Private A Meeting of Minds (Elpsis)

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lia nodded. "Though my involvements were less...prolonged...than yours, I got a good sense of how they worked from my time with Siobhan and others. The revelation I quickly came to was both pleasant and unpleasant in equal measure; they are little different to us save that they were blessed with more technology and greater experiences of other cultures. To my mind our 'older sisters' as you put them could have probably tried a play to rule all this world were it not for their chronic disunity. An irony, considering they are the most centralised and bureaucratic of all of our people...and I suspect it will lead to a fracture. But we might discuss that another time."

She sipped her tea. "Let me ask you a question, Lady Jai Vahal. Say for a moment an efreet appeared before you and could give you one wish, what might it be? If you do not like such fanciful questions, my apologies and you need not answer, or answer with humour."
The Xio sat back to wait for Shazora's reply, if any.

xxx

The beetle seemed completely uninterested in them, and wandered down into the soil at their feet and soon had disappeared into a hole in the tree. These insects were skilled at boring into wood to find tasty sap.
Lalax followed the insect until it was out of sight and then looked outside. The sight was entrancing. "It is as though a silver curtain is draped upon the land, and the trees follow the beat of inaudible music."
Wriggling forward she put her hand out so some drops splashed it. Laughing, almost giggling, she pulled it in and drunk from the few drops of water.
"Does this rain last long?" she asked curiously.

xxx

Yara raised an eyebrow, but did not dispute the nickname. Yara was quite pleased and worked hard on her physique, for similar...though not identical reasons to Tarzar.
With the help of all the guests, they soon had the Narrak loaded. Yara dropped down after securing the loads and gestured for the drivers to take them off.
"Good work, all of you," she said with a look of genuine appreciation towards all of them. "Better than most outsiders," she added grimly. "People who come just to shoot and then don't help with cleanup. Anyway, let's get back. If any of you are interested I can show you how we prepare the meat and the hides and fur. A priestess will also bless what we have done and put the spirits to rest."

Her Partuz had been squabbling a bit with Great-Leap over some morsels from the Narrak's head, but did not protest when she remounted and spurred them on.
The rain was starting to fall a bit heavier now. Those with Partuz would have to cling on in the rain, whilst those on foot would have to trek back to the city. Fortunately, a warm bath would await them there if they wished it.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"I've never seen someone describe rain so beautifully. You've got the tongue of a poet," Yaritha said happily. She wasn't fawning, she was being perfectly honest. Gently taking Lalax' slender, grey hand, she licked a few raindrops from her palm before pressing a kiss to it. "Rainfall can last for hours. Sometimes it rains for days. Probably not today though. We're not in the rain season yet, though we may have to stay the night."

xxx

Shazora regarded the Xio Queen carefully. What are you playing at? she wondered suspiciously. "I wish my people could live and free of fear of the next oppressor who will force a collar around their necks." The truth, but nothing personal. The truth is selfish, she thought. "What about you, Queen Lia?"

xxx

"We know of 'hunters' like that," Sahmara interjected. "They came in, and slaughtered Yaz and Ghoush from their flying machines and their speeders, and called themselves brave and got drunk."
"Not so brave when Yaz caught up with them," Xalda said darkly. As the rainfalls grew heavier, puddles formed and the ground began to turn muddy. The Xioquo looked at the rain in wonder

"Plenty of scum like that on the Arx for them to eat," Elpsis muttered. "I'd like to ask the priestess' blessing and pray with her...if that's alright with her," She sounded a bit shy and self-conscious as she made the request. You're a foreigner, don't matter what you do. You don't really belong.

Rain poured down from the heavens, and she clung a bit more tightly to Sharp-Fang. Splashing down upon the hunters, the rain was making her clothes soggy and plastered her long, red hair to her head. Still, she was content...as close as she could be. It was honest work. The kind her adoptive mothers and many a fine lady at court would have turned up her nose at.

Hazani soldiered on stoically through the rain and mud. Neither was to her liking. It made her miss the desert and the savannah, but she would not let any of that show. Especially not around the human. "What else do you use the carcasses for?" she asked, partly out of genuine interest, partly to distract herself.

