Log:Clan Kora: Noble Blood

Lady Fae is welcomed home.

OOC Date: May 30, 2022
Location: Ealor
Participants: Clan Kora, Hadrix Kora, Valeska Kora, Fae Renta, Hahtavi Kora, Nix, Evie Leven, Sumi Kora

The braziers are lit, and central fire is burning, warding off the chill of evening and providing light enough to illuminate the interior with all its fine decorations. Food, fresh from a hunt, has been prepared and placed out on a table for easy pickings. The culprit? Sana, who has spent several weeks ashore on Ealor hunting.

The tables in the great hall are all arranged so that the seats are oriented toward the dais. Upon the dais sits a throne of stone, decorated with trophies and draped with the blue banner of Kora; a Krayt dragon skull occupies the immediate space around it, and its presence gives the perspective that the skeletal dragon is about to chomp down on the stone chair and its single occupant, Sumi Kora.

Sumi is in full armor, helm and all, sitting wide legged and lazily in the throne. She has one elbow propped up on the arm of the chair, toward the side her upper body is leaning, and that same arm is used to prop her chin as she stares into the great hearth and the flames idly licking the cool, humid air. Her voice comes as a rasp, though there's some semblance of its feminine tone having had a chance to heal over the past few days. <"Have we all arrived?">

To Sumi's right, so much so as he can with the Krayt skull there, and a few steps forward - Hadrix looms with hands folded before him in a form of parade rest where instinctually engaging his jets won't flash fry his appendages. Head turning slowly to look from one to the next of those assembled in the hall.

<"Looks to be, for those who were close enough."> head turning back so that the left branch of the visor can fall on her, rather than the sensors built in to feed the compressed 360 view to his HUD. <"Plus one extra."> Nix being bracketed in shared HUDs between the leaders of the clan. The affirmation made, he turns to make his way out of view, behind the skull and the throne it frames.

Valeska does so love this place though given how rarely she gets to come here, one wouldn't guess it. Except recently she just got off of a hunt here. A Hadrix hunt specifically that went rather well, as a matter of fact! Valeska has already had some of the vittles and is just finishing off a bone when she walks up to Nix, nudging the woman with her armoured elbow and jutting her chin towards the throne where Sumi sits. "Killed a katarn on Kashyyyk, yeah?" A gloved hand points to a skull near the bottom right of the throne. "There she is. Ya know, there's a guy on Umbara that I'm hoping we can add his skull to it, as well. You in?"

A grin follows: feral and though it sounds like she's joking she most certainly is not. But her jovile manners simmer down when Sumi speaks and the proceedings are about to begin.

Fae Renta stands near the hearth and the flame, her arms folded over her chest to clutch at her ribcage on either side. Her helmet is off, as it so often is, clipped to her hip and left to dangle just behind it. It's unlike Fae to wear the armor at all on Ealor, but there was something about this particular summons for attendance that made her rethink her initial choice of attire. She releases her ribcage with her right hand and lifts her hand up to inspect her gauntlets. It's as if she's checking her nails, and while they -have- been meticulously painted to match her makeup, they're currently obscured by the gauntlets that cover her hands, wrists, and forearms. She delicately twists on a mechanism on that right gauntlet, feeling tiny little tensioning clicks within it that wind the spring-loaded whipcord mechanism tighter and tighter until it clamps into place. Her hand opens and closes, and she turns away from the flames, re-crossing her arms to join those gathered in front of the stone throne where Sumi sits and Hadrix looms.

The mention of 'one extra' prompts Fae to tip her head towards the unfamiliar Nix and offer both her and Valeska a lovely little smile. Made to order on Hapes.

"Hello there."

Iriin is into the great hall ahead of Hahtavi. The pair of them have taken time in Hahtavi's chambers to wash up and change into nice clothes. For her part, Iriin is wearing a blue /dress/ and her long blonde hair is loose in ripples down her back instead of in her more usual braids. She looks delighted to be here, looking around for Hadrix's son, Kar and the Loth cat. She stops when she sees Sumi seated up in the throne and her mouth makes a small o, she now standing very still and suddenly more alert to everything around her.

A little behind her, Hahtavi also arrives. He is out of his armor and wearing his nicest clothes, his black and grey leathers with the muted silver krayt dragon clasps. It's fairly rare to see him out of his armor and cleaned up, and the first time since Aryn Cortess had healed him. Both of his head injuries and all of the scars of his life.

