Private Ancestral Shadows

[Makai Dashiell]

As they hiked up to the caldera, Makai listened to the religious journey Elpsis Kerrigan has been on in recent years, and her rant against Jedi and Sith. One he could agree with, especially when he always said they were basically the same dogma just wrapped up in slightly different packaging. Even though he wasn't born, growing up on Mon Cal he knew plenty of the Jedi sinking of Ahto City through memorials and basic history.

"No, I agree."

Elpy's wife seemed proud she had found religion and took it seriously. Despite the fact Zabhara stated their were multiple religions it seemed that a good number of the populace believed in something. Makai wasn't sure if that was because Elpy and her inner leadership circle or just the nature of the planet before the take over.

"I'm glad you've found something that works for you. Really." Questioning turned to him now. Makai knew no one beyond Elpsis would know what tenant he follow but that was fine. He wasn't the preachy type to convert people. "I'm a follower of the Moross. Specifically Inari the Reviver. The religion was big in the Kathol Outback at one time now its just a fringe group. Been involved since I was a kid. I'm not overly...uh...forceful? about it. Just something that is a part of me."

A small reassurance he wasn't a crazed person looking to convert the populace.

"I'm excited to see this shrine."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Alpsal raised a brow at that. "Oh, really? Heard bits and pieces about Moross, but not much. But it's good you found your faith. Most galaxy people are faithless."
"As the Qadiri were fashioned by Kashara, it stands to reason that there were deities who made the myriad sky people, but most of their creations have forgotten them," Izana commented thoughtfully.

While all Qadiri - at least theoretically - believed in the sky goddess Kashara, they also venerated a myriad other deities. They had never been under one sole ruler, so the way the faith expressed itself varied heavily depending on region, clan and other factors.
"How many people still follow the Moross faith?" Zabhara asked.

As they spoke they'd approached the stables, where Mirza could be left while they visited the shrine holy the stables were attached to. Two guards wearing brown and green camouflage uniforms were patrolling, though their posture was relaxed. Upon seeing Alpsal and Zabhara they looked surprised and a bit excited, quickly ushering them in.

Inside, a grizzled, one-armed Qadiri warrior woman who seemed to be roughly middle aged was attending one of the giant lizards. Her left arm was a crude prothesis made of metal and wood. A step up from a hook, but no cybernetic. She gave the newcomers a one-over, then saluted Alpsal and Zabhara. "My ladies," she said, evidently not one to stand on ceremony.
Zabhara gave her a curt nod. "Jemedar Jai Namzal."
There was a spark of recognition in Alpsal's eyes. "Amkara Jai Namzal?" she asked in Zandri.
"In the flesh, Lady," the keeper responded in kind.
Crossing the distance, Alpsal pulled the older woman into a loose hug. Amkara returned it with her one good arm. "I smell of Yaz, Lady," she pointed out.
"And I'm dirty," Alpsal responded. "I didn't think I'd find you here."
"Took my pension, but not much of a farmer, Lady. Good with Yaz though. And...there wasn't much of a home to return to. Mother Superior made an offer. Felt right. You're here for her?"
"Yes, to make an offering, and to pray. Just got to leave the Mirza leave for a bit."
"Been a while, Your Highness," Amkara peered at Mirza, who raised her head and snorted. "Has she fed?"
"Yes, bit moody."
"Mirza's always moody, Lady," Amkara retorted languidly.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Zabhara had an excellent question - one he couldn't answer.

"Not sure. I've always practiced privately. The religion was big in this area. Kathol Outback, Tingel Arm, Levantines. So I imagine this sector of space probably still has the most adherents. I would regard it as very fringe."

At the approach a woman saluted them and he offered a small nod of recongition. Clearly she was someone important. Priestess? Ex Soldier? Ex Official? Obviously a rank in the community that warranted a certain level of respect and understanding, although some confusion was to why she was busy tending to the lizard beasts.

