One Man's Truth

[Jor Kvall]

The season was beginning to change on Krownest - which meant the cold would become colder.

Even Jor, who had been molded by the planet's chill, wore his fur cloak tightly around his armor while moving about the confines of his throne room. The sconces were lit, the flames licking upon the dark walls and providing the only light and warmth to the expansive room, aside from the hole in the high-domed ceiling that carried daylight straight from the top of the mountain his stronghold rested inside.

The table in his throne room was bare save for a few unlit glowsticks, but Jor caught [member="Lira Kros"] moving about the room in the corner of his eye, and she would most likely remedy that situation shortly. His betrothed's time on Krownest was short, but she seemed to be settling into her role quite well, and had been providing Jor with a steady supply of her cooking, so much that the Alor was beginning to depend on her hot meals after a day outside. He moved towards her and caught her with a soft hand on her shoulder before she could disappear down a corridor, observing her golden locks from behind.

"I'd like us to have dinner early tonight. I'm expecting someone."

When [member="Preliat Mantis"] came to Jor's stronghold, he would have to make the same journey as everyone else; there were no landing pads directly on the steep mountain, which forced all visitors to make the trek to his mountain home on foot, on the same rugged, narrow pathway. The Kvall people were hardy and prized physical labor, their Alor especially. The day Jor could no longer make the walk to and from his stronghold would be the day he would be forced to step down as Alor.

One thing was always certain -- visitors arrived hungry, and there would be plenty of food to satiate their appetite, especially with Lira around.

 

[Preliat Mantis]

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He kept having the same dream. Mandalore on fire. And it was beautiful. It was tranquil. It was righteous.​

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Preliat Mantis opened his eyes, to the path before him. Beside him- [member="Vilaz Munin"]. An old friend. A brother. [member="Soloman Priest"]. A new brother- but a brother all the same. And fresh blood was always needed for the Veman, for the Mandalorians. And Priest was a promising man. Preliat lead the three, up the winding path to the Kvall stronghold.

Preliat liked what he saw. The Wolf turned his T-shape adorned face towards his brethren.

"We have been invited. So- best behavior."

He turned towards Vilaz.

"And hold off the curses of the Empire until after a few drinks, hm? We aren't sure how the Kvall fair under the Infernal's banner- and hopefully, we can persuade them to the Veman's side."

Then he looked to Priest.

"I do not know what they will say to you, brother. But I imagine it will be kind."

[member="Jor Kvall"] l [member="Lira Kros"]

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[Lira Kros]

The stronghold's kitchen was scented with the aroma of freshly baked dinner rolls and simmering stew. Lira had made herself well at home here, she'd taken over the cooking space as soon as she'd arrived. Clan Kvall was well fed now, they could visit the kitchen anytime to find a pot of soup still warm or a hardy slice of bread waiting. The young woman had found that food was a sure way to people's good sides, most of them at least...

Lira was pleased that she could be of use here within the Clan Kvall, they were her people now and Krownest her new home. It was all very new, but she was getting used to life here within the mountain. The climate was harsh and the cold packed a sharp bite. And so, she'd been forced to adapt her outfits to accordingly. Her simple gown, the hem of which swept against the floor as she walked down the corridor, was topped off with a fur mantle that covered her shoulders.

Stepping quietly into the throne room, she left a small stack of dishes and cutlery on the long table. The wooden tabletop would soon be overflowing with food. Glancing up, she spotted [member="Jor Kvall"] pacing the room. A soft smile formed on her face at the sight of him. During their short time together, she'd grown quite fond of the man. She found that she looked forward to spending time in his company, she hoped that he felt the same. He seemed pleased by her cooking, she took that as a good sign.

As she began to make her way back to the kitchen, she felt Jor's palm fall upon her shoulder. Turning slightly, she let her smile widen slightly.

“Guests?” She asked, canting her head. This would be the first time since her arrival. “I suppose we don't receive many, do we?”

Lira knew the rugged path that led up the mountain, after all. She gave his arm an affectionate, but slightly awkward squeeze. “I'll just go fetch some things to bring out...”

