Better Answers

Better Answers
Date of Scene:	15 November 2024
Location:
Synopsis:	Thaelin provides Volken some history on Reeve, Ellari interrogates Jorn about truly loving her or not.
Cast of Characters:	159, 418, Volken Mons, Ellari Zin

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Athena (159) has posed:
Dusk is falling in Sundari, and at the Mythosaur's Gett'se, a few patrons sitting at the bar are lounging, gossiping and drinking some mead. A keen-eared passerby might notice they're talking about what had happened at the social event at the Bastille a few days ago, poking fun at the notorious outcast, Revara.

"Do you believe she's -actually- engaged?" one of them says, amused. "To be honest, I don't know there's any di'kut on Mandalore stupid enough to even be her friend..."

Jo'nas is here as well, bartending as usual, but his expression is sour and depressed. In the back, Thaelin and his wife to be Sanza sit quietly, their gazes furtive and watchful, as if looking for someone they know will likely swing by.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn spent some time alone. A lot happened. And it's even more to take in, digest. Jorn has questions. Lots of them, in fact. Honestly, he's not sure they'll ever get answered. Time passes slowly when there's a lot on his mind.

Slipping the helmet on, Jorn tries to focus before showing up. Things are tense. A lot of eyes will be on him. He has to ignore it all just to show up.

Jorn walks in, he's not trying to hide. Nor is he striding in like the king of everything seen.

Jorn just tries to find a spot that's alone-ish.

Volken Mons has posed:
Since the events back at the Bastille, Volken had been teetering on if he was going to book passage for himself off of Mandalore and return back to his business in the greater Galaxy ..or stay and attempt to see matters through. The act of seeking potential passage and arranging for getting back to his more mercenary line of work has actually seen him not be very visible or available. An absent presence as if he truly did leave...until now.

He steps through the entrance of the cantina and begins making his way straight for the bar, helmet off but in one meaty hand and his expression serious and dour as he looms closer towards Jo'nas in order to place an order for a strong drink.

The rumormongering and gossiping gets ignored, as does any direct attention at specific individuals. At least at first. He does notice Jorn but getting a drink seems first on his agenda.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari figured she'd pay Jo'nas a visit, expecting that he'd be somewhat disappointed about the tournament being cancelled. But perhaps Thaelin has an update about what the Duke might have planned instead? She moves over to the bar and sits down, glancing over at Jo'nas. "A shame about the tournament, is it?" she sighs. "Perhaps I shouldn't have helped that idiot Caine bring her back here. But I thought anywhere was better than the capital of the actual Galactic Republic. Hmph."

Athena (159) has posed:
Indeed, several eyes will fall on Jorn when he makes his entrance. The two Mandalorians gossiping about Revara fall silent when he comes in, but they smirk silently.

The green armored Mandalorian, however, won't even get to sit down before his commlink goes off with a text transmission from Revara herself. |Where are you? Everyone's saying we're engaged. I don't remember that. Is it true?|

When Volken enters, Thaelin gets up and makes his way over to the hulking Mandalorian. "You're still here, thank goodness. I'd thought you left --" He sighs. "I'm sorry. For what happened at the Bastille." he pauses. "We should talk privately." His gaze flicks towards the stairs.

"Perhaps not," Jo'nas grunts. "But the past is the past. No use wishing for might have beens..."

Volken Mons has posed:
Volken turns, looking ready to start moving for Jorn, intending on speaking with him but ... Thaelin intervnes and the colossal Mandalorian pauses and frowns mildly, avoiding looking directly at the groom. He doesn't answer immediatly, even at the request to speak privately and instead he looks over the room as if considering options. Finally he grunts, "Yeah, yeah. I'm still here..." Confirming the obvious, true enough, but perhaps implying he could already have been gone if he wishes it and had been delaying.

"..Alright." he ends up adding, "Lead the way.." He gives both Jorn and Ellari a quick glance but then looks to Thaelin to let him take point.

Jorn (418) has posed:
|Yes. You announced it to everyone. Then you got violent with Volken. It's a long story, but yes. We are| Jorn pauses. He waits for the reply and then sits down. |You're not a bad kisser.| And then he just waits to hear if Revara will scream at that revelation |People will talk when you show up.| he warns.

That just makes Jorn cast a glance around the room. He's waiting to see how many are talking quietly. Oh, this is going to be complicated..