For his part, Tarzar didn't seem to mind the rain. Farzi was known to have heavy monsoons, after all. Instead he let Great-Leap set the pace, quietly whistling a tune. Judging from her chirping sounds, the Partuz seemed to like it.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lalax blushed slightly. "My sweet-heart, you bless me with your kindness," she said with a smile. "Though I do try, I am still learning the craft of a bard, since I have many other duties to attend." She frowned at Yaritha's words. "It can rain for days?!" she asked in shocked. It was rare for any place that Xio went to have that much of a deluge.

"Hmm, then until it ends we must entertain ourselves." She rummaged in her pack and produced a small stringed instrument like a long, thin, violin. As the rain continued to hammer down she started to play a tune. It was hopeful, upbeat. Not perfect, as it was clear Lalax was still learning, but pleasant. The sort of music one might want to dance to, were it not for the rain.



XXX



Lia smiled and raised her teacup. "I will drink to that, and agree, Lady Jai Vahal. What I most want is for the Xio to be free to live their lives with no master or mistress standing over them…or being that over others."

She finished her cup. "But in this moment, I would wish another pot of this tea. Still, since no efreeti looks like it will appear, I will accept my fate."

She rose. "My thanks, Lady Jai Vahal, I have learned a lot from our discussion. I will see you tonight." She departed the tea shop, trailed by one of her aides.



XXX



"We do not suffer outside poachers," Yara added darkly. "Though by law they should be taken to answer before the court, there have been times where the Partuz got there before we could. A great shame," she added with barely feigned contempt.



Yara glanced at Elpsis for a moment. Was she curious, surprised or suspicious? It was hard to tell, but then she nodded. "I am sure it will be, I will ask her when we return," she said



To Hazani she said. "We try to use as much as we can. The hides and fur are excellent for the cold and resist the rain. The meat can be smoked and stored for months. The fat we use for fuel, and the bones are useful for decorations or within clothes. There's not much left by the end, and we give that to the Partuz."



After a half hour of travel in the rain the lights of the city would come back into view.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Yaritha took a moment to sit back and enjoy her lover's music. Before being ripped from her home and enslaved by that cruel monster, before the Daughters...Lalax had been a musician, a bard. Even after all that had happened, she could take joy in the small things, share that joy and hope even when things were dire. Besides she was, in Yaritha's opinion, genuinely talented.

Yaritha began to hum a folk song, one passed down from her mother, and through her from her grandmother. Pearls of the Southern Sky. A bit melancholic, but hopeful. She was no natural singer, but she sang with increasing confidence as the words came rushing back and she could imagine herself sitting at campfire with her clan sisters and brothers...and Lalax.

xxx

Shazora regarded the Queen. "Good day to you, Queen Lia." With a thoughtful expression on her face, she watched Lia depart. There would be friendship between Farzians and Xio. Too much blood had been spilt, too many wrongs would forever remain unrighted. Perhaps in a few generations when the wounds were no longer raw? But there could be...something better than in the past she had lived for the time being. With a sigh, she began working on some of her correspondence. Her aides - some closeted bodyguards - had discreetly taken up position.

It was she was engrossed in her work that Izana suddenly happened upon her. "Oh, Lady Komharasi Jai Vahal, I didn't expect there to be anyone here. Truly, I just wanted some tea."
"It's all right," Shazora said, putting her papers back in her bag. "I trust your trip across the city was illuminating, priestess?" she asked softly.
"Quite," Izana sat down. "An interesting synthesis of the new and old. Will the former swallow the latter? Only time will tell. A dilemma many of us face, some more than others."
"Progress never comes without sacrifices...and those who lose out. Adaptation is easier for some of us than others. We Qadiri - the larger polities and wealthy city-states at any rate - were on the cusp of industrial development before the sky people forced themselves on us. Urban living, with all its benefits and stresses, economies of scale, an empowered merchant class - all new to the Vashyada," she smiled a bit self-consciously. "My apologies for rambling on.
"Perish the thought." A waiter brought the priestess some tea, she thanked him and gave him a small tip. "I find their faith curious. Different from ours. Not something for Qadiri, naturally. But they honour the ancestors, I respect that. Clearly their spirits haven't let them down either," the Azalian priestess spoke as she sipped her tea.
Shazora checked her chrono. "We should get moving. The hunting party will be back soon. I will probably have to knock my dear husband's ego down a peg. He's going to be showing off all night."
"As every lady's consort has to, I'm told," Izana said with a chuckle.
"Speaking of your lady, how long to intend to remain at court?"
"Are you looking for a spiritual counsellor, Lady Jai Vahal? I serve the Mother of Flames. For the time being, I do so best at court. As for what comes afterwards, we shall see."

