Iron Sharpens Iron

[Leandros Solus]

Now in the barren deserts of Mandalore, Leandros and his fellow pilgrims (and others who may have joined along the way!) experience the next trials of the pilgrimage – dehydration and delusion. They must find a rumored oasis or risk perishing in the sands. They must be wary, however, for there are dangerous things that lurk in these arid wastes.

@Painus @Ecclessey @Gian Greydragon @TheMorrigan @Anyone else who wants to join

Theme​

The journey was long, and the trip arduous. It had been several days since the group of pilgrims first stepped off on their great undertaking, with few periods of rest in between. Leandros moved with newfound purpose, desiring to reach the end of their trip and complete the pilgrimage. Through the plains, he kept the group moving at a quick, restless pace, eager to reach the second great obstacle of their voyage – the desert. As the landscape became more arid and the vegetation started to die out and was replaced by hardier plants, he slowed their pace, not wanting to exert their bodies too much and risk death. Too many pilgrims tried to power through this part of the journey, and too many of them had perished in the wastes, never to be seen again. He knew they would find the sun-bleached bones out in the wastes if they continued on the path, but he hoped they would not join them.

Leandros walked through the warm sands, peering through his tinted visor ahead. Far in the distance he could see the mountains that held their goal, but a vast ocean of dunes stood between them. Overhead, the sun beamed, the heat and lack of humidity causing him to sweat. He lifted his helmet and took a swig of water from one of his skins before putting it back, shaking his head.

The others with him had remained by his side, and, over the past few days, he got to know them quite well. He knew that this step in the journey would test them all, and he hoped they could lean on each other for support, putting aside any animosity if it were present. There were rumors of an oasis along the journey where many pilgrims would refresh themselves and strengthen their bodies and spirits for the climb after, but he was certain it was just a myth. Leandros halted and looked to the rest of the group, shaking his head. They had been in the desert for some time now, and it only seemed to stretch to infinity in every direction.

”How are we doing?” he asked the group, looking over its members, curious as to their statuses.

 

[Rud Solus]

With every step more stand managed to find its well into his boot, which would with Rud's next step press itself into his prostethics and ruin the joints. Worst thing was he couldn't really do something about it because once the sun started heating up the metal there was no way he would be able to cool it off again. This whole pilgrimage was the worst idea Leandros had ever had... and by bloody manda Rud couldn't fathom why he joined.

If this didn't work then nothing would.

He took the cloth from his head and wrung it out, the sweat dripping freely onto the sands and for the millionth time having Rud wonder if it wasn't better to preserve it so he had something to drink later on. His helmet hung from a strap attached to his belt and kept colliding against his left outer thigh, causing the skin underneath to become blue due to repeated battery. When Leandros, their fearless and obviously moronic leader in this pilgrimage, stopped, Rud quickly placed the piece of cloth back on his head and stepped up his pace in an effort to use the Field Marshal's brief pause to catch up. His prostethics had meant he had fallen back slightly...

"I think I'm nearing the four-hundred and fifty-third way I could kill a religious man out here and hide his body." the invalid rally master cried angrily in response to Lenny's question. Ofcourse they weren't doing well, you bantha-licker.

@Painus

 

[Rayne Kelborn]

Rayne was trudging across the burning wastes of this desert, keeping pace with the zelotous @Leandros Solus, the whole of their group had been more than tested here, and the unforgiving heat of the sun beat across all their gear. Knowing what the plan was Rayne had packed up more than enough water to make the trip, or si she thought. Where many of her weapons had hung now only water skins did, choosing to forgo all but three of her normal armament in place of additional water supplies. A large backpack that once held multiple water canisters and a handful of days worth of dried food rations now held only the food and one remaining canister.

How easy it would be to call for her ship to pick her up and resupply, she thought often, but this was not merely about survival, or even about making the treck to wherever it was they were going, no this was as much a test of faith, as it was of endurance, and to Rayne's benefit she possessed ample amounts of both.

@Leandros Solus was a ranking member in the Mandalorian community, he was even on the war council, but here, on this trip, that meant nothing they were all equal in the eyes of Kad.

When he stopped to take inventory of the crowd behind him, Rayne, who was at his side heard the complaints of many, as @Leandros Solus was but one man it would take more than he alone to see this through.

