Myriad Reckonings

Spoiler

The force sensitives can do illusions or tap into his mind and just telepathically communicate. I think with Raia they're gonna have to charade.

Raia's brow furrowed; these words sounded different. They were harsh and rolled off his tongue like a growl--not at all the same as the sibilant words of the invaders. She stepped forward, keeping her guard up. Whatever he had said, the words made him sound dangerous. She had to prepare for the worst.

Spoiler

he'll do his best lol. we'll see how it goes

Sirejj saw the figure emerge from the shadows and turned slowly to face her. She was a shorter, older female of their species, and she held in her hands a long and pointed weapon at the ready. He saw it, made eye contact with her, and motioned his left hand to lower the weapon and took a single step back. He discretely summoned his small translator into his right hand which remained at his side. He activated it, hoping it would pick up any words she may use.

"I'm not here to fight." He said slowly and deliberately. He attempted to make his voice as non-threatening as possible, but he wasn't sure that was the point he was making.

Raia studied him. He didn't seem to want to fight; his tone had lowered as he spoke again, this time with a small device she recognized as a translator. It spouted garbled nothings at her, and she shook her head.

"That's of no use to you," she told him, though she knew he wouldn't understand. She lowered her weapon and gestured dismissively at the translator.

That was a clear enough sentiment. He put it back on his belt. He didn't understand her words, but he understood enough of her actions. He sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

"How unfortunate." He muttered, and looked around as if something on the walls might tell him something. This was proving more annoying than he first suspected. This being was not sensitive to the force- perhaps he'd have better luck with those who could read thoughts.

"I am here to learn of your world and your people." He struggled to find all the Dathomiri words, not that it mattered. It was not a commonly spoken language and was used primarily for spells and incantations. It was little use to the common speaker, but he dared not speak basic again for the fear she'd react.

"Your languages mean nothing to me, whatever you speak," she responded irritably, straightening to her full height. "What do you want?" She paused. Mother and Kurra would be better equipped for this interaction. Raia had no means of communication besides pantomime, and they were expecting him. "Come with me." She stepped toward him, gesturing for him to move aside.

Sirejj stepped aside with as much politeness as he could wordlessly express. She seemed frustrated. The language barrier was proving a formidable adversary. She would be leading him to the others, he presumed, but how hostile they were he did not know. He knew they were powerful beings, but didn't know what they intended to do with him or if they intended to listen to him at all.

Raia brushed past him, careful not to move too quickly and keeping to her side of the tunnel. She hoped this was the right thing to do. If it wasn't, she'd have yet another earful from Kurra.

"I'll be surprised if they know what you are," she said over her shoulder, aware she was mostly talking to herself but preferring it over the awkwardness of dead silence. "I've never seem anything like you before. None of us have, come to think of it."

Sirejj cocked his head to the side, slightly fascinated by her words. Their language was unlike anything he'd ever heard, and while he didn't understand it at all, he found it intriguing and even beautiful.

"I wonder what your name is." He said, fully aware neither of them understood each other. He liked to think his tone expressed something at least.

She glanced back at him, quirking one pointed eyebrow at him. "Yes, apparently you're expected. I didn't know that, of course, but now that you're here you're supposed to bring about some great change. Nothing that will help us, of course. That would be too easy, wouldn't it?" Her eyes came to rest on his horns. "What planet could possibly have produced such a fearsome being as yourself?"

Spoiler

them carrying on nonsensical talk just to avoid weird silence is hilarious

"How many of you are down here?" If she'd understood him, that might be too prying of a question. He almost didn't want to know. He was still planning on how he'd get Tarkin's information without being responsible for the extermination of the rest of these people. He'd find some underhanded way to play both sides and not get caught, he'd done it before.

Spoiler

It's something I do frequently with my dogs

"I suppose the polite thing to do would be to ask your name," she mused as she walked. "And to tell you mine." She frowned. "Though I don't know if you're friend or foe. I don't give my name to enemies." It certainly was a conundrum--she'd never bothered to speak with the invaders; they were too busy fighting for any kind of conversation. She had no idea how to talk with some one who, for all intents and purposes, could not talk.

Spoiler

same fam, same

"Your language is fascinating. A shame the universe knows nothing of it. Then again, they know little of mine." He slipped in a few garbled basic words, not knowing enough of the ancient tongue to carry on -or not carry on- a conversation. He spoke a few other languages in passing, but only enough to locate important places and things and to exchange currencies.

Raia lapsed into silence for a few minutes as she navigated the tunnels, then said, "I don't know what you bring here or what you want from us in return, but you're meant for things beyond your understanding. Do you know that, or is this something only my people know?"

Sirejj sensed a deep question, but he wasn't completely sure of the nature. He pondered for a moment, seeing if his senses told him anything else. They didn't.

"It's rather unfortunate we can't understand each other." He said, a little disappointedly. He was used to using his words to put him in a position of advantage. He couldn't do that here

His tone had changed into something slightly melancholy; perhaps he was displeased with something. That was all well and good, but Raia could do nothing to help.

"Have patience," she said instead. "We'll be in the main chamber in half an hour and you'll be free to ask your questions then. Mother must have some trick or other--Lady Saro managed it somehow, so I know it's possible."