[member="Preliat Mantis"], [member="Vilaz Munin"], [member="Soloman Priest"]

 

[Vilaz Munin]

So far, those of Clan Kvall were proving to be interesting for Vilaz. Hiking a mountain to reach the Clan’s stronghold where Jor was certainly gained his attention. Time consuming, yes, and losing time annoyed Vilaz; however, this mountain was more of a challenge for trio of Mandalorians. See if they could conquer this mountain and impress their hosts, even though the Munin was not here to impress anyone.

During these days he was either out pillaging and raiding for Te Veman’s worthy cause, helping to establish outposts and bases, or out recruiting warriors to their cause. They needed all the help they could find if they were to battle the Infernal and her Empire. Any son or daughter of Mandalore taking arms against the current regime was a good warrior and earned the Munin’s respect.

He grunted when Preliat aimed some words at him, knowing how harsh Vilaz was with his words against the Mandalorian Empire. Always cursed them whenever the Mandalorian Empire was brought up...which was almost every time of the day.

”Very well, but only after a few drinks,” he said to the Wolf, following the Epicanthix as they trekked for their destination. The wind howled and the cold roared, though the temperature regulator installed in the Warlord’s armor would keep him warm from this weather.

”Tell me about yourself, Priest,” the Concordian said to the man of Clan Priest, another Clan from the times of old.

Some words to entertain themselves until they met their hosts in person.

[member="Lira Kros"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Jor Kvall"] [member="Soloman Priest"]

 

[Jor Kvall]

[member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Soloman Priest"]

Jor smiled warmly back at [member="Lira Kros"]. She had proven herself able to survive on his planet over the last few weeks, and had even further endeared herself to him with her homely cooking. Thus far, he had regretted nothing about accepting the marriage arrangement between them, even considered himself lucky. But in the few weeks Lira had been here, the two had enjoyed each other's company without anything physical -- not even a kiss. Their relationship was still very young, and Jor hadn't pressed the issue, rather waiting to see how they would get along first. But as he drank in her gentle features in the dark hallway, he found himself growing further attracted to her.

"Not many, no," He answered her. "That's by design."

Simply reaching the entrance to the Kvall stronghold was a test of endurance in itself. Past three miles of winding peaks and craggy, treacherous snow-covered pathways, one would eventually reach the large durasteel gate that was carved into the mountainside. No craft could land nor any speeder could traverse these steep hills, impassable by all but pedestrian movement. It not only kept the Alor himself lithe and in shape, but also acted as a layer of defense, should anyone wish to assault the stronghold. Any army that besieged this mountain would have to do so by foot. It also had the added side-effect of keeping visitors few and hardy.

"You should prepare your gi dumpling soup," Jor told Lira. It had become something of his favorite recipe of hers. "I'm sure our guests will be hungry when they arrive."

 

[Lira Kros]

Lira's smile grew, her gaze softened. There might even have been the lightest hint of a blush visible in the dim light. Her eyes lingered on Alor Kvall's armored form for a moment longer, admiring him. But, she made sure to take her gaze away before things could turn awkward.

“Gi dumpling soup it is, then.” Lira nodded, smile still in place. “I'll have some fresh rolls out shortly, and I'll make sure the soup is ready and waiting for our guests when they arrive.”

No doubt, a steaming bowl of soup was sure to warm the bones after a journey up the mountain. Though she was quite curious about the visitors, she asked no questions. Instead she would focus on making a good impression. After giving Jor a last look, Lira returned to the kitchen. Drawing a deep breath, she hefted a rather thick-bottomed pot onto the burner and quickly set to work.

Once her soup was bubbling away, she returned to the throne room with a basket of baked goods, rolls and a few sweet pastries that she'd made earlier in the day. The table was now also set with a number of smaller appetizer-sized portions of meat skewers, and Lira also placed out some roasted vegetables for good measure.

She eyed some of the food, tempted to snatch something up for herself.

“The soup should be ready by the time they get here,” She said, finding [member="Jor Kvall"] once more. “Assuming they make it up the mountain, that is.” Lira added with a playful smirk.

