A Common Path

[Ria Misrani]

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CONCORD DAWN - VERD HOMESTEAD​

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Amaya dressed in something more appropriate for a ball, she felt. Still, it was the only thing she had that wasn't being sewed up or cleaned. The Nabooian/Mandalorian had informed her guests to dress as comfortably as possible. Her guests being [member="Lady Kay"] and [member="Veiere Arenais"], the Queen and King of Commenor as it so happened. There was something of an informal invitation back on Monastery. Something she formalized afterward, and now here it was. The day of their meeting, the three would discuss culture, people, and a possible relationship between the Mando'ade and the Commenor people. Or at the very least between House Verd and the Royal House of Commenor, Amaya was not above making personal alliances to preserve her family. Speaking of family, the woman watched Teyn Gratiir appear out of the left of the hall from their own private chambers. "I'll have the feast laid out for your guests," he said to Amaya with a smile, "there's wine from Clan Betna by the way, as well as beer. My sister thought that we should have both."

"Your sister is a thoughtful woman, Teyn." Amaya remarked and then nodded, "please have it there on the table. Our guests should be arriving on the landing pad soon enough." She stood between the table and the chair, rather the Warmaster's throne. It belonged to her father, on either side were smaller chairs meant for the clan - her siblings, aunts, and uncles. Clan or House Verd were numerous and thus having them all together always proved to be a challenge. The family's crest hung from banners behind the main throne as others of their kin worked to ensure the home would be ready to receive the royals.

"A shuttle is on approach, vod." Said a man in armor to the daughter of Isley Verd.

She nodded in acknowledgment and looked over at Teyn who had by then disappeared to carry out his tasks. Her lips pursed together and whatever was on her mind then was put to the side as she placed one hand at the hem of her gown and lifted it up walking with escorts out of the long house and out toward the landing pad.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Dress comfortably. Kay's idea of dressing comfortably was to be in cozy trousers, light top and a fluffy dressing gown or house coat. But that wasn't suitable for a diplomatic meeting, even if it was slightly informal. Her dress was formal, yet comfortable in that it was loose and free flowing. Still it glittered enough to represent her status.

She felt the Free Lady exit hyperspace, not as smooth as other ships larger than her size, but at least no one would be knocked off of their feet. The modified freighter had gone a lot of distance these past couple of months, with not much rest in between. Kay left the lounge and headed to her quarters where she half expected to find [member="Veiere Arenais"] meditating. "We're here. Just outside orbit." She walked over to him and whether he was sitting or standing, she planted a kiss on his cheek. "I'm sure that this meeting will go better than the last one. However the last time that I was in this sector, it was for a trial or something. It wasn't really a good day. But I have hope that today will be a good one for us all." That was the trial that saw Gray Raxis lose his hand for the actions that someone else had done. The Crusades did little but tarnish the image of the Mandalorians to the rest of the Galaxy. Hopefully things had changed for the better.

[member="Amaya Verd"]

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Lady Kay"]'s guess was right on the money, meditation often made these ventures go much more smoothly as he could replace his aversion to flight for the peace and quiet of his ability to envelope himself within the Force and center himself upon his 'gut feelings', the wealth of emotions and desires people often buried sub-consciously in the attempt to better mask their anxieties and doubts towards the outside Galaxy. The Jedi were no different, their mediation over their emotions out in the field didn't make them void of feeling, they only chose when to allow these feelings to come to surface, choosing to acknowledge and work through them in the quiet of their own time. A great deal had happened lately, between Veiere's public marriage to Kay, his crowning as king of which he mostly resented and the change in his path, the force once more seemingly calling him back to that former desire to see the Jedi Order re-established in their sector of space, what used to be the heart of the Galactic Republic.

When his beloved wife spoke up, his eyes drifted open, his mind taking a minute to unravel from the depth of his consciousness, soon looking up to her with a faint tilt of his head, a gaze that for the briefest of moments seemed not to hear what she had said, only to piece it together momentarily and nod a little in appreciation, smiling in kind. "No, yes I do recall..." He responded to Kay's retelling of her previous time with the Mandalorian, "You were to speak on your own behalf over something involving [member="Gray Raxis"] and your choice not to get swallowed up in your peoples lust for conflict if I'm not mistaken. Gray lost a hand, I believe...-I think I was back on Yutan arguing with the Council trying to convince them to fall back on their traditions..." He twisted his mouth in a silent retort, a gesture of skepticism towards himself for it seemed to be all he sought to do these days, the Jedi Order and his misgivings about the last great schism and how it should've been avoided.

