Faction Before the Emerald Flames || ME [Open to Witches]

[Ryn Starfall]

Location: Dathomir
Wearing: This
Tag: Kaila Irons | Vytal Noctura | Aether Verd | Dreidi Xeraic | Darth Moskvin | Domina Prime | Aileni Ifor Xeraic | Manti Wyrvhor | Odessa Djazit

A dire wolf with glowing orange eyes had been watching and listening from a distance, taking in what the men of iron and sisters of magick had to say. It listened to the offers being made, the recounting of histories. It just stayed in the shadows wondering what the people of Dathomir would choose.

The wolf new a few of the faces gathered from past interactions upon this world they called home. Long had the wolf fought for Dathomir giving it life and blood, of wars long forgotten and still the lands were being fought over. It long for the days the world was wild and free of outsiders imposing upon its untamed beauty.

It listened to the man of Iron Aether Verd speak, the wolf did not feel ill intent coming from him. Yet though he had the blood of Dathomir running in him he was not one of them by choice. He chose to stand with his brothers of iron over the kinship of Dathomir as he spoke of his mother Petra. A clan mother the wolf knew off, but had never met.

The wolf was content with letting its brother and sisters of Dathomir decide their fate but as it listened to one of its sisters speak it knew once more it must bring itself forward. The dire wolf moved forward black fur and glowing orange eyes from the shadows in which it had positioned itself. As it moved forward it began to morph into a dark-haired woman with those same glowing orange eyes.

As the woman formed from the Dire wolf she stood out odd wearing a Combat boot, Black cargo pants, a leather jacket open in the front, and under that jacket a t-shirt with the sleeves cut off. The T-shirt had vulgar profanity written on the front, looking less like a witch of Dathomir and more like a punk rock groupie.

"I Believe your words are genuine Mand'alor and you have no ill intent." She spoke softly as her eyes turned to Vytal Noctura . Ryn looked at her curiously for a moment as she had heard every word of her last speech to the words Kaila Irons had spoken.

"No one has declared Mandalore an enemy, or even war upon them for once again claiming our territory among their empire." Ryn stepped a bit closer to the fire, reaching into her coat pocket slowly and pulling out a pack of death sticks. "As no one has called you forth to speak for Dathomir other then an outsider. Are we a democracy? Well you aren't the Witch Queen, High Priestess, Supreme, Great mother or whatever we call it these days."

Ryn's eyes looked to Dreidi Xeraic a young witch she had once met a long time ago when Ryn had to reform her old Coven. Then she looked to Brooke Waters a woman she had stood at the side of against a mad man who thought he was the king of Dathomir. Before turning back to Vytal. "Mand'alor speaks of peace and what that peace might look like depending on our choice. One where we can just be left alone to continue on doing what we are doing, or we can ally ourselves with Mandalore. In truth both options are acceptable if that is what we Dathomir wants."

"You are a sister so you have your say, but so do the others. Yet here you are threatening us with words of exile if we do not walk the first path presented to us. Yet the Mand'alor himself never spoke of such a thing." What was offered before them was a choice of alliance with the Mandalore or to be left alone no one spoke of Exile except Vytal. To Ryn it stood as a threat to Dathomir for those who did not follow this witch that claimed to not want power.

"You are asking who the hell am I? Just a clan mother of the Howling Crags, someone who has bled and even died for Dathomir long ago. My exploits of riding a dark energy infused dragon into a wall of light to thwart a jedi purge long forgotten." Ryn said taking a less serious tone as she flipped a death stick out of the pack into her lips. "I'm a nobody but looking at the sisters here I have seen many of them doing many great things for Dathomir while you were on Ryloth as you say. I have seen them fighting for Dathomir on Dathomir. That is why we should choose our own speaker if we choose an alliance with Mandalore."

