I feel like you must have answered this before but I can't find it anywhere so I'll just ask: What's the Angaran greeting, "Stars and skies", in Shelesh? They say it all the time but I can't find it in Shelesh anywhere.......
"Neranj tev haavolanj!"
At least as far as my own work goes! I don't think it's used as a greeting so much as an exclamation though.
I've also got "Sleep with the stars" -- Sleefim'do tev neranj, and "****ing stars!" -- Skkutja neranj! and "Black star!" -- Pivos nera! as curses. There are a few more intimate phrases that I've used stars for as well...😁
All of the dialogue in this entry is in Shelesh, the angaran common language, which I have been working on for a while via the @angaranexpansionproject. You can definitely read some of how Jaal and Ryder’s evening is going based on context, though the translation is also below the cut! (The drawing of my adorable latina Vakara Ryder is by @raymurata)
—
“Toh di honn kolash, Ryder.” Jaal nuzzled into Ryder’s hair, which was dyed a brilliant purple atop the much darker brown color her hair naturally was. They were intrigued by how she had suddenly acquired honvfira after the Vortex changed the lighting.
“Kes di joh, Jaal - di kabas!” Ryder gestured toward the ceiling with her cup, then took a long drink. Several of the glowing bulbs were black, but still gave off light.
“Toh di honn tev,” she added, tapping the glowing, white belt that cinched their shirt close against their waist. The two of them were currently tucked into the corner of a booth, Ryder snuggled comfortably against their side on a rare night off.
“Neranj…” Jaal pressed their lips against Ryder’s temple, then murmured in her ear. “Jaadi tove ha sjinehn gosavar aali, dibellen.” They traced a slow path down her jaw and neck, enjoying the warmth of her skin.
Ryder smiled slowly, tilting her head back to finish the last of her drink. “Ille rivo tabanj neranj jove, nini…”
“Woynini set viiali jogara uni honnit,” Jaal’s voice deepened, rumbling enticingly.
“Jogara ava’vy dynnlyn ddy neranj, tev wamale uni, jafarl?” Ryder turned into Jaals’ embrace, letting her hand slide up Jaal’s thigh under the table.
“Neranj tev haavolj, BIN!” Jaal exclaimed, and Ryder caught their words in a heady kiss. She hummed a warm chuckle, tapping her omni-tool to pay their tab as they left the Vortex for a more star-studded… and intimate… place to end their night.
(Keep reading for the translated version)
“You are glowing purple, Ryder.” Jaal nuzzled into Ryder’s hair, which was dyed a brilliant purple atop the much darker brown color her hair naturally was. They were intrigued by how she had suddenly acquired bioluminescence after the Vortex changed the lighting.
“I’m not doing it - it’s those!” Ryder gestured toward the ceiling with her cup, then took a long drink. Several of the glowing bulbs were black, but still gave off light.
“You’re glowing too,” she added, tapping the glowing, white belt that cinched their shirt close against their waist. The two of them were currently tucked into the corner of a booth, Ryder snuggled comfortably against their side on a rare night off.
“Stars…” Jaal pressed their lips against Ryder’s temple, then murmured in her ear. “Your beauty is even harder to resist now, my darling one.” They traced a slow path down her jaw and neck, enjoying the warmth of her skin.
Ryder smiled slowly, tilting her head back to finish the last of her drink. “You enjoy these stars of mine, I think…”
“Reminds me of another time we glowed together,” Jaal’s voice deepened, rumbling enticingly.
“Shall we go beneath the stars and spill together, my strong one?” Ryder turned into Jaals’ embrace, letting her hand slide up Jaal’s thigh under the table.
“Stars and skies, YES!” Jaal exclaimed, and Ryder caught their words in a heady kiss. She hummed a warm chuckle, tapping her omni-tool to pay their tab as they left the Vortex for a more star-studded… and intimate… place to end their night.
Invites are sent, food is prepared, setup is done. It’s time.
The Wedding of a Pathfinder is a big event - even if she weren’t marrying an Angara. But all Aria cares about is her friends and family, and Jaal beside her.
Jaal x Ryder, Post Game, Established relationship.