"Things are much different now. You're the leader of a nation of worlds and [member="Amaya Verd"] has invited us as Guests, we're not here under scrutiny..." He chuckled quietly, rising to his feet, dressed in his typical Jedi attire though reaching for his robe hung upon the wall, that he might sling it across the back of his shoulders to drape behind every step. "Frankly I'm looking forward to getting to know this part of your life...".

 

[Ria Misrani]

Upon approach to the landing pads, Amaya looked back over at the longhouse. Home, home she thought to herself with a smile yes it was a home and it would serve as a home to the Verds. To her vod for as long as they needed it. She took in a breath and smiled, the smell roasted Rontho, smoked Bantha and the sounds, the sounds of the drums. Drums that played a welcoming tune, yes this would suffice she thought. Turning forward she would keep in mind the lessons of [member="Artemis Lux"] and how to greet guests in their way, "Welcome to Concord Dawn." No, that sounded - well it didn't sound right so she tried again, as the young Mandalorian's feet carried her to the landing pad. "On behalf of House Verd," nope. "Welcome to Commenor Roy-" she hook her head. Amaya took a breath and exhaled as her palms were getting a little sweaty. Her nervousness clawed its way into her mind, "vod!" She called, "do we have a towel or something? I want to make sure my hands are clean."

"This way," one of the men at the landing pad said, "here you can clean your hands here, we've given the Commenori ship clearance to land their personnel."

"Good." Amaya acknowledged as she washed her hands at the small sink that was traditionally left for them to clean their hunting tools. "Anyone have a drink?"

The same Mandalorian man handed her a flask. She was quick to take a shot and hand it back, her face said it all though. Whatever was in that flask was strong enough to rip the varnish off the furniture, or so she swore. Amaya relaxed her shoulders and headed toward the landing pad's small terminal to await the royal house's arrival.

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[member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay looked up to the ceiling and pursed her lips a bit as [member="Veiere Arenais"] referred to the Mandalorians as 'her people'. From what little that she could remember, her interactions with them hadn't been good. She made deals for peace, paid for it with every credit that she had, only to be betrayed and the violence happened anyways. And as for the Raxis Clan; "Veiere, the Commenori are my people. I was only adopted into the Raxis Clan to save us from being attacked in the Crusades. But I don't know the language, don't have any armour like they always tend to wear. I don't know or follow their customs and I certainly wasn't going to fight with them in the front lines when I had a world of people to protect at home." She looked to him as he stood up, tilting her head to the side a bit. "Besides. I married you, and you aren't a Mandalorian. I took your name as my own. Doesn't that get me out of any Clan?" In her mind it seemed to be the way things go. But as she wasn't aware of the customs, she had no idea.

She smirked as he said that he was looking forward to learning about this part of her life. There wasn't much to be said that she hadn't told him already. At least, not that she remembered. Kay fidgeted with Veiere's tunic, straightening it a bit and brushing off imaginary dirt. He didn't need her to say it in order to tell that she was nervous. "Just don't bring it up unless it has to be, okay? It's not as though I have anything good to say with it."

The Free Lady touched down on the landing pad, gently this time, unlike some of the other landings that she has had recently. Kay shook her head a bit, as if doing so would remove negative emotions from her. "Let's just hope that [member="Amaya Verd"] is as pleasant as she was at the other talks." Her Force Signature was shrunk down to that of a small tree nut, like usual. She took Veiere's hand in her own and headed down to the ramp that had been lowered moments earlier as the Free Lady was powered down.

The first thing that Kay heard was the drums, and it gave her pause as the trial came into mind. There were drums there too, beating with their steps, as well as angry voices and threats of death shouted on either side of them as they were taken to see Ra. She forced out a breath. This was different. The drums had a happier beat to them, and Amaya stood there looking beautiful. Kay put on a smile as they approached and bowed her head. "It's good to see you again, Amaya. Thank you for the invitation."

