The Past. The Present. The Future.

[Darth Metus]

Dathomir.

For many, this far flung world was exactly the sort of place one should avoid. While beautiful in numerous respects, the native population was rather infamous for their isolationism. Outside of their alliance with the United Clans, they honestly wanted to be left to their own devices...and eagerly hunted down those stupid enough to disturb their hallowed ground. For the Mandalorian known as Isley Verd, this particular threat was not one he had to deal with; for Dathomir was home.

In truth, after how things ended in the Confederacy, Dathomir ended up becoming more of a home than Mandalore itself. He now found comfort in this isolated refuge, for here he truly felt something that was the definition of rare: safety. At present, Isley had decided to venture out into the wilds of this world, intent upon investigating a structure that he had seen only once before. Assuming the form of a shattered pyramid, this temple was one of the many utilized by the ancient Kwa.

Yet it was devoid of any of its former glory.

Here, the Mandalorian hoped to build something to call his own: something to replace what was lost in his flight from the Southern Systems. However, before diving headfirst into the ancient Temple, Isley took time to prepare himself. Garbed in simple garments spun of common cloth, Isley was seated at the base of a tree. His sole armament was Devorah's Song: a Sith Sword he created alongside his sibling. While it paled in comparison to the masterpieces born of his Master's efforts, it suited him just fine.

In fact, he treasured the blade. So much so that he now busied himself giving it a fine polish with a fresh cloth.

 

[Velok the Younger]

[member="Isley Verd"]

"Why is it," said a voice -- dry, wry, middle-aged, caught between an edge and a hint of warmth -- "Why is it that the rich like simple clothes? And not just the kind of simple that would suffice for anyone else, but homespun. Aggressively simple, you might say."

Kash folded her red cloak more tightly around herself, snug on her elbows and shoulders, outlining an angular, prosthetic right arm. The cloak was very nice zeyd-cloth, richly dyed and slightly frayed around the edges. Its hood shadowed her down to the chin when she leaned forward. Something close to total concealment. She sat on a nearby rock, a rounded chunk of once-dressed stone, the corner of a buried temple-chunk. Her leg clicked and whined, right at the edge of human hearing.

"I think," she said without waiting for a response, "that it's either about desiring balance in your life -- balancing out your excesses with extreme humility...or it's about guilt."

She lifted her chin in the direction of Devorah's Song. "Nice sword."

 

[Darth Metus]

And suddenly, the Mandalorian found that he was not alone.

...Well, on Dathomir one was never alone, for there was always something lurking in the bushes, but nonetheless...

Looking up from Devorah's Song, Isley was met with the sight of crimson. Zeyd-cloth obscured the features of the woman who had appeared before him; and an aging voice posed a question. She inquired as to why the wealthy had an affinity for simple garments; and then answered said question with her own opinion. Now, while most would be considered with the fact that someone appeared out of nowhere, Isley was more concerned with the question itself.

Was his life characterized by excess? Did he need balance? The answer to those was no.

Yet was there guilt? Yes. Very much so.

"You are as wise as you are mysterious, ma'am." he said, addressing the woman politely. "And I find myself inclined to agree with your observation. Guilt is a powerful motivator that can make the richest man seek humble rags." He paused and allowed himself a smirk at the small compliment. "And thank you. Her name is 'Devorah's Song.' Named for a sibling."

Then came the fun part.

This woman spoke as if she knew that Isley had more than enough credits to live comfortably. Now either he was dead wrong and she simply decided to speak her mind; Or she knew of him in some regard. So, now it was time for the Mandalorian to ask a question:

"And speaking of names, might I trouble you for yours?"

[member="Zhol Kash Dinora"]