaries desk. At the station there was an elegant screen, crafted out of two basalt pillars, crossing each other near the lower end of each pillar, leaving plenty of room for the glass stretching between them. On the glass there was a watery image of an Iman female, beautiful by Iman standards, but also bleak and gaunt. Her eyes are noticeably yellow. As she speaks you can hear the hoarseness of her voice, and the faint tremble at the end of the sentence, almost as if she is forcing the breath out of her.
"Oh Xelf, whenever I see you I can't help but feel happier. How has life been treating you since last we spoke son? "
" It's been treating me well mum. Been working here and there, but nothing really seems to fit me. That's why I'm here. I've come to say goodbye. I'm on my way to the city of the dragon whelps, I'm gonna be a guard there in the city, and if all goes well, I'm going to save up and come visit you in the hospital mum. I might even bring dad with, he's always saying he can't wait for you to be healthy again and come back to us." said Xelf, in a voice filled with promises he knows would not happen. " You are getting better, right mum? " he pleaded with eyes full of hope
" O my little eel, I wish I could say I am, I really do. I'm glad you are going out to see the world my dearest, maybe when you visit me you can tell me about the dragon whelps and their city and you can describe to me the feeling of the desert sand under your feet. Oh how I long to be out of this bed and join you in adventure my sweet, but alas, the sickness has me firmly in its grasp. " said Zary, sadness creeping into her voice.
"Mother, please, don't think like that. be positive. It'll get better. I'm sure of it. I really can't wait to come see you mom. I'll tell you about all the places I've gone , I promise. One day I will take you to the most beautiful place I have seen on my journeys. I really have to go though, my ship leaves in half an hour and I still need to pack. I love you so much. Anything I should tell dad?"
"Just tell him that I miss him and that he better save up vacation time to come and visit me. Also, tell him not to be to worried about you, you might have my passion for the world, but you have his strength and mind. You'll be fine. Enjoy it my son, and savour every moment of it. Love you, bye " . The last words drift from the screen as the glass became clear again .Wiping at a stray tear, Xelf stood up from the chair and walked back past the secretary and out towards the stream of Iman.
