To Forever Walk in Moonlight

[Rianna Organa]

​

Too late had been the words [member="Ginnie Ordo"] had uttered two words that would echo in Rianna's mind for many days and nights to come. There was a great sadness now possessing all of those who loved and knew [member="Ordo"] . There was no measurement taken for her to know this she felt it devouring her threatening to drown her as she watched her children gathering the wood and building the pyre that would claim the empty shell of their father. The word had been sent out all were welcome to come. Nothing else need be said they would come to honor the man or they would stay away.

Rianna turned and looked at the broken body of her riduur her love, her life. Taking a deep breath she did the one thing that she couldn't ask her children to do she prepared Ordo for what was to come. He had died fighting he had always said that would be the way to go, but not like this, not fighting their own. Not in civil war.

Her lower lip trembled with emotion as she closed her eyes trying to pull back the emotions that were beating hard against her control. The armor came off first that familiar armor that she had seen on how many battle fields. How many times had he saved her life on those fields? How many others had he saved?

She slowly began to wash away the dirt and blood. She reached up quickly wiping the tears away. She turned away looking out the door to see Maeve and Dral their heads bent low as they tried to comfort the others. Poor Ginnie Rianna feared for her child of how this would affect her in the days ahead. Arla who kicked at some unseen enemy in the dirt.

The dirt this farm and all it's dirt and rocks. Ordo had worked that land until his hands bled breaking down the dirt to plant the crops that would feed their clan. He would not of had it any other way though he didn't mind hard work it kept his mind busy and gave him strength.

So many memories here and now, this house, the land, the ships, the friends, the family. They had collected so much over the long years of their marriage. They had more than they needed except for the one thing that had finally wound down. Time.

Rianna turned back to look at the face of the man who helped her build how many hospitals? Who had brought their children into the galaxy. His giant paws that could crush men were so gentle. So enamored with the children he loved them with all that he had just like he did everything. All or nothing there was no half way. But she would remember that day he held D'ral for the first time.

​

She would carry that image with her until her last breath her giant of a husband weakened by a baby so small he could carry him in one hand.

She stood there just staring at the body, she knew Ordo wasn't there anymore. She knew that this was but a shell of what had been but still he had been hers and she wasn't sure if she would be able to make it through without him there. The tears welled up then slowly began to fall. Her knees grew weak she stepped closer and laid her head on his barrel chest wishing he had been able to sing her one more song.

 

[Ginnie Dib]

The house lights were muted. Shadows breaking across the bows of furnishings and a family's space. Ginnie moved through the house turning on the lights, filling the space like Jasper [member="Ordo"] used to, every time the weather turned or evening struck. She'd been fifteen by the time Ginnie realized he'd done it for his deaf daughter, seeing how the shadows effected her ability to read lips.





Jasper Ordo was the spirit and soul of the ranch. His beskar forge grew silent, the fires stoked only by Ginnie's passion at doing her chores. She would keep the fires lit. She would set his tools out the way he liked them. She would keep some part of Jasper's legacy churning like the universe he exited with a knife to the chest.





Leaning against the wall across from the room where her mother prepared her father's body, Ginnie hugged her arms across her chest. She huddled down, letting the tears come as she remained alone. [member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"] was alone inside, shut out from the family who gathered. Even mothers needed time to catch their breaths.





After locating her father's corpse, Ginnie had pulled him to her, picking his massive bulk up through the Force he taught her to love. Wembley, Ginnie's adolescent Tuk'ata raced to her side, and the nineteen year old placed her father on her beloved Sith Hound. The path to the ship was a slosh of draining water, Ginnie's pyromantic heat melting the falling snow.





Now his journey was at an end. Ginnie dried her eyes and caught her breath. "Mom? It's Ginnie... I can help you with Buir... you don't have to prepare him alone."





Her knock on the door clanged from the unarmored young woman's fist. "I'm right outside if you need me, Mom... I'm... here."

 

[Rianna Organa]

[member="Ginnie Ordo"]

She felt the gentle tug on the force and the whispers of her daughter reached out to her Rianna could hear many things in the tone of the voice that called her. Slowly straightening up her hand still on his chest she knew that she could use some help.

