Author's Note: Sorry for such a long wait, I had a hard time finding this chapter. But hopefully after this the rest will just flow out of me with no problems. :) As always, pictures for this story can be found on my DA account under the same name.

Disclaimer: I do not own and did not create the Predator/Yautja universe. I only made up my own characters of Kwei, Sar'idikk, Riin'mei, Ran'tkal and Ri'chu'ka and Titunn'cha. Peanutchan on Deviantart owns the remaining Yautja/Predator Tituga.

Yautja vocab: (* indicates original words I created, the rest is from existing online resources)

Ah'tu'lamm = be well/live well; a friendly greeting*

Fai'hswei = sister; Fais is the short, informal term, like saying 'sis'*

Kari'kalei'lou = the Gathering of Creation; a festival for breeding during the mating season*

La'skwetsa = a potent salve females apply to dull breeding scents and pheramones*

Dai'chau = Daughter; endering term, informal*

Mu'ksaya = Mother; endering term, slang/informal*

Mol'paay = Mother; polite and formal*

Ma'ch-paya = Matriarch; title, polite and formal*

Usl'cha-tkan = Final mercy; last request of dying of a Yautja*

Ka'rik'na = A summoning; calling others together

Lou'dte Kalei = Child maker

Aseigan = Servant

U'sl-kwe = Final rest

Asg'thwei = Blood servant; a servant of the house, related to those they serve. Common in female houses*

Lout'kla = Wet nurse, mid-wife; when a leader intends to breed she needs a lower-ranking female to help raise the pup. This is only one of 2 ways a Aseigan is permitted to breed. The other way is asking permission to add more help to the house, a servant births a servant*

Wmaa = An affectionate term, very similar to when you call a loved one 'hun' or 'darling'. Mostly used between related, close females and between mothers/pups*

Curiosity and anticipation gleamed in the eyes of the group of small females watching Sar'idikk, her sister and her mother take their places in the room – Titunn'cha in her ancient throne and each sister on either side of it, kneeling. The rest of the family knelt in a semi-circle facing them, save for the eldest in the room – Titunn'cha's older sister, Ri'chu'ka – who was assisted into a soft chair against the wall beside them all.

Taking a measured breath, Sar'idikk couldn't help but notice the room was thick with scent. It stung the webbing of her mandibles. Spicy cooking from the kitchen a few rooms away tickled the air. Fresh In-scents burned, making the room dense with a smoking, earthy calm. Submissive musks of the smaller Asg'thwei also laced the air, something Sar'idikk was not accustom to – not many were ever submissive to her.

Ri'chu'ka's ancient, pungent musk also wafted through the room. She had several years on her sister and it showed. Her skin looked paper-thin and hung heavily about her mandibles and eyes, drooping her brow. Her eyelids appeared too heavy to keep open, so a half-lidded expression was the most she could muster. And that was when she choser to acknoweldge someone. The hunch in her back kept her from lifting her head up all the way, and its' size made her thin arms look even tinier. But despite her appearance, her mind was not all gone. She had dozed off a while ago once she settled in her cushioned chair, but roused immediately upon her sister entering. Though her eyes were dull with milky blindness and her hearing poor, her sense of smell was sharp, and caught wind of Titunn'cha.

Here they were again, in the room of Ka'rik'na. Only with her whole family. Sar'idikk kept her head bowed in a display of submission beside her Mother, knowing she demanded full control and attention in this room. No matter what title she or her sister held outside these walls, inside their Mother was in command. Although, to Sar'idikk's surprise, her Mother's musk was soft, welcoming.

Must be the Usl'cha-tkan.

"My family…," Her Mother's low voice cut through the heavy silence that had descended upon the room. She spoke through laced fingers, her gaze switching between all nine Yautja staring back at her. "It honors me to have you all here. I have new…great news. And it affects all of us.

"My dear Dai'chaus have heard my final call from my Usl'kwe and have answered – they will attend Kari'Kalei'lou and sire pups to carry on our line, to give you a future Ma'ch-paya."

