A Difficult Subject (D9, Early Evening)

[Raven Cadera]

The raised eyebrow indicated someone who was well used to wrangling people who were getting uppity. Raven had dealt with Varina the teenage dirtbag long enough to not be rattled by immature behaviour. "It's a big claim, to be a fire," she remarked, unimpressed. Arms crossed over her chest in a relaxed posture, as she was clearly not intimidated by him.

"Behave yourself." Raven spoke sternly, like she would when correcting a younger member of the enclave. "I'm not here to be your enemy. If you are listening to what I'm saying, I am here because I am warning you of the possible dangers to you and your family that will happen when you encounter other Mandalorians who are not as patient as I am, or willing to explain to you what your parent has neglected to do. Don't forget that my family saved your skin once, and gave up the safety of our enclave on Kamda to shelter you from the Empire."

Giving him a moment to let that sink in, Raven continued. "It's not just a matter of time or talent, though. What you are asking is that someone puts aside their time, which they could spend for their family, to do the work of your parent. That is why I'm not able to give you an answer now. If you would wish for a teacher among my people, then you'd have to acknowledge Mand'alor the Rebuilder. I know your adopter doesn't, so the choice would have to lie with you - I won't force your decision."

[Solork Tan]

The joviality vanishes in an instant. Sol looks over at the unhappy human with her arms crossed.

"I certainly didn't complain when my rescue came as a happy coincidence along with your own. It would be rude to complain about it now. You and your people have been staunch friends of resistance groups and a constant enemy of the Empire. Like I said before, you are held in high regard by people who I esteem greatly, and one of the last things that I want to do is cause a fracture among allies this close to a decisive moment. And, to be fair, I am aware at my own lack of knowledge of Mando'are culture, and wish to correct that. So, out of respect to that, I will be do my best to be frank: this is me behaving"

"You talk about threats?" Sol laughs darkly. "You have indicated that the one who has adopted me effectively has no right to do so, and thus at any moment, you could declare that I am dar'manda. You have further indicated that you do not believe I could do anything to remedy this on my own in a complete way. What were your words: "Like a blade without a component". You have then indicated that the only way you would provide a resource that would satisfy your standard would be swearing service to you. That is vassalhood. This is coerced vassalhood.

Sol sighs and begins to rise. "I do not desire enmity with you Raven Cadera. In fact, I wish for the opposite. I wish for there to be friendship between yours and mine, and barring that an understanding .There are less honorable foes, those who deserve my ill will more and to be frank I can think of nigh endless lists of other things to do rather than circling around each other while the Empire places its jackboots on the galaxy. But we shall do so as equals, or not at all"

[Raven Cadera]

Sighing, Raven put her gloved hand to her face. "You're not listening to me." Stepping away from the workbench, she stood tall before the Gank, looking him straight in the eyes, or rather, where the visor was.

"I said that I believe your parent is placing you at a disadvantage, even if his intentions are good, because he has not taught you what you need to know. Much of this he should have taught you before going through with the rite, so that you would be prepared to call yourself Mando'ade. This makes you ill prepared for when you face others who are not here to offer a helping hand by telling you this. My people have helped you once before, so I hope that proves the sincerity of my words by remembering that."

"I have said repeatedly that I don't think it makes you dar'manda or diminishes your claim to be Mando'ade, but I am saying that it will be dangerous for you going forward because I am trying to warn you of the pitfalls that will arise with this. If your parent is withholding this from you, what else might be withheld, what else might be omitted or left out all-together? How will this affect your life as Mandalorian, meeting others of the Mando'ade? These are questions that must be asked for your own sake, that you must ask of him."

"And for the last time, I am saying this so that you can help your family. I have said many times already that you have the power to choose how this will go. There is no other implication other than I am helping you, Solork Tan. As the adopted child of a dar'manda, the path ahead of you as it stands now can be dangerous. Other Mandalorians might not offer you this much by that association, but I am."