He comes to stop next to Iriin and offers a polite nod to Sumi and Hadrix up on the dias, "Vode."

Ah, and there is Valeska's voice carrying through the hall. [Language: Mando'a]

Some, like Val, were pretty close and able to to swing in on a moment's notice.

Evie, though? She was systems away conducting business... but the hyperdrive that the Asteroid boasts meant that she was able to hop across systems in a relatively short time. It's the standard fare for the Kuati-born woman, jumping from one end of the galaxy to another in search of the hottest deal she can get ahold of, or another rare part to be installed in someone's ship.

Given that she was wheeling in dealing, she -- like Iriin -- wears a dress to the proceedings. Black, white, and the finest that Kuat could offer, accentuated by a blue jewel hanging from a chain on her neck. Right now, though, she's padding barefooted through the Hall, flowing skirt balled slightly in her fists so that she doesn't trip. "Present!" she declares, making her way to one of the available chairs. Holo'ing in might have been easier... but there's no substitute for being with her chosen family in person.

The view she gets is far different than she was used too. The braziers and the decorations. The food and the giant tables. Nix arrives right after Hahtavi having arrived on the same ship. She hears the Plus one and lifts her helmet up and glances around. Then Valeska nudges her and the mechanical dead pan female voice comes out, <"For you... absolutely."> She gives a small bow of her head and then glances over to Fae.

The tiny mando tilts her head and grunts. <"Hello."> The mechanical voice states.

She mentions to the other as she passes around and tries to choose a seat where it's not in the way but also not out of range too far. She sits a little closer to Iriin and Hahtavi but the helmet turns to stare at Hadrix for a few fleeting moments before it turns to watch the rest of the Mandos. Trying to find her place in this Clan.

Nix is in armor given to her by Sumi. She was thinking of keeping the helmet on but without need to speak further she lifts it off with a hiss and sets the helmet on her knee. Her hair falls free but it looks like it hasn't been brushed in weeks and those braids are about to fall out. Her bright eyes look around the room quietly.

Sumi rises up when Hadrix moves away. Gravity sees her cape fall along her back, dragging behind her as she steps from the throne to move out on the open space of the dais. <"Thank you all for coming."> Sumi says in her native tongue, which seems to match the accent she carries (despite its rasp). <"Today is a unique day in that we convene to discuss the adoption of another family member. For all of us, the gauntlet has required blood, sacrifice, and dedication. I sponsored Lady Fae Renta as my pilot, initially, but she has proven her mettle soldiering, and fighting on Mandalore. She joined our great crusade and fought to its end; All this without the mark of Kora. Now, it is her day of judgement. Come to me, Lady Fae and turn to face the clan. Those who bear our sigil, our name, speak what you will of Fae and cast your stone. Yay or Nay. We will hear your words.">

Pheegus and Greeza hover on one side of the hall, arms folded and their postures eerily identical for the differences in the body structures between Ithorian and Twi'lek. Both with their helmets on, offering nods when looks come their way.

On another side, close to where the flames will keep bones both old and young warmed stands Mir The Rememberer with Kar'Tracyn resting on his hip. The boy quiet, as though reading the room. But he still holds his plush nerf, clutched close to his body and one hand wrapped up in the old man's scarf like robes.

Hadrix's return to view is heralded with his growling rumble over speakers issuing <"Aye. You can't consider her a dandizette when she can get into the mix and still maintain her makeup. Talent rather than cowardness."> a brazier on anti-grav is being pushed along, with a branding iron being set into it once it is stabilized between Fae and Sumi.

His other hand bears a Mandalorian helmet, battered, scraped and scored - one from the Homeworld - and held with the crown down and the bucket up, closer to Alor'Kora.

Lady Fae Renta's eyes turn toward Iriin when she sees the little thing enter. A wiggle of her finger is given to the girl, and Fae's jaw opens as if she is about to speak. No words come out, however, because that jaw clamps shut and Fae turns towards Sumi when Alor Kora begins to speak. There is a small tug of a smile when she hears Sumi's native tongue. An impish, cat-like smile that tugs up at the corners of her lips, but it vanishes into something a touch more stoic when she begins to understand exactly what this meeting is about. She turns her eyes down towards her feet for a moment and shifts in place, but lifts her head high, chin up, a moment or two later.

When she is beckoned nearer to that throne, she gives one last glance at those gathered around her over her shoulder. Even in that heavy armor, the Hapan is fairly light on her feet. The thunking sound of her boots against the ground is tempered by the way she steps. Toe heel. Toe heel. When she arrives in front of Sumi, her eyes briefly flick over the other woman's helmet. It's possible she's searching for something, though her search will be entirely fruitless. All she can see in that helmet is her own reflection.

