Behind Walls of Stone

[Riamah]

On Trian, Ailurus had learned how to fight hand to hand and the use of short range weapons. So when the opportunity arose for her to have a new weapon crafted for her, she jumped at the chance. There was quite a selection for her to pick from and in the end decided on something she could work with.

It would be one handed and perfect for her. An option to have an inscription was offered and while she described what she wanted, she left it up to the crafter to decide what was put. Having been able to view some of what he offered, the cat knew whatever he choose would be perfect.

While he accepted an order not in person, he did require her to come and receive the sword from his hand personally. It was not a difficult request for her to comply to and on the day it was supposed to be finished, she arrived on Pzob.

As she piloted her craft down through the atmosphere, her eyes grew wide for a moment. It looked so much like her own home and fell in love with the planet right away. Her world was mostly forest and this one was too. The thought of her home made her slightly homesick and for a brief moment, she wanted to go back. Perhaps in time she would be able to.

Following the directions sent to her, Ailuros brought her patrol ship down and landed it. Making sure she had everything she needed in her belt, she walked off her ship and waited for the escort to come and pick her up.

Her entire body displayed pure curiosity at everything and she looked around, trying to take in every detail.

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]

It was true, Pzob was mostly forest and plains. Fort Galderra, even surrounded by castle walls and technological buildings, it left most of the area untouched. Walking through the town would almost make ones shoes become muddy after the rain, and other times they would touch stone and dirt as they walked through the streets. It didn't imply the place was unkept, it meant only where it was necessary were there roads. Most vehicles were upgraded to hover types, even while some people still used old and true Gorsets or horses.

After Ailuros announced their arrival, the local Galderran forces were notified and some were sent to meet with the individual. While the authorities would be meeting her, it didn't mean she was in trouble. But she was meeting the King of Galderra, and she also needed escort. Today would be a special day as a Galderran soldier and one Militia man would be the closest to the scene. So instead of mixing forces all over the place to have specifically one or the other, they both joined up to meet Ailuros. As they approached, they waved her over, calling out. The soldier used his armors speaker to announce his presence. "Excuse me, are you Ailuros?"

 

[Riamah]

As she left her ship, two people approached her. Knowing she was going to get escorted when one of them asked if she was Ailuros, she nodded before speaking.

"Yes, I am Ailuros of Trian."

Why she felt like including that she didn't know, but for some reason, she felt it proper. It might have something to do with meeting the king and being formally escorted to him. ​

She looked at both guards with open curiosity and with a friendly manner. The cat was almost pure innocence, but that was slowly changing. Having seen battle, lost comrades and then wandered around homeless for a while, life was starting to show on her. While still young, adulthood was creeping up on her. In time, she would be a proper adult and loose that childhood innocence. For now it was still there.

"Who are you two?"

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]

The two men approached her, and the militia man dressed in what seemed like medieval armor nudged the Trooper, whispering, "We're escorting a child?" "Lay off it for now," the Trooper responded, before giving his attention to the girl. "This," the Trooper tilted his head to the militia man, "is sergeant Kazwo, and I'm Lieutenant Browning. We were told by dispatch you were arriving her to meet King Eddak. Sergeant Kazwo is part of the Galderra Local Militia, and I'm part of the official galactic force of Galderra, Galderra Defense Initiative. We're supposed to take you directly to King Eddaks personal castle, we've got a speeder by the road just beyond the trees behind us, if you're ready."

The Militia man was aged, holding a spear as he lugged it on his shoulder. The Galderran Trooper was ready at attention, as if meeting someone of importance, holding his weapon casually as normal.

 

[Riamah]

The cat felt she was always ready for whatever came her way and nodded her head to each of them as the one introduced the both of them. She had spent time within the Galactic Empire so the fact the one speaking wore a helmet did not bother Ailuros at all. Though she was always curious what people looked like under them and it was no different for him. She kept it to herself though.

"Yes, I am ready. I don't have any weapons in my belt but if you need to look you can."