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "I just hope it will be a lesson for her." Ellari shrugs. "But perhaps Thaelin has news regarding an alternate plan." She turns toward the despondent groom as he approaches Volken.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Heh! good luck..." Jon'as says to Ellari as she goes after Thaelin.

The young groom frowns at the  House Vizsla female. "Not now," he says brusquely, heading up the stairs.

"I'll buy you a drink after," the young Mandalorian then says to Volken. A beat. "I'm glad you're still here," he says. He motions to Sanza, who gets up and follows them upstairs to a private conference room. Once the door is closed, she turns to him. "We're saddened at the way everything has turned out for you upon returning to Mandalore," she says, "how Revara has treated you, how everyone else has treated you. So we thought that we could compensate by giving you a piece of whichever fief you like, in advance."

|You didn't answer my question| she replies. |Where are you? We need to talk|

Jorn (418) has posed:
|The Mythosaur. I'm at the Mythosaur.| He says to the questions. |You can find me there.| Jorn says honestly and he listens to the words. Well, as best he can. Just trying to pick up stray bits of conversation. Jorn will try not to make waves at the moment. Right now, he feels adrift, not like on an island. Like he's on a door that somehow survived a wreckage.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari shrugs when Thaelin doesn't seem to have an update. "Ah well, it was worth an attempt." she remarks, watching him go to a private room with Volken. Then she turns back to Jo'nas. "Well, what do you think the Duke ought to do instead of meshergoya?"

Athena (159) has posed:
|You know I can't go inside there right now| A pause. |Meet me on the roof, then. Its flat topped, and you should be able to get up via the fire escape|

Jon'as sighs. "I don't know. It's a shame it had to be cancelled in the first place." He scrubs idly at a stain on the countertop.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn is tempted to say a comment that Revara made. Something that rattles in his brown. |It's easy enough. You simply walk in.| Jorn speaks plainly. Flatly. Then he looks over the place.

|I'll probably have company.| Jorn knows people know when he skulks, Revara is nearby. One of the reasons he said the front door. It would be different. Still, he understands how she feels (presumably). It almost feels like they switched roles from the answer. She's the confused one. He's...that doesn't matter.

Volken Mons has posed:
"This again.."

Volken sighs and then rumbles, "Trying to buy my loyalty with things....might have worked a handful of days ago but I've tired quickly of this confusion and chaos. -Why- do you two insist on wanting me involved? Several of the wedding party members think some kind of way about me... I could be free of this stress and earning credits as the bodyguard for some foolish, rich but still devestatingly beautiful business woman and living life in luxury. What differnce does it make to any of you if I leave? If anything it'll cause Reveara to calm down."

Ellari Zin has posed:
"If you ask me, I think she ought to be institutionalized until she can learn at least a modicum of self restraint." Ellari states plainly. "Her father has been too lenient with her. There are some people who just need a bit of tough love, not coddling as it seems he has been doing."

    She frowns in Jorn's direction. He seems to be focused on his commlink. Suddenly, she gets up and approaches him. "Jorn...listen to me. I'm guessing Revara likely doesn't remember becoming 'engaged'. You should keep it that way, and if she overhears any rumors, tell her it's just gossip. That di'kut Caine and his idiot brother Kass are terrible enough already without anyone giving them excuses to be even worse." she warns him, assuming he knows Caine is in love with her. Everyone knows that, right?

Athena (159) has posed:
|I'm -not- going inside. You're coming out here to talk, or you're going to regret you didn't| she demands savagely.

Jon'as scoffs. "He doesn't institutionalize her because they wont be able to keep her in. Besides, most of them are a joke, anyway. She'd be better off in prison, to be honest."

"Because!" Thaelin says. "This isn't about loyalty. I like you. To be honest, you're my favorite among all the bridal party members. I'd give you all of the fiefs, if I could. I'm close with my cousins and Buir, we've always been close, but Revara coming back has ... complicated things for all of us and I haven't had a real conversation with anyone aside from Sanza and you in -weeks-." Suddenly he looks very boyish, and sad. "I don't want you to go, Volken. You could go off and be free from all of this, making money as a mercenary for some aruetti, but I don't want you to do that. I want you to be here for my wedding, because you're important to me, and you being here for my wedding is important to me. I know it's selfish, but I'm the one getting married, shouldn't I be entitled to at least a little selfishness?"

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn pauses as he begins to move. Looking to Ellari, "Too late," he says firmly. "The gossip already hit here before she even talked to me," so, he knows Revara probably wouldn't believe him if he said just gossip. Plus, there's all the security on the incident. It would be hard to dispute. "I'll try to stay alive. Besides, I don't think she wants to be married," and there's sort of a sadness to his voice, however brief.

