Private Catching Up is Hard to Do Sometimes

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Ever since a raid on her convoy shipping beskar, and her co-pilot's sneaky decision to bring Adenn Kyramud aboard the Jaster's Delight, the two of them had been meaning to catch up. It had felt like an age since they had last been near eachother, and that was waaaaay back when it was being decided who would be the next Mand'alor after Yasha. Or maybe it was who the Warmaster would be? Either way those meetings tended to happen a bunch and usually they ended up with Kaine Austrailus getting into a fight....

And now she waited outside of her ship in the docking bay of one of Commenor's moons Folor. Years ago her mom had used the abandoned base there as a secret location for many things. Lori now used it as a hiding location for some of her beskar reserves. It was where their convoy was headed before the attack.

The escort fleet and personnel were all down in Chasin City drinking away after a job well done. Yet Lori had stayed behind to ensure the security of her reserves, among other things.

She sat on one of the crates with a fizzy drink in hand as she munched on some snacks while Arla checked the hull of their ship for any damage caused by the dogfights. Patiently she waited for Adenn, figuring that he was probably seeing to the security of the beskar himself. Lori wasn't in any rush. Everything would happen right when it's meant to.

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Mission success, two of the greatest words ever combined. And once more, Adenn was able to proudly say his mission was a success, though it wasn't over just yet. While they had brought the beskar to the designated location, it still needed to be secured, and Adenn had to catch up with Lori. Luckily enough, Arla had contacted him and let him know where she was, with the supplies and cargo, no doubt waiting for him he had been told. That had brought a grin to his face, even as he reentered the docking bay.

Adenn came alone, his vode were away, most likely celebrating as well. He had set them loose so he could have some one on one time with Lori, just to catch up and see how life was going. Now that time had come, and as Adenn looked about, he noted that it was only them and Arla. Shrugging somewhat at that, he turned towards Lori and approached her, a grin on his face. About halfway there he removed his helmet, revealing his somewhat older face and the grin that he wore. Then he spoke up to her, speaking Mando'a while eyes not wavering from her.

"Su cuy'gar Lori'ad(ad=daughter/family), I'm glad we could see each other once more." Attaching his helmet to his hip, Adenn spread his arms wide to hug Lori, the grin only widening as he did so.

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori smiled as she saw Adenn Kyramud approach. She set down her drink and wiped clean her hands before hopping off the crate. Her pace was quick as she headed towards him, her smile widening with each hurried step before she wrapped her arms around him tightly. "It's good to see you too, ba'vodu." She hadn't called him uncle before, or even father, but the sentiment felt right. He was family and he always would be.

After they each released the hug, she invited him back with her to the crates. This was a favourite pastime of her and Kaine, sitting on crates and chatting while Arla looked after her ship.

"I gotta hand it to Arla for surprising me with getting you here. She can be a little sly, that one. Kaine did well assigning her to me." Arla was the best bodyguard/crewmate that Lori ever had. And the fact that she was a droid was completely unknown to nearly everyone. Even bioscans were tricked into thinking that Arla was human. Her loyalty was unquestionable and that stability was what the young Arenais needed.

"So much to catch up on. Where shall we start? How about you? I've got a lot that's happened, so my stories would take a while."

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Returning the hug with affection, Adenn squeezed Lori tightly, holding her close for a long moment. It had been a long time since he had seen family outside his direct clan, so this was well worth it. Her calling him ba'vodu was simply the icing to the uj cake, something that turned his grin into a full smile. Then the hug ended and they separated, but Adenn kept his hands on her shoulders for a moment. He gave her a once over with a critical eye, checking her for wounds and ensuring she was perfectly fine.

That done, he finally released her with another squeeze to her shoulders. Following her to the crates, he chuckled as she spoke once more. Adenn glanced over to Arla as he hopped onto the crate, before returning his attention to Lori and speaking up.
"Aye on both counts, though she also picked well. A chance to see family once more and protect beskar, that's a great deal to have."

