Aliit ori'shya tal'din

[Anastasia Rade]

Mandalore
Keldabe SpacePort

Ana had promised him a tour of her home after the tour of his. As they talked she could tell that he was very interested in the culture and even learning a bit of her language. She wanted to share her world with him and that included her brother. She had told Orick about [member="Azrael"] and he wanted to meet him because he knew was important to her. He seemed to understand her more than Cryax ever had.

Ana's family was a big part of her life and if they wanted to make this work he needed to meet them. She wanted him to meet them and be accepted.

Before telling her brother about him and asking if he would meet him. Ana had waited a little bit just so she could be sure of herself. The first guy she brought home turned into a disaster and she didn't want to waste the Manda'lore's time again. Ana had known though from the night they met that [member="Orick T'ane"] was someone special. The emotions and feelings she felt those first few days never waved. In the few months that they had been together the two had been through a lot. They were at times worlds apart skyping each other and than when he changed jobs Ana would go with him. She deeply cared for Orick and was falling in love with him. They made a really good team.

After his return from one of his super secret missions for the Republic Ana invited him to come to meet her brother and for a tour of the capital city. She felt it would be a different and good way to get to know each other. There would be plenty of time later for them to have private time. She would after all want to show him her home.

Normally after a long trip away Ana would great him by jumping in his arms and kissing him. Since she was standing next to her brother there was no way that was going to happen. Perhaps just a simple kiss on the cheek, maybe.

As she waited for the arrival of Orick and the RangerAna couldn't help but feel a little anxious. Glancing over to him she wondered what he was thinking. She knew he only wanted the best for her which included her not being hurt again. Ana could see him being harder on Orick than he was before. Ana was confident that the two important men in her life would get along.

Last thing she heard Orick was entering the atmosphere so he would be soon be here. "Thank you for agreeing to this," she turned once again to look to her brother. She knew how busy he was doing this again for her did mean a lot to her.

 

[Orick T'ane]

Mandalore
Keldabe SpacePort

The Ranger set down softly on the landing platform, he once again thanked the powers that be for the amazing job that Lucerne Labs had done on his ship. he sat in the cockpit for a few moments trying to figure things out, he had agreed to meet [member="Azrael"] because it was important to [member="Anastasia Rade"]. it sounded like a great idea at the time, because her brother had been light years away, now he was mere meters away. He stood and adjusted his shirt, it was better than he usually wore when he was out making runs, but he was here to meet and hopefully impress her brother, the Malda'lore himself.

Orick grabbed his pistol belt from the slot next to his chair and strapped it on while he walked to the cargo hold. He could have used the small hatch by the cockpit, but he was still so happy with how the ship had been repaired that he enjoyed walking through it. He slapped the panel by the large door and smiled as it opened soundlessly. He didn't remember asking to have the hydraulics replaced, but he wasn't going to complain. He walked down the ramp and nodded to the tech that was standing on the landing pad. " Set up a tab for my pad. I'm hoping this won't be a quick visit." He wasn't worried about his ship here on Mandolore, it was the capital of one of the largest galactic powers in known space. if it wasn't safe here, then it wasn't safe anywhere.

He saw Ana standing off to the side with a rather large man standing behind her. He almost stopped in his tracks, he was imposing but she was stunning. t was like this after every time that they were apart, he was fine until he saw her, that was when his brain stopped working. She looked beautiful in whatever she wore, and it always surprised him just how beautiful she was every time he saw her. He approached them slowly, trying to seem casual and not at all worried or stunned.

He walked up to the two and smiled, he nodded to the large man ," Su cuy'gar." He knew that it still sounded terrible when he said it but he wanted to let it be known that he wanted to be more than just the next boyfriend. He turned to ana and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, " Cyar'ika, gar cuyir mesh'la suum miit." He said to her in perfect Mando'a. It had become his favorite thing to day in her language and he enjoyed getting the chance to tell her that. He looked at them both and smiled, hoping that Az would talk first and then punch him, and not the other way around.