Maybe a type of servant to the religion, the type that took vows and then maintained the buildings while practicing the faith. A noble calling. Maybe in wealthy and high ranking families often sent children to religious orders to be educated and serve the community. Perhaps this was something of a similar situation.

Perhaps he should ask.

"You have taken vows to serve this shrine Miss?"

Elpsis Kerrigan​

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Upon hearing the half-Galan's words, Amkara gave Alpsal a quizzical look. Evidently she didn't speak Basic. Alpsal faithfully translated Makai's query. Amkara chuckled. "Sort of. I'm no priestess, but I got bored sitting around on a farm so I'm here to care for the Yaz and teach the acolytes how to stable them. Keeps you alert."
"It does indeed. I'll leave Mirza in your hands."
The Yaz made a low hiss.
"Your Highness," Amkara said with a chuckle, fetching some juicy meat. Mirza licked her lips.
"An offering," the keeper said, lowering herself as if to bow before tossing the meat into the pen.
Alpsal shook her head in amusement while Mirza dashed after it. "Come on, Makai."

The arched stone entrance to the shrine was built directly into the caldera and flanked by torches. Stairs led to an imposing looking stone gate. A symbol of a burning flame was carved in stone over the archway. There was a feeling of warmth in the air, and even a Non-Force-User like Makai would feel a strange buzzing in their head.

They walked under the watchful eye of guards wearing paramilitary fatigues and fiery tattoos on their faces. As they approached, Alpsal gestured to Izana. "Could you announce us, priestess?" she asked respectfully. "Keep it simple."
"As you wish," Izana stepped forward, taking the lead. "Lady Alpsal Jai Azal and her companions request entrance to pray at the holy shrine of the Mother of Flames!" she declared in Zandri.

As they walked up the stairs, the gate opened and a middle aged Qadiri woman thin as a whip and clad in a priestess' robes appeared at the top. Her head was shaved, with not a hair left on her scalp, while her face and hands bore the same burning marks as Alpsal. Her robes were coloured crimson, and a large red ruby, set inside a red gold choker, shimmered on her neck. Sheer heat radiated from her.
Her eyes fell upon Izana first. "Halt stranger. I am Mahtaba Jai Azali. Who approaches the Shrine of Azrana the Eternal Flame, thirteenth blessed emanation of the Mother of Flames?" she asked in Zandri, her voice firm as iron.
"Izana Jai Azali of the Temple of the Seven Torches, sister," Izana responded, no less firmly.
"I see you, daughter of Azali." The priestess clasped hands with Izana. "The Goddess knows of your trials and is pleased by your toils. Do you pledge to to respect our ways and ancient rights on this sacred ground?"
"This I pledge, by the Goddess and the memory of my blessed wife, who became one with Her flame."
"Her flame burns eternal. Enter, sister."
"We are one in Her flames. Will you hear my companions? The Ladies of Suqua come to make an offering before the Goddess and receive her wisdom."
"Hear them I shall."

Next she approached Zabhara. "Zabhara Jai Ghazana, Jazira of the Armies of Suqua," the former mamluk stood tall and proud.
"Ghazi of mamluks, shield of the west. You've slain many; the sinful, the innocent," the priestess spoke.
Zabhara's gaze remained stoic, unmoved. "Such is war in this world of eternal struggle the Gods gave us. I never touched the Goddess' house, and She blessed every victory. Otherwise I'd be a head shorter and my killer would be standing here today."
"Do you pledge to come and go in peace, respect the Goddess, and neither report nor discuss what happens within?"
"I swear, by my soldier's honour and the Goddess."
The priestess looked satisfied. "Then enter, honoured guest."

Then she finally turned her gaze to Alpsal. "Speak, Lady, who seeks entrance into the Goddess' house?"
"Alpsal Jai Azal," Alpsal said simply.
"The Tyrant's Daughter, avenger of her victims."
"I inherit my mother's sins. That's my curse, that's my responsibility, but I'm not her. I ask for the Mother of Flame's guidance, and to make an offering at her altar. Her flames burn inside me."
The priestess regarded her seriously, staring intensely at the burning cracks inside Alpsal's face. The same cracks that marked her own. "You don't share our blood, yet She has marked you as our sister all the same. Do you pledge to come and go in peace, respect the Goddess, and neither report nor discuss what happens within?"
"I swear with my heart and spirit and in the name of the Goddess to show Her and Her vessels the utmost respect."
The priestess gave her a look that was close to maternal. "Then enter, honoured guest, and open your heart to the Goddess."