Sitting back on the crate, Adenn sighed a bit, gaze gaining a far off look. Before saying anything, he pulls out a flask from his hip and takes a long sip from it. Then he offers it to Lori.
"Netra'gal, one of the last batches from Manda'yaim, before... well, everything." Adenn chuckles a bit, eyes refocusing as he speaks up. "There's a lot on my end as well. Stories of glory, honor, battle, and loss. Too much really, in too short a time."

Leaning back, Adenn looks up and contemplates for a moment. Then with a half smile, he shakes his head before continuing.
"All things considered, I don't remember where our tales diverged, or what all you remember about what's happened. Too much has happened to keep everything fully in check. Soooo... some highlights I suppose, the big notes of the past decade plus, and you tell me what doesn't sound familiar. The continuation and eventual fall of the ME, and all the fun of fighting to keep Manda'yaim free of the dar'jetii. Of course we couldn't succeed, but we gave them a bloody nose for their efforts. After that, some time of chaos and then the Network or Vegemites led by Kaine."

He pauses for a moment after that, contemplating what truly happened after. Then he grins a bit and slams a hand against his Clan Mortui symbol on his pauldron.
"Following that, Manda'yaim fell and was recaptured a few times, Clan Mortui and I helped secure Sundari City half a dozen times at least, defending it from siege and besieging it. After that, the MU and that life for a bit. Once again, I had time to lead and fight on, but as always, us Mando'ade have enemies everywhere. From there it's been the chaos of survival, both against the galaxy at large, and the more directed dar'jetii and Maw. It's not been as much of a struggle as some other clans or houses, but certainly not as secure as it once was. Thankfully Tracyn and our home system are too well defended, so none have dared fully attack, not yet at least."

Pausing once more, Adenn focuses on Lori, seeing if any of that sounds familiar to her. It's been quite an adventure, some good, a lot bad. Even he can't remember it all, and he lived it all, he has the scars to show for it. But at least those were the highlights, the most important parts of the past few years, hell, the past decade really. Time seemed to fly by all too quickly.

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori had no visible scars or injuries. Any wounds that she had been given healed a long tine ago. It was the emotional wounds that Adenn Kyramud would be able to see within her eyes that had remained.

She placed her hands on top of his while he squeezed her shoulders, holding his gaze with a small appreciative smile over his due care and attention towards her.

After they sat down on the crates, Lori took hold of the flask and had a sip. She didn't want to take too much, especially as it was one of the last batches. She wasn't really worth it.

Lori listened to the highlights and lowlights. Some of it she knew, like everything before Kaine's Network. But everything after that, she knew very little of. It wasn't her fault though; life had just taken her elsewhere.

And now he paused, looking to her for a response and/or for her own side of things. It was probably both. "Well I'm glad that you've survived. So many of my family are gone, so many opportunities missed, so many promises that weren't fulfilled. And it's all the Sith's fault. They killed my Dad, they killed Kaine, and they are probably responsible for killing my Mom too. I was supposed to go through the trial to earn my helmet so that I can be recognized as an adult. I was supposed to be given the right to start up my own Clan. I was supposed to...." Lori sighed a little and shook her head. So many negatives and what ifs. She needed to focus on what she had done instead, even though her feats didn't mean much to anyone but herself. Those that mattered certainly didn't see them as anything great. Instead she usually got scolded.