 

[Azrael]

A different time, a different place, and a different approach. That trifecta of unique circumstances had led up to the moment where Azrael was comfortable enough with engaging in conversation with Anastasia's new love interest. While he had been initially protective of his sister since freeing her from the Graug Pits as a slave to those vile creatures, he'd kept his eye on her still with how she had changed and grown as a warrior within the Mando'ade. The woman had learned a great deal in her time within the vode, and while she had certainly made her fair share of mistakes, she'd learned from them and he was quite proud of her progress. It was unfortunate that the responsibility he bore didn't offer as much time as he'd like in spending time with his sister, but he certainly wasn't going to object to her requests, few as they were. However, Azrael was no fool, and after what had transpired with that blue skinned coward, he was also not taking any chances. Before the meeting, the Mand'alor had commissioned a report from one of his Mandalorian slicers to dig into Orick's past and current affairs. There were few that were going to sneak any bits of data passed the Kandossii clanswoman - and a large part of why he was here today at the Keldabe Space port was due to the fact that he hadn't seen any red flags pop in the documentation.

"Let's just not make this a habit." Azrael commented with a smirk touching the slight crimson sheen of his visage. The buy'ce stowed on his belt left his face bare to eye, and his intentions of a slight jab at her romantic affairs was more light-hearted, though he certainly didn't want to have to repeat these meetings with new beaus. It wouldn't be healthy for her heart - or the population if the men she chose kept breaking it. Personally he hoped she would find a real solid man that she could call her own, even if he knew she didn't need one in the slightest to be complete. Azrael himself had a companion that was not around as much as he'd prefer, but it was still a connection that he had come to find all the more worthwhile than attempting to block out that part of his soul. Grey eyes flicked up towards the large green and white painted vessel that rested meters away in the docking port. From a life where he'd seen these things as mostly desecrated hulls and fit for nothing but scrap, he'd come to appreciate the sum of the parts. The YT freighter was a sturdy bird, and it said a lot about the man that piloted one that he kept it in good standing. She was an older model - one he had seen junked time and again on Ord Mantell.

Despite the stoic regard that greeted Orick's introduction and use of Mando'a, the biting back of a smirk was internalized. A couple of years ago, he had struggled with the most basic version of their language. Ordo had coaxed him into using it more, and the butchering he did of what he now knew as second nature was both amusing and fondly relived. Both arms rested in a crossed position against the chest plates of his beskar'gam; the dull charcoal and black shades of painted metal outlined with deep maroon streaks was often an imposing feature - and yet people often overlooked a singular fact. While the armor was impressive, Azrael was not the tallest this side of the Mara Corridor, and was actually a few inches shy of Orick's natural height. The boots helped a bit to elevate, but it was mostly due to the legacy of his title, and his own stance that seemed to bypass any physical handicaps. Scrutiny rested in the piercing gaze of the Mand'alor while he silently assessed the gait and posture of the smuggler for hire. He'd heard the name well before getting a report done, and knew of his assistance in a recent re-acquisition of their territory pre-Netherworld. At least he was doing a much better job of cozying up to the Mando'ade than Bane had ever done.

"I've got about a standard hour before I need to meet with the clan heads, Ana'ika mentioned you wanted a tour of Keldabe." There was no greeting, devoid of an emotional attachment, and without a single question in his initial speech. Whether or not Azrael was being cold to the idea of befriending his sister's lover, or simply getting down to business, that was left up to speculation. All that was known is that Azrael wasn't waiting for much of a reply as he had already turned his back and started to pace off towards the parked land rover that was nearby. A four seated armored ground vessel that was favored for the tactile feel of a wheeled system. Most everything in the Galaxy floated on repulsor technology, to see a ground vehicle specifically designed to handle rough terrain, it wasn't normal. The Oya'Kirir seated four including the driver, and in this case, Azrael was manning the wheel and controls, waiting for both Anastasia and Orick to climb onboard.

[member="Anastasia Rade"] | [member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

She knew that her brother was a busy man and had literally pencilled the couple into his schedule. Ana was grateful that he was willing to do this again for her. She was hoping that he would see the qualities that she saw in Orick and understand why she cared so much for him. Ana could see herself having a future with him and one day getting that little home they talked about on some quite planet perhaps their own private island. Right now they had his ship which was becoming a second home to her and she had all but moved into the spare cabin.

As he came into view Ana couldn't help but smile brightly. She had really missed him while he had been away on a mission. There were many times that he would bring her but sometimes he couldn't either because it was top secret or due to her being busy. They lived different lives and were busy but they always found time to spend with each other. It was nice to see him again even if the first hour would be with her brother. There would be plenty of time for alone time later where she could show him her little cottage.

She could feel those butterflies in her stomach as he spoke Mando'a to them. It meant more to her than she was sure that he realized. It reinforced the fact that he did care about her culture and wanted to learn more about it. He was absolutely perfect and if her brother wasn't there she would have returned his kissed. Instead she gave his hand a lightly squeeze as she stepped next to him.

