A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on Jan 8, 2016 8:47:04 GMT -8
A'den walked in, and was immediately in awe of the scene. These were true Mandalorian Warriors. Maybe picking this place wasn't such a good idea. He knew he was of Mandalorian heritage, but had no clue of the specifics.
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Ka'ra Ordo
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Post by Ka'ra Ordo on Jan 9, 2016 0:04:13 GMT -8
*It had been hard to displace Ka'ra. Those close to her had advised she visit Manda'yaim, seek relations with her fellow vode, instead of remaining cooped up at Ordo, stuck in the routine busywork day after day. She had tried to remain adamant that she needed to stay and remain a strong presence, facing everything head-on. But it had been pointed out to her that she'd been doing so for quite some time now, and had had honestly earned some time away. Still she attempted to reason that her detractors would see it as running away, being unable to bear the burden of aliit'alor, only to be assured that those loyal to her would not doubt her ethics. They'd even been sure to make it appear that this was not her decision, much to her advantage; what good it would do to sway her detractors, she wasn't sure.
But Manda'yaim was the home of the Mando, and as aliit'alor of Ordo it was her duty to have good relations with the rest of the clans and seek new friendships. She still wasn't entirely happy about being taken away from her home duties, but this was still her duty to carry out; those times when she'd been very excited to visit Manda'yaim, especially the Oyu'baat, seemed like far distant memories.
One thing was certain though, she'd never lost her taste for tihaar.
She'd taught herself to fly, with aid from buir of course, so she was able to come alone. A very small part of her wished for companionship on the journey, but she needed to tackle things on her own. She always had before, as a young child; why should now be any different, just because her known family had vanished? Plus, the silence allowed her some time to think, reflect, prepare herself for what might come ahead. More criticism? She'd give them a silencing look. Debate? She'd had a fiery tongue ever since she could even speak, or so went the stories.
Support? That she would willingly welcome. But calmly, lest she appeared desperate. She didn't need their validation; her own actions would speak for themselves. And she intended to prove all her detractors wrong...
Her Pursuer-class ship descended into Keldabe's spaceport. Fully-armored—a rare sight, considering she preferred not to don her helmet—she descended into the streets of Keldabe, seeking out the Oyu'baat. There were always folk to talk to there, as well as the finest tihaar in the galaxy... As she approached the entrance, she felt comfortable enough to remove her helmet, letting her brown, wavy hair fall free over her armored shoulders.
She clipped her helmet to her belt just as she bumped into a child standing just inside the entrance. She never lost her balance, though she almost reached for the boy she ran into, her hand freezing midway in the air; he was a Mando, and he wouldn't need help keeping his own balance.* "Sorry, ad'ika," *she muttered flatly.
Heh. "Ad'ika." She'd called him a child, despite the fact that there couldn't have been more than five years' difference between them. Something about the boy though... he almost seemed lost. Intimidated even. Brows furrowing, actual emotion found its way into her voice as she asked,* "Are you alright? Can I get you a drink or something?"
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Jan 9, 2016 13:13:08 GMT -8
NCO, still standing off to one side was finally dragged from his internal reflections but the empty tankard in his hands. He grimaced slightly, noticing he'd already licked up the last few drops. Then he frowned, time had passed, and he had been unaware of it's passing, the 'baat was no longer crowded, though it was by no means empty, NCO shifted from his position and went to grab a refill from the bar. Having topped himself off, he stayed seated there, enjoying the sounds of numerous conversations rolling over him. Though one voice in particular suddenly stuck out to him.That voice was different, NCO couldn't say why it was different, but it had his full attention now. He swiveled an eye stalk to see who the voice belonged to. Ahh, a maiden of war. NCO could see the confidence born of one accustomed to conflict and comfortable in their own ability to survive and lead others in battle. Still, she was young even for a human vod. He wondered what burden had been laid across her shoulders to give her such confidence and bearing, for they were not things one simply acquired. He didn't pity her, and that seemed odd to part of him, but the rest wondered why should be odd. War was not kind to anyone, even mandolorians. She had seen her share of woe, and was the stronger for it.* Heh. "Ad'ika." She'd called him a child, despite the fact that there couldn't have been more than five years' difference between them. Something about the boy though... he almost seemed lost. Intimidated even. Brows furrowing, actual emotion found its way into her voice as she asked,* "Are you alright? Can I get you a drink or something?"