Again, a lot of things he's unpacking. |I'm enroute. Stop with the threats| his tone firm. He'll make his way to the roof, being descreet once he begins working his way up to the upper levels.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    But Ellari hurries after Jorn even as he keeps walking. "That's probably true, so it shouldn't be hard to simply tell her it wasn't serious."

    "Look--trust me. You -don't- want to give Caine additional reasons to be terrible to you in particular. Maybe there is something about her that fascinates you--but believe me when I say she isn't worth it. He -will- make you miserable. He's very good at that."

Volken Mons has posed:
The giant man heaves a sigh and rests his massive hands against his waist. He looks away, thinking for a moment and then finally says, "Alright. I'll stay. You don't need to offer me anything but you do need to get Revara under control. You don't wamt me ruining your wedding by breaking her neck, do you? This is as much for her safety as it is anything else... You say you like me but...you barely know me. I have....control issues if I'm pushed too far and I say that -as- a Mandalorian... meaning that it's not just the fact of being who we are. -I- have limits that can cause me to snap in a way that is.... Listen I'm just saying I don't want to make your own situation worse off. But I will see your wedding through to the end."

He nods to both the bride and groom. "Fair enough?"

Athena (159) has posed:
If Jorn looks up to the rooftop, he won't see Revara. Probably because Ellari's tailing him and she wants nothing to do with her, for the time being. He could consider that good sign - for the time being.

"She won't harm you," Thaelin promises. "I'll make sure of it. But you can't go looking for her right now, alright? Please?" He sighs and sits down. "Well you know. Most in my family can't even admit that they have control issues, either that - or they just avoid the topic like hell. I know a good man when I see one, Volken. You may be flawed, but at least you're self aware and aren't too proud to be. You and my father are similar in that way. I can't say that for any of my other family members."

Sanza and Thaelin both nod at Volken.

"Thank you Volken. It means a lot to me." He pauses. "I was deep in thought yesterday about the questions you asked the other day," Thaelin says. "and I may be able to provide the answers Revara could not."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Like I said, there's probably nothing to worry about." And when Jorn makes it to the roof the quiet reserve breaks. "I've been nothing, but an outsider on this planet. What's one more name to the list?" Jorn asks sardonically.

"I allign myself with someone dangerous, but I believe in her. Don't know why. I just do. And I gave her my word. I'll defend her until the end, because that's the pazac hand I was drawn," Jorn just sees it as him making the best out of the hand he holds.

"I've been in more fights in a short span on this planet in quite some time. And when I'm not fighting, trying to stop fights or similar, I watch entitled grooms pout like a child because they don't get to play a game!" Jorn looks at Ellari. "This should be a happy time for him yet he wallows in misery like the child that got items two through ten on their life day wish list, but still pouts because they didn't get the top thing." Jorn looks out toward the place.

"And we have someone that believed in bringing us together is to make us fight. We're houses further apart than we started," he scoffs under that mask. "Yet, I feel like the insane one out here. The pariah," he looks between Ellari and the city scape.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "You say that because you don't know him." Ellari point out. "Or his brother. Von'egel twins are not people you want to give more reasons to hate you. They're already bad enough as it is. I can say that because they are Vizsla after all, even though I wish they weren't."

    "Thaelin may be immature, but he's young. It is to be expected." she remarks, when he starts criticizing the groom's behavior.

    There's a bit of a pause, as she briefly follows his gaze out over the cityscape, before she looks back at him more pointedly, arching a brow at him. "Tell me, Jorn. Do you actually love her? Do you love Revara?"

Volken Mons has posed:
Well -that- caught his attention.

"Answers?" Volken considers and then says, "Alright... fine. Call me curious. Go ahead - but first - I won't go after her if she doesn't go after me. HOw's that? Secondly - I'm not the only one involved here with her. The other one, Jorn is it? He's being pulled through the mud as well. He seems respectable enough so he shouldn't be getting mired in this. You should help him as well."

He pauses and then grunts, "And even Ellari for all her arrogance has been dragged in as well. So tell me what you will but it won't be kept secret. She's attacked and otherwise harassed them too."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Ask me a different question. My actions, I have zero regrets," and that' sthe confusing part for him. He wouldn't take any of it back. He's not sure why, just knows he wouldn't. His gaze goes over the city for a moment.

