Private A friend in need...

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Ukatis
| Objective | Arriving planetside

The battle for Echnos was over.​

​

The Sith had successfully fended off the Galactic Alliance's counter-attack on their shipyard, routing the strike force send their way through the use of a sorcerous device; and Clan Kryze, staunch allies as they were, had suffered greatly for it. Dozens of Mandalorians and Hastati alike could not be retrieved in the retreat, their bodies desecrated and their armour ripped from their bodies - and, perhaps most unfortunate of all, their Alor had been mortally wounded by Darth Carnifex , the Doom of Mandalore. They turned towards the uncaring sky, their hearts filled with desperation at the thought of being robbed of The Redeemer, whose vision had taken them so far along the path...​

​

But Jenn had survived, thanks to Jonyna Si 's heroic intervention. Diminished, perhaps, but alive - and, as soon as she was no longer needed to put the broken pieces back together, she all too eagerly answered a close friend's invitation to recuperate from her wounds somewhere a little less demanding. Obsessed as she was with her legend and the legacy she would leave behind, the Ersansyr could not abide the thought of projecting an image of weakness around her warriors. What would they think, if they saw her moving about the Clangrounds with the aid of a walking stick? The thought was abhorrent, and so she jumped on the chance to recuperate on a world where she would be welcomed, if far from her people. ​

​

Arriving with a small escort in the form of Alor'ad Pollux and a few Onderonian Hastati, if only to protect her (a notion that filled her with shame, that) from any force trying to ambush her during the journey between Onderon and Ukatis, she was all too glad to find herself back on Corazona's homeworld. Even if she had to lean on a baton made of carved cherry tree to keep herself upright, the horrid wound in her side wrapped up in bandages still. ​

​

Stepping off the small, if heavily-armored ship, she felt a smile pulling at her lips at the sight of a world once bloodied by her people, yet still standing proud. For all of her distaste for the stifling cultural traditions of Ukatis, she had come to respect its Princess immensely - and, later, to regard her as a dear friend. Bringing her closed fist against her breastplate and over her heart, she then opened that hand and waved it in Corazona's direction; a sign of peace, ever heartfelt and true. In stark contrast, Pollux offered a dignified bow, in the Ukatian fashion.​

​

"It is good to see you again, bur'cya", spoke the Mandalorian in a warm, if somewhat rasping tone. Evidently, the journey itself had taken a toll on her, confined to a bed as she had been the week before.​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

The Enclave's assault, brutal as it had been, was confined to the capital and its surrounding suburban areas. Most of Ukatis' rural villages – which comprised the vast majority of the planet's land – had been spared.

Pandosia was one such settlement. Life there was slow and quiet. Its outskirts had recently been the site of a plant surge training for Jedi, a lesson that had the secondary effect of breathing more life into the barren soil. Aura blossoms mixed with the native flowers and vibrant grasses, creating a naturally colorful mosaic beneath Mandalorian boots.

Cora arose from the small stone gazebo nestled into the field. A crumbling tower climbed into the skyline only a short distance away; it had been the site of their recent lesson.

Her face broke into a smile as a figure emerged from the ship's boarding ramp, but that expression soon creased into gentle worry. Seeing Jenn so wounded shot a barb of panic into her heart, one that was slowly calmed by a deep breath and the reminder that she was alive. The Ersansyr was as tough as beskar itself.

Relief wove its way into her features at Jenn's wave. She met them halfway, treading carefully over the blossoms.

"And you as well, Jenn. Pollux." The dip of her head was as slow and controlled as she'd been taught in finishing school, but there was genuine warmth to the way that she moved. Cora reached for Jenn's hand – a careful gesture – and would squeeze it. A few long moments passed where she swept her gaze over the injured Alor, concern touching her gaze before it leveled back onto her face.

"I'm glad you decided to come. I didn't think-"

Didn't think you'd want to return here.

Mandalorians still weren't particularly welcome on Ukatis, but Jenn and her countrymen had earned their welcome as they aided in the rebuilding process. While they weren't guests of the crown, they were guests of the powerless dowager princess, in a field of flowers and far from Axilla. She gestured for the gazebo, moving to Jenn's side to help support her, if needed.

"Come, I've the tea that you like."

Jenn Kryze

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Ukatis - Pandosia
| Objective | A quiet day

Some might say that the Mandalorians looked out of place, surrounded by such beauty; for, in truth, they were proud of their heritage as children of war. More than one talented artist has chosen to depict them as faceless personifications of war; paintings of armored warmongers crushing flowers underfoot...​

​

Perhaps they were right. Perhaps the proud children of Mandalore were incapable of living in peace for long, drawn as they were to fire and fury. Today, however, proved different - if only to the eyes of the good princess awaiting their arrival. The Hastati were dismissed by their Alor with but a gesture of her hand; some returned to the ship, whereas others... seemed content to drink in the beauty of the pastoral lands around them. A heartening sight, to see such battle-hardened warriors appreciating the simpler things in life, still.​

​

An elegant pearl white toga was thrown over her beskar, this time around; a more personable touch than merely her armor and the flight suit beneath, if after a fashion. Pollux, for his part, remained dressed in his own unique blend of Mandalorian and Ukatian cultures; the shape of his helm disturbingly close to Mathilde Leyweald 's idle sketches, in spite of the young woman's complete lack of contact with Mandalorians. ​

​

"Your Highness", came Pollux's answer to her greeting, only to earn him a bump against his shoulder by the Alor. Evidently, Jenn still held true to her preference to see Corazona referred to by her rank as a Knight of the New Jedi Order, but the respect her Alor'ad held for the Princess manifested differently than her own. With a dignified reverence, he allowed his steps to guide him elsewhere, if only to clear his head... leaving Jenn alone with the driven noblelady. ​