xxx

As the party made their way through the forest, they were joined by Mahsa. The elderly, grizzled Qadiri lady warrior was soaked, but she seemed in good spirits. "Ah, Hazani, good hunt, eh?"she spoke in Zandri.
"Agha," Hazani said, presenting her bloody spear. These creatures are smart. I still prefer a Yazgid. At least I know what it's thinking."
"Whether you're capable of delivering its next meal to it or whether it should make you one," Mahsa said with a chuckle.
"You're drenched, we need to get you some fresh clothes now."
"Oh, don't fret, girl, it's embarrassing, these old bones aren't as dead as they might seem," Mahsa said dismissively. "We depart tomorrow, so do mingle a bit at the feast."
"I'm not sure how close I should become to the people here," Hazani admitted.
"Enjoy yourself, dear," Mahsa winked, then said seriously, "with one eye open."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lalax continued to play, coaxing a jaunty tune from the instrument, trying to time it with Yaritha's words. Soon she became more confident especially when it came to the chorus which she didn't fully understand, yet followed the rhythm. When at last she stopped with Yaritha, Lalax was smiling broadly.
"That was brilliant, my love! And look, the rain stops its fall! We can leave this tree to its proper occupants and continue soon."
Indeed, the rain had mostly passed except for a light drizzle outside, leaving behind puddles and a slight mist. Lalax gave Yaritha a quick kiss and headed for the entrance of their tree home.

xxx

By the time the hunting party had returned to the bridge leading back to the city, the rain had mostly passed. Some people had come to watch, and a couple even cheered at the sight. Attendants came down to take control of the prizes and lead them to a processing plant on the forest side of the river.
Yara turned to the assembled party. "A good hunt," she said with more enthusiasm than normal for her laconic self. "Those who wish to learn more about how we do things, or to speak to the Priestess are welcome to remain. Otherwise, you can head back to your quarters we have assigned you and you can get tidied up. Feast will be at 7pm."

Inside the large wooden structure was a curious mix of modern and traditional. Stainless steel tables and portable cranes to move the bodies, along with refrigeration contrasted with the older iron tools and stretching racks for the hides.

Waiting for those interested was a tall Vash lady with long red hair tied back practically. She was dressed in a simple green dress, though she had a leather apron over the top. Through the Force she was revealed as a strong, but not overwhelming Force presence. When she spoke it was in near perfect Basic with only a light accent.
"Welcome, my name is Vyra, and I am here today to bless the bounty of the hunt, to put the spirits of the wild to rest, and to ensure that all is used correctly. It is my belief, and that of all our people, that waste is a sin. Everything has a purpose, and nature drives us to a path of using all we can."
She took a very sharp knife, and whilst intoning softly, she started to open the Narrak's body to remove the innards. Those close to her familiar with Prosbia might understand her soft chant.
"Brother of the forest, we stand before you in respect. Brother of the forest, we respect your sacrifice. Brother of the forest, you die so we might live. Brother of the forest, go to the wildheart and return again, be born into the forest again. One day, oh brother, may you be one of us, and we as you. Together, forever."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Yaritha blushed slightly."It is a song about a great huntress who overtook all others in her clan, female and males alike, and defeated all the beasts of the wilds. Her name was Malvanna. Her tribe sung ballads about her victories, but without a challenge she felt aimless. One night, she spied the pearls of the southern sky. Mesmerised by their beauty, she tried to seize these heavenly jewels.