Last of all, she looked upon Makai, frowning slightly. "Speak. Who are you and why do you come here, sky-traveller?" she asked in Zandri, tone guarded and wary, though not unkind.
"The priestess wants to know you are," Alpsal translated into Basic. Meanwhile, the priestess looked intently at Makai, as if waiting for him to speak, rather than for Alpsal to translate.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

For being a geological nerd, Makai enjoyed being inside the caldera. It was overwhelmingly warm, to the point he was starting to sweat. Given this was a holy site about flames or being the mother of flames, it made sense on some level to have a shrine here. Besides, if these were simpler folks with lesser knowledge of volcanoes and geology, he could see the mysticism behind such a thing. Or, the people really enjoyed their symbolism. Perhaps both.

"I shouldn't be meeting a Priestess like this."

Makai could deal with blood stained clothes if he was just out and about with Elpsis Kerrigan .It was another thing entirely to meet someone of high social standing in his eyes. A matter of respect on his front rather than whining or being prideful. At least the group was doing their best to translate for him. It was a nicety he didn't expect. Being in the dark would have been fine, he would just plod along and take cues from body language and by watching others. So far it has been working.

The others answered the Priestess' questions one by one, until it fell to him. Makai was surprised he was spoken to. This seemed like a woman-only type shrine, especially when the Mother was referenced. Still, he was being spoken to.

"Makai Dashiell." He offered a humble bow out of respect. "Visiting to invest in mining ventures on this planet with the local leadership. It has been devastating to see what the planet has become but it also has been a blessing to visit the locals."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

The priestess - Mahtaba Jai Azali - scrutinised Makai thoughtfully, her expression softening a bit. "The sky-traveller says his name is Makai Dashiell. He comes here in good faith and-" Izana began, speaking in Zandri, but her fellow priestess seemed to pay her no mind, looking directly at Makai.
Something clicked inside Izana, and she looked at Makai and Alpsal. "The Abbess is speaking Zandri, but listening to your words in the human tongue," she informed him.

"Our gods are foreign to you, you were not made by them and you have no roots in the soil of this land, but is there a deity to worship? What are their commandments, sky-traveller? Or is it gold you prostrate yourself before? What do you know of Azali the Mother of Flames and the other Goddesses and Gods of my people?" Mahtaba asked, speaking in her native tongue.

"The Abbess wants to know if you believe in any religion," Alpsal explained. "So...just tell her about your Moross faith, and what its tenets are. And she's asking if you know anything about the Qadiri deities."

From here he was standing, Makai would not yet be able to perceive much beyond the imposing gate. But it would be noticeable for him that it was lit by numerous torches and braziers within. Moreover, there was a bright glow that went beyond the firelight, almost a glow in the air that pierced the darkness and brought some illumination to the darkening sky.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Now he was being grilled by the Priestess. As interesting as the caldera and shrine were, he wasn't sure if being here was borderline offensive to the holy woman or if she was merely trying to protect the shrine. Given the galaxy did have numerous religious heretics willing to blow themselves up in order to make a ill thought out statement.

"The Moross Crusade, sometimes now known as the Moross Covent. There are Ten Divines, ten gods, not all are good not are all evil. Some are neutral. Most do not worship all gods. I myself am more of a follower of Inari the Reviver. She is...I don't know, one could say the 'mother' of the religion. Often known for her wisdom and kindness. It is expected her followers do the same."

Makai paused, wondering if he knew anything about the local religion.

"I do not know much about the Qadiri deities beyond the fact under Firemane worship was difficult." Gaze was focused on the Priestess, speaking as if he could understand her and he was not being translated to. "I am not opposed to viewing the local customs and this shrine, if this is your question. I have no moral quarrel with the Qadiri."