​

Although a part of her loathed the concern she read in Corazona's gaze, she found it in herself to move past the discomforting notion that she was being pitied. Having a friend quite like her was a blessing, and she knew it. Although the squeeze she offered back to that hand was not quite as firm as it had once been, there was no denying the familiarity between them - even less so when she slowly brought her hand up to her helm, removing it with that characteristic hiss of depressurization, holding it under her arm as she gave her gracious host a tired, if genuine smile.​

​

"Ukatis is a... quiet, and peaceful world. And it counts one of the bravest souls I've had the privilege of knowing among them." A chuckle followed, then, as she welcomed the help offered all too readily. Her pride was not so great as to refuse the aid offered by a friend, especially in the state she found herself in. The promise of Noctum blend was, of course, and added bonus. ​

​

"I trust you've been well? Politics and war have kept me busy, but you've been in my thoughts, especially knowing... what you told me, last I came here." A sympathetic smile pulled at her lips, and it was now her turn to show concern; a measure of tenderness filled her gaze, seldom shown so openly. "I can't thank you enough for inviting me here. I couldn't find the will to face my own Clan - not when I need aid to walk."​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora's smile tightened just a hair as Pollux addressed her using her more formal title, then, it relaxed as Jenn prodded his shoulder. She used to adore titles – they separated nobility from the common man – but now they only felt like the crushing weight of an empty promise. Her gaze lingered a bit longer on his outfit, now noticing a distinct Ukatian thread woven into Pollux's garments. An eyebrow went up. It was an uncommon blend of designs, but where had she seen something like that before?

As the warrior drifted away, Cora's attention fell back to Jenn. A second wave of relief swept through her; with her helmet removed, she could see the Alor's face. There was something reassuring about that.

"It wasn't always peaceful." There was an edge of caution in her tone as Cora readily slipped a hand around Jenn's free arm. Then, she thought better of her words. "We experienced a bloody civil war nearly twenty years ago. Many lives were lost, and it put my father in law on the throne."

Together, the two women ambled towards the gazebo. Unrushed, unhurried. Cora nodded idly, recalling the Mandalorian's earlier words about love and duty. "As well as one can be in these times, I suppose. I was on Dorvalla, in the mines. I managed to escape when the order to withdraw was given."

Compared to Jenn, Cora's engagement in the Alliance's invasion had been far less involved, and far, far less taxing on her body. Her lips upturned in a sad sort of smile.

"I welcome you and yours onto Ukatis at any time, Jenn. I know that you prefer your armor, but I must say – you look much better without the helmet."

Her tone was light and airy as she led her friend up the short steps to the platform of the gazebo. Several chairs were arraigned around a circular metallic table, complete with an ornate tea set and a small plate of confections.

"Rest can come easier when we're out from underneath prying eyes, well-meaning as they can be. Still, it's both a relief and a joy to have you here."

Jenn Kryze

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Ukatis - Pandosia
| Objective | Good tea, good company

Few things convinced Jenn of the righteousness of her path as readily as the friends she had made since the beginning of her journey. The days of enmity between herself and the Princess of Ukatis were behind them, now; forgiven, though not forgotten. A reminder of just how much she had grown since then, abandoning her blind devotion to her people in favor of a strong dedication to new ideals worthy of her. ​

​

"Oh, I am aware. Pollux regaled me with tales of that bloody conflict. As for myself... peace is foreign to me", admitted the Alor absent-mindedly as she allowed herself to be slowly (and carefully) led over to the gazebo, trusting Cora completely. "It is a treasure meant for others; one I fight for on their behalf. But not for me. I wouldn't know what to do with myself, frankly, and I can't quite find it in myself to grieve that fact. There is glory and honor in this eternal crusade of mine, after all! I hardly need to tell you just how harsh the Galaxy can be, and how warriors like me will always be needed."​

​

There was no shame in her voice, nor melancholy. Although she had changed in many ways, Jenn still embraced her place among the stars as a conquering hero, triumphant in her devotion to her chivalrous ideals. There would always be another battle, another tyrant to be ousted, another people to be liberated. ​

​

"But if Ukatis is to know a succession war once more, know that my warriors and I will be ready to come and do our part. I still need to repay your kindness, after all!" For such a distressing topic of conversation, the Mandalorian's voice was almost jolly; evidently, she sought to express her gratitude and kinship the only way she knew how. It may not be inaccurate, if a little unkind, to look upon Jenn as a destroyer who sought to reinvent herself as a hero, yet didn't quite meet the mark - but she was, above all, genuine in her efforts, in her kindness.​

​

Thankfully, Corazona's words concerning her features earned something of a breathless chuckle from the Ersansyr, the way her scales shifted hues to a deeper blue betraying just how touched she was. To a woman who yet struggled with her own femininity at the best of times, few things were sweeter than the reminder that she did, in fact, possess a certain beauty. "... gracious words, friend - and I find myself believing them more easily with each person making note of it." ​

​

Coming to Ukatis was the best decision she had made recently, she decided. Here, she found herself within a peaceful and isolated little slice of the Galaxy, in the company of a dear friend, without the exacting expectations that came with her station - and the legend she sought to build around herself.​

​

"Few things in the Galaxy are sweeter than good tea, shared with good friends", spoke the Mandalorian as she sat down onto a chair, a sigh of relief escaping her lips soon after wards as her ornate cherry tree stick was carefully laid down. "Tell me - have you met Alicio Organa before? He and I share something of a... complicated history, although I hold him to be a close ally and an even better friend, these days. We were having tea on Alderaan when the thought suddenly struck me; between him, lady Natasi Fortan and yourself, it would seem I've something of a habit of befriending royalty... after antagonizing them, at any rate." ​

​

A smile pulled at her lips, then, full of light-hearted mischief. "I don't suppose you'd care for the idea of a tea club between royalty?"​

​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Jenn seemed almost eager at the prospect of a looming fight – it was a reminder that her friend was still very much a Mandalorian. The concept of glory in battle was present in Ukatian culture, but the princess was adverse to bloodshed.