"I've never regretted defending her. And I know logically that doesn't make sense. Yet, here we stand, at an impasse." Jorn shakes his head. "But I don't think anything is returned. A lot of last night was alcohol's doing, nothing more," Jorn says honestly. And he stuffs some emotions down. Again, confusing things he'll contemplate later on.

"Why ask?" Jorn asks Ellari. "Does it matter? Probably not."

Athena (159) has posed:
Thaelin nods. "Yes, that's fair. We'll do our damnedest to keep her away from you. But if she does somehow find you and attack you - the bet is off. She'll be the victim of her own consequences, and I won't hold it against you if she ends up in pieces in the infirmary." However, when Volken mentions Jorn, he frowns. "I don't like him, and I don't trust him. He acts like everyone in our family is a dishonorable criminal who is to blame for the way Revara acts, when he knows absolutely nothing about us, or our family dynamics. Did you know that he was snooping in the private, off limit quarters of the Bastille while no one was looking? I noticed that some of the doors weren't completely closed later and the droids told me he'd gone in there. Not only that, but he won't let her have blame for -anything-. While she isn't to blame for everything, she isn't absolved of all blame."

"It's fine, this isn't exactly a secret, but I'd be careful around Jorn. I'm certain he's spoken ill of me behind my back at some point, perhaps even multiple times, and wouldn't hesitate to destroy my wedding if it meant that he could elope with Revara and have her be absolved of all blame for everything she's ever done wrong."

He sighs. "I know this may be a hard pill to swallow, but please don't blame my Buir for everything Revara has done to you, and the way she's turned out. He tried, he really did. And he isn't without flaw or mistake, that's for certain. But I believe that the main reason for the way things turned out was because we were all victims, of the monstrosity that was my mother."

Suddenly, Revara drops down from rooftop, the thrusters on her jetpack cooling as she descends. "This isn't your business, Ellari," she says, "Leave us." Well at least she isn't pointing a gun at her.

Volken Mons has posed:
"It's hard to blame a man for drawing conclusions based on what he's seeing with his eyes if nobody else is bothering to give im better information... It's likely that the two have been talking so there's not elling what Revara has been saying to him. If he's been trying to undermine you behind your back that's another matter all together but the only reason -I'm- not throwing this entire affair off of a cliff is because of you." counters Volken as he looks to Thaelin and his bride.

"So then...your mother. I picked up on that based on somethings that were said. I assumed her father as well but it sounds like that's not the case... Is your mother coming to your wedding? Should we expect her to make matters worse?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Of course it matters!" Ellari snaps. What kind of question was that? "If you truly are in love with her, then perhaps it is worth dealing with the Von'egels' ire all your life. Because you should know that they will not quit. But if you aren't, and this is about proving yourself to someone or some other egotisical reason, then it likely isn't worth it." She scoffs. "You don't seem to know why you do a lot of things. Do you -ever- think?"

    When Revara shows up and demands she leave, Ellari just glares at her. "Those who have the right to determine what is my business or not are confined myself and some of those I trust. You are nowhere near any of that."

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn's quiet for a moment. "My reasons are my own," he says honestly. That's it when it comes to him. The answer might be an easy out to subjects that not enough time has passed on.

And then Revara shows up. Jorn holds back a sigh, but in his mind there's a single thought, <Kriff!>

Athena (159) has posed:
"I'm sorry but I must disagree. If you don't have better information, then just don't make any assumptions. It's what a lot of people do to you when they see you're not... like them - they hurry to some conclusion based off their own bias. Jorn claims to be different, an outsider, but he's just like all the rest of those bureaucrats we both hate so much. Presumptuous, prejudiced, and hasty to make conclusions based off of limited information."

Thaelin shakes his head. "No. At least, I really, really hope she didn't hear that I was getting married and decide to come and ruin everything. If I got wind that she was coming, I would actually hire you to physically remove her. Because she's bribed and manipulated almost every Mandalorian bounty hunter and politician you can think of - but you haven't been around Mandalore and haven't heard of her, so that's good, at least."

"My mother was a terrible, terrible woman and an excellent liar. Charming, beautiful, and outwardly appealing to anyone she might meet. Because of this,  Buir didn't know how awful she was for some years. But eventually, he found out - it became basically impossible to keep her infidelity a secret once Revara was born. She didn't look anything like Buir."