Waiting to see if they ​needed to search that, she moved close enough both of them. If they didn't and moved off to lead her to the speeder, she would fall into an orderly line with them. There was no distrust from or sign of wanting to fight or argue.

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]
"We're not under threat of war, and it'd be insult to the King if we suspected he wasn't capable enough of protecting himself. So we're not required to search you. The castle will, though. They have their own protocols," the Trooper said, making a hand gesture to follow them. "Let's go."

The men escorting her didn't act aggressive with her, quite kind... or the militiaman did, the Trooper just kept quiet unless spoken to. When they arrived at the speeder, however, the militia man waved them off as he had to continue his patrol duty, so the girl was left with the Trooper. The ride wouldn't be long, but if she had any questions, she would have enough time to ask a few. By the time they arrived, Pzobs sun was bright through clear skies directly over the Kings Keep. "End of the line, felinoid." While most would take being called by their species more than likely an attempt at being against their race or species, the Trooper did it out of informality. He didn't know the person in any way, and it wasn't his job to, so when he said his goodbye, it was in a positive, professional tone. "When you reach the gatehouse, the soldiers guarding it will search you and escort you to the King. Safe travels, and enjoy Pzob."

 

[Riamah]

Accepting the words the trooper stated, Ailurs fell into step behind the two of them and nodded with a wave when the militia man left to go back on his patrol. Climbing on the speeder with the trooper, she openly looked around them on the journey to the keep.

It may seem like an odd question to ask, but Ailuros was quite a curious cat. Sometimes it got her into trouble, but most of the time people answered her.

"My people are very spiritual and great in the arts. Are there any places that specialize in either of these two thing?"

One thing she liked learning about was other cultures and she had never been here before. So the question to her was a natural​. A few places were pointed out to her along the route and they arrived at the keep in short order. The town made her think again of her own home and she still saw them as very similar. When he said they had arrived and gave her his farewells which included instructions to follow, she listened carefully.

Watching after him a moment, she turned around to face and walk up to the guardhouse.

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]

"We aren't exactly spiritual, Fort Galderra is a military culture through and through. You may find a few people believing in more than their gun and armor, but they are very rare. You could visit the old church, ,but if the worshipers are still there they worship some form of the old Keshiri religion. The church is small and built sometime after our ancestors arrived here. We didn't keep any formal records of Galderra until a governor was installed. Even then, they weren't full or official until Eddak took the throne. And arts? Well, you can some form of artistry anywhere you go. Eddak is an artist, just instead of a brush he uses a hammer to shape his art," the Trooper replied, keeping most of his attention on the road. "You could ask Eddak about the paintings in his Keep, he rarely buys anything from outside Galderra if he puts it on display."

The men at the gate were troopers, much like the one that drove the speeder. One of them held their hand out and said 'halt, name and purpose here.' However, the other Trooper spoke up to the one who halted her, saying she must be the felinoid the King gave clearance. Fort Galderra was very specific with their protocols, but the keep rarely ever had visitors, and the extremely vast majority of Galderra was human. There was no problem with aliens, they just didn't flock to Galderra as much. The troopers told the girl they have to search her, so one started scanning her and the other gave her an appropriate pat-down, not touching sensitive areas.
"You're all clear, but I need to escort you to King Eddak." The trooper nodded to the gate guard and headed inside the gate house. It was parge, fitted with militia bunks and other devices to protect the entrance to Eddaks Keep. Once they exited the gatehouse they came to the outside, where Militia men could be seen training. Some trained with bows, some trained with slugthrowers, and some with swords and shields. Eddak was among then, training a sword on a straw dummy. The guard called out to him in a respectful way, saying his guest had arrived. Eddak turned around and softly planted the sword in the ground. "Ah! Hope the trip wasn't too long, how are ya?" he asked, wiping the sweat from his head. He waited for the girls greeting. If the girl was a Galderra citizen he would expect a bow or a kneel, but with foreigners he expects any form of greeting. A wave, a handshake, even a kiss on the hand, if they offered. As such, whatever greeting they offered, he woukd respond with the same.

