Private A Cultural Exchange

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Companion: Grisial and baby Aileni
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Athena Karalis

Dreidi heard that a new part of the Naboo civilisation was becoming more prevalent and growing in recognition. She hadn't learned much on them when she first arrived but this new leader was trying to play a larger part with the growing RNR and wished for her people to be recognised in a better light. Something that Dreidi could sympathise with since she had been similar in her motives with the Dathomiri. Wishing to show how much good they could do and the benefits they could offer others over the heavily negative views that they currently held.

To offer the chance to get to know these new people, Dreidi reached out to meet up and learn more about them. She was curious to see what they were about as well as learning what they were looking to do, what they were seeking in joining the RNR. A way to offer to help in bringing better understanding and compassion. It was something that Dreidi found to be her calling, learning of differing cultures, especially Force based ones, and attempting to speak on behalf of those people. To be the level voice in the situation so that the issue could be resolved peacefully. Dreidi had attempted it on Brendok with the witches when they faced imperials who were outspoken and trying to start a conflict.

Now she decided to try her hand here as well.

Placing Aileni in his papoose, Dreidi figured it would be a good chance to bring him along so he can see different sides to Naboo, since it was likely going to be a home for them both and a chance to experience and be a part of this mission. Even though he was a baby and unlikely to remember such an event, Dreidi wanted to allow him to still have these experiences and moments. It felt important and could influence him in the future in a positive manner, she hoped.

Having set a meeting spot in Theed with Athena, Lily walked with Grisial beside her as they walked down the streets of Theed to the marketplace where they were going to meet Athena. It felt like a good spot to meet and if Athena wanted to show off more of her people's ways and culture then it would be easy enough to find transport for them to reach the other city from where they were.

 

[Athena Karalis]

TAG: Dreidi Xeraic

Meeting with this strange woman, only known as Dreidi. Athena didn't know much about her at all, other than she was possibly affiliated with the Royal Naboo Republic. A possible way for Athena to get some influence points before then meeting with the Queen of Naboo. Of course meeting in the capital city of Theed is a bit daunting. Simply because of the fact than an Ophissan hasn't slithered into Theed since the Plague. But Athena needed to make the first step, or well the first slither in her case. Before Athena departed, she had requested volunteers to come with her to show off Ophissan culture. A couple of Ophissan priestesses, and two duelists, and even an Exalted Den Mother.

Athena slithered into the capital of Theed with her guards and entourage . Of course she probably drew many stares from both the civilians and also the guards themselves. Naturally, being the predator species they were, the Ophissans were on high alert with the guards keeping a firm grip on their energy bows. As the group approached the meeting area, Athena spotted the woman with a child and an animal companion. Athena slithered to Dreidi, giving a fanged smile.

"You musssst be my contact, yessss?" she asked politely

​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Companion: Grisial and baby Aileni
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Athena Karalis

Seeing the entourage, it was clear that Athena was aiming to show off the Ophissan culture which was not something that Dreidi minded, but it was a bold move to do such a demonstration in Theed. Though, making a bold move was not a negative in Dreidi's mind, it showed commitment and willingness to put everything on the line. A method that Dreidi had often used herself when working on things. Giving a polite bow to Athena, she knew that the leader was considered a monarch amongst her people, a title that Dreidi was never personally a fan of.

Even though her family were considered royalty as well.

"Greetings, your highness, Athena." While Dreidi did not enjoy the concepts of monarchs, she would not be stupid enough to disrespect one. Especially since Dreidi was aiming to help demonstrate the strong bonds that the Ophissan can expect from the RNR. It was important to show respect and understanding even with differing ideologies on leadership. "I am Dreidi, this is my bonded companion, Grisial," gesturing to the Vulptex, Dreidi then bounced Aileni in his papoose a little. "This is my son Aileni. I hope it is okay that I brought them both along."

Looking at the entourage, "it is quite a group you have brought with you. Anything you are hoping to find in Theed today? Before we visit your own city?" Lily asked, curious to see if the people of Theed would have anything that could interest the Ophissan people. It would be a good thing to learn since it could help with trading.

 

[Athena Karalis]

TAG: Dreidi Xeraic

Athena seemingly gave a slight bow of her head to the woman, giving her the respect of at least hearing her out. Her eyes glanced to the right to look at the small animal companion that Dreidi had in her company. It was a bit strange to Athena and the other Ophissans. They never fully grasped the concept of pets or animal companions. Granted, the only sort of animals in Ophissan lands were livestock only raised for one purpose. To be slaughtered and feasted upon. Athena then glanced to Dreidi's young offspring. A son she called it.

