There was a heavy wet plop that caused Morrigan to stir with a groan.
Morrigan woke up to something wet slapping against her face causing her to sputter and push against what was assaulting her, feeling fur and a big wet nose as her eyes flew open.
To her surprise, she stared down a big black canine nose, and she jerked back into the stone cliff as she tried to back away only to find the carcass of one of the cat-like creatures with its legs and tail chewed off, it’s death face staring directly at her in morbid display.
“What the fuck is going on?” she exclaimed as she sat up, the wolf-like creature bouncing back on its feet and lowering itself rumbling vocal tones similar to how an Earth husky “talked” to another or to their owners before it started cackling like a hyena.
Furrowing her brows, she looked between the wolf-like creature and the dead carcass next to her, trying to connect invisible dots as she slowly kicked the dead creature away from her while watching the massive wolf wag its twin tails.
Yeah, I was certain that thing was going to kill you and yet… Apollyon trailed off, just as baffled as she was.
The creature stepped forward and studied Morrigan before looking at its “gift” and barking at her in a demanding tone.
Morrigan felt something weird. Like the feeling of care, excitement and curiosity however, she knew the feelings was not hers.
“Do you feel that?” she asked her inner deity.
Yeah, that’s the part I’m confused about. The emotions seem to be radiating from that thing?
Before she could reply, the creature stepped forward and nudged the carcass closer to her with its nose and sat there watching her intently, the tentacles flowing from its body like underwater kelp caught in a gentle current.
Morrigan realized it was trying to feed her. She let out a disbelieving laugh before shaking her head, “Uh, no thanks… you can have it if you want it…” she told the creature as if she expected it to understand.
To her surprise, the creature let out an irritated groan but grabbed the carcass in its jaws before laying down in front of her; crushing the bones of the carcass with its back teeth before it started tearing into its meal, casually eyeing Morrigan periodically.
Morrigan had no idea how to feel as she watched it chew through the carcass. Part of her was horrified that she was trapped by such a powerful creature that stood as tall as she did; at the same time, she was intrigued by the creature and wondered why it treated her the way it did.
Whatever the reason, as dangerous as it was, she couldn’t help find the creature to be absolutely beautiful with its multi tone grey fur and light blue highlights.
As soon as she had the thought, it looked up at her and radiated a feeling of pride as it licked its mouth clean. This gave Morrigan pause, “That was too much of a coincidence… I wonder… can I… pet you?” she thought internally, slowly holding out her hand.
Without hesitation, the creature shifted its head forward and planted its nose against her hand as it watched her with equal intent, watching a wide smile of shock spread across her face.
“This is amazing,” she whispered as it picked up on her delight and started running its giant tongue along her hand and wrist excitedly.
I hate to break this up and such but your lady and lizards are in danger are they not? Apollyon pointed out with hesitation.
Morrigan nearly jumped to her feet at the reminder, “Shit, I don’t even know where I am right now…” she exclaimed as she finished getting up, the creature also standing on its feet and looking at her curiously.
She looked around trying to remember which direction she came from, scanning the entirety of her surroundings before touching her comm bead, “Nora? Xol? Do either of you copy?”
“Yeah precious, we're here and we more or less got arrested… where are you?” Nora asked with worry in her voice.
Morrigan sighed in relief as she rubbed her eyes, “I had a run in with local wildlife, these damn cats with stingers…”
“Iaktai, dangerous…” Xol rumbled over the open channel, cutting her off.
Morrigan snorted in agreement, “Yeah, no shit but uh… anyways, I’m going to have Sister triangulate your positions and head your way, are you all okay?”
“Fine, clans wait for Mirina Sor,” Xol added as Nora scoffed.
“Yeah, we’re all good, but like he said they know you’re coming so be careful love… they’re actually more dangerous than I initially thought,” Nora commented.
Morrigan nodded at that, “Alright, stay safe and I'll be there soon. I love you.”
Nora giggled on the other end, “Sounds like you should be the safe one precious, just get here and put these overgrown lizards in their place like the sexy symbol of authority you are,” Nora mused before disconnecting.
Morrigan snorted at that as she eyed the wolf that sidled up next to her. Its shoulder stood as tall as she was and deemed it necessary to lean against her, nearly knocking her over.
She brushed her hand along is fur, discovering that it was significantly softer than she imagined. “I take it you’re going to follow me, aren't you?” she asked aloud, not necessarily asking the creature.