 

[Riamah]

The cat listened with rapt attention to the answers provided and nodded. Even if he may not see it, she hoped he might pick up on the motion. She would remember this conversation and make a note of it for her people. When he said she could maybe ask the king, it came as a surprise he would be open to that type of conversation. Ailuros had never met royalty before so wasn't sure how to greet him when she got him in person.

The trooper said the guards there would need to search her and she allowed that to happen. She had no issues going through the procedures and them taking the precautions they did. She was a guest here and respected their culture. While it might not be exclusive to Pzob or the Keep and Garrison, it was still something new to her. Being given the all clear, she was informed she would be escorted further in.

She fell into step behind the guard in a similar fashion to the first two that had greeted her when she arrived. Looking around inside the keep, she realized she could like it here. Training appeared to be similar to what her own people went through. Maybe a bit more rustic, but warrior training all the same. She had never been one for ranged fighting, so she looked curiously at the archers as they walked past them.

Approaching one of the people that practiced with a sword against a wooden dummy, she got her first look at the king. He was almost the same height as her and they could practically look each other in the eyes. Her ears gave her a little height on him. He also appeared lighter in weight than she was, but that might have to do with race and build. She was felinoid and as such built slightly different, but still quite close to human standards.

He greeted her and hoped her trip hadn't been long. He also asked how she was doing and she attempted to give him a smile. Keeping her lips closed over her teeth, she didn't want to startle him with her little longer than human teeth.

Her ears tilted forward and her tail raised up almost straight behind her, the tip could be seen swaying slightly as she moved. Now she had seen how the troopers of the Empire had acted around Graf and based off the information given to her by the trooper that had brought her here, Ailuros opted for a more military salute for him and raised one of her paws up to her head.

"I'm doing well, your majesty."

Not sure how​ formal he expected her to be, the cat went with a generic, but formal and respectful way to address him.

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]


When Eddak noticed her salute, his eyes squinted as he turned his head. It wasn't a positive look, and it also gave the impression he was disappointed. She shook his head a little. "I don't know what you've learned about our people, but who ever told you to salute, does not know our culture very well." The guard behind her smiled slightly, almost laughing, trying to keep his stature. "I'm King Eddak, but while I live in a military culture, I don't force, nor expect, foreigners to follow the greetings my subordinates give me. Only the military salutes, and they use the old Imperial Salute. We aren't like the typical Galactic Empires you may have heard about. Citizens look at me as an equal unless in formal arrangements. Foreigners," he grinned, taking a step forward, pulling the sword with him, and reached for the girls hand, being slow so she could tell what he was doing, but he did force it, "shake hands" he said as he shook her hand. "You must be Ailuros," he said politely, taking a step back to give them space. "We rarely ever see felinoids here on Galderra. Typically we don't even get travelers, mostly those looking for work, while liking the culture, and enough credits to afford a transport all the way out here. Our location isn't exactly convenient," he shrugged, "but that's the best part... being away from the wars, or so we thought."

His head twitched upward with realization, as he pulled the sword up, brushing off the dirt and just running his fingers down it. "This is what you came for, yes? The Stalwart, I call her," he spoke as he stared at the blade intently. With Eddaks hands and face so close to each other since having the blade so close to look at the finer details, Ailuros could see his hands were really worked. Rough, cut, and some burned spots, they showed the hands of a blacksmith. "I was just breaking the sword in, making sure the construction is strong."

 

[Riamah]

Slightly surprised by his reaction to her salute since it was obvious to her this was a more military culture and she felt the salute was the best way to approach him, Ailuros listened to what he said and lowered her paw and arm.

"I was part of the Galactic Empire until very recently so I am familiar with them."

He reached out his hand ​slowly almost as if she was an animal and he was concerned she was going to bite him. That might be because he was not familiar with the Trianii. This meeting she also knew and accepted his hand shake by returning one with hers.

When he reconfirmed who she was, she nodded.

"Yes, I'm Ailuros. Thank you for having me here, King Eddak. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."