"Buir tried his best to be around as much as possible, and to stop her from abusing me and my sisters. But he couldn't be there twenty four seven. In fact, I recall there were multiple occasions in which she cast him out of the keep - physically barring him from returning to his own home. And when he wasn't there, well that's when she would mistreat us most terribly."

Revara scoffs at her. "Do you think I care what your standards are? I say that this isn't your business, so therefore, it's not. Now, get out. What's so important that you have to discuss it with Jorn, right now?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari folds her arms, and doesn't move. "Oh, I shouldn't expect you to respect my standards, and yet here you are demanding that I respect yours? I seem to recall you crying over how 'unfair' your life is, and yet you expect others to endure the same? Rich, isn't it? I don't care about your standards either, because you have no right to decide what is my business or not. I say it is, therefore it is." End of story.

    Her gaze goes back over to Jorn. "Did it ever occur to you that making Caine Von'egel into an even worse miser than he already is might actually affect other people besides -yourself-? Such as his House?" she remarks dryly.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn just listens to the pair. AT first an eyebrow raises under the helm when he wonders why Revara has sucha tone. Then his gaze goes between them before Ellari brings up a comment.

"Then the Duke needs to rethink his tactics. At least one house is ready to walk," and to him, it's that simple.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "The -Duke- needs to rethink is tactics?" Ellari scoffs. "No, Jorn. I meant to tell you that -you- are the one who needs to 'rethink his tactics.'"

Athena (159) has posed:
"What do you even want to be here for?" she snaps. "Just for the sake of being a busybody? What are you trying to convince Jorn to do, exactly? We haven't even agreed if we're officially engaged or not, so quit your damn whining!"

Revara frowns at Jorn. "My father -isn't- House Vizsla," she says, narrowing her eyes at Ellari. "Thank the gods he's not."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Hm." VOlken can't argue against Thaelin's words. He's experienced it nearly constantly since arriving to take part in these events.

"Even so." he says, "Considering the source of this trouble it's not surprising to me that Jorn might be led towars one extreme instead of the other. I want to break your sister in half. There's something to be said for simply having a mis informed opinion over violent murderous toughts.." His eyes narrow a bit but then he refocuses "I understand your point though. Perhaps this can all be smoothed over but..your mother?"

Volken considers the rest of the tale...and just shakes his head. "I hear you. That is difficult. But how does that translate to Revara having such a deseprate need to want to hurt me? She tried to join her mothers clan..."

After some consideration, Volken frows, "She was clearly trying to keep me from playing. Is it that she's trying to see to it that she is able to impress her mother and thought if I played I wouldn't stand in the way of her efforts if her team lost?"

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Then ask why we're all fighting like this. Volken's on the verge of leaving. I considered it at one point. We've got a pouting groom and who knows what else," Jorn says firmly. His gaze stays on Ellari, "Not my fault he didn't read the terrain. Understand the task before executing him. His ill-parpared tactics are no one's fault but his own," he says honestly.

"You are right about the expansion," he will admit. There is a bigger picture at work.

Athena (159) has posed:
"But that's fair," Thaelin argues, "She made you step on a mine, and then tried to kill you at a party so you want to break her in half. I understand that. That cannot be said of Jorn. My father has only ever been good to Revara, and I've tried my best to be a good brother even when she was self isolating out of anger and bitterness. Yet Jorn still disparages us with insults, and trespasses while we aren't looking!"

Thaelin nods. "I think it's because she craves love, acceptance, and approval from those who our society would consider worthy. Honorable. People like Ellari. My mother, who's a powerful player of the ultra conservative wing in House Kryze. Revara is tired of being a pariah. She doesn't crave my father's approval and support because she knows she already has it. He'll always love and care for her, and be proud she's survived everything she has so far, no matter what she does. But that won't stop her from being considered dishonorable by everyone else. I think she thought that if her team won, her badge of shame would be removed. You were an obstacle to that, so she did what she thought was necessary to remove you." He sighs. "My father wouldn't leave my mother for many years because she threatened to take everything from him if he left her. The kids, the keep, everything. And Buir feared what would happen to us if my mother had her way, all of the time. So he waited until Revara was of age to choose which clan she wanted to be a part of, before he finally separated from my mother. And still, because of the reasons I stated previously, Revara tried to choose her mother. It broke my father's heart, but she knew he'd always still love her. Strangely enough, despite her prior threats, my mother actually decided to reject Revara's attempt to join her clan - I guess she thought the best and final blow to both of them would be to separate me from them, as we were all incredibly close at that point. I was too young to choose, so my mother took custody of me until I was old enough to renounce her clan and join my father's. Those two years were absolute hell - but I suppose the other part of why Revara was so obsessed with my mother was because she didn't always treat us bad. Sometimes she actually would treat us kind, or reward us for things like not crying when she beat us, or successfully stealing from our father or a rich relative when they came over. It was a grooming process, and I think she might have formed a toxic attachment to her."