Aloft on the wings of a tamed eagle, Malvanna flew upward into the dark sky. Her prize was so close, she felt invincible. She was so close to the pearls of the southern sky she could almost touch them, but then...the sun rose. So close to the sun's rays, the eagle grew frightened, and Malvanna fell into the sea. While she drowned, she saw the pearls of the southern seas,"

Yaritha paused, looking at Lalax. "She could've reached them any time she wanted, but she was always looking to the sky. When her clan heard about her fate, there was great sorrow. But none mourned her more than her love Gaeleth. He was no legendary warrior, but a good man who loved her dearly. For many days, he didn't eat, he didn't drink. He pleaded with the spirits to intercede. He grew weaker and weaker, but wouldn't relent. Finally, the spirits of the water and sky were by his plea. Malvanna rose and rose and rose..." Yaritha pointed at the dark sky, "they say she is still there in the sky. Once every year, they say, she may assume the shape of a woman and reunite with her love."

xxx

"I'm going to get cleaned up and see if there's official business that needs attending to," Hazani announced crisply, on her heels to leave.
"You can put the Begum into the Sistren, but not take the Begum out of the Sister," Mahisa said wryly. She made no move to gut a beast, but seemed to observe the proceedings with an air of detached curiosity. "Ah, this brings back memories," she said more to herself than anyone else.

Unlike what some people might have done, Elpsis did not make suggestive comments to the priestess. Rather she bowed her head slightly in a gesture of respect. "Priestess," she said softly in Basic. Amidst a whirr of mechanical servos, she shed the by now thoroughly soaked hunting cloak. With Sahmara's help she unstrapped the leather cuirass covering her chest, and tied an apron around her torso. "Do you need anything else, elder sister?" her spirit sister asked respectfully.
"No, all good. Get yourself freshened up if you want."
Yes, elder sister, thank you."

Bending down, Elpsis removed an evidently well-used knife from her boot, and then moved to join Vyra in front of the Narrak's carcasse. Her understanding of Prosabia was painfully limited, but while she did not understand most of the words, she got the message. "Spirits of the wilds, I give thanks for the life of this animal that feeds me," she began softly, repeating the prayer she had made earlier in the forest, "I promise to use all parts of it with respect and gratitude. May this act remind me that all life is connected, and of the cycle of life and death. I ask you to take its spirit home, and vow to unleash vengeance on those who kill animals for sport and pleasure."

As she spoke the words, she began to make careful cuts. The entrails were smelly, but she didn't seem to mind. Though unfamiliar with the Narrak, it was evidently not the first time she had cut up a beast.

Tarzar, meanwhile, walked over to the Nakkar his Partuz had helped him slay. Chuckling a bit, he examined the beast's horn. "She said no trophies...but a little horn has to be fine, right?" he said to no one in particular.
"You should always heed the word of your Lady," a stern looking Xalda informed him primly, though his question had probably been rhetorical.
"Sometimes it's more the spirit than the word, my lady," he opined. "It would be a grave insult to our hosts if I did not take a memento."
"You are not heeding that either. And you just made that up," the Xio said in a somewhat scolding tone before walking off to get a better view of Vyra gutting the carcasse.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lalax listened, enraptured by the tale. She even produced a small notepad and made some notes about it.
"That is most beautiful, and most sad," she sad after a moment. "It is a lesson worth learning though; we should not wish for what we cannot have, especially if there are things closer at hand which we should care for more." She leaned in to cuddle Yaritha a bit.
"We have of some note a similar story," she added after a moment. "It is a tale passed down from generations uncounted. It speaks of two sisters who lived beneath the mountains. They were in harmony and strove to help each other and their kin wherever they could. But one day, one sister, Narvis, decided the allure of the outside was too great. She sought to explore and live in the outside realm. Her sister, Zarana, begged her not to go. Narvis had a plan though. She had constructed a boat of wondrous design which was fully covered so that by day she could travel without the sun blinding her. She ventured to strange lands and found many peoples. The story goes that she explored all the world and was heading back when she found a Qadiri who told her of a remote island. She warned her though that she had been washed up there because of her captain's desire for the treasure there. Narvis did not listen and set forth, leaving the Qadiri behind. As she approached this island a great storm blew up and tore the cover from her ship. Blinded by the light she did not see the rocks and was shipwrecked there."

Lalax frowned. "It's a story about ambition and unwanted rashness I think. Some versions are less...kind...and have the Qadiri be her slave who then tricks her into the light. But I think the story is better this way. Of course, such stories can be used to control people by explaining what is considered acceptable."