That did not stop it from sitting and letting out a long piercing howl into the canopy above. Morrigan scrunched her face as the howl threatened her ear drums as she patted its shoulder, “Yep, you’re big and you’re loud…”
The creature dipped its head and started cackling as if it were trying to be funny. Morrigan did find it funny as she laughed along with it.
“Okay… so as crazy it is, I’ve acquired a giant electric canine follower… I guess I should give you a name,” she stated in an attempt to bring some sort of normalcy to the situation.
Oh! I got this one; Skoll, Apollyon exclaimed with an odd level of excitement.
“Skoll? Why Skoll?” she asked internally.
Apollyon snorted derisively, You really need to brush up on your history. It comes from old Norse mythology, Skoll was one of the sons of Fenrir that chased the sun while his brother Hati chased the moon. The name means “the one who mocks”, which seems rather fitting of your new friend here.
Morrigan hummed thoughtfully as the giant wolf-like creature side eyed her, projecting its curiosity and adoration as it brushed its muzzle against her head.
“Skoll… how do you like it?” she asked, running her hand along its muzzle.
Skoll let out a husky growl as it radiated pride and approval before licking her face repeatedly and knocking her over onto her back.
“Ugh, okay I get it! You like the name and you like me but we got people to save!” she sputtered pushing against the monstrous creature.
Skoll bounced back and cackled, stamping its front paws that were bigger than her head in excitement as it watched her wipe her face and get back up. She also noticed her clothes were stained with the blood of the cat-like creatures still.
Before she could question that, she called Sister and had the A.I. relay the direction she needed to go, learning that the distance was not much farther than the original distance even with the fact she ran farther west.
As Morrigan and Skoll walked, Morrigan thought it was time to have a conversation with Apollyon.
“So, why am I covered in blood?” she asked.
Well, you did drench yourself in gore, did you not? Kinda happens when you butcher something, Apollyon snarked.
She sighed and rolled her eyes, “You know exactly what I mean. This is the second time my body didn’t absorb blood like it’s been doing for the past three years or so…”
Apollyon sighed, It seems after your little stint with the ship not too long ago and nearly overloading your body with energy, you are now a personal generator of power. Force feeding your core with raw ambient energy, almost enough to rip your physical body apart I might add, seems to given your reservoir of energy a substantial boost, turning it into a self sustaining source of energy on top of having the cosmos at your disposal… layman’s terms, you leveled up kid.
“What does that actually mean though Apollyon…” she asked slightly worried. Skoll picked up on her emotions immediately and brushed its nose against her, allowing her to pet it for comfort.
It means you’ve taken the next step into your evolution. You no longer need to absorb the life essence of living beings to grow because you are now constantly feeding yourself, part of the reason I said why you should never give a blood infusion because, well, your body strips your own blood of power as it cycles through your body… pretty sure that would be toxic to anyone but you, Apollyon explained.
“That… doesn’t sound healthy,” she stated in surprise and worried curiosity.
For anyone other than you, sure, don’t worry, it literally means you’re growing up and getting stronger haha, Apollyon mused.
Morrigan couldn’t help but sigh as she reached over and rubbed Skoll’s ear, who grunted and whined happily as they walked in the direction they needed to go.
It took hours to navigate the rough jungle terrain but eventually they found the crashed shuttle, finding it upside down with the front smashed in telling Morrigan that it had fallen in a nose dive, also explaining why the Nora claimed that the pilot was dead.
Skoll found interest in the wreckage as he leaped forward and began sniffing the metal vehicle excitedly. Morrigan discovered that Skoll was male after watching him lift a leg to pee an a tree earlier. She spotted singe marks along the access door as well as still formed ice in the surrounding area from Nora. There was a dead Kêzi’kân impaled on a spear of ice on the other side of the ship and to Morrigan’s relief, it was not Hî’tet.
The stress of the situation still had her exhausted as she leaned against wreckage, listening to insects chirp in the distance and Skoll pad around, until Skoll started growling.
Reflexively, Morrigan summoned her claws and crouched low, creeping around the shuttle to see Skoll sniffing the ground near the rear of the craft. She was worried that he had his ears back but found no immediate threats in the area.
“What is it boy?” she whispered loudly.
Skoll looked over to her before scratching the ground beneath him. Morrigan stepped out of cover and saw a large array of reptilian footprints, most of which she recognized as Kêzi’kân and S’randin feet.
