“Space travel is an interesting thing.” Dhivael replied simply. She wasn’t certain that she was truly permitted to say much about the topic beyond that. She certainly was not permitted to describe anything about the ships her people used or the functions on board. However, the Rihan was aware that her simply being on Earth meant that those who met her would know there was life on other planets. That was something that need not be kept secret. It was simply a fact, and divulging that much wouldn’t give Earthlings information which would significantly alter their rate of technological advance. “Yes. There are many other planets which host sentient beings. There are three in my planet’s solar system, and there are many more in other solar systems and in other galaxies. So far, I believe Earth hosts the most varieties of sentient beings of which I’m aware, but it is a large planet.”
Dhivael simply nodded. “I have studied many of the cultures of Earth, so I am aware that Northern Americans seem to be more open about their personal lives than those of other continents. That is part of why I chose to begin my…” The Rihan struggled for the right words to use. She knew many languages, and while she was fluent in English, some things gave her pause. “…field work in the United States.” She hoped she had used the proper phrase.
The extraterrestrial was a patient woman. When Yanagi fell silent, presumably to think of how best to answer Dhivael’s question, the Rihan did not pester her. She, too, remained silent while she waited. The angel’s answer was a little unsatisfactory. How could one who had been alive so long not actually know? It was true that not many were scientifically minded. Perhaps this was part of Yanagi’s problem with answering. “Well, how do you reach Heaven? How did you travel from Heaven to Earth?” Perhaps answering that would give the alien a better idea.
Dhivael had been looking at Yanagi when she had answered. She knew people had a tendency to prefer that on Earth. It made them feel as if a person was giving them their full attention. It was understandable, but among Rihannsu, it was unnecessary. It hadn’t been difficult to adhere to such an Earth custom in the months she’d been on the planet, and it had proven to give the Rihan a better opportunity to observe the reactions of those she studied. Because she was looking at the angel, she caught the change in the woman’s facial expression.
Dhivael associated frowns with basic upset feelings, but the expression on Yanagi’s face didn’t portray extreme sadness, just a hint of it. The Rihan was very aware that basic emotions contained many different levels, but as long as she could detect the basic intent, she felt she was doing better. The tone of her voice expressed the same emotion as seen on her face. Perhaps she had hoped they would have more together? “There is a chance that we will not have the same ‘Anthropology and Religion’ course, but we can study together outside of class. Is your focus more on the magical aspects of cultures? I was not aware that students are required to take any supernatural courses other than ‘Appreciating Paranormal Diversity.’” The only reason she was taking that course this year was because she had been told it was required for all first year students. Dhivael did see its use, and she knew it would help her in the end. Besides, she truly wasn’t one to break rules she felt were logical and efficient.
“I appreciate your offer. I am certain that I will likely require aid during this year.” The homework probably wasn’t something with which she would need aid. It would be the questions that such work would raise in her mind. She understood that Professor Gideon Whyte would not always have the time to answer her questions, and he was not nearly as readily available as her new roommate.
Dhivael nodded when Yanagi decided she didn’t require further assistance. “About what would you like to speak?”