She turns on her heel and folds her arms over her chest as she had before. The word 'dandizette' does break a bit of the tension on Fae's face, even if it is to delicately roll her eyes and laugh quietly. A glance is then given towards Hadrix, and a gracious little bow of her head forward in appreciation.

Valeska doesn't step forward but instead raises a hand when it seems her turn to speak. The helmet, however, remains off so that her expressions can join in adding weight to her words. "Lady Fae honours the Resol'nare. She fought alongside us in the Crusade to seat the next true Mand'alor without hesitation. I had the honour of having her by my side offering sound, tactical advice in my ear." Such as keeping her feet on the ground because jetpacking was getting her shot. Advice Valeska soon forgot and then paid for it, so.... "And she was with me when I fell. Had my back as any true Kora would. As brave as she is posh. As dangerous as she is stylish. The Kora would be reduced without her." Is there any question she has for what her answer is?

After Valeska speaks her piece, Hahtavi looks to Fae and steps forward. One hand lightly on Iriin's shoulder to stay when he moves ahead of her, "Fae Renta, you have flown with us for quite some time and proven your worth and loyalty unto us. You have kept your cool under fire and never hesitated to step up when any of us was in need of hot extraction. You've had our backs, time and again. Make me proud to call you vod."

He looks to Sumi. Haht's baritone adds without slur, "Yay, absolutely and without reservation."

For her part, Iriin remains silent, watching and listening. Not only was she gifted with the first dress she's ever worn on her Day of Birth, but also a small gold locket she now wears around her throat. Her young face is grave, eyes slipping from one to another of the Koras.

As her turn arrives, Evie straightens up and lets her voice project. Small in frame she might be, but she's never really had trouble being heard.

"In my years, I've fought alongside a great many pilots. I've trained them to be machines of war, the very best out there. Fae is among the best pilots I've seen in the void, and it's a performance she repeats on the ground with honor. I'd be proud to welcome her into my clan, my family; my vote is a resounding yes."

There's a bright grin offered at the end to Fae; definitely someone that she can relate to in a number of ways.

Nix watches Sumi with calm eyes as she speaks. A few moments later she watches Fae move to the front and offers her a little reassuring grin and nod of her head. She can't speak or would she on this matter as it's not hers to speak on. The young man stays silent though as people start speaking.

Her eyes turn to Valeska as she takes in the words she says, listening to the valor and wisdom of Fae. Then her eyes turn to Hahtavi and she glances over to Fae watching her expression. The small mando seems proud for Fae but doesn't speak. Her eyes than move over to Evie and she listens to her words quietly. Her hand brushing over the helmet of the suit given to her.

After the speeches, her eyes turn up to Sumi and her bright eyes keep on the clan leader wondering how the continuing of this will go since she's really never seen this.

<"I believe the Commander has proxied votes as well from those absent in our gathering. That leaves the final vote. Mine, but I reserve it because it must be unanimous, but it is also a choice. Becoming Kora is for life, we are your family, and you are ours. So before I cast my vote, you have this opportunity to decide if this life is what you want. Speak your heart, Fae."> Sumi says after shifting slightly to look over the brazier, branding iron, and the helmet. Her gaze settles back on Fae, yielding the floor to her.

Fae Renta watches each member of Clan Kora announce their endorsement of her with what may be apprehension written on her face. Fae is not a stoic woman by any stretch of the imagination, but this expression is a novel one. It isn't often that the young woman looks vulnerable, and yet, laid bare in front of a council of her peers, she is exactly that. Which is why when Valeska voices her support, Fae gives an audible sigh of relief and then a smile. A nod of her head, and then a tip of her chin towards Hahtavi and Iriin. Another smile, another nod, and then lastly to Evie. The Empress of the Void is given a similar acknowledgement, before Fae is turning around to face Alor Kora at last.

Sumi.

When prompted with the question and the directive to speak her heart, Fae Renta's mouth opens. "I," she starts to say, and then her expression briefly cracks. Tiny little fractures across her lips and jaw are accompanied by the tiniest tremor. It seems to catch the Hapan by surprise, and she briefly lifts her hand up to brush a bit of moisture from her eye before it ruins her eyeliner.