The Revered Den Mother seemingly took an interest in Dreidi's child as she slithered up to stand tall next to Athena. "A young one? How adorable! Ssssshe looks like a cute little ham!"

Athena blinked and turned to the Revered Den Mother, simply hissing at her as if politely scolding her for, the poor choice of words. The Revered Den Mother gasped "Oh I didn't mean like to eat! SSshhee, I mean...he. Yessss. He issss a very adorable child. I remember when my offspring were young and curious about the world."

Athena gave a sigh as she turned to Dreidi "My apologiesssss. As for we want in Theed, nothing at thissss moment. I was under the impressssion, we will be talking about our culture here"

​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Companion: Grisial and baby Aileni
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Athena Karalis

Dreidi listened to the reverend mother, there was two interesting takes. The comment on Aileni looking like a piece of ham, clearly it was intended as a compliment though Dreidi thought he looked far from ham in appearance. However, it was good to note that looking like ham might be something that the Ophissan consider a desirable trait. Important to note it can further avoid misunderstood insults and hurt feelings. Therefore she took no offense to it. It was also interesting the error made in gender, while he was still a baby, Dreidi could assume that the Ophissan just couldn't tell gender differences in human all that well. As well as the term son and daughter might not be as common among the Ophissan as it was amongst other humanoids.

Which made things interesting but Dreidi smiled and shrugged her shoulders, "there was no offence taken. I am here to discuss things of your culture and understand how you perceive things. Therefore, please don't fret about accidentally offending me." Dreidi also knew that anyone attempting to threat her child would die slowly and very painfully with the inability to stop her.

So she wasn't concerned about anyone from the Ophissan trying, she assumed they had more survival instincts than to attempt to harm a baby in front of his mother.

Nodding her head, "we can talk here for sure. We can also travel back to your city as well so you can show me Ophissan way of life up close. I just set the meeting here since I did not wish to assume that I could enter your city without concern." Dreidi gave a large smile, "how about a drink? Do you have a preference in beverage?" Dreidi asked, seeking to learn more about this leader of the Ophissan as well as the people as a whole. It was good to know what a leader was like as well as those she led.

 

[Athena Karalis]

TAG: Dreidi Xeraic

Athena tapped her chin for a moment before giving a small chuckle at the smaller woman. "I'm afraid that my people and I don't have alot of variety in drink choicesss. Normally we drink water or wine. Indeed it's probably the only thing we consssume that issss not ssssome ssssortt of meat. Our vineyards are well maintained back in our homeland to enssure good quaility wine."

The rest of Athena's entourage nodded in agreement. They had actually brought a small decorated pitcher filled with their wine for their own consumption. Athena waved her for one of her entourage to pour a glass of their wine for Dreidi to try. Athena handed her the silver cup, giving her an encouraging look to try it. "Assss for you coming to our city, I have no problem with that at all. If you wisssh to truly experience out culture, what better way to fully experience it of your own volition."

​

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[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Companion: Grisial and baby Aileni
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Athena Karalis

Nodding her head, "well clean water and a good wine can be prized commodities to sell, Alderaan is a very popular style of wine so having a competitive version from Naboo could be something that could bring yourselves quite a good sum of credits." It was fortunate that Aileni was passed the breast feeding period of his development and was now shifting onto solid foods. It meant that the proffered wine that the Ophissan were so generous in providing Dreidi was not going to be turned down.

Taking a sip, she sampled the wine and then took another drink. "Well, I am not sure if this is because it is the first wine I've drunk in over a year now or what but this is a very delicious glass of wine." Dreidi spoke with a genuine smile on her lips as she chuckled. Her fingers caressed Aileni's fine deep brown hair.

"I appreciate the invitation and I am sure that we will visit your city some point today. But for now, how about we enjoy what the market has to offer, see if anything from the other races here intrigues you to try, maybe?" Dreidi offered a smile, "could even establish a trading stall here for your people as well. The market in Theed is very popular." Hoping that this would be appealing to the Ophissan people.

 

[Athena Karalis]

TAG: Dreidi Xeraic
Wearing: Non Combatant Outfit


"Competitorsss from Alderaan? What isss thissss Alderaan? Invaderssss? If they wisssh to compete against usss, we will gladly fight them to ssshow who isss truly better" one of the duelists announced. Athena simply pinched her brow, glancing back at her duelist simply shaking her head no. The duelist fell silent at her Queen's silent disapproval. Athena simply started to slither over to the market, motioning for Dreidi and her child to accompany her closely. It was on their way to the market where Athena spoke in a much softer hushed tone to Dreidi.