Revara frowns at Jorn. "You've been away for too long. This is just how Mandalore always is. We're always 'fighting like this.' It's in our blood."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "I literally -just- explained that in front of you. Clearly you weren't listening." Ellari points out when Revara questions her reasons for being here.

    "No, but Caine -is-. And stop trying shift responsibility for your own actions onto someone else. It paints you as a coward."

Volken Mons has posed:
"She's stuck trying to please someone and earn love that isn't there to earn and doesn't understand that. She'll continue on this path until she gets herself killed. If it's not me it'll be someone else. Someone who isn't on Mandalore perhaps. Explains her actions, sometwhat, out in The Republic." grunts Volken.

"Still - her actions and desperate behavior and absolute lack of control are ultimately choices she makes and none of us can -make- her do anything. She has to decide she's done chasing the clout of her mother and be satisfied with what she already has. She clearly loves The Duke even if she thinks she has to prove herself."

Volken shakes his head again and shrugs, "There's nothing I can do. I tried to help her and she won't even acknowledge that. With the games called off she at least doesn't have as much a -reason- to go after me but who next? I suggest you wash your hands of the whole thing for now, Thaelin.... I doubt talking with her is going to matter unless there's something else she's hiding. If so - it's likely the only one that'll get that out of her might be Jorn."

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn's quiet watching the pair for a moment. His gaze goes back to the horizon. How evertying stands out. He's trying to put pieces of the puzzle together. Taking out his blaster, he twirls it like a pistolier while the gaze stays out over everything. He'll stop at random points, with a "clnk!" when it rests in his hand. He'll do it again. And again. The motions, and sounds, help. They're familiar to him. In that familiarity, his mind starts to work with less distractions. The man's quiet letting the duo with him work out their differences.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari glances at Jorn as he goes quiet, twirling his guns. "I suppose it depends on what exactly you meant with the 'like this' part." she remarks, folding her arms.

Athena (159) has posed:
Revara turns to Jorn, scowling. "Say something," she barks irritably. "I thought you were keen on -helping- me get rid of her. This conversation was meant to be private, wouldn't you agree?"

Jorn (418) has posed:
"It is a private matter. Much like you wouldn't want others to know what happens between you and a paramour, Ellari," he looks back to the pair. "I understand your desire for confrontation on other matters," he looks between them. His gaze slips between, "There are many things that need to be unpacked. I will be the first to admit that. When it comes to the relationship, that's between myself, Revara and no one else," Jorn looks again. "The other matters, the people vary."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "I already pointed out that this concerns others besides just -you-." Ellari reminds both of them, then looks to Jorn in particular. "In fact, didn't you just admit I was right?"

Athena (159) has posed:
Revara lifts her chin haughtily at Ellari, folding her arms. "Listen, if you want to speak to Jorn about this matter, then fine. That isn't my business. But we have something private to discuss first, so you'll just have to wait. Hopefully a sensible girl like yourself would at least have enough patience for that." She pauses. "Half an hour at most," she says, "then he's all yours to interrogate or persuade."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I know. I know there are many concerns," Jorn looks at Ellari, "You're wiser than most give you credit for." It's not him admitting she's right. Nor is it validating, or invalidating her concerns.

That last part brings concern. It doesn't show, but the gears start turning in some odd directions. "That short of a conversation?" he jokes a little bit.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Did you not understand what I said before? This is about -both- of you, not just him." Ellari argues. She groans, rolling her eyes. "Important decisions such as marriage have far-reaching consequences, and should not be made lightly. Or drunkenly."

Athena (159) has posed:
"I'm tired of this conversation," Revara says, she turns and heads back towards the back of the cantina, mingling with a large group suddenly heading towards the establishment for happy hour.

And before Ellari can protest, she seems to have disappeared from view. Jorn, however, a minute or two later, will get a text transmission on his commlink. |I'm in a maintenance closet close to the kitchen.|

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I know of some of the ramnifications of those choices. But I need to see where certain things stand before I worry about the ripple effect. The ripples have no reason to come, if the stone isn't thrown," Jorn say firmly on that one. He'll try to make an exit.

