Boy Meets Witch

[Gilamar Skirata]

Dathomir. The planet held as many mysteries as they did blades of grass. Vastly unexplored and inhabited by, what could be called primitive, "Witches" the planet was has hostile to men as the Hapes cluster. Ironic, that the people who felt they owned the planet were ruled by a man. Gilamar chuckled at the thought as the LAAT rolled out of the Mandalorian Star Destroyer that hung just out of orbit.
Beside him sat a small group of people. People that, for the most part, he trusted. @[member="Ember Rekali"] had been at the invasion of Dromund Kaas and was rumored to have been a part of the Witches, or even a Witch himself. @[member="Darth Metus"] (At the time still Isely), was Dar'Manda, attempting to regain the Manda's favor and re-gain a place among the Mandalorians. Both powerful Force users in their own right, both with agendas the Gilamar didn't care to know, as long as they served their purpose here. Maybe he was being a little harsh on the two of them but...

He didn't trust Forcers.

It was a long standing prejudice that stretched back generations, even centuries maybe, but Gilamar trust them about as far as he could throw them, which was saying something, considering how far they could throw him. Another Mando along for the ride was @Basaba Willamina. One of his Field Marshals, she was a strong woman, and he hoped her presence would ease the Witch's minds. He also hoped that with her along that they realized he didn't give to fraks about their matriarchal nonsense. Of course...there was the pilot as well. @[member="Captain Larraq"]. Though promoted, due to his actions at Dromund Kaas nearly ending the bulk of the Mandalorian offensive's lives he had been temporarily demoted to a rank even below that of an Initiate. He was, in all essence, a coffee boy for the Mandalorian forces. Luckily he was a good pilot, and luckily he had been convinced NOT to wring out the young man's neck.

Either way, as the LAAT broke atmosphere and made its way to a clearing, he was glad to have some real Mandos on this trip. "We're almost at the ground, you have any advice before we head off to find these witches Ember?"

Spoiler

@[member="Petra Cavataio"] @[member="Satara Hawk"]

 

[Petra Cavataio]

Stretching out in her bed was a nice reminder of being in the physical realm of existing. She needed to start the day. Clean up and clothed were important to start the day out. Once those daily items were checked off the long list of things to do, Petra had start to rebuild the clan she was once part of. Other witches that came were seek out by her when a small split came from the newest Clan Mother of the Nightsisters. Many viewed an outsider as great sin to the ways and left. So they were easily brought in. Still was an unknown matter, it was pretty much known to be just where the old witch lived. Petra had been allowing her true appearance be shown so Morte Mountains could be known as home of the old witch in the mountain.

This allowed her to rest and not spent time on holding her skin and bones in place. Using half her strength on such a vain thing was what Petra did because that was her nature. Flawless beauty and perfection was what was in her blood. So the decaying, wrinkling, hanging flesh, sunken eyes, the pointed chin, blacken hair, and white skin tone were healed and morphed like some shape shifter to appear as she did when in her late forties. That was the look she felt best fitted her.

With her younger kept appearance, cloth and hide were used around her body to make an outfit. Her face was unpainted as she only did that in time of battle and ceremony. Petra walked out onto the balcony to feel the warmth of the sun as the clouds still had not risen from the valley of the mountains. She sat down to relax and enjoy the moment.

 

[Satara Hawk]

When ship entered the atmosphere, the scouts were already alert of the situation and would spread the news among themselves before finally, word would reach clan elders. Satara always had scouts around and she imagined other clans were no different.

The Singing Mountain Clan Mother had summed the youngsters for a morning group training. Often initiates didn't understand why the trainers wanted them up and working at this hour but there was purpose to it. There was a purpose to most things. At least, that was how Satara saw it. As there was purpose, there was choice. And hers was that all the Witches of her clan be prepared.

Unfortunately, today was not that day. By the time all the initiates had gathered, a fellow elder approached her, whispering to her quietly so the others would not hear. She was informed of a ship. Their scouts had seen a ship land. Rising the hood over face, Satara merely told the youngsters: "Return to your homes. We'll continue this later" before reaching out to her rancor's mind, calling her through the Force. Nadie had heard her, she knew, her companion always heard her.

 

[Captain Larraq]

Larraq was far from the best pilot. While he received top marks all his life on tactics and three dimensional comprehension, he had always had someone else to do the flying for him. So as the LAAT descended through Dathomir's atmosphere, there was much bumping and jarring as the small craft was jostled by the winds and storms of the planet. Larraq, for his part, didn't care about the temporary demotion. He had done what had to be done for the good of his people. And those with half a brain knew as much. He was simply getting a slap on the wrist to appease those who had been angered by the events of Dromund Kaas.

But why was he coming to Dathomir with the Mand'alor? For the same reason he did everything else. For business. He had heard rumors of the powers the Witches of Dathomir wielded. And if half the rumors were true, he wanted to commission them. Either through artifacts, technology, or manpower, Rygel Larraq was here to negotiate the acquisition of resources from the Witches.

