[Aprawan en Ysh  (Valley of Green)]
 

  Within moments after depositing their 'cargo' onto the lush grass, the transport was lifting off and angling to return to the high valley in case called upon for an emergency.

  Qui-Gon breathed deeply of the scented air, lightly perfumed with the fragrance of the bluish stalks that came up to the top of his boots.  A bit further away were clumps of a more reddish variety of the same plant.  Kneeling down to inspect the familiar looking tops, he realized that what he had taken for flowers were actually clustered leaves---thickish and tough looking at the bottom, to thin and delicate at the top.

  "Pakha,"  Pohl's voice sounded from behind him.  "Quite a versatile plant---Aven's favorite by the way---the fibrous stalks can be woven into a slick, waterproof material, while the leaves are used as spice and medicine.
These bluish ones have a sedative effect, yet the reddish can set your insides on fire---as your padawan found out."  He grinned.  "Its a good thing that the two versions can counteract each other's effects since the young leaves are quite potent."

  "It smells a bit like..." Qui-Gon began, kneeling down to sniff cautiously at one, careful not to touch it.

  "The males have a passion for it almost as strong as for bread," Pohl nodded, picking a blue leave, crinkling it up, and then casually flinging it away oblivious to the Jedi Master's annoyance at the wasteful act. "   Naturally, it shows up quite a bit in their bodily fluids.  I have a theory that its what helps them to cope with the environment here---their ancestorial species evolved in more temporate climes.  There's an island that's home to--"  He noticed K'tay crouch down on the grass and murmur something to it before straightening up again.  "Take my advice and cover your ears, Offworlder," he warned as he followed his own directive.

  The Jedi master didn't question the command, using the Force to protect
his, as well as Nicholas' hearing just seconds before the Singer let loose a
high-pitched cry.  The sound was rather like that of the lake birds of
Alderaan with its undulating boom that continued on afterwards, only at a
much higher volume.  Anything alive in the valley was certain to have heard
it.

  "I take it that was the announcement of our arrival?"  Qui-Gon asked drily
.

  Pohl shrugged off the rifle he kept slung over one shoulder.  "Aye.
Normally they use a trumpet made out of a R'ket's horn; however, we've come
by a rather unconventional means.  The horn is purely an Etwan traditional
implement.  As you heard, the K'tlyan quite obviously have na real need for
it."  The Tanaken casually checked the bullet chamber in the gun, only the
tightness in his voice betraying his tension as he did so.  "You'll find the
Etwan to be very keen on tradition.  Right now I'd say we have a 50/50
percent chance of being either invited to a feast----or skewered at the end
of a spear, what with their sense of hospitality being rather low just
now."---the bullet chamber with a sharp click---"I hope those Jedi fighting
skills I heard of aren't all just propaganda, Jinn."

  A warning from the Force informed Qui-Gon that there were several others
heading their way, but their intent felt mixed.  Still, he made no move to
unclip his lightsaber.  Fighting for the Jedi was only the last resort after
all other methods had failed.  Diplomacy was his 'weapon' of choice.  "Why?
Are not the Kievet pacifists?"

  "The *K'tlyan* were pacifists---" Pohl amended, "though some have changed
that behavior of late.  The *Etwan* however, have always held a possessive
streak when it comes to their valleys...even the K'tlyan are allowed to
dwell amongst them only on sufferance."

  "Segregation of the sexes?"

  "Fascinating, isnah it?  I have a theory about that as well."  Pohl
grinned tightly, his eyes betraying that his thoughts were not fully on
their conversation.

  A greeting bugle from K'tay's R'ket heralded the arrival of three Kievet
females.  Carrying simple spears and accompanied by two smaller versions of
the Singer's companion, they emerged from the nearest grove of trees, the
Etwan running briskly beside their larger animals:  a couple of
straight-horned versions of K'tay's own.  Two appeared much older than the
third---a young sprite gamely trying to keep up with the others, but dark
brown fur was the uniform coloring, with the longer hair of the scalp
braided with bits of R'ket fur.  Each was covered in a calf-length tunic of
tightly-woven material, edges decorated with a row of emeral green
triangles.  A leather belt and pouch circled their waists, while soft boots
covered their feet.  All three also had small horns slung over their
shoulders.  Except for the child, Qui-Gon judged them to be a full head
taller than K'tay or K'ishti.

