Heritage

[Arterius]

With a colossal boom the vessel known as 'A Snowball's Chance in Mustafar' came hurtling out of hyperspace, its triple engines always made such a racket when it dropped back into normal space... but it was a sound and fast ship, and a little scary in its size, a fact that its pilot Deunan loved to death. She sat with her feet on the dash and her Mandalorian helmet on her lap, she had been polishing the worn metal helm in between piloting the vessel... but the moment they entered the system she placed it on console beside her only to smirk out the viewscreen.
There it was. Roon.
"I hope your co-ordinates still work, mum" with a sigh she punched in the destination's specs and took her ship carefully towards it. The journey only lasted a few minutes with engines the size of her ship's, and soon she had arrived. It looked like some kind of outpost, and internally she felt her gut twist. Her mother's last request and her messages from beyond the grave had lead her here, and now that the landing details had been cleared and SCIM (as she affectionately nicknamed her craft) began to settle on its landing gear, it all suddenly felt too real.
Deunan gulped and ran a vaguely nervous hand through her short red lockes of hair "Squeak, Whistler!" from deep inside the vessel the sounds of two screaming Astromech Droids came echoing back "Dont you get snarky with me you two or i'll blow you out an airlock! Just make sure Scim's prepped and ready to leave if need be. Mummy has to get ready"
With that she took her helmet from the dash and moved to put on her armour, slinging it on and clipping on her blasters in their holsters. She came then to the ship's exit, activating the docking hatch and taking her tentative steps into the unknown outpost.

 

[Ral]

The gunmetal and blue-green trimmed Mandalorian had been walking around the Roon outpost overseeing the operations and helping to bring it up to its full capacity when he heard a ship had exited hyperspace above the planet. Ral Aran was very thankful that they had just installed the sensor relay on the roof of the facility, otherwise they would have to rely on their ship's sensors to detect incoming ships. The Mandalorians on Roon had to be very careful, Roon was still quite secret, and not many people knew of its location, fewer still after the Empire had taken over and the Genocide. With the Battle of Roon and the ousting of the Empire from the system, Ral was wary to set up an outpost on the planet, but all signs seemed to point towards the hope that the Empire were too busy dealing with other things than to worry about some backwater Outer Rim world beyond their reach. Still, Ral would have to keep his people on guard so they wouldn't be surprised by the arrival of an Imperial fleet looking to take the system back. That also explained why he only kept a very minimal garrison on the world; if they were trapped on this planet, he didn't want his people to suffer because they put all their eggs in one basket.

Walking over to one of the stations, Ral leaned over, "What do you have for me today?"

"Looks like a small transport ship, just jumped out of hyperspace and is making its way down to the planet. It seems to be flying towards the outpost, sir!"

Ral frowned as he hummed thoughtfully to himself. "Curious, does the ship having any marks or identifications?"

"It appears to be called a Snowball's Chance in Mustafar, alor," The officer replied.

Chuckling, Ral nodded his acknowledgement, "Quaint, alright then, when they land we'll go out to greet them. Full guard, I don't want this to be some kind of merc group or raiding party. Hopefully its just a vod looking for a home, but we can't take any chances. Have our security detail meet me out by the front entrance."

The Mandalorian made his way down to the main entrance of the old MandalMotors R&D facility and there met a twelve man security contingent all in aliit'gam. They knew Ral would take point and wouldn't open fire unless ordered to do so or in self defense. As he prepared to walk out of the front entrance, his helmet picked up motion just on the other side of the doors. Looks like whoever had landed outside had decided to come in to investigate. Motioning to his men to spread out, Ral stood in the center as a fairly tall figure in beskar'gam walked into main atrium of the facility, which had been moderately repaired of the damage it had sustained in the recent conflict. Ral eyed this Mandalorian as the verde to his left and right trained their weapons on the newcomer. Raising his hand, Ral had the guards lower their weapons. "Welcome to the Confederacy's outpost on Roon, may I ask what you're doing here?"

 

[Arterius]

Deunan looked over the squad as they came to greet her, her face beneath that t-visor invisible but one could almost feel the power of her rolling eyes
'Mother, as always, you're gonna put me in my grave'
She assessed them all, they were well armed that was for certain, and for a lesser individual no doubt they would be a terror to behold. But it was clear she wasn't afraid, in fact, for a minute she thought about how many of them she could hit with her blasters before they took her down. It was a arrogant habit she developed in her youth, a game of hubris she often played with herself- luckily the game had never truly been played. Instead she just swept a look over the warriors before her... before her gaze became fixated on Ral. With the others obeying his commands she couldn't help but smile at her good fortune that her welcoming party did not decide to shower her in blaster-fire confetti. After a few moments of collecting herself, she raised her hands in a symbol of peace and spoke.