Ryn then turned back to the Mand'alor Aether Verd . "You have our blood in you, but you chose your path, let us choose ours as a people. Let us choose our leaders and speakers. The issue you see is not the offer, the issue is who speaks for us and if it will be honored. The last Empire of Mandalore had like five different Mand'alor's there was no guarantee when it changed hands we would be left alone. Your Empire is constantly shifting, tomorrow you may not lead and whoever does may see us very differently. This is not a choice for one person but for all the clans and covens that call Dathomir home. We need someone who is strong and someone we know we can trust who will defend dathomir no matter the cost."

Ryn once more returned to Vytal. "If you don't want power then let us decide not democracy but for what is right for Dathomir and the people that live here. But if you want to be challenged then consider it accepted I will fight for Dathomir to decide." Her orange eys stared right into Vytal's, the foul mouthed witch who had led the Howling Crags clan against Jedi, Sith, Mandalorians, The Empire, and The Republic long before most gathered were born to keep it free. "I have seen to many sisters decide for us and sell us to the highest bidder, this time we all decide."

 

[Brooke Waters]

What Brooke always looked to was the protection of her clan. Should that involve the Mandalorians? So be it. If it could be found to involve the other Witch Clans? Even better. Her people were traders, enchanters, and protectors. Their magic stemmed from the mother oceans and they worked to help others. Even in combat situations, fighting against the Scissorfists, they protected their own to outlast the others. Tricking the fists into believing they were attacked by much larger numbers, while creating armor of corals, or even ice.

She felt the eyes of Starfall on her and glanced over. The others, she recognized, but Starfall was there when the man trying to take the Witches under his ‘rule’. “Peace can mean many things. If we are left to our own…” She began but took a moment to shake her head, her blonde hair shaking out of the ponytail, displaying the various trinkets in it. “We must be left to rule ourselves, but if an alliance to keep others from the skies at bay arises?”

Her clan was known to work in circles with various groups, with Jedi, but more the Wayseeker variety, explorers, and those who would like to be left alone. It was why her Clan Mother granted her the ability to transplant the Blue Corals across the stars…

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Outfit + Hat
Tag: Vytal Noctura Aether Verd Ryn Starfall Brooke Waters Darth Moskvin Domina Prime Dreidi Xeraic Manti Wyrvhor

When the Mand'alor stood, so did she.

Staff planted into the dirt beside her, broad shoulders squared, she had no idea what to expect of the warrior but she was no less prepared. To her surprise however, his words were gentle, if confused. It was possible that she'd misunderstood what she saw, though it looked a certain way. Her features visibly softened at his offer.

"I-"

"Has Dathormir become a democracy in my absence, Sister?" she asked almost the second Aether finished speaking.

Golden eyes snapped towards the nightsister, burning with such fire that even the emerald between them struggled to make purchase upon their glowing surface.

Every effort the Mand'alor had made to dissuade the notion of a power grab was for dismantled in an instant, by the witch at his side. It took the woman's entire speech to make Kaila consider any motive beside, and even then, the last key details only did so much to ease her suspicions.

Ritually blackened fingers tightened around her staff at the mention of a challenge.

The she-wolf spoke next, assuming the shape of a woman, and Kaila knew in that moment they were the words of something ancient, but one of shared opinion. For the first time since her arrival, she felt the tension leave her shoulders as she found herself no longer alone.

"I am of mind with the Howling Crags." she gestured at Ryn Starfall .

"Democracy or not, this affects the whole of Dathomir. It could mean being dragged into war with Mandalore's enemies, it could mean a lot of things, and if your aim here is not power than surely you agree that fair is fair."

"If this outsider-" then she gestured to Aether Verd as well.

"Respects our voices, than so should you, who was suggested to carry that voice into their halls."

"And I cannot in good conscience agree, having heard your thoughts on our collective voice."

She shook her head and then paused, hearing Brooke Waters 's voice.

“Peace can mean many things. If we are left to our own…” She began but took a moment to shake her head, her blonde hair shaking out of the ponytail, displaying the various trinkets in it. “We must be left to rule ourselves, but if an alliance to keep others from the skies at bay arises?”

Hers was a familiar one, as she recalled their brief encounter on Toshaara.