What would her poor baby do if she saw the wound. A wound that Rianna couldn't heal the force didn't heal that which was dead. No life. She blew gently out and reminded herself her children needed strength.

I know Ginnie dear. It is a difficult task dearest I didn't want to burden you..

She knew what Ordo would say a small wave of her hand and the door opened slightly if Ginnie wanted in, she now had the way.

 

[Maeve Ar'klim]

She sat alone not willing to accept that her father was dead. She could feel all of the emotions as the clan lamented. Why was her father dead? Could she point a finger at someone and yell at them, scream, make them take it back!!!

She looked at her twin Dral what was he thinking what plan was he forming.

War. She would hate the word from now on how could she be a mandalorian and still say it with pride. It was another mandalorian who killed her father. She wished she could slap his face and spit on his armor. But her father would have frowned on that.

She stood up and walked to the far end of the field constantly looking back to make sure no one followed. When she got to where she could see the endless sea of rocks and dirt she looked to the skies, 'WHY!!! WHY!!! I WANT HIM BACK GIVE HIM TO ME!!!" Whatever god was there whether it was force or omnipotent being they had been unfair and taken her father from her.

"We still had stuff to do...." She looked down at the dirt kicking at it with all the anger she could muster.

 

[Gray Raxis]

Things were chaotic for Mandalore and the Mandalorians to say the least right now. Gray was living in a self imposed isolation with some visitations by only his clan members, so he hadn't heard much of what exactly was happening. All he knew was that there was some kind of Civil War between Death Watch and some group calling themselves the "True Mandalorians." Typical for his people. Practical in their approach to life yet emotion driven in how they handled themselves. It was something others would find odd. Two conflicting qualities rarely coexisted after all. But for his people and much for himself it was a harmony that only a Mandalorian could appreciate. His life certainly was at odds with itself after recent events in as much a way as his people were with themselves right now.

With all of that in mind, it was a little odd that news of the passing of Ordo had reached Gray. He didn't know the man personally, but had heard of him often enough in passing. A funeral was being held and the warrior was being laid to rest. Even in times of war such peaceful events occurred. There was really only one reason that Gray would attend the event, and it was the only reason he needed right now. He was going to pay his respects to one of his one on a life spent in service of Mandalore and her people. He got one of his clan members to pick him up and then off they went towards where the funeral was taking place.

A message was sent to the late warrior's family. It simply said:

My heart goes out for your lose. I did not know Ordo personally but I would like to show my respects by attending. Is that alright? -Gray Raxis

Gray had to have his clan member type it out for him and send it. They were on their way still but he was not going to do more than stick in orbit if they did not want him there. This trip was about showing respect for a fallen brother not for making some political point or stirring the already swirling pot that was Mandalore right now. If his presence wasn't wanted then his presence wouldn't be a concern for the grieving.

[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"] [member="Ginnie Ordo"] [member="Maeve Ar'klim"]

 

[Arla Ordo]

Arla was taking all the incoming messages gathering them up putting them in order and trying her best to be what her Buir had taught her to be. She looked at the message from [member="Gray Raxis"] she knew this name. She knew what he had done for his Clan. He was an honorable man.

She answered his message, "Alor Raxis Clan Ordo remembers you. We welcome you to come and pay respects to our Buir - Arla Balor"

There wasn't anything to say really. The fact that the man wanted to come meant a great deal to her family. Many respected her Buir he was a good man, a good leader....and a host of other things.

 

[Ginnie Dib]

Ginnie pushed into the room, forcing her shoulders down. Her eyes stung. Her nose hurt. She stalked toward her father's body and tried to give her mother a moment of calm.





'Seen death in battle before, dolled out my share, I can take it... Tell me what to do.' Ginnie let the tears stroke down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around her mother's waist, ducking her chin on Rianna's shoulder. Since being orphaned, she'd thrown herself into every single act which would make her 'useful'. At first it was a way for the insecure deaf child to earn a bed, to cling to some form of belonging. Yet, through the troubling years, Jasper and Rianna never gave up. Her parents' faith, love and patience turned Ginnie away from her fear. Away from the darkness which pervaded her birth family's deadly dealings. Death was as much part of Mandalore as faithfulness to family, but never had Ginnie spent so much time around a body. If she was to atone for her part in the battle, Ginnie would start by helping her mother with the burdens ahead.