A waitress came by, and asked if wanted anything to eat, he ordered a thick nerf stew, with a side of steamed greens. The waitress took his order and left, shacking her head at his unusual taste in food. But was happy enough to serve an Or'dinii, hooping for a good tip, the Or'dinii usually tipped well, when they came through. Among the servers the Or'dinii were a minor legend among the clans, most clans didn't seem to be particularly generous or stingy, with it varying from vod to vod, but it was unheard of for an Or'dinii to not tip well, much less at all. NCO's server would not be disappointed when he finally left.
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A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on Jan 9, 2016 17:57:58 GMT -8
A'den starred at the female warrior in awe. He was untrusting, but also shocked she would speak to him. Most people ignored him. He was an orphan, a nobody. A'den didn't know how to reapond.
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Ka'ra Ordo
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Post by Ka'ra Ordo on Jan 9, 2016 21:57:27 GMT -8
*Ka'ra waited for a response from the boy, but none came. She frowned, scanning the place before moving around to the other side of him, so that they were not blocking the entrance. He still seemed quite intimidated, but why? He was Mando! Nothing about the site should have been overwhelming to him. Awe-inspiring, perhaps...
Maybe if she tried to sound more friendly.* "What's the matter?" *she asked, smiling slightly.* "Nexu got your lalat? What's your name? Ner gai Ka'ra Ordo."*
*Nexu got your tongue? What's your name? My name is Ka'ra Ordo.
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Jan 9, 2016 22:26:08 GMT -8
Ka'ra Ordo? That name was new to him, though the clan was not. He'd never really know aliit'alor Ordo but he'd always had a good reputation among the Mando'ade. NCO wondered what the man was up to these days, but that could wait. The boy needed help, clearly, though NCO wasn't sure which kind he needed most a slap to the back of the head or a boot to the shebs. Or maybe the ad'ika had no tongue, that'd be a pity, to have lost such a useful organ so early in life. Oh well, if the boy didn't find his courage soon, NCO might have to put him back out in the street where there'd be less people watching him make a fool of himself.
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A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on Jan 10, 2016 9:31:23 GMT -8
A'den hadn't spoken Mando'a in some time.
Ner gai A'den. I have just never seen so many warriors in one place.
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Ka'ra Ordo
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Post by Ka'ra Ordo on Jan 10, 2016 18:32:17 GMT -8
"A'den"? That name meant "wrath, rage," qualities Ka'ra had no reason to believe befit the boy standing before her. But his next statement honestly baffled her. "Never seen so many warriors in one place"?* "Where in Kad's name have you been, ad?" *she declared in disbelief, spreading her arms and looking around at the assortment of vode present.* "This is Manda'yaim! You're a Mando!" *She pointed a glove finger directly at his chest to emphasize her point.* "This should be a common sight for you!
"C'mon, I won't take no for an answer! Let me get you something." *She reached for his upper arm so that she could lead him to the bar, whether he wanted to or not.* "You're in the Oyu'baat," *she continued,* "you can't not taste of its treasures!" *Reaching the bar, she pulled herself up onto a stool, reaching into a pouch on her belt for a credits chip that she deposited on the counter.* "A tihaar for both of us!" *she requested of the bartender, before turning her attention back to A'den.* "That oughta put you in good spirits!"
"That won't be necessary," *the bartender replied, pushing her credits back toward her. For a moment, Ka'ra briefly feared there was a problem, until it was explained,* "That kind verd over there's taken a shine to you, put you both on his tab."