"Hm." she glanced away for a time, mulling it over.

"It is not necessarily an alliance I fear, but how it may come to be, how this will shape the future."

"Sarnu'a ner sidaki, Mand'alor." she spoke in mando'a at first, with a fluency befitting her first tongue.

Then her fiery gaze swept over the rather small crowd.

"Perhaps a second gathering is in order? A few weeks, a month, however long it takes between now and then to send word far and wide to all covens, to witches and nightbrothers, to send trusted representatives so that we may reach a proper decision."

"And if we cannot? I see no reason Dathomir should not become this 'autonomous zone' we spoke of."

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Dathomir
Attire: Witch Outfit
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Nightsister Energy Bow, Ichor Sword and Lightsaber.
Tag: Aether Verd | Vytal Noctura | Kaila Irons | Ryn Starfall | Brooke Waters | Darth Moskvin | Domina Prime | Manti Wyrvhor

The conversation had started with the focus on the Mandalorians and their presence then turned against the idea of Vytal being placed as Warden. It was interesting twist of events, less about the Mandalorian Empire's interests in the alliance with Dathomir and more about who would be selected to represent them. Thing for Dreidi was, the young leader of the Mandalorians was correct, Vytal had been the one to connect with him and organise the meeting. It made sense to honour her contributions to this with rewarding the position of Warden. It was a Mandalorian title in Dreidi's mind so it did not mean that Vytal was leader of Dathomir, the clans or could claim to enforce others to do as she wished.

"The Mandalorians wish to honour the work and efforts that Vytal put into this meeting. I think that is fair and it works for their code. This does not make her in charge of our world nor does it place her above anyone else here. She is merely the one who will have to deal with the Mandalorians, attend their meetings and be the one who will inform them if there are issues or things we demand." Dreidi stated, her golden gaze looked towards those most outspoken about who should be the Warden. "I think it is an acceptable decision since she is the one who made the efforts to sort this meeting and has dealt with the Mandalor's father more than any of us."

Looking over to Vytal, "Mandalorians claim to have a code but they have also sided with Sith, Jedi and many others who have killed our families and attempted to enslave us. Being cautious about them is not something done without reason. This one might be different but it is also very early in his leadership to know that for certain. Does not mean that I am against seeing it for myself but he is not the man you talk about, he is his own person and that means we must learn who that is. Caution is not something to disregard. Not all of us came from the Confederacy like we did." Dreidi had been raised in the Confederacy and held it close to her heart since she had been forged by those she had interacted with there.

"There is a bigger concern than who is Warden as well. Being independent and allowed to continue with our customs and traditions is all well and good. But what happens when you upset others, begin to war with others and they decide to bring your Mandalorian wars to Dathomir? Your empire puts us in dangers by simple association, sure you can come defend us, but you are affecting our lives. Things will be changing for us simply by the fact our world will be within your empire territorial lines." Dreidi pointed out since no one else had seemed to consider that problem yet.

"I came here mostly to ensure that my son will not be harmed by Mandalorians who might see him as a threat since he is training to be a Jedi. As well as ensuring that the temple dedicated to training witches and Jedi alike I own will not be interfered with." Her gaze turned to the Mandalorian leader, she could not see through the helmet but she wanted confirmation that her life here would be left alone as it had been before. The safety of her son was crucial as well as she would burn the whole empire alive if they dared to harm him.

 

[Melinda Dealla]

Melinda had kept quiet throughout the meeting.

She knew she held no sway here, among these mystical warriors from the stars and the great and powerful nightmothers of the other clans. She was just a healer from the Sisters of Twilight, granted she was the head healer of their clan, but Melinda was still just an unimportant girl in comparison to the others gathered here. A representative for one of the smallest of the clans, a mere speck in the Dathomirian political landscape.

Still, she couldn't help but nervously step forward, compelled by the voices of the ichor within her to say her piece.