Her excitement with the topic at hand echoed in her tone, and made her lean forward, old eyes sparkling at her nieces. The youngest Asg'thwei seemed confused and rightly so – they were a couple years from breeding age and did not understand the enthusiasm. They were still being taught the correct ways to serve the house; how to wash linens and prepare meals, how to display the correct body language in front of the correct people, how to shop the local markets for wares, how escort their aging mother and aunt. An announcement like this did not seem to affect their daily chores and tasks.

But to their older cousins, it meant a great deal. Sar'idikk could feel the eagerness in the room, as if breeze blew through. Despite everyone's statue-esque posture of submission, she could spot the subtle changes in her cousins due to what they knew what was to come.

Sar'idikk raised her brow in curiosity. They knew? She had only just discovered what was involved a few hours ago. This may have been due to the fact that she avoided learning about what she thought was never going to happen anyway. She recalled Tituga scoffing at her ignorance. But she never thought her cousins would be this excited about it.

It was time to choose a Lout'kla. A midwife and wet-nurse, but also a companion. A Lout'kla is permitted to breed along side whomever choses her.

Her mother continued on, "To some of you, my young wmaas, this opportunity has no value. But I know your older sisters will rise to this occassion. It is a great honor to be Lou'dte-kalei." Titunn'cha rose slowly from her perch with the assistance of her cane, her eyes sweeping over her nieces again. "I leave you now with your Ma'ch-paya. Younglings - with me please. And escort my dear Fai'kswei to her chambers."

Sar'idikk watched her five youngest cousins and second cousins rise quickly. A couple shrank to their mother's side, assisting Ri'chu'ka out of the room after Titunn'cha gently took her hand to help her out of her chair. Ri'chu'ka weakly managed to embrace her younger sister, etiquette making her do so. The littlest of the second cousins, too young to carry their ancient grandmother, filed out of the room behind Titunn'cha, heads low and silent.

Once she could no longer hear their footfalls, Sar'idikk glanced to her sister, who now took her mother's place on the old, carved throne. Tituga had an expression of business on her face, staring down at her four remaining cousins, her eye contact with them intense. One was older than both Sar'idikk and Tituga, two were their age(almost exactly due to being born at the same times), and the last was the youngest, and seemingly the most out of place, barely a few years past the breeding age.

Tituga spoke softly, but sternly.

"This is a heavy task. A lot will be required of you and I will not tolerate anything less then your best. This will not be easy." Tituga paused, observing her cousins. "I am offering you something that many Ags'thwei do not get. A choice. If you do not feel ready for this, if you can not fully commit…then you may leave this room now."

The oldest rose to her feet, bowing submissively. Before she could voice her reasons Tituga spoke: "I know. You have daughters serving this house, and sired them for that purpose. You have to instruct them and our young cousins. I appreciate what you have done."

Sar'idikk observed her to eldest cousin quietly slip out of the room, wishing she could go with her. She wished she had a choice.

"Well then. Anyone else?" Tituga eyed the youngest one, waiting. The small Yautja seemed the most eager of them all and defiantly, if not also respectfully, stayed put. Sar'idikk mused inwardly at the young Asg'thwei, intrigued by her attitude. "Well then. I am honored. But we both can only choose one."

As Matriarch, Tituga got to choose first. But she already had chosen before this meeting was ever called – her traveling Asg'thwei. They locked eyes and smiled. "I choose Ran'tkal, for she has been by my side since my beginnings as a Ma'ch-paya." Bowing deeply, Ran'tkal moved to the side of Tituga.

Sar'idikk growled inwardly; Tituga had everything easy. Not fair. She was only able to grumble for a moment before realizing all eyes were on her now.

Yikes – her turn.

Sar'idikk glanced between her cousins, feeling very uncomfortable. They all smiled back, anxious for her approval, their scent and expressions heavy with excitement. Sar'idikk loved them all, grew up with them and experienced different parts of her life with each of them. This was hard. How was she supposed to pick one over the other?

It felt like it had been so long since she had spent quality time with them. She couldn't remember why it had been so long. It felt sudden, when communication between her and her family had stopped. Well…not stopped, but faded. She felt a distance between them, like a caution. Why? She puzzled for a moment, trying to remember.

Oh…wait. An idea struck her.