Ana knew that Az had done his research on [member="Orick T'ane"] but he could have at least said hello back instead of getting right too it. Especially after what happened before, he was just trying to be protective of her in his own way. Ana knew that [member="Azrael"] would warm up to him and that Orick would gain his trust. He was the sweetest kindest man so she couldn't see how he couldn't.

She had explained to Az that the two had been planning a trip here. She knew he wanted to meet her brother so Ana thought a little exploring together would be fun.bThe question or statement rather had not been to her so she didn't answer. She hoped that they would warm up to each other.

Once they were comfortable seated in the vehicle she turned to Orick motioning a bit to Azrael. "Orick, I would like for you to meet Azrael the Manda'lore but more importantly my brother. Azrael, this is Major Orick T'ane Special Operations Commander for the Republic." She really wanted this to work and if Az wasn't going to intoduce himself Ana would do it for them. Az had more titles but really the one that mattered to her was brother. He could be supreme commander of the galaxy but that wouldn't matter.

 

[Orick T'ane]

Orick remained calm as [member="Azrael"] mentioned a tour and then turned around and walked away. He hadn't been really sure what to expect from the encounter, but he hadn't been hit yet, so he took it as a good sign. He gave [member="Anastasia Rade"] a quick smile and followed Azrael outside. He saw the ground vehicle and tried not to smile. He had to decide if the vehicle was just the personal preference for this powerful man or if he was testing Orick with something mundane to gauge his reaction. Orick adjusted his pistol belt so that the small hold out pistol wouldn't dig into his back as he hopped into the back of the vehicle. He smiled as Ana introduced them officially ,he cringed a bit as she used his full title and rank. He wasn't concerned with his rank and title, the Republic had a bad habit of inflating their roles to make themselves feel more important. He only wanted Azrael to know for who he was, and not any of the titles he held. He wasn't the leader of one of the largest empires in the galaxy, so any titles he claimed would pale in comparison.

" Staja at urcir gar, Anastasia has spoken very highly about you." He knew that he had butchered their language again, btu he was intent on showing both of them that he was serious about learning about her culture. He didn't attempt to shake the other man's hand, or make any other motion other than nod. He was going to approach this meeting like Azrael was, if he wanted to be all business, then Orick could as well. He didn't want to push too fast or come across as the kind of guy that had come before him. He would earn any respect he was given however he had to.

He looked around at the spaceport and the little bit of the planet that he could see. He always loved being planetside on new planets, especially since he didn't need a quick turnaround for money. He got to enjoy the day and he got to spend it with Ana, and he was sure that eventually her brother would warm up to him, and if it didn't happen today, well, he only had to survive an hour with him.

 

[Azrael]

It only took seconds for the thick walled tires of the Ora'kirir to kick up dust as the vehicle roared to life and began to comb a path into the Capital city of Keldabe from the space port just outside the fringe parts of the zoning limits. A slowly setting sun in the background crafted a pre-dusk vernier to the rocky terrain. Tan and beige hues stretched for miles on the horizon while in other angles eclipses of mountain ranges and thick forests told the tale of a very rural setting. Still, the mix of the unspoiled land and the towering giants of industry like the figure of MandalMotors looming in the near distance was of an interesting contrast. The Mandalorians believed they could adapt to anything, whether it was highest order of technology, or the barest of essentials. They were an adaptable and versatile culture that thrived on survival and conflict; an obvious catalyst to why they had survived for so long and yet remained rather traditional in their roots and customs. The roar of the engines powering the vehicle echoed off the canyon walls while the trio traveled into town, coming onto slightly more paved pathways that would eventually turn into actual roads.

"You know what they say Major T'ane, believe half of what you read, and even less about what you hear." Azrael called back while steering into town. He paused for a moment, and though better of his attitude. He was being guarded not merely for his own sake, but to be objective in the light of Anastasia's choice until he could satisfy his own curious nature and vet this man properly. "Though biased as Ana'ika may be, I'm fairly certain she didn't exaggerate much." Why he used his official title, that was merely out of respect, and less trying to be militant. Azrael led a world of warriors, but they were just his family at the end of the day. He rarely was so official unless it was warranted. "Oloram bah Keldabe, though I simply like to call her home." Thundering along the ground, Azrael turned the craft into a bend that led it slow until a coasting speed around a center fountain and spire that made up what would be the heart of Keldabe's central walkway system of streets and alleys. A very rustic and authentic feel radiated from it, and despite not everyone wearing armor, it was obvious that they all belonged here.