A text response goes out, |I'll do my best to make it out there. They're learning, if I vanished, you're probably the source.| He points out that little factoid. Even if Ellari doesn't allow him to leave, he'll still shoot out that message.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "I'm telling you not to let the stone get thrown in the first place...that way, you won't -have- to worry about any ripple effects." Ellari points out. "Why even consider it to begin with? Do you truly love her?" She leaves that question hanging again, but doesn't stop him from leaving.

Athena (159) has posed:
|Lose her| she replies to him quickly.

|I need to discuss with you about the Baron. There was another reason why he wanted me to return so badly, and another reason why I insisted he not take me to my father. It had nothing to do with anything my father did, you should know|

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I know," Jorn says about those particular stones getting thrown. He just keeps going. Before long he goes to the maintenance closet. He'll wait to see what greets him. Oh, this is going to be awkward. Probably.

Athena (159) has posed:
Revara opens the door discreetly and allows Jorn in, but not before glancing around briefly then shutting the door.

"You should know," she says quietly, removing her helmet. "That the baron has already proposed to me."

She lets that hang heavily in the air for a moment.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn looks at her, keeping his helmet on. "And you proposed to me. You lead that charge," there's a pause. "Even mentioned a loneliness. I think for whatever reason, you shared a real emotion with me," Jorn says the voice turning neutral. He'll see where this is all goes apart.

Jorn gets a few metaphorical credits in a row.

Athena (159) has posed:
She doesn't acknowledge the fact that she proposed to him, but doesn't seem interested in taking her proposal back, either.

"I don't remember saying any of that," is all she says after a moment. "Anyhow, the Baron wanted me to return with him to Mandalore so that he could receive my father's blessing on our marriage. Or so he thought. My father never promised that he would, only that he might be more inclined to if he convinced me to return to Mandalore."

"You had better be careful. Once Caine hears of our engagement, he's going to make your life hell."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari grumbles as Jorn walks away. What a fool. She wanders back into the cantina.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn is confused, but he holds that back for a moment. "I've been an outsider since I walked onto this place. A few people already want their targets on my back, what's one more?" Jorn looks toward her, "I will be careful. But I do not fear him, either. Every armor has a weak point. And everyone beneath armor is still skin," his voice that neutral tone.

"And my life is rather unimportant prior to this planet. Some may argue it will be when everything is over here," he thinks on it. "Nothing to gain by going after the little past I do have. I don't fear for that. Nor is it something that can be leveraged, the joys of living in a different part of the Rim," he smirks. Some of his pariah traits, and background, may hold an advantage.

"I will do my best to stay off radar for as long as possible," he knows it's a matter of time. "And you anounced it to the group before I could even stop you." He pauses, "But I'm not sure if I would have stopped you, had I an inkling of a clue." That's the strange part. Jorn knows of things he would, and wouldn't, do in this situation. He just can't answer the "Why" to a lot of it. There hasn't been enough time for him to figure it out, let alone anyone else.

Volken Mons has posed:
The mammoth Mando is still talking with Thaelin and his bride no doubt. NOw that they've explained more of the context behind Revara's behavior he has some understanding. But he also doesn't entirely care. HE can barely manage his own trauma and cauldron of emotions. He's not here to try and fix hers. But he's made it clear he won't do anything to her unless she tries something again. He suspects, however, that she may leave him be with the scrimmage called off.

"I think you should be prepared for the possiblity that your mother may show." he says, "Revara is trying to get her attention and there are other elements here that likely want to benefit from this chaos. What do -you- want to see happen, Thaelin? YOu've convinced me to stay around so I will but I have to ask that."

Athena (159) has posed:
"It's alright," Thaelin says quietly. "I know there isn't anything you can do. I just thought you deserved some answers, and perhaps some understanding. We've agreed to keep her away from you, and on the off chance that she still somehow hunts you down, I won't be angry at anything you feel you must do in order to defend yourself." When Volken mentions that his mother might arrive, his expression deflates a little. "There is a small possibility that she may come," he says quietly. "Honestly, I would be happy to elope, with a few close friends and a quiet ceremony, followed by a friendly scrimmage after. But it's not possible, not with Sanza's dowry. There has to be some kind of decision about how the land will be divided, or an all out civil war will erupt."

"I don't want to ask you to do anything right now, other than stay on Mandalore for the wedding festivities. You've been through enough. I don't know what will happen now that the scrimmage has been put on hold, but whatever happens I hope you'll be here for it. However, in the event that my mother does show, I may need your assistance."

