Open Mandalore War Preparations

[Srucayr]

MANDALORE, THE CITADEL
(ooc- Before fighting on Concord Dawn, Open to any who have a reason to be there)

​

Srucayr would walk the courtyard of the Citadel, it had been prepared for a party. The Clans of the Orar'da'yadr were severe traditionalists to the very last and above all of that, parties were very serious matters. The celebration in question was for the battles that lie ahead.

A feast had been prepared, roasted sha'tual with steamed potatoes and other veggies. A vat of Tiingilar, a small table filled with various uji cakes. The booze selection was no different. Krayts Blood Narcolethe that had just completed distilling had also been wheeled out in several large kegs, Tihaar, the Netra'gal, even tisane for those abstaining from the night of drinking. This was more than just a preparation, it held the finality of a final meal for those going. A send-off. And though that somberness was there, it was hardly reflected or acted upon. A large area had been cleared for dancing, and the music had already begun to play.

Kiva, his wife, and their son were manning the Uji cake table. The subtle curve of her belly proof to what lay ahead for the pair of them. The Alore of the Orar'da'yadr had entrusted him completely with their forces and their people, and he made sure to let none of them down. Where once only a handful of Clans once called the fortress home, it was now the base of twice that. It was starting to look like the stories of old, they were beginning to look like the people of old. They had stayed true to the gods.. and their conviction, their dedication had finally begun to pay off.

While those who weren't going off to the war were dressed in casual garb, a common site for the clans while amongst their kin, those who set off were clad in their beskar in preparation and Srucayr was no different. Ancient beskar walked the grounds as he reported to the newly constructed exterior landing bay. It was rigged with charges in the event of invasion, but it worked easier for guests, and he was hoping he would see a familiar faces, ones who would finally be able to blow off some steam before the trials that lay ahead.

@Feng Mian @Mockingjay @Painus @Darasuum @Casmer @Forsythe Crowholde @Scoobert

(Figured I'd throw some tags in)

 

[Laren Vano]

Ah yes, the Citadel at it's finest. Many were enjoying themselves and the same could be said for the second half of the Clan Vano's alors. His brother was somewhere, it would be good to see him again but, for now Laren was here to party. Well lightly party. This was nothing like the raves on Coruscant. No, instead this was much more casual. Mandalorians were filling the streets enjoying a feast.

Srucayr was seen around, so Laren made his way over to see the old man. The Mandalorian was wearing his beskar painted in his purple and black colors as usual. To not wear it just felt wrong, not mention he was chosen to battle alongside Sru. Laren figured some words before the battle commenced was reasonable.

"Good day vod. I hope you're as ready as I. It'll be a good one."

The words were referencing to the future fight against the false claimers that held a portion of Mandalore. They will be dealt with properly, but until then it was time to just kick back, relax, and enjoy the time with the families that made up the Orar'da'yadr. Clan Vano may not be a Clan that made part of the Orar'da'yadr but he was friends with the members. They had his respect and therefore his hand in battle.

@Rhogar

 

[Minerva Wren]

From the sky above more than a dozen figures dive toward the citadel. Earlier to prevent a possible ‘friendly fire’ incident Orar'da'yadr had been messaged ahead about this. Soon enough their mostly gray armor can be made out by the sentries...Clan Wren has come. Leading ahead of the group in their descent was Minerva clad in green and black, symbolizing her duty to the clan and desire for justice for all of Mandalore.

Subsequently they landed on their feet in an open spot amongst the ever busy courtyard. Once on the ground Minerva took note of her hosts before approaching Srucayr and Laren Vano. Recognizing them both she nodded her head in respect to the former.

“Thank you for the invitation vod. The rest of our clan sends their regards and bears gifts in honor of your generosity.”

Inwardly Minerva still found it ironic she was being this polite given her usually blunt personality. Of course it was tradition by Clan Wren to honor one’s hosts. With this in mind she snapped her fingers and several Wren warriors stepped forth, carrying handheld containers.

“Inside these containers are bags of spiced caf to add the many beverages you have available.”