"You have... all of you," she says, and turns to look back over her shoulder at those behind her once again. Back to Sumi. "You have felt like my family for some time now. Standing by your side is not only easy, but a pleasure. A gift, and an honor."

Is this the life you want, Fae Renta?

"I have lived my life without a family once before, but I cannot imagine doing so again. If you would have me, Alor."

When Fae regards Sumi again after addressing the clan, the century old soldier dips her head in a quiet nod, giving a succinct, <"Very well. I cast my vote, and it is final. All that remains is saying our blood oath and receiving our mark."> Sumi reaches over to the table to claim the end of the hot iron, the high pitched hiss indicative of the heat that radiates off its molten edge. Fae is to select a spot on her armor she wants the Kora mark, the sigil that means she's a full-fledged clan member; that she's blood.

<"Say as I say,"> Sumi says softer, more personal to Fae. A moment of pause to reach out and thumb away another tear before lightly patting Fae's cheek, Sumi brings her free hand back and begins the oath, allowing the last part for Hadrix to complete.

<"No matter the field of battle, regardless of time, clime, or place; you will find us, your kin, beside you. NO battle will claim you without us..">

He'd be a statue if he hadn't been keeping the iron turning, keeping the heat even while the others had cast their votes and Sumi surmised correctly on the proxies. The other arm still keeps the helmet tucked in the crook of his arm steady. Like he is operating a barbeque in all of this and without some sort of table or shelf to set things on.

Heat from the fire setting off the incandescent properties of his the dyes that turn his plates their midnight purple and send those multi-hued shimmers across them like heat lightning. A twitch of his helmet towards each speaker the only indication he's listening before the visor centers on Fae, focusing on her and holding there.

The brand is lifted, the flaming hand of Kora, held to let Fae indicate where she wishes the metal pressed while he speaks, poised to make the mark once she's decided.

<"Wherever you fall, we will be there. We will come to lift you back up. You will not die alone."> an audible reverence for the words coming through in spite of the distortion and the permanent growl.

Fae tips her head delicately into Sumi's hand for a brief moment when the woman wipes that single tear away. The faults on her expression close within an instant, and are soon enough replaced with that subtle upward-tugging smile. She takes a step back from the Alor now and turns to face Hadrix. Her eyes do briefly drop to the iron that he's been slowly turning within the flame and, when it's presented to her, she delicately taps on her chest, beneath her breasts and above her abdomen at the bottom edge of her sternum.

"No matter the field of battle, regardless of time, clime, or place; I will find you, my kin, beside me. No battle will claim me without us," she says. There is no hitch or hesitation in her voice. Just that Hapan-accented Mando'A that was, at one time, years ago, so entirely broken. An alien tongue and an alien culture, but one she found and one who found her.

"Wherever I fall, you will be there. You will come to lift me back up. I will not die alone."

With her helmet off, she can smell the heat from the iron. She lifts her chin and moves her hands behind her back, where her right will clasp her left forearm.

Valeska remains silent now as the proceedings continue. This is her third blooding she had attended: each time from a different angle. First, it was as Nix is now: a visitor. Perhaps even a potential. A sister but not of the clan. That day they had blooded Hahtavi and saw him join the ranks.

Then came her own. When she stood where Fae is now. Taking that oath surrounded by not just clan but kin. Elation for Fae swells in Valeska's chest now. Her left hand goes over her right where the mark of the Kora is burned into her own hand.

Valeska grins and dips her head respectfully, quietly offering: "Welcome home, sister."

Hahtavi stands quietly observing, witness to the clan Kora rite. He watches Sumi closely, then Hadrix stepping up with the hot brand, then all eyes are upon Fae to name her choice. A rite he himself went through after a long op on Mandalore, then witnessed for Valeska, and now Fae. He stands relaxed at parade rest, hands clasped loosely behind his back.

Iriin keeps her place, silent and slim as a spring sapling, all eyes for her 'aunt' Fae Fae.

These moments never get old. They never do. These ceremonies that mark the expanding of the clan, with everyone together in a moment of peace rather than dodging blaster fire, slugs or even lightsaber blades. A moment of joy, to be remembered for decades to come.

Evie's doing her best to stay put, at the moment. Form shaking slightly. It's almost time for that release of energy that leads to hugs and celebrating, and she can barely contain it at the moment.

Nix watches Sumi and Fae and Hadrix and how they interact. She looks at the brand and a memory flashes but she doesn't speak. Fae is coming home. She glances between them all but keeps silent while she observes. She does spare a quick glance over to Hahtavi and she puts her helmet down as she stands up in respect for what is about to happen. She brings her hands together in front of her and watches in silence.