Hoping this was a proper​ way to speak to him as a guest, she wasn't fully sure if he wanted her to treat him as an equal like one of his people would. He held in his hand, the short sword he had created for her and her eyes lit up on it as he held it up to look at.

It was quite beautiful, but she wondered why he called the weapon a female.

"Why is the sword a she?"

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]


Eddak nodded as she mentioned the Galactic Empire, "Ah, there it is. Yes, while the Galactic Empire is the planets overlord, do not take us for Galactic Empire lackys. We're not integrated with them at all. Originally, Fort Galderra had a past with the ancient and old Galactic Empire.... they had an old garrison base here. If not for that base, we would not have had the gear to initially fight of the Gamorreans. Our culture bears roots in the old Empire, but we've nothing related to the current one. They demand resources, we oblige, lest we suffer another punishment." Then Eddak pondered for a moment, calling the sword in a feminine manner.... it never really occurred to him. "I would just say it's a phrase many of us have taken on, like many in the galaxy call their ships or vehicles in a feminine manner. My parents said it, so do I. That, or..." he took another glance at the sword, "... or it's a shame such elegance and beauty must be forced into a world of death and dismay. As you well know in the Basic tongue, elegance and beauty are mostly considered feminine, as men are too gruff and rough for such terms. But that's just what I call it; I, myself, only call it Stalwart. You are of course allowed to name it whatever you want. Some take pride in their blacksmiths handywork and don't wish to tarnish it. But the sword is yours, and just as a parent there comes a time I must let it go."

He took one more look at it, from point to hilt, angling the part upward that he would look at, before holding it with both hands and balancing it, letting loose his grip and holding it forward so the girl could claim it. "The credits transfer processed cleanly, all is in order. Should you need it sharpened or repaired, I would have no issue with you coming back for whatever is needed. Although I provide a custom craftsmanship, and other blacksmiths may not know how exactly the blade is crafted, they may be able to crudely modify it. But I'm not that special... you know a good blacksmith, they may be able to replicate my skills. Whatever you choose to do with it now, is your choice."

 

[Riamah]

What he said was true about Pzob being under the sphere of the Empire she had been with until very recently. That was no longer the case and she was moving on to learn about other people and their cultures. Eddak's was just one example of many she could learn about.

She listened with clear attention to his story and brief history of the planet he told her. Her ears were tipped forward and whiskers up, out and almost pointed his direction. If he looked behind her, he would see the tip of her tail waving back and forth. One of the characteristics of her race was her tail was prehensile so it could grip onto things if she wanted it to.

With the same amount of attention to his history, Ailuros listened to the answer of her question and smiled. He made perfectly valid points and it was not something she had thought of before.

When he held the sword forward for her to take, she couldn't hide the smile this time. Her canine teeth were not really that much larger than a human's, but certainly a little and more sharp. This caused her to speak with a minor lisp, but nothing so bad she wasn't understood easily.

"If I need to repaired in any way at all, I would return to you."

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]


Eddak nodded, smiling that Ailuros made that choice. "That's good to hear, someti- Ey ey!" Eddak looked up to the guard that escorted Ailuros inside. "Stop gawking already, carry on back at your post, now." The guard agreed, turning quickly and marched back to his post at the gate. Eddak gave a swift nod at the guard, a little bit upset, before looking back at Ailuros. "Sorry, as you can imagine these boisterous men don't get a lot of ... we'll say attention. He was staring at you. Now, with that and business out of the way, what will you do? I mean, for the time being. Did you want a tour of Galderra? Need supplies? Or did you just come for the blade?" As they chatted, Eddak unsheathed his personal sword just to check on it, peering at the blade and hilt as he did with the girls weapon.

 

[Riamah]

For just a moment, they shared smiles and then he chastised the guard that had escorted her to meet him. Ailuros was used to being stared at since she wasn't human and he pointed out the fact that his men didn't much attention and she tilted her head curiously. Eddak did state the guard was staring at her, but she had just shook that off. He then asked what she was going to do while on Galderra or if she had only come for the sword.

