Private The Fire That Remained

[Carduul Akahl]

Mand’alor.

Sole Ruler.

A ruler that was nothing without their people.

They had chosen his title for him, to be a symbol of the Crusade. Whispered it amongst themselves, before it eventually became synonymous with his being. He was chosen by council, forged in conflict with prior Mand’alors absent to face. An unfortunate reality of war; they could not meet every tradition upon whims, when the galaxy demanded more of them by the day.

That point could not have been proven further when it had all split.

Supply lines left in staggering disarray. Rumors spread, and claims made. He was sent spiraling into the void, to follow in those who came before him. Yet still, he had persevered. Still, his duty persisted. His unwilling departure could’ve been years instead of only months, and still things had seen fit to bring his kin low. No matter how many had sullied the title, no matter which divisions were sown, he would remain to the bitter end in the name of those he served. Even if Mandalore was no longer his charge. Was it wrong, for stray thoughts to feel a touch lighter at that prospect, supposedly relenting in such a burden? That he was vindicated to direct attention in nurturing the planets that yet remained, that had been so viciously claimed in their crusade?

Despite it all, Clan Fett had ever been a staunch ally, the ones who sounded the call to begin with. And then there was its Alor, Careena Fett—a trusted comrade, a source of inspiration that had fostered in him a sense that he truly could carry the mantle one day if needed, and so he had. Anointed by the Crusade. By War.

Once again, she had remained at his side even when others aimed to replace him. When perhaps he should've strode boldly for all to see, and decreed blood be shed upon ancestral ground once more, in honor of the ancestors he so purported. Yet when he did not, she still remained to stand proud, upon her own terms for the ideals she fought for. He wouldn’t let that go unappreciated. So he had immediately set out to lands unseen amidst direction of warfronts now left to simmer. To rest. To reconsolidate. To take solace in the company of those who had earned their place in blood.

Be it a compound, a camp, a proper clan grounds, he would have been brought to land with naught but himself to meet. To view, in full, Hoylin—a place of solace for warriors, anew, Crusade or not.

And meet with an old friend for a heart-to-heart, once more.

Careena Fett​

 

[Careena Fett]

C a r e e n a .F e t t

| Location | The Morut, Hoylin​

​

The Morut, the place that Clan Fett had called home, and now much busier with activity and developed from when Careena had first arrived to break bread and reunite with lost kin. Since her first arrival on Hoylin, the Morut had expanded, becoming a strategic supply depot that housed the spoils of Clan Fett's raids as well as a gathering place for Mandalorians. With the rise of this supposed Mandalorian Empire, it now served as a gathering place for those who did not agree with House Verd's sudden rise to power. With the situation on Mandalore, it seemed prudent that Careena return to Hoylin, and ensure that their supplies and reserves were in order. ​

​

She did not trust a man who only appeared when there was a sudden vacuum of power, especially one who claimed to speak on the people's behalf.​

​

Careena had spoken her peace at Mandalore, alongside the other Crusaders expressing their distrust and reluctance to follow the self-proclaimed Iron. Whether she was branded dar'manda for her defiance mattered little to her; she chose honor before tradition and her loyalty as well as that of Clan Fett was not simply gained, it was earned. House Verd had done nothing but prove that they were unworthy of her loyalty or respect. ​

​

Having made landfall ahead of Carduul Akahl, Careena stood at the landing pad, awaiting his arrival as she removed her helmet, tucking it away beneath her arm. Her age was beginning to show, but she remained as sharp as a razor's edge as always. ​

​

Carduul Akahl was the man that she chose to follow, for he had proven his worth through battle. Mand'alor's place was not upon a throne, but side by side amongst his people. For better or worse, she chose to side with he who was worthy of Fett's allegiance.​

Carduul Akahl​

 

[Carduul Akahl]

He had not been long behind her. The hiss of hydraulics resounded as landing gears deployed, steam left to smoke and depressurize once more. A ramp to lower, with weighted steps left to descend against metal, then earth. A poleaxe strapped to his back—hands left eased of the burden to maintain an image of constant vigilance, amidst company who knew him already.