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Lady Kay"]

To Veiere's mind, the fact that she had a culture behind her that had taken her in and represented some sort of large family of peoples having come together to live in strength, it was a semblance of family that he himself had not had until they had been wed. Smiling to her with a faint chuckle, he tilted his head forward to take to her eyes with a comforting look; "You make it all sound so daunting. I realize the Mandalorian can be a little aggressive yet they were there during a time of your life when you needed them. Perhaps you do walk a different path now and that's completely your right to decide, yet don't forget your past for the sake of your future..." He of course was suggesting she not let him replace any other people of possible importance in her life. "Prazutis took much from you, you can't know what remains here from your previous life. Clan Raxis was important to you once upon a time, I'm sure some of them still are, you went through a lot for [member="Gray Raxis"] after all and he supported you a great deal from what I can recall. Don't be so quick to dismiss your connections, you never know what may come in the days ahead" He grinned to her adoringly, he of course wasn't telling her to take up arms for their God or King or whatever they followed, but he simply hoped she wouldn't be deterred by the theft of her former self or misled by her doubts. "Besides...If there were a threat in acknowledging these people as your own, I will always be there and you're not alone anymore, you lead a nation of worlds with influence in the Galaxy".

With the Free-Lady touching down to land, Veiere was more than eager to disembark from the vessel; he had become more comfortable with flight than the days following his exile on Alzoc Three, far more...-Yet nothing compared to solid ground where he really found his home, no matter the world. Here on Concord Dawn he was especially pleased to be meeting with [member="Amaya Verd"] who had fortunately taken the time to speak to them during the failed peace talks derailed by her peers and the Galactic Empire. It had been a swift end to a promising time and Veiere had been very interested to finally learn more about these Mandalorian Clans that had eluded him so much since the days of the Republic. He was certain he had fought with many of them, defending Deneba against some of them though not of this Clan, he had not taken it to heart against their culture however as what little he did know about them was that they were made of up all different backgrounds, not one race but a variety of peoples coming together which seemed to strengthen the significance in their unity. Pride and Honor was among them, some of the higher values in life and to Veiere, while this was somewhat contrasting his life as a Jedi, he was always excited by the prospect of learning and studying new angles of life within the Galaxy. For whatever their differences, as far as he was concerned they were all children within the Force. As the two stepped before their guest, Veiere smiled and bowed in formal greeting, the Jedi way of showing respect and acknowledgement where it was due. "Indeed, thank you kindly Amaya. I'm relieved we were able to take this opportunity away from our previous meeting. I've been looking forward to visiting your worlds, understanding your people's culture. We are very grateful for your hospitality".

 

[Ria Misrani]

The sounds of Clan Verd and some of the minor clans reverberated throughout the land, Amaya greeted the Royal House of Commenor in Mandalorian fashion. She held out both arms, one of which she was ready to extend. A sign of welcome, a way to show that they were unarmed in Mandalorian custom. "Welcome your Highness and it is so wonderful to see you again, and you as well your Majesty," she bowed with respect toward both [member="Lady Kay"] and [member="Veiere Arenais"]. "Come, we have prepared a feast for your arrival. It is not often we have such guests on our lands." Amaya turned to her men and ordered them to run ahead and let the clans know that they would be arriving with the Royal House. The daughter of Isley Verd extended invitations to select members of the family, [member="Artemis Lux"], of course, was a natural selection. Artemis held a grace that had not been seen in their people in a long time. She smiled as she turned to guide the couple toward the long house, the King's words were kind. "I am as relieved as you are, m'lord. It was unfortunate that the talks failed however on the horizon there was but another opportunity, mhmm?"

Next came the invitations to her aunt [member="Keira Ticon"] and uncle [member="Alkor Centaris"], both of whom had been present at the initial discussions. "I hope you don't mind but I've invited my uncle and aunt, not sure if you had a chance to see them at the initial talks." A pause, "and one other person Artemis Lux of House Tor. She's quite dear to me, a mentor you could say, but she's practically family." The grassland moved like waves in the wind, grain could be seen, husks of maize beyond them and the silhouette of livestock. Around the long house smaller homes were built, a few stalls and storage barns as well, young children ran past them with ribbons in their hands sporting Verd colors. "The drums you are hearing beat that of a welcoming tune. Music, rhythm is a vibrant part of our culture one that has seen a lot less use in days past," she paused a moment as other children and clansmen gathered around the group. "I don't think these children have ever seen people from Commenor before. They're very excited," the young Mandalorian concluded.