She cuddled up to Yaritha a bit more. "Come, we should go on a bit further and find a more comfortable place to rest tonight."

xxx

Vyra looked over and nodded approvingly both of Elpsis' words and of her her efforts. She made no effort to instruct or tell the human what to do, but she did her work in a way that Elpsis could watch if she wanted. As Vyra worked, she worked out the organs carefully, then removed the tail. Further on she removed the hooves and finally the head. This done she started to flay the animal of its hide. It was clear the priestess had done this before, and frequently, and she was not shy about getting her hands dirty.
Other people came in to take the pieces away, and then to help store the meat in a hygienic way to ensure it would be suitable for the feast tonight.
"I had heard you had experience with dressing a kill," she commented to Elpsis after a while. "Your work is good, there are not many outsiders who show care and respect," she added.
With the aid of the Force she turned her kill over so she could get the meat from the other side. Each Narrak offered up a lot of meat. Meat which in addition to tonight could be dried and smoked and feed many people for weeks to come. The organs could mostly be eaten too, and some had uses like the bladder and stomach as storage vessels once treated. The fat could be rendered down for grease, and the hides once stretched provided hides and parchment.
Finally, after a good time, they would come to the end of their work, and both women would be spattered with blood and gore as if they had been in a fierce battle!

The horns of the Narrak were highly prized, and so Tarzar would gain renewed interest walking in with the horns of one in his hands.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"Your people hail from beneath the cold stone, mine from the wilds, but the morale of the tales is the same. Perhaps there is hope for understanding then," Yaritha said thoughtfully. "Anyways, you're right, let's go. Before I have to share you with all the beetles!" It had ceased raining, but the downpour had turned the ground muddy. Thus progress was not fast, but despite Yaritha confidently navigated a path for them through the growing darkness. "How about there?" she pointed at an overhanging rock that seemed large and firm enough to shield them from the rain. "I brought a sleeping bag," she patted the backpack. "I'll light a fire."

xxx

Mahisa had been silently observing the process with interest, here and there walking around to get a better look. "Ah, this brings back memories of gutting animals in the wild. Don't tel young Hazani, but her mother was always a bit snobbish about it," the elderly warrior priestess remarked dryly.

"I'm definitely gonna mention it to her," Elpsis muttered a bit cheekily.
Then suddenly Mahisa was peering over her shoulder at her work. Elpsis involuntarily stiffened slightly, as if she could feel her scrutinising, judging gaze. So close to the warrior priestess, she could feel the sheer heating radiating from her. A fire that, though the woman was old and wizened, burnt as intensely as her own. "Who taught you that, human?"
"Trial and error on Arkas and Dahomey. Messed up a fair bit, got it right after I spent enough time with local hunters."
"My compliments to your teachers then." The feeling of burning heat receded somewhat when Mahisa stepped away and walked over to Vyra. "You show great care. It's almost like a ritual in of itself, is it not? I trust you've done this plenty of times," she commented to the Vashyada priestess.
"How long does the meat keep?" Elpsis queried.

Tarzar, meanwhile, had sawn off the horn of the Narrak he had slain. "Excuse me, my lady," he said with a theatrical bow to Vyra. "I have a quest to complete and must deliver this to the Missus forthwith!"
"I would wash myself before I present a gift to my lady," Xalda remarked. After all, he was still muddy, sweaty and bloody, even more so after the work he had done cutting the horn off.
"But how else would she be sure I have slain it and sawn it off my own hand?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

"A good selection," Lalax agreed. She scrambled under the rock ledge and found it was surprisingly dry underneath. Enough for Yaritha to get a fire lit and their sleeping bags to be laid out of the mud.
She watched as Yaritha kindled a fire. It was both like and unlike how it was done at home. In the Underealm there was not the traditional trees, but the great fungus growths had woody stems which, when dried, would burn. Animal dung and dried kelp also was good to burn. So as Yaritha used kindling and wood for the fire, Lalax smiled and eagerly moved forward when it was ready to get the warmth of the fire.
"Do you have anything for supper? I have some travel rations and biscuits. I need little in the way of great food, but gladly would I share even a crumb with you!" she added loyally.

xxx

Vyra nodded. "Many times, yes. My mother and grandmother were priestesses before me, and one day my daughter will be one too, I hope. It is these traditions and rituals we keep alive by memory and use. The sky people I hear have great manufactories for processing animals, but what they produce is often a disservice to the animal. The best cuts are taken for those with the most coin, the lesser cuts for others, and much of the carcass is discarded. It is soulless. That is why I want to keep these ways going."