"Umm, my apologies. I know my voice does not hold much sway here," Melinda began, stepping forward hesistantly. "I am Melinda Dealla, the lead healer and spiritual guide of the sisters of twilight."

She risked a glance at the Mandalorian, only to see her own reflection mirrored back at her in his shining metal helmet. And by the ichor, did she look pathetic. Breathing out sharply, Melinda steeled herself for what she had to say next.

"My sisters," she declared as confidently as she could, turning back to the other witches around her, "Our home has always been governed by many. Each of our clans have their own unique cultures, traditions and beliefs. Each of them have different interests and opinions and each of their leaders would benefit from the role that Vytal Noctura has been nominated for."

"Why do we not compromise?" She asked, gaining momentum. "If the mandalorians seek a bridge to Dathomir, a way to communicate their wishes to us, I suggest they speak to a council and not an individual. A group composed of leaders and representatives from all of our different clans."

"I just...I feel like we should have a way to avoid one person having all the power," she finished, suddenly feeling embarrassed again. "But that's all I have to say."

Blushing profusely, Melinda attempted to slink back into the crowd and away from the notice of others.

Aether Verd | Vytal Noctura | Kaila Irons | Ryn Starfall | Brooke Waters | Darth Moskvin | Domina Prime | Manti Wyrvhor | Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Aether Verd]

Assets: Beskar'gam | Basilisk
Darksaber | Resolute Dawn​

DATHOMIR

Aether Verd stood in the quiet that followed, the firelight dancing along the plates of his armor. For a moment, he said nothing—just watched the flames and the faces gathered around them.

He thought of his father.

Of the man who had united the Southern Systems. Of the years he spent blaming himself for its collapse. And yet—here stood one who had walked beside him through those days. Vytal Noctura, speaking of that era not with bitterness, but with clarity and honor. Aether wished the old man could hear her now. To know that the legacy wasn’t lost.

That it meant something still.

But Aether held his tongue. The matter between Vytal and the other Witches was not his to answer. That authority rested with the Sisters of this world—and this world alone.

When the dire wolf emerged from the shadows and took the form of a woman, he observed in silent reverence. Her power was evident, her words direct. Again, he offered no interference. Only a glance—supportive, respectful—cast toward Vytal. She had done more than most to aid the Empire. And even now, with the tides turning, Aether stood beside her. Not as ruler. As ally. As friend.

Then, the she-wolf turned to him.

Aether’s head lifted slightly, visor catching the glow of the fire.

“You’re right,” he said calmly. “Since the Darkness, Mandalore has known many changes in leadership. Nations have risen and collapsed. Mand’alors have come and gone.”

He stepped forward—not with weight, but with presence.

“But through it all, one thing has remained: Dathomir has always been honored. We have never profaned her. Never abused her. Never demanded she kneel.”

He looked out to the covens.

“That is my promise—and it will be the promise of those who come after me. Dathomir will not be ruled by Mandalore. The title of Warden is not one of command. It is not a crown. It is the voice that you choose to speak to us. Whoever you deem worthy, we will honor.”

Then, his voice dropped just slightly—measured and resolute.

“But rest assured, I do not intend to leave this galaxy in chaos. I have risen so that our people—Mandalore and Dathomir alike—can survive, thrive, and endure. There is no threat I will not meet for our sakes.”

He turned as Brooke spoke, giving her a respectful nod.

“Sovereignty was never in question. Whether Dathomir joins the Mandalorian Empire or not, you will always rule yourselves. If you wish for a treaty of mutual defense—as neighbors and kin—I welcome it. And if your decision is the autonomous path, know we are close. We will hear you the moment you call.”

His attention shifted as the young warrior addressed Vytal—and then him. Aether’s brow lifted slightly beneath the helm at the fluency of her Mando’a.

He nodded, voice even.

“There’s nothing to forgive, cousin. You speak truthfully. If the clans of Dathomir wish time to meet, to speak, to decide—then you will have it. It is not Mandalore’s way to trample the voices of others. Least of all those who share our blood.”

Then came Dreidi, whose reputation preceded her. He listened closely, not interrupting.