"Quite a place you got here" her voice slightly distorted by the helmet, it was a distinctly smokey thing in its tone. Seeming to reek of a youthful attitude. "The name is Deunan, Deunan Howl. My Mother was a..." she struggled for a moment before continuing, the language she was about to use not her strongest suit "...Mando'ade, before she died. She left me with the ship i came in with, this armour, and these co-ordinates." Slowly she began to lower her hands then, no longer feeling threatened but still cautious she kept any and all sudden movements to herself.

"She wanted me to come here, to learn more about my heritage, and that's exactly why i came. I lost my mother, i dont want to lose my identity." Interesting words she thought to herself as she stood there, watching Ral, talking of identity as she peered into his visor through her own. The industrious nature of the facility around them finally settled in now, and it seemed... time tested, but sturdy.
'Just like mother.'

"I'd also like not to be riddled with blaster fire"

 

[Ral]

Ral stood watching the newcomer for a few moments as the Mandalorian seemed to take in the scene before her. After a few silent seconds the figure raised her hands and finally spoke. Though distorted by the helmet's vocabulator, the voice was decidedly feminine, rather smokey, yet young. Judging by the slender build of the armor, she was probably a rather lanky female, or at least an athletically built one if she was like any other Mandalorian female Ral had met. The man stood there and listened as the woman, who introduced herself as Deunan Howl explained why she had come to Roon. Howl wasn't a name Ral was familiar with, but there were many Mandalorian families and clans Ral would have never met even if he was Mandalore. Still, he would be more than happy to learn more about this women before him. When she was done, Ral chuckled and nodded his head.

Reaching up, the man unclasped the seal of his helmet, and with a quiet hiss removed it from his head before clipping it onto his belt. Looking at the red, orange, and gold armored female before him with his own two eyes, he smiled and beckoned her forward. Ral offered her his hand in greeting, and though he wasn't entirely sure he could trust this female to be perfectly honest, he knew that trust had to start by showing a sign of good faith, and he hoped the girl wasn't suicidal enough to try and take on a full squad of armored and armed Mandalorians.

"Well then, welcome Deunan Howl, my name is Ral Aran, I am Aliit'Alor of clan Renelo and a leader of the Confederacy whose outpost you seemed to have found in your travels. No doubt your mother had intended you to find the old MandalMotors facility here, but I'm afraid they're long gone. It's probably a good thing, had you tried coming here while they were still here you probably would have been killed by the minefields or the Imperial fleet blockading the system!" Ral chuckled a little at himself. "So, you're here to honor your mother's wishes and learn about who she was and who you are, huh? I think I might be able to help. So long as you don't do anything crazy you are welcome here, and definitely won't have to worry about getting riddled by blaster fire. Sound like a fair deal to you?"

 

[Arterius]

Deunan watched him carefully and took a step forward to meet him. Her Mando'a was rusty, but she knew more or less what Aliit'Alor meant. The Long and short of it, despite his elaboration, it meant he was the big dog... though leader of the Confederacy? Damn, he wasn't just a big dog, he was THE big dog. And there he was offering her his hand, and with his face revealed she was awestruck. Though she would never admit it.

'Well, aren't we a handsome boy' she thought as she examined his face, particularly drawn to the scars. She liked scars. And so she decided to reveal her own. Not long after he removed his helm she too removed hers, unlatching it with the familiar hiss she clasped it almost reverently betwixt both hands as she removed it and delicately cradled it under her arm. It could get stuffy in that helmet and so she ran her gloved hand through the wild yet short red lockes of her hair, and offered her hand in kind to the Alor, taking his hand in a firm grasp of her own. A smile spread upon her lips like force lightning crackling from a mad sith's fingers. Now he'd be able to see her own scars, hardening a deceptively young face with eyes that ran deep with age born of fighting. Clearly her life had not at all been easy with tough eyes like that, but having a Mandalorian for a mother and naturally loving a life full of combat, who would be surprised? If she thought about it, she'd certainly doubt that Ral would be.