*Ka'ra followed the bartender's gesture to the booth where sat a... Gungan? That was an odd site, though she was sure she'd heard whispers of a Gungan Mandalorian once or twice. But why had she gained his favor? She should have been grateful, especially considering her position, but she still couldn't help but feel slightly suspicious.* "Right..." *she muttered, then glanced back at the bartender.* "Just the tihaar still, vor'e. Unless there's something else he'd like," *she added, indicating A'den with a nod.*
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A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on Jan 10, 2016 19:50:27 GMT -8
A'den was shocked when the woman practically drug him to the bar.
I have never had tihaar. I know I am Mando'ade, but I was orphaned and have never been around, nor learned about ner bui'stad. I often wonder if I am even madokar...
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Jan 10, 2016 20:43:54 GMT -8
NCO nodded in greeting to the young battle maiden as the bar tender pointed him out, but other wise sat where he was, continuing to eaves drop on the two youngsters shamelessly. A'den had been orphaned, and no one on all of Mandalore, home to the most adoption pro culture in the entire galaxy, had bothered to take the kid under their wing? NCO could fix that, and would if the lass didn't beat him to it. He stayed in his seat, and took another drought from his tankard of 'baat's finest ale. Immensely enjoying the drink's passage through his mouth, throat, and gut. His liver would hate it, but NCO couldn't have cared less. He'd gladly have another tankard, even if it should prove to be the last thing he did. Though his focus, driven by curiosity, and now grief at the boy's loss, remained with young couple. ... hmm, probably shouldn't say it like that out loud, they might object a bit vehemently, and NCO was getting to old to fight every young'n he ran across just because he'd been to careless with his words. He missed his brash youth, those had been good days. But who was to say the best days weren't yet to come still?
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Ka'ra Ordo
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Post by Ka'ra Ordo on Jan 10, 2016 22:22:51 GMT -8
*Never had tihaar?! Ka'ra couldn't even imagine such a life. But the boy was apparently also an orphan, never got around much nor learning of... a strange word that Ka'ra didn't recognize for a moment, her face scrunching up in confusion briefly before she recalled the definition.* "Aliit ori'shya tal'din, verd'ika,"* *she assured him.
Then she frowned briefly. That was almost hypocritical of her, considering her own life story; and yet, maybe it was what she needed to hear right now. She'd always seen Ordo as her family, but after Cathaoir's disappearance, she'd felt... without family. It was wrong. It was a thought she needed to abandon. How was she to gain the trust of all her clan if she didn't see them all as they truly were: Family?
Shaking off the thought, she regained an assuring smile, clapping him on the shoulder.* "But don't worry about yourself. You seem to still be on your feet, I'd say that's mandokarla enough." *She glanced toward the booth where the Gungan sat. She hadn't yet acknowledged him, but that would have to change soon.
When they'd been given their drinks, Ka'ra nodded toward the booth, leading A'den over towards their benefactor. Stopping beside the table, Ka'ra gave him a half-curious, half-suspicious look, asking,* "What have I done to gain your favor, vod?"
*Family is more than bloodline, young warrior.
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Jan 10, 2016 23:52:58 GMT -8
NCO ... almost tried to resist the temptation to have some fun with the young'ns, almost. But really the pair were just so dour, it was time they laughed a bit, that's what everyone else used the 'baat for, to bleed off stress and laugh with friends even when life seemed overwhelming. He swiveled both of his eye-stalks to peer at the young pair, and spoke in a stern voice. He set his mug down, and then turned his head towards the pair, keeping one eye focused on each face. He addressed both in the voice off a being well used to giving orders and having them followed, as he told them to sit.
"Ad'ika, are you daring to imply that my favor is market commodity, to be traded and bartered for like common goods? Is it a crime to offer favor to strangers? Is my favor a tarnish upon you that you should despise it Ka'ra Ordo? Sit and enjoy what you have while you still have it, both of you. A'den, do you really think that you're the only mando'ad to have no bui'tsad, because you aren't. Gar taldin ni jaonyc; gar sa buir, ori'wadaas'la. We've all lost vode, don't think you're any more or less than the rest of us just because you think you lost everything. Recite for me, if you can A'den, the Resol'nare."