"I do hope that it will not come to war," she murmured. Her tone was still light, almost playful, even as her brow crinkled. The throne was another concept she was adverse to, but if things ever moved in that direction, there was comfort in having allies who could be trusted.

They moved easily between conversation pieces. Cora's sour expression smoothed, then she arched a brow. "I'm not the only person you've removed your helm for, then?"

The blonde remained at Jenn's side until she was eased into a chair, ready to assist. Once her guest was comfortable, she lifted the ornate tea pot and set about pouring two cups.

"Ki-Alicio?" Up went the other brow, and her attention shifted from the tea to Jenn as she passed the other woman her cup. A Ukatian ceramic hand-painted with intricate blue and amber flowers. "He and I are familiar, yes. He was present on Ukatis during our reconstruction efforts and we had...an illuminating conversation regarding the duty of nobility." For a few short moments, Cora's focus drifted over Jenn's shoulder as she gazed into the middle distance. She had great respect for Alicio and his family, and for the positive change they brought to the galaxy.

"His wife, Amani Serys , is the Order's chief healer. She helped me though a...difficult period, as she's helped countless others."

With the tea poured, Cora drifted into her seat. She deposited a tiny spoonful of sugar into her cup and stirred idly.

"I'm not personally familiar with Senator Fortan, but I've heard that she's a woman of impeccable taste. I would certainly enjoy sharing tea with good company."

Lifting the cup to her lips, Cora took a short, delicate sip. A soft sigh followed before her brow furrowed.

"Wait – how do you know Alicio?"

Jenn Kryze

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Pandosia
| Objective | Teatime and gossip

"If you want peace, prepare for war", came the Mandalorian's response, invoking wisdom of ages past. It was but a short sentence, for she easily sensed the Princess' discomfort when it came to the topic of war - even more so when she all but invoked the shadow of the throne. The politician within her knew that calling upon Mandalorians to assist Corazona in case of a civil war may very well just cause outrage around Ukatis; the general regarded it as a necessary sacrifice to ensure that an ally found herself in a position of power from which to assist her Clan... and yet, both were overshadowed by the simple, if no less powerful truth of it all. Come hell or highwater, Jenn would stand alongside the courageous Jedi Knight. Not for duty, or honor, but because she considered her a friend.​

​

Corazona's curiosity was answered with a warm, if slightly rasping chuckle. "Stars, no. I was an adherent of the Way of the Mandalore, once - sworn never to remove my helmet in the presence of another living being. I've left that oath behind, as you can imagine. Now, I tend to remove my helmet when I find myself in the presence of people deserving of my trust - people like Valery, Alicio, ner'Jonyna... and yourself." ​

​

A wistful sigh escaped her lips, then, as she thought of her darling. Watching Cora pouring the tea within the pair of cups absent-mindedly, a tender smile found its way onto her features, her mind wondering to pleasant memories. Loving words uttered, fingers intertwined, and-​

​

Her friend's voice suddenly brought her back to the present, her gaze flicking back up from its idle admiration of the elegant pattern adorning the cups to meet the Ukatian's eyes. For a moment, she said nothing, content to listen to Corazona speak of her own experiences with the Organas whilst treating herself to a measured sip from her cup, the manner in which she held it betraying her growing familiarity with the upper class she once so profoundly loathed. ​

​

Then, came that question. Jenn set down her cup... and allowed a truly wolfish grin to pull at her lips, revealing her fangs in the process.​

​

"I took Natasi prisoner, when I still fought for the Enclave. Alicio came to negotiate her release before me, and we reached an... understanding. She was allowed to return home; in exchange, he would stay as my prisoner until eight suits of armor claimed from the bodies of my people were returned to us. I treated him more like an honored guest than a prisoner, gave him a chance to speak to me privately... and that silver-tongued devil certainly lived up to his reputation. I was already harboring doubts, you see, but he brought me - perspective. When the time came for me to hand him back over to the Alliance, I took the entirety of my Clan with me, and left the Enclave."​

​

Quite a story, evidently! It was one she loved recounting, evidently. Whatever shame she felt for his imprisonment was all too easily overshadowed by the lasting bonds she had built with the then-Count of Alderaan; enough so that she had made a point to attend the council deciding who would become the next monarch, and cheered heartily when Alicio was chosen. ​

​

"I consider him one of my closest friends, although I am not quite sure that his wife forgave my holding her husband prisoner. Especially when- ah, tell me, do you remember, when we first met? I told you I had come to Ukatis after the raid, to drink in the devastation for myself. Master Serys managed to track me down when I did, and, truthfully, she had me dead to rights. I threw down my blasters, and told her I was... different, from the rest of my people. Or, at the very least, trying to be. And she... didn't quite seem to believe that my people could be anything other than mad dogs tearing the Galaxy apart, but allowed me to go, regardless. Under the threat that she would kill me, if I ever stepped foot in Alliance space again."​

​

There was a long pause, then, as she allowed her friend to digest such information, taking another sip of the noctum tea, closing her eyes as she fully savored the unique aroma. When they opened once more, she seemed all too calm, as if the topic of conversation could do little to arouse fear within her heart.​

​

"My life is something must sound like something of an adventure, does it not?" rose her voice once more, playful and upbeat. "I can only hope to one day succeed in my goal, and become legend."​

​

​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora sipped her tea, content to immerse herself in the tranquil scenery and presence of her friend. She couldn't recall a time where they'd had a chance to sit and chat this freely – they'd had their first heartfelt conversation on Ukatis, but that was weighed down by the reason they'd found themselves in a refugee camp in the first place.

Nerj...ner-Jonyna?

