Log:Mandalorians: Forged in Blood

Clan Kora bloods new members

OOC Date: August 28, 2020
Location: Echoy'la Morut, Ealor
Participants: Clan Kora, Evie Leven, Karys, Hadrix Kora, Rathe Versiano, Avery Ihala Kora, Kirioth Kora, Aja, Sumi Kora

A meeting was called at the reconstructed fortress Echoy'la Morut or in basic 'Lost Haven'. It sat in the heart of one of the more temperate forests, resting comfortably with a sapphire sea and surrounding mountains. Much of this fortress contained the sound of songbirds, and benefited from the shade of very tall forest trees; today there was even a cool breeze which left the banners in their courtyard flapping and waving.

Inside, braziers burned with fresh gas, and the power was turned back on, thanks to a geothermal connection. The fortress was cooler than outside, and a bit more intimidating.

Sumi could be found in the Great Hall. She stood upon the dais of Alor, where a custom throne draped in their blue banner decorated the sacred seat and symbol of her role as their Chieftain. She had her helmet off, and placed it in the throne seat, trading it for a mug of cold ale. Taking a healthy swig, she laughed loudly and hearty. "..is everyone here?!"

Has taken up a spot in the back as he is wont to do. His helmet is casually resting and rocking gently on the hilt of his Vibrosword near his left thigh. He's currently sipping politely on Ne'tra gal while examining a datapad in his other hand. His thumb scrolls it from time to time. Anyone reading over his shoulder, before getting an eyeballing for doing so, would see it is homework of a sort. Instructions and assignments from Atrel Katah, as his studies to finish medical academy have formally begun. Indeed, he'd broken ou of the Corellia fascility Hadrix had arranged for him to join them on Nar Shaddaa to help int he fight against Malik Ren.

In his lips dangles loosely a cigarillo, and he is sure to blow smoke upwards from time to time to not bother others. His is a face deep in thought until the Alor speaks. The datapad is tucked back into his belt, and even with drink in hand, he settles his stance into a form of military at-ease.

Roth had traveled back to Ealor after some business on Nar Shaddaa and per the usual, the Arkanian is in her white armor, minus the helm being on so her face is visible for once. Her white eyes travel over the room after she's greeted Sumi quietly. She moves to take a seat, not very talkative and seemingly happy to leave the talking to others in situations like this. She settles her helm down in front of her and waits to see what is happening.

Karys for her part stands to the side, helmet clipped to her belt as it hangs against her hip. There is no drink in her hand and her arms cross before her as her gaze sweeps over Sumi - a slow smile forming as the Alor seems to be enjoying herself. Her gaze moves about the hall which was untouched by the damage that was wrought over a month ago. Good thing too.

She watches the others and spotting the smoke rising from Rathe's lips she makes a thoughtful sound and keeps to her place. A nod is given to Sumi and then one to Roth.

Hunched, stoop shoulders, head held low - Hadrix is on the floor below the dais, closer to the braziers with his helmet on. Red glow pulsing in the right branch of the T and seeming to match the slow pace of the big man's breathing. Sumi's question of presences met with only a bare lift and nod before he is back to looking out at nothing in particular.

Gripper is hovering to one side, behind him and her own giant red optic is focused on the big man. Like Rathe, he's also with his own cigarra, stumpy enough to be worn inside his helmet judging by the periodic plume of thick smoke emitted by the helmet filters pushing it out. Avery had just made his way into the room, helmet in hand and looking a little rushed. He gives a bright smile and a nod to Rathe as he passes him in the back of the room, a cursory glance at the datapad in his hand before moving on. He slows in his stride to take a look over the room, determining the best place to have a lean and chooses the wall near Rathe. His helmet is dropped off on a table nearby and he spins to place his back against the wall, his arms slipping up to cross over his chest. Additional nods of greeting, accompanied by smiles or grins, are given to the other attendees in the hall; Karys, Roth, and finally Sumi, the latter of whom retains his attention with her question. "Sorry if I'm late." he remarks, a light shrug brushing off whatever reasoning it was for him to be running behind.