Mere minutes later, the vehicle was parked in a lot of other ground type vehicles, though most were hovering off the ground a few inches in stasis lock. About three miles from the space port, and deep in the central nexus of foot traffic for Keldabe, Azrael exited the vehicle and started towards the main atrium of the marketplace. The bionic arm crossed over his chest and clawed digits typed with surprising dexterity on the right gauntlet of his beskar'gam to activate a holo-feed which he quickly scrolled through. MandalMotors, Clan Skirata, and the overall responsibilities of Mand'alor made time management a needed skill, and one he was continually trying to improve on. He didn't sleep as much, especially without Devorah next to him - but soldiers rarely did get enough shut-eye as it was. Still Manda'yaim made Mandalorians feel alive, no matter how exhausted they were. The same was true for Azrael as he waited for Anastasia and Orick to flank him.

"We host an open market, and have done so for many centuries. Our borders are watched and the docking is secured, but most sentients have free travel in and out of Keldabe proper. There are a few exceptions, but the protectors do a fine job at keeping out the riff-raff. Is this your first visit to Manda'yaim, Major T'ane?" Again with the formality, mainly because he was pacing himself in keeping the man at a proverbial arm's length for now.

[member="Anastasia Rade"] | [member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

The setting sun haloed the scenery in ways that Orick hadn't seen on many planets, adding in the small dust cloud from the Ora'kirir made the scene even more picturesque. It was a sight that he would remember for some time to come. He saw several buildings with corporate logos on them, and while he didn't know them by name, he knew the logos. He heard the Mando'lore speak and he chuckled softly at the truth of the words. He had to wait to reply until the vehicle stopped bouncing around, " If that is the case, then which half of what I've read and heard about you is true? Are you just the warrior king with only conquest on his mind, like the reports worry that you are? Or are you the loving brother and kind soul that I have heard Ana tell me that you are?" His intention wasn't to be rude or insulting, but to show Azarel that he was willing to stand up to the scrutiny that he knew he was getting.

Orick had played this game before, he understand that Azarel was going to be distant and course until he had proven that he was worthy of Ana. He would endure it for as long as he needed to, Ana was worth it. Ana was worth a thousand times more than anything her brother would do to him and Orick would happily take it. He watched at the city passed them by, it was rustic and homey in a way that seemed almost out of place compared to the galaxy he knew. It had an old fashioned feel to it, simple materials that built a simple city, that had an elegance that couldn't be replicated no matter how hard someone tried.

They pulled into a parking area and before anything else was said Azrael was on the move. Orick like the man already, he was all business when he needed to be and he hoped that they would become friends enough to sit down and have a casual drink some day. Orick could tell it was a casual area they were entering, he hadn't been anywhere near Mandolore in his travels, mostly because of the security that Azrael had mentioned, he hadn't wanted to tangle with it if he could avoid it.

" This is my first visit here, yes sir. I've visited a few places inside of your territory, Dathomir, Junction a few other places, but not the capital. In my time as a smuggler, I avoided Mandolorian territory mostly because the prospect of being caught terrified me. However I have been looking forward to visiting ever since our two governments agreed to this, well whatever it is we're calling it...This defense against the sithspawn."

[member="Azrael"] | [member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

No matter where Anastasia traveled within this galaxy it was always nice to come back home. Mandalore was where she had grown up, where her family was. She loved the bustling market place where she could find just about anything that she needed or wanted. Instead of living within the city Ana had made her home on the outskirts but still well within the boundaries of clan Skirata. It was a place that Ana would have to take Orick later. She sincerely hoped that he enjoyed his time here and would wish to return with her. Azrael would see that he was a sweet caring man whom respected her unlike others had.

Orick spoke his mind, he always did which was why Ana wasn't too surprised when he questioned her brother on the rumors that had been floating around. He was bold and brave questioning not only her brother like this but the Manda'lore. She had no doubt that her brother had heard such questions before and wouldn't think ill of Orick for his questions. It was better than him being too scared to say anything or ask a question.

"The market is where I normally shop for not only my groceries but anything else I may need. Most of the time I end up coming home with much more than I needed. It's a good way to meet others that's not a cantina." There was nothing wrong with those of course but Ana liked getting out and about when she could like now. Walking along the market with her brother and her boyfriend was really nice. "I live on the edge of the forest a little further from the city. It far enough away that I can have my privacy but close enough that I can walk here whenever I wish."

