Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 27, 2020 23:22:05 GMT -8
It would be nearing night as Nartaga had made his way back into the Mospics from his hunt, three smaller sized womprats dragged along by his bantha on a travois made of scrap metal and leather. The creatures mouths and limbs jostled slightly as Patashu came to a stop at the behest of her rider, the vermin no longer able to control their muscles because of the single hole that pierced their skulls. Nartaga took a monocular from a satchel on Patashu's saddle and lifted it to his right eye, scanning the rocks that had begun to creep up as they came back into the more mountainous terrain. Nartaga had felt uneasy on his way back, and was on edge. The lone Tusken had a successful bounty ripe for the taking, and while it was unlikely to encounter anyone this deep in the wastes, anyone that may be out here were likely not to be friendly. The Tusken was more than capable of defending his kills.
The Tusken had made his home on the very edge of his tribe's territory. "Far from where he could cause any damage to the traditions of their people." as his Chieftain had put it. Only scouts and raiding parties came out this far, and even then rarely. Nartaga's magnified vision rested upon a figure laying upon the rocks ahead of him, unmoving. Patashu huffed in agitation as Nartaga tapped his feet on the side of the creature, giving her the command to move once more. Upon moving closer, Nartaga saw what at first glance appeared to be yet another corpse of some unlucky Outsider stupid enough to venture into the expanse of Tatooine's wastes without proper equipment. Nartaga lowered the monocular from his eye and shook his head with a sigh. Whether it be an escaped slave or an outlaw trying to lay low, still too many thought they would be the exception to the deadly conditions Tatooine inflicted upon those that called it home. While it was not the most ethical thing to do, searching the body for anything useful was too much of a boon to pass over, even for the Tusken's code. As a Shaman he would thank the passed being for anything of value and give it a proper cremation, as well as praying for the outsider's soul safe passage to the afterlife.
Nartaga climbed down from atop Patashu and made his way to the rocks where he had spied the presumed corpse, slinging his gaderffii behind his back as he began to climb up to where the Outsider had decided to spend its final moments. Patashu let out a low grumbling as her rider started to climb up the rocks, her head shaking from side to side in protest at her rider's actions. Nartaga took pause as he finally crested the edge of the rocks, and looked around at the nearby cliffsides for any sign of this being a trap. Satisfied, the Tusken knelt down beside the body, looking over what appeared to be a long dead humanoid corpse from the look of it. Nartaga took out one of his tanto bladed knife from his belt and held it close to the nostrils of the Outsider.
As the fog of breath showed on the metal of the knife, Nartaga quickly sheathed the knife, looking around at the surrounding terrain once more, as if expecting someone or something to be there, ready to either swoop or pounce down upon him. Nartaga reached a hand down and held it over the face of the being, trying to discern his condition using his shaman abilities, only able to give a basic inspection before quickly drawing his hand away as if it had been shocked.
"How are you still alive?" The Tusken muttered in his native language, confused as to the strange feeling he had felt momentarily from the unconscious Outsider. Nartaga looked around suspiciously once more, still expecting this to be a trap of some sort, before coming up into a squat and taking the much larger being in his arms. It was a struggle, but he managed to lift the Outsider, slowly walking to the edge of the rock he had decided to die on. The Tusken clicked his tongue, catching Patashu's attention, the bantha having quickly found a small shrub to nibble on while her rider had been inspecting the Outsider. Coming up to the rock Nartaga was on, the bantha lifted herself up on her hind legs, supporting herself with her front legs on the side of the rock, bringing her head level to create an easier path for her rider to come down. Nartaga took slow, measured steps as he carefully walked onto Patashu's head, down her back and onto the ground.
There was no way he would be able to carry this being back to his camp by hand. Nartaga thought for a moment before another huff from Patashu reminded him of his travois, carrying the womprats he had killed earlier. Nartaga moved around behind his bantha and sat the Outsider down as carefully as he could, adjusting the womprat corpses as much as he could so as not to smother the unconscious being, using a length of rope to secure both the Outsider and womprats in place. Before preparing to make the final leg of his journey back to his home, Nartaga checked the being again, shaking his head. He did not entirely understand what he sensed, but he could feel the death creeping in on the . Taking his water skin from his saddle, he uncorked the container, pouring some of the life giving liquid onto a strip of cloth and covering the Outsider's eyes and forehead with it. Depending on how dehydrated the being was, it was still too dangerous to give him much water while unconscious, unless Nartaga wanted to risk getting water into his lungs and drowning him. The Tusken Shaman took another strip of cloth and poured some water on it as well. Carefully he tilted the being's head back slightly, opening his mouth by the chin. Taking the dampened cloth and dabbing the inside of the Outsider's mouth, enough to moisten the being's mouth and provide the smallest amount of hydration, but not enough to quench any thirst. It would be enough to save the Outsider's life, at least for now.