"My beloved people are a proud one. But unfortunately we do lack a greater understanding of what isssss outside of Naboo. While few of our people to leave the planet, mossst of usss are very insssular. It isss my goal to try and change that. Pleasssse take what my entourage saysss with a bit of..what isss that phrassse?" Athena seemingly blanked for a moment before continuing. "A grain of ssssalt? I believe that issss the ssssaying. I am guilty of being ignorant assss well. Hopefully you can help usss?"


​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Companion: Grisial and baby Aileni
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Athena Karalis

Dreidi chuckled at the comment from one of the duellist, it was well intentioned and demonstrated the pride that Athena and her people had not just in themselves but in the things that they produce as well. Shaking her head, "I understand it is well meaning and I do not expect you to be fluent in the mannerisms of I or other humans and/or Near Humans speak in." She was assuming that Zorren would still be Near Human as a species... It was hard to say since she didn't always take that into consideration since for many years as a child, she had assumed she was just human like her father.

"Alderaan is another world akin to Naboo, known for peace and humanitarian aid work. Their wine is meant to be quite delicious. If we were to export your wine, it would then be a wine that would be on the market being sold the same as Alderaan wine." Dreidi explained to Athena's entourage, hoping to help clarify things. "When that happens, it can mean products compete to be the best in the market. That is what I meant by competition. We would have to do nothing but ensure we were selling the best version of your wine and that would speak volumes to the galaxy." A good product was always the most desirable product. From what Dreidi understand on these things.

Looking to Athena, Dreidi smiled and shook her head politely, "no need for the apologises. There are always misunderstandings and confusions when speaking new languages or learning new customs/cultures. Don't be afraid to err, I am here to help provide understanding both from the errors we will make, as well as providing answers in the ones that you might make." Dreidi knew there were going to be times that she would accidentally cross a line or fumble over a word. It happens but she was working to do her best.

"Do you have any questions about Theed or how the Republic is run?" Dreidi asked curious to see what Athena wished to learn and understand since she seemed very keen on exploring outside of the traditions of her people.

 

[Athena Karalis]

TAG: Dreidi Xeraic
Wearing: Non Combatant Outfit

"I will have to conssssult the Oraclesss about letting our wine be ssssold by your traderssss to other partsss of the galaxy. The concept of trade off planet isss one we are not familiar with. If the Oraclesss approve of sssuch a thing, we will need help in undertanding that. Though I do not believe this Alderaan knowsss how to make good wine compared to usss." Athena gave a small fanged smile as she continued to slither along the road.

But the Gorgon Queen stopped to take a look at the various buildings in Theed, and the palace in the distance. Athena turned Dreidi giving a nod to her question. "Many quetionsss. I undertsand Naboo is ruled by a Queen and that several bloodlinesss do ssserve her. But where do the non humansss fit in? I do not know what the Gungansss are politically to you Naboo, but I aim to at leasst being in higher ssstanding than them."

One of the priestesses spoke up as well "Why are you called a Republic? Why not Empire or kingdom, for you have a Queen? Alssso what is your ssstance on religion?"

​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Companion: Grisial and baby Aileni
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Athena Karalis

Understanding the desire to hold off on selling the wine in such a manner, Dreidi nodded her head and gave an appreciative smile, "it is kind of you to offer to look into such possibilities. But don't fret if it is not possible. It was a mere suggestion on my part, I do not wish to assume to know whether or not it is the best option. I am sure there is someone much more industrial that could help go through that matter with you if you did wish to pursue that path."

Dreidi listened to the questions from Athena as well as from one of her priestess. "Well, as far as the Order of Shiraya, we view all races, humanoid or not, as equal. So there is no special treatments provided there for anyone or a hierarchy. For the Royal Naboo Republic as a whole, I doubt that you will be treated better than the Gungans but I can promise an equal treatment is provided. There is no desire that I know of in trying to continue old rivalries on Naboo and we are trying to be peaceful, democratic society." Dreidi stated, hoping she was making sense and coming across reasonably for Athena. Dreidi had learned that there was old rivalries with the Gungans but she refused to preferential treatment to one race over another to occur or be assumed. It was a dark path that led to empires and cruelty.

"As for why we call ourselves a Republic, it is because we admit to be one. While there is a ruling queen of Naboo, she is not the only voice, there are senators who represent other worlds. The queens on Naboo hold terms where they must step down and a new queen is elected. Empires tend to have very dark connotations, and similar to kingdoms, they only work if the senate or elected leaders of other worlds do not hold more power than the figurehead. We strive to be a democracy with everyone having an equal voice." Dreidi attempted to explain in the best manner that she could from how she understood the ways that the RNR worked.

