Hadama floated quietly, listening to each of the councilmembers and citizens in turn and nodding solemnly to each as they finished. There were a number of questions and concerns to answer, and though he might have intended to focus on the questions from Ray and Harper, there was no doubt that Flora and Maeve’s points needed to be addressed first.
”The Mer have needed few limitations along the shore,” he rumbled, meetingMaeve's eyes with calm solemnity. ”There are very few Mer who can leave the canals. Most cannot enter your homes, or go inside your shops. We must ask for help to purchase anything that is not sold beside the water. Those who would cause harm to people and property are limited in what they can reach. Humans visiting our City have no such physical restrictions. If they are able to make the journey, they can go wherever they please unless they are seen and stopped.”
He inclined his head to Flora next, allowing the more facetious aspects of her question to pass over him like a cloud over the water as he considered the pearl hidden within her words. ”Until now we have only allowed humans in with a Mer escort. Opening the City with the bubble stream will change that. Humans will be allowed on their own. But we have been separate peoples for many generations and learning to integrate our cultures will take time. We ask the patience of the humans in this. And we will give the same. We are more closely connected now than we have ever been, and this will help that connection grow.” Over seasons and years and more projects to come, with Safrin’s approval.
Now he turned back toRay, and though his stoic expression didn’t change his eyes warmed at her respect for his people. ”Kill nothing while within the City’s borders. Some creatures you see may be pets or livestock.” He inclined his head in acknowledgment before a protest could be raised. ”Except in self defense.” Not all Mer pets were well-behaved or trained, any more than human ones. ”Do not enter the residence areas without invitation. You will be warned. A second time, and you will be barred from the Underwater City for a week. A third time and you will be banned from the City. It may be appealed to me.” He tilted his head thoughtfully, considering Maeve and Flora. ”If you cannot use the Attuned bond, you must bring a way to communicate until we can find a better method. We can discuss that later once the bubble stream is open.”
Harper's practicality was invaluable and Hadama turned his attention to one of Torchline’s staunchest defenders next. ”The Mer have access to the Court of Stars. If we widen the access pool beside the fountain it will serve for trials where both Mer and humans may participate. Our laws are not so different for most crimes. Theft. Assault. Murder. Repayment. Service to those injured or the community. Imprisonment. Disciplinary measures should be the same across Torchline.” He paused, considering for a moment before nodding slowly. ”But aside from repayment, I think that Mer should mete out punishment to Mer. And humans should oversee punishment of humans.” It would be inhumane to imprison a human away from the sun for too long, and the human jail could not accommodate Mer. Likewise service had several challenges that made it impractical between land and sea. ”But I would hear your suggestions,” he rumbled respectfully to the humans – many of whom would also be involved in whatever trials would come from increased contact between the peoples of Torchline.
”The Mer have needed few limitations along the shore,” he rumbled, meeting
He inclined his head to Flora next, allowing the more facetious aspects of her question to pass over him like a cloud over the water as he considered the pearl hidden within her words. ”Until now we have only allowed humans in with a Mer escort. Opening the City with the bubble stream will change that. Humans will be allowed on their own. But we have been separate peoples for many generations and learning to integrate our cultures will take time. We ask the patience of the humans in this. And we will give the same. We are more closely connected now than we have ever been, and this will help that connection grow.” Over seasons and years and more projects to come, with Safrin’s approval.
Now he turned back to
Harper's practicality was invaluable and Hadama turned his attention to one of Torchline’s staunchest defenders next. ”The Mer have access to the Court of Stars. If we widen the access pool beside the fountain it will serve for trials where both Mer and humans may participate. Our laws are not so different for most crimes. Theft. Assault. Murder. Repayment. Service to those injured or the community. Imprisonment. Disciplinary measures should be the same across Torchline.” He paused, considering for a moment before nodding slowly. ”But aside from repayment, I think that Mer should mete out punishment to Mer. And humans should oversee punishment of humans.” It would be inhumane to imprison a human away from the sun for too long, and the human jail could not accommodate Mer. Likewise service had several challenges that made it impractical between land and sea. ”But I would hear your suggestions,” he rumbled respectfully to the humans – many of whom would also be involved in whatever trials would come from increased contact between the peoples of Torchline.