Here it is, guys! The wedding chapter! Depicted oh so perfectly in the commission I grabbed from @lynngo-art and posted yesterday, over here!
Also on AO3 under ‘The Misadventures of Aria Ryder’ over here!
“Ok, everyone that’s meant to be here for the ceremony is here. Is she ready yet?”
“Almost.” Sahuna clasps the bracelet in place around Aria’s right wrist, brushing the Pathfinders hair back from her eyes again and pausing for a moment, considering, before holding out a hand, “Tela, bring me that clasp - the blue one, young one, there you go-”
“What’s the hold up?” Peebee sashays in past Cora, grinning widely and clearly buzzed, “Ooo, Ryder, lookin’ good!”
Aria cracks a grin even as she stays still, feeling Sahuna pulling her hair back gently, “Really, Peebs? Drunk already?”
“M’not.” the Asari argues hotly, still swaying on her feet, “Ok… maybe a little. Not like it’s gonna be a long ceremony ‘nyways, c’mon! Let’s git a move on!”
“Just about…” Sahuna comes around to Aria’s front and steps back, giving her a quick once over before smiling brilliantly, “Perfect. Take a look, ladies.”
There’s a sudden rush of movement, and then she has a gaggle of females standing before her, all giving her happy looks and making excited noises.
Vetra and Syd at the back because of their height, Lexi and Suvi at midrange, Peebee and Cora and Sahuna at the front with Tela wiggling between her grandmother's arms.
Aria can’t help it; she starts laughing, too damn happy and amused by the group in front of her to do anything else.
“Auntie!” Tela succeeds in freeing herself from Sahuna’s grasp and flings herself at Aria, trying to hug her legs through the dress, “You look so pretty!”
“Thank you, Tela,” Aria doesn’t chance scooping the child up as she normally would - she’s pretty sure she’d get strangled by every other woman in the room if she screwed up her hair or makeup now - but she does bend down to hug her, unable to resist, “You look really pretty, yourself!”
They’d managed to have a flower girl dress made for the little Angara - baby blue with matching gloves for her little feet - and a basket filled with vibrant flower petals sits nearby, ready for her to start tossing as they walk.
“You look perfect, Ryder,” Vetra’s smirking at her from the back, clearly proud of herself, “I knew that dress would look great on you.”
“I appreciate your help finding it, Vetra.” Aria gently pushes Tela away towards the waiting basket, standing and smoothing her hands down over the full skirt of the dress.
The dress has a sweetheart neckline with lace extending up her neck, arms bare, full skirt sweeping the floor as she moves and the train just long enough she’d need to keep an eye on it when near other people.
Sahuna had come through and brought her an Angaran bracelet and brooch to accent the dress - though the brooch was being used as a hair clasp, instead - and Cora had found her a pair of blue earrings to match the rest.
Her omnitool bracelet was an unfortunate necessity, for the translator - even having SAM in her head didn’t negate the need for the tool itself - and Aria felt a brief pang of sadness, wishing she didn’t need it to understand the Angara.
Maybe Jaal can start teaching me Shelesh.
That thought makes her brighten, and then there’s no time to think about anything as there’s a rustling at the tent entrance, Scott sticking his head in with a sheepish grin.
“Is the, ah, bride ready to go? Your escorts are here, milady.”
Aria hears a distinctly Krogan snort from behind him and laughs, “Come on in, you two; we’re ready.”
In the end, Aria had decided to ask both Scott and Drack to walk her down the aisle.
Scott was her twin, her only living - awake, she amended - blood relative… but Drack had been there for her since Eos, ever ready with advice, a father figure even if he was grand-father age.
Neither minded sharing the role - and Drack had looked damn proud when she’d asked, so Aria knew she’d made the right choice.
Though she had to admit, Drack in a suit was a bit of a strange sight, the Krogan seeming distinctly uncomfortable as he ambled into the tent behind Scott.
A discomfort that vanishes the moment he spots her, features softening as much as they’re able. “Damn, kid. You clean up nice.”
“Thanks, Drack.” her voice cracks a little, the comment making her more emotional then she’d have expected, smiling brightly despite it.
“We ready to do this thing?”