Aja is draped out along a bench, lounging, tail swinging low and slow as she enjoys an ale. Lifting the mug up at the question from the Alor, she lets out a shout of enjoyment and flashes a grin before going back to her drink.

Sumi's gaze first lands on the melancholy Commander Hadrix, and she touches her hand to his shoulder, tracing along his custom-made armor in passing. It's a gesture of affection and silent support; perhaps she knew he was hurting still.

Her gaze sweeps out to all present, meeting their eyes, or visor, and nodding to each one. A slow step off the dais brings her to the same level as all; this is very Sumi. "Good," She begins, and sets her mug down on the nearest table. "We all took part in a great battle; one that has some of you uneven, off kilter, in pain. I have asked you to put aside your old alliances to become a part of a family that will not abandon you, hurt you, or forget you. Our pasts; all of our pasts, have memorialized and shaped the person you are today. Mando'ade; children of Mandalore; we are the warriors the galaxy tries to forget, yet turns to when their nights are darkest. Our life is tempered by pain, defeat, failure, and despair and when that hammer strikes us.. tests our strength and will, we can shape ourselves beneath the blows to come out sharper, stronger, and more deadly or we can crumble."

Sumi steps forward armored arms going wide as she smiles, then laughs. "We have not crumbled yet! We have emerged through the flames, and /now/.. we grow stronger, sharper, and more deadly."

Turning slightly with a subtle shift of her cape, Sumi gestures to the front of the room. "Avery, Rathe, Aja.. stand before us please.."

There is a nod towards others as they file in or settle themselves. To each in turn. Once Sumi speaks, he nods here and there, and he commits his full attention to the Alor. Especially when she speaks of the blows, and rising to be reshaped. Flames indeed, Rathe thinks back to his personal hell post-exegol, day in day out, a swath of corpses left in his wake. His own blood and flesh easily left on half a dozen worlds, as his gear was blown off him piece by piece. The flight to Nar Shaddaa to refind himself, and his family. He looks first back towards Karys, he noticed the reaction to the cigarillo and winks at her, while blowing smoke out the corner of his mouth -away- from her. Avery another look of consideration. Finally Hadrix is considered. His lips frown slightly, the man has had his own suffering recently. Rathe was there to silently support him through the physical healing process, had been there if an ear was needed. A breach partially healed, at least for himself.

Sumi speaks of emerging, stronger, deadlier, and he nods sharply in his vehement agreement, and makes a sound of affirmation to it. His name is called, along with the other tal'at'cuyir... and he drains his drink. He drops the cigarillo into the bottle, and steps forewards as instructed to come before Sumi at parade rest.

Roth's head cants to the side a bit, her scarred face relaxed for the moment. She gives a half smile when the names are called up and she settled back against the seat she's taken so that she can see how things are going to go. They had been through a series of roughness, so downtime was a good time to sit and reflect. And watch.

As the names are called there is a smile that pulls across her lips and she notes Rathe blowing the smoke away. a brow arches and she upnods as if to tell him to move forward. When he steps forward her gaze finds Avery and then Aja, watching the group as they approach and she unfolds her arms, relaxing a measure before stepping closer to the front to observe. They are not a large clan but bigger than most. It still means that nearly half their number are currently being blooded today. Just shy.

She smiles a bit more. Family is up there and for a moment there is a look of wistful remembrance.

The touch to the plates crafted by another's hand in the forge hidden beneath the surface of the planet Ordo raises Hadrix's head. One can practically envision stone cracking and flaking away when his visor lifts, following Sumi when she drifts past and remains lifted when she begins to speak.

Even when talk of family not abandoning one another strikes him visibly like a mailed fist, the Al'Verde keeps his attention to her and then those who've been called up to stand before the rest. He steps finally, leaden movements, to loom at Sumi's flank and closer to one of the braziers in particular.