"Its an honour to meet you Ral Aran, if i had known i'd be meeting someone like yourself, an Alor, i may have thoroughly made sure my armour was polished" she offered him a wolfish grin, glancing to her blaster scuffed helmet "I'll happily accept what guidance you can give me, and that sounds like more than fair deal to me. i wont cause you any trouble." Her words were sincere, it could be heard in her smoky voice and seen in her gaze "I just want to honour my buir, not disgrace her- though like you say its a good job i came now. Being blown to bits by mines or an Imperial Fleet would've really thrown a wrench in that plan"

 

[Ral]

Seeing the woman remove her helmet was a nice surprise; it certainly wasn't required, though in Ral's mind it was polite. Just as expected, she was young, her face still relatively youthful, but scarred in a few placed. It was something that didn't really surprise Ral. Anyone raised to be a fighter, and the way this young woman carried herself told him that she was, would have scars. Taking her hand in his he gave her a polite grin and shook it. Her eyes told him of a tough young woman. Good, we need that kind of spirit, Ral's mind spoke as he examined the short red hair, the beautiful that looked like jade and appeared as hard as it too, and the freckles that covered her pale skin. Attractive to say the least; one could never have enough attractive women who could rip the ears off a gundark. The scars didn't particularly detract from her appearance, if anything they enhanced it, but then again that was just Ral's preference on things.

As she intimated that it was an honour to meet him, his grin widened a bit, but he waved it off with a carefree hand as he released her hand. "Please, I'm not much for titles, just call me Ral, no need for the alor or any decorum around me. I'm a simple man. The honour of our meeting, and of any help I might provide, is all mine. Now, if everyone here is satisfied that there won't be any issues, let's go for a bit of a walk and I can help you out with what you'd like to know." Ral looked to the guards around him and heard no objections. And with that he gave a light smile to the woman in front of him.

Ral motioned off to the nearby set of stairs and he started walking, dismissing most of his guards. A pair of trusted Renelo commandos kept their distance several meters behind and out of earshot, just in case something happened. "Now, tell me a little bit about yourself miss Deunan, and a little about your late buir if you don't mind. I'd like to know what kind of woman she was. Feel free to ask any questions of me, by the way. And I suppose you'd like to know about us? What kind of questions do you have about your heritage?"

 

[Arterius]

The pair would walk together, and Deunan kept herself beside Ral as they began their casual stride through the facility. As the main bulk of the guards peeled away at his command, she smiled to herself with the gesture. No doubt the pair that shadowed them were protection enough, but the fact she was willing to extend to her a level of trust so soon was comforting. He seemed like a gentleman warrior, keen to the needs of his people, extending such courtesy to her so soon just because she was Mandalorian blood was evidence to this, it made perfect sense to her now as to why he was the Aliit'Alor of Clan Renelo. He gave off a rather charismatic vibe that Deunan found appealing, and easy to open up to. Had she know of their shared fondness of scars, she might've found herself grinning.

As he declined her use of his titles humbly, she simply chuckled and nodded in kind "Ral it is, and feel free to call me Dune. Its an old nickname" there was a brief moment of silence as they pushed up the steps, listening to his inquiries. He had every right to know what he asked, not only because she had turned up on his door step seeking his aid, but due to his commanding status as a fellow Mando'ade. Deunan may have been new to Mandalorian ways, but she wasnt that new.

"Well then, about me... my buir came from Concord Dawn, but had to leave for reasons she never spoke of. In fact, whenever i'd bring it up i'd get a solid glare but no words. I never had a father though, my biological father was from Serenno, but he and buir parted ways. Violently. He spent the next thirteen years sending mercs after us. It never ended well for the mercs" she shrugged honestly at that before she continued "The closest thing to a Father i had was a Bounty Hunter called Mal, also a Mandalorian. In truth i think that was why buir liked him. He was the one who really got me into these babies" she tapped the inward facing hilts of her two belt-holstered Thunderer blaster pistols. "But me and buir, in between jobs, we'd train if i wasnt working on my blaster skills and she'd teach me Mando'a. She was always used to talk about 'going home' and tried her damnedest to make sure i was prepped for it. Though since she passed, my Mando'a is rusty, so you'll have to forgive me."

Softly a melancholic smile crept on her face "But i think you would have liked her, she was a ferocious woman, dedicated and loyal. Tough but not merciless, well, not merciless unless i was in harms way anyway. She used to say 'aliit jaon'kov an'" the way she said that, it'd be clear that she wasnt entirely sure of what it exactly meant, but she had an idea.
"I just want to know everything i can, about the culture, everything. How are the Mando'ade after what happened?" clearly she referred to the Imperial act that scorned so many of her people, though she wouldnt be clearer than that

 

[Ral]

"Dune, eh? Nice, rather cute, if you don't mind me saying." Ral smiled at Deunan, and gave a light laugh at his own comment, proceeding up the stairs. When they reached the top he proceeded through a pair of destroyed double doors, taking a left out onto a sunny terrace. Listening to the tall redhead talk about herself and her mother, Ral was content to simply pay attention and remain quiet as she spoke of her post a little. It was good to hear a someone open up to him, and he was happy that his display of trust was being reciprocated by this youthful woman. For Ral it was always good to hear about someone else, how they grew up and how they lived. When she finished by apologizing for her rusty Mando'a, Ral chuckled a little as he leaned in and whispered quietly. "No need to apologize, my Dune, I rarely use it myself."