“More then.”
Sahuna takes that as a hint to get the others moving, shooing them from the tent to find their places. She leaves after stealing one last hug, touching her forehead briefly to Aria’s before following the others.
Aria lifts her bouquet and can’t resist burrowing her nose in it for a moment - real, fresh flowers, a mix of earth-blooms and native Angaran blossoms - before arranging herself between Scott and Drack, bouquet held in the hand of the arm linked with her brothers, her right hooked loosely through the Krogans.
Tela’s bouncing in front of them, fingers already curled around a mass of petals, ready to start tossing them.
There isn’t any music - they’re really only walking her down to satisfy at least part of the human tradition, and so the guests from Aria’s side get to see her before the quick ceremony - so the moment she’s ready Aria takes a breath, nods to Tela, and squeezes Drack’s arm.
Tela skips forwards out of the tent, flinging petals the second she’s in the sunlight, and Aria hears the chorus of awwws before she even emerges from the shade.
Once she’s out, though, she feels the attention turn to her, knowing she’s blushing even as she dares to look around, to see if she recognizes anyone.
The guests are standing - more similar to the Angaran style, in that way, able to socialize before the party - and she see’s Etta and Sahruul, Finn, Lathoul and Teviint and Baranj, Sahuna and holy, they actually convinced Evfra to come!
Her own Crew was there - Gil and Jill visible with little Dian, surrounded by several curious Angara - as were Kesh and Vorn, and Kandros, and the other Pathfinder’s, and - Addison did come, huh.
She’d sent invitations to all of the Nexus Council - only expecting Kesh and Kandros to show up, truthfully, but she’d made the attempt so they couldn’t accuse her of not attempting - and it seemed the Immigration Head had decided to come.
Tann is distinctly absent. Aria’s okay with that.
Her attention is drawn back to their destination when Scott gently tugs on her arm, amber meeting deep, starry blue and her breath catching for a moment.
Jaal stands just outside the small building they’ve erected for the ceremony, hands clasped together and posture relaxing once he spots her. He’s switched out his typical armor for a bodysuit that is pure black, accented by a deep teal, elegant looking Rofjinn, a silver cuff on his left wrist that matches the clasp at the neck of the garment.
His expression is what catches her - joy, amazement, the slightest hint of nerves, and above all, love - and she smiles, feeling teary, trying to reflect that back to him.
This is real. This is happening. Aria swallows thickly, blinking back tears, Thank you, Dad. I wouldn’t be here, if…
Then suddenly they’re at the platform, and Drack steps back as Scott takes her left hand and settles it in Jaals, giving him a look that reads both serious and playful, “You better take care of my baby sister, Jaal, you hear me?”
Jaal’s answering grin reads much the same, “You have my word, Scott.”
Her twin accepts that answer, releasing her and pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before stepping back beside Drack, carefully scooping up Tela - who only pauses in tossing petals because she’s in Scott’s arms, beaming over at her.
Jaal’s grip on her hand tightens, expression never wavering as he leads her gently inside the building, the door closing behind them signalling the ceremony has begun.
Moshae Sjefa and Captain Dunn grin at them, standing ready near the back wall.
Aria had known that - as far the human traditions went - a Captain of a ship could perform a marriage, and she’d been overjoyed when Captain Dunn had agreed to play the role for them.
When Jaal had told her that the Moshae could legally perform the Angaran half of the ceremony - and that she was willing to do so - Aria had been ecstatic.
Both women had fought with her, helped her, taught her so many things… that having them perform these roles only seemed right.
“Jaal.” the Moshae greets, stepping up first, “Aria. Are you prepared?”
“Yes.” they answer almost simultaneously, giving each other little smiles.
“Good. Turn towards each other and clasp hands.”
Captain Dunn takes Aria’s bouquet and steps back, and Aria happily places her hands in Jaal’s - so much bigger than her own, so warm and gentle despite his strength - gazes locked as the Moshae begins the tradition Angaran hymns.
Even with the translator on, Aria can barely catch any of the words, but the tone and rhythm washes over her nonetheless, making her feel heady and warm.
