Hush Now

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

"There are some, legendary crystals that were used to bind weapons and armor to a single person and anyone who tried to use it would become sick and eventually die. The Yokai crystal is something that inspires scholars on the world as it is said to bring the dead or those close to death back to life." Matsu was listening and she spoke as she looked at Sorel speaking low and curious. "A healing crystal of fire could do that and it is known they were more common in ancient times. If one was brought here a little skill would be exponentially increased like with many of the jedi healers who can use them." She said it but crystals that were personally bound to a single person happened. She knew they were rare but if they were strong enough then it could likely happen.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel listened with interest. She was aware of crystals that only worked for someone that was light-sided. And she was also familiar with crystals that only worked for the crafter of the saber. But one that allowed another to use them whilst simultaneously making them sick to the point of death? And one that rejuvenated? At that level it was a new concept to her. She presumed both were Force related – but without seeing one, it was difficult to know. And she imagined that some form of alchemy could bring about these properties, but for them to occur naturally?

And she listened to her Master and smiled. It was good that – as much as Sorel thought she knew about crystals – there was always more to learn and her Master was an ideal teacher on the subject.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu was looking at her and at the others in the street as they were walking. There was so much here that they could still see and so much that might be discovered here on the planet itself. She wanted to understand these crystals themselves and she wanted to work on many more of the things around here. She was seeing some of the ships they were using the while they looked classical they were also hovering over the waters. She was unsure about a couple of things but there were a large number of people coming in and bringing forth parts of everything else. The remains on the side of the ship there werewhale like creature massive in size they had strapped to the side. "Those are big."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel was like her Master – fascinated by all that they saw. No sooner had something wonderful caught her attention than she was distracted by something else equally wonderful.

But it as the huge sea creatures that lingered in her consciousness as she saw them. She refrained from pointing but could not help but comment. “Are those powering the ship or have they been caught by the ship. From this angle it is difficult to tell and either way, I’m intent on knowing what they are.”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

"They are mounted on the ship, that can pay enough to feed them and their families for three months. Repair the ship and have plenty left over for them to be able to enjoy plenty fo comforts that are given here." The guide was walking and showing off some of the planes. "The creatures bones are more like large crystal and while easily broken if you are not careful they resonate with energy. It lets them live longer, survive across the world and we have seen they work on many more things. Smaller fish are attracted to it and we have been working on a lot of the things here." Matsu was looking at him here, she was watching many of the others until the jedi that they were working with her hands clasped behind her back see that Sorel was looking around just as curious as the others. The crystal like bones she could see them carving up with a nod of her head. They were doing all fo the meat as well from the creature. Every part of it before she saw them slice open a sack that spilled into a crate some black orbs. Billions of them it looks liked and all were as small as little beads when Matsu was looking at it and the guide went up with one of them giving a small container that was marked for them. "Fresh from the source, kull eggs are rich in energy and very sweet." Matsu looked at her and then at Sorel as the guide was given small spoons and they looked more like they were for tasting when she dipped it in there and the small eggs were gleaming like pearls but they smelled like the ocean itsef. bringing it up to her nose and taking the taste when they were like little pops of flavor in her mouth before she swallowed and. There was a tangy aftertaste like she was eating something fruity.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel had heard of civilisations that had been isolated from outside influences. They developed their own eco-systems and unique flora and fauna. She was also aware of what often happened when they came into contact with the outside world. The introduction of even a seemingly harmless plant or creature could wreak havoc. And in addition, even a simple cold virus introduced could wipe out thousands or mutate into a super-bug that could decimate an entire species.

She was always wary of trying new foods – but had already followed her Master’s lead in sampling a fruit and so was less reticent this time in joining in when asked to try the kull eggs. She was expecting something that tasted fishy and her nose told her she was not going to be disappointed. But the taste was something of a surprise. It wasn’t necessarily a citrus flavour but the flavour that remained in her mouth was fruity and tangy. And not at all unpleasant.

“They are indeed sweet and although not what I expected, they are delicious,” Sorel said. “Thank you for sharing them with us.”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu was looking at Sorel and yeah there was a lot that she could see with this, a lot more when she turned to see the large whales and how they cut out a couple sacks from each one that was filling up container after container. They had so many and the small packs they were packing them in lightly and shaving it off were small with labels. She could just make it out but they could likely get more then enough supplied here for weeks or months with a haul like this. Based on some of these things... if they had this many eggs in them they might spawn and have hundreds or thousands of babies at a time. Matsu was walking with their guide who was leading them through the streets with her attention going to some of the other things they had.

Matsu was looking at it and walking towards the outside area she could see more of the area outside as well. There were small pathways that were bringing in repulsor carts of silk and she could smell them when they went by. Tea leaves with dried out flowers and eveything. Hmm it smelled very nice before she saw some statues of different beings. Some that looked strange and contorted. "What are these?" She was curious looking at them. Their guide spoke as she was showing some of them. "They are spirits, demons, beings that can appear to the unwary traveler. The slit faced soman who approaches those who travel alone and wears a mask." Matsu looked at her and raised an eyebrow.