As she continued to speak on about her mother, Ral found himself agreeing that he probably would have liked Deunan's mother. When she finally finished, he hummed and smiled as he looked out over the green fields of Roon before him before turning back to face Dune. "Well well, that was quite an interesting story you have to tell there, Dune! I'm glad you shared though, truly. I think you're right, I do think I would have liked your mother, sounds smart and wise. Shame she has passed on, but she sounds to have been strong in life, her spirit will find its way to the halls of our fathers in Manda. At the very least though, I'd say she did a pretty decent job at raising you, you turned out to be very... Mandokarla."

Pausing for a moment, Ral stopped and leaned out on the rail of the terrace with the sun on his face. "If by what happened you mean the Claimant Wars and the Imperial Genocide, then not well. Those of us who escaped are banged up and still bloody, even after all these years. Are numbers have been reduced to a mere handful, and the remnants of the clans are scattered like sand in the wind. I've been doing my best to reunite others, but it's slow work as you can guess. Many are unwilling or distrustful of a group like the Confederacy, though our intentions are sincere; we simply want to rebuild our culture. None of us have the notion to claim the title of Mand'alor or force others to join us. Well, at least not yet anyways, though I suppose it's a possibility for the future. For now we're just trying to regroup and evolve in this new Galaxy we find ourselves in. Our people became complacent, too concerned with personal honour and glory, rather letting their entire clan starve or burn then accept help. I won't let that happen to us again, we can't survive another genocide or civil war over foolish notions."

Ral realized he was starting to rant and he blushed, looking at the woman next to him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to come off negatively. As for the culture, well, we're reverting to our old ways, becoming mercenaries and wanderers. Though I think this is for the best, at least for now. We need to get in touch with our roots, become fighting nomads like the crusaders of old. Outposts like these are for those who wish to settle down and start families, which is something we'll need to do if we wish to ensure we don't all die out." The man chuckled a little before continuing. "What else do you want to know? Anything specific? Otherwise I can stand here ranting away for days until you're either bored to death or starvation."

 

[Arterius]

Deunan cast her gaze downward when he complimented her on her nickname, grinning away to herself. She hadnt expected such a comment but it was appreciated all the same, though she couldnt help but wonder if the Aliit'Alor was being flirtatious with her- then again, even if he wasnt, her own minor hubris would probably like to think he was. Her grin transformed into a smiling chuckle however when he leaned in and whispered about his lack of using Mando'a, in the back of her mind she figured that was probably a lie to some degree, but it didnt matter. The fact he was being so kind was relieving.

And then ofcourse he said that, Mandokarla, and hated the fact she didnt have a helmet on to conceal the soft blush that rose in her cheeks. In truth she never got genuinely kind words, all she ever got was jabs at her for her armour, snide comments for her scars, or lecherously slimed words in regards to her figure. But receiving such benevolent comments, and honest ones no less, well it wouldnt be something she would forget. "You have kind words, Ral. I thank you for them, and despite the fact my buir would likely chastise you for it, im pretty sure she would too"

The girl followed Ral outside as he came to bear and rest upon that terrace rail, and listened to his dark tale which clashed so vehemently against the lush grassy plains of Room's beautiful landscape. The choice of location was an interesting one, Deunan had to admit; Mandalorians like her mother she always imagined lurking in desolate lands where only the strong survive, but here? A verdant land? it was a welcome clash to what she had thought. It was not distracting enough though to detract from listening to Ral, and she came to rest beside him, looking out over those fields too.

"Dont apologize for your passion, Ral. You care a lot of about your people, i dont really know you that well but i know that clear as day. From the tales my buir told me, war is thoroughly engrained in our culture, its not something that'll ever truly change. But believe me when i say that you're goals and attempts to unite and survive are valid ones, its something that my buir also believed in and i'll help you do it if you like, after all... you're helping me." Deunan would flash him a sly smile before looking back to the plains "I can go awhile without eating, Ral, but rather than see how long i can go i suppose there is one question that comes to mind. Im curious about the clans, buir mentioned that our people were forged of them... if i may be so bold, can i ask about yours?"