The blonde raised her head from her cup and blinked. And blinked again as the circumstances under which she'd met King Organa and Senator Fortan revealed themselves. Her face pulled in shock, not only for the story, but for how pleased Jenn seemed to be whilst recounting it. Then, the mention of Amani's distrust came – it made sense, given that Ukatis had been freshly wounded. In the same situation, she probably would not have had Amani's restraint.

When the awe wore off, Cora managed a weary smile.

"...I shouldn't be surprised. You've the habit of making friends out of enemies." A brow raised, as if to invoke memories of their own tumultuous first meeting. Had Valery Noble not intervened, it likely would have come to blows. "I never though I'd invite a Mandalorian to Ukatis for tea – much less one I nearly drew my saber against." She sipped her tea again, murmuring wistfully. "Instead, I drew my saber alongside you."

Ashla, why did Coruscant feel so far away?

"And Alicio Organa certainly has a way of digging into the core of things and making you think."

The King of Alderaan, humble as he was, was a formidable force. Cora had been turning his words over in her mind, and gradually looking towards him as a political model for how she would-

She blinked, shook that thought from her head, and leveled a smile at Jenn. The faintest spark of amusement glimmered behind blue eyes.

"Legends are made in many ways." There was a note of playful caution in her tone. Still facing the warrior, Cora idly stirred the tea in her cup with a tiny, decorative spoon. "Did you say that you...know Jonyna Si ? Stars, are you looking to meet the entire council?"

Between Jonyna, Valery, and Amani, she was checking them off the list rather quickly.

Jenn Kryze

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Pandosia
| Objective | Teatime and gossip

There was a savage streak to the Ersansyr she would never truly smother. Cloaked in righteousness as she was, reforged and redeemed, Jenn's demeanor as a wise and placid ruler was legend... but there were times were one may yet glimpse at the passion within her. On such occasions, she truly relished in the effect she had on others, meeting Corazona's awe with a certain savage joy, unnerving to some - and downright terrifying to others. Here stood a woman that was, although diminished by her wounds, far from defanged and declawed. A lion among sheep!​

​

But so too was there comfort to be found in this display, as evidenced by the pride etched upon her features as the Jedi Knight evoked the siege of Coruscant. ​

​

"It was my great honor to fight alongside you, bur'cya. To atone for past mistakes I made, and bury the hatchet between you and me... and our respective people. Mando'ade and Jedi." The casualties suffered by Clan Kryze had been a setback, in truth, and one she struggled to remedy at first - but it was through their bravery in the defense of the home of their ancient enemy that the seeds of something greater were sown. Perhaps one day, she would see bonds of friendship forged between her warriors and the Jedi. ​

​

"I've learned to play this great game thanks to him," rose her voice once more as talk turned towards Alicio and his talent as a wordsmith, a measure of mirth rendering her a little less ferocious. "I owe him much, though he keeps on insisting otherwise. You can add selfless to the list of his many virtues." ​

​

Another sip of the most delightful tea in the Galaxy followed such a declaration... followed by a truly warm chuckle when talk inevitably turned to Jonyna. Setting down her cup, she plunged her gaze within the Ukatian's own, an unmistakable note of mischief present there. ​

​

"A little impromptu lesson in Mando'a, my Jedi friend. Within the tongue of my people, ner means my, or mine." A short pause followed, allowing the gears to turn in the blonde's head... though not quite long enough for the kindhearted knight to speak of it. No, the desire for timing and spectacle within her would not allow it, and so she continued shortly afterwards, savoring this little flair for the dramatic she possessed.​

​

"All that which is to say... do I know the Sentinel of Harmony? I am dating her."​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Bur'cya, she gathered, was a friendly term. Or, at least, she hoped. Not that much doubt could be placed in her newfound friendship with the Mandalorian.

Cora's lips softened into a smile as she mirrored Jenn's pride. Bonds forged in battle, she'd learned, had a special kind of tenacity to them. It was a testament to the faith they'd placed in one another, in a position where either of them could have stabbed the other in the back. "It was my honor as well. We did manage to make a decent team back there, didn't we?"

It wasn't a pleasant memory. Darkness seeping beneath the infinitely layered crust of Coruscant, the temple in ruins and swarming with Sith, the cries of the injured and dying allied warriors. Within that nightmare were threads of courage and grit. It was a picture that had to be taken in as a whole for what it was, but she still didn't relish looking back on it.

Cora took another long sip of her tea. Jenn's assessment of Alicio was met with a murmur of agreement. "I was born into this great game. Rarely does someone with his earnest nature last this long without…" she paused, humming in thought, "...he's more clever than his sincere demeanor would suggest."

Sincere and sharp. A potent combination.

Cora let her mind wander out into the field of blossoms, trailing after an abstract thought. At Jenn's voice, her attention refocused onto her guest. Ah, so ner was a prefix to show possession. That made sense. Right? But possession of what, exactly…? Before she could voice her question, Jenn swiftly filled in the gaps.

Cora blinked. Then blinked again. A crimson flushed surfaced on pale cheeks as her fingers suddenly clenched around the teaware in sheer surprise.

"Y-you're-"

She cleared her throat, swallowed quickly, then stiffly lifted the cup to her lips for a much needed drink. The next swallow was visibly laborious, her throat bobbing as she forced the drink down and took a few moments to compose herself.

"O-of course. That is wonderful news. Truly."

Cora did not disapprove, but she'd simply been caught off guard by the announcement. She hadn't even known that Jenn and Jonyna knew one another – and the unexpected mention of a new romantic partner had her flustered.

"How long have you two been…?"