Amaya walked up the steps of the long house, the house made of wood with a stone foundation with the mark of Ram burned into the pillars. Banners of House Verd could be seen just as easy as the table with their food, the feast was ready. The drums beat off to the left as one entered the long house, with their vocalizers right next to them. On the right, a set of sofas brought down from what was salvageable from Manda'lor and admittedly the sofas had seen better days but they were well worn. Covered with sheets the sofas were next to small hookahs that rested upon the stands, ready for those who wish to smoke. Teyn Gratiir walked behind the table leading a set of waiters who set down the Betna brew. "Beer from Clan Gratiir, a minor Betna house they wish to offer a sample and if you like it they're more than happy to send you home with several kegs." She said with a smile as she gestured toward the seats, "if you are hungry we can begin the feast and if not then there is plenty to do. The bards are running late, but I hope they'll be able to play for you soon, your majesties."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Bad memories. That was all that Prazutis left her with when it came to the Mandalorians and others in the years since the death of her first husband. The good memories and even people were stripped from her mind. Joining Clan Raxis felt like a sacrifice to save her planet from attack like the others in their sector. Because of Prazutis, she couldn't remember the good times, the love that she had for her closest friends within the Clan. But maybe in time that'll be remedied. Or at least that's what both her and [member="Veiere Arenais"] hoped. At least she had him to help her and be supportive. Without him she'd be lost.

Kay blinked in surprise as [member="Amaya Verd"] informed them of a grand feast. Such a welcome wasn't quite what she expected. She glanced to her husband, squeezing a hand a little and giving him a small smile as if to say that she was feeling a bit more relaxed. He was right, as always, and so she was determined to keep an open mind.

Her eyes took in the sights, the sounds and the smells as Amaya took them towards her home. She listened intently, smiling and offering little waves to those that greeted them, especially the children. "Well we're not all that different. They'd be welcome to visit and see it first hand." Others would be joining them. That wasn't unexpected and who was she to tell them no?

Soon they were indoors. Kay looked around, admiring the architecture. She couldn't help but walk over to one of the pillars and place her hand on it, looking up and taking in the craftsmanship of the woodwork. "It's beautiful." Her words were spoken more to herself than to anyone else. She looked to the feast waiting for them at the table. It smelled delicious and although she was hungry, it'd be rude to start now."I think that we should wait for the others to arrive first before we start eating." Kay moved to sit down on one of the sofas, leaving Veiere to sit or stand wherever he wished. It wasn't as though they were attached at the hip.

She scrunched up her nose a bit as beer was presented before her. She was never a fan of the stuff, even of the smell. But there were plenty of others that loved it. "No, thank you. I'm more of a tea drinker, myself. But I know of quite a few that wouldn't pass up a chance to try it. So we'd be glad to bring some samples home for them." Her attention was turned to Amaya then. "And there's no need for us to be overly formal. You can just call me Kay. Unless of course you insist otherwise, then I'll oblige." Bards, music, a feast, a welcoming crowd. She had never attended such a thing that wasn't one that she had planned on her own. It was sort of nice to not have to call the shots for once.

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Amaya Verd"] seemed to have had everything organized and ready to greet them upon their arrival, even the food had already been brought to bare upon the tables that filled the room, Veiere walking in stride to follow Amaya as she led the couple in and were greeted by others of their people. Glancing to notice [member="Lady Kay"] happily tended to by children of the Mandalorian people, Veiere's head tilted back, silently questioning his wife's affinity with children before turning to look back to their host a little taken back by the way in which she spoke to him. "Please, please..." He lifted both hands with a hearty chuckle, "Just call me Veiere...-I'm here as a Husband and friend...-I left Commenor behind us and that's where such titles can remain..." He grinned a little awkwardly, having no like for such things. Royalty and hierarchy wasn't his strong suit, he detested being held up upon high above any other people, common folk or otherwise. As a member of the Order, he had been brought up with a respect for all life regardless of background or social standing. To him, being royalty was no different than being part of a family, only the family extended to all of the world they resided upon and with it came further responsibility. He didn't care about credits beyond what they could do for the government there or the Jedi Order he was seeking to re-establish upon Yutan, nor did he go vying for peoples attention like some actor or other self serving individual. "And yes, we're very glad not all opportunities were lost to us. With the Mando'ade neighboring the Commenori, we would most welcome the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with your people".