 

[Ral]

Ral smiled brightly when Deunan thanked him for his words, even laughing a bit when her mother said she probably would have chastised him for saying such things. He had noticed her blushing a little earlier, perhaps he had been a little too nice with his words, though it was often hard for him to not be honest about such things. Hopefully he hadn't made her uncomfortable, it didn't seem like he had, if anything she seemed a bit more relaxed around him the more he spoke. Up until recently it had been a long while since Ral had truly flirted with a female, and now he found himself doing it all the time it seems. Though, Ral remembered Kex's words, his first commando was a bit of a stick in the mud when it came to conversation, but after the alor had separated from his last partner Kex told him to go out and have some fun otherwise Ral was likely to end up grumpy. It was good, honest advice, and Ral had apparently taken it to heart. Whether he did so conscious or not her wasn't sure, but he knew that he seemed to be much more outgoing as of late.

Giving Dune a light pat on the back as he stood up he smiled warmly at the younger woman. "Well, thanks, I speak only my mind. Take it as you will, and I can only hope your mother's chastisement would be due to my boldness, I never had much tact you see. I do mean well, though, so I hope you and your buir's ghost can forgive me if I say something... a little too bold; I am unfortunately known to make gaffes from time to time."

Seeing the young woman flash him a smile before continuing on caused Ral to hum amusedly to himself for a few seconds as she asked her question. It caused him to frown a little, not because he was disappointed or anything, it was a thoughtful frown. Clearing his throat, he began to speak. "Well, I must thank you for your words. They are most generous, and I would be honored beyond belief to have your help. Truth be told, I rather inherited this clan from the former leader, Sisk Renelo, a great man with many flaws and deadly lust for vengeance which is what caused me to become leader of this clan. As far as my clan... I feel that will require a bit of an explanation. You see, my family, the Arans, are a small family of farmers who came from Concord Dawn. We were tied to the Fett Clan, and they were our vode. The Aran family were distinguished millenia ago as that of a group of loyal bodyguards to a Mandalore, a Fett, and since then the Arans were tied to the Fetts. During the Core Blitz, my parents, all the family I ever knew died. While I still believe myself to have ties to clan Fett, the truth is I haven't interacted with them in many many years. It wasn't until recently when Sisk Renelo brought me in as one of his Lieutenants. With his death the leadership passed to me.

"I can tell you a little about clan Renelo. It was formed a little over a decade ago by Sisk when the Protectors were disbanded. Many chose to remain with him and so he formed this clan. They are all warriors, fighters. Unfortunately, many of them are too honour-bound and hot-headed, so I took over to temper that bloodlust which has taken hold of so many of our number; that wanton need for revenge, for the spilling of Imperial Blood. You know what they say about revenge, you should always dig two graves. Sadly, such quests will be the end of our people. So, I've had to reshape the clan. We are all a family, we look after the young and the elderly, our warriors have learned to fight when it is smart to fight, and to wisely withdraw from a fight when it would cause us too much harm. Renelo is a clan of shadow warriors, commandos and infiltrators. Each clan has its own customs, things that make them unique. For example, Bralor is made of artisans, Renelo is now like Ordo, they are warriors who prefer stealth and the shadows, for in these times it is the only way for us to fight and survive. You said it yourself and your mother was right, war is engrained in our culture, I can't change that nor would I want to, but to change war both intelligently and wisely, that I can try and change. If you serve with the Confederacy, if you fight, struggle, and work to rebuild with us, I'll consider you a vod, Dune, I'd consider you family."

 

[Arterius]

She couldnt help but laugh as they talked about her mother's judgement from beyond, shaking her head in amusement "As someone who never had too much tact either, trust me, im pretty sure she can forgive you if she could somehow forgive this" gesturing over herself with a wave of a gloved hand in an almost showman style way "Im sure she can forgive you too, so dont worry" and with that she winked at him playfully.

The next few minutes she spent idly leaning on that rail, her jade gaze settled now on Ral as she spoke of his Clan and how he came to be, the name Fett caused her to cock a brow curiously as it touched her ears, but she attentively listened. Ral had a rich and full history, a family family of farmers, and yet they were steeped in such lore and he lifetime experiencing it. They were tied to a Mandalore, that was quite the honour even to her. In truth Deunan was a little jealous, she knew very little about her own Clan. Her Mother would not speak of them in details, The Howls, instead she would often remark about them being 'Good soldiers' and 'Loyal fighters', titles she was sure many Mandalorians would apply to their Clan. Deunan was to me made aware truly when she came of age, but, her mother never lived to see that day come. "It must have been pretty daunting when that mantle got passed to you, right? Gotta be a lot of responsibility, dont know if i could hack it, being in charge" she chuckled at the very idea of herself at the head of a Clan. The picture comically didnt end well, after all, she had spent most of her life under the wing of another.