She looked to Elpsis. "Two days, or three if the meat is cooked. Therefore, we often smoke and dry the meat, or preserve it with salt to make it last longer. We take these feasts seriously. It is not gluttony - it is using what we have whilst it is good. Other days will be smaller meals or of vegetables which keep longer. We now have freezers to keep the meat for weeks, but we do not rely on them. I find it does not taste the same as when it is fresh."

"How about for you? Do you preserve that you do not use, or do you share it with others?"

Vyra nodded to Tarzar. "Go with grace, Tarzar."

xxx

When he would make his way back to the main city, Tarzar would encounter Phylis Alince herself standing by the bridge, staring off into the distance and formulating a theory.
"Hmm, no, no, Elayne was Anais II's youngest daughter. Couldn't be the one from the legend. Hmmph, it could be...."
It was then that she saw Tarzar walking towards her with the horn of a Narrak in hand.
She looked at the trophy. "Hmm, I see you were successful," she called in Zandri. She peered at the horn. "Adult male, maybe seven years old?" she asked. She didn't see it as showing off, she saw it as a way to discuss matters with him.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

It took some trying, but soon a fire blossomed to life. "Don't worry, I didn't come ill-prepared," Yaritha told Lalax jovially. She rummaged in her backpack before she finally found some rations. "Some bread, fruit, dried meat and even nuts! Does that meet my lady's approval? I would've taken you on a hunt, but it's dark."

xxx

"I don't have a freezer, or electricity, for that matter," Alpsis said.
Mahisa's lip twitched and she raised a brow. "I'm sure the Suquan royal palace would not be lacking either. The Tyrant loved to prattle about how she'd 'modernised'. Personally, I found the new throne incredibly tasteless," the old warrior shook her head. "Ah, at least all the damage the humans inflicted corrected that disaster."

"And I don't live in the palace," Alpsis stated caustically, sounding a bit annoyed. She wasn't looking directly at Mahisa and Vyra since she could not really 'see' them anyway. Rather she stared vaguely into the general direction. "Most Suquans have to do without electricity. Most who are alive today will go to their graves without a fraction of the amenities galaxy people think they're entitled to. So I won't have it either. Freezers are for stores."

She bit her lip, looking thoughtful. "May I ask for blessing, priestess?"

xxx

Whistling a tune, Tarzar came across the Yedai muttering strange things. It had to be a Yedai thing, he supposed. Not that he had much personal experience, for thus far she was the only one he'd encountered. In any event, he proudly presented his horn to give her a better look. "You have a good eye!" he wasn't being sarcastic and clearly didn't presume she was trying to show off.

"These Vash know how to do a proper hunt. Not like that time some executives came over and decided to go on a - what was the word they used again? a 'safari'. Mowed down the poor beasts from a jeep, no sportsmanship, made my blood boil," he shook his head. "Anyways, they're all gone now. I can see why the Vash like their Partuz. I didn't even have to give the big girl directions, she knew just what to do, and I drove my spear into the Narrak! A good kill, a clean kill. I'm going to present this to my Lady! By the by, I couldn't help overhear...what were you talking about?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lalax gladly took a portion of the rations and pulled out some light clay plates from her pack to put them on. They were decorated in intricate glazing.
"These I painted," she said proudly. "We like nicely coloured things, but sometimes it is hard to find the pigments. "

"This is magnificent, thank you, my sweet!" she said approvingly. Lalax was not a picky eater - one could not be an undercaste woman in the days of the Mistresses and live if you were! You got what you were given, but often times it was on you to steal more. In many ways this meal was better than many she'd had for the decades she'd lived under the Council's reign.