  The trio looked startled upon seeing Qui-Gon and Pohl, but only for a
moment, then the oldest barked out an order and they found themselves facing
the stone-tipped edges of three spears and two fiercely grunting R'ket.

  "Shypavet!"  Exclaimed the leader in what was clearly an uncomplimentary
tone, keeping her weapon aimed at Qui-Gon, while glancing curiously in
Nicholas' direction.

  Silently K'tay fell into a crouch so low his forehead nearly brushed the
dirt, arms wrapped tightly around his chest.  The oldest looked only
moderately appeased as she addressed the prostrate figure.

  "Wesvyun Etwan aprawan, K't(e)ay en K'tlyan?  Mes Shypavets aves Ysh na
sa'v?"

  "Naya es'v Ysh--na, R'ketwani.  Fen e tiv Vek Sah et AhenTay.
Kwi---Ni-ko-las---es wa.  K'tlyan't avenen wan, es ya, aye?"  Wincing at the
harsh tones, K'tay anwered meekly, not once looking up or moving from the
ground as he answered her questions.

  Sidling closer to the Anaran, Qui-Gon mouthed, "What's going on?"

  "That's a triad of Etwan Herders.  The leader wants to know why K'tay
brought in Outsiders without so much as a by-your-leave.  K'tay is
explaining that you are friendly and in need of aid.  Let's hope they are
feeling maternal enough naught to make a fuss about our being here at all.
If I have to start shooting, it willnah take long before the entire village
is down here."

  "So we have to convince that one that we mean them no harm?  Very well."
Without hesitation, Qui-Gon smiled at the Herders before going down on his
knees and copying K'tay's posture as best his tall frame could manage.

   Dr. Anders was apalled.  "What the Prairie are you doing?!"

  "Following native custom." came the calm reply.  "I suggest you do the
same if you want to avoid offending our hosts any more than they are
already."

  "Anarans do not grovel before animals," Pohl huffed, straightening his own
back as if to illustrate his words.

   Jinn ignored him, concentrating on projecting feelings of goodwill
towards the Etwan.  Hopefully, his show of politeness would be enough to
make up for the Tanaken's open rudeness.  Once again he was thankful that
the Anarans had not joined the Republic---that august conglomeration had
enough problems to deal with without *these* adding to the soup.

  "My Lady, I am Qui-Gon Jinn of the Jedi.  Please forgive us for
trespassing, but my friend's need is great and only here can he get the help
he requires."  He felt K'tay's pleasure at his act of diplomacy as the
K'tlyan quickly translated for him.  His gesture must have been the right
thing to do, for he sensed some of the tension around the females ease.

  "Kwi-G'an Jin,"

  Qui-Gon glanced up at the approximation of his name.  The Herder Leader no
longer looked ready to kill them all by stare alone, and was gesturing for
him to stand up.  He did so, making sure to keep his eyes off the Etwans' as
they came forward.  For a moment he was afraid that the Vampire might attack
them, but Nicholas was still in his 'not-quite-with-us' state, and
fortunately, the Kievet did not actually touch him.

  "Touching someone without permission is considered a great offense," Pohl
explained using the Jedi's language.  "You have to give acquiesence either
verbally or through body language.  Of course, that won't stop them from
prodding with those spears or setting their R'ket on us."

  "I think I've convinced them not to do so."

  Pohl laughed under his breath.  "Aye, they like their males humble.  And
giving your name didnah hurt either."

  "Yun?" questioned the female child, looking up into the Jedi's face
towering above her.

  "Ah...laid bare my spirit power, did I?"  Qui-Gon smiled, nodding when the
child hestitantly 'asked' again via gesture to touch his utility belt and
boots, carefully making sure his light saber was out of harm's way first.
He stood stock still while she stretched on tiptoe to reach the synthleather
at his waist, then subjected his boots to both an experimental tongue and
touch.  A step away, the watchful  'middle sister' looked on, keeping one
eye on the child and one on the leader conversing heavily with K'tay.

