Initially bewildered at the purely magical video ether connection -something theoretically impossible without mechanical components to supplement etheric forces-, Mericlou watched as Mr. Neska dictated the day's news. At first, it was all fairly routine reports and weather, but as the half-hour drew to a close, one specific section began that invoked her undivided attention.
It was a special report on interracial relationships.
Though brief and very to the point with the time allowed, it covered the usual things that accompanied humans or elves that announced their romantic involvement with one of the other race: rejection and ridicule by family and friends, ostracism from human or elven society -or both altogether.
In the last few minutes of the report, a much-asked question was investigated. It was the question about whether or not elves had forged any romantic relationships with androids.
Right there, was the crux: the point that made sense of everything that had gone on today; for in those closing minutes she and Aldrec were mentioned, with pictures accompanying. A disclaimer stated that their romantic involvement was unconfirmed, but a series of street interviews with people -many she knew from her own neighborhood- showed how appalled they were at such a thing.
She would not have cared one whit for the report -her relationship with Aldrec was, after all, no one else's concern- had it not been for the fact that Alaema was among those interviewed.
As Mr. Neska gave his closing words, Aldrec broke the spell, and the image vanished.
"I recorded it earlier this afternoon," Aldrec said quietly. "I guess I should tell you that this was what I had feared for a long time."
"Alaema." Mericlou said in a quiet, almost monotone voice.
"Excuse me?"
"Alaema. She did this," Mericlou said, her voice breaking several times. "No doubt about it."
Aldrec noticed that a new and frightening change had come over her. Mericlou's teeth were clenched tightly, and her tense fists shook. Her usually soft amber doe eyes were narrowed viciously, burning with disquieting flame.
"Alaema … I can't believe she … why?" Mericlou said, voice and body trembling.
"Tulyr …?" Aldrec ventured to say. And then he was nearly knocked off of his feet by Mericlou's scream.
"WHY IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY DID SHE DO THIS?"
Her fists flailed into the air, nearly connecting with Aldrec's jaw.
And then, as if all the wind and life were taken from her in that one hideous rant, Mericlou collapsed to the floor.
Aldrec knelt down beside her. The same as when they first met, he placed an arm around her shoulder as she sat there and simply cried. They were not helpless, desperate wails, but a simple, bitter, sorrowful cry: quiet and reserved.