A soft breath left Carduul, as he took stock of the surroundings. An interesting place for warriors, a mountainous region. The view was beautiful in its own right. He had always had a penchant for such areas between jungles—though especially the ones with views, overlooking it all. There was no telling how this place had grown from infancy, the stories it had borne. All had come to eventually rest on the unhelmed Mandalorian Matriarch, visor regarding her with a stoic visage that genially tilted.

“Alor Fett.” He greeted with a dip of his head, a measure of warmth to play in the edges of tone as he stepped forwards. “I am content to see you again, amidst these times.” Words left to linger once he came to a stand before her—helmet still born in iconography of ancestors past, but unmistakably familiar.

The once Rally Master's gaze wandered briefly once more. The mountains surrounding them seemed aged. The compound and cave carved into earth perhaps bustling with activity. Weathered by time, stubborn and patient. Fitting, he thought. Clan Fett had always stood like such things. Unyielding. Ancient. Real. “My walk across the unknown stars left me concerned for what I would return to; and yet standing here, I can see you’ve built something anew still, Careena.”

​

Helm swiveled to settle upon her, once again. “And that you’re still looking out for our people, and the warriors of the Crusade apart of them. For that, you’ve my gratitude, as ever.”

Careena Fett​

 

[Careena Fett]

C a r e e n a .F e t t

| Location | The Morut, Hoylin​

​

The Alor bowed her head in respect upon Carduul Akahl 's arrival before standing upright once more. "Annointed," She spoke curtly in greeting. "As am I." She gestured with her free arm as she guided the Sole Ruler, taking point to guide him from the landing pad. Many Fetts wandered around the Morut, as she spoke, "I am not to take credit for the work that my kin Galaar Fett has built. He is to praise for this place I now call my home. I have merely brought the scattered Fetts home amongst kin here, the place that he had built among Fetts that he had raised."​

​

She continued on, passing Mandalorians from her own clan as well as that of other houses and clans, refugees she had given a place to call home from her many raids and missions prior to the Crusades. All bowed their heads in respect to the presence of Mand'alor. "I have and always will fight to protect our people, such is my responsibility as Alor and those who put their trust and confidence in me." She paused as she reached a doorway that led to the mountains, glancing over her shoulder partially as she spoke, "Though it would be remiss of me to not express my disdain for the pretender and his followers."​

​

The doorway would hiss open as she continued down a metallic corridor leading him further into The Morut. ​

Carduul Akahl​

 

[Carduul Akahl]

“Building upon righteous legacy of others is yet still admirable.” Was his punctual reply in turn, as he followed the other from the landing pad. “It is always a joy, to be able to see our kin settle in whatever lands it may take. To see our efforts ensures longevity.” A strange word to use, that. It was easy for some to forget, amidst the righteous decrees of vengeance, that the Crusade’s goal ultimately culminated in ensuring the future of Mandalorians everywhere. To be untied to planet, and rather intrinsically woven into the people of the galaxy.

Gaze left to linger on each passing visage, as they made their way further inside. How deeply he appreciated each of them. Their sacrifices. Their devotion, as some left salutes or nods in passing. It was difficult to fully grasp, to express, as the pair were left to trail further inside. This was no gilded court, no marble palace of pretense. This was a people living, in spite of the war they fostered. Because of it.

“You did not have to do that, Careena.” Words came briefly softened, through the mask. “I am left heartened by your will, as ever.” T’was the truth. Other Mandalorians had followed spur-of-the-moment claims, merely for the hope of something better. She could have done the same. Every individual who spoke up, could have done the same. And yet the Crusade lived on. Perhaps it may not have its time now, but one day in the future, it may rise again in fire and fury.

As footfalls continued shortly after hers, deeper into the Morut, there was a barely perceptible exhale. “...I am left wondering if I should have been harsher. If I should have strode in there with fire and fury, and laid down a challenge to shed blood. I simply felt…it was best to let it lie for now.” His voice left to linger on an uncertain edge. Why would he feel as if he needed to prove himself? Carduul was not the one to claim it suddenly. And yet still, tradition drew the feeling that he should have contested it more fiercely.

“My duty won’t change. Whether I’m deemed Mand’alor by our people, or not. That, I swear.”

Careena Fett​