[member="Orick T'ane"] [member="Azrael"]

 

[Azrael]

Keldabe Marketplace

Over the centuries, the dusty and mostly rural planet had gone through massive changes, while in some parts remaining untouched and unformed. From the legacy of the Taung thousands of years prior, to the current heritage of the amalgam of sentient species roaming across the planet's surface, no two cities were alike, and very few held to a common theme. Keldabe marketplace being no exception. While there was prominent architecture sprawled out around them, including a center fountain that was just as lavish as anything you'd see in the pre-Sith Coruscant. A few paved streets, with buildings on either side made it feel all the more modern and robust in economy. Looming structures near the horizon line spoke of even more industry related endeavors including that of MandalMotors; the largest standing structure in the city. Still on either side from a shriek-hawk's view, the rural cascade of some rolling green hills, deep and thick black forests, and mountains bordered the city, and gave scope to just how diverse this planet really was. It wasn't the cleanest, the most spectacular, or even the most visited of planets - but it was Manda'yaim; rough as a Bantha's backside and half as pretty - or in other words; home.

Both hands rested on the wide clasp of his outer gunbelt in a pose that spoke of solidarity and brevity. Azrael rarely held ceremony, and wasn't attempting to impress anyone as it was. While he had often (and still did) try to prove himself worthy - it wasn't to be regal or noble. He wasn't born with the silver spoon, and he worked hard for what he had. Most of what was now under his command he still didn't feel worthy of - and was reminded that somehow that feeling was actually good. A deep and soulful breath was inhaled through flared nostrils, taking in the scent of Keldabe and relishing in it's unique and 'acquired' taste. For a moment, he had even forgotten that he was starting a tour with Orick and Anastasia, - basking in what the city had to offer, and relaxing for a moment's time. His attention came with a furrowing of his brows at Orick's question, depositing the notion that he was one or the other into the conversation. Taking a pause to think on his response, a smirk touched his face, and visibly remained as he glanced over his shoulder at the long haired smuggler.

"You act as if those are the only two options. I assure you Major T'ane, I am much more." While he held a host of titles, both bequeathed and earned - Azrael was a man of many facets, and he knew there was far more that people didn't know about him than they did. Not a single soul in the Galaxy understood him completely, though there were a few that came very very close to it. Turning to give a profile shot towards the smuggler and his sister, Azrael let the smirk stay in place a second longer before he resumed a more straight faced visage. "This is a community market, and while the Mandalorians pride ourselves on self sufficiency, the community here - especially in the more notable watering holes, is one of the strongest bonds you'll ever see outside of combat." Starting off again, the pathway leading around the center fountain and towards the avenue that snaked between the various shops. Produce, clothing, building materials, weapons and so much more. Every booth and venue had a different theme, and often there didn't seem to be a sense of cohesive order save for everything being for sale.

"This mutual bridge between the Mandalorians and Republic is anything but official, though we do share the common enemy. Our alliances are earned by loyalty, but I won't coat it with sugar - they are always selfish. Altruism isn't the Mandalorian way, especially outside of our own. It just so happens that the Dar'jetti scum left some gaping wounds in the vode, and we're not ones to forget, or to forgive." Anastasia had seen first hand what the Sith would do to the Mandalorians if given half a chance, and already understood from her time in slavery what the Sith Spawn were also capable of. None of it was flattering. As Azrael spoke, a few nods were given to vode in the marketplace who immediately recognized who was giving an impromptu tour. The Mand'alor and his sister were greeted with hearty acknowledgement. Several 'Oyas' were often heard and repeated back.

[member="Orick T'ane"] | [member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

The market was everything that Orick knew it would be, it was loud and crowded with people. Each vendor was unique in their own way. He knew that Mandolorians were more a culture and way of life than an actual race of people, and the marketplace was the perfect example of it. There were dozens of colors represented by the many banners flowing in the wind. He knew that while there were only a few actual clans, there were hundreds of families that made up those clans, each with their own colors and traditions.
Mandolorians could and did adopt people into their culture so the fact that there were dozens of different species wandering the market didn't surprise him at all. It didn't matter where you started out, in the end if you stood for the clans and the traditions then you were aliit. The way that the Mando's worked always surprised Orick, it seemed so simple, but there was a deeper connection that couldn't be understood by outsiders, no matter how often they visited.