  "Donah be ridiculous---you're not K'tlyan.  But your name in their
language means:  First-To-Be-Guarding.  They may have no clue as to what the
'Jinn' means, but bravery in defending is considered an important virtue.
You've earned their respect."

  "Really?  By name alone?  And what would my apprentice's name mean to
them?" Qui-Gon asked out of genuine curiousity.

  "Obi-Wan Kenobi?"  Pohl considered.  "They donah have an attached meaning
to the 'oh' sound...  Hmm...a corruption of Place-Where-Nurtured.  'Product
of His Environment', I suppose you could say would be the simplist
translation."

  Qui-Gon couldn't help chuckling at that.  Obi-Wan was, indeed, the
embodiment of Temple mores, often taking exception at his Master's display's
of 'defiance' of the Council's decisions.

  "And 'Pohl'?"

  Instantly the three Etwan looked up at the Jedi Master, their
chocolate-brown eyes showing alarm.  He sent more soothing vibes their way
until they calmed again.

  Anders grimaced.  "They gave my personal name its own meaning.  I suggest
you refer to me as Anders..'Guard & Water'----at least unless someone in
this village originally from Flah recongizes me."

  "And if they recognize you?"

  "Oh it's doubtful anyone will.  To my knowledge the only other Flah
K'tlyan who survived Flah is K'yer---and I dona think  that one would
jeapordize K'tay's standing here by pointing me out.  There may be some
Etwan who, however, will be suspicious; but I've changed hair length since
then and have been mostly indoors enough to lose the dark tan I acquired
from early field work during my visits to this region.  Kievet dona cut
their hair or get tans," he quipped.  "I should be safe enough...and if
naught, then K'tay will have to explain things fast or I'll be giving my
rifle a workout."  He caught the small grimace that flashed across Jinn's
face.  "Despite what you might think, Jedi, I'm na more anxious to start a
massacre than you are.  I happen to find this species fascinating and have
no wish to see their extinction.  However, I have even less of a wish to see
my *own* demise.  I guess that if worse comes to worse, you'll just have to
live up to your 'name' and guard me well enough that any action on my part
will be unnecessary."

  "What makes you presume that I will choose your life over these?"  Qui-Gon
retorted, eyes glinting with amusement as the Doctor started to sputter a
reply.

  "Kwi-G'an Jin?"

  K'tay looked at both of them, head cocked in inquiry, but politely not
saying anything.  "Kwi-G'an Jin, the Herders will take us to the Etwan't
now."  He turned worried eyes to Pohl.  "Lelana e Les.  D K'yer e Fen.
Apologies...was na shown this when asked advice of the Messenger."

  "Bad news?" Asked Qui-Gon as they walked between the Herders and their
R'kets, K'tay urging Nicholas to keep up with soft croons of encouragement
while Jinn guided the mutated figure with one hand.

  Pohl slowly blew out his breath.  "Potentially.  Like I said before, K'yer
will hold its tongue for K'tay's sake regardless of how much it hates me.
But Lelana being on the Council might throw a R'par in the Quad pen.  As
Third Eldest she may decide to use me to blackmail K'yer if it keeps silent.
I also promised to give her something she wanted back when I first gained
control of Flah and never made good on it."

  "Would you *please* stop referring to this K'yer as 'it'?" Qui-Gon
reminded him.  "And if you made a bargain in good faith you should carry it
out.  Doing so may mollify her."  He paused considering who he was talking
to.  "Exactly what did you promise?"

  Pohl coughed into his hand.  "K'yer."

  "Pardon?"

  "It's rather a long story.  After K'yer escaped me that time at the Yarcu,
he got injured badly enough to seek sanctuary in Flah valley.  At that time
the K'tlyan't was just entering into his prime and considered quite good
looking and very talented.  In payment for his being helped, the Etwan't or
eldest females---the rulers---'asked' that he participate in a mating
ceremony after he was healed enough.  Herder Lelana had set her sights on
him, but K'yer chose a younger Weaver female instead."  The Doctor grinned.
"If you think these Kievet are all goodness and light, think again, Jedi.
An Etwan scorned can hold the fury of a V'rek when she's in heat.  That's
why they have the candidate's Triad sisters, the Eldest's and two Attendants
on the scene during the Choosing.  Normally, the female cools off within the
hour...Lelana chose to hold a grudge.  It was her last chance to be Chosen,
you see---she was getting past the age."