Remember your faith brothers and sisters, the gods did not create us so that our lives would be easy... Rayne preached, taking her helmet off to do so. She needed a drink again and as she drained half of the last canister from her back pack she offered the rest of it to @Rud Solus, Stay vigilant brother, in your faith there is strength to press on. We will reach our destination.. Rayne said.

 

[Arturo Solus]

It didn't take Arturo long to reach the top of the crag, sweat trickling down his brow, his chest heaving from exertion. The stone, sun-baked and jagged, scorched his palms as he climbed, making his ascent all the more precarious. For a time he didn't think he'd make it; the gear he was hauling weighed him down, slowed his movements, and more than once he overbalanced, and stumbled. If he hadn't caught himself, the descent would've been one of pain. It still might be, he thought, slinging his pack down, taking a deep breath through parched lips as he stood tall, fingers interlocked behind his head to open up his lungs, and let the oxygen do its thing.

The air was hot. Too damn hot.

Letting out a sigh, Arturo's arms dropped as he squatted down, searching his pack for the binocs he'd brought. Most of his gear was back with the rest of the pilgrims, safe and sound with the half-dozen warriors who'd volunteered to come along on the pilgrimage with him. His Beskar'gam, vambraces, and his share of the food was there; it didn't need guarding. He trusted all of the pilgrims implicitly; they were good warriors, true Mando'ade who sought to honor the Gods through toil, blood and tears. Arturo respected them all, though, he'd never told them so. That went without saying.

Shaking sand free of the lenses -it gets everywhere!- Arturo put the binocs to his eyes, squinting even as they adjusted to the light. The sun, merciless in its pursuit of seeing them all burnt to a crisp, illuminated a world of sand and rock and nothingness. It revealed a kingdom that belonged to no man, woman or organization, a land as yet untamed. Arturo scanned the horizon, noting their destination so, so far away. There was nothing but shifting sands in every direction bar the one from which they'd come.

Well, damn. Stowing the binocs, Arturo took a sip from one of the three water skins he'd brought along for the journey. The water was warm but refreshing, and he realized as he stoppered the skin that he'd needed it. Dehydration was perhaps one of the biggest threats this desert posed; the wildlife and starvation came a close second. Arturo knew that for a fact. Hunger meant absolutely nothing when faced with the knowledge that the water would run out long before the food did. It was a problem they needed to solve, fast, and that was perhaps why he'd suggested scouting ahead. Leandros had made mention of a hidden oasis, deep within the desert. Rumor or not, the possibility alone was enough reason for him to be out here, high up on his perch. He had to try, for his sake as much as the pilgrims'. Their lives counted on the discovery of the oasis, if it existed.

He hoped it did.

Shading his eyes, Arturo looked upwards to the skies, searching for signs of life. Wildlife, no matter how tough, normally needed the sustenance water provided to survive and thrive. And, on more than one occasion, it was the wildlife that had led him to sources of water when he'd been out on the Hunt. Sometimes he had tracks to work with, sometimes sparse vegetation led the way. There was few signs of the former out here, and none of the latter. Which was great, really. Yeah...

Arturo's thoughts dragged to a stop as he focused his attention, sweltering in the baggy, sweat-soaked clothes he wore. Two dark specs graced the cloud-clear sky, off in the distance. They appeared, and disappeared, the heat warping and rising, creating a ripple effect. It was infuriating. For a moment there, he could've sworn he saw something. Birds, perhaps? Maybe... Possibly...

He sighed.

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros took his helmet off and wiped his head, smearing sweat across his gauntlet. The sun beat mercilessly down upon them, and it would hang high in the sky for many hours before giving way to the frigid night. They needed a place for shelter to rest, and the rumored oasis would provide exactly that and more. The only downside, unfortunately, is that it was a myth – few people knew of its exact location, and fewer still managed to make it there. The group traveling with him were a stalwart, dedicated bunch, but water was finite and the sand stretched forever. He had sent Arturo, a close friend and clanmate, ahead to try and spot the mythical oasis, but the rest of the group needed a moment’s respite.