Jaal’s grip on her tightens as the song finishes, expression ever more affectionate, and the Moshae clears her throat after a beat of silence.
“Do you both swear to be fair to one another, to be loyal?”
“We swear.” they both reply, as Aria had been told they would do.
“Do you both swear to love each other no matter what? Through any hardship or strife, any sickness or pain?”
“We swear.”
“Then by the Suns and Stars, by new tradition and old, you are wed.” the Moshae allows another grin, nodding once, “A match I did not expect when we first met, Pathfinder, but one I am pleased to seal.”
“And now, time for the human tradition,” Dunn steps up as the Moshae steps back, passing the Angara Aria’s bouquet while she digs in her pocket, “I believe those vows are close enough to the traditional human ones, so all that’s left is the rings.”
She produces the wedding bands they’d picked, and Aria has to grin; they’d managed to find a pair that almost matched her engagement ring, black gold bangs with a single blue gem on each.
Simple, but unique; perfect for them.
“Now then; put the rings on one another.”
Aria goes first, slipping the ring on his left index-finger - they’d agreed to wear them on their index’s, since Jaal doesn’t technically have a ring finger - and shivering a little at the wave of happy static he gives off.
She bites her lip when he lifts her left hand and slips the ring on her own index finger, feeling suddenly, strangely bashful, even as giddy happiness fills her chest as he again grips both her hands in his, smiling brightly down at her.
“Do you both promise to stay together, no matter what? In sickness and health, rich or poor, young or old, as long as you both shall live?”
“We do.” they answer immediately, and Dunn smirks, holding the bouquet back out to Aria.
“Then let’s get you out there and give your guests the good news.”
They all laugh, Jaal leading Aria back out onto the little platform, Captain Dunn and Moshae Sjefa close behind.
“Honored Guests!” Captain Dunn bellows, “May I present, Mr. and Mrs. Ryder-Ama Darav!”
“Jaal,” she then adds quickly, quietly, “You may kiss your bride.”
Aria’s too busy being swept into a melting kiss to really notice the cheering roar from the crowd, but she loves how that name sounds. Ryder-Ama Darav. Because Jaal hadn’t wanted her to lose any of her heritage, but he’d wanted them to have the same name. He’s too good to me.
There’s a floral archway set up not far from the building, and that’s where they head, Tela skipping alongside them now that Scott’s released her.
They’ll greet the guests, after, but they have to pose, first; Aria is not only the first Pathfinder to wed, she has also married an Angara. If this isn’t considered a diplomatic marriage, she doesn’t know what would be.
Keri T’Vessa is the one covering the wedding - on Aria’s request, since she knows and trusts the Asari - and the woman even promised to play wedding photographer, once she had enough for the ‘report’.
Aria can hear their friends and family cheering as they stop in front of the floral arch, sees the flashes of cameras, vaguely notices Tela catching her dropped bouquet as Jaal turns to take her hands in his, matching rings glinting on each of their left index fingers.
“So.” Jaal murmurs, expression one of serene joy.
“So.” Aria echoes, smile matching his, barely aware that Tela has settled on the end of her dress to toss more petals, keeping tight hold to the bouquet.
“I hardly dare to believe… we are joined, Darling One. You and I.” he bends forward, purring when she meets him halfway, foreheads pressing together, “Forever.”
“Forever.” she whispers, eyes closing as she basks in his presence - in the cheers, in Tela’s giggles, in the warm air and scent of flowers around them - and grips his hands tighter, “I love you, Jaal Ryder-Ama Darav.”
“As I love you, Aria Ryder-Ama Darav. My Darling. My Beloved. My Wife.”
Then he kisses her, and Aria knows she will never regret this moment.
Hours later they slip away from the party - well after dark, dancers and music still going strong but many guests turned in for the night - hands clasped and steps slow, simply enjoying each other’s company and the warm breeze as they head home.
It had been a fun, perfect, rewarding day. Once the report was done, Keri had released them to greet their guests, melting into the background to take the promised photos.
Dinner had gone smoothly - a mix of Nexus and Angaran dishes spread amongst the tables, depending on which guest was seated where, everything properly labelled - and once more Aria had had Tela on her lap, leading to a few interesting moments when the humans of the gathering had started clinking their glasses and demanding the couple kissed.