Searching for the next step, Ginnie put her hand on her father's brow, leaning down to put her forehead on his. 'I couldn't reach him, Mom... I was too slow. I'm sorry I couldn't save you, Dad... but don't worry about your Ginnie. I'm gonna protect the aliit, gonna take care of your forge and Mom and my vode.'





Her shoulders shook as she sniffled and stood tall, nodding to settle her nerves. Ginnie put to the task at hand, the same way she worked in the forge. Shoulder down. Press forward. Be as indomitable as beskar.





'You're not alone, Mom. I promise.'


[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Gray Raxis"] [member="Maeve Ar'klim"] [member="Ginnie Ordo"] [member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]

Ordo...that name she hadn't heard in oh so long...she felt regret at not talking to him more, the news if his death got her hard. He had been a good friend to her during her early years of being a mandalorian...so you g and naive back then she was.

On board with gray she stared out a view port silent as the space she saw before her. She wondered how he went...was it gun blazing?, was it in a heroic way defending those he cared for? She closed her eyes for a moment before she moved over to gray

I can't believe it...ordo is dead...

She said quietly to him as she took a seat, she sighed and rubbed her forehead and then looked forward again as her hand traced the scar on her belly...still a cold cold reminder

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco stood back, a lone figure away from the rest of the family. It wasn't that he didn't consider himself a part of them but that he was letting them grieve together. Ordo wasn't someone Draco knew very well, the Dragon and the old man had never sat down and talked or gotten along. Nonetheless, Faith was Ordo's niece and well deserved of some of the warrior's respect despite where Draco's own feelings rested about Jasper's place in the Civil War.

Draco wore blackened robes over his beskar'gam, his second skin, the trinkets of his people's profession worn around him. Furs, scalps of ancient beasts, teeth and bones worn on strips of leather and pieces of cloth. The Shamans of Clan Vereen wore pieces of the creatures, the land, and the spirit with them on their armor and he was no different.

In his clan, a shaman and a smith controlled the death rites of the fallen, the shaman aiding in transferring their spirit into the Manda to join so many others before them; the smith helping to bind a remembrance of that warrior's spirit to the metal they had worn in life, to become the vessel of their memory for centuries to come and join the countless others within it. The blood, a small part of the soul all the armor's previous owners to travel with its new wearer. Being a convert, Draco's set was new with no history aside his own. Ordo's was not so.

He was present for that purpose, when the family was ready and it began Draco would preside alongside his blood to see to the continuation of his proud history to live on through those of his blood. Even Mantis deserved a signet to remember what Ordo had once been, even if what he had become had placed them on opposite sides.

 

[Gray Raxis]

Permission had been granted and so the Raxis ship left orbit for the surface. Gray didn't know what to expect or who to expect would be here. Mandalorians were an interesting people in that despite their heated divisions it was possible for them to come together for events like these. He hoped that was how it would go at least and not end with someone trying to spill blood during such a solemn event. As unbelievable as that might sound, there were those who didn't have any sense of honor or dignity about themselves.

As their ship landed, Gray motioned for [member="Stardust Raxis"] to go first. He had gotten use to maintaining his force sight at pretty much all times by now so there was no need for him to be guided. Not that this fact had stopped any of his clan members from trying to coddle him still. He wore a gray scarf covered in Mandalorian symbols across his eyes and wore a light set of armor. It was not much more protective than clothing, but he was still Mandalorian and so was the man who had past. It was his way of showing some respect to a warrior and keeping in touch with their shared culture.

As soon as Gray was off the ship, he said, " We are here. Let's find [member="Arla Balor"] and pay our respects."