Satisfied with what he was able to accomplish, Nartaga and Patashu would make their way back to his home, nestled in the mountains. From there he would tend to the Outsider as best as he could. Starting with the burns on his skin, applying a bacta salve he had traded for some time ago, mixed with a few native plants. The amount of bacta in the salve was minimal, but to the Tusken it's healing properties were still light years ahead of simple herb based medicines, and it would be more than enough to help heal his patient. Nartaga would leave the Outsider to rest and recover inside the cave on his bed, which was little more than a leather mat and a large fur blanket on the ground, though what animal had produced the fur was unclear. Around the cave were many strange looking items. Jars of powder, pastes, skulls, totems, scrolls, maps, and other items the Tusken seemed to have at the far side of the cave on several shelves and tables. Far to the rear were shelves and containers of foodstuffs and other edibles, most of which gave off a very strange scent. The cave was dimly illuminated by several small, energy cell powered lights strewn about the cave ceiling, with wires leading down to a beaten up power pack near the bed to control lights. Next to the bed Nartaga would leave container of water, a hubba gourd, and a few pieces of dewback jerky from a previous hunt if his guest awoke.
Nartaga would be outside his cave, in the grotto with his bantha, working on skinning and gutting the womprats, tossing the bones in a stewpot to make a bone broth, which he would begin work on soon after around a firepit outside his dwelling. Patashu watched the door of her rider's cave intently from underneath her overhang. The bantha was laid, her horned head resting on her outstretched front legs, occasionally sighing or huffing at the events of the day.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on May 28, 2020 15:22:36 GMT -8
Drifting in and out of consciousness from the heat Zed and lack of sustenance. This was the end and he knew it. His survival of the Mandalorians, persecution from the Galactic community, everything he had faced alone in the desert had all led to this point. Strangely enough he was not angry, for the first time in a long time he was at peace. He had come to this godforsaken rock to die alone and here was his chance. As he was just fading away faintly as if far in the distance Zed heard the sound of shuffling near him. Feeling the firm hands of Nartaga grasp and picking him up he was prepared for the end assuming that this was some beast that had survived better in the desert than he. As the wet cloth entered his mouth however it was enough to bring him back from the brink. Just sucking on the minimal amount of moisture brought back strength he did not know was there. Already he could feel his body coming back to life even if just a little bit, but as soon as it was there it was gone. He had drifted off once again.
Waking an unknown period of time after arriving in the cave Zed just lay there looking up at the roof of the cave. Faintly he could smell the stew outside, sitting up Zed looked at the arranged food and drink for him. Although the being that had apparently saved his life there was no guarantee that it was not saving him for later. If they were smart enough to wire this cave with lights then they were smart enough to know that food was not always readily available in the desert. Or fresh meat anyway.
Dipping his fingers in the water Zed licked the moisture on them still not trusting it. Despite the flavour of bacta and dirt he couldnt taste anything foul in the water. Nothing to indicate it was poisoned. Taking a deep drink he nearly cried out in joy. This was the first real water to pass his lips in a long time, and not only that but it was cool. Standing he left the rest of the water, despite his dehydration Zed knew the dangers of drinking too much too fast. Eating one of the pieces of jerky he picked up the gourd that was left for him as well and slowly exited the cave. If the being who saved him was outside he wished to see them before snooping through their belongings.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 28, 2020 19:15:59 GMT -8
The Tusken recluse stirred a large metal pot hanging from the spit above the fire with a large ladle that was little more than scrap metal bent to take the shape of a usable utensil. The steam of the nearly completed completed broth wafted up into the air carrying with it the savory smells of the meat and bone soaking within. After slicing up some tatos and bloddle and plopping them into the mixture, he slid the cover of the large pot back over the top, imprisoning the enticing smells in the metal. Nartaga took his gaderffii and used it to move some of the japor wood apart, to weaken the fire and let the stew finish cooking more slowly.Nartaga looked up from the fire as he heard soft footsteps. It had been a day of tending to the stranger's condition to ensure they recovered, but he had shown signs of recovery fairly quickly. It was surprising to the Tusken Shaman, who had at first coming across the gaunt looking Outsider assumed him to be a corpse. Still, it was a good thing that his guest had survived. Despite the nature of many others of his people, he did not wish death on those that had come to his homeworld."Awake. Good." The Galactic Basic was harsh exiting from the Tusken's mouth, the language passing through vocal chords unaccustomed to speaking it. Nartaga gestured to a long flat rock by the firepit across from himself, far enough away that the heat from the dimmed fire would not be too intense, but close enough to still feel the warmth. The Tusken remained seated, watching the stranger's movements. He did not expect any trouble from his guest, but his gaderffii and Cycler rifle were both next to him, leaning against the rock he was leaning against. The twin suns were nearly set again, the fire and embers holding back the darkness and casting shadows up on the canyon walls. Patashu bleated at the Outsider, her head tilted back and tongue outstretched into the air, wriggling like a worm in front of her. There was no telling if this was a greeting or a warning, though the hand gesture he made with his other hand towards the bantha made her stop with a huff.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on May 29, 2020 15:36:29 GMT -8
Zed did not see the Sand Person at first. Not until he spoke. Instead his eyes were focused squarely on the Bantha. During his wanderings he had seen several large herds of them always from a distance. Whether it was he who kept his distance or them he could never be too sure. To see one this close up was a first. It was not too often that a being was as tall as him and even rarer still for a creature to be larger than him. When he saw Nartaga it took a lot of skill not to jump and he still failed. Before leaving Anchorhead he had heard of the dangers that these Tusken Rangers posed to everyone not part of their clan. How they would as soon kill you as they would a desert beast and took your women and children to never be seen again. Occasionally the locals would go out and hunt them returning with Gadaerffi sticks to hang upon their walls. Despite all his time here he had not seen one. Until now.