"This isn't easy, my cousins. I love you all. But I only ask one question to help me decide. But it's an easy one..." Sar'idikk tried to be delicate with how she asked, feeling emotion flood her. She kept her expression muted. "What…is my daughters' name?"

THAT is why her cousins have avoided her. Why they do no call. Why a lot of her old friends and family keep away. Something taboo and everyone's true colors emerged. Loyalty is a scarce commodity, sometimes even in family.

The small Yautja tried her best not to seethe, watching the females before her carefully. Tituga chirred shortly beside her, detecting Sar'idikk's change of attitude. Her musk must have given her away. Breathing slowly to calm herself, Sar'idikk switched her gaze back and forth between her cousins, her eyes finally settling on the youngest, Riin'mei, who was all but beaming at her. She looked as though she was confident that she was the right choice. Arching an eyebrow, Sar'idikk looked back at the other two - they looked almost fearful.

"Well?"

Downcast gazes answered her as she made eye contact with each cousin – except the young one. She was patiently waiting to be acknowledged, head low but holding her eye contact. Sar'idikk snorted, amused by her cousin's obedience. "Riin'mei?"

"Kwei. Your daughter is Kwei…for she is both adorable and mischievous at the same time." The words came tumbling out of her cousin's mouth in excitement, her eyes bright. Sar'idikk blinked in surprise, remembering using those exact words when she had introduced Kwei to her family for the first time. Unfortunately, not everyone was receptive to that introduction.

A click of approval from Tituga broke Sar'idikk stare, which Riin'mei happily acknowledged with a bowed head and a purr. Her other cousins noiselessly and swiftly exited the room, sulking. But Sar'idikk felt no pity for them. They made their fate with thwir prejudice. Sar'idikk smiled warmly at her young cousin, now confident in her decision. "I guess it's decided them. Riin'mei. You will be my Lou'tkla. Well will embrace being Lou'dte-Kalei together."

Finally the carriage stopped. And that meant finally Tituga's stomach could stop churning.

Mother had insisted that their arrival to the Festival be the same way it had been for generations - by drawn carriage. And there was no argument to be had regarding the matter, unless they wanted to awaken their Mother's wrath. The carriage lurched slowly from side to side, jostling the passengers - something Tituga was NOT accustomed to after acclimating to smooth space craft travel.

She glanced to her sister Sar'idikk, who had initially shown genuine interest in this due to the beasts pulling the carriage. A lover of all creatures, even the homeworld's beasts of burden. She thought the traditional way would be enjoyable, and an honor. Tituga watched her small sister gaze hollowly out the window, her expression pale and sickly; it seemed Sar'idikk's excitement about this unique transportation had quickly vanished. Riin'mei, her Lout'kla, lightly fanned the small Yatuja in hopes to ease her sickness, but her face told the same story as Sar'idikks. This ride was difficult.

The large Yautja turned her attention to her Mother, glowering at her stone-faced resolve. The tumultuous ride had no effect on her, even at her old age. She sat almost motionless against the rocking ride, eyes closed. She looked relaxed, of all things.

Scowling, Tituga closed her eyes and tried to steady her tumbling stomach, preparing for the stress to come. A small hand on hers drew her attention. Her small Lout'kla, Rant'kal, had sensed her uneasiness and tried to offer some comfort with a small smile. Tituga swallowed hard, forcing a smile back. It was hard to keep her face set in the even lines of 'Strong Matriarch' when bile continued to creep up her gullet.

Abruptly the carriage stuttered to a halt, causing Tituga's eyes to snap open. The door opened moments later, allowing stinging, bright sunlight to assault the vision of all in the carriage. Lifting an arm to shield herself from the blinding sun, Tituga chittered in annoyance, squinting out of the open door.

The smell of sand and greenery swept into the carriage, carrying with it the heat from the intense sun and the sound of many voices and footsteps against the hot earth. A shadow stepped forward, blocking out a bit of the bright light. It was a small female, dressed in a fancy but heavy leather garb, offering her hand and bowing politely. Without hesitation Titunn'cha, acknowledging the attendant with an aloof nod, took her hand and exited. Exchanging an anxious look with her sister and Lout'kla Tituga reached for the attendant, who was already done assisting her Mother, feeling her nerves buzzing under her skin and she gripped the small, out-stretched hand.