[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Ginnie Ordo"] [member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"] [member="Maeve Ar'klim"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Gray Raxis"]

She closed her eyes as she let a breath out, she's been to many funeral, all of them friends, comrades....she fussed it was a curse if growing old you just watched those who stood by you fall and life takes them away, a natural order that must be abided or the destiny of that person to fall in battle

Once they landed Stardust stood and walked forward, she left her sabers behind to show her respect for the man, but carried her sword on her side and westar 35s on each hip, her armor was her usual gear she really didn't go anywhere without it...and here she wanted to honor the graduation more then ever

aye, I wanna see my friend one last time to say goodbye

 

[Briika Munin]

Mandalore​

Aboard the Munins' personal ship​

____​

​

Briika was very saddened by the death of a once mentor, and riduur to a long time friend and medical colleague of hers. This civil war between vode had turned costly, and ripped lives and alliances apart. And it was all because of one [member="Mia Monroe"].

If the hut'uun would have just turned herself in when she first returned to Keldabe to pay for her unforgivable deed done against the Mando'ade and Mother Mandalore like her co-conspirator, [member="Ijaat Mereel"], [member="Ordo"], her own brother, would be alive and enjoying the fruits of his family. Instead, he was dead; his life ended in a warrior's battle by [member="Preliat Mantis"]. Bree did not hold the Wolf at fault. No, he was only doing what needed to be done as the former Field Marshall had chosen to support the Liberator, who killed millions of innocents... including her parents. War was hell and they were just starting the grind. Many more would die. Would her own family pay the ultimate price or be spared? The Manda only knew who would march on next.

The golden-haired Baar'ur took out her comlink and typed in a private message. If times were different, Briika would have gone straight there to help [member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"] with the task ahead of her, but everything had changed for worse or better, that judgment was still out. So Bree would not travel to pay her respects to Clan Ordo. This note of sympathy would have to do.

Rianna~

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish I had special words of comfort or a magic pill to help ease the pain and anguish you are going through right now, but I know they would never be enough and sound false as they won't bring back your beloved. For any faults Ordo might have had, he above all was a good man, a loving husband, and completely devoted to his family. A blessed find indeed. I will add his name to my daily remembrances, and hold you kindly in my thoughts as well during your time of grieving.

~Briika​

 

[Rianna Organa]

[member="Ginnie Ordo"]

She was trying to be so brave as she had been taught to do, This is different Ginnie and you know it. Rianna handed her a damp cloth, We are removing the dirt and blood and when done we will put his armor back on. Then we will take him out right around dusk to the pyre you and your brother and sister built and D'ral will say something and light the pyre. We will each in turn add to the flame

Beyond that Rianna didn't think too much more should be said they both knew what would happen. Rianna reached over and put her hand on top of Ginnie's as it rested on Ordo's brow. WE are not alone we have each other all of us. We are family, we are a clan, we take care of each other.

I know you'll watch out for me. She smiled weakly and set about the task she heard ships coming in that meant a few were actually coming to see Ordo off.

She stood straight for a moment then lifted Ordo's hand and gently wiped away the dirt.

 

[Arla Ordo]

Arla saw ships coming in the redhead tracked them as they crossed the skies heading for the open fields near the farm. There were no breezes so far today everything was still and silent as if holding its breath waiting.

She had brushed the dirt from her armor a few more dings and scratches from the weeks past showed. But it would do for today. She could see [member="Draco Vereen"] standing silently dressed in the traditions of his clan. What did she want to say to the man? She couldn't think of anything instead her sad green eyes stared at him and then slowly she turned away.

A single ship had recently landed she stepped off the porch and headed out to greet them. She could see two walking towards the house from this distance she didn't know who they were. She stopped at the edge and waited everyone who came in today should be very careful about what they bring. There would be no carrying on of the war today. The fee had already been paid for this day's quiet.