Regaining his composure Zed moved slowly both from exhaustion and caution so as to not provoke a response he sat where Nartaga had indicated.
Thank you, for helping me.
His voice was strained as he croaked out the words. How long had it been since he had used his voice? Easily before his arrival on the planet. There were not many oppurtunites to speak in the Dune Sea.
Why did you help me?
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 29, 2020 23:27:42 GMT -8
Nartaga tilted his head to the side in slight confusion at the question. "Found alive." The Tusken Shaman looked over the tall humanoid without moving his head, trying to discern his condition without spooking him. He did not want to approach the Outsider suddenly and give him reason to assume he was attacking him. They were still strangers, and neither had any reason to believe the other was not dangerous. "Though you still look dead...." He said in his native language before signing at the being, while trying to find the word in Basic. "Human close, or no?" The Tusken hoped his meaning was understood. He was just not familiar with the species of humanoid that was before him, and was unsure if they always had such a gaunt appearance, or if there was something wrong with him medically.Nartaga stood up suddenly, after realizing how bad his manners were. Outsiders took great stock in that sort of thing, or so he believed. The times he had dealt with local moisture farmers, they often had him reintroduce himself again, repeatedly repeating his name. While this may have been because the full name was difficult to pronounce in Basic, Nartaga thought it might have been some way of greeting someone. He had not introduced himself properly to his guest. The Tusken gave a forty-five degree bow and upon lifting it, pointed a finger at himself. "Nartaga." This was what Outsiders he dealt with called him, rather than his full name, and so he had decided to start going by instead. "Name?" The Tusken pointed to his guest as he spoke, and then signed again. While not every being in the galaxy understood signs, out of most of the groups of Outsiders he had interacted with, some at least knew some basic signs, so he was trying to keep it simple. He understood Basic fairly well, but he still had some trouble, and found it easier to get his intentions passed along coupled with signs, instead of having to repeat himself over and over again.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on May 30, 2020 11:40:46 GMT -8
Standing just as suddenly as his saviour Zed expected a fight from the speed at which he had stood. Either from himself or some desert beast that inhabited these mountains. Instead he smiled sheepishly when he realized that the being was introducing them self. Nartaga He repeated shaking his head. Placing a closed fist over his heart Zed returned the bow before using the same sign and pointing to himself. Zed. Yes I am near human. Although he was not sure what it meant he also repeated the first sign and pointed at himself. I am a Stennes, we all look like this. Skin and bone. It was a small lie but Zed was actually a Stennes Shifter, an offshoot of the base species his kind had been hunted to the brink of extinction by the Jedi and in many cases their baseline cousins. Although the Tusken may not know about the hatred towards his kind and why they were systemically destroyed it was ingrained in him to not tell the truth about this one thing. It is nice to meet you... Nartaga. How can I repay your kindness, for saving me? As he spoke Zed ripped the gourd open and brought half of it up to his mouth to eat it. Grimacing at the taste he chewed his way through it. Food had been a scarcity to him as of late and he pushed his way through the bitter flavour and swallowed. Offering the other half to Nartaga he wondered how they managed to eat through that mask.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 30, 2020 16:47:21 GMT -8
Nartaga sat back down after the introductions were done. He had seen many different kinds of Outsiders, but still there were always more. That fact alone only served to reinforce his opinion that his people should make peace with the Outsiders and try to live together; if not in harmony, then at least non violently. While Tskens had the advantage when it came to the wastes of Tatooine, the Outsiders' numbers seemed infinite. The Tusken raised a hand up and shook his head slightly at Zed's offer to share the hubba gourd, gesturing at the stewpot of broth and vegetables. "Close." The robed being turned his attention back to the stewpot hanging over the fire, lifting the lid with a gloved hand and skimmed the scum that had boiled to the top with the ladle, putting it in a nearby container and covering once more."Zed. Stennes." Nartaga nodded approvingly of the new addition to his knowledge of the kinds of Outsiders. "Never seems to come to an end to how many kinds of you there are." Nartaga said in Tusken, in reference to his previous thoughts."Repay?" He repeated in Basic, as if tasting the word. It was an unfamiliar word in Basic to the Tusken. He could discern its meaning given the context of the situation and the other words Zed spoke. Nartaga looked down at the fire and stared deeply into the flames, thinking on how to respond. The Tusken had not expected anything in return for his help, for saving Zed's life. His people sometimes gave a life debt to those that they owed their existence to, indenturing themselves to their saviors until the owner of the debt considered it paid. Other debts were paid with items of value, arranged marriages, even invitation into other tribes or clans. Nartaga put a hand to the temple area of his mask, trying to steady his thoughts to come to a decision. Finally he settled on something. Taking his hand from his head, he looked over to Zed, giving a sign. "Why here? Hiding?"To the desert nomads, Storytellers were of utmost importance and ranking in the tribe or clan. In status they were on the same level of importance as the Shaman. Depending on the story, it could be as valuable as water to the nomads. Their oral stories contained not only their histories, but also life lessons learned over generations. Where to find water, how to track, what plants or herbs were useful. Almost everything remembered down to the tiniest detail by the Storyteller. Even the story of one's life could be valuable. If that person had nearly died, for instance, it could contain information about what to avoid, or how to avenge them if they were an ally. Words were said to have power, and the Tuskens believed this wholeheartedly.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on May 31, 2020 8:30:08 GMT -8