The general scene unveiling around them was most humbling, Kay was right, they were often the ones going to the effort of catering for others entering their embassies and being comforted by Commenori Hospitality. Veiere had almost forgotten what it was like to visit other worlds and be welcomed in such a way, it was certainly something rare for him personally. In fact, it hadn't been since his and Kay's first trip to Avalonia in meeting with the First Order to secure ties there that they were last given such a show of warmth. The meeting on monastary would have been similar had it not been of the actions of others and Veiere's choice to ignore it for the sake of wine that he didn't relish on memories all the same. An unfortunate turn as Amaya had pointed out, though they were not to be blamed and that conversation ended as soon as it had began, thankfully. Today was not a day to focus on failures of the past.

And then, he was brought a flagon of beer, they truly were speaking his language now; Jedi or not, every man favored a good hearty drink when given the chance. "Mm, thank you certainly" he smirked to the one offering him the drink, taking it and lifting it in a small gesture of toast to their hosts before turning to glance back at Kay who mentioned her fondness for tea. Somehow he doubted the Mandalorian People shared the same affection for such drinks though he might yet be surprised, they had certainly gone to all efforts to cater to their guests. Residing then to seat himself beside his wife, his gaze was drawn to their surroundings and the works and craftsmanship of the great hall they inhabited. "Your homestead is something to truly be proud of, Amaya, that is quite some decor..." He grinned, glancing to Kay with a slight wink of his left eye before taking a swig from his beer and pausing a moment to savor the taste. It was a stronger beer than he was accustomed to, though for a whiskey drinker, that was preferable. "My compliments to Clan Gratiir too..." He tried to pronounce the house as best he could, "For a strong brew, it's a wonderful drop...".

 

[Ria Misrani]

"Kay, Veiere," Amaya acknowledge with a smile and a bow as more and more food was brought in. The homestead, the kauhale Verd or Village Verd as it was often referred to now. Offered visitors a look at the true Mandalorian life, family, friends and food the three big F's of life here. She listened to both the King and Queen as they spoke plainly with her. The fires gave their light here in the longhouse all the while shadows danced about the walls in a beautiful play with the drums. "Just as I would welcome the chance to strengthen it, Veiere." Amaya said with a nod toward the man about Mando'ade and Commenor. "For far too long my people have known nothing but hardships, war, and the cost of war," the young woman paused as she watched the children dance, "it is time that they know the way of peace and diplomacy, for it may yield more fruit that the errors of our past."

"I believe a trip to Commenor would do the next generation a great service," she agreed with Kay and then chuckled. Amaya looked over her shoulder she watched Teyn go by. "Teyn, does your sister still make her brew?"

The youngest son of clan Gratiir paused a moment, "mhmmm I can see if she still has some, most likely Betna may have tea."

"See to it that we send a crate back with our guests," Amaya instructed as she sat with her shoulders squared and looked over at her majesty, [member="Lady Kay"]. "I'll have our clansmen take tea to your ship just as well as the beer, after all a long night of play must turn its hand to work, mhmm?"

Amaya had heard their compliments of the home, she watched them both for a moment before turning her attention over to Teyn who grinned. She let the sounds of the music take the atmosphere, drums were joined by voices. Soon after other musicians joined and graced the entire hall with what was the beginning of a beautiful performance. These musicians were young and old, mostly young as older Mandalorians half in armor, and others in more earthen clothing that mimicked the simple tribal clothes of old. "Njengentaka ndiyabhabha," the woman sang softly her voice seemed to blend with the choir. "Ndibamba umoya," she quieted down just as soon as she thought she was being watched. A blush found its way to her skin, but the brunette gave a shrug and simply took the pint of beer as it was handed to her and looked over to give a silent toast to [member="Veiere Arenais"] and Lady Kay all the same.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxxWtt_5oZc[/media]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay wasn't surprised that [member="Veiere Arenais"] wanted to partake in the beer. She just couldn't understand how anyone liked the taste. But then again, not everyone liked tea either. To each their own.

She wasn't at all surprised about Veiere not wanting to be called by any title either. He was a humble man, one of his most desireable qualities. It's partly what got him to regain her trust after her abduction. He didn't try to assert himself over her, instead he was kind and patient, letting her discover things on her own. It was a turning point.

She leaned against Veiere a bit as the music and singing began, listening and letting her mind drift with the harmony. They were certainly pulling out all the stops for two people on a little world nearby that held very little significance in the grand scheme of things. Moreso it was Veiere that held more weight as he wasn't as tied down as she was.

