A mesa named Ben…

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"One thing I always know about arrogance . . . it never lasts," she said, nodding her head at her sister. "Good night, Corvus."

Going into the guest room, she changed into the comfy pajamas that she hadn't shown her sister at all, and cuddling into bed with a new book she also had not shown her sister. It was a quiet night for her, and she did the thing she usually did . . . fall asleep with her face in a book so when she woke up at the sounds of her sister moving around, she was peeling her face of it.

Hair wild and sleepy-eyed, she could not understand how Corvus was such a morning person as she sat across from her and took the gratefully accepted tea and breakfast.

"Not a word," she said, knowing that almost everyone saw her impeccably dressed up and not many knew what she could be like in the mornings.

As Corvus explained what they would be doing today, Taeli logged away everything she said.

"I agree, it probably would be a good idea for them to know me so they don't go all haaarrrrr on us at some point over a misunderstanding," Taeli said, pretending to demonstrate a Tusken Raider shaking a gaffi stick over their head. When it was the mornings, she definitely reverted to her college demeanor.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus made no comment as her sister came out of her room looking as though she’d certainly burned the midnight oil. Corvus luckily managed on about five hours of sleep a day. Perhaps it was all that meditation? Anyhow, she was very much wide awake with the earliest of risers on Ossus and often chatting to the night-owls too.

Corvus chuckled at the Tusken Raider impression. “Not bad…but definitely not for sharing with A’Jork. He’s the leader of the clan by the way. They’re growing steadily now they have water and better still are keeping the other clans at bay. Their own water supply is something others covet, but somehow he manages to avoid clashing over the site — and provides unofficial protection to the dewback farm that’s on the opposite side to their camp from here.”

“So we’ll head off soon, but we should leave the speeder before we get too close. They’re not fond of technology and so I either ride or walk into their camp. Most of them know me by sight, but may be wary with a newcomer.”

Finally they set off and headed in the general direction Corvus had previously indicated. Finally they stopped and Corvus jumped out, indicating this was the point they needed to walk from. She pulled back her hood, despite the heat, “Need to let them know it’s me,” she offered by way of an explanation.

Soon they rounded a corner of rock and saw the camp. Fifty or so huts were here and they were made from animal skins stretched over simple frames. The huts were arranged around a well, and as you took in the view, it was apparent that Tuskens and their domesticated massiffs guarded the site.

Corvus nodded to them as they progressed though the village and soon they reached a tent slightly larger than the rest. A flap of animal skin was thrown back and —to the untrained eye — a Tusken pretty much identical to all the others stepped out. The figure waved his gaderffii and shouted something unintelligible.

Then he stepped forward and in broken basic, but with a booming voice said, “Welcome smiling one. Please stay and drink water with us.” Then he turned his attention to Taeli. “So, you have brought another. A Jedi? Are you too a great worrier?”

Corvus wanted to warn her sister but felt it best to let nature take its course.

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

As they neared the Tusken camp, she had to admit she was impressed by how large this particular encampment was. Not many Tusken clans grew to this side, most settlements on Tatooine attacked and broke the numbers down by this point, but this area was more isolated and far enough away from major settlements.

Taeli could feel the guarded hostility from those watching as she walked in next to her sister. It wasn't true hostility, but she had a feeling it could be that if the wrong actions and words were taken. These people were on edge for more than one reason though. Interesting tidbit there. She wouldn't comment as Corvus addressed the Chieftain of the clan and he in turn addressed them. As a Lorrdian by upbringing, she could see the subtle differences that set this Tusken apart from others.

"Only when I must be, Chieftain," Taeli replied, bowing her head in due respect for a moment. Contrary to what her sister knew, Taeli was quite familiar with the niceties of diplomacy and meeting leaders. Proper manners were important, and she certainly wasn't going to point out his broken Basic. "I'm more a woman of tales and watching the world," she said, not sure how far his vocabulary reached, so she avoided the terms history and research.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus bowed to A'Jork and he indicated that they walk with him. He showed them around his village - for it seemed more than a simple camp - and seemed genuinely proud of it all.