Overall, it had gone smoothly, and when it came time for Aria to toss her bouquet - a smaller one she had specifically for that reason, as she planned to keep her big one - the confusion of the Angaran women was endearing.
Even more so, Aria couldn’t have been happier when Cora caught the bouquet, the blonde biotic looking at first startled and then flushing a brilliant red when Scott had sidled up behind her and lifted her in his arms.
If he didn’t propose soon, Aria would be smacking her brother.
They had not asked for and did not expect any gifts, so the few they did receive were a surprise and a treasure.
It had been a good night - both Aria and Jaal had danced for hours, together, with others, with Tela - and now, at last, they were tired, and ready to retreat.
Aria wonders, briefly, if this is how her wedding night would feel, if they had not already been intimate.
So many books, movies, magazines and, hell, other women, all said the wedding night was a time of awkwardness and passion, perhaps a slight fear, a burning desire.
Aria feels no fear, no nervousness, and there’s always the barest hint of desire between she and Jaal - Angara are free with their emotions, and her husband is no exception - only content in his presence, happiness that they are together.
Would it feel different, if they hadn’t already been together? Would they not have had this calm peace with one another, this comfort and happiness in simply being beside each other?
She’ll never know - and she would never give up what they have, or change how things had gone, so she dismisses the thought and steps inside the house when Jaal opens the door.
“Mmmm….” Aria stretches her arms out above her head, shoulders popping audibly, “I’d say that was a good day. No major incidents, no one got poisoned by eating the wrong food, Peebee only fell over once…”
Jaal chuckles, coming up behind her to rub at her tense shoulders, “And she did not fall in the lake, which I believe Gil was betting on.”
“Typical Gil.” she sighs, “Undo the zipper for me? This dress is gorgeous, but I am so ready to be out of it..”
“Of course, Darling.” Jaal chuckles, deftly undoing the zipper and stepping away to work at his Rofjinn, laying it over the back of the couch, “I believe the Angara in attendance have found some new party friends, Aria; they will be dancing the night away.”
“That’s good. It’ll make diplomatic things easier.” Aria lets the dress fall over her shoulders and sighs in relief, bending to gather it up and carry it into their room to put it back in its bag, “I’m glad they approve of us, to.”
“Of course.” Jaal comes in behind her and quietly closes the door, stripping out of his body suit while Aria undoes her bra and steps out of her panties.
The garments are deposited in the laundry bin, her borrowed jewelry on her dresser, and then she turns to Jaal, smiling softly, not at all shy before his gaze. “Hello, Mr. Ryder-Ama Darav.”
Jaal chuckles and reaches out, gripping her hand and pulling her in against his chest, “Hello, Mrs. Ryder-Ama Darav.”
Aria sighs, tilting her head back and leaning up to meet him when he bends down, lips pressing softly together, moving slowly. There is no rush; they can take as much time as they want.
“Jaal.” she whispers when he trails his mouth down her neck, sucking at the skin of her throat.
“Mhmm?”
“Can you teach me Shelesh?”
He pauses, pulling back to give her a surprised look, “What?”
Aria lifts a hand to his face, stroking her thumb over the scar on his cheek, smiling softly, “I’d like to learn. To be able to understand even a few words, without the translator.”
He considers her for a moment, blue eyes hooded, before smiling brilliantly, both arms wrapping around her waist to press her even closer.
“You,” he says, one hand brushing over her hip, “Are a delight. Let us start with this; Taoshay.”
“Taoshay.” Aria echoes, shivering when he nuzzles his forehead against hers, clearly pleased, “What does it mean?”
“Beloved,” he purrs, kissing her deeply, mood shifting to something more passionate and needy.
Aria pulls away only long enough to turn off the translator and hope for the best before wrapping her arms around his neck and arching into him, breathing “Taoshay.” into his mouth.
Jaal says something deep and rumbling and then he’s sweeping her up and towards the bed, and then no words are needed at all.
They wake late, and despite Sahuna’s previous assurances that they did not need to be present for the following days, Aria drags Jaal out of bed and starts getting dressed.