"I see.." Qui-Gon nodded, remembering his time as a Jedi Initiate in the
Temple.  Since not all Initiates got chosen as Padawan's before their
thirteenth birthday, the competition and stress could get quite high as the
feared deadline approached.  His own Padawan had nearly been consigned to
Agri-Corps and would be doing farm work today if Yoda had not manipulated a
certain reluctant Jedi Master into accepting the boy.  Of course, he had
long held the suspicion that it had been *Yoda* who had kept Obi-Wan from
being picked by someone else before Qui-Gon was ready to accept another
trainee, his former Master was so keen that the mourning Jedi take another
student after his last one had turned to the Dark Side.

  "Aye," Pohl murmerred, eyeing the Etwan leader who was listening closely
to their talk even though she couldn't understand a word of it beyond the
Etwan names.  "But to get back to K'yer...apparently one of the attending
Etwan was incompetent and K'yer got the fetus instead of the female.  My
informant told me it caused quite an uproar, being as fetuses to be made
male are only given to resident old timers for raising as their
kien-----definitely *naught* to young Singers still doing their Journey
around the hills."  The Doctor smirked at Qui-Gon's questioning glance.
"Donah ask---it would take too long to get into just now.  Anyways, once the
fetus attached itself to the wrong one, the First Eldest was forced to give
him permission to live in Flah since all infants belong to the Etwan
valleys.  Not long after that the Weaver was killed during an avalanche
under strange circumstances.  K'yer blamed Lelana.  Lelana petitioned to get
his kien replaced with one of the K'tlyan't as soon as  it was viable---as
if K'yer was dead.  They existed in uneasy animosity until I arrived during
a time when Lelana had succeeded in getting him temporarily banished from
Flah as punishment for some infraction"---thoughtful pause---"...mmm..
threatened to sing her Death Song or something like that."

  "Did he?" murmured, interested in the story, yet mindful of his
surroundings.  The forest was beginning to thin out and he could sense they
were getting close to the village.  Smoke pillars from cooking fires could
be seen rising into the air.  Out of the corner of one eye, he thought he
saw a small figure leap up from the fallen leaves and run into the deep
woods, making  chirping and clicking noises as it hurried away.

  "Young Tay got caught between the two of them and K'yer finally lost his
temper.  Regardless of who was truly at fault, the Etwan couldn't very well
banish an Etwan and expect her to survive---temporary or na.  The Council
had to choose the Singer.  By this time, Tay was old enough to be declared
Singer himself anyway.  It was planned that after K'yer had time to cool
down and apologize for his behavior he would then participate in the K'tlyan
Ceremony and then Flah would be rid of the two of them."

  "Tay?"  Qui-Gon mused.  "Then K'tay was the kien?  And who told you all
this?"

They left the trees only to see a neat arch of smaller ones between them and
the village structures---the surrounding ring  they had seen from the
Transport.  Between two of the plants waited a long robed Etwan with
elaborately braided hair and embroidered tunic.

  "Of course.  Who did you think?  As for the teller of the tale, K'yer
himself told me all this when we met the second time as he was waiting for
his sentence to be completed.  He was rather upset and lonely having lived
the usual solitary lifestyle meant for the K'tlyan only for the first Turn
of his adulthood.   I, Matek, and our group were unexpected company and he
willingly 'forgot' any past fears of me he had held."  Pohl smiled.  "If the
Flah Council had not banished him to the high valley it would have taken a
lot longer for us to find them."

  "So after convincing K'yer that you were friendly after all, you used him
to gain access to a whole village---lulled them as well---then began to
subjugate them."

  "Domesticate, subjugate, control...it was what we'd come for, Jedi.
Profit is for those that take it."