She saw the footprints moving in nearly every direction until she came across a single boot print left by Nora and it made her heart seize. “If they hurt Nora or any of my Marmuro’k, the clans will pay heavily in blood…” she murmured to herself as her worry and anger began to rise. To her surprise, Skoll also radiated anger and the desire to hunt as the creature growled in response, lifting its head forward baring its large fangs.
Oh, I think you and this pup will get along just fine hehehe, Apollyon mused sinisterly.
“Can you follow their scent Skoll?” she asked with determination.
Skoll considered her for a moment before sniffing the air. She watched as his hackles raised before he lowered himself and leaned against her. Lacking patience, Skoll used one of his tentacles to pushed her against him as she looked at him quizzically.
“Oh!” she said in surprise after realizing what the creature wanted her to do. Grabbing a tuft of fur on his shoulder, Morrigan hoisted herself onto his back and found a comfortable position. Skoll hooked his shoulder tendrils behind her as added support as she buried her hands into the fur between his shoulders and grabbed ahold of him tightly.
“Okay buddy, go easy on me and be sure not to kill anyone when we arrive,” she announced.
Skoll wasted no time taking off into a sprint, Morrigan holding onto him for dear life as Skoll cackled his hyena laugh into the night sky, following the scents of the native Marmuro’k through what was left of the jungle.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
◇◇◇
After getting used to Skoll’s movements, Morrigan relaxed as the monstrous beast dashed through the mountainside. In a matter of 30 minutes, they had left the jungle to come across a well worn path leading into the mountain that trailed into a high walled ravine that glowed a dull orange of innumerable fires.
She could see a massive open set of high arch gates made of wood and metal slowly coming into view. She also heard a blaring horn get blown as they approached followed by shouts of surprise as the gates slowly began to close.
Skoll howled into the expansive ravine in challenge as he pushed himself harder to reach the gate. However, doing some quick math in her head, she realized that Skoll would not reach the gate in time before the doors shut.
“I’ll get the gates, just be ready!” she told Skoll, curious if he would understand more complex ideas.
Bursts of energy weapons flashed by them as Skoll weaved in and out of gunfire, his two tentacles holding Morrigan firmly in place as his movement became more erratic.
Once they were within a comfortable range, Morrigan hauled back her fist and summoned a large translucent clawed fist of energy. With considerable effort, she shoved the energy forward and watched it shatter the gates as if they were made of glass, causing splintered shrapnel flying across the interior of the entrance.
Skoll leapt through the wreckage of the gate and dashed into an opening before skidding to a halt. Skoll’s tentacles expanded widely around him and crackled with electric energy before erupting into a dazzling display of discharge, his piercing howl of his prowess echoing throughout the ravine.
“Uh babe? I'm really hoping that was you…” Nora stated over the comm bead in her ear.
Morrigan looked up from Skoll’s shoulders in surprise that Skoll managed not the fry her in his display of power as she chuckled into the channel, “Heh, well… it was, sort of,” she replied before disconnecting as she saw dozens of Marmuro’k beginning to surround Skoll.
From Kêzi’kân to S’randin, to even what Morrigan suspected to be the third subspecies, the Timse’h; hulking eleven foot reptilian humanoids with the likeness of alligators, all brandishing energy weapons or well made primitive weapons such as spears, massive clubs or axes.
It was a surprising mix of tribal primitive and technological advancement in regards to the weapons they carried though all of them wore clothes of various fabrics and hides.
Skoll let out a nasty snarl as some of the Marmuro’k with melee weapons moved forward in foolish courage.
Some opened fire with the blocky energy weapons but Morrigan summoned a domed shield that absorbed the blasts with ease as she slid of Skoll’s shoulder, her hand hidden beneath a bright opaque crimson claw.
The lack of translucency was a bit shocking to Morrigan however, she had bigger things to worry about at that moment, especially remembering the conversation she had with Apollyon.
Murmurs broke out in the group of Marmuro’k, most of which was quiet enough for her to not comprehend except for one Timse’h bellowed, “Va Mônkee sîwarê va Bïrûskê!”
Though the Timse’h spoke slowly, it still spoke some words that she did not know, or did not hear enough to memorize however, they all seemed panicked that Skoll had made it through their gates.
“Hold!” came a feminine voice from behind the group in their native tongue.