A hulking brute, embodying all of the savagery and violence attributed to the Mando'ade. Yet grave silent and stilling that he might be misinterpreted as a frozen holoimage and not the man looming as a gold trimmed black shadow.

Avery goes through a plethora of emotions as Sumi speaks, sorrow and frustration when she mentions their bout with Malik, his lips pulling into a thin line while he ruminates. Next comes renewal and hope, his chest rising and falling while he pushes the pain aside and listens to her words of the present, of his chosen family. Lastly pride and confidence, her statement of their trials and tribulations to the conquering of said events, and the measure in which these events have shaped all of them to be stronger and more capable, fill his heart and bring a wider smile to his face.

He chuckles and nods, his deep emerald eyes dancing around the room to take in the restoration that had been done to the quite literal crumbling of their home. That smile slips to a look of puzzlement when he, Rathe, and Aja are called to stand before everyone near the dias. His head swivels to follow Rathe as he moves, then Aja as she stands, and finally Karys, his eyebrow snaking higher by the moment. He does as he's told, fetching his helmet when passing by the table in which it rests. This he keeps in his hand, while dodging the tables, to finally stand beside Rathe.

Faint surprise touches on Aja's face as she's called to the front. She was expecting to watch something happen, not to be part of it! Still, when the Alor says stand...

She chugs down her ale right quick and thunks the mug down on the bench, hopping up lightly to approach. That flat tongue lickings at her chops to clear away the drips and drops of the ale clinging to her fur. She offers a grin towards Rathe and Avery as they all approach, then turns to face Sumi, hands folding behind her back as she takes on an easy stance. Perhaps remembering another time she went through a not dissimilar ritual some decades past. It brings a smile, bittersweet but there.

"You are all called to stand before my kin to be judged for your actions. Should my Koras find fault in our.." Sumi gestures between Hadrix and herself," ..decision, then now is the time they voice it.-- I ask you to cast your vote for each of these three by walking in front of them and saying Aye or Nay. Nothing is given, we /earn/ our place here." Sumi steps to one side, opening the place in front of Rathe, Avery, and Aja so the members of the clan can step in front of them and cast their vote for each.

Oh kriff, she's gotta be on her feet? Roth stands, heading over to stand in front of those that are assembled. Her white gaze flicking over each of them. "I see no reason to deny any of these people entry into Clan Kora." she states. Were folks wanting a long winded talk on merits? No, not from Roth. Once her answer is given, she steps off to the side and lets others have their say.

Karys is not far behind Roth, stepping forward to wait for her turn to voice her votes. Her gaze sweeps over each, those sharp blue eyes considering them all as her gaze looks to Sumi then, turning her head to nod to the Alor. "All of these warriors have spilled not only sweat beside us but their blood as well. Nothing is stronger than that. Blood binds. And I know I am safer with all of them carrying our clan name." She looks back to each, a nod of her head given to them in turn before she steps back to give room to the others that need to vote.

Her gaze slides to Sumi before expectantly watching the group at large.

There's a sound like a bantha blowing in the big man's vox but from his place by the brazier he looks to all three in turn. <"I've bled, mourned, drank, and celebrated victory with you in different times, fields and we-"> the man stops cold shoulders rising and falling with deepening breaths.

<"Vode'an."> Hadrix's gaze sweeps again, <"Vode'darasuum. Oya Mando'Kora."> and then silent once again, the turns of the glow in his visor evidence of his falling gaze before he is reaching for a handle sticking out of the brazier, to lift a white hot glowing brand and flipping it for Sumi to take.