"Not long after my Dad died, I went far to the east side of the map to Bakura. I stumbled across the Eternal Empire, cornering protesters and preparing to slaughter them. I saved as many as I could and was recruited to help start a rebellion against them. I led various campaigns, using intel that I was given from the inside, cementing myself as a thorn in their side. I became the Face of the Rebellion, a distraction away from it's leadership. That went on for a while until many new members held this image of me that I couldn't become. They weren't shy to share their disappointments in me in front of outsiders and government officials right in front of me. So I left them. The price was too high anyways. I became a widow just a couple of months after getting married. And they were going after my brother too. I had arrest warrants and kill orders within their space....But now I'm not over there anymore. My brother informed me that we were rulers of a planet that our parents had ruled in secret, yet I had avoided being there for the most part because I didn't want to endanger anyone for being associated with me. Not long ago I was told to visit one of MandalArms' facilities and meet with their legal team. It was there that I was informed that Kaine had left everything to me...And not long after that my aunt Rowena Arenais had arranged a political marriage between myself and Rex Valhoun , the heir to Elysium Empire. Fortunately they admire and respect Mandalorians, so there's no conflict of interest there. But there's no...connection between me and my new husband yet either. Yet I'm sure that that's normal as far as arranged marriages go, isn't it?"

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Adenn was glad to see Loreena was ok, even if it was only physically. Whatever emotional wounds were there, she could share them if she wanted, but he also understood the need to keep it in. He had his fair share of emotional wounds, most that he kept to himself or those closest to himself. As they sat and Lori took a sip, Adenn motioned for her to take more, even as she began to speak. Nodding along sympathetically, Adenn thought of the vode he had lost as well, of what had been denied due to treachery and betrayal. To an extent, Adenn was hardly surprised, few if any had escaped the past few years without scars of some sort. What did surprise him was that she didn't yet have full armor, and according to her, she hadn't yet earned it.

Leaning back in surprise at that, Adenn didn't say anything yet, though his confusion was evident. Still, as she continued, he listened and nodded along every now and again. At the mention of the Eternal Empire though, his half grin returned, as his mind wandered for a moment. Recently he too had helped Taozi with her little Rebellion, so it amused him that Lori had as well. It truly was a small galaxy. Her story served as a warning for him though, to not become too invested, and not associate too much with the rest of that little Rebellion, aside from Taozi of course. As such, he simply nodded to that.

Her story regarding MandalArms brought a genuine smile to his face, as it showed him that Kaine still held true to family. Regardless of what others say, Adenn was still glad to have known Kaine, though his death was still a sore point for him. Sadly, his happy smile turned into a frown upon hearing the story regarding Rowena and the arranged marriage. That didn't sound all too fun. Shaking his head, Adenn took a moment to think it over and then respond.

"Firstly, you've earned your helmet and your armor. Shab, you've done more than most before becoming full vode. Trust me when I say this, you're a full Mando'ade, you've earned it with all you've done." Sighing, Adenn ran a hand through his hair, eyes closing for a brief moment. Then they opened as he continued. "As for the Eternal Empire, that's part of my more recent story. We were called by old family to help the Rebellion, so I and a few vode did. Though we'll be keeping our distance, especially now with your info. Thank you. Glad Kaine left you MandalArms as well, I'm glad the company is still afloat."

Pausing, Adenn looks off to the side, contemplating his words. Taking a breath, his eyes focus on Lori's own.
"This... arranged marriage, is that what you want? Osik enough to lose a loved one so recently, worse to have to simply push it aside in favor of something new that you have no control over. So, is that what you want, or do you want something else, something more and perhaps even better."

His mouth opened to continue, but then slowly closed as he exhaled. He had more to say, so much more regarding that, but didn't want to say something he'd regret. Still, it was clear as day that he didn't particularly like the idea of arranged marriage, but neither would he go against what Lori wanted in regards to her own life. As such, there was simply focus in Adenn's gaze and posture, and an attempt at an open mind.

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori's eyebrows rose as Adenn Kyramud had said that she had already earned her helmet. Did she really? There was nothing official about it. No one had told her before. Not even Kaine. Not even Jaster. She was just always under the impression that she hadn't done enough. She was used to that. "I'll have to go shopping for a helmet and proper armour then. I had this one made for my rebel activity. Maybe I'll have something similar. I don't know yet. It was suggested that I make my own Clan, but I don't think that I have enough influence for that."