The surrounding Marmuro’k parted in the center to allow someone through; A female Kêzi’kân barely taller than Morrigan wearing a robe of fine fabrics in reds, golds and reddish browns. Her crest was similar to Xol’s though smaller to match her size and adorned with various gems and precious stones. Morrigan could only assume the decorative nature was a regard to the Kêzi’kân’s station amongst the clan.
“You, human, are the one called Mirina Sor, yes?” she said smoothly in near perfect Terran to Morrigan’s surprise, more so than the gracefulness of vocal range. Xol and Hî’tet’s voices are rough and gravelly, and it appeared safe to assume that all of the male Marmuro’k had such tones, yet this female’s tone was smooth and almost lyrical.
“I am,” Morrigan stated, nodding to her crimson claws before adding, “I take it you've spoken to Xol-Tau?”
The female Kêzi’kân stepped closer without fear and an air of professionalism, “I have, though he refuses to say your given name, always Mirina Sor.”
Morrigan sighed and nodded before eyeing the crowd of Marmuro’k. The female took notice and waved her hand, “Back to your posts. She, and the Bïrûskê, are guests under the honor of Clan Tau.”
The Marmuro’k were hesitant, especially eyeing Skoll with disdain before following their orders and dispersing.
With that, Morrigan dropped her shield dome making Skoll let out a warning whine, brushing his face against her arm.
She took his big head and started scratching all over, “It's okay buddy, I think all the hostilities are over, for now at least,” she cooed to the massive canine.
The female chuckled with an amused hiss, covering her mouth with the back of her clawed hand, “I did not believe Xol-Tau’s fabled Mirina Sor to come on the back of the Bïrûskê, let alone tame such a strong creature. It is quite shocking,” she mused.
Morrigan snorted at that and patted Skoll on the head as he watched the female Kêzi’kân intently.
“Frankly, neither did I but it saved me from a pack of… Iaktai, I think they're called. I guess he liked me and decided to follow me, “ Morrigan said, not revealing too much information.
She nodded sagely, “Nasty creatures, though they do taste well enough, but they are quite dangerous.”
Morrigan nodded before turning towards the Kêzi’kân, holding out her hand, “My name is Morrigan Clarke, I'm an Inquisitor of the Inquisition.”
The Kêzi’kân did not hesitate to shake her hand as her bobbed her head slowly, “Yes, we have heard tales of your Inquisition. Not sure what to make of them but it is nice to meet you, Morrigan. I am Xitzocl Arak’tarul, chief of Clan Arak’tarul.”
Morrigan snickered, “I do apologize if I butcher the pronunciation a bit, it took me a little while to learn how to properly pronounce the Clan names and your personal name is… unique. Though I see you are the leader of Qiote’s Clan?”
Xitzocl nodded respectfully, “Yes, Qiote-Arak’tarul talks highly of you as well as your vow to him to bring him home, back to the clan. For that, I thank you, though I am curious… we thought Xol-Tau and the rest who followed you to Tik’Taq’To to be dead, but I see all but one of the missing returned, tell me the story of Huruk Arak’tarul, and how you found our missing kin.”
Morrigan let out a deep breath as she looked around. The open space was respectively barren except for the recessed shelter within the cliff sides for the gate guards to cover themselves from the elements. She watched as some of the Marmuro’k began collecting debris of the gate she and Skoll shattered to get in, as well as a large Kêzi’kân barking orders for supplies and builders to begin repairs to the gate.
“Sure but… I’d like to see mine first, and we should find somewhere else to discuss such things, it’s kind of a long story…” she noted hesitantly as she gestured to the open area.
Xitzocl appeared to ponder her request for a moment before looking between Morrigan, Skoll and the gate. “Very well, as long as you can hold the Bïrûskê under control. The creature has been a danger to the clans for over 200 years…”
Morrigan’s eyes widened as she looked at Skoll, she found it hard to believe that her newest companion was over two centuries old. Skoll looked at her as he sat down, looking proud despite moving his electrified tendrils around the both of them defensively.
“Can you behave yourself?” Morrigan asked, even though it made her feel foolish.
Skoll raised his head and grumbled husky tones at her in response as he projected the warm fuzzy feelings of trust and admiration towards her. Morrigan found it bizarre that she could feel the creature’s emotions, let alone such specific emotions.
Morrigan smiled regardless, brushing her hand through the fur of his chest as she turned to Xitzocl, “As long as no one attacks him, or me I suppose, then he will behave.”