Tilting her head, "well, I am a Dathomiri Witch as well as a Jedi, so I hope that the RNR is open to all forms of belief and religions. As long as you not using such things as a way to harm another sentient life, or break the laws." Dreidi stated, not wanting the priestess to think that religion could be a shield to hide behind when conducting criminal activities.

"Tell me, how does Ophissan government and culture work?"

 

[Athena Karalis]

TAG: Dreidi Xeraic

The Ophissans looked at each other very confused. Some of them spoke in their native tongues to each other. Even if the language could not be understood, they sounded concerned. A lack of a structured hierarchy. It was unfamiliar to them as a people. Not to mention the fact that kingdoms and empires have dark connotations. Athena gently raised her hand to calm down her entourage as she turned to Dreidi to answer her question.

"We are guided by the Oracles. The Oracles are voices of our goddess, the Great Cosmic Serpent. She is our creator, our divine motther. In her final act against the Great Devourer. she made us. Every day is spent in service to her, to honor her sacrifice. For the Great Devourer will return to try consume us all." Athena explained "Us Ophissans, anything and everything we do, is to ensure we are strong enough for that eventuality to come."

"In service to the Great Cosmic Serpent, to our Oracles, and to our Gorgon." one of the duelists proclaimed. The entourage all gave a brief bow before Athena before rising.

"We value our religion, our devotion quite highly. Not to mention our martial skills as well. Though every Ophissan is important. We all need to work together to be powerful enough. For the greater good of our society." The Revered Den Mother added.

"To elaborate more about how our government works, Oracles are never elected. The Oracles are the oldest of our priestthood, with the gifts of seeing the future. A talent we all have but our priestesses train their abilities far greater than our warriors. The Oracles speak with the Voice of our Goddess. They spend most of their time in deep meditation. As Gorgon, I am monarch for fifty years after my ascension. I am if not, the youngest Gorgon in our history. Gorgons are selected based off the War Games contest we have."

"A test of our future Gorgon's military capabilities as a leader and warrior." another duelist added. "Only ten champions are allowed into the War Games. Its usually only the most elite warriors sign up but any warrior can. The winner of the War Games becomes Gorgon. The winner is decided by public voting."

​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Companion: Grisial and baby Aileni
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Athena Karalis

It was understandable that people who had lived very accustomed lives to a belief and might is right culture that something that was more democratic seemed scary or foreign. Dreidi knew that they were going to seem very alien to Athena and her people but the purpose of this cultural exchange was to help give context and understanding as to why the Royal Naboo Republic operated the way that it did. She was also deeply interested in how the Ophissan people lived and wished to have an understanding of how different and unique that culture would be. Knowing where they would best find a mutual understanding.

Dreidi listened to the importance of Athena's rise to power, the importance of the oracles and how the War Games worked for the Ophissans. It was intriguing and Dreidi was curious to see how it all worked as a process. Seeing it in person would likely be a very different experience to just hearing about it. "Interesting. Well, the Royal Naboo Republic has a senate with representatives from each world called senators. They would have aides and cultural assistants to ensure all aspects of the world they are representing is heard but the senator is the voice of that world to the senate." Dreidi explained, giving more information on how the democracy of the RNR worked.

"It means that we can operate with more understanding of the worlds without our faction and provide them with the necessary assistance and support. The Order of Shiraya is the Jedi portion of the faction. I don't know if you have had much experience with Jedi but we teach people how to use the Force and how to be balanced individuals." Dreidi stated, "a more spiritual aspect of the Royal Naboo Republic I suppose." She added, knowing how important spirituality must be to the Ophissan.

Looking over to the whole party, "the Ophissan would not be expected to change their ways culturally to be part of the Royal Naboo Republic, you can continue your lives as you currently live them. As long as you also respect the rules of the Royal Naboo Republic. In turn, we can provide aid and help you prosper as much as you desire." Hoping to demonstrate that this meeting could be mutually beneficial without the Ophissan having to sacrifice their ways too much.

"Do your people train to use the Force? Do you have Force users?" Dreidi asked, curious on the different ways Ophissan's might use the Force. It was a chance to learn more about how different Force cultures worked.

 

[Athena Karalis]

TAG: Dreidi Xeraic

"What issss thissss Force you ssspeaak of?" one of the warriors asked "Isss thisss witchcraft?"