"She'll ask them if she is pretty and if they say yes, if they show interest in her then she'll remove her mask and ask it again. If the answer is the same she'll make them look like her and if they change it she'll kill them." Matsu was looking at it and there were some others. Seemed like the stories might be ways to warn travelers to beware of dangers and things instead of she was guessing a real being. "And this one." There was a little girl partially in shadows when she looked around. "That is a spirit, she stays in between doors and caves. If you aren't careful and check locations out in the forest she could appear and drag you to the underworld." Matsu looked at Sorel as there were a number of them all getting tributes.

"I am guessing tributes for safe passage and to appease them." She was wondering and looking to try and see the religious groups who hold these. Allowing them to not be killed on the roads.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Farming was one of those things that just happened. There had been moral debates for millennia about the practice, and Sorel was aware of the arguments from both sides. And she was amazed at the number of eggs each whale could produce and suspected that farming had become part of the eco-system here. Without it, there would no doubt be too many whales born to survive on the food the oceans provided – or at very least there would be a shift in the food chain that would have ramifications elsewhere.

But already they’d moved to a new part of the town. They were now in a thriving market and Sorel marvelled at the beautiful silks and the aroma of various dried leaves and herbs that no doubt flavoured food as well as drinks.

And they continued their walk, not stopping for any length of time, until they came across statues. Religion was sporadic throughout the galaxy. Some cultures still believed in a divine being – or beings – whereas others adopted a purely moral social code to the same effect.

Many planets had discovered that deities and reality had merged in their histories – and travellers from other systems often emerged as fairy-tales for children many hundreds of years down the line. Sorel was a Jedi. She had the Code. She neither believed or disbelieved in any given religion. Her own faith was with the Force.

“Are the statues regularly maintained? I was just wondering what happens to the tributes – and if they were shared with people in need?”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

"Yes they are, no one wants to risk the dangers of the roads where it can be unsafe. Especially at night on this world, you haven't seen how dark it can really get or what comes out then." She was saying it and it might have been true but Matsu was more curious now, if only because some worlds got colder at night. This one seemed to change with the night and Matsu was uncertain but curious as they stepped closer. "They are interesting to see." She was guessing sending out probe droids from the ship while bringing up the wrist computer and setting them. They could work with the night and search over things. "So where would be looking to stay for the night and experience some of the hopitality for the night?" She was curious and their guide was taking them towards a larger building in the center of the city. "There is the Lords estate you could sty in. He would likely throw a feast to honor you coming here to visit and choosing him."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel knew of predators that were predominantly nocturnal. She’d also encountered creatures that fed off the Force and were formidable foes. And she’d read of but not visited planets where the orbiting of their sun led to days of light and then a similar amount of darkness. These tended to generate the greatest variation in the eco-system based upon longer periods of dominance of the absence of light.

But before she could reflect on that any further, her attention was drawn to their impending activity – given night was drawing in and they were too far from their ship to return to it.

Sorel looked ahead at the Lord’s estate. It seemed an impressive building and was dominant in the city skyline. “We would be honoured to attend,” she said, hoping to say some more positive things given a few of her early remarks may have been construed as awkward or challenging. “And I have certainly worked up an appetite with all of this walking.”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu had to agree with Sorel on that, she was getting hungry as well and they had their food supplies but there wasn't a lot. She stuck there until she was moving around. Prepared to work on it as she was walking. Their guide led the way and the gates opened. She was guessing being tied to the main person here on the continent had its perks until she clasped her hands behind her back. As night was coming down there were sounds in the air. Loud and carrying but from here she could not see a lot there in the air. The pale bodies of some creatures across the sky as they were drifting. She knew them from other worlds the Go nagai had been on and they were harmless things that more or less just drifted in the wind from place to place. She went up the large stairs as the clothing for te woman who was greeting them looked different. The richer jade colors and there were a great deal of crystals and gems that she could see. "Welcome to my summer estate."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel tagged along and soon they were entering the gates and she was aware that night was falling. Given the previous warnings, Sorel suspected that being out and about was a risk – especially away from the main areas of civilisation.

As ever, Sorel was taking in all of the sights and wherever possible engaging her other senses. Night time invariably smelled different – and this planet was no exception.

And then they were greeted by another woman – dressed in deep shades of green and wearing more gems than anyone they’d yet met. And the greeting confirmed Sorel’s view that the woman was someone important.

Sorel bowed in the traditional Jedi fashion. “We thank you for your hospitality. It has been a most informative day so far and everyone has been so welcoming.” She glossed over some of the earlier encounters where sarcasm was a common theme.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu looked at Sorel as she had to agree that this was a very nice place to be and they had learned a great deal in one day. She was wondering what they might have within the next or the next with these people. She could see all of it as the entryway of the estate had a thick iron plate for the floor. Where she could see it and walking through the path to see it all. She saw the windows and there was a lot that went to all of the windows and glass here. She looked prepared for anything but there was beautiful scenes looking down with light behind it. Stained glass windows and she noted more of the iron and metal bars there in the frame as well. She could see more crystals and some of them looked ancient as well as resonated and pulsed with the force.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

On many planets the word to describe the magnificent building they were about to enter was, ‘old money.’ This was an estate and its history was plain to see. It no doubt had all of the modern facilities but the old metal in the windows and the fact they were coloured in that old-fashioned way, said this had been here for some time and was clearly a significant asset for the woman that owned it.