“Very well, follow me,” Xitzocl stated before turning, her short thick tail swaying slightly as she stepped away.
Morrigan and Skoll followed, Skoll eyeing every Marmuro’k intently while Morrigan took in the sights. As they were led deeper into the ravine, the scenery changed drastically as the spaces began to fill with more primitive styled dwellings either cut out of the cliffs on either side of the ravine or free-standing homes of grey colored clay, off white metal and burnish colored wood, as the indigenous Marmuro’k clan moved about their day.
She found it fascinating to see all three sub species milling about, some turning to watch Xitzocl lead a human woman, and what Morrigan could only assume to be a legendary beast as far as the Marmuro’k were concerned, through their home.
Many had stalls built along the main thoroughfare where they traded and bartered hand-crafted goods or even publicly open areas where several created goods or cooked large quantities of foods for the masses.
It was an odd mix of tribal community and free market as far as Morrigan could glean.
“So, what does the word Bïrûskê mean? I’m not familiar with the word,” Morrigan asked.
Xitzocl thought for a moment, “I believe the closest translation to your language would be, lightning strike, in a sense.”
Skoll let out a prideful low howl causing Morrigan to laugh as many around them turned with wide eyes, “Well that is a fitting name,” she said humorously.
Xitzocl hummed in agreement, “So, about Huruk?”
Morrigan sighed, “Well, the abridged version, Xol never said how they landed in Castile V, though I assume they were somehow captured by the Federation. Anyways, Huruk challenged my girlfriend… my mate, life partner? I’m not sure how your species views love but he challenged her to a fight to the death and lost.”
“So, he died a warrior’s death?” Xitzocl inquired, slowing her pace to walk along with Morrigan.
Morrigan nodded, “Yes, though I was torn about seeing such a loss of life, especially for the entertainment of the other prisoners per se… it was an agreed upon challenge, one that Xol even supported. Qiote, he was upset at the loss of his brother, which I understood…” she reiterated, her tone heavy with the memories of Castile V and the death of Huruk, even if she did not get the chance to meet the S’randin personally.
“Qiote Arak’tarul said as much,” Xitzocl interjected, “Though I am delighted that you have been honest, I am curious though, how did a human earn the loyalty of a great warrior such as Xol-Tau?”
Morrigan winced at the emotional pain she felt even thinking about everything that happened. The year spent becoming an Inquisitor gave her the ability to not think of it despite the nightmares she still lived with.
“I um, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure…” Morrigan said truthfully.
Xitzocl looked at her with a tilt of her head, “How so?”
Morrigan bit her lip nervously as she looked at the female Kêzi’kân before sighing, “I wasn’t… present of mind, when he swore himself to be my guardian or… what ever it is he actually views himself.”
“Curious, you seem distressed about such a tale, why is that?” Xitzocl asked her with interest.
Morrigan looked ahead and spied a large building built high into the ravine wall, up above where the main thoroughfare ended. She assumed that it was where they were headed seeing as it happened to be the nicest and largest of all the buildings within the area.
“I don’t want to hide anything from you but some bad things happened… things I would prefer not to talk about however, I would let Xol explain…” Morrigan said, not willing to speak of the things she had done. She was not even sure what truly happened, only the pieces Nora had told her after her consciousness returned.
Xitzocl nodded, though Morrigan could not tell if the Kêzi’kân was satisfied with that answer.
They rode a lift comprised of some kind of technological engineering that they had recessed into the mountain itself. Morrigan was fascinated, after looking closer at her surroundings, with how the Marmuro’k seemed to be capable of engineering marvels yet chose to live in a relatively simpler and more primal lifestyle. Between weapons, starships and the occasional piece of technology, the clan around her seemed to live more of the land than ingenuity.
“Your technology seems to be just as advanced, if not more, than Terrans and maybe even the Eskarii…why do the Marmuro’k live… so simply?” she asked.
As the platform reached the base of the large cliff side dwelling, Morrigan’s eyes sparkled as she looked over the place. The exterior was trimmed with exotically colored metals while the walls were a rust red stone, a balcony carved from some of the reddish brown wood from the massive jungle trees.
As they stepped inside, Morrigan was greeted with gunmetal gray walls of mortar with brass looking inlays depicting archaic pictograms and artistry that spoke of historical events on Tik’Taq’To, at least, that is what Morrigan suspected. The roof looked as if it were designed with bamboo where as the floor was a glossy yet non-slippery material such as polished onyx.