Once her feet hit the warm stone of the Coliseum, Tituga's breath caught in her throat. They had arrived at Kari'Kalei'lou. And it was more than she could have ever imagined. It was bigger, louder, brighter.

Their small group followed the attendant towards the massive entrance, which was attached to the center of the massive, circular Coliseum. Tituga craned her neck as she walked with her group, having never seen a structure so big. There seemed to be more stories to the large building than she could count. Colorful, wide picture windows shined down at her in the hot sunlight on every story, and lush, thick ivy with heavy flowers crawled in and out of the intricate ledges and architecture that adorned the length of the building. There were huge statues that decorated the corner ledges of every floor and along the top of the structure, depicting female yautja in elegant poses, all carved in exquisite detail.

A rumble of a hover-craft sounded overhead as it breezed by Tituga, landing in a designated area on an elevated platform in front of the left entrance. Large females from other tribes leapt out of the craft swiftly before the shuttle thundered away, allowing another to take its place moments after. Another shuttle buzzed over their heads going in the other direction to a matching elevated platform at the right entrance, unloading more passengers. Looking around, Tituga noticed the entrance they arrived at was the only one at ground level, and behind their carriage was a line of others. There were attendants everywhere, eager to assist, helping unload carriages and leading groups into the main entrance. Tituga raised her eyebrows - they were all female. There wasn't a male to be seen.

Eventually, after waiting behind other small groups all bustling towards the Coliseum, they arrived at the massive entrance. Only one more group ahead of them and they were in. The attendant who had walked them to the entrance had long disappeared to assist another group that had just arrived.

The group ahead of her was made up of one large female and three small Aseigans, all very light-skinned. The large Yautja seemed to look more nervous than the smaller; her posture was stiff and her eyes were wide staring straight forward. Her musk reeked of anxiety, causing Tituga to scrunch her mandibles in distaste.

She prayed her pheramones weren't betraying her like that - she had mandated she and her sister have a heavy application of La'skwetsa before they went anywhere.

Hoping she could see what was taking so long, Tituga tilted her head, trying to see around the family in front of her. She clicked in irritation, unable to see anything despite being so close. While the large, intricately carved wooden doors were open, the entrance itself was hidden by a curtain of beautiful, shining beads and two rather rough looking female guards.

It seemed that privacy was a high-commodity.

Those in front of her stepped forward on the queue of those two solid guards, disappearing through the glimmering, beaded veil. The sentries resumed their positions in front of the curtain instantaniously, stoic and silent. Their gaze was set forward, almost unblinking. Tituga sighed shortly, feeling her anticipation growing.

Tituga and her family waited, tossing glances at each other in confusion as they stood in silence. Except for Titunn'cha. Leaning on her cane, she was motionless and calm. Her eyes were closed, as though she was napping. Tituga pinched together her upper mandibles - her Mother's silence was maddening. Although Tituga secretly wished she could show that much composure so easily. She shot Sar'idikk a frustrated glance, which her sister mirrored with more bewilderment than agitation. She signed breifly to Tituga, her eyes pleading; Be calm, be centered.

Exasperated, Tituga nodded, trying to find her center and relax. It wasn't working.

And then it happened – the guards moved to the side in a synchronized motion, gesturing towards the entrance. Tituga heard nothing; no alarm, no verbal queue. Yet they stepped away at the same time, as though on command. Tituga was mystified, looking between the two incredulously.

"Dai'chau. Move forward, please." Her mother sounded next to her, her tone soft but words short. The same tone she had always used when instructing her children, Tituga noticed. Her eyes darted to her Mother, confused and irritated at the same time. Titunn'cha inclined her head slightly, ignoring her daughters outrage. "The Ma'ch-paya enters first."

Eyes widening, Tituga stepped ahead of her mother on command, sharing a passing, agonizing gaze with Sar'idikk as she did so. A deep breath allowed her to mask her uncertainty, her posture and expression assuming the authoritarian look of a Matriarch she had so carefully sculpted. Hopefully no one can sense her uneasiness...hopefully the La'skwetsa was working the right way.