She nodded, having another sip of the drink as Adenn told her about his involvement with the Rebellion. It wasn't as though the Rebels were bad, she just wasn't treated well by them in the end. The book of her life was filled with many chapters, and her Rebellion chapter had ended. Now there was a new one beginning; one filled with business and politics. "I want to do Kaine proud with MandalArms. With the way that some people return from the dead, it wouldn't surprise me if he did too. I wouldn't want him to be disappointed. That's why I'm doing as much as I can for Mandalore, and maintaining Kaine's reserves of beskar is a part of that."

She had another sip of her drink. As Adeen talked about her arranged marriage, the hesitancy in his voice was enough to let her know that he wasn't too keen on it. Lori knew that her brother would be the least impressed about it and had he of been at the small ceremony, he might of even stopped it. As it was, Lori hadn't even told him yet. She just....wasn't sure how.

Lori held his gaze for a moment, but then looked to the floor with her shoulders a little slumped. "I've lived under shadows my entire life. And every time I've had a chance to shine my own light or go my own way, I get pushed away for my 'protection' or those shadows would do what I do, but better, leaving me in their dust and under their shadows once more. Even when I was talking to the King before I had made my decision, he too was stating that this whole arrangement was just an honourary title for me and nothing more. I nearly backed out because here I was, being treated in the same disregard as most had treated me. And then he told me of what I could have, if I wanted. MandalArms is increasing it's production. The Elysium Empire is growing. I have a chance to steer it all in a direction that could do well for the Galaxy. I have the chance to step out of the shadows that have loomed over me. I couldn't say no to that."

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Her confusion and lack of understanding were clear to Adenn, she didn't yet believe she had earned her place as a Mandalorian. It brought a sad smile to his face, one he shook off quickly. And then she had the audacity to say that. Leaning forward, Adenn reached out a hand and gently smacked Lori's cheek, shaking his head as he did so.

"You've clearly forgotten who you're speaking with. There will be no buying or armor, we're going to make you the finest beskar'gam possible. Doesn't matter what it looks like in the end, but the two of us will make you a fine set of armor, one perfect for what you want it to do." Leaning back, Adenn smiles wide as thoughts of armor run through his mind. He stops those though, as this armor is what Lori wants to make, he'll simply help her make it. "I'm also sure you have more influence than you think, not sure how well that will translate to an actual clan though. But that hardly matters, things will work out in the end, whether you make a clan or not. Regardless you'll have my clans support, and most likely the support of our close vode and allies."

Nodding as she speaks, Adenn says nothing yet. He understands her position, that of helping the greater good while one can, and helping however possible. All Adenn hopes is that she doesn't sacrifice too much, but she seems to already have that down. So he simply smiles and nods to what she says. Eventually he pulls another bottle out and takes a swig, smiling as the taste hits.

However, it's also a smile to mask his true feelings just that tiny bit. While he may approve of her plans, some things he can't quite understand. The arranged marriage being one of them. However, he will respect her wishes and help her how he can. Taking another sip, Adenn sighs before speaking.
"Blaze your own path ner'vod, whichever you think is right for you." Bringing a hand up to his face, he runs it down his face before taking a deeper drink of his bottle of netra'gal. "While I may not fully approve, it's your life and your choices, and that I will respect. I also understand the desire to prove yourself, to be free of the past and what others think is best for you. When you've always been second to the best, you can only ever support and rarely are seen as your own person, your own threat. So I understand Lori and I wish you the best in whatever your plans are."

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Normally Lori would be in shock at someone smacking her cheek. But Adenn Kyramud didn't do it to try to hurt her, just instead to merely knock some sense into her. Which made her snicker. And that snicker turned into a huge grin as he offered to help her to make her armour. Of course when she said shopping, she really meant shopping for parts so that she could have it made, but who was she to turn down Adenn's help? "Thank you. I'm sure that we'll have a lot of fun making it. How about red? Is red a bad colour to use?"

