In the distance, Srina thought she heard a crash, but couldn’t really be sure over the white-noise of hundreds of people talking at the same time. Her attention returned to Er’in just in time to see her half-stand, before almost freezing, in the presence of the Nightmother. The action was odd and the nanosecond emotional roller-coaster that followed was equally perplexing. There was no other way to put it. As far as social graces went—It was odd.
But, both women were Hapan born, and therefore full of interesting surprises. Srina found the idea of a matriarchal culture rather familiar given the state of Eshan. Yet, where men were considered lesser beings in Hapan society, the Echani did not consider males second-class citizens. Women tended to outnumber men by about seven to one and had become the backbone of the species because of it. To that end, their men were generally highly valued. Echani females could be highly protective, and almost ironically, referred to them in greetings as ‘kár'lo’. Our, or my, protector, depending on the male in question.
Srina momentarily felt trapped in a war of invisible wills. And then it was gone. As if it had never been there at all. Tmoxin Temi assured both of them that they needn’t rise, nor adhere to any sort of formality, and the pale-skinned woman slowly relaxed. “As you wish, Tmoxin.”, Srina responded kindly, doing everything she could, not to stare. The Nightmother had not seen herself in Ryloth the eve the Mandragora had come together. Srina had. She had seen and felt every bit of it.
As much as she respected Tmoxin Temi she also held a healthy dose of appropriate fear. It revolved around nothing the flame-haired creature had done personally. No, nothing so specific, she had been nothing but gracious and flawless the Echani’s eyes. It was simply based on the unknown…On Srina’s belief that nothing so endlessly beautiful could exist without some sort of hidden poison.
Srina almost felt bad for their enemies and found herself gladdened that they were on the same side.
Er’in smiled at her, pulling her out of a momentary reverie, and the gray-eyed warrior smiled back. When the dark-haired apprentice beside her stretched like an oversized cat, she almost laughed but held it in. She changed so easily. From respectful apprentice to sweet girl on the turn of a credit. They were very much so alike, in that aspect. “Forgive me for prying but I’m afraid I do not understand…”
“M—Tmoxin…You are Hapan are you not? Why must Er’in wear these lenses to see but you do not?”, she queried, curious as always, and sincerely wondering what the difference was. Perhaps Tmoxin had learned some sort of Force trick akin to the way the Miraluka had adapted. If so, it might be possible that Er’in could learn it too. Remembering that Tmoxin had a mind for science, considering her facility on Kamino, Srina also considered that.
Srina glanced at Er’in when she mentioned overindulging and silvered eyes reflected the barest tinges of humor. “You should have seen the amount of food our Master consumed. I’m not entirely certain how he can move at all.”
The little Echani half expected to find Darth Metus passed out in one of the swan boats or on a park bench. She may find herself rolling him back to his lodgings on a repulsor cart.
The Nightmother requested a story from them and Srina found herself filled equal parts apprehension and surprise. She wasn’t sure she knew of anything that might entertain a woman who likely had the most exciting of experiences. Well. Exciting, and terrifying. “I…”
She trailed off, soft voice lilting and light. Her hesitation was obvious. “I have many siblings. Four sisters. One brother. We all tend to appear incredibly similar. So much so, that sometimes, Father would mistake one of us for the other. Mother always knew.”
Srina paused. She truthfully didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t comfortable with discussing her home or the family that she’d been forced to leave behind. Her heart ached, suddenly, and she began to feel incredibly homesick. Worried. Banishing her darker emotions the poised Echani shook her head and offered the women near to her a pristine smile. It was everything smile should be. Sweet, neither too wide, nor too short. No teeth. Highborn. “I was in the military before I left Eshan. I went straight to Larinkáoi, one of our combat schools, after secondary. I wanted to become a politician but most Echani diplomats or ambassadors are required to serve in the military first. It lends a view of respect and hardship that might not be observed from the comfort of civilian life. Through that requirement, we learn pain, defeat, respect, and victory. We learn to control our emotions and do what must be done. We are not highborn or lowborn in Larinkáoi. We are the same. We are one.”
“I remained in the service of my people for many years. The longer I stayed, the more I excelled, and the less I could withdraw for political interests. It was a good path.”
A very, very lonely path. The people of Eshan both revered and feared the Spirit Seekers. But it was the life she had. Her life. Not the exciting life of an apprentice, for sure, but it had belonged to her. It was something she had made.
Now, it was gone.
[member="Tmoxin Temi"] | [member="Er'in Tenel"] | [member="Darth Metus"]
