Private Nasvalo - Manas

[Sasha Kryze]

The jets on Sasha's space superiority fighter cooled down at their landing location in one of the sparse mountain villages of Mana. The pad wasn't covered, and wasn't the best, cracked as it was. But it would do. Popping the cockpit, she moved to sit up on the lid of the craft, head turning slowly under her helmet to scan the area. There were dozens of people watching them. Sasha began to quickly worry whether or not they were actually allowed to be here.

"Shrike, we're good here, right?"

The Mandalorian asked cautiously, head snapping closer and just below the craft as a young boy would come up to the ship and wave at her. Sasha waved back awkwardly, then slid over the canopy straight to the ground. She quickly observed the immediate surroundings, and would glance back down at the boy who was following her with about four feet of space, grinning and observing her curiously.

"What does he want from me?"

Sasha asked curiously, popping the hatch on her ships storage bin and sorting through her armaments briefly. The original mission was to find components, and perhaps rare gems for their own personal use; but meeting a new (to her) Mandalorian by the name of Tyto Ruus changed those parameters. The other claimed her planet was rich in such things, and here they were. The first date as it were. Then again, she had no idea Zahra might have been an old lady or something, but her voice was like honey. Seeing this place, she imagined her skin as a light bronze; though noted the woman followed the old ways. Sasha wouldn't be seeing her face.

Alternatively, Sasha decided that she would wear her helmet as well. If the other felt comfortable enough to take off theirs, she would follow suit.

She didn't start pulling weapons out just yet however, and would fold her arms by the back of the craft, looking at the boy almost like a gnat... What the heck did he want?

"Sorry, I don't have anything."

Tyto Ruus

 

[Tyto Ruus]

Zahira Shrike looked out into the vast mountains of Manas that she and her companion landed upon. She could feel goosebumps shiver under her beskar'gam. Long ago, this planet was her home. Where she was born, and they were not far from the desert cities. In a way, she could feel the very breath of Manas in her soul. She was snapped from her reminiscing by her cohort, Sasha Kryze . Her visor scanned over the sight.

"He's curious." She said simply, "And be thankful it's merely a child. The Uulvali aren't known for their hospitality to outsiders."

She turned to the cargo bin where her weaponry was stored. From it, she decided to holster only her twin LL-30s. She would not expect to run into anything where she would need her rifle. She turned back to Sasha and the child before walking toward the youngling. She kneeled to where her helmet's visor was level with boy's face.

(("I would not expect any trouble, should I?")) She spoke to him in his own language, albeit with an accent more akin to the Nasvalo that lived in the deserts, "Kryze. Do arm yourself. As much as I'd like to see you punch any of the predators on this planet, I don't want to bring Clan Kryze back a corpse."

She stood up and looked towards the village. It would be a good stop before going to the plains. Far more traders out that way. Bandits, too. But, who would be dumb enough to strike at two Mandalorians?

 

[Sasha Kryze]

Well hells, was Sasha scared of an infant. Or what the infant represented? She was a full grown Mandalorian by most standards, and she hadn't had a child, being fully capable of doing so. Something that may not have registered to most, but lightly weighed on her. Though, she told herself now wasn't the time.

"He's curious."

Well, wasn't that the truth... The boy was indeed curious huh, though she had been set up in similar ways before. Nice bubbly kid pops up getting your attention one way, then the rough and tumble bunch crept up on you from your blindside. To be fair though, in that moment Sasha just didn't see it from these people. This place was like Resa. Her current home... Well, in temperament anyway, she couldn't be certain of the specifics. As such she would take a second to stretch herself out, still wearing her helmet.

"Not much Mandalorians on Manas then?"

She said, finally reaching into the storage space and withdrawing her Scattergun from its rack, opening the breach slightly then shutting it back with a satisfying CLACK of metal. She hoisted the weapon over her shoulder by its strap, eyes scanning over to Shrike as she spoke in her native tongue.

(("I would not expect any trouble, should I?"))

She had stopped moving her body entirely listening, entranced at her speech. She thought the woman had a beautiful voice before, but that was different. Sasha was curious to see what the other looked like, but wouldn't ask it of her. She at one point was adamant in not doing such, until she met Garrus. An older, but less nonsensical Mandalorian. And a good man to boot. Sasha was trying to do two things at once, and would nod a few times as the other turned back with her warning of Krayt in the area.

"Don't have to tell me twice.."

With that, she then drew her Valiance heavy blaster checking it just as she did the scattergun before holstering it, and locking up her storage compartment. With that she would turn and walk in tandem with Shrike. Keeping quiet though she honestly had so much questions for the other.

"I wouldn't ask you to bring the corpse back... Good fire, scatter the ashes in the winds. I'll find my way"

She offered in retort, chuckling a bit to herself.

Tyto Ruus

 

[Tyto Ruus]

Zahira kept a soft pace of walking. She had to be wary of the mountainous they walked upon. She also did not wish to start their journey too laboriously, as she had to mind her heart. Her helm tilted towards Kryze as she responded to the other woman's comments and questions.