And unlike a lot of old buildings Sorel visited, this one felt warm and welcoming and not like a musty museum. And the crystals present gave the place a strong Force presence – almost like a Jedi temple from this vantage point.

“This is a wonderful home you have here. Do you liver here alone, or do you have family?” Sorel hoped she had not committed a social faux pas, but on most planets it was an innocuous question.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu looked at Sorel as she was drawn away from the crystals towards the woman who moved into a place she could sit and seeing the large table with all of the food as it was like a horseshoe but even being the leader, being in charge really she was able to look everyone in the eye and they could all see her. Matsu was led to one of the seats where there were plates of food and a large platter of the main course. "Thank you and my family is here getting dressed." The woman sat here with a small look motioning for all of the others to get a seat as some of the children came in and another of the women. Her robes and cloak covering everything but she looked more ornate. ANother one in white leather stepped near them but sat down. "Ah this is Onaka, they serve under Mab." Matsu was looking at it and she spoke turnign to see the guide. "Mab?" She asked it and the guides face seemed to change as she realized something. "Oh my, I am so sorry, Lord Mab is the name of the One Above All."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel continued into the mansion and the smell of food was a significant reminder that she was indeed very hungry. The table was an odd shape but Sorel understood the concept. Circular lines invariably allowed for the impression of no ‘head of the table’ and of a level of equality. But the head of the horseshoe was the seat to have as it allowed the person sitting there to have a view of everyone else –and for them to see her.

Sorel listened and was glad that her Master asked the question she was thinking and then answered it. Sorel was no diplomat but she knew that at these more formal occasions, it paid to say less and listen more. Being polite was required and it was typically better to speak when spoken to – and nod a great deal to show appreciation, even if you didn’t hear or understand what was said.

Sorel bowed to everyone she was introduced to, and the locals clearly recognised this as a greeting and also a sign of respect. And then she waited to be directed to sit, not wishing to overstep her welcome.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu stood there as she saw the one woman motion for them, all taking their seats and some of the children that came in were sitting down. Wth all of the food there for them as Matsu saw her motion for the two fo them to take a seat provded with a small look on her face. "Sit sit, we have more then enough space and food. The nights here are not as long as some would think but they are very dark and cold. Only monsters like to be out in them or outside the borders of the settlements." Matsu was looking at her and raised an eyebrow as she looked over some parts of the table that was carved with script on it and then it had been smoothed with some polish so it was smooth and defined. She motioned for Sorel as the different foods were being cut up by chefs and presented on plates being passed down the length of the table. The food arrived in front of her with a small look on her face. "Hmm this smells really good."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel waited for her Master to move and then she followed suit and took a seat. She smiled at the children around them. Since she had become a Knight, she taught Younglings and so had re-developed her rapport with young ones.

Sorel had to admit her Master was correct – the food smelled wonderful and even if she was not really hungry, she would have been delighted to have been offered a plate of it.

And although food was subtly different from one planet to another, it was interesting that textures did not vary. Meat was invariably recognisable as such – only the hue changed. Sorel smiled at a young boy that was seated near her and was showing interest in the young Jedi. “You are very lucky to eat so well. I wish we’d found your planet sooner.”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu had to agree that if they had managed to find the planet sooner they might have learned a great deal. She was watching it as they all started to eat and there was conversation, there was even some forms of entertainment as a hologram of a dojo stye area appeared. Designed with the different fighters as they were moving around the room quickly Showing off skill in their fighting styles that looked similar to ateru moving around the room but there was no aggression it was like a dance with frills and ribbons as well as the long flowing outfits. Training garb might be tightly fitted to not trip but these were experienced ones who knew what they were doing.... and matsu pointed out how they moved there, even their hair looked like it was part of the outfit.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel enjoyed the meal very much – even if she weren’t so hungry, the food was so delicious that you could not help but want to eat more. Many of the flavours were unsurprising – but occasionally there was a mix of sweet and sour, or even sweet and hot, that was unexpected. But not in any way a taste she didn’t like.

And she engaged in general conversation with those around her. The questions were to be expected – they wanted to know about life outside of their system and many could not believe how many different planets and cultures Sorel had visited. And she knew that figure was nothing if compared to Matsu’s experience.

And she also watched the holo performance. It reminded her of a story she once heard – of how Luminara Unduli had entertained a tribe to gain their approval – and she’d performed moves learned with a saber. Alone, and without the context of fighting, it had appeared to be a beautiful dance – and Sorel could see the similarities in what she was looking at now.

[member="Matsu Ike"]