The sharp harsh words of what Zed assumed was Nartagas native tongue grated on his ears and would have made the hairs on his arm stand up if he had any. It was clear that he spoke basic poorly, and how well he understood it was uncertain but whatever little bit of communication could be had was a nice change of pace. When he asked for a story why he has hear his eyes dropped to the ground and he sat like that for a few minutes. It was not a something he liked to think about, much less wanted to talk about. Still he owed Nartaga something even if it was this. Yes, I am hiding. He took a few more bites of the gourd working his way up to telling the story. I will talk slow for you, stop me if I am going to fast okay? I came here to be in the desert, to be alone, maybe to die, or maybe to hide. Out there he pointed up to the sky and the space beyond there is a war. I do not know what or who started it but Mandalorians; people He signed and repeated the name Mandalorians, people who cover their bodies with metal and weapons are killing people like me. Mandalorians came to my home one day and attacked my... Zed struggled to find the right word for this. How could he describe the Jensaarai to one who did not know of them and might have no knowledge of The Force, Jedi, or Sith? attacked my clan. We were a small clan compared to others out there and when they attacked we tried to fight back. It lasted a whole night, and the forests it occured to him that someone who lived in a desert may not know forests trees, plants, they burned as they broke through the defense and slaughtered everyone. I think I am the only one who survived. While they destroyed my home I got away and fled the planet and made my way here. As he spoke and told the story it was like there was a lump in his throat but once he started to speak it got smaller and smaller until similar a damn bursting the words flowed from his mouth. He was glad to have shared it wish someone, even if they may not understand all of it. Maybe it was easier because Nartaga was not familiar with the situation and he could leave parts of it out without causing suspicion. I have been alone in the desert for many cycles now. Sleeping through the day and walking by night. Wandering. If I was lost then no one would be able to find me. I had always been able to find food to keep me going. Able to find water are some sort of liquid to keep me going. That stopped and I have not had food or drink before you saved me for a very long time, I would have surely died had you not found me. As if to prove his point he raised his arms to show his clothes, holed and destroyed by the desert. These were new when I left to the desert, now they are in taters.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 31, 2020 23:41:41 GMT -8
Nartaga listened closely to each word but did not stop Zed at any point, watching the Stennes man's lips and trying to mimic them beneath his mask to try to put meaning to the ones he did not understand. He thought he understood Zed's tale, most of it anyway. The Tusken had seen trees before, but the Tatooine tree was a rare sight, so imagining a large amount of them in one place was hard, let alone why someone would burn such a precious plant so wastefully. He tilted his head slightly when Zed said he thought he was the only one left. He signed before speaking in broken Basic."Not look? Look not find? Clan..." The Tusken paused, trying to think of the right word, signing as he continued in Basic. "....family. Need know." Nartaga made another sharp gesture in sign language, putting emphasis on the importance to avenge one's clan. "Dead no rest. Bad. Follow Zed until...."A realization occurred to the Tusken, who's body language seemed distressed suddenly. The Tusken began whispering underneath his breath. The eyes of the masked Tusken seemed to be look at Zed, but at the same time past him, as if the Tusken was trying to see if anything was behind the Stennes. Nartaga dropped the ladle he had in his hand onto the ground and bolted for his cave. There was a rummaging noise heard from inside, followed by several shouts from Nartaga in his native language. Whether they were directed towards his guest or himself was unclear, the Tusken native tongue being incredibly hard to understand to those unfamiliar with it. After a few minutes the noises seemed to calm down and Nartaga exited the cave, inching out slowly and sneaking around quietly as if he were stalking some great beast that had yet to notice him. In his right hand was the preserved leg of a cliffborer worm, the inside stuffed with desert sage and other herbs. Around his neck was a leather pouch, its contents unknown. Nartaga with his free left hand signed for Zed to remain still and calm, creeping towards the fire, lighting the end of the leg and herb with the flames then stamping out the fire with his boot.The Tusken approached Zed, the embers of the now smoldering firewood putting the Tusken in