[member="Vilaz Munin"], [member="Preliat Mantis"], [member="Soloman Priest"]

 

[Vilaz Munin]

The trio of Mandalorians continued their journey with some small talk. Vilaz was one that rarely spoke unless with his family, attending internal Clan politics (which were rare and short, thankfully), or enjoying a company of other warriors at a cantina or somewhere similar. During this hike, however, he only replied quick and curt as he was more focused on his steps than talk.

Hopefully Mantis and Priest didn’t take it too personally, especially so the former. The Wolf knew some fundamental aspects on the Concordian after their time together from the time of Mand’alor the Undying, to now as they ascended from the slopes of this mountain.

Finally after some time walking, the trio of warriors arrived at the peak of the mountain with the Kvall’s stronghold awaiting for them. Magnificent and enormous in both size and style.

”Made it,” the Munin Alor said in victory and knocked on the large doors with a crushgaunt fist. The snow-covered armored men waited for the doors to greet them inside the interior of fortress. Hopefully with some food prepared. Always tradition to greet visiting vode with at least a nice, warm meal.

[member="Lira Kros"] [member="Jor Kvall"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Soloman Priest"]

 

[Preliat Mantis]

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The idle small talk, felt...good.​

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How long had it been since Preliat enjoyed time with his fellow Mandalorians? His time with the Silver Jedi was mostly spent explaining why he was there, answering questions about the Mandalorians (what did he know about everyone's diet?) and some, if any, training.

There was also the time when the Empire came knocking- and the Silver Jedi, beat the inferior Mandalorians to the dirt. Absolute carnage. He wasn't going to lie and say that he didn't enjoy the wholesale slaughter of those who banished him, and why he was there in the first place. Preliat, above all things, was a vicious defender of his home. And Silver Rest had become his home- and the Empire came with a giant robot.

They left with nothing.

Upon approaching the Kvall stronghold, Preliat had a look of awe and respect underneath his helmet. He was the first to remove it. He adjusted his eyepatch, taking in a deep breath, fixing his hair. The Kvall had an impressive home. It would only tell with time- if their food was as good. Preliat was hungry. And it was going to take a lot for a man who six and a half feet tall. Between the two Mantis brothers, he wasn't sure if he ate more or less than his little brother. Preliat held his helmet in his hands, waiting for their hosts to let them in.

"The Kvall do not lack the dramatic flair...I hope they are as imposing and hardy as their fortress."

[member="Vilaz Munin"] l [member="Lira Kros"] l [member="Jor Kvall"] l [member="Soloman Priest"]​

 

[Jor Kvall]

A long journey on foot had a number of advantages. It reacquainted a man with his body and soul, and sometimes, with the souls of others as well.

Jor turned to Lira as she set off to finish preparations, and offered a faint wry smile.

"They're Mandalorians. They'll make it."

As [member="Lira Kros"] continued to set the table with various delicacies familiar to the Mandalorian palate, Jor would offer his betrothed an affectionate nuzzle from behind as she set off towards the kitchen. Meanwhile, it was not long at all before the expected company arrived at the massive arched durasteel doors that had been cut into the mountain of Heorot. Caked, powdered snow fell from the door when [member="Vilaz Munin"] knocked on it, and the three Mandalorians were greeted by guards who ferried them through the confines of Kvall's stronghold, between stone halls and sconced torches. No electronic light was present here, only real fire, their flame licked the stone as the group passed by, providing the only light in the otherwise dark hallway. Eventually, the group arrived at the final door, which opened to Jor's expansive hall, lined with tables on either wall, his throne at the center of the far end, bathed in light from an opening in the ceiling above. The main table, at the center of the room, was now overflowing with soup, meats and hors d'ouvres, thanks to Lira's handywork, the smell filling the entire space. Jor stood from his throne, unmasked but in his bone armor, and addressed Vilaz, [member="Preliat Mantis"] and [member="Soloman Priest"].

"I am Alor Kvall. Welcome to my hall," His deep voice carried across the stone walls to them.

 

[Lira Kros]

Back in the kitchen, Lira wore a wide grin as she stood at the stove. She stirred the soup quite absently, her thoughts elsewhere. That is, until the pot began to boil over. Quickly removing the soup from the heat, she set it aside for a moment.