She wants to at least make a brief appearance, and reasons that if they don’t, Tela will surely come looking for her eventually.
She had learned a few words the night before - yes, and please, and fuck, and more - but keeps the knowledge between the two of them, translator back on before they leave the house.
Tela is glued to her once more when they arrive, and they are greeted jubilantly with hugs all around, Sahuna grinning widely at the sight of them.
“Koana and the babies send their love and congratulations,” she tells them, more than amused by the happy child sitting on Aria’s lap, “You’ll have to come visit, Aria; they are getting so big.”
“We will,” she promises, “Soon. We have a couple of weeks off for our ‘honeymoon’ - we could probably…?”
“Perhaps.” Jaal agrees, and the rest of the day passes quickly.
Once more, they leave after dark, hands clasped and steps slow, undressing and joining together in their room, translator off.
Aria wakes with a wince on the third day, scowling and curling in on herself, away from Jaal’s familiar warmth against her back.
She feels nauseous and sore, tender near her belly, almost like a bad wave of cramps.
Is the blocker finally wearing off? She wonders, biting down on her lip, hoping they have ibuprofen or acetaminophen or something in the house, Ow, if it is, I forgot how bad the cramps were…
Jaal shifts behind her, and then there’s a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently, “Aria?”
She doesn’t answer immediately, and Jaal says something she doesn’t understand, though she can read his tone of worry.
Your translator is still off, Pathfinder. SAM informs her through their private channel.
Give me a second, she thinks back, cringing as another cramp hits, SAM, is my cycle restarting? Is that what this pain is?
Unknown. I will monitor for irregularities and try to deduce the cause.
Jaal’s still talking, tone growing more concerned from her lack of response, and Aria huffs out a breath, annoyed by her bodies timing.
“Taoshay.” she winces, turning the translator back on when the ache prevents her from stringing together the Shelesh she knows, “Jaal, I’m okay. I just… have cramps.”
“Cramps?” he repeats, and she sighs, nodding slowly.
“In my abdomen - nothing serious, but it’s a bad ache. I don’t think I’m up for going back to the party, today.” Aria pauses, mumbles, “I’d love to just soak in the bath for a while, honestly…”
“A moment, my love,” she feels Jaal bend and his lips press briefly to her forehead before he’s withdrawing, the sound of his omnitool loading up, “And you shall have your bath.”
Aria sighs again and curls as tightly into a ball as she can, willing the pain to go away as she listens to Jaal moving about the house, speaking briefly into his omnitool, and then the distinct splash of running water.
He returns several moments later and slips his arms beneath her to carefully lift her against his chest, carrying her swiftly to their bathroom.
She expects him to set her down in the water, opening her eyes in surprise when he instead steps into the tub and sits down, stretching his legs out before settling her comfortably between them, his arms resting on either side of her own, so that she’s tucked neatly against him.
Aria sighs in bliss, slipping down a little further and allowing the warmth of the water and the press of his body to relax her, the ache diluted somewhat, “You’re too good to me, Jaal. Thank you.”
“I would do anything for you, Beloved,” he chuckles, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, “I sent a message to your brother and Cora that you are unwell; we will not be disturbed today.”
Aria hums in content, closing her eyes and relaxing, far to happy where she is to consider moving.
They climb back into bed once the water has grown cold, curled into one another and talking quietly, Aria nearly falling asleep once the ibuprofen she’d found has kicked in.
They spend the rest of the day like that, falling asleep in each other’s arms when night falls, waking early enough to see the guests off the next morning.
Aria gives Tela a tight squeeze and promises she can visit again soon, hand clasped with Jaals as they wave to the shuttles, watching for a few moments after they’d disappeared.
The cramps are gone, and momentarily forgotten. Here, now, this is all she cares about.
Translators and alien languages (Tonaizhet and Shelesh) in Mass Effect Andromeda (part 1)
It goes from prologue to Havarl/Voeld, include alien words and expressions
KETT (Tonaizhet)
When you encouter them for the first time: Niad shurid!
On an audio log in Habitat 7: Keng zhef. Rol no tod surhanad. Jhan lurok.