[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Gray Raxis"]

 

[Preliat Mantis]

​

​

He held his hands through the fields of his friend, of the man he murdered. He felt the immense guilt of the life he stole from him. He thought of being near him in the final moments of his mortal attachment, but he could bring himself to go anywhere near the funeral pyre. He had stolen the man from his family. He was no better than Mia herself. The war had turned him sour. Made him a fool. Made him blind.​

​

Perhaps from both parties.​

​

Jasper was claimed by a sort of madness, or perhaps a sense of loyalty of which Preliat did not understand. Preliat's hands drifted through the wheat, the golden fields dimming in the setting sun. Lights came on in the house. Preliat was unarmed, without armor. All he wore was the white coat in which he was known for in the realm beyond the Mandalorians. He would not understand what compelled Jasper to fight for Mia, to fight for the woman who destroyed his world. His farm seemed intact- as intact as one could have following total annihilation of one's planet.​

​

His world, gone. The man, dead.​

​

Preliat could not bear the thought of having to face the man in the next world. But it would come. And he would have to pay for what he did.​

​

In that lonely field, and in total solace- Preliat Mantis realized there was no atonement for him. There would be no redemption.​

​

There would be the eternal suffering.​

​

And the fault was his own.​

 

[Muad Dib]

Death was inevitable. It was the cycle of life. Everything that had a beginning has an end. And it was no different for a mandalorian.

The blue eyed man stood at the edge of the compound. No armor nor weapons adorned his body. He had arrived in simple tunic, trousers, and boots. Not even his kal rested on his hip. He came as thus not in defiance of the resol'nare during a funeral for a vod but rather as an open sign that he was not here as a combatant.

Slowly moving forward he observed those who had already gathered. Their pain and anguish left a bitter after taste in the Force. And yet he did not pursue the minds that were openly in mourning. He would not cross the boundaries of his vode.

Eyes fell on the forge and he moved to it. Clean, the forge and it's tools were a sign of the man who had passed. Though well worn the forge was clean and ready for use. And yet the owner would never play the billow, never grip an amber red piece of metal with the tongs, never rang the hammer down to ring out a tempo throughout the compound.

Picking up a hammer he turned it in his hands getting a flash of a large man hammering a hunk of steel into shape. Another flash of the man laughing as he spent time with family in the forge. Blinking away the fragments he gently lowered the hammer back to its resting place.

He knew the man from only reputation. While he would have attended merely because Ordo was a vod, it was for the living he had truly come. The clan had been a part of his history with the mando'ade. [member="Anija Betna"] and [member="Arrbi Betna"] had become allies then friends. [member="Ginnie Ordo"] had been a youth that he had fought alongside. [member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"] had been a recent acquaintance that he shared a familial tie with. For these reasons he had come to lend support and offer any aid that may be needed or requested of him.

 

[Ginnie Dib]

'I know. Please let me help. I should have been by his side during the battle, I got cocky and went after [member="Briika Tor"]. If I'd been there we could have taken [member="Preliat Mantis"] out together. I'm sorry Buire. I'm sorry.' The unspoken truth filled the room. Jasper & Rianna's daughter was compelled to cure the aching guilt she harboured over building Mantis' leg. Ginnie couldn't open up and talk to her mother, they'd worked for years on their girl. She'd given up the dark, all her education on alchemy gone. Firm in her mother and father's way, Ginnie would never touch another piece of darkness again.





Yet, the panic and fear of her earlier years had consumed her father's friend. Preliat's anger, the hate he lived within... how much of it was Ginnie's alchemical bind causing Preliat's anger to swell and stay within his leg? To fester and refuse to heal?





Ginnie and her mother prepared Jasper Ordo for his finale, washing his body and cleaning his armour. It was the action Ginnie needed to say goodbye, the moment alone with her parents before [member="Ordo"]'s immolation. A selfish moment driven by love, Ginnie worked with her father's efficiency. Yet another way to show the ghost of Jasper Ar'klim that his adopted daughter carried on.





Once Jasper Ar'klim was ready, Ginnie leaned back and put her hand one last time on Jasper Ordo's beskar'gam swathed chest. 'I love you, Buir. You... you died fighting and I will name you every day. Thank you.'





Tears spilled over her eyes, but the young adult kept the majority of her composure to help her mother in these final few moments.