“Oh my giddy heart,” She exhaled, and took a moment to compose herself.

Normally quite grounded, Lira found it strange that her mind seemed to wander so. But, she knew the reason. The growing warmth between herself and Alor Kvall was something to be pleased about. In fact, it was difficult not to smile when she thought about it. However, Lira's mind was not allowed to linger on these thoughts for very long.
There were footsteps out in the hall, their guests had arrived.

With pot-holders in hand, she grabbed up the large pot of soup and carefully made her way out into the throne room. As [member="Jor Kvall"] spoke in welcome, Lira paused at the edge of the room for a moment, and then made her own entrance. Offering [member="Preliat Mantis"], [member="Vilaz Munin"], and [member="Soloman Priest"] a kind smile, she set the pot of gi dumpling soup upon the table.

“Welcome,” She nodded respectfully, “Lira Kros, at your service. Please, have a seat and help yourself to food and drink.” Lira then took her place at Jor's side.

There were bottles of wine set out on the table, but Lira had a feeling that the Tihaar would likely make its way out of the cupboard before the night was over.

 

[Preliat Mantis]

Alor Kvall.

A title, a greeting. A fortress, a family. A stalwart opposition to weakness. A warm, inviting feeling upon entrance to their not-so-humble abode. Preliat glided around the room, giving Kvall a respectful nod and a pat on the shoulder. He was a beast, in the way that he stood, and the way that he talked. He was a tall man, six and a half feet tall- towering over most in the vicinity. But for once, his relaxed posture made him seem less aggressive, more relaxed. He hadn't been so relaxed in a quite some time.

He took a seat at the table, pouring himself a glass of wine, as per his host's request.

"You have a lovely fortress."

He said with a grin, taking a drink of the wine. The hall was grand, but Preliat's eyes fell to the Alor and his wife. Preliat leaned forward on the table, his forearms resting on them.

"My name is Preliat Mantis- Alor of the Mantis clan. I appreciate you both taking the time to welcome us to your home."

Preliat glossed over the journey to get here. They all made it. They needn't comment on it. He looked to his two companions, gesturing for them to speak and introduce themselves. He suspected Vilaz would be the first to comment on their intentions here.


[member="Vilaz Munin"] l [member="Lira Kros"] l [member="Jor Kvall"] l [member="Soloman Priest"]

 

[Vilaz Munin]

Praise be.

There was food and drinks awaiting Vilaz and his companions. He was warm and didn’t feel any chills within his bones, but that journey up the mountain sure did consume a lot of energy and emptied their stomachs. The Warlord took off his helmet and clipped it to his belt, as always. Whenever in someone else’s home he always took off his helmet, out of respect mostly.

Besides they were about to eat. Another reason in not keeping the helmet on.

Vilaz, Preliat, and Soloman together at the grand wooden table. To his delight the Concordian began to serve himself of the delicious food served for them and poured out some wine for himself.

As Preliat introduced himself and said his words, Vilaz followed. ”I am Vilaz Munin, Alor of Clan Munin. This is Soloman Priest of Clan Priest, he doesn’t talk that much. My apologies, however,” the Alor said, introducing himself and Soloman to the Kvalls. But he didn’t stop there.

”Alor Kvall, have you felt anything different recently? Cryptic, I know, but take those words to heart and maybe you’ll understand,” Vilaz said to Jor, arms crossed on the table as he looked at the Kvall Alor and his betrothed. These past few days the Munin saw visions and dreams. Visions of blood, metal, fire, and death; and he wasn’t alone in having those dreams.

”Tell me, Alor Kvall, what do you and your riduur think about the Infernal and her Empire?”

[member="Preliat Mantis"] | [member="Lira Kros"] | [member="Jor Kvall"]

 

[Jor Kvall]

"You are welcome in my hall," Jor responded to the kind words of [member="Preliat Mantis"], and then to Vilaz's greeting. Then he gestured to the table. "Sit, eat."