an ominous light, the small glow barely lighting him from behind, while the darkness of the Tatooine night encroaching on his front features. "Nartaga shaman. See if dead follow Zed. Friend...." Nartaga gave a hesitant pause while looking around at the smoke that was now wafting up from the burning collection of cliffborer leg and herbs. ".....or enemy. Bad. Spy. Tell enemy Shaman where Zed. They come. Find." To the more civilized and advanced cultures of the Galaxy, the concerns of the Tusken would be ridiculous. Even for advanced Force Users that knew of Force Ghosts, it might still be a stretch to believe such a thing as spying ghosts. But the serious concern and distress that Nartaga was giving off might give any being who did not believe in such superstitious nonsense for concern.Nartaga fanned the burning herbal concoction around Zed, still treading carefully and quietly. Every few steps the Tusken would stop and draw something in the air with the smoke, and speak a few words in his native language. The Tusken had circled Zed several times, the smoke from the herbal arrangement now hanging in the air. The smoke smelled of death, perhaps as a result of burning the long dead cliffborer worm, but there was also an earthy mint fragrance from the desert sage and other herbs. Finally he would stop in front of Zed. The Force was gathering around and within the Tusken, but it was different; wild, untamed and raw, but it was there and powerful. Nartaga reached into a pouched hanging from his neck and threw what appeared to be some sort of white powder into the air.Wherever the smoke had wafted ignited into a bright flames, engulfing the pair for a brief moment before dissipating. The flames had not burned them, but instead completely rid the smoke from around them. Nartaga watched carefully for a few moments before pointing to many shimmering trails of line that led back to Zed. The lights were several colors, and were as fine as strands of hair flowing in the air around the Outsider. Nartaga began inspecting the strands, the Force still emanating from the Tusken Shaman."Many dead follow." Nartaga was actually shocked at the number of strands he was seeing. When Zed had explained that his clan had been wiped out, it appeared he had been truthful. That saddened the Shaman, but there was still work to do. They would need to move quickly. "Any feel..." He paused, trying to think of the word in Basic. He signed the word as he spoke. "...like know? Feel them. What they want. Friend. Enemy."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Jun 1, 2020 17:08:31 GMT -8
Zed looked down at the ground sadly and continued I did look. They were very thorough in their purge. If anyone else survived they were not at our temple when it was attacked. Maybe we will find each other in the future but not now. Not while the war might still be raging.
As Nartaga ran off to his home yelling and hollering Zed paid it little heed. Talking about the past had brought up memories and faces he had not wished to think about since leaving. The faces of Garwig Gil Ga'mesh and Anven who helped found their order. Of Nikki and Regina the Hapan twins that would drive the initiates crazy because of their ancestry. Of all the other Jensaarai who had lived and died that night. More than that though he thought of the ones he was connected to when they had died. The fear each of them felt as they lay in the dirt dying, many of their last thoughts being of loved ones, or family members. People that Zed had never seen but had felt the love for them that the other had felt. Zed had a rare gift, the use of battle meditation and had been directing the battle form within the heart of the temple. The bullheadedness of the Mandalorians had negated the negative affects despite his best efforts, but his allies had felt more unified and brave fighting until the end. Only the strength in numbers had seemingly won the day for the crusaders.
Snapping out of it when the Tusken returned from the cave he arched his brow as Nartaga began his smudging. Every race had their own version of a religion and as a Jensaarai he was not one to judge ones practices. He thought little of it until Nartaga seemingly drew the force into him and used it for his purposes. Neither the food or water in his belly had filled him the same way this use of the force had. As it flowed into him Zed exhaled and sat up straighter as energy flowed back into his limbs. As soon as it was there it was gone and although some of his strength had returned he craved for more.
Looking at the threads around him many seemed sad but familiar. Others he could feel no connection to but only for that of fraternity. Perhaps they were older Jenaraai from previous iterations of his order. I do not think they are enemies. I think they might be watching to see how my story ends. Pointing towards the strand furthest from him he continued That one does not seem to like me but does not seem like a foe.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Jun 2, 2020 2:39:03 GMT -8
Nartaga continued his inspection of the strands flowing around Zed, whispering under his breath to several as if he were having a hushed conversation with them before moving on. He would moved close to a strand and lightly stroke the thin light, being sure not to cut off the connection, just skimming the edge of it. The shaman's attention turned to the furthest strand as Zed pointed them out. The Tusken seemed wary to interact with this one, due to previous experience with less than friendly spirits. Nartaga approached the strand and raised his hand to interact with the connection between the supposed spirit and Zed. Nartaga hesitated as his hand passed along the wispy edges of light emanating from the strand, holding for a moment before he pulled it back. "Zed try. Have feeling."