 

[Gray Raxis]

It was impossible for Gray to not notice the solemn sorrow and bitter ire that hung about the farmstead. Someone had just past on after all, but there was more to it than that. Civil War. It was hard for people to not feel betrayed by it and the ripple effect it caused within the Manda. One side felt betrayed by the other and those who wished to remain neutral felt betrayed by both sides as they inevitably tried to pull them into it. Homes and clan halls were invaded by conflict. Sacred places, or atleast places that all vod should consider to be, were turned into battlefields. They were either destroyed literally or just in the spirit about them pointlessly. So it was here as well. The sacred space for this clan that was their homestead was utterly defiled by the death of [member="Ordo"] and how it was done by one of Mandalore's own.

This was what Gray felt from this place and why he was here. He approached the porch with Star to the person waiting there for them. He could try to reach out using the force to feel how they were doing, but there was no point. It was obvious what would be discovered. He could also try to direct a calming aura out to them, but he didn't want to insult them. They had earned the right to feel how they felt right now. Mandalorians were a proud people who didn't need to be coddled or treated as weak. They had their family and clan to see them through this, so there was no need for a random vod to interfere. He had certainly would not have wanted someone to do that for him outside of his clan after Castamere. No, he was here to pay his respects for a fallen brother of Mandalore and let his clan know their lose was not ignored or forgotten.

Gray put on a smile as he got to the porch and said, " Nice day to see someone off on their next journey. I'm sorry it is happening, but at least the weather is not making it worse." Not the best greeting for sure, but which one could be in this situation? There was enough doom and gloom in the air as it was. He just hoped a little positivity would make things a little more bareable. " Whenever we are allowed to pay our respects I'm ready. Clan and family have first rights after all." He wasn't sure what exactly he would do yet, but he wanted to let them know he was respecting their space and rule here.

[member="Ginnie Ordo"] [member="Muad Dib"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Arla Balor"] [member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Maeve Ar'klim"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Gray Raxis"] [member="Ginnie Ordo"] [member="Muad Dib"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Arla Balor"] [member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"] [member="Briika Tor"]


Why did that feeling hang in the air, dread, sorrow, anger....Stardust took a breath as she closed her eyes letting them wash over before she blocked them out. She approached the porch with gray as she couldn't help but looked around the place...even it had seen the destruction when the planet was hurt. She bowed her head and whispered a prayer...prayer this place could heal for the entire planet to do so, but she knew it would be awhile

She looked to the women before them and tried her best to put a smile on, but the fact knowing so many here had last a friend, husband, father, comrade, vod...it hit her hard...even harder knowing it was a friend she never rgot to see again...instead she had to see him now.

su'cuy vod, as he said, whenever we are allowed to pay our respects and say our final words...we are ready

Stardust herself choked up, even though she had done this so many times, see so many off to whatever they went...this hit so hard to her, yet she stood straight and remained strong...for the moment

 

[Mia Monroe]

Galeth was warm, held close tight to Mia’s chest, a tiny bundle of comfort and joy amidst a forest of grief, the last good thing Mia had to hold onto in this world. She bowed her head, lips brushing the soft dark hair that covered his head, eyes squeezed shut, trying desperately to block it all out. To block out the war, to block out their grief, to hide away from the weight of so many deaths upon her shoulders.

Mia had started this war. She’d started it with a brain clouded by the memories of a Sith Lord, started it for reasons that she could not understand now. She’d wanted to try and fix it, Ordo had known that, he’d understood...perhaps been the only person that could possibly understand.

He was gone.

She lifted her head and walked away from the softly murmuring crowd that was beginning to gather, stumbling half blinded by tears, clutching tightly to her son. She let her feet carry them away from the house, from the pyre that stood tall and ready to be lit. She wanted to run, to flee from it all and disappear from the radar. It was all too easy to do.

Her legs gave way in the middle of the field, crushed beneath the weight of her guilt and grief. The jolt through her body stirred the sleeping babe, his eyes opening, as grey as his mother’s but he didn’t cry. Even as her tears carved hot tracks down her cheeks and spilled onto his head, as the sobs racked her chest and her body trembled, little Galeth stayed quiet, his grey eyes watching the undoing of his mother without understanding.