When she finished, he addressed her directly.

“You’re right on all counts. Vytal was chosen for the role of Warden only because she made this day possible—because she reached out. But it is not a crown. If Dathomir chooses another path, we’ll honor it without hesitation.”

He paused, then continued with quiet strength.

“As for the wars you speak of… not once has Dathomir suffered for standing alongside Mandalore. Not once has Mandalore brought war to her gates. That will not change.”

There was a pause before he added, firm and sincere:

“And no Mandalorian will ever threaten your son, or your Temple. That is your life. Your choice. Not ours.”

At last, the voice of the Sister of Twilight—gentle, humble, but clear.

Aether inclined his head.

“Melinda,” he said, learning her name as he spoke. “The role of Warden doesn’t have to rest on one set of shoulders. While it’s easier to speak to a single voice, I’m more than willing to engage with a council—if that’s the path Dathomir chooses.”

He stepped closer to the fire now, letting the shadows and the silence settle once more before raising his right hand. Four fingers lifted.

“Based on what has been said thus far, here is where we stand."

“Option One.”
“Dathomir joins the Mandalorian Empire. Its people become citizens, entitled to all rights, protections, and support. Sovereignty remains with your clans. Your traditions remain untouched.”

“Option Two.”
“Dathomir becomes an autonomous zone. It remains within the Empire’s borders, but we withdraw entirely. No patrols. No interference. Only silence—unless you call for more.”

“Option Three.”
“We establish a formal alliance. Dathomir remains within Mandalorian borders, but is not integrated into the Empire. Instead, it is recognized as a sovereign ally—bound to us by treaty, not subjugation—sharing mutual defense, trade, and support.”

“Option Four.”
“We table this. You take the time you need. Weeks. A month. However long it takes to gather the voices of all your people, and return with a decision.”

He let his hand fall, and his voice followed.

“In all four paths, your way of life remains untouched. That is not up for debate.”

Then, at last, he looked to the gathered witches—not as a conqueror. As a guest.

“You’ve heard the options that have been suggested thus far. I ask only this—where does Dathomir lean?”​

Melinda Dealla | Vytal Noctura | Kaila Irons | Ryn Starfall | Brooke Waters | Darth Moskvin | Domina Prime | Manti Wyrvhor | Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Julra Repraj]

Time didn't ripple. It recoiled.

There was no warning only stillness.

A pause in the air, a moment where even the flames bowed, flickering inward instead of out. A sharp sound followed, like crystal snapping under weight too great to bear.

And then Julra stepped through.

The breach that birthed her twisted light and logic, an opening in the weave of time itself sealed behind her like it had never been there. She stood tall, unbothered by the stares. Her armor, whispered ancient warnings with each step, more omen than fashion. Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes were sharp with disappointment.

"Ah," Julra murmured at last, voice as low and cutting as a blade drawn in ceremony. "I arrive not a breath too late, it seems. Just in time to hear the latest round of self-important ramblings."

Her gaze swept the gathered Witches hovering on each long enough to dismantle them with silence before moving on.

"So many speak of representation, of caution, of history. And yet so few of you listen."

She turned slightly toward Aether, a single nod offered. Genuine. Unflinching.

"Mand'alor speaks not as a conqueror, but as a man who understands what most of you have forgotten: that power is not control. It is the responsibility to protect what cannot always protect itself."

Her voice grew colder as her attention turned back to the Witches still clutching pride like armor.

"You shriek of councils and choices, demand slow bureaucracy in the name of fairness, as if the world waits. As if your enemies will."
"Let me be clear Dathomir will not be ruled by a committee of cowards too busy hearing themselves talk to remember what unity means. Vytal did not ask to rule. She acted. She did. And you fear that, not because she oversteps but because she reminds you of how little you've done."

She paused near the fire, letting her voice sharpen into disdain

"Do not pretend to speak for Dathomir when you need a summoning circle just to make a decision. You mistake hesitation for wisdom. You cloak your fear in tradition and call it guardianship."