“Our world is a hard world,” Xitzocl started as she led an awestruck Morrigan through the sprawling complex, “Though the S’randin are able to create marvels such as you have seen, our home teaches us to survive, to stay strong. It had been decided amongst the clans a long time ago that technology would be used little, to remind generations that surviving was how to be strong, rather than grow lazy, softer, like your own race,” Xitzocl stated pointedly.
Despite how offensive the Kêzi’kân’s words were, Morrigan could not disagree with her as she nodded along.
“Makes sense… though I have to ask… how is it you're able to speak so… clearly?”
Xitzocl bore her fangs in a reptilian grin as they entered a grand room large enough for many Marmuro’k to fit in without issue, giving plenty of room for Skoll to move around and giving Morrigan and Xitzocl a place to talk privately. Morrigan did notice a good amount of personal guards clad in minimal armor of thick, white and blue metals with well made spears, swords and pulsing energy shields attached to their arms. Similar to the one Yekku made for Xol.
It made sense to her how Yekku was so easily able to build Xol his weapon and shield.
Xitzocl signaled one of the guards to fetch Morrigan’s companions while they spoke, Skoll spending his time sniffing every inch of the room.
“Clan Arak’tarul is one of the Air castes,” Xitzocl said, commenting on Morrigan’s question, “Each clan belongs to one of four castes; Fire, Water, Stone and Air. The Air caste is responsible for negotiations between the clans and, as of 438 years ago as your Terran standard, between the Marmuro’k and your Eskarii, as you call them.”
Morrigan furrowed her brows in confusion, “But how did you learn to speak Terran? Much less with such articulation?”
Xitzocl let out a hissing laugh, “Through study, of course. Your Federation is not the only Terrans we have dealt dealings with. Raiders, your CoU, however, we have an understanding to some degree with your various leagues of raiders. We negotiated a truce lest they seek war with the Marmuro’k, thus was my need to understand your language, “ Xitzocl concluded.
Before Morrigan could ask anything else, there was a loud warbling bellow that caused Morrigan to spin on the ornate sofa to see Yekku just before he barreled into her.
Skoll did not take kindly to the excited S’randin as Skoll barreled over Yekku, sliding the S’randin across the room with an alarmed hiss.
“Skoll no!” Morrigan shouted as she righted herself to find Skoll standing over her S’randin, leaning down with his fangs bare, growling and crackling electricity coming off his tendrils.
Yekku’s breathing was sporadic as it looked from the giant wolf creature to Morrigan, who stood angrily from her seat.
“Skoll!” she shouted again, watching him look up at her in confusion. She was sure he felt her anger. “Come, here!” she growled snapping her fingers.
Skoll stepped lowly towards her, hanging his head low with his ears back, knowing full well he was in trouble. Yekku sat up panting as he stared with as wide of eyes as physically possible.
She grabbed the massive creature by the bottom of his mouth and forced him to look at her, expending some of her energy to combat creature’s hardened muscles.
“We do not attack family. Everyone coming into the room is considered family so unless they attack you, you do not attack them!” she growled out, speaking slowly to make sure Skoll understood.
Skoll projected a feeling of sadness and remorse as he looked away from her eyes, letting out a soft whine as he tried to move his head.
Xitzocl watched with amusement as Morrigan let out a heavy breath and ran her free hand over Skoll’s head, “It’s fine buddy, just, lay by me. If you need to attack anyone, I’ll let you know.”
Skoll did what she asked, laying down in front of the backless sofa and resting his head on his massive paws. Morrigan looked to see Yekku still sitting in the same spot though his breathing had calmed down some.
“Come here Yekku, it’s okay now,” she said sweetly.
Yekku slowly got to his feet and moved lowly, eyeing Skoll the entire time as he chirped and warbled in a confused tone.
Xitzocl chuckled in her hissing laugh, which made Morrigan turn as soon as Yekku buried his face into her stomach, “I really wish I could understand him most of the time, but I haven’t been able to decipher much of anything unless I watch his mannerisms.”
The female Kêzi’kân nodded at that with a reptilian smile, “Yes, their language is difficult because it is mainly contextual… how to tell… you must think of the situation to understand what it is they try to convey,” she tried explaining.
Morrigan was aware of that for the most part, though it did not make understanding Yekku any easier.