"Maybe in the desert cities, as they have more contact with offworld influences." She spoke simply, "The people of these villages are more in tune with their traditions. Hence why we need to be tactful. There's a struggle between tradition and progress among the peoples of Manas."

She kept walking as Kryze spoke to her. She chuckled a little about funeral ashes being tossed in the wind.

"Funny you should mention it." She laughed, "The locals here regard wind as sacred."

She stared up to the sky, watching the clouds shift and move. The birds flying on the air. She was reminded of the stories her mother and father would tell her. Her gaze returned to the path before her.

"The Salkhi, as they are called, are the winds of fate." She elaborated, "The ones that could carry good weather for harvest, or bring desolation with storms of sand.y people, the Tsolvali, are not as religious nowadays since we became forefront of modernization."

She stared forward with the gleam against her helmet.

"The Uulvali, on the other hand, are much more fervent in their beliefs. Like the Jedi, children found to have the gift you call the Force are usually raised in the priesthood." She continued, "The Yaria. I've only heard stories, but they say they are taught to use the Force to shape the winds as ways to protect their communities. I suggest we keep to their good side, lest we find ourselves flying without jetpacks."

Sasha Kryze

 

[Sasha Kryze]

She walked with her hand casually pressed against her pistol in its holster. Not intending to draw, but just used to the feeling of walking in the very fashion she was just at that moment. Sasha wore her issued Enclave Galaar armor, as such she was moderately weighted, but so used to walking with the Beskar on that it hardly bothered her. As such this gave her ample time to observe the other, looking over and feeling ever intrigued by who could be making such sweet sounds. Sasha's Galactic Basic definitely held a Mando'a accent, but the way this woman spoke was simply intoxicating.

She would listen with fervor. Watching her step, but making sure hear every word said.

"Maybe in the desert cities, as they have more contact with offworld influences." She spoke simply, "The people of these villages are more in tune with their traditions. Hence why we need to be tactful. There's a struggle between tradition and progress among the peoples of Manas."

"Mhm..."

She murmured, more a vocal understanding than actual wording. Her hand did subconsciously slip away from pressing her blaster pistol however.

"The Salkhi, as they are called, are the winds of fate." She elaborated, "The ones that could carry good weather for harvest, or bring desolation with storms of sand.y people, the Tsolvali, are not as religious nowadays since we became forefront of modernization."

She couldn't help but wonder if Zahira believed the prophecies and stories of Mandalorian Shamans then, as she clearly remembered the stories she grew up with like yesterday. This Shrike, she was intriguing, and held a certain depth that spoke to Sasha. She wondered which of them were older idly.

She would briefly look straight, realizing she was staring a bit. Eyes scanning the area just in case.

"The Uulvali, on the other hand, are much more fervent in their beliefs. Like the Jedi, children found to have the gift you call the Force are usually raised in the priesthood." She continued, "The Yaria. I've only heard stories, but they say they are taught to use the Force to shape the winds as ways to protect their communities. I suggest we keep to their good side, lest we find ourselves flying without jetpacks."

"I have no quarrel with the Uulvali, and I'm content keeping it that way. This place, it's so... Barren, and yet your people thrive here. Their strength is apparent."

The compliment came as she took two careful steps around a rock configuration. Something struck Sasha then... Shrike didn't know her name, just as she didn't know the Shrike's first. Though, with her wanting to get to know the other better, she figured no better time that the present.

"Just in case they do send us flying without jetpacks... My name is Sasha. Sasha Kryze"

Sasha offered, hoping to learn the first name of the other.

Tyto Ruus

 

[Tyto Ruus]

Zahira turned her head a moment to her companion.

"Zahira. Zahira Shrike." She gave back simply.

It truly felt strange being so cordial with another Mandalorian. Seeing as her clan had followed with many people seem to consider a cult among the Mandalorian philosophy, it was truly strange to have one so friendly. She carefully stepped across the rocky pathway. She smiled under her helmet when Sasha made mention of her peoples' strength.

"I thank you for your words." She spoke, a grateful tone in her voice, "That is quite the compliment coming from a Mandalorian. I know I am one of the foundlings, but I still feel a connection to the people who came before."

The Shrike watched as the path became more narrow. She slowly and carefully moved her stance where her back was against the wall of the mountainside. When she was sure of her footing, she outstretched her hand to her companion.

"Take my hand." She spoke firm, "We're going to need to take our movements slow. And whatever you do, only look ahead at me."

A glimmering T-visor stared at Sasha, steadfast and ready to make sure they get through without any issues. Zahira could only hope that her new companion could read that emotion off of her body language.