<"Aliit ori'shya tal'din">

Eyebrows arch at Sumi's annoucement, he was not expecting this so soon. It makes sense as Rathe mulls it over, the culmination of all they were building showing itself in the takedown of Malik Ren. He finds himself nodding in thought. he stops it imediately, and being the former Vanguard he is slowly and subtly draws himself from parade rest to something akin of attention for the inspection and consideration. Roth speaks up, and he slowly nods appreciation towards the Arkanian. Karys speaks, and he glances towards her with his lips twitch against his will. He nods in agreement with her too, for he too feels much safer with the Clan than he did without. Hadrix recieves his final eyes concern as he speaks up from within his armor. The vox'd words are considered, and indeed. Rathe thinks back to many a battlefield with Hadrix, before Kora and with. If he has any concern over the brand... he does not show it.

His heart leaps in his chest as the reason for assembling is made known. Avery hadn't expected his entry into the clan to be voted on this shortly after arrival. The slicer fumbles with the helmet for a moment, hesitating in the motion of putting it on, when he turns his head to see if the other two have donned theirs. Seeing the lack of helms almost universally, he places his quickly on a table nearby and returns to the line. The ex-Trooper stands up tall, as tall as he can rather, and puffs out his chest, trying to look all the part of a deserving clan member while his friends pass by and give judgement.

Green eyes land on each one as they shift past, looking his fellow initiates and him over while announcing their approval. His heart continues to thump loudly in his chest, dreading a word of disapproval for his entry into the clan. Finally Hadrix speaks his peace and the votes are fully given. His attention shifts to the blazing hot brand being passed to Sumi, an eyebrow twitching as he wonders for what purpose that will be used.

Aja glance between the other two that stand next to her, then back to Sumi, then finally facing those who approach. She meets the gaze of each, golden eyes holding steady as she looks at each in turn. The Mando'a from Hadrix draws a small smile, the brand coming out causes the lift of a brow but she doesn't seem overly concerned by it. Isntead, she shifts slightly to watch Sumi, expecting either more words or a call to step forward from the Alor.

"Very well," Sumi calls out after the votes, nodding to each. She takes hold of the searing hot brand, and extends her arm to place its edge back in the flames for a moment longer. "Now it is time for the Blood-to-Be to speak. Say what weighs on your heart, and tell me if this is what you want."

"To bear our mark, to become Kora; it is for life. You are forever marked, obligated to stand by your kin no matter the terrain, no matter the cost. We are your brothers, your sisters, and your companions for life. So know that your voice carries weight. You may each speak." Sumi's armor takes on the wavering hue of firelight, her scarred exotic features emphasized as her full lips form a line.

"After the fall, stumble, whatever folks call it. I was adrift very alone in a harsh and unforgiving galaxy. I found those I considered family alive after believing them dead like so many others." Rathe looks to Karys and Hadrix first, then Avery and Evie. "I was given life again. For those unaware by the time I had reach nar Shaddaa I was batterd, bloody, scarred. Actively blood-poisoned due to stim abuse. I spent a month unable to sleep on that last leg of the journey to Nar Shaddaa. For I feared if I closed my eyes, they would never open again. Unacceptable way for me to come to an end. If I was to find anything alive of the past, it was Nar Shadda."

Rathe breaks off a moment. "The Alor asks me if this is what I want? Kora gives me war again. Gives me purpose. Gives my life meaning. Kora gives me sanctuary and peace of a sort. Kora is my family.

"What other way can I show this? To accept this mark forever, I will strip myself of the last vestige of my fathers Legacy aside from my medical knowledge. I will no longer be Rathe Versiano. I will be Rathe Kora, I will arise reborn in this way if the clan wishes to accept this offering."

Avery exhales the breath he had been unknowningly holding in and his gaze shifts from the brand, now resting in the fire once more, to Sumi as she announces the next portion of the proceedings. He can't help but blink with raised brows while he stumbles to think of anything to say. Fortunately, or unfortunately as the matter may be, Rathe speaks first and delivers an eloquent description of his life after the Vanguard and of his hopes and desires, of his purpose for the future. Avery's mind immediately seizes up, doubly so when all eyes turn to him in expectation, and all words flee from his mind.