Leandros watched Rud trudge up, the sand making his prosthetics heavier and harder to use. He felt for the man, but knew that this was an arduous journey for a reason. Everyone had trials and travails to overcome; this would be one of his. He put his helmet back on to block the sun out and sighed, shaking his head at Rud’s anger-induced outburst. ”Kelborn’s right,” he said after Rayne reassured him, ”The gods test our faith in many ways. They do not desire their servants to be of weak mind, body, and soul, and so this journey is to prove that we deserve their graces.” He took one of his skins out from his pack and tossed it towards Rud. Leandros had one skin of water left, and he needed to make it last just long enough to find the oasis. Just long enough to refill them.

Just long enough to save their lives.

His chest heaved with each deep breath, his body tired and sore from the trip so far. They had such a great distance to cover, and he began to doubt if they would make it. For a moment, he questioned his decision to make the journey, but he quickly batted such thoughts aside. The body was weak, but the spirit must remain strong. His faith would carry him through to the end.

Leandros turned towards where Arturo had climbed, seeing the faint silhouette of the man against the bright blue sky. He lifted his helmet up and put his fingers to his dried, cracking lips, attempting a sharp whistle. It took a few tries, but eventually a piercing keening noise slipped from his lips, hopefully alerting the man to the group below. He waved his hands, beckoning for him to return with his findings, for they were about to set off again in their search. He had some of Arturo’s men carry his belongings, hoping to meet him halfway, and prepared to set off towards him.

Huh.

He blinked a few times, his eyes having seen a momentary glimpse of two black spots far in the distance in the direction of their destination. For a moment, he believed his mind was playing tricks on him, and, he was sure, Hod Ha’ran’s impish gaze fell upon them to lead them astray. Something, however, told him that it was worth investigating, if only to get them closer to the mountains. Leandros stepped off, ushering the rest of the pilgrims along. ”Come,” he said as he waved them forward with him, ”We have salvation to find.”

@Ecclessey @Mad Dog @Kraken

 

[Rayne Kelborn]

Rayne had refreshed herself mostly with some of her water, and watched as Arturo made the hard climb up the rocks, feeling guilty as her grapple gun sat clipped to her side, she should have offered it to the man to make his climb easier..

She was in the middle of sharing some water with a sun beat pilgrim when Leandros gave the order to press on. Telling the pilgrim to keep her canister, Rayne returned to Leandros' side, trudging alongside him as they made their way through the desert. Brother, our flock is in dire need of additional water.. we must find this oasis.. Rayne said, her body had been weakened by the long journey and the beating the unrelenting sun had provided, but her spirit it seemed remained unblemished.

After a long while through the desert, and after wiping some sweat that had beaded it's way into her eyes, Rayne spotted, or thought she'd spotted a flash of movement in the distance, there was no shadow, but sand from a dune in that direction was continuing to fall, something, or someone, had moved. There.. Rayne said, pointing toward where it had happened, a second wind energizing her body, perhaps courtesy of the gods...

Rayne rushed up the dune, her boots and clothes heavy with sweat, the pain of exhaustion ignored by the magnetic force acting upon her, pulling her up the dune.. once at the top, Rayne gasped, her faith proving itself, a small rocky outcrop was present, and below it the sound of running water could be heard, with the dune surrounding it this small piece of heaven could not be seen from a distance, and due to the stone cieling, was unlikely it could be seen from overhead either.

Water! Rayne yelled, her words causing gasps and hopeful words from the pilgrims behind her, as she rushed forward. It was more like a cave than anything else, and a streak of water emerged from within, and disappeared also within it, the cave not sharing even a drop with the sands around it.

Rayne was the first one to enter the shady, cool, and moist cave, its darkness within stretching for some ways, but she paid no attention to that, the wide flowing water had her eyes locked on itself as she knelt beside it, other pilgrims flooding in to get their share of it. With both hands she cupped at it, drinking the clean, cool water from her dirty, sand ridden hands. Thank Kad.. she whispered, using the second cupped handful to splash over her hair and face, the cool water feeling against her dried sun beat face giving a long awaited sense of relief.

 

[Galaar Rau]

Galaar had taken up the rear of the formation, as more Mandalorians caught up with them. G1T warbled throughout the air, without a care in the world, as he was unaffected by the heat. Galaar looked upon him in envy, wishing nothing more than to be a droid at this moment. He would simply recharge when they set up camp. Though when he found his team, they'd just found water, by the Grace of Kad Ha'rangir himself.