@[member="Satara Hawk"], @[member="Petra Cavataio"], @[member="Gilamar Skirata"],

 

[Ashin Varanin]

@[member="Gilamar Skirata"] @[member="Petra Cavataio"] @[member="Satara Hawk"]

"Tips?" Ember grimaced out the wide hatch at the scenic, unpolluted, and moderately alien vista. "Well, I'm a Clan Father of a minor clan, formally equal to any of'em, so that'll count for something, but last time we were here we had Mia Monroe and Alliera Nakamura. Matriarchal society expects male deference. Depending how this goes, there's a slim chance some of them might try to claim some of us. Don't let it happen unless you've got a thing for collars and a few breeding stock fantasies -- or you're willing to take one for the team."

He hopped out as the LAAT descended the last few feet, and his boots thudded onto Dathomiri soil.

"They know we're here," he said over the wind of the landing. "They'll be here soon."

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

With a wince the Mand'alor stepped off the LAAT and onto the grass of the clearing. He didn't like the sound of that...Claiming. Looking back to @Basaba Willamina he frowned under his helmet. He hoped they could tell she was a woman. To many aruetii, they all looked the same. Looking to Larraq he patted the durasteel frame of the ship. "Keep her warm for us Rygel!" he yelled over the wind. Turning to the hooded man now he asked, "So do you say we wait then? For these...Witches and Rancors?" He himself had been to Dathomir once, but that had been long ago and his encounter with the Witches then was...less than pleasant and so as with all Force users, Gil did have a sort of bias against them until they proved themselves trustworthy allies.
@[member="Ember Rekali"] @[member="Satara Hawk"] @[member="Captain Larraq"] @[member="Petra Cavataio"] @[member="Preliat Mantis"]

 

[Preliat Mantis]

@[member="Gilamar Skirata"] @[member="Ember Rekali"] @[member="Captain Larraq"] @[member="Satara Hawk"] @[member="Petra Cavataio"]

There was heavy clinking that came out of the dropship. Preliat hoisted the M45 to his back, and then stared at Gilamar, as he came out just in time to hear his sentence. His mouth dropped from behind his helmet, and his head leaned back, followed by a unsatisfied sigh. Preliat himself had no problems with force users, he just hated the fact that they could pick up on how he felt, and could poke around in his mind. Just kidding. Epicanthix and all, made it nigh-impossible to poke around in his head. Suckers. Made playing poker with them a lot easier. He stared at Gil, blasting holes in the back of his head with his eyes.

"All you said I had to do was sit here, look pretty, and you'd talk to some freaky witches about coming back to us. Nobody mentioned any Rancors! Or scary swamp planets! You know how I hate scary swamp-like environments and giant bipedal death machines, notorious for, oh, I don't know, EATING EVERYTHING."

 

[Petra Cavataio]

@[member="Satara Hawk"] @[member="Captain Larraq"] @[member="Preliat Mantis"] @[member="Ember Rekali"] @[member="Gilamar Skirata"]

Enjoying the view and mountain air, there was little to ruin it. Even with a Nightsister coming up to her, who spoke up, “Mother Petra, scouts reported ship arriving. There are markings that suggest Mandalorian craft and the scouts are moving to their landing site to investigate more.”

Petra stood up from her bench. Thought was given for a moment to allow this to happen or step in. Investigating among the Nightsisters could end up with fighting and enslaving. She decided to step in. The witches were recovering and did not need more issues to handle. She then told the sister, “Tell them to hold back and be one with the shadows, I’ll go to handle this. I’m sure other clans have witches rushing in.”

The Nightsister bowed and left to pass on the order to the scouts. Petra took her leave of the stronghold. Since she had not selected a rancor, on foot was her way of going for the time. That was fine for her because that turned to running and shifted into the force helping her. Speed of the boost with the force, she changed hours of travel into an hour.

Arriving near landing site of the Mandos, she slowed down to stop without tripping and falling from the speeds she traveled. A quick glance around was given to see who were in the shadows. Then she turned her focus on the matter at hand. Walking out to approach the LAAT, Petra came out with a smile, and playful tone to address the men with. “Are you boys lost or looking for a new life style?” A chuckle was added at the end of what she said.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

@[member="Petra Cavataio"]

Ember inclined his head in respect, but not deference. In accented Paecean, he said-

"Ember Rekali, Father of Shardrock Clan. I come to introduce Mand'alor @[member="Gilamar Skirata"], who defends this solar system. He wishes to renew connections."

 

[Captain Larraq]

"That depends" Responded Rygel Larraq to @[member="Petra Cavataio"]. "How's your heathcare?"

He had been leaning his back against the hull of the shuttle for well over fourty minutes now as the group simply waited to be greeted. To be honest, Larraq was surprised that they hadn't simply been ignored. But the semi-formal response of @[member="Ember Rekali"] reminded Larraq that he didn't know who he was talking to. He was here for business reasons and pissing off possible family members of important people was the last thing he wanted to do. So for now, he simply kept on leaning against the hull of the shuttle with his arms crossed over his chest as he waited for @[member="Gilamar Skirata"] to handle the situation. In truth, he hadn't had much time to see the Mand'alor in action in person and he was a little eager to see how the Mand'alor could handle political situations.