"Uuuuuh..." he says, tilting his head to look briefly at the ground, not a good start Avery.... Lips pursed, the spotlight firmly on the young lad, he decides the best course of action is to speak simply the truth and he clears his throat before beginning. "I too was alone in the Galaxy. I had lost everything I knew, everything I had thought to be true. My purpose, my place in life was in question, the things I had done were shown to be terrible in nature." His eyes lift to find Hadrix and Karys in turn. "I was spiraling into darkness but had been offered a life outside of the Order by Hadrix and Karys, one that I could truly call my own. After the fall, after everyone left I wandered for a while until I found those that I had called family before and would again."

He shakes his head from side to side lightly, shoulders lifting and dropping in a small shrug. "I didn't know what I would have done without those I cared about beside me. Thankfully our paths have crossed again, of our own choosing... the paths that have led me to a larger family, one that I would be proud to be a member of and honored to wear the brand for eternity." The slicer finishes, glancing around a little sheepishly with a crooked smile, the messy haired man is not one for amazing speeches, typically the words just spill unbidden from his lips.

Remaining quiet after the brand is taken from him, Hadrix takes a step back, into the shadow of the hall, Sumi's shadow as if it were an aegis or screen. With the new colors replacing the old dusky purples it might be an accurate assumption. Even if he's almost a foot taller than the woman. Almost twice her weight and likely frames her with the outline of his form.

Mirrors of one another, in practically every sense and fashion.

Aja watches each of the other two in turn, listening to their tales, their stories. Their words. Nodding here and there in agreement with something said or mentioned. Darting glances towards the others to see what expressions they might wear for the stories being told. Smiling as each of them accepts in turn. Then its to her, and she looks towards those gathered.

"This is not my first family. I have been Mandalorian longer than... well, longer than most. I saw firsthand the devastation and destruction of the Purge at the hands of the Empire. I had it happen to me. To my family. A Clan. A husband. Two children. I thought to be alone the rest of my life. I took to the Bounty Hunter's Guild as a way to hide from what I'd felt was my greatest failure. My family died.. and I was not there with them."

A frown touches her lips and she stares briefly at the ground, "I felt undeserving of another chance, another Clan. For decades I buried myself in anything I could find that would let me forget for just awhile. That would take me away from places with memories attached to them. It was only recently that I had decided to rejoin the Mandalorians that were beginning to gather again. To try and offer my insight and experience to those new to the life."

Her gaze lifts, sweeping each of them up into it, "I never intended to join a Clan. I never thought I would be worthy of it. But then Kora came along. ANd all of you accepted me in and offered me a place. To fight, to drink, to just.. be. And I remembered and felt that camaraderie again. The joy of going into battle with kin at my side. Of having people to protect and help again. Kora gave me a place, a home, and I intend to repay that with my life and my loyalty for as long as Kora stands. I am glad, grateful, to have found a family again. And I will be proud to wear the name Kora, in form and function."

Sumi is attentive to each warrior as they speak from the heart. She nods her head at points of their speech, and remains to offer reverence to each story. When they finish, and all have accepted the new name, she turns her head to the side to regard her Commander, the towering warrior who has followed her since the beginning. She issues a subtle nod, then pulls the sibilant hissing brand from the fire.

"So be it," Sumi says with a bit more volume, her voice easily filling the tall dark expanse of their Great Hall. "Rathe Kora, Avery Kora, and Aja Kora. To each of you I charge this pledge which I swear to you: I name you my friend, my kin, my companions for life. No matter the field, time, or clime and place I will stand beside you. No battle will claim your life absent mine beside it. Where you fall, I will be there to pick you back up. We will not die alone."

Stepping forward and creating the sound of a heavy bootfall, Sumi arrives at Rathe first. "You all have spoken your heart, accepted the name, now you receive our mark." She presses the hot iron into the pauldron of Rathe's armor, reheats, then brands Avery in the same fashion, reheats, and lastly arrives at Aja to do the same. The mark is burned into their armor, the hand emblazon with the flaming palm.