Sasha Kryze

 

[Sasha Kryze]

That was a nice name, Sasha couldn't help but wonder how it was Zahira was found in a place like this. Her accent was still extremely strong, which likely meant she hadn't gotten any sort of cultural diffusion so far. She was a different kind of Mandalorian at that. She didn't remove her helmet, and in a sense, Sasha had been the very same way. Actually, the first person in The Enclave to ever see her without a helmet was Garrus Garon. When he had told her to remove it, she remembered feeling hesitant, but... Ultimately she submitted to the request. Ever since then, it was hardly an issue to her.

Sasha hoped one day Zahira would become that way as well, still curious to see what the woman looked like.

"I thank you for your words." She spoke, a grateful tone in her voice, "That is quite the compliment coming from a Mandalorian. I know I am one of the foundlings, but I still feel a connection to the people who came before."

"Of course, Mandalorians ARE capable of compliments you know."

She offered a light joke, keeping pace with the other, though also maintaining an eye on the surroundings. Supposedly there were people here that could summon tornados, or windstorms or... Well, something. She would've preferred to stay out of their way.

Once they reached the perilous overpass, Sasha holstered the scattergun over her chest, and reached out her hand, nodding and staring at the T-visor ahead. Once she held onto the woman's hand. She kept staring at her, responding in kind.

"Slow, only ahead... Got it."

Tyto Ruus

 

[Tyto Ruus]

Zahira could not help but chuckle softly at Sasha's joke. Grasping the other woman's hand firmly as she slowly inched her way across the the narrow pass across the mountainside. She looked only ahead, as she knew it would spell doom if she looked down. At this height, one could become disoriented easily. Not something you would want to happen on such a narrow footing. The Shrike kept her visor fixed upon the the other side, where the beginnings of a village would start to peek as they moved closer.

"If only to break up the monotony." She spoke through a huffed breath as she stepped, "What is our business here? Most Uuvali do not have much to offer Mandalorians like ourselves."

She kept onward, stopping a moment to catch a breath. It was surprisingly laborious to keep one's moments so restricted. She noticed a shape flying through the sky. A raptor-like bird darting through the air like a loosed arrow. Under her helmet, Zahira was smiling at the familiar site. She began to speak once again.

"If you can look over me some, you will see the forebear of my signet." She said, carefully tapping the hawk-like sigil on her right shoulder, "It is a shuvu. A small predatory bird from this world. Both the Uuvali and my tribal Tsolvali ancestors domesticated them to help on hunts. I believe falconing is a similar tradition on another world."

With that, she started inching forward once again.

Sasha Kryze

 

[Sasha Kryze]

"If only to break up the monotony." She spoke through a huffed breath as she stepped, "What is our business here? Most Uuvali do not have much to offer Mandalorians like ourselves."

Oh right, she was focused more on letting her imagination run regarding the others appearance, she almost forgot what they were doing here in the first place.

"Oh, we're looking for precious metals. Well, anything precious really that isn't going to get tornados thrown at us. In retrospect I'm happy you came. I would've probably gotten myself killed by the locals"

Sasha noted, still holding tautly on her hand and observing the other, although as Zahira looked forward, her own eyes faltered slightly to her figure for a moment, and the fall below that came into view. She snapped her view back up with a light shake of her head. Nope, that is not how you wanted to go out.

"If you can look over me some, you will see the forebear of my signet." She said, carefully tapping the hawk-like sigil on her right shoulder, "It is a shuvu. A small predatory bird from this world. Both the Uuvali and my tribal Tsolvali ancestors domesticated them to help on hunts. I believe falconing is a similar tradition on another world."

She caught the bird visually on its arc before it disappeared over the top of the hill, and into obscurity.

"Would it take very long to domesticate such an animal? Is it forbidden by your people?"

Sasha asked curiously, a grizzled hunter herself. The bird would've been an interesting addition to her collection if she was allowed to have one that is. She was mostly trying to avoid someone throwing a tornado at her. Or whatever the truth behind Zahira's words were.

Tyto Ruus

 

[Tyto Ruus]

Sasha Kryze

"It would take years of training, as anything does." Zahira responded, "And it is not forbidden. While more common with the Usvali these days, nearly all peoples of Manas had their own traditions of hunting with shuvu. They can be taught to kill and retrieve small game, and are rewarded with a piece of the prize."

As she inched, she could finally see the other side of the passage. She kept onward before she finally could feel solid ground once more. Zahira gently placed her feet onto terra firma once again, turning and offering her hand to help her companion join her on the other side. Once she knew that Shasha was safe, she looked behind her towards the road-like path before them. And gentle smoke rising into the air. They were not far away from the village now. She turned to Sasha, visor glinting in the sun.

"Alright. Only about half a mile's walk this way." She motioned towards the foot path before them, "We should probably take a short reprieve."

She sat on a nearby rocked, carefully stretching her leg. It took a lot of muscle dexterity to make progress in such tiny increments. She would definitely ask the tribe to ferry them back. While the Usvali were not as advanced as their desert cousins, they were not without their technology. She knew that this particular tribe had started using respulorcraft to haul things.