His words on her own influence and creating a Clan of her own. It might just be that she won't be in any Clan at all. She wasn't Dar'manda, it was just too risky for her to even be made aware of where her mentor's Clan resided. He was the Alor though, so she had to respect his wishes, just as she did while he was training her.

As he spoke of her situation and new direction in life, Lori wasn't surprised that he didn't entirely agree with it. There were moments when she wasn't so sure of it either, yet it was too late to back out now. At least Rex wouldn't be so easily targeted. However she had worse people to worry about, Dobson being one of them. Although she outranked him being the wife of the heir, the man held more influence with the Elysium Empire's council and could eadily turn them all against her. Politics was a very different kind of war.

"Thank you for the support. I know that it's not easy or normal. It's just....something inside told me to do it. Something's going to happen, but I don't know what. And being in this position is the best thing for me."

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Smiling at the fact that he'd gotten through to her, Adenn's eyes filled with amusement. He nodded as she spoke, before taking on a more thoughtful look. What color armor would she want, oh that was a loaded question. Glancing down at his own armor, Adenn chuckled before responding.
"Oh we'll have fun with it alright, can't make a good set of armor otherwise. As for color, don't forget that sometimes there's meaning to the color as well. It's not always true to the person, as many in my clan have adopted the black and red I bear. You can give the color meaning or simply wear it because you like it, it's up to you. Personally, I don't see a problem with it."

Leaned back as he was, Adenn lost himself in thought, thinking of it all. So much done, so much seen, and still it wasn't enough and it never ended. While she thought of her new responsibilities and new enemies, Adenn thought of those who had remained his enemies over the years. Few names stood out, as he rarely got to know them, rather only fighting them to a standstill. Adenn always led his clan from the front, and their siege warfare style was against what many vode fought like. As such, he was overshadowed often enough by others, despite playing a vital role on so many occassions. After all, Clan Mortui always held the line, always.

Looking up, Adenn took another sip as she spoke once more. What she said was true, it wasn't easy or normal. But that also brought a chuckle from Adenn, as few things in this Manda forsaken galaxy were. Few if anything was easy, nothing was normal but war, and all seemed to be experts in it. But of course, there were those who excelled in it over others. Mandalorians being one of them, but they had been overshadowed, and would be overshadowed until they could truly unite, which was unlikely. So many had new plans, new loyalties, or had returned to old loyalties. It saddened Adenn, even as Lori confirmed it for herself.

Her loyalties lay with this Elysium Empire. It was something he could respect, even if he couldn't ever understand. Still, he nodded as he took another sip. While his loyalties would always remain for Mand'alor and Manda'yaim, Adenn also knew Lori's way was for the best, right now at least. Moving on was smart, so he respected her actions, her choices. He would've regardless, but he saw purpose in her now.
"Then stay safe Lori, regardless of what the future may hold, just stay safe. And know you can always rely on myself to be there should you need it." Taking a breath, Adenn shook his head before sitting up straight. "Enough with the meloncholy then, tell me of something exciting and happy, or tell me your plans for your armor. Life's too short to not enjoy, so let's focus on the good at least."

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

"I think that red would suit me. It'd stand out too, which is what I want, instead of just fading in the background. Even in armour, I want to be recognized." She didn't need to be viewed as a force to be reckoned with. Yet she didn't need to be someone that could be just brushed aside either.

As Adenn Kyramud offered her his aid whenever she needed it, Lori couldn't help but give him a hug. "Thank you. It means a lot. Politics is a scary thing and there are some people within the Elysium Empire that I need to be wary of. They view me as a threat. And as it stands the Elysium is fully intending to be strong allies with Mandalore, which is partly why I was chosen for this marriage. Yet if there is any sign or talk of betrayal by them to Mandalore, you can be sure that I won't keep such info to myself." Her position was a difficult one, but it was neccessary. Her loyalties were being pulled in many different directions and she was trying to keep them all balanced so that she could maintain an upper hand for as long as possible.

