Embers of Honor

Malagith

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Wedding Reception of Vods Rory and Glenna
Jatne Manda Plateau
Northern Outskirts of Sundari
Planet of Mandalore


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A brisk wind cut across the top of the plateau. Torchlights flickered and danced in the breeze as if swaying to the scattered pockets of music being played across each bonfire lit area. The sun lazily dipped down into the horizon, giving the moon of Concordia the spotlight across the skyline. Vivid hues of purple, orange and yellow created a beautiful panoramic scene atop the plateaus stretching across the landscape. It was moments like this that served to remind the Mandalorians that they were fortunate to have a planet to call their own and gather in one of the most beautiful places this side of the Far Rim.

From the sea of beings, it was clear that there was well over a thousand Mandalorians gathered at this wedding reception. Scattered groups of multi-hued, armored figures could be made out across the top of the plateau. Due to the newlywed couple being married in their beskar’gams (Mandalorian armor), their entourage and guests also donned beskar’gams to honor them. In the warrior culture of Mandalorians, such practices were commonplace. This was a time of aay’han, where the gathered Mandalorians savored the rare, peaceful moment with family, clan and comrades.

Interestingly enough, it was the bride who had created quite a buzz in prior months, being quite vocal about the state of affairs of Mando’ade. She used words such as “pathetic”, “weak” and “Sith sycophants” to describe clans of recent nights. Already, she had faced down another Mandalorian in ritual combat who was unduly offended by her words, but he did not survive the encounter with Glenna. While some laughed at the fury of the young Mandalorian, others shook their head with apathy, and many others listened to her words in silent agreement. Perhaps it was the controversy surrounding the bride that drew so many Mandalorian warriors to the wedding or perhaps it was for an opportunity for business or perhaps they were simply here for the netra’gal (black ale)…regardless, it was one of the largest Mandalorian warrior gatherings in many, many months.

Few outsiders understood exactly how sociable Mandalorians could be. In fact, most outsiders are usually dealing with Mandalorians through the business end of a blaster. However, in peaceful settings, Mandalorians are gracious hosts and honest business associates. There is even a bit of etiquette when dealing with Mandalorians in a setting such as this:

- Say what you mean.
- Never refuse the offer of a drink or meal – for nomadic people, who live hand to mouth, this is the greatest compliment they can pay a guest
- Never make a pass at Mando’ad of either sex unless you intend to offer marriage and become Mando
- Look them in the eye, or if they are wearing helmets, look straight at the horizontal section of the visor
- Take off your boots when entering their home
- Pay your debts immediately
- Make a fuss over their children
- Treat elderly Mando’ade with reverence. Any Mando that survives into venerable age must be an exceptional warrior, accord them respect

Evidenced by clan insignias, many clans were in attendance this night. Yet there was not a single weapon drawn. During these rare times of aay’han, Mandalorians were happy to be celebrating life and love, taking a break from being among the most dangerous warriors in the galaxy…



It was always a bit awkward at first to attend Mandalorian gatherings without his buy’ce (helmet) covering his head. Malagith’s green scales and brilliant yellow eyes gave away his falleen heritage instantly. Alien species among Mandalorians were rare in this era. While there were suspicious looks from time to time, they faded quickly once Malagith spoke to his fellow Mandalorians in Mand’oa. It only took a few minutes of conversation to realize that the falleen had completely given over his life to the traditions and culture of Mando’ade. His swaying black topknot had become a common sight on Mandalore. While not a well-known warrior at all, he was a known member of Aliit Dha Ijaat (Clan Dark Honor). Like the dozen clansmen that attended this event with him, they were here to honor the bride and groom and to enjoy time with other Mandalorians. With his buy’ce clipped to the side of his utility belt, the fully armored Mandalorian strode through the throngs of people. Several campfires dotted the plateau where groups of Mandalorians were gathered. Some by clan, some by families and others intermixed sharing war stories and tall tales frequently eliciting laughter from several of the campfires.

Weaving in and out of the groups of Mandalorians, Malagith made his way over to congratulate the bride, Glenna. It had been a couple of years, but he recalled meeting her at a gathering not so unlike this one. For hours, they had discussed the pathetic state of affairs their people were in: fragmented and under the thumb of the Sith Empire. When she began getting attention by her outspoken opinions, Malagith feared for her life, hoping that Sith assassins would not swoop in and attempt to silence her. He could not help but think how sad it was to look around and see so many elite warriors, full of prowess, life, and energy—but they were not united, not even led by one of their own. In fact, most of the Mandalorians present at the wedding hated Sith…

Malagith shook off those thoughts and made his way around reuniting with old acquaintances and forming new ones. A sly smile on his handsome face, determined to have fun this eve with his fellow Mando’ade…

*Excerpts were taken from Karen Travess’ Mandalorian Culture and Language
 
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