Elpsis Kerrigan ​

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Mahtaba Jai Azali looked intently at Makai, her green eyes focused on him. She waited patiently while he spoke before nodding. "You are welcome to enter the shrine and observe, as long as you do not interfere or speak of what you witness to outsiders. No harm will come to you on this sacred ground," she made a V sign with her fingers, a gesture not dissimilar to the sign of the cross.

"Alpsal Jai Azal, it is your will to undergo the Ritual of the Cleansing Flame?"
"That is why I came here, Abbess," Alpsal said firmly, gaze resolute.
"Then so it shall be."
"You honour me greatly," Alpsal said sincerely, actually smiling. "Is there some place we can wash?" she asked in Basic before switching to Zandri. "And get a clean robe. Wouldn't want to be dirty when I stand in Her presence," she indicated her rather soiled uniform. She was experienced at hunting and gutting wild beasts, but even so she had gotten messy just like for the rest of her entourage.
"Yes, that would be offensive to Her," Mahtaba replied in Zandri. "Lalehal," she called out in a soft, but commanding voice.

Immediately, one of the female acolytes who had been observing the scene hastened towards her. Her head was shaved, save for a single braid, and tattoos of fire graced her cheeks. Her skin was tanned and there were some noticeable muscles beneath her scarlet robe, indicative of a life of toil and strenuous exercise instead of leisure.

The acolyte bowed to Mahtaba. "How may I serve, Abbess?" she asked in Zandri.
"Our guests need ablution before they can walk in Her house. See to it," Mahtaba spoke commandingly in her native language. "For as long as he stays here, the sky-traveller is under our protection. He does not speak our language. Treat him with the courtesy due to a guest of the Mirza, and do not let him wander off alone, daughter."
"As you command, Abbess," the young woman said piously. Her green eyes darted over the group, resting on Makai. However, her gaze was curious rather than hostile.
"Honoured guests, I am Lalehal Jai Azali. Would you like me to speak in Zandri or the human tongue?" she asked in heavily accented but understandable Basic.
"Basic is alright, so Makai can follow. I speak our language, but he does not," Alpsal responded in Zandri.
"I have been meaning to practice it," the acolyte said before switching to Basic. "I shall take you to our washing facilities. Please follow me."

The acolyte turned, beckoning them to follow her through the gate. The ablution areas were close to the entrance, but ahead of them they would catch a glimpse of the temple's interior. There were high ceilings, and devotional fire braziers along a central path. Off to both sides chambers had been set aside to serve as living areas for clerics, storage and so on.

Confidently, Lalehal led to the ablution. The facilities were segregated by gender. "Here," she gestured to Makai to show him the facility reserved for males. It was nicely decorated and featured basins fed by taps from a reservoir. The way that worked was that there was a tank of water hidden in a stone vessel, so turning the tap on would let it out.

Before each of them was a bench where one could sit and put each of their things in. "The hands, feet, top of the head and face must be cleansed. The water is clean and pure. We shall provide you with a clean robe." The acolyte looked him up and down, as if assessing his approximate size. Leave your shoes as well, we shall give you slippers or you walk barefoot."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

He wanted to argue that he didn't need to follow along, they could speak in their mother tongue, but it seemed they were keen on practicing. Made it easier to follow along, especially when there was a religious ceremony involved. What if he put a foot out of place and offended the entire community? Could cause a disaster within the Kathol Outback.

Following along silently, Makai nodded that he understood the ritual cleansing. Not unusual from what he saw. A great deal of religions had similar restrictions before entering certain parts of a shrine. Symbolic for the most part. Either way he was going to take full advantage given he had been field dressing animals.

Stripping down to his underwear, he followed the instructions and probably washed well more than what was required, but again the entire hunting trip earlier. After toweling off, he carefully combed his hair with his fingers, swooping it to the side as usual into something more presentable. At least he didn't smell completely of entrails anymore.