Jor himself sat at the head of the table, while the seat at his right shoulder was left for his betrothed. The sturdy wood table was large enough for a party twice their size, but [member="Lira Kros"] had filled it nearly to the brim with a delicious bounty of food that sizzled beside warm glowcandles. The hearth in the center of the room warmed the backs of Jor's guests, no doubt weary from their travels. Jor knew why these men were here. Word about Te Veman had reached him here on Krownest, though the specifics of their organization remained unknown to him. However, both Preliat and [member="Vilaz Munin"] were well-known outlaws with a less-than-stellar opinion of Yasha Mantis. Simply hosting them here could get him into trouble with the Mandalorian Empire, Jor knew. But Kvall was interested in truth as well as loyalty. And all good leaders must know that there are two sides to every story. His father had etched those words into his mind.

Vilaz's first question met with a pensive stare from Jor as he took his first bite of meat. An esoteric portent, to be sure, and one that Jor wasn't quite capable of responding to. The galaxy was changing in many ways. Munin, however, wasted no time in moving to the thrust of his question and asking him directly about the Infernal. Jor concealed a slight blush at the mention of Lira as his riduur - though he did glance sidelong at her before his face fell stony again.

His thoughts on the subject of the Infernal were a long and complicated recitation. It was possible he knew more than Preliat and Vilaz realized. The direction of their conversation would answer that quickly.

"You know, I once searched the galaxy for you, Preliat, to ask you that very same question," He said, gesturing towards the elder Mantis. Then, addressing them all, "The Infernal has done good things for my people. She has made Mandalore bountiful again, and she helped me restore Kalevala."

A pregnant pause followed.

"However, that is not to say I haven't had... concerns, about aspects of her leadership from the beginning," Jor continued. "Concerns which I have voiced to her personally. Though, I'm more interested in your answer to the very same question. I do not know Alor Priest, but you two are known renegades," He pointed to both Preliat and Vilaz. "What turned you against Yasha?"

 

[Lira Kros]

Still smiling, Lira stepped towards the table and poured Alor Kvall a hearty glass of wine. She poured one for herself as well, and then took her seat near Jor. She listened to the words spoken by their guests, but she busied herself with placing food on her plate. As Vilaz Munin posed a rather loaded question, Lira's dark gaze flickered in his direction momentarily before shifting back to meet Jor.

Indeed there was a touch of color on the young woman's face, but she figured that she should get used to being called Jor's riduur. If things continued to go well between them, that is.

Her own knoweldge of the Infernal was limited to stories, things she'd heard in passing. Those of Clan Kros were not tangled in the politics of the Mandalorian Empire, something for which they could be thankful. They looked out for their own clan, that was most important. But, their isolation certainly did come at a price. Lira felt a bit odd, realizing now that she would have to start following the events of the Empire and those that opposed it.

She was surprised to learn that Jor had met the Infernal in the flesh, and when it came to opinions about her leadership – Lira was left at a loss. It was a topic that she and Jor had not even reached themselves, the two were still getting to know each other, after all. Lira herself had no opinion of the Internal, not yet. However, she would take in every word spoken in the hall this night and remember them well.

As the topic shifted back in Preliat's direction, Lira took a delicate sip of wine and let her attention move in his direction.

[member="Jor Kvall"], [member="Vilaz Munin"], [member="Preliat Mantis"]

 

[Preliat Mantis]

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"What stands on the throne, what claims the title the Infernal, is not in fact, my daughter. My daughter died in hell." He stared blankly at [member="Lira Kros"] and [member="Jor Kvall"], before he gathered himself a plate of food, continuing. "The madness of the Sith, the machinations of yet another Zambrano, sent our people into a Civil War. And now, she stands as a puppet, a conspirator of his. Another tool." He stared at Jor for a while, then to Lira.

"Are you not tired, not weary of being puppets, instruments?"

He cut himself a piece of corned beef, leaning forward in his seat to better begin to eat.

"The Red Coronation sealed our destiny as renegades and rogues. It has been enough time for us to set forth and place a worthy contender to the throne. We have found such a one." He looked to Vilaz. Preliat was not a fan of secrecy. Let the truth be known- that so it may spread like a fire. Like a fever. "We did not fight, and we did not lose friends in the Seven Day War for our people to descend to such depths, Jor. We seek to guide the Mandalorian's back to Ra's vision of power and prosperity through the old ways. The Infernal- my so called daughter- wants to do that by appeasing Masters who work in shadow, and by becoming friends with everyone in the galaxy."