Kay wondered if any others would be joining them. The food shouldn't be allowed to cool too much, afterall. It would soon be time to get to business, or more so the political side of things. However she was quite comfortable at just sitting next to her husband while being entertained. Their time together was few and far between.

She looked to [member="Amaya Verd"] when the song was over. "You have a beautiful voice."

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere listened to the music and the singing of the hall, all while [member="Lady Kay"] seemed to close in against him, his gaze being drawn to hers briefly, passing her a warm smile and an affectionate and loving gaze before turning back to look upon the others, his flagon still in hand and the beverage soothing to his throat taking a soon gulp and grinning faintly at the show the people put on for them. [member="Amaya Verd"] eventually spoke about the struggles that her people had been through, the wars and conflict that had often been talked about from neighboring regions who quite probably, like Veiere, failed to understand the Mandalorian culture in any true clarity, detested the violence and often looked upon the Mandalorian people with the expectation and belief that where they would roam, so too would war follow.

He was appreciative of the service and the hospitality, his flagon was refilled and after finding his way through the second serving the music had effectively died down so that his wife could compliment Amaya on her singing, those around them would gradually take a step back and there would be time for further discussion among the group. Truthfully, Amaya had touched on a point that had been on Veiere's mind now for quite some time, the prospect of peace and positive relations and livelihood for a people who were so accustomed to a past of war, the differences among their many Clans and the outside perspectives from the general galactic society towards them on top of their own struggles in the simple day to day, he wondered what it would take to help solidify such a positive future for their own.

Everything they were seeing was a far cry from the war call of the Mandalorian Clans that had taken apart the remains of the One Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic so long ago. For such a strong united front, the Clans had been a force to be reckoned with back then. Today it was difficult to know where they all stood with one another. Veiere's knowledge over Clan Raxis went only so far as Kay's relations with [member="Gray Raxis"] and [member="Ardgal Raxis"], before her eventual conflict involving the Sith Lord Prazutis and his theft of her memories of the past. They continued to stand in alliance with that of Commenor though their relationships had suffered since and the only perspective Veiere could manage to formulate these days was witnessing the vast differences between the Mando'ade and those within the Dominion further north in the Galaxy.

"Forgive me Amaya but I must admit I'm curious, given our territories are slowly closing in towards one another..." He dipped his head in brief apology, bringing up the matter of politics somewhat prematurely though her own words had provoked his curiousity, "What is it the Mando'ade seeks to accomplish for your people. What is the state of the Mandalorian people as a whole united culture given the Clans many differences...-This last meeting gone having been a prime example..." The peace talks on monastary had fallen apart quickly between the raging bull of a Mandalorian warrior and the pride and ego of the Imperial Remnant, neither one had backed down and thus the conference grew into a much larger joke which was sadly still in his recollection. This meeting between them was of course to go far more smoothly. "What would it take for the Mandalorian culture to find and live in peace?".

 

[Ria Misrani]

Amaya thanked Kay for her compliments, the music played down and all that could be heard were the soft hums of the small drums as the people of her clan moved about. Indeed the clans were so spread, so different it would be hard for anyone nation to truly grasp them as a whole. She did not mind the king's questions they were honest and in truth he deserved to know of them in their entirety. Peaceful relations could be attained but it would take a strong will to do so, for it was so easy to fall into hate. So easy to give into the blade and harder still to walk the path of peace, to stay one's hand this much she knew but she did not grow up with her people. She was not raised among them, nor had she been raised among her mother's kin the Nabooians who felt so safe in their cocoons. The fires kept the food warm as meat was carved from their spits and beautiful stews and fresh baked flat bread was prepared.

"You deserve more than what I can give you, Veiere," her voice resounded of the late Lady Ajira Cardei, the Nabooian noblewoman who had given nothing more than her genetics and quite the inheritance to her daughter. Amaya paused a moment as the food was set out before her and her esteemed guests, "I cannot speak for the Mando'ade as much as I can simply for my Clan, the Mando'ade might be how our people come together but..." She rose from her seat a moment as she pondered how to answer his question, and had to hold in her laughter, "our history as a people is quite storied and varied, for my clan and my house we seek to grow beyond the battle. Battle and war, honour is the heart of any Mandalorian culture but there is always a time and a place for such, and there is a time for peace. To stay one's hand is perhaps harder than drawing a blade, and for a long time as I've mentioned war has been our calling, so for even our most esteemed elders. Peace might seem like a weakness, but blood does not need to call for blood."