Orick got more than a few confused looks aimed at him, who was this man that had gotten the personal attention of not only the Manda'lore, but his sister. Orick's plain green shirt was clean but it wasn't special. The brown pants were common with spacers, as were his well worn boots. The pistol on his belt was Mandolorian in design, he knew it was the only part of him that truly fit in at the market. He was here to change all of that, and as he listened to Azrael speak he knew that he would get the chance to prove it.

"I never assumed that there were only two options, sir. Just an example of how easy it is for the galaxy to define you by the deeds that are known. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems, it's more like a jewel. There are many facets to each person, and you can't see them all by looking at them from one direction." He knew that what the man had said was true, hell he knew that the man had at least a dozen titles, depending on who you talked to, but the only one that Orick cared about was brother. Would this man give him the chance to prove that he too had many facets that needed to be judged before he made a final decision.

"I've seen what the Sith do to planets, regardless of where they are located or who is on them, I've lost many friends along the way, As have we all. Standing against their madness is more costly than either of our respective nations can bear alone and expect to remain standing, hopefully this 'alliance of convenience' will last long enough for us to all remain upright." He sighed and lost himself in the past for just a moment, he had managed to keep the past where it belonged for a long time, and time spent with [member="Anastasia Rade"] had made that easier. [member="Azrael"]'s stoic response and demeanor brought up those long lost memories. No one was left undamaged by the galaxy these days, but the only way to fight off the darkness was to live you life and flick your thumb at it every chance you got. He reached over and took Ana's hand into his, giving it a firm squeeze as he did so.

 

[Anastasia Rade]

Lightly squeezing Orick's hand back she turned to smile at him as her fingers interlaced with his. She didn't care if anybody saw regardless of who it was. Ana was falling for Orick she could see him fitting perfectly within her life here. [member="Azrael"] and him seemed to be getting along decently at the moment. Nobody had challenged anybody to a duel as of yet which was a good thing. Ana had been afraid that things would go poorly due to what happened with Bane. In her own defense that had been years ago and she had learned much about herself since than. She knew what qualities she wanted in a man and [member="Orick T'ane"] had all of them plus more.

She knew that once the Sith were dealt with it was possible that the Mandalorians would turn their sights to the Republic next. The idea of such happening made Ana cringe slightly. That would complicate things greatly but she hoped that it wouldn't come to that. They could play nice because they helped each other out? "I don't foresee that happening anytime soon. The Sith keep growing in numbers and we have to stand strong together if we want a chance at defeating it. " Ana didn't want to be a cynic but years in captivity had shown her the true horrors of the galaxy. The only true peace in the galaxy was that one made for themselves. The Mandalorians fought to keep their home safe and to keep the market a peaceful one. Home should be a safe place and it was what they all strived to make this place.

By look of it Orick seemed to enjoy the bustling market and all that it stood for. She would later show him her favorite haunts and her home. A place she was very happy and proud to call her very own. If Ghost was around she was even introduce him to the wolf that had made its home with her. "What do you think?" She turned slightly with a smile to Orick.

 

[Azrael]

While there was a certain amicable feel to the conversation thus far, one thing was evident and crystal clear - Azrael was keeping Orick at an arm's length in the metaphorical sense. The usage of his title instead of simply his name was a dead giveaway, and thus the same seemed to be true being called 'sir' from the smuggler. Azrael didn't mind, though he didn't put as much stock in formality as he did the character of someone. It was likely the case with the man that had so taken Anastasia's heart. He was certainly different than Bane, and in a much better way, though that didn't mean anything more than Azrael being content to continue the tour. Plodding their trail through the bustling marketplace, but always keeping a sidelong glance at the two that trailed him. Most of what seemed to be all business was a subterfuge to get a handle on how Orick would react in various situations. More to the point - it was a test, and one not many would guess upon the foundation of the Mandalorian legacy. The normal shoot first, ask later was a concept many used in regard to the culture - and they normally were not wrong.

"Perspective is everything. Why do you think we wear these?" Azrael questioned in simple rhetoric while giving a knuckle wrap to the buy'ce that was hanging off the clip on his belt. A warrior culture who wore helmets to hide identity and leave their prey only to guess what who was behind that visor, and what intent they had in their eyes. Unlike the more militant armies though, it was the demonstration that all of these vode were individual in their own right, and yet harkened to a legacy that spanned the Galaxy. None had a history quite like their own, one of conquest, efficient force, and unrelenting spirit. They were the talk of taverns, the stuff of legend, and the subject of campfire stories. That however was just the perspective, and it was one he was happy to keep up appearance with. Ever since he saw what his Ori'vod had done to that docking bay attendant on Ord Mantell, Azrael had understood a little more how the Galaxy treated the Mando'ade when presented with the right motivation.