He stared at Jor.

"Mandalorians don't need friends."

[member="Vilaz Munin"] probably as much to say as Preliat did.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

Preliat gave his piece on the situation they both opposed of. Some of his words Vilaz agreed on, but not all. It wasn't because Preliat was wrong in any sense, it was all just perspective. Vilaz had his own reasons why he raised a sword against Yasha. Everyone did, and they were for different reasons; but what was important is that they all came together and agreed on one ultimatum.

The Infernal slain and the Empire ashes.

The Wolf stopped and it was the Warlord's turn to take the floor. He finished chewing a piece of delicious meat Lira cooked for them, relishing it before speaking.

"I was once Akaan of the Empire during Ra's reign. He promised us victory and glory when we would reclaim Mandalore from Monroe and her insurgents. As you all know the story, he disappeared...again," disappointment in his tone when speaking of the Undying's disappearance.

"But we did not succumb to Arasuum's curse of stagnation. The Cuir Rekr, something Preliat was a part of and the previous Warmaster vowed to continue the dream of Ra's. And from there things turned south, unfortunately. I once remember Yasha as a small child that was chosen to be a part of Cuir Rekr. I was skeptical about it as she was not seasoned and experienced like us in these halls."

"But then she chose to walk into the realm of the Netherworld, emerging from there as a mature woman. Imagine that...the mindset of a child in the body of a mature woman. She did all that to be legit to challenge for the mantle, and she did so by breaking laws. She did not have the blessing of the Cuir Rekr or the Warmaster, she just took it as her own and all the fools followed her."

Not Vilaz, Koda, Ronan, Preliat, his wife, or anyone part of Te Veman. They could see what transpired and stood by their beliefs, going rogue against Yasha.

"And here we are now. Yasha goes and mingles with politics and its bureaucrats rather than bringing us to our roots and crusading the Galaxy to our own liking. She accepts help from enemies as the Outer Rim Coalition delivered food to Mandalore, insulting us after Utapau. Not just recently I saw the Infernal at a Sith-Imperial ball, dressed up in a dress which shows she would surrender our traditions in order to get along with the others. And she danced with them, entertaining them. Now, I do work for the Sith as a mercenary, but I would never betray my roots for others."

This talking bored him. It hurt him, he hated talking. He left that alone for the aruetiise politicians in the Galaxy.

"Does that satisfy your question, Kvall?"

[member="Preliat Mantis"] | [member="Lira Kros"] | [member="Jor Kvall"]​

 

[Jor Kvall]

Jor's attention passed from [member="Preliat Mantis"] to [member="Vilaz Munin"]. He leaned back in his chair, placing a hand on his chin as he allowed the two Mandalorians to continue speaking, absorbing everything they had to say. Their responses were not unlike what he had guessed, although Kvall still had his concerns about this new group of rogues. His face, however, betrayed nothing, remaining stony and expressionless from his seat. Finally, he spoke up.

"I was not present at the Red Coronation," He began, "My ailing father was breathing his last on Kalevala. So I cannot speak to what happened that day. But I was at the very same ball, Vilaz, and I too viewed the Infernal entangled with the son of the Sith Emperor. This, amidst the rumors of the true circumstances behind Ra's resurrection, was enough for me. So, I finally confronted her about it. Then she told me everything."

The table candles cackled between them as Jor's voice filled his own hall. His food, for the moment, remained untouched, while [member="Lira Kros"] sat placidly and dutifully by his side.

"She told me about her time in the Netherworld. She told me what I always suspected was true; Ra was not sent back by divine power from Manda'yaim after all, but brought back by the unnatural machinations of the Sith Emperor. I followed Ra Vizsla into battle without hesitation, as did you all. We all bled for the same cause. But we were all of us deceived, including Ra himself. He was but a pawn of the Dark Side."