Whatever would occur between the strand spirit and Zed, Nartaga would begin to feel himself wane, the power of Tatooine becoming more and more difficult to channel and maintain. After a few more minutes the strands would abruptly disappear, leaving the barely glowing embers within the firepit the only light in the grotto. Nartaga would hold himself up by the rock he was previously sitting against, his knees buckling and his vision going dark momentarily. Patashu, his bantha, had remained quiet up until this moment. Instead choosing to watching the pretty lights and munch on the little shrubbery that grew near her overhanging shelter. The large beast let out a loud bleat and was on her hooves in a heartbeat, rushing over to her rider, moving in between Nartaga and Zed, glaring at the new being with a protective aura emanating from her. Nartaga placed a hand on the furry side of his mount, patting it and using her as support until he felt able to stand on his own.
Patashu, her gaze remaining on Zed, slowly moved to the side and laid down. Nartaga took a knee and relit the fire with a flint from his belt before sitting on the sand covered rocky ground and leaning against Patashu for support. The red and orange flames once again held back the darkness of the Tatooine night. Nartaga was moved by the movement of Patashu's breathing, but did not seem to be bothered by the motion.
The Tusken reached over and grabbed his water skin from next to the rock he had previously been sitting upon. The end of the skin went straight into the mouth shaped opening in the mask. Several large gulps could be heard along with the crackling of the relit fire. The Tusken let out a deep breath as he pulled the water skin back. The refreshing liquid renewing much of his drained energy. "Long time. Many dead follow Zed. Tiring." Patashu let out a huff, sending a small gust of breath and the sand that lifted with it towards Zed. Nartaga patted the beasts side that he was leaning on to remind the creature of her manners. "No enemy. No spy. Good."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Jun 2, 2020 9:48:21 GMT -8
Reaching his own hand out over the strand of light Zed made sure not to break it or touch it directly. Although he had never seen this sort of thing before taking a cue from Nartaga he treated it with the reverence it was deserved entering into a trance like state he continued to rhythmically bring his hand around the light. A spark seemed to pass between him and light and although it did not speak to him like the Force Ghosts some beings could manifest as the message was clear enough. An image was implanted in his mind of a woman wearing the Jensaarai armour of the Saarai-Kaar; the most influential leader of the Order. She seemed to have a disapproving look on her face. Snapping out of it as the lights he saw Nartaga fall.
As the Bantha stood between them Zed tried to get closer to Nartaga but would be allowed by the protective beast. It would not do well to have his host die on him after he save him. Thankfully he pulled himself up from the ground I am glad there are no spies but Nartaga are you okay? I do not know how you did it but you used The Force in a way I have never seen before.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Jun 2, 2020 20:35:40 GMT -8
"Force?" Nartaga seemed confused by the word, as if it had no meaning to him, at least in the way Zed was using the word. He knew not of the Force, as Zed had called his power. The Tusken raised an arm to the sky, his hand following the path of where the Suns would overhead. "Power of Suns and Tatooine. Blessing of Tatooine. Gift." The Tusken would let his hand fall and rest on the sand covered ground, taking a fistful of the grains and lifting them up before letting them slips through his gloved fingers. He rested his now empty hand on his lap and looked to Zed. It was confusing to him that Outsiders did not know of this power, as he had heard tales of Outsider Shamans able to do amazing feats, wielding swords made of the light of the Suns. They were just whispers, but he had been hopeful to meet one. Also give that Zed had never seen such a thing, it made him wonder how often Outsiders let themselves be spied upon by the dead of their enemies, only to have them report back to their enemy's Shamans.Nartaga decided he would try and explain the power as best as he could in Basic. "Everything touch. Even when gone. Leave trails. Whispers. Can follow. See. Like mirage, but there. But not." Nartaga shook his head in frustration at his lack of vocabulary in Basic. Nartaga brought his hands up for a moment and interlaced his fingers, holding them up to show Zed his simpler explanation. "Hard describe. Nartaga Basic. Not so good."Whether or not his explanation of how his people viewed what Zed knew as the Force was understood, Nartaga would turn his attention to the pot still hanging over the firepit. Picking up the sand covered ladle he had dropped before the ritual, he wetted a piece of his robes and wiped the sand off and stood up. Patashu let out a bleat in protest, but the Tusken did not seem to take heed of it. On still weak legs stood over the firepit and took the top off the pot. The steam filled with the aroma of the womprat and vegetable broth wafted into the air. Nartaga pointed at a stack small clay bowls beside the fire and motioned for Zed to get a bowl and get his fill. "Soup done. Will help both feel better."Nartaga would hand the ladle to Zed and make his way back into his cave, bringing out a small loaf of hubba bread. The Tusken would break the loaf in half, giving one half to Zed while keeping the other for himself. After filling a bowl with the womrapt and vegetable broth, the Tusken would sit back down next to Patashu and use the hubba bread to soak up the broth in the bowl and then eat it. The Tusken would carefully push the soup saturated bread through the hole in his mask to eat it, staring into the fire quietly as he ate. Patashu was already fast asleep, and occasionally a loud snort would exit from the bantha's mouth, and her tongue would flicker out as if she were dreaming of a large meal herself. "Zed first visitor. Long time."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Jun 3, 2020 15:24:51 GMT -8