"Still, you've been kind enough to offer me your help, and so i will offer you mine in turn" with that she nodded sharply "I'll pledge my aid to yourself and the Confederacy, and see if i can help you curb some of the bloodlust our people are ravaged by. Like you say, we need to be smart, the wounds have gotta be healed. I'm fairly certain we can do that, and i'll help anyway i can... we might have war in us but it we cant let it rule us, not entirely anyway. Not that i dont like a good fight" a wolfish grin spread on her lips "So, Ral Aran, you may consider me Vod from this point on. Lets see if we can save the Mando'ade"

 

[Ral]

"Oh, I'm sure you weren't that bad." He gave the redhead a wink back as he, placed a hand in her short red hair and ruffled it a little, laughing lightly at what she said. When he finished speaking she commented that it must have been daunting to become the leader of a clan, and she wasn't wrong, but that was something Ral couldn't show to anyone, at least not someone he wasn't intimately close with, so he simply smiled and nodded. "I've found that it's when we are thrust into a situation that we weren't expecting is when we truly shine. I'm sure if you were placed into my position you'd learn to make it work. After all, before all this my experience in leading others were minimal at best. All that really matters is if you're going to step up to the challenge and give it your all, or cower away from it before even giving it a shot."

Pausing he stepped away from the rail and motioned to Deunan to follow him. "Well, you're a fellow Mando'ade; in this time we can't afford not to help each other out. There's something about you though, I'm sure I would have helped you out anyways; I don't do this to gain allies, I do it because it's the right thing for us to do. But anyhow, I thank you for your offer, and your pledge. From this point on you will be my vod," Ral placed his right hand on his chest then extended it towards her as a sign of the bond that was now between the two. With that done he would continue walking so they would get out of the sun and proceed back into the facility. "Tell me, Dune, what else would you like to talk about? What else do you wish to discuss with me? Do you wish to get to know more about one another, or do you want to see what you can do for the clans?"

 

[Arterius]

"You didnt see me growing up, Ral!" she laughed in response to his hand through her hair, a somewhat new experience. Last time somehow had fingers in her hair it was an angry wookiee using it to launch her across a cantina. Not that she'd ever talk about this without a few drinks in her, and the thought made her grumble a little, only to replaced with a smirk as she followed him once more. "With talk like that, i can see why you're an Alor, Ral. Gotta hand it to you for stepping up, never quite seen soldiers quite so loyal as the ones you greeted me with, looks like you were definitely the right Mando'ade for the job."

His words about being a kind man forced a soft, quiet chuckle to escape her... after all there werent many of those in the galaxy. The Jedi were abit too trumped up in her eyes to be genuinely considered 'nice', its like they were pleasant for fear of getting red eyes and wrinkles in Deunan's mind. "it is kind of you to be that way, Ral, dont meet many who would go out on a limb for a stranger... even if they are of their own people. But it'll be my honour to be your vod" Deunan acted in kind, matching his symbolic gesture before they continued on. A bit of a proud smirk on her lips that seemed tor radiate with a form of suppressed glee.
Finally. She thought. A home.

"I wouldnt mind a drink if you have any, it was a bit of a long trip, and with my two sarcastic Astro droids for company it can sure take it out of me" with a playful smirk she ran a gloved hand through her hair before continuing. "I've often preferred getting to know folks over a drink, if i like 'em. And you're my vod now, so you're definitely in that category. But i have to ask, now im going to be helping out, what kind of stuff would you like me to do? Im pretty handy in a fight and my ship, well, its quite flexible in what it can do"

 

[Ral]

"You are too kind, my dear Dune, much too kind. I did it because it needed to be done. I couldn't let Sisk's legacy fade into nothingness with the rest of our clans... but thank you for them anyways. It means a lot to have someone say them." Ral grinned at Deunan for a moment. When she complimented him for his kindness, he kept smiling and shrugged. It was just a natural thing for him. But despite that, she seemed to be happy if the smirk that formed on her lips was any indication. "Once again, Dune, the honour is all mine. It is my hope that others will see my example and know that I only have our people's best at heart."