Julra turned toward Vytal then, standing moving to her side but slightly behind..

Her hand rose toward Aether, gesturing as if sealing a pact with something even time itself wouldn't break.

"I stand with Mand'alor. I stand with Vytal. And I stand for a Dathomir that moves forward not one that rots in the shadow of its own inaction."

Julra said no more.

She didn't need to.

TAG: Melinda Dealla Vytal Noctura Kaila Irons Ryn Starfall Brooke Waters Darth Moskvin Domina Prime Manti Wyrvhor Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Vytal Noctura]

​

Vytal's bright green eyes shifted from one speaker to the next, but she remain silent as they spoke. Except for one.

"Do not apologize, Sister," she injected as Melinda Dealla stepped forward, "all voices hold sway." Most expected their coven's Mother or leader to speak for them all, but that need not always be true. Melinda had come this far, and cared this much, why then should she be forced to remain silent?

It vexed Vytal to stand there with her words so clearly distorted and turned against her. After all this time, so little had changed. She was prepared to respond when she turned her head in the direction of a portal that weaved itself into being. It was a familiar pattern. An old one. Her brows rose slightly when Julra stepped through it, having not seen the young Witch in some time. Perhaps more time than Vytal knew considering the young one's aptitude. A dangerous power, but one she'd shown respect for after a few close calls -- not the least of which had her meet Mother Talzin.

After she'd listened to those opposed, those concerned, and those in support of her own idea, Vytal decided to speak once more. First, it seemed a clarification was in order, "None will be Exiled because of what they say. Now, or later. Without words, twould be a very heartless life indeed." Second, to address a concern and Dreidi's observation, "Dathomir can stand alone," Vytal acknowledged, "but twill not spare it, Sisters. When galactic governments collide -- when they come to take what is not theirs to take -- they do not discriminate. They conquer." She spread her hands out wide. "Our Sisters will not be conscripted to fight their wars, but we can support one another, as the Covens support each other in times of great calamity. Their word is their bond, forged in steel. They are people of honor and will abide it."

Vytal gave a nod to Dreidi then. "He, and your Temple, will not be accosted by Mandalorians. You have my word on that; much as I am not a fan of many Jedi." It was their disapproval of the 'Dark Side' that always colored interactions. "And tis not based on whether I am Warden or not. I defend my Sisters freely."

Aether Verd | Ryn Starfall | Brooke Waters | Kaila Irons | Dreidi Xeraic | Melinda Dealla | Julra Repraj | Darth Moskvin | Domina Prime | Manti Wyrvhor​

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Outfit + Hat
Tag: Julra Repraj Vytal Noctura Ryn Starfall Aether Verd Melinda Dealla

Once again, the moment an accord was nearly reached, it was sabotaged.

Kaila rolled her eyes at the newcomer's words soon as they left her mouth. She'd heard this exact sentence repeated in so many halls of squabbling sith and especially their acolytes.

"Of all the witches here, you are one of the few I've never seen nor heard of."

"Do not lecture us on achievement."

"And make up your bloody minds." she finally hissed, golden eyes flaring brighter than before.

"Mand'alor speaks of giving Dathomir a voice, Vytal mocks democracy, you spit upon the idea of a council- yet the only consistency in this entire gathering has been the voice of those who support our choice—"

"—Dathomir's choice." she called

"To make decisions for itself."

"Not by the Nightsisters, the Allyans, not by any one person. You want to decide our fate? Deal with the consequences, hear the voice of ALL Dathomir or you will have war on your hands."

"That is not a threat but a promise, an observation of a warrior history ancient as Mandalore. The Clans always rebel when unheard, The New Imperials learned this, The Sith learned this, even those Witches who ruled by another's hand, everyone who has ever tried to make decisions for Dathomir has learned this the hard way. I do not care what you call it, rule, "representation", conquest, the result will always be the same if you choose this path."


Finally she simmered down, taking a deep, steadying breath.