She had no need of resupply yet and shook her head at that part of his questioning.

"No, my supplies are fine. Thank you though. I have nothing I need to leave to do and would love to learn more your home here. It seems quite similar to my own."

With the brief answer given by the previous guard, she knew and understood there were differences.

"My people also have a high interest in art. Mainly music and dance for me since I never was a very good artist."

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]

Eddaks head jerked, more in a nodding fashion, downward with a smile. It's like a happy realization to her interests, "Here, follow me." He ushered the girl into his personal keep, and they walked together inside. "I'd offer to give you a tour of the town, even take you to the local tavern. Of course it unfortunately is owned by the town, no one has yet to take interest in it, but many people with new or old talents like gathering inside to share their accomplishments and practice. I need to get started on some paperwork, as I am King. I don't just get to go and hang out at parties at my leisure." He made a hand motion to follow as they took a turn, entering his throne room, where some of his advisors waited. It wasn't the largest, nor the fanciest, but it did its purpose. "Before I have to send you off, did you have any questions for me?"

 

[Riamah]

Attaching her new sword to her belt, Ailuros fell into step with Eddak. Listening to what he said, she didn't fully understand why he couldn't just go and explore on his own. After he explained he had some paperwork to do and she saw some other people waiting to speak to him, she nodded.

"Maybe after your kingly duties are done you can?"

While it may not have been phrased as a question, the clear lilt of her voice indicated that is how she intended the statement to sound. Being about the same height, she was able to look him eye to eye. Eddak appeared to one that wanted to be treated with respect, but not as somebody fully superior so the cat did her best to accomplish this.

"It might be better to ask what questions I don't have."

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]


Eddak chuckled under his breath as he turned around to sit on his throne, sitting back and relaxing and raising a hand to one of his advisors to hold off for the moment. "Well, take it slow, think about what is the questions that are burning at you the most. I don't have all the time in the world, but I have time for a few questions. Now these men have been waiting patiently for two days for things I've needed to get done, so just remember they need respect as well. Maybe you're curious about living arrangements for outsiders, how outsiders are treated here, how we became a military culture or even just curious about our history. I've served with Pzobs military since I was old enough to hold a sword, and before that I invested myself in the culture and knowledge, so as the first Seasoned Veteran of Pzob, I'm sure I can answer any question you have."

 

[Riamah]

The guard that had brought Ailuros here had answered her question of religion, but if she was given the chance after she left Eddak, she would visit that church and learn more of the spiritual aspect of this culture. While visiting the town, she would also like to listen and watch the performances at the cantina that was pointed out to her.

"How welcoming are you people to immigrants? Not just visitors."

It sort of related to his suggestion on how outsiders were treated, but to her that implied visitors.

"My world is almost unknown and we rarely get visitors. When we do though, we welcome them, but hold off making political alliances. One reason I was sent away. To learn what is out there. How long have your people been here?"

[member="Eddak Manod"]

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Ailuros"]


Eddak raised his head slowly, then tilted it back down, taking a moment to ponder and understand her question. "You'll come to understand I want to say Pzob when talking about our culture, but truthfully we only own Galderra. We tried to settle the rest of Galderra, but then the Galactic Empire came and we have had to put all of that on hold. The people of Galderra are not native to Pzob, and do not believe they intrinsically own Pzob. Our ancestors came to this world to escape the wars and cataclysms of the galaxy, and invited anyone who wanted to join them to come. Pzob is a place where you can find refuge from anything, or anyone, so long as you haven't committed any crimes. If you put in the work, the people will accept you. If you want to live here, you have two options; If you have someone else build your house and you are a foreigner, you will have less respect but you will be accepted. If you build your own house, however, you'll have the respect of an equal. Now these aren't set in stone, girl, you can obviously gain or lose respect with anything you do. But in general, we're a free and accepting people. Even if a species well known for ravaging the galaxy wanted to live here in escape from the events of the galaxy, they would be allowed as long as they didn't commit any crimes."