Going to the clay bowls he reached down and rubbed out the inside. They may have been turned upside down from the elements but sand got everywhere here. Even as he removed the thin layer of grit from the bowl a new one replaced it. As he cleaned it he quietly repeated a phrase he had heard many years ago An energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together Accepting the bread Zed placed the bread directly into the bowl and then poured out his portion. Part of his wanted to take more than he had due to his lack of food but he did not wish to be rude to his guest. He seemingly had life figured out and food to spare for now but fortunes could change quickly. Your basic is good. Talking in a language not your own is hard and only gets better the more you do it. Taking several bites of the food in silence it took a lot of willpower to not scarf it down. Despite all he had heard of the Tuskens nothing could have prepared him for the taste of the food. After eating raw meat or burned meat this was the first thing he had that tasted good in too long. Scalding the inside of his mouth he ate it so quickly. Placing the bowl down on his lap he signed the universal sign for good food to show his approval. Does your clan not visit you?
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Jun 10, 2020 17:20:35 GMT -8
Nartaga listened to the man's explanation of the Force and shook his head. "Not Force. Tatooine." Despite the open-mindedness of Nartaga in comparison to others of his culture, the idea that the source of his shaman abilities came from anything other than Tatooine and the Twin Suns was beyond anything he could believe. As far as he could understand, the ability that Zed spoke of was clearly a different power, though similar. He had said himself he had never seen anything like it previously. Still, there was now a seed of doubt in the center of his knowledge of everything he knew about the Universe, and now himself. Nartaga continued eating while thinking on this, and occasionally drinking from his water skin.Nartaga seemed to drift off, his inexpressive mask facing the fire. His consciousness fell deep into the flames as he stared at them. He now questioned everything he had been taught since childhood. It was true his people were far less advanced in almost every other way than the Outsiders, but Nartaga had never thought that everything they believed was wrong. What of the ret of his beliefs that he had been raised on? The Tusken snapped back to the present as Zed started to question him of his clan. He signed a response, and the paused to try and find the words to explain."R'Crurak tribe. Long past. Hate Outsiders. Nartaga not feel same." Nartaga gestured to the area they were in. "Sent to Mospics. Cause no trouble. No make others question." Nartaga was only mildly embarrassed at the admission of perceived dishonor he had brought upon himself in his tribe. It was something he had come to terms with during his time spent alone in the mountainous regions of Tatooine. It was also something he had to explain to the other Outsiders he traded and did business with. "If not Shaman, would have been exiled forever. Or killed. Bad for tribe lose shaman. So sent away. Send messenger if need." It was a lonely existence, but one Nartaga was willing to live until he could somehow change the mind of his fellow tribals to see the Outsiders as an opportunity to get closer to what their ancestors were, as told in the oral histories of the Tusken people. "Scouts, sentries, raiding parties come. Others Outsiders looking for guide in wastes. Safe passage through Tusken lands." Nartaga signed a simple sign to show his new profession. "Water farmers. Caravans. Slaves. Meet many Outsiders."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Jun 11, 2020 15:54:15 GMT -8
R'Crurak He repeated the word a few times, finding the name difficult to pronounce but getting better with it each attempt. The pause in the middle proving to be difficult but not impossible to learn. It sounds lonely. Reaching into the bowl of food he lifted the bread from the driest part and ate it sopping up the last of the broth inside the bowl. You are a good person Nartaga. Not just for helping me, but for helping all Outsiders. Maybe some day the rest of R'Crurak clan will see the Outsiders the same way as you.
Staring into the flames near them Zed was silent for some time. He thought of the lights that had been shown to follow him. Whether they had been Force Ghosts, threads of destiny, or something else the words that the Tusken had spoken had awoken something within him. If indeed his friends were watching over him they would not want him to wander the desert living day to day. To become more than another rat in the desert and festering in squalor. He owed it to the past Jensaarai and any that may come in the future. There are secrets, things he knew that if he died, alone in the desert that would be lost. Do you know somewhere safe for me to live? It would be an insult to you if I were to keep wandering the desert only to end up the same way you found me.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Jun 11, 2020 16:30:50 GMT -8
The Tusken shook his head vehemently. "Never alone. Have Patashu." Nartaga reached his arm up and rubbed the side of his bantha mount he was still sitting against. As if on cue, the large beast let out a loud snort and adjusted her posture to a more comfortable position. The shaman gestured up into the air at nothing in particular. "Have spirits. Tatooine." Finally the Tusken gestured to Zed. "Have visitors who find way here." Nartaga finished the rest of his broth and hubba bread before setting the bowl aside and pondering the future of his people. He spoke softly in his native tongue. "Until the Suns fall from the sky that is my goal."