"I did not say that a member of my own would be the only choice I would accept, and it's not a matter of seeking my approval specifically but rather ensuring you are given the teaching you are earned. I said that finding such a teacher would require the one in question to put aside the needs of their own family for your sake. And if you wanted a teacher among my people, then yes, you would have to become part of the Rebuilders - that is the way of life. We might be a growing group, but we don't have endless resources or people to spare to dedicate all the time that is needed to do the job of someone who won't even acknowledge our cause. That is not vassalhood, forced or otherwise, it's what joining a family is about, and it is a choice you can make if you wish because we must prioritize the needs of our own first. To be a parent is a great and important responsibility, not one taken lightly or in haste, and I'm sad to see that it seems to be what happened to you. For that, I'm sorry for the circumstances you are in now." She took a breather to let the sincerity of those words sink in. She wasn't angry; she was disappointed at the events that had led to this.

"I stated quite clearly that I will not force your decision one way or another, because I know your parent does not believe in Mand'alor. You don't have to choose now, or give answers to me, but again, I'm here because you have the right to know what possibilities there are ahead of you, for good and ill. It's not myself I'm concerned about bringing this to you, it's you and what it means for your future as a Mandalorian."

[Solork Tan]

"You're not-"

Solork stops himself, taking a deep breath in and chuckling softly. "I think we are perhaps a bit too alike, you and I. We fervently believe, and want to do the best for the others we see under our purview."

Sol taps his staff against the floor.

"Your concerns are noted and appreciated. I will take steps that you recommend to be safer: I will speak to my adopter about Manda and hear where his beliefs differ from yours. I will study the ways of our people, and will adapt as quick as I can. I have plans for new armor, once I have the time and space to work, crafted by my own hand."

"But, to put it simply, I cannot conceive of a way that there isn't some group of Mando'ade who feel offended and will make trouble. I could do everything in my power, and there would still be a few chuckleheads who will want to make a point. And when that happens, I will deal with it." The words are spoken with complete confidence. "If you aren't going to do it yourself, or actively advocate on our behalf, then I frankly don't see what you can do."

[Raven Cadera]

At least it felt like now she finally got through to him.

"I don't see anyone under my purview. I am a protector, Solork. Of my heritage, of my family - my life is for them until my soul joins the Manda," she clarified, not thinking that it was a fitting way to look at it as herself above others.

"But for their sakes, I won't put my neck on the line to advocate for someone who doesn't care for me or my family. What I can do is what I'm doing now; speaking with you because you are a child of Mandalore, if one newly born and still finding his footing. Consider it... like sharing knowledge of a battlefield, so you're better prepared going into the fight ahead of you." Perhaps it was an expected example, coming from someone who considered herself somewhat of a tactician, but Raven couldn't really find any better way to describe what she is doing.

"That is all I can do as things stand now."

[Solork Tan]

Solork watches the woman carefully. "Have you addressed your concerns and feel that you have communicated them to me?"

[Raven Cadera]

She sighed, nodding, feeling she wouldn't be able to do much more than she had. "Albeit poorly, I suppose so, yes. I apologise that this isn't my strongest subject to deal with. But I hope you understand my intention to help."

[Solork Tan]

Sol seems to seriously ponder his answer. "I do believe that you are trying to help. And I similarly find that parsing delicate meanings and distinction are a challenge, so I shall not judge you there. May your steel find well deserving targets Raven Cadera, may your beskar'gam hold fast, and that the Empire may know your swiftness"

[Raven Cadera]

Those who knew Raven more would say it was a harsh but fair round of Mandalorian parenting she had given Sol. Reaching out she gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. "Mishuk gotal'u meshuroke, pako kyore. It is an old saying; Pressure makes gems, ease makes decay. Keep it in mind as you move forward. May you be victorious in tomorrow's battle and the next."

Reaching for her helmet, she placed it on and retrieved her sword from the workbench. The old weapon had seen much use, it was clear, but it had not dulled its edge.

"I must go for now; duties to my family require me elsewhere tonight, and I know it means I might not return for tomorrow's battle. Is there anything you wish to ask before I leave?"