When she was done and laid aside, she settled down in her cloak and sleeping bag with Yaritha. People had told her it was romantic to lay under the stars...but the reality was a little different to that nice story. And yet, laying beside Yaritha was enough for her.
"Good night, dear Yaritha. May the spirits watch over you as you rest."

xxx

Vyra nodded. "Most Vash do not have electricity, most live in the traditional way out in the forests still. I do not treat it as a necessity, but a luxury which might be taken away...and which I do not need."

"Of course you may have my blessing." Vyra closed her eyes, channelling the Force about herself, so that when she spoke it was in a calm, detached way.
"Spirits of leaf, of root, of sky,
Bless this bounty where wild ones lie.
Ancestors guide each gift we take,
In honour we give, for balance's sake.
Spirits swift and shadows deep,
Guide your steps where wild ones keep.
May your aim be true, your burden light,
And gentle rest find you tonight."

She opened her eyes, smiled slightly. "It perhaps sounds better in Prosbia," she added in a self-effacing tone. "But the meaning, and my intent is clear. Now come, Alpsis, let us get cleaned up. It would not look good to appear at the feast looking like a butcher. Though, perhaps it would be more interesting than the usual talk at these events." The Priestess did not seem especially enamoured by the events.

xxx

"Hmm, yes, well thank you," Phylis said with a smile. "I try to keep myself educated on many matter. I have a curiosity and interest in many topics...hmmph, too many, perhaps!" she added.

"Ah yes...hunters. Hunting for food like you have done, this I understand. But the beings who seek simply to end life, no matter how small for enjoyment. Hmmph, I do not understand it," she added with a sigh.

"The Partuz are a, hmm, fascinating species. In my experience, one of the few semi-sentient hivemind species encountered in the galaxy, but not a traditional variation. Though I believe Tylania has communed with the great queen of the Partuz, it is a shame I have not. Their skills are impressive. I will admit though I am not, hmm, inclined to ride one."

They continued on. "Hmm? Oh, I was talking to myself - I tend to do that when there's no one around. It's a good way to hmm, consider ideas. It's about an Eldorai legend, a long time ago now. It ran, translated into Basic by me so there is likely some nuance being missed:
"The second daughter, dusk-born bright,
Shall rule 'fore end of lineage's light.
One more shall rise, then fade the throne,
As fate decrees the line be flown."
"There's been a lot of discussion about who it might be. Hmmph, prophecies don't have to make sense except in retrospect." She frowned, looked apologetic. "My apologies, hmm, you were likely not expecting a dose of ancient prophecy! Come, let us take your trophy to Lady Jai Vahal."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"Oh, these are beautiful," Yaritha declared sincerely. "My mother will love them." Growing up in the deep forests, one learned not to be an overly picky eater, though the diet was doubtless a good deal healthier than what slaves and members of the lower castes were fed in the days of the Mistresses of the Underealm - assuming one was fed at all.

She had learned to adapt and even come to appreciate some Xio cuisine after the liberation. Once their meal was over, she likewise laid down for rest. "Sleep well, my love," she spoke softly. She remained awake for a while longer, stroking Lalax' beautiful white hair and watching the stars.

xxx

"I expected something with, I don't know, actual substance. Something productive. And not a meet and greet and some celebrations," Alpsis remarked with unmistakeable annoyance.
"You clearly haven't attended a great many diplomatic conferences, lady," Mahisa said in a lecturing voice she reserved for young mistresses.
"I prefer getting shit done," Alpsis scowled at her. Face it, you're just not cut out for this, Elpsis. Oh, did I touch a nerve calling you that? You can't change who you are. You're mine, my 'sins' are yours. It doesn't matter how far you try to run away, how much you try to be a one of them.

"You toil hard, sister," Xalda said loyally. "To see Yarkul and its people was very pleasant, but I'm not sure the venture, with the big meeting and all that, was worth the effort."
"Yes," Alpsis glanced at Vyra. "Thank you for the blessing, priestess. It was beautiful. I appreciate it," she spoke feelingly and the slight ghost of a smile tugged at her lips.

xxx

"Hmm, sounds ominous...for them. Not something I'm opposed to, you understand. It would spare my lady wife many worries" Tarzar remarked, and for once the was no levity in his tone. "A wise woman once told me: 'Fate is fluid, destiny is in the hands of women and men.'"