The young woman returned to her seat, a hand picking up the seam of her dress as she took her seat once more. She drew close to the king and queen explaining to them of her people as she would a friend.

​

"I can only hope and pray that our relationship, can be the start of such a path, a way for a new tomorrow for we cannot go on under the ways of our past." The young Mandalorian said in a quiet tone, it was sombre really. But she spoke with such an authority, she knew what she wanted and where she wanted to steer her people. "I am not Manda'lor nor do I wish to be, I am only a daughter, the daughter of Clan Verd and you will find our clan to be many and touch the doors of nearly every star. Our last meeting ended in such a manner because our leader could not be brought to heel." Amaya was curt in her tone here, she detested Vilaz's attitude in the meetings as arranged by her father. "The goal of the Mando'ade, our Manda'lor aside - is to see the Mandalorians as a whole and united people once more. And as you have stated and no doubt seen the clans have many differences. And that's quite alright, being different is okay, for even within a family there are differences but..." An exhalation, a sigh really she could not be more frustrated with her people even if she had grown up with them. "Sometimes, hearts are hardened when they need not be and when hearts become hardened, they refuse to yield, to listen to reason and that is where blood is drawn."

"We often believe that confrontation is the way to growth, but it is an old belief." She added with softness once more, "so as a whole united culture you are looking at a nomadic people who have lost their ways and are trying to grow but change can be hard." The young woman paused a moment for she had heard the king's last question, she only shrugged. "At first I thought perhaps if we had reclaimed our planets and began to rebuild we would be fine but that is not so. Many now want to claim the title of Manda'lor for themselves, and still, others seek to reclaim the worlds of our past. For the Mando'ade and the clans to find peace and prosperity, I believe they wish to be unprovoked, what you saw at our last meeting..."

"The Galactic Empire conducted an act of war against our people on Myrkr, thusly our Manda'lor attacked upon seeing them." Amaya gave the two a look that suggested her earlier statements, about a time and a place for everything. "I support his anger but it was wrongly placed at that time, for now, peace for us is to be left unprovoked." A still recovering people were once again put to the butcher's axe when the Galactic Empire bombarded Myrkr. Of course, Vilaz was livid and no one could tell him he was wrong for it. She still burned vengeance against the Galactic Empire, "overall I do not believe we have any ill toward you or your people. We are neighbors after all, and there was a time when the Mandalorians fought for a cause and not coin." But they were still divided over force users, she did not believe in ill against them and believed over all that the Jedi wanted good for the galaxy but the vast majority spoke one way but acted another. "I will say this and I truly hope it answers your questions, if I haven't already, for a Mandalorian your action speaks louder than your words. Too many times in our past have we been burned by the likes of the Republic, where they would bargin with us and when it came time for them to honor their end of the deal. They vanished, too many times have we been the subject of the Sith, playing into the cruelty in return for pain or promises of grandeur where none were to be had."

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was a bit taken aback that [member="Veiere Arenais"] would dive into politics so soon. He hated politics, yet it was his curiosity of Mandalorian culture that seemed to give him a bit of a drive. She wasn't entirely sure of why he was so fascinated, nor why he felt the need to constantly remind her that she was a part of them whenever the topic came about. It wasn't as though she was influenced by them or led by them. Kay was on her own.

She looked to [member="Amaya Verd"] while she spoke, giving them a bit of a history lesson of the Mandalorians and her Clan. Everyone knew of their warring culture and their near resentment towards others. The recent Crusades did nothing to help their reputation. On the contrary, it only made it worse. But Kay had to try not to paint them all with the same brush. Not all of them were the same, just as not all politicians were the same, or all Jedi or Sith. Even droids differed from one another. So it wouldn't be fair for her to at least not be open and entertain the idea of the goal for peace.

Amaya and Veiere touched on further topics, those of which she remembered. That multi-government peace meeting was all the shambles and it didn't surprise her that blame would be thrown about. In her mind, both sides in every conflict had commited crimes and atrocities. Neither had the moral high ground. At least, not in her mind anyways. It was partly why she didn't move to take sides during that meeting, instead just sitting quietly while the meeting deteriorated around them. It wasn't as though anything that they had said would have stopped it. Commenor was much too small to have any sort of impact in galactic affairs.