 

[Satara Hawk]

Nadie had come to her side as always and the Witch got on her offered back, riding quickly towards the landing sight. The news had said a ship but it didn't take long for Satara to recognize the symbols on the vessel and know it was their allies that had arrived. When she had finally made it there, she couldn't miss @[member="Petra Cavataio"] having already arrived to the group.

As the large rancor came to a halt, dirt flying ahead as the animal slided before finally stopping, she lowered her massive body and allowed the Witch to come down from her. Satara first looked at the fellow Ma'tra and nodded her head in greeting before she looked at all the visitors. "Welcome to Dathomir," she merely said and then waited for the arrivals to speak.

@[member="Gilamar Skirata"] @[member="Captain Larraq"] @[member="Ember Rekali"] @[member="Preliat Mantis"]

 

[Petra Cavataio]

@[member="Satara Hawk"]@[member="Captain Larraq"] @[member="Ember Rekali"] @[member="Gilamar Skirata"] @[member="Preliat Mantis"]

Petra returned the incline with a respectful nod. “Pa’tre Ember, pila’maya.” Petra said to the clan father. She had spoken in Paecean to give her thanks for the inductions. Then she looked to Gil and gave the respectful nod too. Giving him her greeting and thanks for watching the space around the planet, she said to him with adding at the end that she was Petra and clan mother of the Nightsisters. “Su cuy'gar Mand'alor, Ni Vor entye par ja'hailir cuun tra. Ni Petra, Ma’tra Nightsisters”

What Larraq said was not missed; it was just after her needing to be a proper. Then Petra grinned at Larraq and in basic responded. “Healthcare so good that no one ever wants to leave.” Adding a chuckle and sly wink towards him, she would flirt a little more but when a rancor appears. It always steals the show. Petra looking back to see the rider and rancor enter the area. Gladness surfaced when seeing it was Satara. She knew no other clans could whine about unbalance gathering now.


((sorry if the mando'a is off, been a year or two since I needed to use it))

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

Reaching up to his neck, he deactivated the magseal that held his helmet in place, and removed the heavy protective gear, revealing his own face. His eyes were old, but seemed to hide a fire behind his years of service to the Manda and his people. Clipping the helm to his belt, he nodded his head towards both witches. He hadn't expected them to meet them here so quickly, he had assumed that he was going to have to go through the forests to meet them where they lived. But this was...Better, or was it? For all he knew they could have witches all around them, waiting to strike.

A whistle escaped his lips as he looked up at the Rancors. <Su cuy'gar Petra,> he said, slightly surprised she spoke Mando'a so well. "And thank you for the welcome Satara. I'm not sure what Ember said, but just in case, we are here to..." he paused, stroking his beard for a moment in thought, "We are here to re-connect. We believe that we could assist and compliment each other very well." Taking a few steps forward, he crossed his arms. "We've worked together before, I'd like to see that trend continuing."
@[member="Petra Cavataio"] @[member="Satara Hawk"]

 

[Petra Cavataio]

There was a moment of disbelief. The last time she checked disorder followed when connecting with Mandos. The united front that other witches tried did not last. What she was trying to do was similar but with a firmer hand, and Mandos could help or ruin it. Then she thought about it a little more. They could be used for her gain, and get the witches to stand tall again. Looking over at Satara then back Gil, she gave a smile. “I believe a partnership could be made… if the other clan leaders agree, of course.”

@[member="Satara Hawk"]@[member="Captain Larraq"] @[member="Ember Rekali"] @[member="Gilamar Skirata"] @[member="Preliat Mantis"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

@[member="Petra Cavataio"] @[member="Gilamar Skirata"] @[member="Satara Hawk"]

Ember cleared his throat. "My clan agrees, small as we are. I speak for them, for what it's worth."

 

[Satara Hawk]

One showed his face and Satara committed it to memory. Faces were important. The Mandalorians hid theirs so often so this was one of those rare moments. Foreign language was spoken briefly, which Satara didn't understand but as the man spoke Basic to her, she didn't have to say anything. She merely gave a small nod as if silently saying you're welcome to his words.

They had come here to reconnect with them, assist and compliment each other. As far as Satara was concerned, their continued friendship and alligence had never ended, even if they were some planets away from each other. The deals had been made. It was really just a question of meeting new faces.

Petra spoke first. She believed a partnership could be made if others agreed. Then came the male elder. He supposed this. Now it had come her turn. "As far as I am concerned, our agreement had been made a long time ago. I still hold to that. And I am glad you wish to continue it. We can certainly be helpful to each other in the future as well." It was really that simple. No Sith and no Jedi. But the Mandalorians had become a different story to them. They were really their only allies in their galaxy. Even despite their different ways.

@[member="Gilamar Skirata"] @[member="Petra Cavataio"] @[member="Ember Rekali"]