Ask An Unexpected Encounter

[Zaia Krodas]

Zaia nodded at Srucayr’s advice about the truth being somewhere in the middle. She knew it to be true, especially when the Jedi came to mind. She’d have to learn to find that balance someday, if that was even possible.

“I won’t turn my back on any of our people,” she promised heartily. She didn’t know if it was to herself or to Srucayr, but perhaps it was both. “Maybe it’s only the way I go about it that might be different from yours.” She gave the man a slight smile. “I will live by the codes, though. It’s the least I can do.”

Then Srucayr brought up the subject of love, and Zaia immediately backtracked, shaking her head and raising a hand up defensively. “Love? No no, that’s not-” She cut herself off, then tried again. “I don’t love-” No, that would have been a lie. She did love him, she knew it. She just couldn’t admit to it out loud, and she didn’t even know why. It wasn’t like he was here to tease her about it. Letting out a sigh, she wrung her hands and sat back on the stone.

“Oh, he’s not like anyone I’ve met before. He’s Mandalorian and a Jedi. I didn’t even know that was possible,” she said with a smile. “Great fighter too. And he has a wit as sharp as a newly-made dagger.” She sighed, then looked back at Srucayr.

“In all seriousness, I know you wouldn’t make me give him up. I just don’t want him to see me at odds with his family, in case it comes to that.”

@Rhogar

 

[Srucayr]

Srucayr would only nod at her oath. She didn't need to make promises to him, but a verbal oath could never be broken. He knew Kad would one day call him home, so every promise or oath from the young gave him hope for the future of their kind.

He made no effort at hiding his amusement with her reaction to love. He would just smirk and cross his arms as she did the mental gymnastics. "Not as rare as you think. You can even find force users amongst our own kind. Being one of us, I would expect him to be a great fighter and the wit, is important. Or at least my wife has told me as much." He added with a gentle laugh.

"Something you both will come to learn in the days to come. For our people to prosper, there can't be sides amongst our own people. We are one people, with many different beliefs. To validate one set of beliefs, is to alienate the rest. Some of my people have helped the Jedi in their recent victories and defeats. Garner support so that our people can be recognized by the galaxy. If you're ever in Republic Space, seek out Akaan Skirata or Vraes Trenessar, they will help you should you ever need it."

@Sicadorito

 

[Zaia Krodas]

Zaia could see that Srucayr was amused at her flustered reaction, and she gave him an embarrassed smile when he laughed. She hadn’t expected to be asked about Ruus’all by someone else. Then his tone grew a little more serious, and she listened to his words more carefully. Like before, what he said made sense, and she was once more appreciative of the conversation they were having now. It really was eye-opening, and his advice was invaluable.

“You mean not all Mandalorians hate the Jedi? Huh.” She wasn’t able to keep the note of surprise out of her voice. From what her clan had told her, their people were in an eternal war with the Order. It was more than reassuring to hear that some were fighting alongside them. “I do understand the, uh, alienating part. I’ve noticed that many among us have widely differing views on things. And fight each other for those beliefs too. Even within a clan.” She sighed at that.

“Thanks for the tip, though. It’s good knowing others like you are out there,” she said with a smile. “Maybe if we garner more support and recognition like you said, we’ll be able to make our name as more than just mercenaries and bounty hunters.”

@Rhogar