Jenn Kryze

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Pandosia
| Objective | Teatime and gossip

Corazona's smile was a comforting thing to behold, in truth; largely ignorant as she might be of the greater struggles the Princess had been forced to face in the past, Jenn felt a great deal of sympathy for her nonetheless, aware as she was of the sheer weight of her duties as Princess and Jedi both. Now that she was truly learning to play the great game, her respect for the young woman only increased.​

​

"That we did! And I still owe you for saving my life - Sith lightning is a baleful weapon I am yet to truly learn to counter, and my nature makes it all the more lethal." Even now, the memory was painful. A reminder of just how helpless she could be, when confronted by those who actually went and practiced enough to use their potential, rather than letting it sits untended as she did, stubbornly refusing to train in the arts of the Force. Things would have to change, if she was to triumph over the Sith. ​

​

"You were born into the game, but you remain a kind and genuine soul. It is no easy task, to remain true to yourself in these conditions." The Mandalorian gave her unlikely friend a warm smile , followed by a contented sip from her tea. Before long, she found herself well and truly relishing in the blonde's sudden loss of composure, savoring the effect such news were having on a prim and proper lady like Corazona.​

​

"A chance encounter, in truth - we were both taking some time away from our duties on Corellia. Jonyna was surfing, and I was swimming, as you might have guessed; we hit it off, and things... went from there, I suppose. We had our first date at the charity ball, on Hapes." A wistful sigh escaped her lips as her thoughts were drawn back to that lovely evening, and how the two of them danced together. ​

​

"For the longest time, I truly believed I did not deserve another chance at love, and the joy it brings."​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Luck was on our side that day."

The teacup was placed back into its saucer, and Cora held her outstretched arm to Jenn. A few flicks of her wrist had the sleeve of her tunic bunching around her elbow so that she could better reveal the scarring that branched up her wrist and twined around her arm. A gift from Sinestra .

"Learning to counter Sith lightning can take time. I wasn't sure that it would work, but I'm glad that it did."

It would've been more painful for Jenn, given her aquatic nature. More easily lethal. Cora's intervention had been a desperate gamble.

She flushed again, this time to Jenn's compliment, and returned her smile awkwardly. A part of Cora felt rather detached from the person she was when she'd entered the Order, and hadn't yet figured out if that was a good thing or not.

The mention of Jonyna had her eyes glimmering with interest. Now that she was overcoming her shock, this was easier to digest. Cora withdrew her arm and once again raised the teacup to her lips.

"Perhaps it was the Force's guiding hand," she offered from behind the rim of the cup. Who knew if random chance was well and truly random?

Cora leaned back in her chair, eyes sweeping the seated Mandalorian's form in a new light.

"…Yes, I can see now how you two could be well suited to one another. A splendid match, indeed."

They were both spirited, passionate warriors. Cora and Jonyna had spoken briefly about families once, and she had gotten the impression that the Cathar's tie to the concept of family was strong. With Jenn, she knew that it was.

Jenn Kryze

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Pandosia
| Objective | Teatime and Gossip

Jenn went silent, when Cora began to speak of luck, and the will of the Force. In many ways, she wore her beliefs on her sleeve and let her will be known - but, in others, she remained as inscrutable as the fathomless depths of Kamino, the soft glow of her eyes betraying little of her thoughts. ​

​

Few things in the Galaxy angered her as readily as the contemptible notion of fate. Much like the idea of a bloodline equating greatness, the concept was utterly foreign to her, proud Mandalorian that she was; few things were as important to her people as the simple, if powerful truth that their destiny was theirs to shape, and theirs alone. Prophecies left her sneering in disgust, and proclamations of anyone being "chosen" were quick to undo any attempt at patience and calm on her part! Vitriolic words and hateful strikes of her blade were all she cared to dispense against the vile agents of fate. A truth that made her friendship with Alicio Organa all the more impressive, for he was a talented seer, and yet she held nothing but respect and consideration for him.​

​

Careful sips of her tea allowed her to let the silence stretch without fear of making things uncomfortable, if for but a moment; but, eventually, her cup was fully drained, and so she was left with no choice but to put it down, her eyes flicking back up to meet the blonde's gaze. All the better, then, that the good princess brought the topic of conversation to more pleasant waters for the both of them. The scales lining her cheeks turned a shade darker before her words, and a smile pulled at her lips; the fiery-haired leader of warriors was, for all of her intensity, not without her tenderness. ​

​

"Truly? You think so?" asked the Alor with a truly radiant smile. "She and I have been trying to take things slow, which is... difficult, given how passionate the both of us are. How we've longed to have someone for so long. We are so different, and yet so similar in other ways. Fire and water." ​

​

Her gaze betrayed a deep longing, then, for she was loathe to slow down when it came to her love life... but, much like Jonyna herself, her heart had been too cruelly shattered for her to risk exposing it entirely just yet. No matter how dearly she wished to let the Cathar in to soothe her. Turning her gaze towards the gorgeous landscape surrounding the gazebo, the Alor watched Pollux carefully as he knelt down to tenderly pluck a flower from the ground.​

​

She was not the only one dealing with such woes, and knew it all too well. ​

​

"I worry for him," confessed the warrior softly. "The news reached him while we were licking our wounds, after Echnos. Ser Thibauld of House Seiros has been promised to a firstborn daughter of another House... and it seems he is resigned to the inevitability of a joyless marriage for the sake of the family's honor. Pollux fears he might even end their relationship to avoid rumors for the very same reason."​

​

Jenn cared for Pollux. Trusted him as her second-in-command. Held him as a close friend - one of the few who could sass her, alongside Karrys. Her gaze flicked back to Cora, then, those softy glowing pools of blue taking a certain searching quality to them.​

​

"What would you do, Cora?"​

​

Either Jenn lived in honest ignorance the princess' tumultuous past... or she knew all too well the trials and tribulations the widowed knight had gone through, and sought to gauge her response, alike the predator she was. ​

​

Perhaps she only sought the wisdom of one who had known such horrors, that Pollux's love could be saved from them.​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Though Jenn's disagreement with the notion of fate was not made plain, Cora sensed what could've been a thread of discomfort in the way the Force moved between them. She was content to let that topic rest in favor of something that was far more appealing to the both of them.