@Rhogar @Scoobert

 

[Srucayr]

Srucayr would squeeze Larens shoulder firmly. "Laren, glad you could make it. What lies ahead, is destiny. All paths have been decided, but by the end, I know our people will be free." Srucayr would say. His next words were cut off by the arrival of another familiar bucket: Minerva.

Though Clan Wren had been ancient enemies of the Orar'da'yadr, Srucayr hoped that what these two had done together would start to mend those old wounds, form bridges. And when she approached, he would offer a genuine smile. "Sister, it's good to see you again." he'd step close to her, his voice lower as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You have my condolences about Armand.. He was a good man." he'd say, his voice low enough so only she could hear. "I know the pain you feel.. and should you need it, I am here." she could tell by the tone in his voice that he was serious, genuine.

Removing his hand, his voice would raise a bit. "I hope Wren is doing well, I plan on visiting them. Perhaps after Dawn, you will accompany me there.. And, you need not bottle who you are. We've shed blood together, burned together." At the mention of a gift, he actually looked surprised, and that surprise would turn to a hearty laugh at the reveal. "Take it to the main table with the other drinks. This morning we were all separate Clans, tonight and tomorrow, we are one. Eat, drink, enjoy yourselves. Games and heavy dancing will likely begin at nightfall." he'd say to her warriors.

@Scoobert @Minuteman75

 

[Laren Vano]

"Of course I could make it. A chance at a free Mandalore and holding the land of our ancestors again is what motivates me through this fight. Nothing will change that."

Off to the side, the younger of the two Mandalorians had noticed Minerva Wren. Their family name was well known. They were one of the largest Clans out of the Mandalorian race. They were respected for their name alone. Their power was debatable. Yes they have numbers, but the lack what skill Laren had. (We don't speak of the Huttball game, it was a fluke.)Laren nonetheless was happy to see a familiar armor around. She was welcome around him any time, even if she was hesitant on the union of the Mandalorian race.

"Minerva, good to see you. So long you're alive the Wren name has much more respect to it. And uh.. save some of that for me will ya?"

Laren pointed to the spiced caf. Any and all flavors of drink were welcome so long he could breathe air. Laren then patted Srucayr's back as he began to continue speaking,

"I assume a good amount of soldiers are staying behind to watch over the children and elders?"

It was a fair question to ask. Someone around here was going to have to do it, otherwise the place is open for an attack.

@Rhogar @Minuteman75

 

[Akalenedat]

The shadows were well suited for Kell. He watched the others from afar, thinking about what he’d say to Srucayr. Through his t-visor he could more and more different clans banding together. Kell felt the Death Watch symbol on his chest plate and contemplated something for a moment.

No. This my family. My heritage.

He brought his hand into a fist briefly, and then decided to make himself known to the others. He seemed prouder now, more like a warrior today. There was some sort of…spark in him. He never felt it before- and he loved it. Kad had blessed him.
“The enemy can’t kill if they’re dead.” Kell’s regal tone almost freaked himself out and he stopped for a second to think about what he had just said. It kind of just…happened. Maybe he was growing into something.

@Rhogar

 

[Minerva Wren]

Minerva couldn’t help but notice the irony. Years ago Srucayr and her were nearly at each other’s throats if it wasn’t for having a common enemy at the time. Yet here we are now. Funny how life works. She concluded to herself.

Nodding in respect at the warm greeting, Minerva's body briefly stiffened when Srucayr whispered his condolences for Armand in addition with an offer of support. The widow felt her throat choking fighting back the grief buried in her soul. Moments later she finally managed to whisper back.

“Thank you vod.”

Quickly the moment passed and they got back to the business at hand. At being told not to bottle herself up she let out a snort of amusement.

“Since you insist. Our kin is doing well under the circumstances. Though I’ll tell ya up front you’ve need all your wit and strength when negotiating with Count Ghent directly. He is a proud man and not easily swayed.”

Following Srucayr’s proclamation regarding the caf her group had brought with them she looked back.

“Alright ya heard him. Show our hosts how we Wren celebrate.”