When Deunan mentioned having a drink, Ral chuckled and nodded pointing to a nearby doorway before starting towards it, placing a hand on her back for a moment so she knew to follow him. "We established a bar. It's right this way. And I'm glad you like me, Dune, I certainly like you from what I've seen and heard so far. As for what you can do... well whatever you'd like to do really. As long as you're taking a load off of my shoulders I will be truthfully very grateful. We always have a need for more commandos and pilots. I'll put you in contact with Kex, my First Commando, maybe he'll have a spot for you. Sound good? Other than that, feel free to impress me with whatever other skills you have!"

As he said that they reached the bar, turning to the younger woman he winked and said, "First round is on me, okay? No exceptions."

 

[Arterius]

"Whats not to like?" She offered him with a grin and a wink, guided in by the hand at her back "And yeah, sounds good, I'll handle whatever Kex throws at me, and if you have a task or two, dont hesitate to ask. I have many skills" as they entered the bar she turned to face him, playfully thumping him with the flat of her hand on his armoured chest "One such skill happens to be drinking with the tolerance of a sarlacc, just so you know"

It didnt take long for Deunan to bound to the bar as they entered the room, moving with surprising grace despite her armour and a spring in her step that only seemed to ever emerge when drinks where around- if Ral went out on the booze with Deunan again, he would begin to become very familiar with that stride, her 'Booze Gallop' as it was often known. With a smile and hum of pleasure she quickly drummed out an energetic beat at the bar with her hands and looked back to Ral, that scarred youthful face alive with an almost sinister grin.
"You wont hear me arguing about who's round it is, Ral. Im more than happy to get the second round, vod" the word rolled free of her lip with a certain element of affection, and she quickly looked back towards the bar, eyeing up the selections that she could see. It had been a good day.

 

[Ral]

Ral blushed a little at Deunan's comment and wink. For someone who was little more than a stranger she was certainly nice, and perhaps a little flirty if Ral was reading her signals right, not that he was, or that he minded at all. After all, he was certainly being very complimentary and kind to her, so really he was flirting with her too. Smiling lightly as they walked into the bar, he chuckled at her last comment about being able to drink a lot. "I'm glad to hear it, and I'm sure Kex will be too. Now, let's see how tolerant you are, and if you're really as tough as you think you are."

Ral gave Deunan a wink as he waved to the bartender and had him pour them a pair off the tap. The bar really didn't look much like a bar, but Ral and Inga thought it wise to add a place where they could get drinks and share the camaraderie with other vod, so they threw one together in a spare room. Sitting down at the bar, Ral passed a large mug of ale towards Deunan. Tapping the edge of her drink with his own he winked and smiled warmly at the younger female. "To new friends, yeh?" Ral took a swig of the drink, a deep long swig that is, before placing the mug on the counter top with a resounding thud. "So how are you doing with all of this, Dune?"

 

[Arterius]

In truth she probably was flirting with him in a way, not that she could rightly help herself, aside from being in a frightfully good mood, welcomed into a brand new family, Ral was an attractive and scarred man. Overall, all triggers for her mind to let go of its tight grip on some of her inhibitions. "You challenge my toughness, do you? oh you shall regret that"

"To new friends" the grin that followed disappeared behind the rim of her mug after his and hers clacked together in camaraderie, sealing them as vod now as they took their long gulps of the substance. A substance that made the fair skin of Deunan's cheeks gain a glow of their own. She may've had the tolerance of a Sarlacc, but it had been an unexpectedly long time it appeared. The flavor was full and strong, like any good drink, and had she not had a stronger constitution, it would've barreled straight to her head.

With froth all over her upper lip she sat there, leaving her frothy mustache for a moment with a goofy smile plastered on her lips for comedic effect before wiping it away. The grin remained, though she lost a splendid mustache. "I'm... pretty good, actually. Its been a long time for me to just sit down, drink, enjoy myself in general, y'know?" her eyes drifted to her helmet now as it sat on the bar beside her, and with a certain reverence, she traced the orange trim of her visor "And now that im your vod, now i have a family again, things can only get better"

Smiling she lifted her mug to Ral and continued "So, apart from Kex, who else can i expect the pleasure of meeting now im fighting with the Confederacy?"

 

[Ral]

"Oh, I do! And we shall see if I will regret that decision in the morning!" The Mandalorian laughed heartily at that as he smiled at the girl. After their initial toast and drink, Ral asked his question and sat next to the tall redhead and continued to drink on his beer for a while. He chuckled at Deunan's foam mustache before she wiped it away and started answering his question. "Mmm, I know what you mean my dear. It's been our fate it seems, at least mine. I've been working quite a bit lately and it's been hard to catch a good honest break. Most of the time my breaks end up just being working holidays and not a real vacation. And look at that, now you're my vod, my family... Ya know... it might be a little self-centered to say this, so I hope you don't take it that way, but I'm glad I could help you find a place where you could belong; a family. It's just that kind of feeling is what I want others to feel when they join us. I want them to feel like they belong, like they've finally arrived at a home they can call their own."