They reached the well and a young Tusken drew a bucket from the depths and filled three goblets clearly crafted from some sort of animal bone. The Tusken spilled half of his cup - clearly a local custom - showing they had so much water they could afford to waste it. Like a show of wealth.

Corvus spilled some of her own and drank from the cup. The water was warm but fresh and the day was hot. "So, A'Jork," she said as he too drained his drink in one gulp. "How are things with the other clans."

The Tusken looked at Taeli. "This is a tale you can tell. Half of these tents were empty a year ago. We put them up to disguise our numbers. My people used different tents each night in case we were watched. Over time we have been joined by newcomers and our numbers have grown through..." He was clearly searching for a word and settled for a couple of thrusts of his hips to illustrate what he meant. How Taeli would re-tell that, Corvus would like to know.

"Me great thinker." What passed as a chuckle escaped his mouth. "What you say to that?"

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

Following suit with the ritual with the water goblets, Taeli listened to how he explained how things were going. Clever strategy that, and a classic Tusken Raider one at that. She could always appreciate something like that.

"Indeed, you are a great thinker, Chieftain," Taeli replied with a smile, before turning to her sister. "If you didn't follow that, sis, they've been using their extra tents to disguise their numbers while they've been building up with new converts and ummm well making children. It's really clever actually, but it does beg a question."

Turning back the Chieftain, she asked, "Such a smart plan would make me think that your clan has an enemy somewhere? Is it a rival clan that wishes to gain the water?"

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded at Taeli's recounting of the tale. She'd guessed at the procreation part and was relieved that her sister spelt it out but avoided any graphic terms.

"My people always move. Before so many people, water was easy to find. We moved in small clans in this area. Some times we join clans and fight others. When one chief becomes angry and wishes to show he is powerful. Some times attack humans, other times other Sand People who might take what is ours."

"Water hard to find and we not move from here. As long as we have Storyteller, we remain and tell tales and grow stronger. It is a different life, not moving, but a new part of our story to be told to our children and their children."

"She is sister, no?"

He looked to Corvus now and pointed at her eyes.

Corvus smiled and nodded. "Yes, she's my sister and may visit the farm from time to time. I thought it right to bring her to speak with you. So you know her and she knows you." Corvus bowed slightly. "Now before we go, is there anything either of you would like to know?"

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"Not that I can think of, sis," Taeli replied. "The Chieftain here seems to have the situation well in hand ... but perhaps ... I can help in some way."

Turning to the Chieftain, she asked, "I know you consider the well sacred, but if I was to bring something that could harvest water from the air, would you be okay with such a thing? It would merely increase the amount of water you have, might even help you with dealing with the other clans. I would understand if you're against such a thing though, it could also bring problems too."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

The Tusken looked from Taeli to Corvus and then back again. "No machines." He clearly hoped these two words conveyed his feelings as he looked at both again before tapping the well with his hand.

The Tuskens had a word for 'tomorrow,' but it was seldom used. What good would it be? Death rode behind the Tusken, as the shadows to the bantha. The settlers seemed not to know that. Erecting shelters to protect their precious futures, the settlers became things fat and fleshy-no better than Hutts. Perhaps that was how the Hutts had come to be?

A'Jork had never really wondered about it, or much else. But now, the promise of plentiful water and machinery disturbed him. Perhaps they were becoming complacent? "Go now," he said brusquely. "Matters to look at." And with that he walked off.

"OK," Corvus said. "He can be like that some times. But he's a good sort, I know. So we can head back to my place and then I guess we need to find this Holocron. Yes?"

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"Gruff, but likable enough for someone in his position," Taeli replied, watching the retreating back of the Tusken Raider. She wasn't surprised by his refusal of machines, it was to be expected after all, but the offer would stand. She would probably come and study the culture eventually, learn the language and such.

"Hunting down this holocron sounds like a great idea, sis," Taeli said, smiling widely. A treasure hunt with Corvus, it was going to be a fun time. They would need to track down another holocron too when they got the chance, one that she had discovered the location for quite some time ago. She would leave that for after they tracked down Kenobi's though.

"Lead the way, sis," she said, taking her sister by the arm and gesturing for her to take the lead.