Talking to Greer: Nyro rekhet!
Interrupting Greer's story: Niad!
When Greer asks what it means: Hakad soh!
When Ryder attacks them: Tolerad!
When on a Kett base on Eos:"Only the title of this message can be clearly translated. The rest is a mix of kett script and notes written in a Milky Way language. It appears the kett datamined research from an unknown source."
If only kett script:"Only the title of this message can be clearly translated. The rest is written in kett script. Only a few words can be translated without more language study."
On the kett base:
Invictor (audio log) Hakad nerho? Hmph. Nislekad.
It's a field log issued to patrolling kett, SAM adds it the to language database.
The next time we see the Archon, we hear him speak in English. The following messages we can read on Voeld are also in English.
ANGARA (Shelesh)
Shelesh is the most common language, but not the only angaran one.
Port Captain on the comm to the Tempest: Tove jagalesh do!
Ryder replies in English (you can pick a dialogue), the port captain replies in angaran: Paav, nele set do.
Note: in a Nomad banter, Jaal says "Our translator is very sophisticated. It has a library based on every single encounter with your people."
It's possible their translator picked up Ryder's meaning immediately.
When Ryder meets the angara for the first time:
Port attendant: Tas goaj yabe jenvad.
Engineer: Ged tas gohal tam yehal?
Ryder: Need me to take my shoes off?
Port Attendant: Eham daar goss.
Engineer: Nasen roa.
Paaran Shie, the governor of Aya, then welcomes Ryder in English. All the following conversations with the angaran are in English. It's highly likely that SAM made a language database of Shelesh faster than he did with Tonaizhet.
Sohkaa Esof, the trader on Aya, when talking to Ryder, repeats "trade" three times, as if he isn't sure Ryder will understand him. It's only when Ryder replies "Are you asking or telling?" that he knows Ryder fully understands him.
Jaal's first message to Ryder includes a list of what he brought on the Tempest: 4) Armor, including my two Rofjinn [unknown: alt: cape, suspenders] and equipment to repair them.
So the translator did not detect the exact word. IDK if the translator or SAM offered alternate words.
The next messages you can see on Voeld or Havarl are directly translated from Shelesh.
Expression used by Anjik Do Xeek: "make the stars turn their faces and grow dark": torture someone, making them pay for something
I did not include all the expressions with stars because some are not really “alien” but they’re constant with the angara.
"They're all over Voeld. Like qurts. But with guns.": what are qurts? :D
daar: rock foundation translated directly, it's actually smaller than a city but larger than a settlement
Note: daara is the plural so you say "angara who live in daara"
kichari and summa: stimulants used by angara in the infirmary
"Skutt! They almost got past me!": I think it's like "hell", "shit". Another expresssion is "Skutting stars!" so it might be "fuck/fucking"
"Sun and skies." : said by a seismologist on Voeld to a researcher who asked many people about something and still doesn't have an answer. I honestly believe it's a form of "For God's sake"
karyj = Resistance Patch
Rofjinn= poncho, only angara can wear it (also linked to status)
Tavum: a pleasant intoxicant stirred into hot water or fruit juice. Say "tahv-um"
This one needs the entire context:
Jaal: Let Ryder try. She worked the Remnant tech inside a vault. Or so she says.
Kiiran Dals: Ocean of fish, one will have gems in its mouth. But if you think the alien can help, I'll set skepticism aside.
I think it means "wonders will never cease"
The angaran scientists who were frozen on Havarl immediately understand Ryder.
Raashel Vier asks Ryder to recover her research data. At one point while talking to her, Ryder says "All I heard is, there's a chance. Let's go for it."
Raashel replies: "That didn't fully translate, but I know optimism when I hear it."
Very curious uh? Why wouldn’t it fully translate?
Hi! I'm writing my fic "The Shape of Stardust" where Ryder is a mute character who communicates through sign language. What would the angara call that? I'm thinking like hand-speak or something like hand-songs but I have no clue how to translate that into Shelesh. Help? Loving the content you've got here!