A bit further in the trek, the trio came along broadside of a boisterous tavern that while not on par with the Oya'baat which rested outside of the marketplace, it was no quieter in this watering hole. Even louder when the thin pane of transparisteel ruptured from the force of a half armored Mandalorian came crashing through it. The sounds of yelling and general commotion echoing now out into the street. In a flash of movement, Azrael whirled from his position, catching the falling vode by the scuff of his armorweave body glove with his bionic arm. A long and pointed stare that said nothing of compassion or understanding registered on the Mand'alor's face. The return gaze was both a mixture of shock, awe, and then quiet understanding. The cool gaze between vode alike was for a few moments, when it appeared that Azrael might behead the man for getting in his way, until a smirk touched Azrael's lips. A chuckle escaped his own, as did the Rally Master whom he had caught. His free hand grasped the man's forearm and pulled him onto his feet. A single nod was offered before he turned and gave the guy a firm pat on the back to run back into the bar brawl. A moment of watching turned into a glance at Orick and Anastasia.

"Like I said, no greater bond." Azrael squared his shoulders and then stepped forward to continue the obligatory tour. It wasn't very educational, as he was really not interested in giving a detailed account of how the marketplace came to be or any recent events. For all purposes, he was a lousy tour-guide, but that had never really been the main purpose either. His eyes shifted towards his sister for a moment and then back to Orick. "The Dar'jetti have numbers, they also have resilience enough to keep popping up like a bad weed that just won't quit. The difference is that they have gone through extinction a dozen times over, and will eventually fall again. The Mandalorians don't need assistance to survive them. Fact of the matter is, we're not bound by some religion or cause - the Mando'ade are an idea. That, Major T'ane is why we will not be trampled down by them, or any who oppose us. Factions rise and fall - people fight for power all the time. Be it politics or religion that steer them, the Mandalorians last through it all. The Sith is a ticking time bomb, and we're simply watching the fuse."


[member="Anastasia Rade"] | [member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

Orick understood the reasoning that the helmets were worn, he understood that it gave them a faceless look that at the same time could be menacing and yet unifying. The question asked by Azrael was a rhetorical one, so Orick saw no need to reply. He was enjoying the scene around him, the Mando's that he saw were extremely friendly towards each other. He noticed that very few of the mingling Mando's wore the same colors, but they all greeted each other like long lost family. The sight made him smile, they were all one big family, and they fought like family does from time to time, but woe be to the person that picks a fight wit hthis group of warriors.

He heard the rousing noise as they came near what Orick knew was a cantina of some kind, he had been to enough of them in his time to know what one sounded like from the outside. There was a song that he could hear faintly but his mando'a wasn't good enough yet to pick up the meaning behind it. He saw a body spill out of the the now shattered transparasteel window, that was wearing most of a suit of armor and he guessed that the person should have been wearing all of their armor. Azrael's large hand had the man before any damage could be done. Orick watched them share a glance, and saw the thin smile on Azrael's face. It was a quick moment, but in that one moment, Orick could see the pride of his people in his face, the love that only family could have for each other. The two warriors shared a nod and then the man ran back into the building, Orick thought he heard a whooping war cry as he did do.

He understood what was being said. No matter what happened to the Mandolorians, they weren't a faction, or an empire or even some collection of planets that cowered together for safety. They were a culture of warriors that came together to share that culture. Scattered to the far reaches of the galaxy, Madolorians would still have each other to count on, no matter what. They would survive because they always had each other. " With that thought, one had to think that even the Republic would crumble while the Mandolorians persisted. There's no boundaries to a culture, no lines on a map that define where you start and stop. Your culture isn't planets or laws, it's in your hearts, and that can't ever be taken from you."

He hoped that his words were going in the same direction as Azrael's, he hadn't expected this deep of a conversation from the man on the first visit, but he wouldn't back away from anything the man wanted to talk about. " With your culture as the topic, I have wanted to meet you for one specific reason. I wanted to ask for your approval of me seeing Ana. I thought about asking for your permission to date her, but she's a decorated warrior, and asking that would diminish any achievements she has earned. Your approval means a lot to her, therefore it means a lot to m., and if you'd just give it some consideration, well that's it really." He hadn't meant to ramble like a fool, but standing in from him, with her Ana by his side kind of made him nervous. He wanted to prove that he was worthy of Ana's affection more than anything, and he knew how important it was for Ana to have her brother approve of him.

