Shaak Ti and her new colleague entered the canopy forest. Thanks to her heightened Togruta senses, her black eyes adapted quickly to the decreased lighting. As the two Togruta made their way through the settlement, Shaak noticed a number of Togruta involved in daily tasks. Some were busy cooking or preparing food. Others watched the youngest of the younglings while older younglings were scattered in groups as adults instructed them in various subjects. In yet another location, adults were gathered together having a spirited discussion. Some tribe members notice their new guest, and they looked intently and curiously at Shaak. Her simple markings, large white eye patches with a horizontal red line above each eye, appeared unfamiliar to them.
Shortly, a male who appeared to be the tribe leader welcomed the group. Although his lekku went halfway down his upper body, his montrals were long and spread far apart. He wore a necklace with a number of akul teeth – jewelry from his first kill. Shaak also noticed a jeweled headdress to indicate his position in the tribe.
«Great, Ranara, I present to you Shaak Ti. She has traveled here to complete the rite of passage. She is also a noble Jedi,» the sentinel told his tribal leader.
Other Togruta watching this exchange found the news astonishing. They knew of the Jedi, but this was the first they had ever met one in person, let alone a Togruta Jedi. Some even went as far as bowing to the newcomer.
Ranara looked at Shaak Ti. Her Jedi Robes clearly identified her as a non-native in his mind, but he was more than gracious to welcome her.
«I am Ranara, leader of the Thelane. Welcome,» he said to her.
Shaak was ready to respond, but realized she didn't know how to translate something into her native tongue.
«Do you speak Basic?» she asked, hoping for an affirmative response.
"Indeed I do. But why not use our native tongue, young one?"
Shaak was taken aback by the comment. Being in her mid-twenties, she didn't consider herself young, but she was determined to keep it in perspective.
"Because, Ranara, I have not spoken the language in so long and I am unsure of a translation. Is it an acceptance to complete the rite of passage?"
Ranara pondered her question, trying to make sense of what she meant. "I can assure you, Shaak Ti, that the akul hunt is a challenge for all Togruta, Jedi or not. It is not easy, but its success is a lifelong reward. Tell me, though, why have you chosen to do this?"
Shaak was surprised at the question. Granted, Togruta were known for working together and banding in tribes because group work was easier and essential for survival in the scrub lands. However, an individual's successfully taking down of the great, but feared, akul was seen as a great sign of one's strength, cunning, and prowess. She blinked as she contemplated her response.
"Even though I was taken from Shili as an infant, I have tried my best to learn and follow my people's ways and remain fluent in the language. Yes, I am a Jedi; you likely see me as a warrior because of that. However, I want to embrace my peoples ways and prove myself as a warrior in your own eyes," she answered
Ranara seemed impressed. "Your declaration was most impressive and it is good that you wish to further embrace your heritage. But no warrior goes into battle unprepared, so one of our own will teach you what you need to know before venturing out in the scrub lands. However, it is nearly the hour for our evening meal. Come, join us as our honored guest," he told her.
Some other assembled Togruta shared excitement that seemed customary when one of their own declared their intent to partake of the akul hunt.
Shaak followed the others to one end of the open area where food was traditionally served at the appropriate times of the day. Because another tribe member proved himself as a warrior two days ago, the evening meal featured cubed akul meat besides the usual allotment of thimiar meat. Native berries were also available for those who desired something extra.
As Shaak sat down to eat, she noticed she was joined by the male she first encountered and a female Togruta.
«Shaak Ti, allow me to introduce my mate, Liona,» he said.
Shaak bowed respectfully. «Hello, Liona,» she greeted the woman. Upon noticing something else, she asked, «Are you pregnant?»
Liona smiled, looking proudly at her mate as she nodded. «Keran and I are expecting our future warrior some time in the next standard month,» she replied.
«Please accept my congratulations in advance.»
«Thank you, Shaak,» Liona replied gratefully
Shaak finished her thimiar meat before turning back to Keran.
«Do you always greet newcomers?» she asked, curious of his role in the tribe.
Keran chuckled. «It's not that, dear Shaak. As a sentinel, my job is to be alert for anyone who approaches that is not part of the tribe. If they are friends, they are welcome to join us for however long the spirits will it. If they are foe, it's up to the sentinels to protect the tribe as best as possible. Fortunately, foes are few and far between,» he answered.
«Interesting Do you do anything else?»
«We also keep lookout for the dreaded akul. The canopy may keep us safe, but we must keep the scrub lands safe for our people.»
«Will you be teaching me what I need to know?»
Keran shook his head. «No, our hunt master will be your guide. He has made multiple kills in his lifetime and can better teach you the art of tracking and successfully hunting the great beast.»
«I didn't realize it was so complicated,» Shaak Ti conceded, her lekku stripes darkening with slight embarrassment.
«As a Jedi warrior, you wouldn't be sent into battle unprepared or untrained. So it is with the hunt. Anyone who expresses interest must first learn before they can succeed. After all, one false move and the akul gets his own special feast,» Keran replied. Both Keran and his mate chuckled at his attempt at humor.
After dinner ended, the hunt master summoned Shaak Ti to join him. He also had a few other Togruta with him: adults and teens, male and female. He reviewed how to track an akul from sensations felt in the land and the turu-grass. Additionally, he described the sensations Togruta feel in their montrals when an akul is nearby.
After allowing for any questions, the hunt master dismissed the group, except for Shaak.
«Tomorrow, after our morning meal, I will take you to the scrub land to show you where the akul normally roam. But after that you are on your own,» the hunt master said.
Shaak nodded in acknowledgment.
«Now, go, rest up, dear sister. The punctual Togruta captures the akul,» he told her.
«And patient one, too,» Shaak added as she contemplated what she had learned.
Ranara arrived and showed Shaak Ti to an empty hut.
"It may be small or even primitive by your standards, but it's what we offer to our guests," he informed her in Basic.
"It's fine. Thank you for your hospitality tonight," she replied, answering him in the same language.
Ranara nodded as he replied, "Sleep well, Shaak Ti. May the spirits of our past warriors bless you with a successful hunt."
Shaak bowed respectfully as they parted ways for the night. Upon entering the small, dark hut, she put her travel pack on a small hand-carved stand alongside the bed. She got into the bed and curled up into a tight ball, leaving only her striped montrals protruding from under the covers. If anything outside attracted her attention, she would be ready on a moment's notice. But for now, she was set to rest up, knowing that she would need to focus all her energies and skills on her upcoming task.