At that order the Wren warriors let out wild cheers. Those carrying the caf containers headed for the main table as instructed. As for the rest they ran out to join the dancing or go feast with their fellow Mandalorians. Minerva let out a chuckle at the sight before Laren Vano came up in greeting. Recognizing him from the gathering at the Black Keep she added.

“Well met Vano. Ready to kill the pretender and his band of womp rats? Because I sure am.”

@Rhogar @Scoobert @Kell Rook

 

[Srucayr]

There was a solemn nod offered to Minerva.. the kind between two warriors who had each lost a spouse. Srucayr was just happy she had yet known the loss of a child. For in the days to come, manyhe feared would. "Then I will have to be even more so prepared when I speak to the Count. Any advice you would have in that manner would be appreciated."

Srucayr had spent a lifetime fighting for their people, one that would soon be fulfilled, or rather maybe after Dawn, the first real step would be taken. And once the warriors were away and in their revelry, he'd turn to the others. "The children from the Concord Dawn sect have been sent here, as well as their non-coms. We'll number in the hundreds, but they will be the thousands. Should we fall, we have enough warriors and defenses here to hold, besides, even our non-coms are warriors. The upside, is most have no idea this place exists."

His gaze would shift to Kell, who seemed more confident. "There is but one problem. These are still our kin. Brothers and sisters following a false guise. Malinkar should be the only one we're proud to kill. Take as many lives as you need to, but no more."

@Kell Rook @Scoobert @Minuteman75

 

[Akalenedat]

Kell rubbed the back of his helmet apologetically. “My apologies, Alor. I seem to be in a better mood after you and I had that quite controversial chat. I guess I’m just…more of myself. I owe you my thanks and loyalty, Srucayr.” Akalenedat then saluted his leader in his new colors- orange and white. The new horns he added gave it all a nice touch.

“I thought about my name…my mother is a Vizsla and my father is a Rook. But for now, I am Akalenedat.” Kell finished the salute and then put his hands on his hips, taking a regal stance. “Your Hard-Hitting Ruus’alor.”

@Rhogar

 

[Laren Vano]

"Ready? I think that is an understatement my friend."

Laren was enjoying his conversation when he heard the most buffoonish words he had heard from a Mandalorian in recent times. Apparently the new guy was suddenly promoting himself. What gave him the right? Where has he been in these battles. Where was he when the Mandalorians were meeting at the Black Keep? It may not have triggered the others but Laren was quite annoyed.

"Look kid. You barely know what name to claim so how could you suddenly be in the ranks with the ones who have fight this war since childhood? It doesn't work that way. I haven't even tried to give myself promotion and I have proven to the Mandalorian people what I am capable of, so maybe you do some work first and then you can try to be the veteran among us. If anyone would be Srucayr's Ruus'alor it would be Minerva."

Laren looked back to Minerva with a slight upward nod, and then back to Kell,

"Now before you go crying and gettin all mopey, I want you to be experienced. You're one of us regardless if you're Vizsla, or Rook, or fuckin Vano. You have to earn your titles though, don't look for hand outs. Cause trust me the galaxy doesn't work that way.

@Rhogar @Minuteman75 @Kell Rook

 

[Minerva Wren]

The way Srucayr nodded made Minerva realize the former shared a similar grief. It never gets easy. She silently admitted to herself, the helm covering her saddened expression. Forcing herself to focus on something else the widow listened to their conversation.

Thinking about Malinkar brought nothing but feelings of contempt. That pretender brought shame to the very title of Mandalorian. She had usually extended her contempt to his followers as all but the way Srucayr rebuked Kell and her about it gave Minerva pause.

It’s hard to forgive those serving Malinkar even if they’re being manipulated but honest truth I rather slay forgien enemies than our own kin.

That thought locked in the confines of her Minerva heard what Kell said next and followed by Vano’s retort, dragging her into it! Annoyed she raised her left hand then said.

“I can speak for myself Vano. Srucayr already has his own lieutenants and I’m only an ally.”

@Rhogar @Kell Rook @Scoobert

 

[Akalenedat]

Talk about crying and moping...