"I support the healer's notion. A council would bring us one step closer to a united voice for Dathomir, and ensuring this decision is made properly."

"And to a stronger Dathomir capable of defending ourselves."

 

[Melinda Dealla]

This was exactly why Melinda never spoke up.

She always managed to say the wrong thing.

The Mandalorian leader had been kind enough, gentle with his response. To her, it seemed that he was a man who favoured practicality and straight forward answers to his problems. As both an apothecary and a doctor, Melinda could understand that. The more complicated a procedure, the more steps involved, the more ingredients in a mixture meant there was a greater chance of something going wrong along the way.

Yet, usually, those complex procedures and recipes were the ones that worked out in the end. Sometimes, impractical situations called for impractical solutions. All it took was a little skill and finesse.

Then the newcomer arrived. Melinda sensed the portal before it appeared - the magick that flowed through her entire being humming as the flames of the fire migrated closer to the rift in time. Momentarily, Melinda felt herself step forward too - and had to fight back whatever was pulling her arcane infused body towards the woman who walked through.

A woman who made it abundantly clear what she thought of Melinda and her fellow witches.

Self important ramblings...that had not been the healer's intention at all! Neither did she believe that she and the others gathered were not willing to listen to different perspectives. That was the whole reason they were here, wasn't it? Still, the woman continued to berate them, and with each accusatory comment, Melinda felt as if she was sinking deeper and deeper into the ground, her cheeks burning with shame and humiliation.

Why couldn't she have just kept her mouth shut? Was this how everyone else saw her? Hesitant, cowardly, prideful and uncompromising? Hesitant, perhaps, was fair, but the rest? The rest hurt her more than she cared to admit. Melinda stared at a fixed point in the ground, her breathing coming out sharp and jagged. What a wonderful representative of her clan she was, embarrassing them in front of the entirety of Dathomir.

That was until a clear voice cut through her growing fear, the woman from before, who had been nominated to lead Dathomir. Melinda still wasn't quite sure what to make of her, but she appreciated the considerate words she directed her way. All voices held sway. Even Melinda's.

The way she spoke of allyship between Dathomir and Mandalor made sense. It was preferable, even, to befriend the metal crusaders and to be able to call on them to protect their planet when the time came. Melinda's concern was for the logistics, the idea of one singular sister controlling their connection and the weapons of the outsiders simply did not sit right with her.

"If the clans ever go to war again, as they have done so in the past," she whispered softly, "Then there is nothing to stop the warden from destroying their rival clans with the Mandalorian's firepower."

The voice of the blonde witch who hadn't yet introduced herself pulled Melinda's focus back to the situation at hand. The woman had spoken before, had even addressed the Mandalorian leader in his own tongue, and yet, she did not seem to be that much older than Melinda was. Maybe the newcomer was right, she hadn't really achieved anything that made her worthy to make decisions for her planet.

Still, woman's anger towards the newcomer was comforting, perhaps guiltily so, but the healer felt a little more justified after she'd finished. She was right. Dathomir was not one singular nation of people who were all the same, who dressed the same, spoke the same, acted the same or even looked the same. They weren't like these outsiders with their uniform helmets and armour. No, her beloved birthplace was a thriving home to multiple cultures and belief systems, with clans and traditions as different and varied as the phases of the moon. A smile returned to the healers face as she nodded along to the other witch's words. Finally, someone who understood!

Still, it came as a surprise when she mentioned her specifically. Stepping forward again, Melinda held up her hands with a nervous smile. "Thank you! And you were right before, as well. We should take some time to reflect before we finalise a decision. There are a lot of witches here, with a lot of different opinions..." her eyes flicked back to the woman from the portal, "...and all of them deserve to be heard."

Besides, if they were to assemble a council as Melinda hoped they would, a second gathering could be used to select worthy candidates from each clan.

Aether Verd | Vytal Noctura | Kaila Irons | Ryn Starfall | Brooke Waters | Darth Moskvin | Domina Prime | Manti Wyrvhor | Dreidi Xeraic I Julra Repraj