"You don't have much time." Sirejj himself was itching to leave. He felt as if the walls were beginning to close in on them. He felt the rumblings of what was to come. It was as if he could see the fire cracks in the ceiling already forming. "They are already here."

Kurra, if he could convince her, would be an invaluable asset. She could teach him more of their ways. She could begin anew their shattered civilization and keep their faith alive, but something told him he would not be able to take her from her homeworld.

Kurra tugged at her hair anxiously, pacing. "How long? How long until they attack? Are you certain you can get my people to safety?"

Raia shifted from foot to foot; she'd only ever seen her sister this emotive on a couple occasions. It frightened her to see her so uncertain.

"I can only tell you soon. One of the hunters with the red blades is already nearby." He tapped his own staff on the ground. "But I have fought those before. I do not intend on losing anyone I bring out of these caves."

Kurra did not speak for a minute. Then she sat down and clasped her mother's hand, murmuring something softly to her. At last she opened her eyes and looked up at Sirejj. "Take who you can," she said. "I will stay behind with Mother and the sleeping ones. What can I do to help?"

Raia breathed a sigh of relief.

"I will need you to translate for me before we all leave so we understand the escape plan, but until then, we need only gather the others. Leave everything unnecessary behind. They will be provided for at our destination."

"What is that destination?" Kurra asked, rising. Raia looked at Sirejj expectantly.

"A fertile world called Phelarion. It is very different than here but they will be under the protection of myself and my allies. They will come to no harm there."

Kurra gave a short, sharp nod. "I will do as you ask and translate, then. I'll gather the others." She swept out of the room.

Sirejj turned to look back the way he'd come. He sensed the intruder's presence lingering far down in the depths. Who were they? Were they after the Atoans, or after him? How long till the assault began? He fiddled with his comm to see if he could contact Zee, but he only got static. Everything relied on her being there when they exited the caves.

Raia watched him; the Zabrak looked apprehensive. It was clear he was expecting trouble; she had only caught a little of what had passed between him and Kurra. What was important was that they were finally leaving. Most of them, anyway. She cast a glance back at her mother and sighed. The old woman would never have gone, anyway. She'd been born here and she would die here, and that was that. It had always been known.

Kurra returned a few minutes later with a trio of Atoans--two men and a woman. All were above the age of sixty and gaunt as anything, clearly nervous and mistrustful as they eyed Sirejj.
"They will go with you," she said, and introduced them in turn: Yvos, Kai, and Urva. "I have explained the situation as best I can, but I fear their mastery of communication across languages is limited. The Heart flows through them, but they are not priests or priestesses."

He nodded. "We go now then." He studied her for a moment. "I am thankful for what you have taught me. It will not be forgotten."

Kurra met his eyes steadily; they were moist but no tears had fallen. She held her head high, her hands folded into her sleeves. "Your dedication is appreciated," she replied. "May the Heart fill you with the strength you require to lead my people to their new home." She turned to Raia. "You are the guardian, now. The Keeper and the Sentry. See to it our traditions and our civilization is protected at all costs. Aid Sirejj where you can."

"Be well, sister," Raia said, and she could not find it in herself to say she loved her. "I pray you find peace."

Sirejj watched the exchange, only privy to the words Kurra allowed him to understand. He felt a twinge of emotion deep within his chest that he was unfamiliar with. Regret, perhaps some guilt. He could not deny he'd had a part to play in the destiny of this world, for better or for worse remained to be seen.

"Let us go." He took a step towards the exit. He gestured to Raia. She would lead her people. They certainly did not trust him yet, but if they would follow her, they would make it out alive.

Raia's hand twitched out; part of her wanted to hug her sister to her despite everything and never let go. Instead, she let her hand fall, and she turned on her heel to follow Sirejj.

Without looking back, the Zabrak led them into the tunnels, returning the way he'd come.

Their journey was silent for the most part. Sirejj kept the group close, making sure Raia was directly beside or behind him. Sirejj's focus went immediately to trying to disguise the signatures of all who travelled with him, but he found that they were already hidden, still protected by the protection spells that were bound to the caves. He hoped that would allow them to approach the intruder undetected.