Fire and water. Yes, that was a good way to put it. Cora nodded, certainty in the way she moved.

"The Siren and her Storm."

Seeing her guest's empty cup, Cora scooted back, rose, and wrapped a hand around the teapot's handle. Her other hand pressed to the pot's lid, keeping it steady as she poured more tea for the Alor. Her gaze follow Jenn's own for a moment, flickering over to Pollux.

Few outsiders grew to appreciate Ukatian culture as he did, going so far as to incorporate traditional designs into his armor. Which, she'd gathered, was essentially a second skin for Mandalorians.

"What I would do?"

Pollux's situation and Jenn's concern had her frowning. With the tea poured, Cora drifted back into her seat, eyes unfocused and seemingly in thought. She folded her hands into her lap, but they didn't stay still. The knight twiddled her thumbs, a little thrown by the question.

"I'm not certain," she confessed. "Duty to one's family is strong in our culture. If Ser Thibauld's father wishes him to wed another, then it is in his best interest to…"

She blinked suddenly, then shook her head as if she'd been slapped. Cora didn't really have the right to meddle in another family's affairs, and yet...if Jenn and her clan had shed some of the unsavory aspects of their own culture, why could she not?

"Before I was forced to marry Horace, Makko offered for the both of us to leave. We'd leave behind the Jedi, leave behind Ukatis, and run away to Ord Mantell. It was...a nice fantasy in the moment."

Cora reached out to refill her own cup. She sipped her tea, pursing her lips at either the drink's heat or her own memories.

"I wish I'd taken it. It would've saved us so, so much pain."

Jenn Kryze

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Pandosia
| Objective | Matters of the heart

The Ersansyr smiled sweetly, relishing in the words uttered by the gentle knight. The Siren and her Storm... it had such a nice ring to it. A lyrical touch, fit for a tale of romance and adventure; her favorite, for she found a form of escapism from the harsh reality of the Galaxy in such stories. If only she knew that across from her sat one of her favorite authors.​

​

There was such kindness within Corazona's heart. Jenn had no need of the Force to know that much; the blonde's actions told her enough. It was the way of her people to judge the measure of a person by their deeds, rather than the words they uttered, and the Jedi had proven herself true on so many occasions by now. Although far more open to outsiders than the rest of her kin, Jenn remained somewhat wary of them at times, particularly when it came to the affairs of her people... and yet, here she was, speaking openly of her worry for Pollux, without fear of the Princess leveraging that information. The hatchet was not merely buried, but a seed had been planted in the earth over it, nurtured by their mutual respect and consideration.​

​

Many found her gaze difficult to hold, intense as it was; but when her friend began to speak of her own experiences, her features were softened by compassion. Digesting what the young woman proposed in silence, she looked down to her cup, and the tea within it. It was not Corazona's way to speak of unpleasant things, raised as she had been to dance around ugly truths; in stark contrast, Jenn was taught from a young age to speak of the truth as she saw it. The Alor could only hope that the Jedi would not hold it against her, brusque as she might seem at times.​

​

"Great was my anger, when I learned of what you had gone through," expressed the Mandalorian at last, taking the cup in hand and bringing it to her lips. A small sip taken, for the beverage remained hot - but she had learned that she was not, in fact, supposed to let it cool, or so Ko'ren insisted. The thought of the Twi'lek left her melancholic; another of her Nite Owls, lost in the line of duty. ​

​

Whether she had learned of Corazona's past from Pollux or the network of spies she disseminated on worlds of interest, she cared not to expand upon. None were aware of the many blades in the dark answering to her call; not even her closest of friends. ​

​

"Were it so easy..." There was a new sadness to her voice, now, as she looked back to the Sword of Dusk. The would-be knight fashioned the flowers he collected into a bouquet, and turned to look up at the sky pensively. Were it not for his personal sense of responsibility and how it demanded that he remain close to his Alor in case of an attack, he would already be leaving to visit his beloved. "Just as you resigned yourself to your duty and its resulting marriage, I suspect Thibauld will follow what he was taught his entire life. Duty, they say, is the death of love."​

​

A truth she knew more than anyone else. She had lost Sam Sheridan because of it, and although she had found love once more, there were times where she found herself thinking of the fierce mechanic from Coruscant. On more than one occasion, Karrys had to talk her out of calling her. ​

​

"... there is something I would ask of you, Cora," began the fiery-haired siren prudently as she set down her cup. "Thibauld will not listen to me, an outsider, but - perhaps he may listen to you? The details of your arranged marriage are not something I ask you to share lightly, but... you and I both made our mistakes. We learned from them. If we can save another couple, then I believe we ought to try. Nothing in this Galaxy is more sacred than love."​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

A pensive silence fell over Cora.

Jenn spoke plain, but not without empathy or tact. Her worry for Pollux was clear, etched into every feature on her face and imbued in every word that dropped from her lips. It was a sign, Cora realized, that the Mandalorian had begun to trust her.

This wasn't a topic that either of them would ever take lightly, but when speaking of her situation, she was never certain how much to share. Pain, as she'd been raised to believe, was an ugly thing that ought to be kept inside.

"I…" she began, but her voice faded, uncertain of what to say. Instinct told her not to interfere in the matters of another family, but Ukatian traditions had altered her life in a way that could not be wholly undone. How could she let that happen to another of her countrymen?

"I suppose I've already brought shame to my family for my failed marriage. What is a little more?"

It was meant to be in jest. A bit of dry, dark humor as Cora reflected on what the right choice was here - for her, for Ukatis, for Thibauld and Pollux.

