Headcanon: Affectionate phrases in alien languages - Riikip-lur volg olem [Salarian]
Riikip-lur volg olem is an affectionate phrase in Puron, a salarian language spoken in the Northern regions of Sur’Kesh and many colony worlds. It can be translated as ‘You are my mind palace’, though it is difficult to translate as there is not a specific term in English that has a meaning akin to ‘mind palace’. The phrase is very meaningful and not used casually.
Mind palace refers to an individual whose mind you deeply admire. To be someone’s mind palace means to be their source of inspiration, to provoke deeper thought in them, and for them to wish to learn from you. You look up to your mind palace; they’re a mentor, an idol.
While this is much about the intellectual aspect of a relationship, being someone’s mind palace means much more than them admiring your intelligence. Is is a form of affection; to be in love with the beauty of someone’s mind.
To not only admire someone’s raw intellect but their insight and wisdom. Your mind palace is your friend who you will skip the entire hour of sleep for just to engage in nightly philosophical discussions.
To a salarian this is perhaps one of the most beautiful and meaningful things you can say.