It’s the Eye of the Togor…

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Elder Scarn welcomed the Wookiee delegation with ease. While they’d brought a protocol droid, it wouldn’t be necessary, she could understand the guttural sounds of Shyriiwook quite fluently.

“Elder Gruunthgir, Mowbacca, Rorworr. With the final terms agreed on Duro, I’m glad we are all prepared to move ahead with the finalising the peace agreement. I’m sure you’ll find the location agreeable to your leader for the final face-to-face pact.”

For decades, if not centuries, mutual animosity had riven the neighbouring Wookiee and Trandoshan species. A concerted effort, supported by the freedom fighters had driven the worst Trandoshan slavers off Kashyyyk. With both systems joining the Free Systems alliance, a focused effort had been made to secure a broader truce. 

The Togorian Scarn showed her counterpart through the small settlement to host the first al talks. Her chief guard, Scarsince, kitted out in the imperial Togor armour, similarly showed Mowbacca around while the final pair of Rorworr and a grey-furred Togoria, Athiuuuur, made a similar round.

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As they regrouped at the small docks, a small speederbike came hooning straight to the docks. Mowbacca instinctively raised her bowcaster until Scarsince placed a precautionary paw on her arm.

The speederbike made a tight turn, its repulsive engines pushing a wave of water at the docks that splashed over an exposed merchant.

”Damn cubracers!” said Scarsince with a snarl. “Harmless showboats, but annoying.”

The interruption drew the Wookiees attention to the docks, and the broken rungs used to access it.

<<There was also a Trandoshan back there>> noted Rorworr, pointing to the nearby stables occupied by a giant dewback and two farting eopies.

The three Wookiees exchanged looks. There was a lot riding on this final stage. Trust was so low between the two sides that a face-to-face meeting - a blood pact even - was required to seal it. If the location wasn’t safe or already compromised…

https://flic.kr/p/2oh4hc7

Scarn could almost read the looks passing between the trio. 

“Don’t make the mistake of thinking we’re doing this for you as a favour!” Scarn jabbed one of her talons pointedly into Gruunthgir’s chest.

“This stupid feud between you and the Trandoshans doesn’t affect just you. It affects the whole region: the Nazzri, the Venan,” at that, she pointed sharply at the small human labouring at the docks, “and yes, us Togorians.”

“We can barely attract any offworld investment with the risk of your tensions simmering over and what interest we do get is from bloody arms manufacturers thinking it’ll help to be close to the conflict. You think that’s the life we aspire to?”

Gruunthgir was physically taken aback by the rancor in Scarn’s voice, despite the woman’s smaller frame. He started to respond, raising slavery, before she cut back in again.

“Jeez, anyone would think Wookiees wee the only ones taken as slaves! We suffer from it too. From what we hear the slave markets of Slehedron are heaving with victims - Togorians, Gigorans, Talz. The Zyggerian fleets are prowling our space and we’ve lost colonies too.”

Scarn’s voice slowed. “Now, let’s remember that we’re all on the same side here.” This time she patted the fur on Gruunthgir’s chest rather than stabbing it.

“There is a window here to do something significant. Let’s not waste it. Yes, our security may not be how you’d do it, but we are fully invested in these peace talks. If you’ve got legitimate concerns we can address them before the talks but I won’t have you backing out like musk hog with its tail between its legs.”

The Wookiee pursed his lips, covering his fangs. After a moment he nodded. “Let’s continue with the tour.”

Trailing behind, Rorworr and Athiuuuur spoke softly. The pair had known each other for years. 

Clutching a small crystal pendant around his neck, Athiuuuur murmured “I have a bad feeling about this….”

<<It isn’t too late to pull it off or change venue…>>

”No, I don’t think it has anything to do with the talks itself, which is what worries me. That I could deal with, plan for resolve. No, this is something different. I… I worry for you, old friend.”

Rorworr was … disturbed. It was a relief that Athiuuuur wasn’t concerned about the talks. But that he’d be worried for the Wook himself; now that was worrisome….

Togorian cub grooming eopies at the stable

Trandoshan mounted shepherd resupplying at the stable

Venan merchant with traditional headdress 

Cat up a tree

Chief guard Scarsince 

Rorworr checks out the local holo-notice board

Local Jawas pounce on an unfortunate Clone Wars-vintage droid