At the mention of the Republic treating the Mandalore horribly, she had to object to that one. "Not everyone in the Republic broke promises or failed to deliver. After an attack on us, I put up the costs for the funerals and hospital bills of the attackers in a bid to stop any further acts of aggression. But instead of helping to create a bridge, the credits were taken and an attack happened just days later for no reason other than out of spite and vengeance. I gave every credit that I had and sold most of my belongings to pay for it. But it was all for naught." She frowned a little, but more so at herself as it was almost sounding as though she was blaiming her present company on what had happened in the past. But that wasn't true. "I just hope that such a thing never happens again. Trust isn't so easily regained." Now Kay really wanted some of her tea, or more so the comfort that it gave. Instead she had Veiere though, and she was glad to not be here alone. "Commenor will not become an aggressive party against anyone. We will only protect our borders and those within it should it be necessary. Though I would hope that at any point that the Mandalorians come through our space, that it is for peaceful means. We are allied with many different kinds of governmemts, so there is the chance that enemies would run into eachother." So far so good though. No one has attacked eachother within Commenor's boundries. And that was such a good thing.

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere understood [member="Amaya Verd"]'s passion and drive for her people rather intimately, he held the same vision for those of the Jedi in today's society of Force Users; his wish for them to find themselves likely having taken about as many blows as her own want for her people had over the course of wars ravaging the galaxy. In a sense, the name of the Order he once served had suffered under similar symptoms of decay. Pride and prejudice leading to a loss of clarity and vision for their greater future due to the chaos going on within their present. Lowering his gaze, he listened intently, his wife beside him likely sensing how distanced his mind would become as he considered the similarities, and their differences with the Mandalorian Clans.

At the mention of the conference held upon Monastery and the fact that the Mandalorian among them whom had acted out had actually been their leader, holding the title of Manda'lor, Veiere's gaze lifted and he glanced to [member="Lady Kay"] momentarily, curious to gauge her expression as he'd had no idea. Their titles and cultural claims were something he wasn't well versed in at all yet everyone knew what Manda'lor meant, it was the name of their King or ruler, monarch or whatever sort of leader it was that they recognized. Those with such a title had been often made famous by their feats in war and battle against their given enemy at the time and Veiere too remembered the past feuds between the Galactic Republic and the Mandalorian Clans, at that point all united together.

"Unfortunately, I recall fighting in some of those battles in the defense of Republic worlds..." Veiere turned to look back to their host, speaking honestly and without bias over their recollection of history together, "Your people are revered in their ability to fend off against those of my own, Force Users, no matter their morale compass...". Lives had been lost on both sides, so many perished until the Republic was forced to withdraw from the war, it was viscous and back then, Veiere hardly resembled the Jedi Knight he had hoped to be. He had sought to come to know the Order again, only to be disappointed time and time again no matter what place in the Galaxy he sought to search for their lost integrity within. The Core Worlds, the North, the South. It didn't matter whether it was within the Republic or not, Jedi everywhere were being subdued by their own desires above the path of discipline and dedication to the Force. The once selfless order had ceased to exist and what he had been left with felt like a one man dream that he carried only in his day to day, contradicted by those around him.

Turning once more as Kay began to elaborate on his recount of the past, Veiere remained quiet, his gaze softened and showing hint of remorse, regret and guilt for the way the Galaxy had become, regardless of the fact that he alone could not have stopped it. Thirty years dedicated to the pursuit of peace and morale justice couldn't stack up to the fact that no matter ones efforts, somewhere there were always someone that was suffering, whether being oppressed or simply without the means to provide for themselves. It was the nature of the galaxy that couldn't afford to have such organizations meant for the betterment of others to be so conflicted within their own.

"Commenor is growing" Veiere spoke up in agreement with his wife, his attention turning back to that of Amaya, "Though the hope for progress that my wife and I both share with you for those in territories outside of our own cannot be obtained without the help and positive influence of others within a position such as yours. We have a number of embassies already set up for the use of governments outside of our own, to come and negotiate with others on mutual ground should they harbor any sort of disagreements. We offer a place of neutrality with the goal of deterring further war. Rest assured, we are trying to do what we can for those within our territories and do consider our neighbors closely. The Mando'ade has shown us no reason to think ill of them and I would hope that your vision comes into fruition for your people..."