Ral chuckled a little at himself as he raised his mug with Deunan's in a toast and downed what was left of it. Motioning to the bartender for a refill, Ral turned to look at Deunan as he rested his head on one of his hands. He stared at her for a little, probably a little too long, before looking back at his drink. Lifting it up, he took a sip and placed it back down on the counter. "Well, you might meet our leaders Arya; Inga; Echoylir; then there are the Laars though I'd be careful around them, they're sort of loose cannons and are very temperamental; then there's Ceres, Cabur, Aaron, some Bralor's whose names escape me. And well, a whole lot of others." The man chuckled a little as he gazed into the woman's jade green eyes. "Though, Kex or Ceres will probably be the two you interact with most. Ceres takes care of our starfighters and Kex commands Renelo's special forces. Any more questions ya got for me?"

 

[Arterius]

With a chortle Deunan finished the last of her drink, letting loose a quiet sigh of satisfaction and gesturing for another refill of her own "My round, remember?" not that she'd give him a choice in the matter, she had a habit of keeping her word even when she didnt want to. It could on occasion be an irritating personally trait for her. Though when he mentioned his words may seem self service, she gave him a reassuring grin and a squeeze on what was no doubt an armoured shoulder "A little self serving maybe" the grin becoming a bit more sly "But wanting to help others in that way, to give them a home? That's a great thing you're doing. I'd say if it sounds self-serving but it helps, who cares- i'm glad you could help me"

She could feel the lingering gaze on her though as she took a sip of her refill, and felt a little swell of something warm in her chest as a smile cracked from the side of her mug as she swallowed. Did he mean to stare at her? was he looking at her scars? either way it filled her chest with the delightfully unfamiliar heat bloom. 'I think my time here will be a very interesting one' crossed her mind, and her hard jade eyes locked onto Ral's as their gaze met for a moment, and for a flicker they softened.

Then came the names, the names she needed to know. The names were all put to memory, branded in her mind for immediate reach, with extra detail put to the 'loose cannons' to be wary of. A chuckle rolled free from Deunan's lips and she drummed fingers across the top of her helmet, which she was now idly leaning an arm on "I'll keep an eye out. Though i will definitely make a point of introducing myself to Kex and Ceres. I imagine they're busy people though" she chased her words with another sip of her drink, her head shaking in mild amusement.
Wracking a brain, no more questions presented themselves... save one, perhaps.

"So, if its not to personal a question" her finger tracing the rim of her mug "There a special somebody in your life?" that wolfish grin spreading once more. The girl was a cheshire cat, all grins.

 

[Ral]

"Mmmm, right right," Ral muttered as he looked at Deunan while she squeezed his shoulder. The man smiled at her as she gestured for a refill. Looking back at his mug when she said that his remark sounded a little self-serving, but then it was a good what he was doing, and that she was glad that he had helped her. That last part caused him to grin a little. He took a drink with her before looking back, taking in the exposed skin of her face; the freckles, the scars, the eyes, the way her short reddish hair fell. With a smirk on his face he gave a quiet chuckle before responding. "Well, I couldn't rightly let a cu-young lost thing like you'self go without helpin' ya out!"

Ral winked at the woman next to him as he took another sip of his drink, and his cheeks flushed a little at his near mix up; he didn't want to send off the wrong message or make her uncomfortable after all, not like he had drunk enough to blame it on the ale. When she stated that she'd keep and eye out and introduce herself to Kex and Ceres he laughed at that. "Aye, Ceres is a little cold. I'm probably the only person she's shown any amount of warmth too, Kex is also a bit of a stick in the mud, but he's a good man. They're both good people, good vod actually."

Then came the question. A "personal question" as it were. Looking at her curiously as Deunan traced the rim of her mug with a finger as she seemed to pause either for dramatic effect or because she wasn't sure how to ask it. But ask it she did. Ral grinned in response as he looked at his mug. Lifting it off the counter, Ral downed the remaining third in a few seconds, clearing his throat and glancing back at the young woman. "If you must know, no there isn't. I'm... sort of on the market more or less. To be honest... I'm not really looking for anything serious... I just kind of got out of a long term thing and with the Confederacy and the clan I don't think I'd have the time, much less the desire, to hop into something like that again. Though, that doesn't mean I still don't enjoy the company of a lovely lady every now and then." Ral chuckled and he gave Deunan a wink as he signaled for the next round. "Why do you ask?"