Stranger in a Strange Land (D10 Late Morning)

[Jyrvess Ertil]

Jyrvess blinked as the light came back into her eyes. She was thoroughly disoriented, but that has been the point after all. Looking around for a moment she sighed and held up her loosely bound wrists. "The blindfold I understand but why this. I mean I am pretty sure I could slip it."

[Raven Cadera]

Raven chuckled. Even with her right arm in a sling and only wearing her heavy clothing, she was pretty confident she'd easily defeat Jyrvess. "... A sign of trust, I suppose. I was actually more curious if you'd go through with it."

She helped Jyrvess ease out of the binds. No point in wasting good bindings and just cut them off. "Mand'alor awaits. You don't need to wear any such thing with him."

[Jyrvess Ertil]

"I see, I see." Jyrvess smiled nervously, "In truth I was more worried about your arm when you asked. I hope you broke both of the Imps' arms for that!"

Her eyes went to the door. "...I think I felt safer sneaking on the Star Destroyer. He was intimidating last I remember." She straightens her clothes. "Wish me luck I guess."

[Raven Cadera]

Raven put her good hand on Jyrvess' shoulder. "You'll be fine. I gave you my word that no harm will come to you." Steering Jyrvess by the shoulder, the duo made their way to meet with Mandalore. They were expected...

[Honor]

Dredgen was nearby, meetings with Mandalore and Raven always proved to be very entertaining. This time she'd brought another friend directly, he was sure it'd be interesting enough. Even if it was just watching the outsider squirm a little.

Mandalore, as was his usual, stood waiting for Jyrvess and Raven.

[Raven Cadera]

"Mand'alor," Raven greeted her leader.

As she wasn't sure if Mandalore had even caught her name the last time, she made sure to give proper introductions this time. "Jyrvess Ertil has requested an audience with you."

[Mandalore]

"And she will have it," he declared. Looking from Raven to Jyrvess.

"Know, areutii, that you are granted an honor. Few of your kind can claim that they have been granted an audience with Mand'alor. That I recognize the worth of your advice is the only reason you stand here today."

"Be proud of this," he said.

[Jyrvess Ertil]

"Thank you Mandalore," Jyrvess's tone was deferential, she considered that for all her studies...Mandalorian protocol was something she had never thought to commit to memory. "I do not wish to bore you with long winded speeches. I served the Republic, then shamefully the Empire, and desire to serve the Republic again. That means we share a mutual enemy."

She took a deep breath, that was the easy part, "I wish to offer you and your people my skills and knowledge in the service of defeating the Empire." And perhaps convince you working with others would be good for everyone. She thought to herself, then added, "If you would allow me."

Her eyes remained on Mandalore, aware of the others watching their conversation.

[Raven Cadera]

Raven was already agreed with Jyrvess' thinking but that was no surprise. She wouldn't have given the woman her support here if that wasn't the case.

Her nod conveyed her own approval as she looked to Mandalore.

[Mandalore]

"Your first mistake in your request, Jyrvess Ertil, is that you believe I have any intention to lead the Mando'ade against the Empire. I do not. I have given my permission to hunt the Empire and do battle with them as the Mando'ade individually see fit, I shall not be leading my people against them. At least, not any time soon. My focus, the focus for the Mando'ade, is to continue to bolster our numbers and our strength. Then.. perhaps once we have converted enough of our people my intent is upon our home, to reclaim it from the Saxons and the Imperials, should they dare challenge us, them in turn," he said.

"Perhaps then, after this has been accomplished and we have returned the Mando'ade to their rightful standing, we will properly make use of your knowledge. In this light.. if you wish to remain with us, I grant it to you. However, if your heart burns to take on the Imperials in direct battle that is not something I can offer. Not yet."

[Jyrvess Ertil]

"You may not wish to lead your people against the Empire...but they most certainly will come against you," Jyrvess had expected a response similar, she continues with a sheepish grin, "The existence of any who do not bend the knee to the new regime is a threat to them. So even if the only aid I provide helps your Enclave continue and grow, I will be striking a blow against them."

"In time I intend to take a more active role in the growing conflict. The Empire is powerful and many will need to band together to see it defeated. I hope to one day see your people alongside all those who would stand against Imperial tyranny." She glanced back at the other Mandalorians in the room, "But I understand the need to protect your people first and wish to provide assistant toward that goal."

[Mandalore]

"You have my support to come with us to our new enclave, Jyrvess Ertil. Fight for what you wish to make true in this world. Tackle your challenges. Gain a sense of what it is to be Mando'ade through these actions, through this interaction," he declared.

"I will not grant a future I do not yet focus on. Yet, if you are to learn from the Mando'ade in this exchange and guide your life to face all challenges. I, and the Mando'ade, will consider it an honor. Should you have any other need of me this day, Jryvess Ertil?"

[Raven Cadera]

Raven didn't gape in surprise, but her eyes did widen with visible surprise that Mand'alor was actually extending such an invitation to an outsider. Not a disapproving surprise, of course.

Perhaps things really could be changed around here.

[Jyrvess Ertil]

There had been a few scenarios that played out in her mind, so Jyrvess was prepared for basically anything. Except what she got.

"I...am honored by your words," She wasn't sure what was the correct procedure for showing gratitude among the Mandalorians so she just went with the universal, "Thank you Mandalore. I will strive to prove worthy of challenges before me."

With that she backed up a little, and looked to Raven, probably still with surprised expression.

[Raven Cadera]

Raven gave the woman a respectful nod of her head and a reassuring smile. "This is a rare honor you've been given, Jyrvess. But I've faith you'll continue to prove yourself worthy of it. You helped save my life once, and you've proven a good ally. I will never forget that."

[Mandalore]

Mandalore nodded in response, a signal to all that the meeting was finished.

[Raven Cadera]

Like Praxton had done for her when she first arrived, Raven now filled the role of the welcome-committe, guiding Jyrvess onward as Mandalore had spoken his piece. "Come, ori'vod. I'll show you around."

[Jyrvess Ertil]

"Ori'vod?" Jyrvess asks, "And thank you Miss Raven." She managed a nervous smile, still a bit overwhelmed. "I suppose I will have to learn your language."

[Raven Cadera]

"It would be wise. Basic is still the most spoken here amongst us, but there are many words and phrases we use in Mando'a, which better conveys our intentions," Raven explained as they walked.

"Vod means brother or sister. Ori'vod means usually older brother or sister, but in this context, it means you are a special friend."

There was some amusing irony in that she was filling Praxton's role. "Mando'a is a language you will learn quickly, I think."

[Jyrvess Ertil]

Jyrvess let out a small laugh, "Well...I am older as well, Miss Raven." Her smile becomes more relaxed, "Thank you, it means a lot to me."

"Well then, there will be plenty of practice then." She was after all about to hear a lot more of it...