On the way into the city, they came across Shaza and her entourage. An attendant was gently helping her walk. Shazora took one look at her husband, eyes narrowed. "You-"
Deciding that theatricality was the order of the day, Tarzar bowed and prostrated himself. "My Lady, I return victorious from the hunt and humbly lay this trophy at your feet. I know you asked for one, but when I beheld these majestic beasts I could do nother."
"You..." Shazora seemed torn between smacking him or not, "you're incorrigble..."
"Please accept this horn as a token my affection..."
"It's a quite impressive one," Izana pointed out.
Some of the members in her entourage were doing the best not to burst into laughter, only to hide their smirks when they saw Shazora's withering glance. Her attendant, an older, matronly woman, rolled her eyes and looked at Tarzar sternly. "At least you didn't bring a carcasse as well," she huffed, wrinkling her nose and tapped her chrono. "Now...go and wash yourself and change, for heaven's sake!"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lalax enjoyed the stroking of her hair so much that for a start she stayed awake for it. But then, lulled by Yaritha's tender touch, she drifted off towards sleep.
This in itself was remarkable, because the Xio always found it hard to sleep above ground. It was so...bright! A funny thing to say considering it was dark night now, and there was just the sky and stars above. Yet this was much more than in the Underealm where even noonday was dark unless one made it otherwise.

"Yaritha..." she mumbled sleepily. "I love you..." she whispered, cuddling close to her.

xxx

Vyra bowed her head in respect. "Anytime, Alpsis, go in peace. It is in my experience that these diplomatic events are like this. Diplomacy is mostly worked out before hand, but a big show of negotiations must be made. This is the big show." The Priestess sounded a little disapproving. "I understand it is a...what is the phrase...necessary evil?"

They walked together, spattered in blood and viscera, earning curious looks from visitors as they made their way to the guest quarters. There a bath or shower waited, along with clean clothes.

Vyra laid a gentle hand on Alpsis' shoulder. "Until the next time we meet, Alpsis. Fare well, and may the spirits guide you."

xxx

Phylis nodded. "Prophecy is one of those things which, hmm, is like survivor bias. There is likely a thousand prophecies which are forgotten because they do not come true - but hmmph, the one which is remembered comes true. Is that because it was a genuine vision, or luck? As for this one, hmm, yes I guess it would. However, from historical experience, when the Matriarchy has shattered before it has led to war and disorder for decades. We shall see what happens if it reoccurs...."

"For fate, yes, always moving, the future is. Visions of the future are often apt to cause a self fulfilling prophecy. I, hmm, came across one such example when...."

Whatever she had planned to say was interrupted by the impressive marital discussion.
Phylis did not have much to add there, but waited until Tarzar and some of the attendants had left before nodding to Shazora.
"Does he, hmm, usually do this?" she asked with a small smile.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"What's next? Going on all expenses-paid trip to luxury resorts on Arkas for further 'negotiations'?" Alpsis asked rhetorically, an exaggerated sigh escaping her throat to underline her disdain. She shook her head.

Idly, she wondered how Lalax was doing. The priestess was a bit flighty, but a good woman, brave and true. And better off with someone who's not you. She suppressed a sigh and made a mental note to call her and tell her to help get those fish shipments organised. She sensed Xalda walking in lockstep with them, her mercifully her Xio sister seemed to have noticed her need for quiet. That, and she was taking in the sights. Mahisa had wandered off. Presumably to look for Hazani.

So absorbed was Alpsis in her own thoughts that she paid the visitors who stared at her no mind. Feeling the priestess' soft touch on her shoulder caught her off-guard. By chance, Vyra had laid a hand on the part of her shoulder that was metal. "May the spirits bless and protect you, priestess," she said respectfully.

"May the Karishzar watch and guide your path," Xalda spoke piously.

xxx

Shazora let out a small huff. "All the time. It's mightily vexing. However...he's a good man. Very...accepting, loyal." A good man, a good match. "Something not easy for a lady in my position to find." For a moment there was an air of melancholy around her. "Trust is such a precious commodity. In the circles I walk, it is easy to procure gold in copious amounts, but trust and devotion?"

"Regardless, the feast awaits. I bid you good day, Mistress Jedi. Until we meet again. Perhaps in the near future your travels might take you to Farzi. Do inform me before you make that trip."