"Isss the Force a gift from your goddeesssss?" one of the priestesses asked

Athena simply gave a small chuckle as she raised her hand to calm down her entourage a bit. Then she turned to Dreidi to speak on their behalf. "Assss you can probably tell, we do not know about thissss Force you speak of. Every Ophissssan isss blessssed by the Great Cossssmic SSSSerpeent. We all have the ability to percieve futre eventsss in a limited form. Only the Oraclessss can clearly guidee ussss through eventssss. They have trained the sssskillsss necesssssary for them to do so. In addition, we do not know anything about Jedi or SSSSith personally. Only bitsss of information that come out of Theed."

​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Companion: Grisial and baby Aileni
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Athena Karalis

It was interesting that they had not heard of the Force before, given the term was commonplace on Naboo. However, the way they described things in terms of visions and their Serpent Goddess, there was a cultural view on the Force. Dreidi grinned and with the Force caused the hilt of her Lightsaber to move from her hip to hover above her hand. "The Force would be how you describe the gifts your Oracles have, visions, glimpses of the future. They are the Force speaking to us, showing us events that have not taken place. Either as a warning or to enact change in our current paths."

"The Jedi and Sith use the Force, they view it as two sides of a coin. The Light Side and the Dark Side, they seem similar but one side allows the Force to flow through them in a natural and peaceful manner while the other attempts to grab and twist the Force to bend and abuse it to their will." Dreidi attempted to explain without diving too deeply into the psychological and philosophical differences between the two factions. "However, there are other cultures that view the Force and name it differently, similar to yourselves. Not always seeing it as a gift from deities but a connection to the planet they come from."

This was sort of how Dathomiri witches saw the Magick they used, connecting them to the ichor of Dathomir. That being on Dathomir was where their Magick would always be the most powerful.

Guiding the hilt of her Lightsaber back into her hip, "I am sure the Jedi Order here on Theed can offer further explanation and instruction for your people on how the Force works and how they want to use the Force." Not wishing to overwhelm Athena and her party with information overload in the first meeting, as well as letting them to mull over this current new information and form questions to then address the Order.

 

[Athena Karalis]

TAG: Dreidi Xeraic

There was something of a visible discomfort coming across all of the Ophissan's faces at Dreidi's explanation. Even Athena herself could not mask it, despite her best efforts. It felt heretical to hear such explanations, to think that the gifts of their Oracles were not given to them by the Great Cosmic Serpent. That were apart of this Force that Dreidi spoke of. Athena looked at the lightsaber that was moved in front of them with this Force, seeing that it could manipulate objects.

"Why would we ssseeeek guidance from outssssiderssss about to use our blessssingssss?" a priestess asked "Doessss thissss Jedi Order wissssh to control usss?"

The other Ophissans emitted low hissing noises, as if to murmur in agreement. Athena gave a friendly smile as she elaborated further. "The bigger quessstion issss, can we pursssue our giftsss in our manner, like how our people alwaysss done for centurieesss? To sssay our giftsssss are not blesssingsss from our Goddessss, but insssstead jussst a power that anyone can usssse..." Athena trailed off, failing to try and find the a way to close out her thought.

​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Companion: Grisial and baby Aileni
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword
Tag: Athena Karalis

Seeing the discomfort from Athena and the other Ophissans, Dreidi knew that the discussion surrounding the Force and explanations on how the Jedi and the Sith saw the Force were not discussions that these people were prepared for. It was understandable, people saw things differently and culturally it was important to know that your history was not complete lies. "I do not mean to dismiss your history or how you view the origins of your powers. The interpretation I gave was merely one view, the witches of Dathomir state that their gifts which they call Magick, similar to the Force, comes from their planet." Mentioning a different origin and different belief in hopes to demonstrate she was not being dismissive.

"So, your beliefs are still valid and they are still available for you to pursue no matter what." Dreidi attempted to reassure. "It is not an attempt at control, you are allowed to pursue your traditions as you have for centuries and no one can tell you how or why you obtain the gifts you have, so they definitely can be something you obtained from your goddess." It was a hard line to manoeuvre around since Dreidi held no beliefs in this goddess that Athena and her people believed in but she was not here to disrespect their beliefs either or to claim them as untrue. It was her job to ensure they felt seen and respected.

Pausing, she breathed in deeply, "my son here will one day get to make the choice whether he pursues training with the Jedi or live on Dathomir with the clans there and be trained in their ways. It is a choice he will make and I will respect and support his decisions. I do not expect you surrender your ways, or give up centuries of tradition and training merely because the Jedi exist here. This is more an open offer for those interested to pursue that path if they wish. To learn more of a different viewpoint. Neither correct or incorrect, just separate."