The Dawning of Fate
Chapter 21

I knew that the people of the Xoid were a warrior species but somehow my mind didn’t register the fact that there would be women and children as well. I guess being surrounded by testosterone could do that to you. I remember the shock I felt upon seeing one of them on Icturi but now my mind fully recognizes that this is a fully functioning community and I’m a bit awesticken. I’d never seen so many different shades of green in my life. Quills of different shapes and length sprouted from the heads of these beings. The most prominent feature however were the eyes. They were a crystalline blue, like Niscus itself. I wanted to know more, to learn more. Sadness struck me at the thought of such beings losing half of their population as a result of someone else’s greed.

“My love, I feel your grief but now is not the time for such emotions. It saddens me as well, being of the race that caused such destruction; however, anger now resides within their souls and it is directed at us. We must put aside sentiment in order to survive.”

Yeah, I knew that. He didn't need to tell me. That still doesn't stop me from feeling bad. I'm tugged through the streets of Discus, catching glimpses of store fronts and stalls. The further into the throng we go, the vibrant colors and delicious smells give away to broken hovels and trash-litters streets. Women-arade around the streets in barely there clothing while men catcall. A projection of three Xoid women, seductively dancing hovers above one building to the left. Holy fucking shit. That's a brothel! I've never seen one of those in my life. A part of me wants to go check it out to see if it lives up to it's seedy reputation. I scrap that thought.almost immediately. It still lingers though.

Music unlike any I've heard pours out onto the streets. Sensual beats and rythmic drums flow through my ears, making me want to move my hips and sway. Unfortunately, we're not here for that. We decide to stick to the shadows by ducking between the buildings. Off the main road, the air is thick and putrid. This may be a different planet but I'd know the smell of urine, sex, and sweat anywhere. What's more, the inhabitants we come across look far more dangerous. A man openly hissed at us for coming too close to his disease infested mattress. Believe me sir, you can have it. It's this particular man that Amondis decides to stop and question.

"You don't belong here, Tumerian. " He hisses the word with just disgust that even I felt offended. The comment didn't seem to phase Amondis because his face remains stoic as he studies the old Xoid. The quills atop his head are a slate gray, making his nordic blue eyes seem piercing. The rags he's using as a substitute for pants are held up by a string and are riddled with holes. A bug crawls up his arm and he swats it with his hand before popping it in his mouth. I gag.

"I need information. You seem like the type of man who keeps his nose to the ground. If your intel is good, there's enough credits in it to buy you a hot meal and some clothes."

The man seems to consider. 'Why should I tell you anything? Your people are a plague on this land. Everywhere you go, destruction lies in your wake. You dare show your face here after all you've wrought?!"

Have you ever heard someone speak and it felt like you were being scolded? Well, this guy had it down to a T. I feel the need to call my grandparents and apologize, even though I've. done nothing wrong. Of course that's impossibe but still. Amondis places his arm across his chest, fist over his heart. His head bows. Zan stiffens.

"Elder, Veteran of War, Keeper of Knowledge, Barer of Souls. I meant no disrespect. Tumerian, I am, but my people I am not. This may mean nothing to you but I search for a woman I care for deeply and I am in need of your aid." Amondis keeps his head bowed and silence settles over our little group. I get the feeling that the pose holds more signifance that I originally thought.

"Zan?”

"A Tumerian dips his head for no one. Only those who’ve earned the respect is bestowed that honor. For Amondis to bow, not only to a stranger, but a Xoid no less, he showing how much this woman truly means to him."

I recall both of them bowing their heads to me back on Icturi but I'd done nothing to earn their respect. In fact, Amondis had just met me. Tht goes to show how little I truly know about Azandum .and his culture. Come to think of it, I don't know much about Azandum at all. We skipped the whole dating and getting to know eachother phase and went straight to mated for life. I internally nod. I'm going to make an effort to learn more about him.

A contemplative look settles on the old man's face. Sharp eyes scan over Amondis before moving to Azandum then stopping on me. They narrow and he sniffs the air a little before a hiss escapes out the side of his mouth. He starts to move towards me but Zan lets out a low growl in warning.

The old man stops and lets out a growl of his own. "What is that thing you're carrying around with you? I have not seen anything like it." My head jerks. Did this overgrown reptile just call me a thing?

Zan hisses. "It is of no concern to you. You business is with my wombmate." His words were chocked full of thinly veiled threats. God, I hope they don't fight. I'd hate for Zan to kill this old man because of me. I step out from behind Zan. His clawed fingers grip my arm.

I raise my chin and look into his oceanic eyes. "I am human, not a thing." The last word comes out with a hiss of distaste. I've been spending too much time around these aliens. "Unlike my companions, I do not care whether you are an Elder or a beggar. In my land, everyone stands on equal footing unless proven otherwise. You will treat me with courtesy and respect as I will you."

Silence descends upon our litt group. I have no idea where that bravado came from or why I decided to assert myself here of all places. Well shit, I can't back down now. Despite the urge to cower behind the two strong men, I stand my ground and hold the Xoid's unnerving gaze. The wind ruffles my cloak, blowing my hood back to reveil my burnt orange braids. Nordic eyes widen as he sucks in a deep breath before dropping to his knees in a deep bow. I stumble back - slightly but Zan places a firm hand on my back. The man starts mumbling, too fast to hear what he's saying. I caste a quick glance to Zan and Amondis but they look just as confused as me.

"Hair the color of the sun. Skin akin to the earth. Black skies of destruction. Beware Eterai. She heralds change." Reverent eyes cast a cautious glance up to me before dropping back down immediately.

I shift unconfortably. Azandum clears his throat. "What do you speak of Xoid? Who is Eterai?"

The man extends his scaly hand and lays it palm up beside my foot. What is that suppose to mean? I've seen something like this before on a movie where the ape was asking for permission but I highly doubt that concept applies here. I learned at an early age to never believe what you see on TV. I still have the scar from when I jumped from a tree branch, thinking I could fly.

The Xoid stands slowly and settles his eyes on me. "I have lived over a thousand lunars and I've met many. During my travels as a fletching, I met a shaman of the Cizetch people in the mountains of Oulat. She spoke of a woman not of this world who will upset the balance and bring about a new reality. The galaxies must prepare for change. The shaman, Rul, said that I would guide Eterai to fulfill the path Fate has designed."

"That's all fine and dandy but I'm not Eterai. My name is Echo and we're only here to replace a friend of ours. So, if you don't mind..." I motion toward Amondis. The quills above his eyes flap before furrowing, turning his scaled-face into a frown.

He shakes his head, standing up straighter. Suddenly his eyes turn into a milky white and his gaze pins me.

"You are Eterai, Herald of Change, Bringer of Storm and Destruction. The stars have aligned and your journey has begun."