A ceremonial robe had been provided and he slipped it on, fixing his hair one more time before wandering out barefoot. It wasn't overly warm - like beach sand - so he was thankful for that small piece. Head craned around looking at the shrine/cavern structure, taking in the geology of it all before someone came to collect him.

Elpsis Kerrigan​

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Acolyte Lalehal Jai Azali returned a few minutes later to fetch Makai. She looked at him, nodded approvingly, and escorted him out. In the meantime, Alpsal and the rest of her entourage had also changed and joined them. Alpsal wore a ceremonial red robe that resembled the acolyte's own attire. When she caught sight of her, Lalelal winced slightly.
The reason was not hard to find. The robe and the fact that Alpsal was not wearing boots anymore exposed that her right leg and part of her hip were made of metal and wires. Rather than sleek and shiny, the prothesis was fairly bulky and had been through its share of wear and tear.
Lalehal stared at it a bit longer than was appropriate, before getting self-conscious. "You're going to take us to the eternal flame?" Alpsal pressed.
"Yes, Mirza, of course. Apologies!" the acolyte looked a bit embarrassed, coughed.
"It's fine."
"Please follow me. How familiar are you with the history of the sacred shrine?" the acolyte asked as they walked, looking at Makai and Alpsal.
"Some of it. Makai doesn't. I know Azrena was a great martyr. Best to hear from those who tend to its eternal flame," Alpsal responded.
"I am only an acolyte, but I shall make my best."
"Do my best," Zabhara corrected softly.
"Ah yes, do my best." She looked flustered. "My apologies, it is still new for me."
"Have confidence in yourself, child," Izana said indulgently.
The acolyte cleared her throat. "Once, hermits lived here, drawn to the fire lit here that has burnt for thousands of years, fuelled from the earth itself. The shrine was built 650 years ago through the hmm, how you say, endowment, of Mirza Damaspia," she began.
"260 years ago, the Amikarese our land and laid the siege upon the shrine, demanding the holy women hand over the sacred relics. The invaders caused the great destruction, plundering villages and seizing livestock to starve our people."

"The Amikarese Empire is a Qadiri nation to our north. Their rulers are snakes who fancy themselves overlords of all the Qadiri. Naturally they dragged their heels when the time to fight Firemane," Zabhara explained for Makai's benefit, her tone laced with contempt.
"Still got a score to settle with their queen," Alpsal muttered darkly. "Continue, acolyte."
"After the Abbess and many warriors fell in battle, Azrena, a meagre novice of Azali, walked into the Atashgah...the holy heart-chamber. There, she beseeched Azali for a sign, and the Goddess heard her plea. Surrounded by radiant light and flame, Azrena was gifted with a vision and an awakening. She emerged an avatar of the Goddess, with burning skin and wings of flame sprouting from her back. Thundering down the mountain, she scattered the Amikarese vanguard. Many were burnt, others turned to flight. Inspired by this sign, the Suquan defenders launched a final charge that broke the enemy. Her duty done, Azrena faded away. Before her comrades' eyes, her body was consumed by the fire inside her. But her bravery wasn't forgotten. For making such a sacrifice, she became one with Azali."

As the acolyte spoke, the group would pass several mosaics on the walls, showing the battle, Azrena in prayer, her sacrifice and ascent. Alpsal stopped before one of the images, looking mesmerised. She could not see in the conventional sense, but the image seemed to call to her. Sheer heat radiated from it. Azrena was shown, radiant and glorious, with burning cracks in her face, surrounded by all-consuming flames. Her body was shown crumbling away. But though her physical form faded, she was transformed into an ethereal entity of fire.
"She became one with Her?" Alpsal asked entranced, reaching out with her flesh hand towards the image, though not touching. She heard a humming noise, low and constant, that seemed to be coming from beyond the hallway. With every moment, it grew in intensity, rumbling. The humming, the humming – it was slicing through the air.
"Never to be parted again. The highest honour a believer can aspire to. And she watches over her home to this day," Izana spoke softly.