"He does seem to admire aspects of our culture." Cora motioned to Pollux, garbed Mandalorian arm inspired by Ukatian motifs, as he quietly arranged flowers. "Ukatis struggles with modernity, especially regarding the treatment of women. It is not kind to those who try and go against the grain. My marriage was…challenging. It left me with this."

Gingerly, she untucked the corner of her tunic from beneath her waistband and lifted it just high enough to display the marred skin above her left hip bone. A pattern of ink that had now lost its shape as it twisted over gnarled flesh, a healed burn.

A harsh reminder against her softer features. The brutality of Ukatian traditionalism laid bare. Quietly, she tucked the tunic back into her waistband.

"I don't know if it was out of fear or exhaustion or preservation, but I made myself small and quiet, until there wasn't much of me left at all. I cannot promise a solution, but I will speak with Ser Thibauld."

Jenn Kryze

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Pandosia
| Objective | Of heart and fury

Above all else, Jenn Kryze was a warrior, as are all Mandalorians.​

​

Her great deeds spoke of the foes she conquered, the insurmountable odds she seemed to fight off time and time again - by all accounts, it seemed that her tale could only ever end at the end of a sword. War was her craft, and death her duty! Her pursuit of glory ensured that her name would endure, if only for a time... but for all of this might, the Ersansyr knew that strength of arms could only ever take her so far. How was she to help her friends slay their inner demons? How could she bring comfort, to one who had been so horrifically scarred? The approach she would take with a member of her House would surely not work with someone so drastically different...​

​

The sight of her dear friend's abuse laid bare left the Mandalorian shocked, if only at first. Sympathy and grief were all too quickly chased by the righteous fury she was so renowned for. The thought of such a stalwart, yet gentle soul being subjected to such abominable cruelty left her all but irate, her mind incapable of thinking of anything but violent retribution to be secured from those who had allowed such vile deeds to unfold. Diminished as she might be in the moment by her grievous wounds, the Alor nonetheless managed to project an aura of strength most would find themselves cowering before; a good thing that the pair were enjoying their tea in private, for the fate of any member of the Ukatian aristocracy within the vicinity would otherwise be a bloody one!​

​

Swallowing the seething hatred of those whose fire had branded the Knight was difficult. Although a wise and patient ruler, her rage was all the more terrifying to behold - as was the sheer extent of destruction she could unleash on those who crossed her. Sucking in a lungful of air, the Ersansyr closed her eyes, giving her friend the slightest of nods. Silence stretched on between the two as she digested the magnitude of the information she had been entrusted with. A look beyond the curtain, as it were; a chance for her to see the mundane horror of Ukatis' traditionalist society, rather than the fanciful simulacrum the locals chose to put forward. ​

​

Anger, long though synonymous with power, was difficult for her to abandon. Powerlessness was abhorred by the children of Mandalore; and, indeed, even among the House of Kryze, many yet thought weakness to be a choice. Slowly, steadily, the flow of hatred ebbed, and her expression became fear easier to behold. ​

​

Jenn realized only know that she had bared her fangs, and a growl had been building in her throat.​

​

"It is your family who shamed you." ​

​

The Mandalorian spoke with all of the effortless authority of a woman of her station, as if only truth could ever spill from her lips. Hers was the fierceness of a veteran, the savagery of a wild beast, and the regal disposition of royalty; an unusual, if memorable mix. Hardly a surprise, then, that most found it difficult to hold her gaze.​

​

"You are Corazona, Knight of the Jedi Order. A title earned through your valor; a great honor none can ever take away from you." Slowly, carefully, she reached out to rest her hand against her breastplate, palm outstretched... before turning it in her direction. A sign of peace, and yet more. "But above all, you are my friend. If there is ever a thing I can do to aid you? You need only ask."​

​

The slightest of smiles pulled at her lips, then - small, yet meaningful. Another little sip of her tea to busy her hands with, that she may chase away the restlessness, before she allowed her gaze to turn back to Pollux, mulling over the blonde's conclusion. Whether or not Thibauld would listen or not was a matter entirely out of her control; she could only hope that the Princess' words may convince that of a countryman. ​

​

"When I came to Ukatis during the reconstruction efforts, you and I talked about Pollux and Thibauld - how these two seem to have walked out of a tale of forbidden romance. Stars willing, maybe you and I can alter the odds. Give them a happy ending, rather than the bittersweet tragedies we're used to."​

​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Anger, she'd come to learn, did not arise from a lack of love. It was born from the violation of love. Love of one's ego, one's accomplishments, and of those they held dear. Hurt any one of those, and anger swelled alongside love.

Cora sat and silence as Jenn's anger filled the space between them. She observed it for what it was, but did not allow it to seep into her bones. This feeling belonged to Jenn, and she would never deride her for it.

Still, she was touched by how much the siren cared for what she'd been through. It was not a path Cora liked to retread, and it was a sign of immense trust that she'd revealed such a tender moment at all.

The Mandalorian's anger receded into a low simmer, the ferocity of her voice drawing Cora's gaze back.

"It is your family who shamed you."

Her lips parted in an instinctive intent to refute that statement, but she stopped short. It was difficult to entirely undo the fabric of her upbringing, even if threads were slowly being picked away. Becoming a fully fledged Jedi knight had offset at least a little of that shame.

"I suppose it's the only thing in my life that I've earned without their approval."

Cora shifted back on her chair, observing the gesture of Jenn's hand pressed to her breastplate, then turned towards her. In that moment, no small part of her wanted to blurt out; fuck tradition.

"I'd like it if we could make things different for them," she admitted. While Jenn's attention drifted over to Pollux, Cora peered down at her own warped reflection in the surface of the tea. "They're good men. They deserve to be happy."

A brief gust shifted through the meadow and then the gazebo, rustling the blossoms without disturbing them terribly.

"Can I ask…" Cora let the trailing silence that followed set the tone, "You've gone against certain Mandalorian traditions yourself - how did you make the decision of which cultural aspects to hold onto, and which to discard?"