It's from Hadrix that Sumi dipps her hand in an object he holds, revealing once free from its confines, that it's blood! "Your marks are given birth on this day," She places a bloody hand on each of them respectively, sliding the bloody substance over their mark, 'Blooding them'. Sumi proceeds in the same order as before. "And they are sustained by the blood of our victories." Taking up a rag, Sumi begins to wipe her hand and FINALLY /smiles/. "Welcome home, Mando'ade!"

Karys holds her breath, listening to each as she smiles and her hands come up together to clasp with each other at her chest. But as they each are branded she watches, focusing heavily upon them as she grins a little more and more. The welcome finally given she cheers, lifting her hands into the air as she wooohoooos and wooops for them. There is little to no composure as she spins about and then claps for them all, stepping forward to clap Aja on the arm before moving onto the other two she knows better. Rathe and Avery both get an exuberant hug as Karys squeezes them. She releases to step back and grins. "I have Port...I know you want some!"

Oh no! She is running towards for the exit - likely for her ship if shes not stopped. The pride of being officially made a member of Clan Kora shows brightly in his eyes. In fact, he's so focused on the moment that he hardly shows any sign of relief when the brand is burned into the chestplate of his armor and not his bare skin. Avery watches each movement that Sumi makes, the moments seared into his memory to be cataloged forever. After she gives her speech, the smile that creases his lips is almost as brilliant as the star that burns during the day. He turns to congratulate Aja and Rathe and takes Karys up in the hug when she squeezes him tightly. He doesn't even have time to get a word in before Karys is racing out the door to retrieve some alcohol from the ship. After the quick moments that follow in a haze, he turns to Sumi and Hadrix, his head dipped low with a look of gratitude. "Thank you."

As Avery speaks, Rathe looks on in thought, listening to the former Vanguard Slicers words. A story similar to, and yet so different from his own. He looks from Avery specifically to Karys when the man mentions paths crossing. A fleeting smile and nod of approval, Avery has come far because of Karys in his mind. Aja get his full attention next, he is familiar with the story. Yet her acceptance of Kora and finding a new home, Rathe smiles. This too is quick, given the event. He nods to Avery and Aja each in turn and turns full attention back to Sumi. As she marks his armor first by brand, and then by blood, he is silent. He contemplates getting to this point, this crowning achievement. What he has sacrificed so far to get here, both willingly and against his will. He is surprised to find he regrets very little now. "Thank you, My Alor." Upon Sumi's welcoming him home. Then there is a Karys hug and he blinks in surprise, and returns it for another surprise. For Avery and Aja he grants the same gesture, something nearly unheard of from Rathe. Especially with so many eyes on them all. Annnnd there goes Karys for the Port in a Storm. He shrugs, he won't stop that at all. He murmurs for Aja and Avery alone. "Let her get it, she is at peace and smiling. That alone to me will be worth the hangover to come."

One more factor to deal with, he turns towards the brooding Hadrix, ascending towards the man. His is a pace with a purpose. He looks to Al'verde squarely in the visor. "So." Rathe seems to be steeling himelf up, perhaps to strike the helmeted Mandalorian. Then a growl of distaste. Rathe awkwardly hugs Hadrix with a loud armored clang! He mutters something for his audio-receptors alone before trying to step back.

Private words given, after the clear shock of the hug. Hadrix actually flinches when Rathe's arms come out. Freezes when he's embraced and whatever is said to him for his ears alone sets off something the one needn't be a jedi to feel when the Big Man seems to crumble inward. Like a building set with demolitions to implode. Smaller and sagging.

<"Ni'entye or'parguur... aruetyc'ulik ni."> actually leaning on the man, arms moving to return the gesture with a failed attempt at warmth that looks like reflex. His vox closes off with a snap of static, and he is a silent shadow once more.