[member="Azrael"] | [member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

What Orick spoke was true, no matter where she adventured off to she would always be a Mandalorian. It was apart of her and one she was happy to see Orick so readily embracing already. Even though he wasn't wearing any armor she could see him fitting in. He was tough, had been a marine for years as well as a smuggler. Ana reckoned he could go to toe with any number of her vode and it would be a heck of a good fight. She didn't want to see that though as Ana would be far too worried about him getting hurt the whole time. Fighting was big part of the culture but that didn't mean she had to like watching beloved fight.

Her hand gave [member="Orick T'ane"] a light squeeze as she heard his question to her brother. Ana was serious about this relationship with Orick and she did want [member="Azrael"] to approve of him. He was her brother and it did matter what he thought of the man she was with. Ana just hoped that he was willing to give him a chance and not completely shut him down at the start of it. If he did say no Ana would still date him in hopes one day her brother would see in Orick what she saw. The fact that he had the gut to even ask had to account for something. It was best she thought not to say anything and just wait to see what happened.

The market itself had always been a source of happiness for Ana. She could come here when she did want to be social or when she wanted to pick up some items for a new recipe. It was the first open market that she had ever been exposed to and she had since not found anything that held a candle to it. She couldn't accurately describe this place to him it was just best to let him wander about and let him experience it for himself.

 

[Azrael]

While the cultural notions and ideas became intermingled with speculation and some creative license outside of the Mando'ade proper, it seemed as if Orick had a healthy understanding of their resolve and reason for outlasting even the greatest of empires ever to roam the stars. Though as much as he was on track, it was not that the Mandalorians always had each other - but that they had the ideal. The rugged sense of honor brought about from sources like the Reson'nare or the Supercommando Codex, were the basis for their culture, and anyone who had picked up on those life affirming stances was themselves a Mandalorian. It wasn't a name, a figurehead, or even a people group, the Mando'ade was an idea, and no one could kill an idea. From the first settlers on Mand'yaim taming the land and killing the massive Mythosaurs, to the current roster of the Mandalorian elite and all it's facets, those truths were evident, and that ideal abounded. Mandalorians were everywhere, recognized the Galaxy over, and in every major and minor society. That tradition would only continue, so long as life existed within the star systems abroad.

Meters from the tavern where they had witnessed the muted bar brawl inside, the narrow passage once again opened to a spread of more shops, but forked in three streets that would soon develop into some remedial housing, before making paths through the city. The main avenue itself was leading towards Mandal Motors - and the near city block of massive structures that housed the various subsidiary purposes for the complex. Azrael paused in his stride once the question Orick had on his mind had left his lips and hung in the air, beckoning an answer. With his back to both the smuggler and his sister, Azrael considered the question that he already knew was coming for a few moments. Brows creased in some thoughtful pause before turning on heel and presenting his face towards the two of them. Both hands rested on the thick leather of his gun belt, while his scrutiny ridden gray eyed gaze rested on the long haired human.

"If I had taken issue with the relationship, Major T'ane, you wouldn't have made it this far still breathing." The salvager said in a matter of fact tone, giving no inclination if he was being anything but serious. "Ana'ika is my sister and I love her dearly, but she is also Mandalorian, and I have no trouble imagining that if she didn't want you by her side, your head would have been shipped back to your next of kin." And even with such a somber and grave tone his voice, a smile touched the Mand'alor's face with that comment, giving a nod to Anastasia. "That being said, the last person who upset her, I personally dragged from his fortified guard patrol to Mand'yaim and brought the coward to his knees before her." The smile vanished as he talked about what he did to Bane. He still regretted not just ending the Chiss, but he'd given Ana the choice to decide his fate, and the blue boy still lived. "In the vode, we call that mercy." For a moment he let that sink before he clapped Orick on the shoulder with his right hand. "Cuyuir jate bah kaysh." Moving right passed him after that quick advice to embrace his sister.

"I'm overdue at MandalMotors, but it was good seeing you again vod." Today was a discussion on the matters of the Primeval and what they meant for the future of Mandalore, and the subset Dar'Manda that had joined their ranks to fight against the Mando'ade. He was certain it was going to be a rather boisterous meeting - but he'd have it no other way. "Oya!" Azrael gave a fist salute in the air before he would part company and head down the main avenue towards Mandal Motors.


[member="Orick T'ane"] | [member="Anastasia Rade"]