She crossed the threshold.

The cool, sparkling beads slithered along her shoulders and face as she stepped through them, tinkling softly as she and her family entered. When her eyes adjusted from the bright sun outside to the shade of the interior, Tituga took in the room she had entered. Immediately her senses were assaulted with powerful, sweet-smelling inscents, the smoke of it clouding the chamber slightly. The room was smaller than what she expected, like a giant foyer. Light-colored, feathery drapes hung elaborately on every wall and two other bead-covered doorways faced them on either side of the room. A giant female stood directly in front of them between these two doors, hands folded in a prayer motion, surrounded by several smaller Aseigans.

That female was tall; taller then a lot of females Tituga had seen in her time as Matriarch. Taller than Tituga. Silky, glittering fabric draped over her form like an elegant toga, the fabric sheer enough to hint at all of the vuluptuous body underneath it. Her rust-colored skin and pale belly stood out against the light material, and black, over-lapping markings climbed all over her arms and legs. Golden embroidery wove its way around the large sleeves that hung about her arms, fixed to her biceps with large, gold bracelets. Her wrists, ankles and neck were heavily fitted with gold and jewels, with tiny golden chains dangling from either side of her jaw, like earrings. Her black tendrils were thick and long, and half were wrapped in an intricate head piece that made her striking red eyes stand out against her dark skin.

Those ruby eyes regarded Tituga quietly, and for several long moments.

"Ah'tu'lamm, Ma'ch-paya Tituga. I am pleased to finally meet you. Your Mol'paay speaks highly of you." A small nod from the giant Yautja followed, the delicate chains dangling from her head piece to her upper mandibles whispering softly as they were disturbed.

Tituga hid her shock and confusion, holding the other females gaze. She fumed inwardly for a moment – as acting Matriarch wasn't she supposed to be abreast of whatever she was getting into? Oh whomever she was meeting? A sideways glance to her Mother did no help – she had the same expression on as before. This was infuriating.

"Ah'tu'lamm and many thanks. Although…I'm afraid I do not know who you are…" Tituga kept her tone smooth, returning the nod she was greeted with. "You will have to excuse my confusion with all of this."

A chuckle answered her from the large female, "You are fine, young Ma'ch-paya. Many are lost when they enter my walls. But all leave with their future set. I am Lill'inruu, high priestess of Kari'kalei'lou. I will help guide you on your path." Her voice was soft and low, almost musical. She raised her hand up. "My Wmaas – Lady Tituga and her family require our blessings."

Immediately Tituga was rushed by the Aseigans behind Lill'inruu, who bowed swiftly before relieving everyone, even their Lout'kla, of all their baggage. Another group swooped in after the first, dressed more delicately in floating, shimmery dresses, circling Tituga and her family. They swung golden containers in a rhythmic motion, in almost a dance, wafting fragrance toward them with big, beautiful feathers. They chanted ever so softly, and their continuous slow circling through the fog of their canisters was almost dizzying.

But calmness found Tituga in that ritual. As alarmed as she was, whatever they were doing was beautiful and elegant and intoxicating. And working. The scents washing over her allowed her body to relax. She managed a long gaze at her mother and sister, and at the two Lout'klas – they all wore the same expression. Everything around them was different and new, but the sounds and the smells were inviting. And they had only just arrived.

Suddenly the Aseigans stopped, falling to their knees in a deep bow around them. Blinking, Tituga looked between the small Yautja, confusion finding her again. She looked up to see Lill'inruu approach her, hands folded as before. She took Tituga's shoulders in those massive hands, leaning in to press her jeweled forehead to hers. The sudden invasion of her personal space should have caused Tituga alarm, but strangely she felt very comfortable. Perhaps it was the ritual from earlier, or perhaps it was the powerful but disarming scent radiating off of Lill'inruu. Whatever the case, Tituga held the larger Yautja's stare with heavy-lidded eyes. After a moment of intensely connecting eye contact, Lill'inruu closed her eyes and whispered softly to Tituga:

"Welcome, Fai'hswei, to Kari'kalei'lou."