Jor's voice then downturned into a more somber tone. Memories of the Seven Day War, once thought to be glorious, had only become faded and melancholy under the cruel waves of time.

"So, my brothers, I will tell you the same thing I told Yasha Mantis. The Sith Empire today remains the greatest extant threat to our people. I will never again play the puppet on this foul Emperor's strings. And I will not follow anyone who does. If you have a plan for shaking off the Sith yoke, then that is something I will hear."

 

[Lira Kros]

Lira's next bite of food remained on her fork as she matched gazes with [member="Preliat Mantis"]. Her head canted to the side slightly upon learning that she was looking at the Mand'alor's father. Indeed, his words made his feelings on the subject quite clear. When he posed her a question, the young woman was silent for a moment. Clan Kros had never been puppets of some shadowy Sith Lord. Instead, she gave a simple acknowledgment.

“I see your point, Alor Mantis.” She said, giving him a nod.

Once more, she fell to silence as she listened to the explanations that followed. [member="Vilaz Munin"] spoke next, his words shed more light on the Mand'alor's past. Lira's brow furrowed slightly as she finally brought her fork up to her mouth. The tale they unfolded for her was sad, in a way. A girl that grew up too fast, before she'd lived through enough experiences to give her knowledge and wisdom. Perhaps she was now simply... misguided, but Lira knew that things were far more complicated than that.

Lira stole a glance at [member="Jor Kvall"], taking in his stony countenance. She studied him as he spoke, noting the way his tone changed. She hadn't known his true feelings about fighting for Ra. The inner workings of their Empire and the Sith were things that had been unknown to Lira, but now sitting with these revelations... she felt a pang of anger.

Though she kept silent, she would stand with her Alor no matter his choices. Lira trusted his judgment, and if he was willing to hear what their guests had in mind – so was she.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

"The Sith are not a threat to us, Jor. If they were, they'd already be at Mandalore's skies at their own will; but I agree we should not be attached to strings," the Warlord said to Jor after he spoke.

Oh, Vilaz knew about the how of Ra's reappearance after his second disappearing. What were Vilaz's own thoughts and feelings about that? They were mixed ones. There were some upsides to it after Kaine resurrecting the Undying. They brought justice to Mandalore as they hung and beheaded the insurgents led by Monroe, the same woman that unleashed hell upon Mandalore many years ago. They also returned back to their true warmongering ways and curing the Force from each warrior of Mandalore; however, those two things short lived after decisions executed by Yasha that were seen as cowardly to Vilaz. Wanting to make the Mandalorians friends with everyone and establish alliances and other mutual bonds.

It disgusted the Concordian to his core.

”There is one option I see, Kvall. And that is to usurp from the mantle and burn her Empire to the ground. It is far tainted to save it as many of her subjects are so enamored by her ideals. There will be blood spilled and fire consuming. Sad and unwanted, but needed. Surely you, your wife, and your clan can see that. We need action, and now.”

[member="Lira Kros"] | [member="Jor Kvall"] | [member="Preliat Mantis"]

 

[Jor Kvall]

Jor sat back in his tall chair. Dinner, for now, remained a secondary consideration amongst all who graced the table.

"That is where we disagree, [member="Vilaz Munin"]," He responded to his guest.

"I grow tired of spilling the blood of my own vod," The leader of the Kvall sighed, looking down momentarily into the recesses of his wine cup, swirling the chalice with his wrist. "I would have thought the War had satiated us enough on that front." He was of course referring to the very same Seven Day War, which everyone present, except of course for [member="Lira Kros"], had fought in.

Despite the heavy tone of the discussion, Jor's guests were quite safe in Heorot Hall. Although they perhaps were not getting what they wanted, Jor knew that his reputation likely preceded him as a man of honor. They had been invited as his guests for the evening, and they would not be attacked no matter their disagreements in this bitter state of events that pitted Mandalorian against Mandalorian. But Jor would still verbally spar with the men of Te Veman, a combat of words that any Mandalorian would appreciate and honor.

"Why, Vilaz, do you think the Dark One resurrected Vizsla? Surely not out of the kindness of his heart. He intended to control us - and if he aimed to do so once, he will do so again."