Jenn Kryze

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Pandosia
| Objective | Friendship, Tea, and Culture

Many were those who condemned her and her kind for their passion, and the actions that stemmed from such a quirk. People like Amani Serys had come to view the Mandalorian people as nothing more than destroyers, their repeated attempts at galactic conquest whittling away at the patience of even the Jedi. How could they be trusted, when their culture was one so deeply rooted in the art of war? ​

​

But Jenn, through her repeated efforts on the Galactic scene as well as in her actions as an individual, served as a shining example of what her people could become. Placid as the waters of a lake on most occasions, yet rancorous as the tempest when her ire was roused, the Alor of House Kryze ever sought to protect others. This, she had come to realize, was the duty of the strong; to lend their might to those in need of it. And when her gaze came to rest upon the woman across from her, the siren's heart swelled with pride. Endurance was another form of worth, in the eyes of her people, and Cora... had endured so much. Far more than she would ever wish a friend to undergo.​

​

The Mandalorian people knew, more than anyone else, how one was to measure the worth of a person. How better to judge someone than look upon the person they became when they emerged from their hardships? Suffering had a way of changing a person, and rarely for the better; but those who held on through fire and fury finally earned the respect of the harsh warmongers.​

​

"And that is why I refer to you as a Knight of the Jedi Order. You earned that title, and with your every act, you have only proved yourself worthy of it." ​

​

Exacting as she could sometimes be, the warmth of her words was all the more comforting for it. There was so much kindness within the Jedi's heart, scarred over as it was, and Jenn knew of no nobler thing in the world than to defend that kindness. Through her example, Corazona ennobled all within her Order, and stood among those who kindled the Mandalorian's belief in the organization in the first place, in spite of the difficult history between their people.​

​

The Alor closed her eyes, and relished in the simple beauty of the moment. Feeling the wind blow through the meadows, finding herself somewhere calm and isolated, in the company of a dear friend... savoring one of the finest teas she ever had the chance of sampling. Without hallucinations this time, too.​

​

Silence stretched between the pair in the wake of the Princess' question. Finding the right words to express what she felt proved to be difficult, at first... before she chose to answer in the way of her people, rather than the more diplomatic language she had slowly began to use with others. Her eyes opened, meeting the Ukatian's gaze with their tranquility. Ever captivating, as was her nature.​

​

"I looked to the aspects of my culture that stood in the way of doing what was right", answered the Mandalorian firmly. "And I began to whittle away at them. Those too deeply entrenched, I uprooted entirely. That being said... the definition of what is right can differ from one person to another. I have no doubt that some may yet find the way my people train for war from childhood to be a reprehensible thing - and I will never apologize for that practice, because it has made us strong. I suspect my vode would decry this departure from the old ways as sacrilegious, just as clearly as the aruetiise would deem me monstrous for holding on to our warlike ways. It's... difficult, most days, for me to sort out what we should keep, and what we should move away from."​

​

Jenn paused, then, and finally looked away, her wisdom imparted. A little sip of her tea, as her eyes roamed over the meadows, thinking on how Cora spoke of Pollux. Earnest and kind as he was, he was undoubtedly Mandalorian - the same people who had attacked her world, and waged war against her friends and neighbors. That the young knight managed to move past this tumultuous history all but reminded her of how many of her own people kept on victimizing themselves, bemoaning the ruin brought to them by the Jedi throughout the ages. ​

​

The bonds of fellowship between Mandalorians were nigh unbreakable, but she was beginning to feel them slipping away from her fingers, and could no longer find it in herself to reach out and renew them. Not when they cried out against the injustice of a Galaxy punishing them for conquering, raiding, and destroying their way into infamy, time and time again. No, she would much rather offer a helping hand to a righteous soul. A woman like Corazona.​

​

"... would you like to hear me ramble on about some of our cultural practices?" asked the siren abruptly, though not unkindly. A smile pulled at her lips, the slightest notes of mischief bringing life to her weary features. "We Mandalorians are rather content to keep our ways to ourselves, so afraid are we of diluting their meaning by letting outsiders learn of them... but you are my friend. I trust you with this. And perhaps we can make a little game out of it? For each little kernel of our culture I share with you, perhaps you may do the same about your own?"​

​

Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Their meeting on Kaddak, several years ago, had left a bitter taste in her mouth. Over time, that bitterness turned to shame. Never had she expected to cross paths with this particular Mandalorian again, nor had she ever envisioned them breaking bread, much less becoming friends.

She thought of Jenn as a fire crackling in its hearth. Warm and rich, but deadly. Wielding the ability to both comfort and destroy. Ironic given her own aversion to fire, and the Alor's aquatic biology, but it was a comparison made out of affection and reverence.

"I'm touched that you think so. Truly," Cora couldn't help but smile. At times, it had been difficult to tell if the path she'd been walking was the correct one. Sometimes an outside perspective could be valuable.

There was a touch of tension in the quiet that settled between them. Cora had hoped that her question hadn't been too probing, insular as Mandalorians tended to be – but Jenn's answer assuaged that concern.

"You've done for your clan what I wish could be done for Ukatis," she admitted. "It's...inspiring to say the least. I can only imagine what challenges you faced, and managed to preserve through." Being decried by her own people among them. "I suppose that Mandalorians and Ukatians share that same tendency – holding fast to certain customs that hold them back."

A people's culture did not develop in a vacuum. It was a means to survive. When that type of survival was no longer needed, a cultural practice could morph from something protective into something harmful.

"Oh?" Cora's face pulled in a delicate measure of surprise, but not outright shock. "I would be honored, Jenn. Much of what I've learned about Mandalorians has been from the battlefield." Hardly a competent teacher in cultural aspects. "And, ah, yourself of course." A better teacher, undoubtedly.

Jenn Kryze