Jon'as is still at the bar when Ellari wanders back in. "Need a drink?" he grunts.

Revara frowns. "I'm not concerned for you," she says harshly. Then she pauses. "You can take care of yourself, you've proved that much. What I want, is for you to not to hurt him. I still care about him, even if he is a fool."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I give you my word, I will not start the fight. And if I end the fight, I'll keep it to a minimum," Jorn will defend himself if provoked. However, he's not looking for a fight. "He might be a fool, but his actions aren't foolish. Still, you have my word to what I previously said," again she's not revoking it. Jorn waits for that metaphorical boot to drop. Although, since it doesn't appear to be falling yet, he just pauses for a moment. Waiting.

Volken Mons has posed:
"Expect the unexpected, vod..." counsels Volken to Thaelin. "And eloping would not be so bad would it? But I get it. So......yes, yes, I'll stay. And I think I need to have a word with Revara's 'husband-to-be' as well but...another time."

That being said, the large man nods his head towards the bride and groom and then turns, to exit the room unless stopped with any additional information they may have for him.

If not, he's soon making his way back down to the main room of the Cantina, looking to move for the exit now.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari scoffs slightly at Jo'nas' question. "As if that would solve everything." she shrugs. "But I suppose it couldn't hurt."

Athena (159) has posed:
"... good, then," Revara says. "But... you should be warned. Caine doesn't always use traditional methods to let his enemies know his displeasure."

Then she gives Jorn a once over. "What? What is it? You look like you're waiting for me to say something."

Jon'as serves her a quarter pint of whatever's on the house. "How'd the talk go? Jorn give you any answers about why in the hell he'd wanna marry a girl like that?"

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I will keep my guard up," then he pauses to her question. A look goes to Revara, "I was afraid of bad news." There's a pause. "Worse news, I suppose," and he will simply leave it there. "Are you going to join people at the bar or will I be seeing you elsewhere tonight?" he asks.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "No," Ellari shakes her head. "I don't think he knows the answer to that question, and I don't even think he knows if he's actually going to follow through with it, either. If this is just about proving something, then he shouldn't. If he truly loves her..." but she trails off, shrugging. "We'll see how he and that idiot Von'egel end up settling their differences over this. I wouldn't be surprised if he changes his mind after the baron has his way with him."

    A pause, and she takes a small sip of the drink. "Heh...poor Duke Thyssel. Trying to encourage unity, but it's done nothing but create more conflict. Ah well--he should've known."

Athena (159) has posed:
She arches a brow at Jorn. "The Baron trying to make your life hell -isn't- bad news?" she asks, folding her arms. "Listen. I'm going to be honest, I'm not completely sure I'm sold on this whole marriage thing. Once upon a time I was in love in with the Baron, but that didn't turn out well. Obviously. Do what you will with that information, but I haven't made up my mind about anyone, or even getting married at all." Then she pushes past Jorn, out of the maintenance closet.

Jo'nas chuckles. "You aren't... jealous, I hope," he says.

"The Duke knew, Ellari. But he wasn't going to be caught guilty for lack of trying. Mandalorians are always like this."

Jorn (418) has posed:
And there's the other boot. Sort of. Jorn is not going to dwell upon it. He will pause and holds onto a thought <I've defended you like no other in a short amount time. You cannot say that about many. And I may be a fool for it.> However, he will send a message. |You're lonelier than you realize.| That's all he'll put before turning off that communication form for now. Breathing out, he pushes forward heading out toward the others.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "A lack of trying isn't as bad if the attempts have only made matters worse. If nothing changed, that is one thing...but--" Ellari pauses when he insinuates she might be jealous of Revara.

    "..." Then she scoffs again. "Of what? Jorn is a fool."

Athena (159) has posed:
She makes for the back exit of the cantina, but at the last moment, after reading his text transmission, she turns, watching him go. For a moment, her expression is melancholy. Yet she does not call him back. Instead, she turns away and heads out of the cantina.

Jon'as shrugs. "Things have only gotten worse for you, Ellari. Don't be so naive. Houses have their squabbles all the time, this time you've just had the unfortunate luck of it landing on yours this time."

"Well. I've been noticing that the most of the people scorning her getting engaged, aren't, themselves. Touche, isn't it, how someone like her has managed to convince someone to marry her, while the rest of us decent folk can't even manage to bring someone home every once in a while."