Akalenedat wasn't quite sure why the other Mandalorian was always so hostile. What boiled Kell's blood was the fact that one, it wasn't worth blowing up over. Two, Kell meant it as a figure of speech as his name literally meant "Hard Contact". Three, Kell had been fighting all the same on entirely different fronts. If it weren't for Kell's efforts his Clan encampment on Ord Mantel would've had to relocate entirely. And four, he tried bringing in another Mandalorian into the conflict he started.

Despite this, however, Kell remained calm on the outside and held his stance glancing over at Vano with a quick incline of his head in a respectful bow to which he said, "My apologies." He then looked to Minerva and did the same and stood in silence. Vano wasn't much older than he was, and Kell had his father's genes which meant he'd still be growing for a little bit longer- though it did cause some soreness in his knees.

Thank you, Laren Vano! Now my spirits are filled with fiery retribution I can use as crucible against my enemies!!

@Rhogar @Scoobert @Minuteman75

 

[Srucayr]

Srucayr would nod to Kell, the boy had traded his Clan names for a moniker, at least for now. It was a good start for the boy to find himself. Then he threw a rank in there, maybe as a joke or something, the old War Priest didn't take it too seriously. That's when Laren went on the offensive, he'd let the young man speak his peace. Fire was good, as long as it didn't cause discourse. "Laren, I'm sure Akalenedat was speaking from a place of passion and doesn't mean to take anyones spot. You know that its not how it works around here. Both of your passion for the cause is good. Now get some drinks and bridge the divide."

As he finished speaking, he would look to Minerva, one she would recognize as older warriors just chalking up behavior to a simple word 'kids'. "And if the drinks don't call to you, go test each others mettle in some of the games."

@Scoobert @Minuteman75 @Kell Rook

 

[Laren Vano]

Was Laren a little hard on the kid? Sure, but it was for his own good. There was a battle to be had. A war is a better word for it. Though all of this was war. Mentally, physically and for some Mandalorians fighting, it was emotional as well. Laren had only wanted the other Mandaorian, Kell, to understand where his place is and where his mind needs to be. Minerva had then told Laren she was capable of speaking for herself, which she was, but this was for example. Laren may have been young, but his experience had outranked a lot of other Mandalorians fighting.

"You got it, boss lady. And you too big man."

Laren gave a thumbs up to each of them with just a hint of sarcasm and then turned back to see Kell,

"Now listen up. and listen good. You're gonna drink some of that Corellian and then we're gonna throw axes at trees... to make sure they're.. sharp? Yea! Cause we gota be able to use them properly on the enemy. So chop chop."

Laren would clap his hands and began to walk to the bar area and would sarcastically salute the other Mandalorians with a chuckle following.

@Rhogar @Minuteman75 @Kell Rook

 

[Akalenedat]

"Of course!" Kell bellowed and followed after Laren to the bar. He understood why Vano was being hard on him, considering that they probably grew up similarly. So, he tagged along and took a seat next to the other Mando but didn't remove his helmet. "I'll be ready to throw some axes when you are." He brought his hand into a fist and caught it with his right. He was glad that Laren wanted to at least do something with Akalenedat instead of bicker about war. He never really had a partner before, so Kell was going to make sure this would last.

"I am not new to this war of yours and I apologize for not joining the fight earlier, but now my priorities are straight. I hope to continue to fight by your side, Vano- After, of course, I woop your ass in axe throwing!" He gave a mighty laugh before playfully punching Laren's shoulder.

@Scoobert

 

[Minerva Wren]

Shrugging her shoulders Minerva watched the exchange in renewed silence. A few years ago she never really met many fellow Mandalorians. But that first moot on Mandalore and subsequent events changed everything for her. To think she had only been a wandering mercenary without a clan at that time. So much has changed for her.

Minerva watched the others hang out. It didn’t take long for Tasha and Calen having an arm wrestling match with one another at a table surrounded by a small crowd nearby. Shaking her head she concluded silently.

Armand would’ve loved this.

The helmet concealed the tears of joy and sorrow dripping from her cheeks. Lady Fhirdiad turned away and headed to where Tasha and Calen were. They and the other Wren warriors persenty were her responsibility after all.