Melinda Snodgrass - Double solitaire

Amlas – the diplomatic language used only between Houses for negotiations.

ankatai’li – shape-changing insect that appears crystalline when at rest.

bitshuf’di – a neutered psi lord, male or female.

calnite – a bioengineered substance to speed bone reconstruction.

cinara wood – a pungent wood whose smell is reminiscent of sandalwood and honey.

Fel’k – the larger moon of Takis.

Ideal – the quintessential description of the Takisian psyche. It is more than mere physical or mental prowess. It is the perfection with which a Takisian comports himself in all areas of his or her life. Virtu – achieving it, the quest for it – helps to dramatize the Ideal. Success does not necessarily define whether you’ve achieved virtu or the Ideal. A spectacular failure can count more than being merely adequate.

ikadah – a warm, sweet drink of Takis. Chocolate is the Earth equivalent.

Ilkazal – the public language of House Ilkazam; uses telepathy and the spoken word.

Intaye – a lady of the Most Bred.

Ishab’kaukab – the living ships of Takis.

jebali – a small nocturnal grazing animal.

ka’et – a stringed instrument whereby sound is formed by striking the strings with hammers that also carry a tone. The player uses a double keyboard.

Kib’r – a relative of past seven degrees.

kuket – darling, sweetheart, but it is a diminutive usually applied to children.

La’b – a sexual toy.

lawmerates – male or female Takisians who have been surgically altered to the opposite sex.

Lilistizkar – a visiting day in the women’s quarters.

l’lail – a riding animal.

merrida – darling, used between lovers.

MIS – Mentatic Intelligence Service.

pful – Takisian vegetable.

Raiyis – the ruler of a Takisian House.

Raiyis’tet – the rulership of a House.

ral – a milk-producing ruminant. Its coat produces a fine, soft wool suitable for weaving.

Rarrana – the women’s quarters, purdah.

re’ba’bi – a stringed instrument played with a bow.

Sham’al – the common speech of Takis. Sometimes called industry speak.

shujukis – a large flying mountain predator that has been trained to carry riders.

silamum – a cold effervescent fruit drink.

sinau soup – a bean soup with a sharp citrus flavor.

sinde – a powerful, shorttempered creature raised for its meat.

sithi beans – a highly flavored spice used in desserts.

spetza – a sparkling sweet wine.

stirpes – a member of the Tarhiji who has been adopted by a psi lord. Degree of relationship is roughly that of a cousin, and they are not permitted to breed with the Zal’hma at’ Irg.

Tarhtji – the mind-blind majority population of Takis.

Tiana – the smaller moon of Takis.

vacu – a foul and rather disgusting creature whose name is used as an epithet.

Vayet – the public language of House Vayawand.

vindi – cousin. A form of polite address not indicating a literal relationship.

wanei – a small house pet.

ysan – a hot, bitter beverage.

Zal’hma at’ Irg – the psi lords, the Most Bred of Takis.

zanjabiil – a badgerlike creature.