"Well, hell, guess I found y'all right awn time. If Kad ain't awn my side, I don't have no other explanation," he chided, gripping his rag, and squeezing it over top of his head, and shaking the loose water free from his hair, though the droplets soon scorched on the rocks and gravel they landed on. He turned to Leandros, and bowed his head. "My apologies, sir, I was lost in thought, before G1T snapped me out of it. I'm here now, though, sir, and I'm ready to assist where I'm needed, sir." he spoke apologetically to his superior officer.

Galaar's helmet hung from a strap on his armor, allowing to hang freely in front of his chest, keeping both hands free while he moved about.

@Painus

 

[Rud Solus]

Rud was losing count at how many times he was offered someone's waterskin or bottle and allowed to drain it. It was foolish and against every protocol to do so while the recipient, Rud, still had his own waterskins filled with water. The fact that he was cranky didn't mean the others should put their own lives at risk. Even their glorious leader, the field marshal, threw Rud a waterskin he didn't necessarily need. Rud recalled very vividly how he was beaten as a child if he was so stupid to do so during a long hunt. His father had told him that if you can't take care of yourself you won't be able to take care of others, either.

If they didn't find an oasis soon, all of these proud mandalorians would find themselves in the care of a cripple.

Ofcourse, while Rud was enjoying the thought of leaving an exhausted and severely dehydrated Leandros behind in the everchanging sand dunes, Rayne found an oasis. Typical luck.

Rud followed with his extra waterskins and when he arrived at the cave he made sure to find a spot where the water wasn't filled with sand, from whoever decided to wash in it before they refilled theirs skins, and filled both his own and those he received. "Leandros, Rayne-" he called them as he held up their skins, "-don't forget these."

He wasn't going to lie when asked, but his stumps needed a rest from the cybernetics and they needed it badly.

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros marched onward, the heat of the merciless sun overhead baking him in his armor. Several times his mind drifted towards just activating his jetpack and flying to safety, but that would defeat the purpose of the arduous pilgrimage. This trail was designed to test their limits, to push them past the point of exhaustion and rational thought. The gods wanted to see them perform under the stress of death and commune with their enfeebled minds and peel back their superficial forms and see the true Mandalorian that lied beneath the flesh and bone of their mortal coils.

But damn if this desert was not endless.

The dune sea stretched on forever, though, by now, Leandros was sure his mind was playing tricks on him. Still he forced his body and his comrades to march forward in the direction of the birds he may have imagined in the hopes of finding their watering hole. Rayne had joined him at his side and reminded him of the necessity of finding the fabled oasis, to which he simply grunted a reply. They needed to conserve their energy; talking was too much of a waste. On and on they walked, each footstep feeling as if Leandros had tied logs to his legs and was trying to move.

At some point he thought he imagined movement among the dunes, but Rayne had beat him to the punch and began scrambling up a particularly large dune. Before he could stop her, she had scaled the hill and seemed to pause, taking in some captivating sight.

Water!

The singular word energized Leandros, but his mind remained skeptical. The heat and dehydration often deceived those lost, and a mirage was not uncommon. Without rushing forward and wasting his own energy, Leandros scaled the dune at his own pace, running a dried tongue over his cracked lips. Sweat trailed down his forehead and into one of his eyes and he blinked it away, staring in awe at the sight before him.

Water flowed forth from a small, difficult-to-see cave, and his body began to trudge forward on its own accord towards the sight, pulled by some inconceivable, magnetic force. He entered the cave and fell to his knees to scoop up mouthfuls of water, spitting out sand and splashing some on his face. It was incredible and refreshing, a sensation he had not experienced in his life. As he greedily drank the water, he muttered thanks and blessings to the gods, shaking his head in disbelief that they had found the cave. This was a true miracle, and, as the other pilgrims entered, would become a resting ground for them. Leandros would permit their rest, for this oasis was as good as any. They would not move on until they were refreshed and ready to continue the final leg of the journey.

Rud reminded him of his waterskin he foolishly offered up and Leandros moved over to reclaim his. ”Thanks,” he said, taking a sip from the skin. With a content sigh, he turned to see the pilgrims throwing out bedrolls and setting up places to rest and recoup. They had a bit more desert to go, but with this restorative oasis, they could surely do it in no time and begin the climb to the mountain. The pilgrimage was coming along nicely.

//end thread