I was not unkind, but neither did I leave much room for disobedience, with out seriously considering the consequences of starting a bar fight with an all to sober Gung mando. I may be old, but the brawl has always been my forte, and I would be quite willing to bet my ship on being able to school both my guests, but I didn't think that would be necessary. The boy was lost, give him direction and support and he will run to the ends of the galaxy and back. The girl had a level head would likely set aside any annoyance at being ordered about, with the consideration that just by his nicked and well worn beskar'gam NCO wasn't one to pick a fight with, certainly not without due cause. Though, perhaps her time as alit'alor would give her reason to assume his slight was greater than he intended. NCO wasn't the best at being a comfortable shoulder to lean on, as anyone could tell, but he did know how to motivate vode to get them through the next mission alive. True this was a tad different, but well, NCO didn't know how to be much more than a nco, so this is what they got to put with.
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A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on Jan 11, 2016 16:54:16 GMT -8
Resol'nare? I do not know what that is. I have forgotten much of what my Buir taught me.
A'den drank the tihaar. He coughed and gasped for breath as it burned his throat. It was like drinking fire.
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Ka'ra Ordo
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Post by Ka'ra Ordo on Jan 11, 2016 22:11:41 GMT -8
"'Ad'ika'?" *was Ka'ra's stunned, almost offended response to the Gungan's words. Not only had he referred to her as a child, but attached the diminutive suffix as well. Not even her detractors had ever referred to her as a child! To her face, anyway. Was she young compared to the Gungan? ... maybe, she didn't know how Gungans looked in different stages of life. Still, that was the last thing she wanted to be referred to, regardless of his sudden hospitality.
The Gungan then directed his words to A'den, reminding him that there were many like him—Ka'ra included—and asked him to recite the Resole'nare. ... something the boy admitted to not knowing what that meant. Really? There was something quite strange about him; even if he'd "forgotten," that was one of the most basic of Mando traditions!* "The Six Actions," *Ka'ra reminded him, inviting herself to sit in the booth across from the Gungan; if he was gracious enough to pay for their drinks, she didn't think sitting at his table was out of the question.* "The six tenets all Mando'ade swear their life by."
*And then he tried his drink... and nearly choked on it. Ka'ra's expression was an odd mix of a frown and a smirk, both for the same reason.* "You get used to it, verd'ika, I was weaned on the stuff." *Turning back to the Gungan, expression a bit less accusatory, she said,* "Vor'e, vod, I'm... not in the best spot to trust others. I'd appreciate it if you didn't refer to Aliit'alor Ordo as ad'ika, however."
*She tipped back her own cup, taking her first, burning gulp of the wondrous tihaar. Yep. One thing never changed: The Oyu'baat's fountains were blessed by the gods themselves.*
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Jan 11, 2016 22:40:30 GMT -8
NCO was genuinely surprised to learn he was treating an aliit'alor, not because he'd never done that before, but because had not realized Aliit Ordo's last aliit'alor had passed. He hadn't know the her predecessor except by reputation, but none of the accounts he'd heard before leaving had suggested that her predecessor would have stepped down by now. That combined with Ka'ra's own young age told NCO that the succession hadn't been planned.
N'eparavu takisit! Aliit'alor Ordo? Much has changed since I was last in these parts, I'm not used to seeing Aliit'alor Ordo, or any aliit'alor for that matter, with such a pleasant face to behold. In my time it was all scars and leathery creases, but that was long ago. A'den: Do you want to be a mando'ade like your buir'e before you?
I couldn't tell myself, much less anyone else, why I was doing this now, except that it was the right thing to do. I would likely rue the decision later, true, but here and now I could make no other choice. It would require that I betray the very foundation of who and what I am today to choose other wise, and I was not about turn my back on the vode.
lit: I eat my insult, parents
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A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on Jan 12, 2016 16:43:44 GMT -8
A'den looked with eagerness to the Gungan.
I want nothing more than to be Mando'ade. I want to have an aliit.