When the mark is placed, burned into the armor plating belonging to Fae, Sumi dips her hand into the helmet by her side and brings her hand back up; it's dripping in blood. <"Your mark is made this day, Lady Fae."> Sumi places her hand over the branded sigil and swipes the blood across it. <"Your oath is heard, and sustained by the blood of our victory. -- Welcome home, Fae."> Lady Fae was a blooded member of the clan now!

Sumi steps back and claims a dark towel to wipe her hand off, watching in stoic silence at the gleaming sigil on Fae's armor, and the swiped presence of blood over it.

"Fa-fa-fafafa!" declared by Kar from his perch on Mir's hip, swinging her nerf around excitedly and continuing to chant the monosyllabic title. Greeza and Pheegus whistling from their side and one of Hadrix's particularities comes full front.

The iron has been replaced in the brazier and he approaches as though to give one final 'benediction' from the Al'Verde Kora. But that sweet gesture is absent. Instead there is a realization that has come to all that have been blooded after the big man's elevation to second in command. A man known for violence, long fuse and violent temper. For a collection of trophies from sentient and beast alike. Hadrix Kora is a hugger.

Her moment of emotion at this time the perfect opportunity for him. There will be hugs.

And he seems intent on a big old wampa hug, complete with a lift and squeeze.

Fae's nostrils flare briefly at the smell of the brand and the heat. For a moment, she wonders if she'll be able to feel it. Just a kiss of that warmth pushes through the plates of her armor, and Fae exhales slowly through her lips when she feels its pressure release. She glances down towards it and runs her thumb across, feeling the soft bump where it has left the sigil in its place. A second hand soon joins her own, and she watches while Sumi streaks blood across its surface and gives the woman a delicate touch of forehead-against-forehead. "Cyar'ika," she murmurs softly. She turns to give Hadrix what is meant to be a delicate bow but is, instead, a massive bear hug that sees her lifted up off the ground and squeeeeeeeeeeezed.

"Hnnnnnnnhhh!" Fae's air leaves her lungs and she (half heartedly) attempts to extricate herself from the bruteish man's bear hug. "HadrixIcan'tbreathe," she wheezes, and then manages to pull in a breath with a little bubbling laugh. She's eventually set down, and the Hapan is able to dust off the armor of her thighs, readjust her hair, and recollect herself. And then, when Hadrix moves away, she'll quickly rush in to give him a hug of her own. Arms beneath his arms, head bonking delicately against his chest.

After a moment, she releases the man and steps towards Valeska to give her a similar embrace.

"Sister."

Hugs will be had, oh yes indeed. But Valeska will await her turn to do so. As she knows others -- like Fae and Hadrix -- are going to rush in to get them started proper. Putting a hand on her hip, she leans to the side and watches the family welcome another fully into the fold -- a place Fae belonged long before Valeska even got here, really. But things take the time they need to happen and she is grateful to be here to see it.

She glances to Nix next to her curiously, raises a black brow with a tilt of her head. A bit of 'what's on yer mind?' but without actually voicing it. Then Fae approaches on her own accord and Valeska's arm spread out. "You've always been home, yeah? Just official now." The hug is returned with as much of a squeeze as their armour will allow, but where it might lack is made up for when Valeska touches her forehead to Fae's. "I see you."

Aha! Now Iriin can move forward! The young girl awaits her turn as others all around her press forward. She is rather small compared to all of them, even Evie, Sumi and Nix. But then she's just turned 11 - almost a young woman herself.

A big smile for Fae and when she can slip in, she too gives a hug, "Fae Fae! I am so happy for you." Iriin is soon enough stepping back and keeping her exuberance a bit in check for the serious occasion, even if they can all relax and laugh and smile now.

Haht too waits quietly until all the others who want to rush forward do so. He comes up and lays a hand briefly on Fae's back, knowing she's going to be a little over whelmed with all of the attention. He only smiles faintly, looking pleased and content. That is enough.

Nix stands silently while she watches the branding and then the happiness of a family welcoming a sister home. Something hits her and she sees Valeska's look at she offers a little grin and shake of her head. Not now. Her eyes glance around at all the happiness and she will offer Fae a small bow of her head in congratulation.

Her eyes turn to Iriin and she grins a little more. She watches the hugs and the pats and steps back, grabbing her helmet. She holds it to her chest and stays quiet for obvious reasons.