Lovely topic! I didn't have a word created quite for this, so here you go with a shiny new one. I imagine there would be some challenges of translation between human hands and angaran hands too...
miynjyn - n, adj - hand or sign language
jy, jyn - n - hand or foot, hands or feet; used for any grasping appendage
hey. I don't have access to the game anymore but I'm writing an AU story that follows the game plot and thus partially takes place on Aya, and I can't remember the name of the hostels the Angara keep, like on Voeld, for travelers, and I couldn't find it anywhere in your posts. Do you recall the Shelesh word for hostel?
Hi! There isn't an in game name that I recall. How about this one?
vrekavreta - n, adj - home away from home, hostel, guest room or house, hotel, temporary lodgings; literally: home away home
Hello, it's me again! Do you have any Shelesh words/vocabulary for a beach day? Also, I'd love to learn more Shelesh idioms. Bylasem'vy tev eddor! ♥️
Okay here we go! I didn't have much specific to the beach so a few are new words, but I did have a lot of general weather/environment words. I've bolded particularly beachy ones.
aavoh- n, adj - wind, windy
daal- n, adj - land, earth, a natural surface beneath your feet
daar, daara- n, adj - Literally, rock or rock foundation, a village or small outpost between a city and a settlement in size. Plural form is daara.
gemiil- n - friut, fleshy reproductive housing of seeds
gemma- n - flower, colorful pollinator
haavol- n, adj - sky, air, airy
honndra- n, adj - sunlight, starlight, sunny
ibrawe- n, adj - rain, raining
ifflirrwe- n, adj - mist, fog, misty, clouded near the ground
imasaf- n - a shell, particularly one with a coiled spiral
jiik- n - heat, high temperatures
katas- n, adj - valley
kashiil- n - mountains, tall high peaks
kawari- n - an edible green, underwater algae/plant similar to terran seaweeds
novil- n, adj - hot, heat, warmth
novise- n, adj - fire, something that is burning
pivoa- n - nighttime, night, the dark part of the cycle
pivol- n, adj - cold, coldness
pivrawe - n, adj - sleet, sleeting
rofrawe- n, adj - snow, snowing
rofsov- n, adj - a ship for flying, a spaceship or airship (plane)
skrit- n - sand, ground up particles
terswabe- n, adj - edge of the water, shoreline
wabe- n, adj - water, fluid
wavosov- n, adj - a ship for swimming/diving, a boat
wavalo- n - gills or similar structures for breathing in water
wavooan- n, adj - fish, swimmer; generally used for any swimming organism
wavoor; wavoo, wavoot, wavoom- v - swimming
And of course, a few more fun idioms, some of which I've shared before or are from canon! I don't tend to actively make new idioms, I tend to stumble into them when something gets complicated or there's a phrase from the game that suits it. Below the cut because it's getting long.
an'do -"hide!" command or phrase commonly used by both angaran fighters and children
Ansala venjyuri' - unknown, used by Yeda when thanking Ryder.
aremiy lomahun - fate, chance, odd luck, Murphy's law; a casual sentiment about miscellaneous unpredicable fate 'as chance would have it'
Arosh enav - unknown, used by Jaal when greeting the wounded Yeda.
baddsof - rest well; the equivalent of telling someone goodnight
dos ashaan - noble fear, the fear that is considered positive as it keeps you safe.
gara ille rivo - someone excited, enthusiastic. A fan.
gosan yav daar - Being Stubborn as a Stone
govataan - welcome center
inalaara - the virtue of knowing one's course; or a good name for the brink of the unknown.
Kapisholaon - "The Disappeared" or the lost; angaran term for those people kidnapped by the Kett
keshirask nari - Exaltation, the process by which the Kett transform their captives
lom ashaan - chaotic fear, that makes you behave stupidly or recklessly; panic
neru kichari - sexual climax; orgasm
paavoa - welcome, a common angaran greeting;
paba rojav - "shields are down/broken"; the adjective is a combination of paaver and ibrar often used by angaran fighters to indicate that a shield has collapsed.
raba garessen - Roughly, sanctuary trips.
sejoh sheaddol - give peace to me, forgive me
Shelesh - to barter for the moon; name of the angaran language that serves as a lingua franca
skkut - a general expletive, used in contexts similar to fuck and shit