A'den wasn't sure where this unusual language was coming from. It was like a fire had been lit inside him.
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Ka'ra Ordo
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Post by Ka'ra Ordo on Jan 12, 2016 21:09:08 GMT -8
*Ka'ra could tell from the expression alone that he hadn't been aware she was aliit'alor of Ordo. She found that a little surprising, not that she expected the other clans to keep track on the various clan leaders; it seemed like Cathaoir's disappearance would have made more waves. If only she could have experienced the same bliss.
She said nothing at the compliment, though appreciated it nonetheless. She let the conversation fall upon the Gungan and A'den, the latter suddenly seeming somewhat passionate at the notion of becoming Mando'ad and having an aliit. That was sudden, but not unwelcome. Ka'ra had almost had half a mind to bring him back to Ordo, but what then? Hope someone else came along to adopt him? Mandalorians prided themselves on creating a strong family unit, but Ka'ra couldn't adopt this child; the age difference between them was not large at all. Maybe that was what this Gungan had in mind...*
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Jan 13, 2016 2:44:31 GMT -8
Consider your choice carefully, being a mando'ade isn't easy. Most aruetii will hate you on sight, many of the rest will seek only to use and cheat you. You may never have a physical place to call home, and you will likely die before you have a chance to become a buir, much less a ba'buir. That is significant because becoming a ba'buir is the greatest single accomplishment you can achieve as a mando'ade, and that goes for both of you. If you do this A'den, will have to learn the Resol'nare and live by it for the rest of your life.
I lean forward, resting my armored forearms on the table, clasping my hands over my drink. I keep one eye focused on each of them, gaging reactions, and sincerity. I had little doubt that A'den would choose to become one of the vode, but I wanted him to be aware that life wasn't a cake walk, especially for us. Mando'ade weren't as nomadic as we used to be, but Aliit ordinii, was odd in that unless you were on Lehon, Mandalore, or Etti IV, you might as well be a nomad. There was so much to be done, and so few left to do it. The galaxy had not been kind to us, but then it wasn't kind to anyone really. And we were still growing, despite it's unkindness to us, so we were content to continue to perform our duty to the galaxy and the vode, one often over looked, but no less necessary.
I took a moment to consider the implications for me, of what I was about to do... Honestly it was about kriffing time I found an heir, but it meant so much more than that. I would have a child of my own. And he had much to learn, and little enough time to learn it in. I'd have to find Armor for him. Though I'd probably hold off on the actual beskar'gam until he'd stopped growing, it wasn't like we had a limitless supply of beskar after all. Still the boy would learn to fight, to lead, and build, just I had. That thought pleased me greatly, and I eagerly awaited A'den's response.
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A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on Jan 13, 2016 8:28:43 GMT -8
A'den considered all that had been said. His life currently wasn't easy, but he was managing to deal with it alone. No, he wanted a challenge, especially if it meant he would finally have an aliit.
Being an orphan isn't easy either, but I manage. Surely having an aliit would be an improvement.
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Jan 15, 2016 13:36:40 GMT -8
Time will tell ad'ika.I smile and sit back glancing at Ka'ra to see if she wanted to take the opportunity to expand aliit Ordo, but she seemed to be expecting me to do it, so I oblige quite happily.Ni kyr'tayl gai sa'ad, A'den Or'dinii. Oya!NCO raises and drains his tankard, signaling for a third. As he considers how to start this. Always start with the resol'nare. As the drink arrives, he nods in gratitude and turns back to A'den, pauses, and turns to Ka'ra instead.Recite and explain the resol'nare to our vod'ika, aliit'alor.Two birds with one stone, ahahaha! I now get to teach A'den the resol'nare and discern something of Ka'ra's own understanding and mastery of the resol'nare and it's applications. Oh what a joyous day indeed, I start humming a little tune, first heard when I was in A'den's position. It never failed to summon some part Aya D'Ordinii 's attention, and she should know the clan had grown. Plus the boss should get fair warning that I'd be even less useful than usual over the next few months in particular.
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