Nartaga thought on Zed's question of safe areas for him to camp. The Tusken knew of few places safe if Zed was looking to hide from other Outsiders while also trying to remain alive. "Zed not return to cities? Safe....Safer...Than wastes." The Tusken crossed his arms in thought, wracking his mind for safe havens that were hidden from those who did not know exactly what they were looking for. "Can stay here, if need. Though need supplies. Not much here. Swap meet with friendly clan. Get what need." Patashu let out a long huff at the aspect of the Outsider staying for an extended period of time, having been awoken momentarily by the discussion going on between the two beings. "After recover more. Can travel."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Jun 12, 2020 10:09:17 GMT -8
Something tells me that she doesn't like the idea of me staying here. As if to drive the meaning home Zed pointed at Patashu then signed before pointing back at himself. I do not think it is safe in the cities for me. Not yet. I dont think that they know my face but if there are Mandalorians in the city I think they would try to kill me. The desert and solitude, being away from people might be safest. Of all the things that Nartaga had offered he did not expect to be offered a place to stay with him. I might stay for a while, until I am recovered. Should I come with you to this friendly clan? Two people are safer than one. |
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Jun 12, 2020 17:43:49 GMT -8
"Patashu?" The Tusken turned his head to look at the face of his sleeping mount. He waved his hand to dispel Zed's concerns. "Patashu not know Zed. Will like if feed and brush. Tomorrow." After he finished speaking, Nartaga stood up slowly. His body still felt much heavier from the exhaustion of the ritual he had performed, though the food and momentary rest had helped greatly. Nartaga leaned close towards Zed's face, examining the man's skin, trying to discern his condition. "Will need hide skin. From Suns and clan we go to. Friendly to Nartaga but not Outsiders. Have old mask. Should fit." Nartaga straightened his posture, pushing his hands against his knees to assist, before turning to the firepit and taking the pot of broth off and setting it on the ground. Nartaga made the trek back into his cave, moving aside the makeshift door. After a few moments the Tusken came back with several metal clasps and a long thin strip of rough cloth. He knelt down next to the pot and attached the clasps to the top of the pot, sealing it. Afterward he set the cloth down on the ground, moving the pot over it, before bringing the ends up and tying the cloth on top as well.Satisfied with the completion of his task, the Tusken lifted the pot in one arm, and gestured for Zed to follow him, making his way back into the cave. The Tusken set the sealed pot on a shelf of what appeared to be other foodstuffs. Nartaga gestured at the mat bed that Zed had woken up on for him to take once more. The shaman remembered something and went over to an area where the more aromatic objects were located on shelves and tables, and returned to the outsider, holding out a small metal tin. The Tusken opened it up, revealing a shiny white paste. The Tusken used the tin to assist in signing what it was. "For burns. Herbs. Plants. Outsider Medicine." Sure enough the vague smell of pineapple, one of the traits of Bacta, wafted up into the air. Though it was largely masked by whatever else was mixed in with it, it was still there. Nartaga closed the tin and handed it Zed. "Take bed. Water on wall. Nartaga sleep with Patashu." The Tusken turned away to walk out, but paused momentarily. "If need Nartaga. Will be outside."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Jun 13, 2020 8:33:32 GMT -8
Following Nartaga into the cave; into his home Zed had to kneel slightly at the shorter parts of the cave but more the most part he was able to stand fully erect in the cave. Accepting the medicine from Nartaga he sniffed it and for the first time since he had regained consciousness the enormity of the Tuskens actions. Much of what he had given him could be found and replaced. Food, water. This medicine though would have taken a lot of effort to get, especially if indeed it had what smelled like Bacta. That was not cheap even in galactic standards, let alone in the middle of the desert in a backwater planet like Tatooine. The Tusken had opened up his home to him when it would have been easier, and frankly smarter to let him die. Although he did not relish going back into the wastes he would not allow himself to tarry here too long. It would not do well to bring undue harm or hardship upon him.
Once Nartaga had left the cave Zed felt himself over looking for the worst of the burns on his skin. So much of him had been covered in sun burns that had blistered and peeled and burned again. Over and over. Using the ointment sparingly Zed focused mainly on his face and around his joints. Although it was no doubt in his mind the moment it touched his skin it felt as though the healing properties were taking affect. Maybe it was just because it was cool to the touch. Placing the tin back where he saw the Tusken take it from Zed walked over and took a few drinks from the water and then lay down. Staring at the roof of the cave for hours before falling in and out of a fitful sleep his body did not seem to want to remain asleep. Maybe it had to do with him having spent so long walking and awake during the nights. Maybe there really were ghosts watching him.
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