Lori released him soon afterwards as he requested that they talk about something joyous. "I made a theme park on Mnemosyne, one with rides and everything! You should visit some time! It'd be fun! And as for my armour, I'd want it to be similar to this one, but stronger and with a few hidden surprises to thwart my enemies new and old." She offered him a sly grin as her eyes sparkled with glee at the prospect of it all.

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Nodding in response to what Lori said, Adenn began thinking of just what all her armor would need. Coloring it red would make it stand out for sure, but that meant there needed to be more countermeasures. If she stood out, she was more of a target, that meant she needed more protection.
"Excellent choice. And in that case, I'd suggest a personal shield and color changers, or a cloaking device of some sort. Red is a good color but it stands out as well, and sometimes you want to blend into the background." As to highlight that, Adenn's armor shifted at a thought, going from the black and red to full black, muting all incoming light as well. Then it shifted back to his clan colors once more, even as he grinned at her. "Something like that, so you can have a good mix of everything when you need it."

As Lori hugged him, Adenn returned it, one hand holding tight to the back of hear head. Quietly he whispered to her.
"Just stay safe Loreena, whatever you do just stay safe." As she released him and backed up, Adenn let go as well, switching back to his more jovial nature, laughing shortly. "Now you know why I avoided it so much on Manda'yaim and in both the Empire and after. I never put myself into those leadership roles, I was always put into them and just fought myself onward. They thought I'd do a good job leading people, 'suppose I did, at least in the aftermath and with keeping folks alive."

Shaking his head, Adenn focused on the good news she brought him. Mention of that theme park certainly grabbed his attention. While it wouldn't fit all too well for him, it'd certainly do the adiik some good. Smiling at that thought, Adenn listened on before responding when she finished.
"A theme park on Mnemosyne you say, sounds fun. I'll have to bring the whole aliit by then. I'm sure the triplets would love it, and Aditya could use the break as well. Perhaps a family trip? All the family comes on by, from my own family to Tamar and Gred, all the way to Skor, Adara, and anyone else we can think of. A nice weekend vacation trip, or a whole week long. What do you say, would that be acceptable and care to join us if so?"

"As for your armor, I already have some ideas that'd be useful. What I already said, perhaps also a cloaking device and hidden weapons or arms? Something that can pop out at a moment's notice and just start blasting. If you'd like, I can show you what all this armor can do. I already know you won't want it exactly, too heavy and cumbersome for your style, but I think there's some useful features should you want some copies."

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori's jaw dropped slightly as Adenn Kyramud 's armour changed colours. She had clearly never seen armour do that before. At least not in person anyways. And it was wicked to see. She was about to reach out and touch it, but then it reverted back, so she ended up not doing so.

And as he whispered to her, she whispered back; "I will .." Of course it was a promise that wasn't in her power to keep. Trouble always came, yet somehow she had always managed to get out of it.

Being put into a leadership role wasn't something people tended to think of, for she just wasn't serious enough to be taken....seriously among others. But Kaine certainly thought she was good enough to run his companies, and she wasn't going to let him down.

Lori brightened up at the idea of Adenn's whole family going to her theme park was amazing. "Oh yes, that'd be fun! And of course I'd come along. Maybe I'd bring Rex too, so that he can learn to have fun!" As far as she knew, Rex Valhoun didn't have much of a childhood, and a theme park was a great place for him to let loose.

Then the conversation returned to her armour. "A cloaking device, yes. And a colour changer as well. Hidden weaponrry would be a good touch too. Maybe some little missiles or fireworks popping out of my braces? I already have Boots of Escaping from Kaine, so I can take off to the air if I need to." Adenn was right however, that something big and clunky wasn't her style. She needed to move and to fire off her bow.