Boundless

(Miss)Communication

Yautja prime wilderness was vast and well preserved; inhabited lands were well integrated with the environment, and every clan would take zealous care over their territory.

Most of the planet's territory was neutral, unclaimed. 

Unlike humans, who would claim great chunks of land as the domain of a nation, the Yautjas took a different approach.

Neighboring clans didn't share borders. Upon leaving the territory of one clan, a Yautja would need to cover some distance before entering another clan's area.

That helped to keep most conflicts at bay, allowing clans to also conduct their business in private.

Crossing into another clan's territory without the proper permissions was taken as offensive, and save for exceptional circumstances, death was considered an appropriate punishment for any uninvited 'guest'.

As expected, the laws of hospitality were taken very seriously among all clans - once invited, guests and hosts were expected to behave accordingly.

Ah'kaedh's cold and introverted personality was not conducive to good relationships. However, as an enforcer, he was forced to interact with people of different clans; learning their ways and protocols effectively established the necessary rapport for diplomacy.

Besides enforcers and arbiters, the clergy was also expected to interact with individuals from all clans.

The Death Envoy's order temple was located in neutral territory and received daily visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and naturally from all clans.

Conflict within the temple's boundaries was strongly frowned upon but unavoidable. The clergy was quick to shut down squabbling, but proper challenges? Those were welcomed.

In the face of the circumstances, every member of the order was well-versed in history and politics and would immediately recognize the marks, weapons, and garments of every clan.

And, of course, deadly. All members of the Death Envoys had the same skill level of competent hunters, and a significant portion of them had been hunters once.

When Ah'kaedh set foot on the docking Area close to the Cetanu's temple, he was immediately recognized. Not only his ship design but the hunting garb he had chosen to wear screamed to every temple inhabitant, which was his clan of origin and rank.

"I'm Ah'kaedh, son of Ah'shka, and I come in the name of Jakhar, son of Thran", the enforcer greeted an apprentice at the platform, who already knew who he was and what he was doing there (Lar'jar could be a jerk, but he was a proper and organized jerk).

The cargo would be verified and unloaded, granting the dark Yaytja some hours of free time.

Ah'kaedh looked over to the few discrete buildings that circled the temple grounds - which was not a building but rather a space integrated with the Jungle around them.

There was a large amphitheater sculpted in rock, which was commonly used for events, but on regular days, the place was left to the sunbathing reptiles and other fauna who dared to live close to the Yautjas.

The Enforcer inhaled deeply, considering his options. Choose between peace by staying beside his ship as the cargo was inspected and unloaded (alone to ruminate over his Girl's strange behavior) or dutifulness by going over to the temple and paying a visit to his mother.

And what sort of hunter was Ah'kaedh, if not dutiful?

***

What sort of prayers would one whisper to the God of Death?

All hunters aspired to be like the Great Hunter - one could say perfecting their skill was even a form of devotion.

Sitting over his folded legs, erect spine, eyes closed and hands resting over his thighs, head slightly bowed, the Enforcer turned his attention to the divine.